It has been over a century since Waltus Watkins walked the land he bought and built what is now known at the Watkins Woolen Mill. The family home, the woolen mill, and several out buildings still stand as a memorial to the family and what they achieved. When Mr. Watkins bought the farm is was only 80-acres of land. By 1880 he had expanded the property to 3,660-acres and had built a saw mill, gristmill, brick kiln, a woolen mill, and a family home. He also was a part of building a small community school and a Baptist church. Waltus Watkins passed away in 1884; however his property was left to his sons who continued daily operations for several more years.
It was nearly lunch time when we arrived so we found a small picnic area beside a very old metal and wood bridge, the undercarriage of which would shake and rattle, threatening to give as vehicles would drive over. The western sky was dark with storm clouds threatening to start raining at every moment. The temperature was comfortable and with spring starting to set in the grass had returned to be lush and green instead of the drab brown we have seen for months. A short distance from the picnic table was a meager stream rippling over rocks and away under the bridge.
It was nearly lunch time when we arrived so we found a small picnic area beside a very old metal and wood bridge, the undercarriage of which would shake and rattle, threatening to give as vehicles would drive over. The western sky was dark with storm clouds threatening to start raining at every moment. The temperature was comfortable and with spring starting to set in the grass had returned to be lush and green instead of the drab brown we have seen for months. A short distance from the picnic table was a meager stream rippling over rocks and away under the bridge.
Please click on the "Read More" link to see more pictures and read more about Watkins Woolen Mill State Park.
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