Due in no small part to momma's recent infatuation with the sound of her own voice, under the guise of a walkie for ME she suggested that we visit historic Saxonville located just north of our estate.
Of course she took more of those boring movies, but at least I convinced her to include more of ME in them this time. Total running time is about 10 minutes. Just ignore any comments about me being nervous. Lies! All lies!
Dexter's tour of Saxonville Part I - In which we look at the Sudbury River a lot as well as the old mill building.
Dexter's tour of Saxonville Conclusion - In which I go on a scary platform, discover an agilities park, and look at some old houses.
Momma insists I tell you that the textile industry was very big in Master Chew Sits and that they have preserved some of the mill buildings as museums in Lowell. While it did bring wealth to the area, the working conditions in the mills were, for the most part, deplorable, but it is a part of our history.
I was alert enough to suggest a few still photos for our readers who do not have the high speed Internet (or who prefer not to listen to the DOH babbling for ten minutes).
So here is a photograph of our Saxonville Mill (or at least part of it, since the mill complex covers several acres). They made mostly carpets.
The mill was powered by the Sudbury River. This big waterfall traps the water and funnels it into fast moving canals which were then used to turn the cranks on the looms.
Now the mill building is home to a bunch of small businesses, including this one which appears to have a flat guard dog (not really very intimidating if you ask me).
At one point along the river there is a platform which juts out way high. I was not afraid to go on it, but momma FREAKED every time I stooped down for a better look.
I was forced to periodically "regroup" because some DOH's cannot operate the camera, yammer away, AND give me proper attentions at the same time. Subsequently, I did pull just a tad and had to practice sitting now and then.
This looked like a great place to stop. Momma said, "oh no, Dexter, that is not for YOU." Does it say "no dogs" anywhere? I think not!
Momma and Master really wanted to move to this neighborhood, but most of the estates here have tiny yards and they thought a big yard was more important than the house upon it.
This barn is even bigger than Master's! In fact, it is some body's house now.
And the houses where the folks who worked in the mills actually lived. They are condominiums now. Look at all those chimneys! One for each room almost.
When we finally arrived back at the estate, the RH was once again acting like his usual self and doing his howling routine.
I was busy ignoring him when all of a sudden he sounded the intruder alarm. Watch this!
P.S. Momma has to go back to the work place tomorrow. She said she could either spend the day doing housework and paying bills and getting everything tidied up for the week ahead, or she could enjoy one last day of vacation and be a total slug. Hmmm.... which do you think she did?