| In 1759 the first dam was erected at
the location of what is now known as "Noone Falls" in Peterborough New
Hampshire. The first woolens mill was erected in 1813, replacing what had
previously been a saw and grist mill. The woolen mill was sold in 1817 and then
destroyed by fire six years later in 1823. Rebuilt soon after, the vastly
improved mill was then purchased by Joseph Noone in 1845. Satinettes, Cashmeres
and roller cloth were all produced here. In 1870 Josephs two sons took over
management of "Noone mill" until a tragic fire in 1872 destroyed the mills and
took the life of Harriet S. Upton. In October of the same year fire was
discovered at the "Bell Factory" in west Peterborough. An investigation brought
a confession of guilt from a sixteen year old boy named Albert S. Piper.
Albert confessed to lighting several fires at the "Bell Factory" and several
more at Noone Mill, including the one that killed Harriet S. Upton. Albert also
confessed to setting fires at the Phoenix Mill and the Briggs Piano Stool
Factory and was sentenced to ten years in the state prison. The Mills restored after the
fire , Joseph Noone decided to make one more addition. In 1887 a water driven
electrical generator was installed in the mills. The electricity from this
generator was used to light Noones Mills its streets and even several of the
homes nearby. It brought electric light to Peterborough far before anyone else!
The dam itself has been rebuilt
several times. Of special interest is the fact that the dam was built around a
"Kings Tree" (which remains in its center). Since these Pine trees were so
large, they were of particular value to the British Navy. They were branded
with a broad arrow and it was forbidden for them to be cut down unless being
used for the Navy, as a result the "Kings Tree" was only partially removed.
In
1998 The Cobbs Auctioneers LLC purchased the mill. Their offices and hall
take up the lower end of the building.
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