Northeastern Connecticut, also known as the Quiet Corner has so many nooks and crannies to explore. Today, we’re back in the town of Thompson. Recently we visited here to explore the village of Fabyan. This time we’re in the industrial village of North Grosvenordale.
Many of Thompson’s villages were based on manufacturing, Fabyan being one of them. Although nothing resembling industry remains in this hamlet, in North Grosvenordale it’s all that remains. Located on the banks of the French River, the water power supplied the energy for the imposing Grosvenor Mill. Like many mill villages in Eastern Connecticut, life revolved around the mill. Immigrants, mostly from French Canada, arrived here to work in the textile mill. Irish and Swedish immigrants also came.
Through this community, tracts of housing were built to provide homes for the workers. A market, a few stores, and churches for the newfound immigrants were also created. Catholicism’s arrival in Thompson coincided with the immigrant influx. Previously, any Catholic parishioner living in Thompson would have had to travel to a nearby town such as Putnam or Webster, MA to attend mass.
The mill in North Grosvenordale’s building date is 1872 and it was an extremely productive factory. The textile production lasted until its closure in 1954. Monstrous in size, the factory’s length is 464 feet long and 173 feet wide. It is four stories in height with large protruding towers. It is reminiscent of Ponemah Mill farther downriver in Taftville.
An Identity Crisis
Similar to Fabyan, which was previously known as New Boston until the Fabyan Brothers company came to town, North Grosvenordale’s name arrived with the industry as well. A man from Providence, William Grosvenor, established the mill here and farther downstream at Grosvenordale. The Grosvenordale Mill was first erected in 1868 with North Grosvenordale built four years later.
With the Grosvenor Company’s arrival, Masonville changed its name to Grosvenordale and Fishersville to North Grosvenordale. Both of these villages had industry prior to the establishment of Grosvenor’s company, albeit in a smaller size.
If You Go
The villages of North Grosvenordale and Grosvenordale fell on hard times after the mills were shuttered and industry dried up in town. For many years, the factories and much of the housing were left in a state of neglect. The row houses close to the mill in North Grosvenordale are now called the River Mill Village apartments. They have been rehabilitated and are well taken care of. In previous years, they were in disrepair.
The North Grosvenordale Mill still stands, partially housing business. It is located on Riverside Drive (Route 12). The front of the building is on River Street and basically spans the whole block. Across from the back of the mill, perched on a hill was presumably the local store which is vacant today. The address is on Swede Village Road, a nod to one of the local immigrant groups.
Traveling south on Route 12, you will pass other residences that were once mill housing. Soon enough a lone tower will emerge. This is the only remnant of the Grosvenor Mill in Grosvenordale. Row houses remain in the shadow of the mill’s tower.
West Thompson Dam Recreation Area
Very close to the Grosvenordales is the West Thompson Dam Recreation Area. Continue south on Route 12 into the village of West Thompson. Head right on West Thompson Road and soon you’ll see the West Thompson Dam. You can’t miss it since you actually drive over it. The parking lot is just past the dam, on the right side of the road.
This is a perfect spot for a hike, a paddle, or a picnic. The Quinebaug River was dammed here in 1965 by the US Army Corp of Engineers. What has been created is the scenic West Thompson Lake. It has miles of trails that crisscross the property. There is a picnic and overlook shelter. The property is extensive and even includes a camping area and a disc golf course.
Milling about in Thompson is a lot of fun. Discovering the town’s industrial past with a stop at a beautiful lake makes a perfect backyard road trip. The mill in North Grovesnordale is a site to see. So many mills have met their fate by fire or the wrecking ball, I’m glad this is still here. West Thompson Lake also has a unique history and its trails are the perfect place to explore on two feet.
We lived in the homes across from the mill. My Dad worked there until his early death in 1951.
What an impressive mill, it must have been quite the bustling village when the factory was in use. That is heartbreaking about your dad.
I worked at sanitary dash in the north Grosvenordale mill my senior year. Also Duhamels pond was named after my grandmother’s parents.
Thank you for sharing, Jen! You must have some fond memories.