Details Of Mill Number Two's Features
The construction of Mill No. 2 started in 1863, and it was revealed to the public that it would span 640 feet in length. It was built with granite and stood as a “mammoth mill”. This mill also had a gothic-style to it which drew acclaim from around the nation. Mill No. 2’s construction was finished in 1864.
From 1854 to the construction of Mill No. 2 in 1864, The Willimantic Linen Company purchased four water privileges, which allowed the company to draw power from the Willimantic River. These four privileges were purchased before the construction of the mill, and they gave the building the ability to draw hydropower in conjunction with a dam. In addition, Mill No. 2 had three turbines that drew from the Willimantic River. This added increased power to the already bolstered energy output within the mill.
Later in 1864, more buildings were added and connected to Mill No. 2. This mill complex increased greatly in size. A dye house was constructed on the western side of mill with the southern portion of the it receiving a wheelhouse and a machine shop. In 1867, a new office was added to the mill complex that was also made with gneiss granite, just as Mill No. 2 was. This office had a finely furnished style that the director, agents, and book keepers of the company worked out of. In 1872, the mill established dormer windows, which allowed work to be conducted within the attic of the mill. Later within that year, the mill had a storehouse and inspection building built on its eastern side.
This complex of connected buildings to Mill No. 2 had an extension of over 700 feet after the addition of buildings to it. In 1879, Austin Dunham had some of the first Brush electric lighting systems ever manufactured installed in Mill No. 2. However, steam power was added for auxiliary use towards the end of the 19th century.