Old Schwamb Mill

07/22/2019

Join us on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mill and meet the 4 Vernon Street Artists -- Resa Blatman, Steven Cabral, Suzanne Lubeck & Alison Pruchansky -- whose work is on exhibition and enjoy live old time music of Alan Kaufman and Friends. The Mill's art gallery will be open for this reception, while Alan Kaufman will lead visitors with voices and acoustic stringed instruments (think guitar, fiddle, mandolin & banjo) in a song circle. Free, with $5 suggested donation.

07/05/2019

Kimberly Green of Kittery Point, Maine, enjoying Mill Pond Park on the day of its dedication to Patricia C. Fitzmaurice.

06/24/2019

On a beautiful Sunday, June 23, the Old Schwamb Mill hosted the dedication ceremony naming Mill Pond Park in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Schwamb Mill Preservation Trust in memory of Patricia C. Fitzmaurice, the visionary preservationist who saved the Old Schwamb Mill.

Welcoming remarks were made by Edward W. Gordon, Director of Museum Programs at the Mill, followed by addresses from Adam Chapdelaine, Town Manager of Arlington, Massachusetts; Clarissa Rowe, Advisory Council, Old Schwamb Mill and past member of the Arlington Select Board, Community Preservation Committee; Richard Duffy, Advisory Council, Old Schwamb Mill and past member of the Arlington Historical Commission; and Dermot Whittaker, President, Schwamb Mill Preservation Trust.

In addition, invited guests were treated to tours of the Mill and jazz, blues and swing music by the Seasmoke Trio of Kittery, Maine.

06/16/2019

The Old Schwamb Mill was busy yesterday, Saturday, June 15! The standing room only crowd enjoyed a lecture by Edward W. Gordon on "Bricks, Roll Tops & Art Glass: Evolution of Somerville History 1820-1960," the Opening Reception for the new gallery exhibition "4 Vernon Street Artists," and music by Gypsy Reel, Vermont’s premier Celtic band. Images: Historian and Old Schwamb Mill Director of Programs Edward W. Gordon; Vernon Street artists (l to r) Resa Blatman, Suzanne Lubeck, Steven Cabral, and Alison Pruchansky; and Gypsy Reel performers Claudine Langille and Silas Hamilton.

06/13/2019

Join us this Saturday, June 15 for one or both events being held at the Old Schwamb Mill:

At 1 pm historian Edward W. Gordon, Director of Museum Programs at the Old Schwamb Mill, will focus on Somerville's rich history as a hot bed of industry with his talk "BRICKS, ROLL TOPS & ART GLASS: EVOLUTION OF SOMERVILLE INDUSTRY 1820-1960." He will examine re-purposed industrial complexes whose buildings survive (like American Tube works and the Derby Roll Top Desk Co., now home to our Vernon Street Studio artists), look at industrial complexes that have passed from the scene without a trace, and will discuss an early environmental disaster that triggered the creation of the Massachusetts Board of Health in 1869 and the automobile assembly plant that churned out an all-time clunker: Ford's Edsel of the 1950s.

And at 2:30 pm, the Mill will host that Art Exhibit Opening Reception for the new exhibit: 4 VERNON STREET ARTISTS: RESA BLATMAN, STEVEN CABRAL, SUZANNE LUBECK & ALISON PRUCHANSKY, which showcases the work of four artists working at Vernon Street Studios in Somerville. While varied in techniques and subject matter, all share a unique voice on manipulation of materials and the world around them. Each personal artistic journey complements the other. Last but not least, the reception will also feature a performance by Gypsy Reel, Vermont’s premier Celtic band featuring Claudine Langille and Silas Hamilton who will perform between 2:30 and 4:30 pm. Image: ALISON PRUCHANSKY, Flower Square 3.

06/09/2019

Yesterday's Porchfest was a lot of fun at the Old Schwamb Mill. Alan Kaufman and Friends entertained all with their old-timey music played on fiddle, guitar, banjo and bass! Also enjoying the performance was the Nesler family of Arlington!

06/05/2019

The Porchfest music festival is coming to the Old Schwamb Mill this Saturday, June 8. At 12 noon to 2 pm, hear Alan Kaufman and Friends perform. In addition to being a fine old time fiddler, guitarist, and singer, Alan Kaufman is incredibly knowledgeable about a variety of traditional American folk music genres of the 20th century. This event is sponsored in part with the Arlington Center for the Arts' annual Porchfest event. For more information, visit https://arlingtonporchfest.org/

05/28/2019

Today, our talented woodturner David W. Graf completed a stunning oval frame ordered as a wedding gift by a customer of the Old Schwamb Mill. The frame measures 11 x 13.5 inches and is made with Butternut wood with an amber shellac with brown tint finish. The profile design is from the Elwane/Schwamb Catalog #5305. If you are interested in ordering one of our unique, custom-made oval frames, please call us at 781-643-0554 for information.

05/24/2019

Save the Date:
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1 pm
BRICKS, ROLL TOPS & ART GLASS: EVOLUTION OF SOMERVILLE INDUSTRY 1820-1960

This talk by historian Edward W. Gordon, Director of Museum Programs at the Old Schwamb Mill will focus on Somerville's rich history as a hot bed of industry on the western door step of Boston. We will look at extant, re-purposed industrial complexes whose buildings survive (like American Tube works and the Derby Roll Top Desk Co., now home to our Vernon Street Studio artists). We will look at industrial complexes like the great Middlesex Bleachery and Dye Works and Union Glass Works that have passed from the scene without a trace. We'll discuss an early environmental disaster that triggered the creation of the Massachusetts Board of Health in 1869 and the automobile assembly plant that churned out an all-time clunker: Ford's Edsel of the 1950s.

2:30 – 5 pm
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
4 VERNON STREET ARTISTS:
RESA BLATMAN, STEVEN CABRAL, SUZANNE LUBECK
& ALISON PRUCHANSKY
This exhibit showcases the work of four artists working at Vernon Street Studios in Somerville. While varied in techniques and subject matter, all share a unique voice on manipulation of materials and the world around them. Blatman and Pruchansky represent abstracted flora and fauna, while Lubek and Cabral seek the forms within abstraction. Each personal artistic journey complements the other. Last but not least: The reception will also feature a performance by Gypsy Reel, Vermont’s premier Celtic band featuring Claudine Langille and Silas Hamilton who will perform between 2:30 and 4:30. The show will be on display through August 24.
Images: Flower Square by Pruchansky; Women Carrying the Weight of the World by Lubeck; Invasive Ocean Plants by Blatman; Ukiyo_1 encaustic and oil on wood by Cabral

05/03/2019

Saturday, May 4, 2 to 3 pm
HIDDEN TREASURES LECTURE: RESTORING HISTORIC WINDOWS
Steven O’Shaunessy, Director of the Preservation Carpentry Program at Boston’s North Bennet Street School, will talk about the restoration process for preserving and maintaining historic windows. Highlighted will be the ongoing restoration of the Old Schwamb Mill’s 80 windows being made possible with a grant from Arlington’s Community Preservation Act Committee. This lecture is part of the annual Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s Hidden Treasurers Program, affiliated with the National Park Service. Free, with $5.00 suggested donation. Image: Window with light at the Mill, c.1969 by Len Gittleman.

04/28/2019

Read about "Rediscover Mill Brook via video, Old Schwamb exhibit" on YourArlington written by Judith Pfeffer. “Mill Brook Rediscovered” is part of the exhibit “A Brook Runs Through It: Arlington's Mill Brook Legacy,”at the Old Schwamb Mill now through June 8.

https://www.yourarlington.com/arlington-archives/town-school/environment/15634-millbrook-042419.html

04/17/2019

Last night a full house enjoyed the presentation "Walking the Brook: A Video Tour" with Old Schwamb Mill Board President Derm Whittaker and Board member Reed Snyder. They recreated their walk through the brook and showed us how the filmed their trek, uncovered brush and discovered the intricacies of the water and its banks as the water travels through the Town of Arlington. Pictured: Reed with his Dad's boots and a walking stick; Dermot Whittaker answering questions; Derm and Reed at the presentation.

04/16/2019

Friendly reminder: Join us this evening, Tuesday, April 16 at the Old Schwamb Mill at 7 pm. Board President Dermot Whittaker and Director Reed Snyder explored the length of Arlington's Mill Brook by foot. Hear about their experience as they uncovered brush and discovered the intricacies of the water and its banks.

04/12/2019

Do you subscribe to the Boston Globe? Do you know that 7-day subscribers have received a $100 GRANT voucher to allocate to the certified 501(c)(3) of your choice? Please consider submitting this grant to the Old Schwamb Mill. Non-profits that receive a minimum of $1,000 in GRANT dollars will be awarded free advertising space in the Globe. The more GRANT dollars earned, the larger the advertising space provided. Submission deadline is April 30, 2019. Thank you!

04/11/2019

Join us on Tuesday, April 16 at the Old Schwamb Mill at 7 pm. Board President Dermot Whittaker and Director Reed Snyder explored the length of Arlington's Mill Brook by foot. Hear about their experience as they uncovered brush and discovered the intricacies of the water and its banks.

04/01/2019

Thanks to everyone who came out on a sunny and warm Saturday to enjoy our Spring Open House on March 30. A full house enjoyed the glorious Celtic music of the talented duo Matt & Shannon Heaton, took tours of the Mill and saw our master woodworker David W. Graf demonstrate how he created our hand-turned oval frames, and learned about the past and future of Arlington's Mill Brook at our exhibit on the brook, running though June. We look forward to seeing you at the Mill again soon!

04/01/2019

Spring Open House 2019

03/25/2019

Old Schwamb Mill's cover photo

03/11/2019

The warmer weather is on its way! Visit us tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12 between 10 am and 4 pm to tour the Mill and view our hand-turned wooden oval frames!

03/01/2019

Sunday, March 3 from 1 to 5 pm at Arlington Town Hall
ARLINGTON’S ECOFEST
Visit the Old Schwamb Mill’s booth at this year’s EcoFest. This year’s Power Day theme highlights opportunities for Arlington residents to make energy-conserving and renewable energy decisions related to home heating/cooling, electricity consumption, and transportation options. The Mill will showcase three sources of energy used in town over time: water, steam and electricity.

02/26/2019

MILL BROOK REDISCOVERED

Award winning video producer and Arlington resident Glenn Litton has worked with representatives of the Old Schwamb Mill to create a short video entitled "Mill Brook Rediscovered."

The video was designed to complement an exhibit at the Mill, “A Brook Runs Through It: Arlington’s Mill Brook Legacy.” The exhibit will remain on view at the Mill, 17 Mill Lane in Arlington Heights, until early June.

Buried, channeled, dammed--and forgotten. The story of a neglected resource that deserves to be respected, cared for, and brought back to its full life.

02/24/2019

Join us at the Arlington Historical Society
Tuesday, February 26, 7:30 pm
at the Arlington Masonic Temple, 19 Academy Street

A BROOK RUNS THROUGH IT—ARLINGTON’S MILL BROOK LEGACY: AN ILLUSTRATED TALK
The Old Schwamb Mill’s Board members Dermot Whittaker, Ann LeRoyer, and administrator Edward W. Gordon will present an illustrated talk on the exhibit currently on display at the Old Schwamb Mill. “A Brook Runs Through It –Arlington’s Mill Brook Legacy” tells the story of Mill Brook and its influence on past industrial activity, ranging from grist and saw mills to large-scale manufacturing of saws, spices, wheat meal, fur clothing, wood products, and calico printing. The original source of water power from the cascading brook was gradually replaced by steam and electric power, but this fast-moving brook was a significant reason for Arlington's early growth and development. The exhibit also looks at efforts over the past 100 years to protect and restore the Mill Brook corridor. Admission: $5.00

02/20/2019

This week is a great time to visit the Old Schwamb Mill! We are open every day this school vacation week from 11 am to 3 pm through Saturday. Bring your children who can enjoy tours, crafts, scavenger hunts and more!

02/14/2019

Join us at the Old Schwamb Mill during February School Vacation week! The Mill will be hold special hours and will be open 11 am to 3 pm from Monday, February 18 through Saturday, February 23. During the week, enjoy child-friendly tours of the Mill, a scavenger hunt, craft activities and educational videos.

And don’t miss the special program
on Saturday, February 23, 1:30 to 3 pm
A FUNKY TEDDY BEAR WINTERFEST!
A Workshop for parents and children ages 4 to 7 years
Come with your favorite Teddy Bear (or other favorite stuffed friend) dressed to enjoy an afternoon workshop filled with funky bear rap songs, beat box music rhythms, crafts and refreshments! Enjoy a delightful original story about a bear who ran away from the Bear Necessities store in Boston. Educator Peggy Fenner, an Arlington based storyteller and performer, will lead this event. Preregistration is required and space is limited; to register,email [email protected] or call 781-643-0554. Cost: $10/family.

02/14/2019

The Old Schwamb Mill is pleased to announce that we will be open to the public on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. These new, expanded hours will be effective beginning Saturday, March 2, 2019. We look forward to seeing you soon!

02/06/2019

The Old Schwamb Mill presents a Funky Teddy Bear Winterfest!

A Workshop for parents and children ages 4 to 7 years

Saturday, February 23, 1:30 to 3 pm

Come with your favorite Teddy Bear (or other stuffed friend) dressed to enjoy an afternoon workshop filled with funky bear rap songs, beat box music rhythms, crafts and refreshments! Enjoy a delightful original story about a bear who ran away from the Bear Necessities store in Boston. Educator Peggy Fenner, an Arlington based storyteller and performer will lead this event at the Mill! Preregistration is required and space is limited; please email [email protected] or call 781-643-0554. Fee: $10/family.

01/19/2019

“Revisiting the Mill Brook Corridor”
Join the Arlington Land Trust for its Annual Meeting featuring a multi-media presentation about Arlington’s historic yet largely forgotten Mill Brook.

Emmy-nominated video producer and Arlington resident Glenn Litton has worked with representatives of the Old Schwamb Mill to create a short video that complements the exhibit “A Brook Runs Through It: Arlington’s Mill Brook Legacy currently running at the Old Schwamb Mill, 17 Mill Lane in Arlington.

Following introductions and the screening, Glenn and exhibit planners Ann LeRoyer, Doreen Stevens and Edward Gordon of the Old Schwamb Mill will share additional “fun facts” and welcome questions about the brook and its legacy.

Please join us as we review some accomplishments of the old year and challenges of the new, and share some refreshments.

12/09/2018

The Old Schwamb Mill honored its loyal volunteer and Board members at a luncheon held on Saturday, December 8. The lunch was followed by a public performance by fiddlers Alan Kaufman & Friends, who played to a full house.

Images: OSM President Dermot Whittaker addressing our volunteers; Board member Ann LeRoyer and volunteer Ellen Cohen; volunteers Martha Whitman and Judith Grisham; Alan Kaufman & Friends.

11/23/2018

Thanks to our craftspeople and customers for making the Annual Crafts Fair held last Saturday, November 17, a success!

10/28/2018

Our second annual Oktoberfest celebration was held on Saturday, October 13. Despite a rainy start, the sun shone brightly by the middle of the day. Featured musicians included the Gruvmeiners Brass Band and western swing by the Beantown Buckeroos. All ages enjoyed a scavenger hunt, crafts and a bean bag toss as well as tours of the mill itself. Thanks to our sponsors: Wanamakers Hardware, TD Bank, Arlington Coal and Lumber, Bennett Family Eye Care, Cambridge Savings Bank, Century 21/Emily Forshay-Crowley, Custom Contracting, D’Agostinos, the John Mirak Foundation, Roasted Granola Cafe, Sherman Williams Paints, and Swifty Printing. Our vendors included Aeronaut Brewery, Frauleins' Bakery, and Swissbakers.

10/28/2018

Oktoberfest 2018

10/27/2018

A standing-room-only crowd enjoyed the talk by Arlington historian Richard Duffy, "Arlington in 1918: A Centennial Look at a Most Remarkable Year" as they traveled back in time with a richly illustrated talk and learned about ordinary–and utterly extraordinary–aspects of local life 100 years ago.

10/27/2018

Arlington in 1918: A Centennial Look at a Most Remarkable Year