Old Schwamb Mill
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Old Schwamb Mill, site circa 1650, current complete structure c. 1861. Old Schwamb Mill is the nations oldest continuously operating mill site.. Originally a gristmill, this has been a workingplace since 1650. Its documented history of operation dates back to about 1684. It was bought by Charles & Frederick Schwamb, two brothers from Rhinehessen, Germany, in 1864 when it would become an Oval Photo Frame shop. They set up this state-of-the-art woodworking shop, combining water power from the Mill Brook with an 18 foot diameter water wheel & a belt-driven pulley-operated system of machines to produce the highest quality oval & circular frames. During the Civil War era, photography became extremely popular as many families wanted portraits of their loved ones who may never return. A particular favourite of many clients was a rich black Walnut oval frame. with delicate gold leafed liner. Schwamb Mill frames hung in hundreds of thousands of American mansions, farmhouses, &even lonely prairie sod huts. this original collection of Moulding knives dating back to 1870 was curated by the Smithsonian; they were so impressed they even tried to purchase them ! the Mill has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.
Athelyn StarkAthelyn Stark
30
Wonderful old machinery that runs off belts and still works. A great glimpse into a smaller factory that operated from the mid 1800s until the 1960s and still makes custom picture frames today.
Peter KronbergPeter Kronberg
10
Interesting history, and many local community events.
PatriciaPatricia
00
Nearby Attractions Of Old Schwamb Mill
Arlington Reservoir
Penzeys Spices
McClennen Park
Maruichi Japanese Food and Deli
Reservoir Beach
Del's Lemonade
Shattuck Heights Hardware
BB Liquors
St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church
Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply, LLC

Arlington Reservoir
4.7
(215)Click for details

Penzeys Spices
4.7
(194)Click for details

McClennen Park
4.5
(156)Click for details

Maruichi Japanese Food and Deli
4.8
(139)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Old Schwamb Mill
Jimmy's Steer House
D'Agostino's Delicatessen
Szechuan's Dumpling
Andrina's Pizzeria
The Roasted Granola Café
Prep Neighborhood Kitchen
Northender Italian Kitchen
Boston Pizza & Gyro
Cookie Time Bakery
The Heights Pub

Jimmy's Steer House
4.4
(741)Click for details

D'Agostino's Delicatessen
4.7
(287)Click for details

Szechuan's Dumpling
4.3
(230)Click for details

Andrina's Pizzeria
4.3
(157)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
17 Mill Ln, Arlington, MA 02476
Map
Phone
(781) 643-0554
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Website
oldschwambmill.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(34 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
The Old Schwamb Mill is an historic 19th-century mill at 17 Mill Lane in Arlington, Massachusetts. It claims to be located on the oldest continuously-used mill site in the United States, with a documented history of operation dating back to about 1684.
attractions: Arlington Reservoir, Penzeys Spices, McClennen Park, Maruichi Japanese Food and Deli, Reservoir Beach, Del's Lemonade, Shattuck Heights Hardware, BB Liquors, St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church, Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply, LLC, restaurants: Jimmy's Steer House, D'Agostino's Delicatessen, Szechuan's Dumpling, Andrina's Pizzeria, The Roasted Granola Café, Prep Neighborhood Kitchen, Northender Italian Kitchen, Boston Pizza & Gyro, Cookie Time Bakery, The Heights Pub
