Collins Axe Company Mill, Connecticut
I like mills. I’ve always loved the aesthetics of brick, plank wood flooring, and huge windows and I’ve always loved old factories and warehouses. There’s something about old industrial landscapes beyond the interest in history and the beauty of the architecture that really attract me; I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is about them that I love but I just do. Driving through old mill towns and industrial centers in New England is thus always a treat.
On my way back from Enders State Forest I passed though the borough of Collinsville, home to the mill complex that housed the old Collins Axe Company, a world-renowned maker of all things metal and blade. Unfortunately the historical museum was closed that day so I didn’t learn much of anything about the town or the mills but I was honestly captivated more by the beauty of the old mills and factories there anyway so I was happy just to walk around. I walked part way down the River Trail which crosses an old rail bridge spanning the Farmington River before doubling back and walking along Bridge Street. I took many, many pictures.
Just before entering Collinsville I came across a beautiful farm as well; that picture is also below.
Farm along the road, Canton, Connecticut
Mill complex, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Peak through the brush to mill complex, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Mill complex with sluiceway in front, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Outbuildings in mill complex, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Converted rail bridge and mill buildings, Collinsville, Connecticut
View of the Farmington River from old rail bridge, Collinsville, Connecticut
Looking up through the trusses of the old rail bridge, Collinsville, Connecticut
Mill complex, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Mill, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Mill, Collins Axe Company, Collinsville, Connecticut
Powerhouse station, Collinsville, Connecticut
Collinsville Axe Company Mill with the dammed Farmington River in the foreground, Collinsville, Connecticut
Collinsville Axe Company Mill from next to powerhouse station, Collinsville, Connecticut
Collinsville Axe Company Mill, Collinsville, Connecticut
