New England is dotted with mill towns.  The brick buildings along rivers and streams powered the 19th Century industrial revolution. They also extended US political revolution by promoting economic independence from Britain.  Each mill developed and declined as manufacturing moved elsewhere in the US and eventually overseas.  As I explore New England, it’s so interesting to see how the mill towns adapt.

Tactile Travel visits Harrisville Designs in April, 2010

Take Harrisville, NH, for example.  When the last mill closed in the 1970’s, this village could have faded away.  But concerned businesses, historians, architects and other citizens created a vision for Harrisville.  Creating a non-profit foundation called Historic Harrisville, their framework included revolving loans to renovate buildings, regulations to maintain the historic architecture and initiatives that encourage a new economic base for the town.

Thirty years later, there’s not only a custom spinning business but a sun-filled retail shop that offers weaving, knitting, dyeing and other fiber arts classes.  That, of course, sticks in this traveler’s mind.  But almost 40 other businesses are based in the historic buildings where carding, spinning and weaving wool once was queen.

Harrisville Designs will be the hub of Tactile Travel’s day trip from Boston on April 16.  We’ll take a walking tour of Harrisville, tour the mill and of course, fondle the fine fiber.  Watch demonstrations on a rigid heddle loom and give it a try yourself.  There is time to work on your own projects, or start on something you’ve picked up at the shop.  We’d love to have you along!