Timeline
ca. 1780-1824: Aaron Buckland founds and operates the first woolen mill in the country.
1789: The wool used to make the suit for George Washington's Inauguration purportedly comes from Buckland's mill.
1824: Aaron Buckland sells to the mill to Andrew Williams and Simon Tracy.
1828: Tracy and Williams convey the property to Sidney Pitkin.
1831: Apprentice Elisha E. Hilliard is made one quarter owner of the mill.
1833: Building #6 is constructed
1842: E. E. Hilliard buys Mr. Pitkin's interest in the mill and becomes sole owner.
1849: Mr. Hilliard sells one quarter to Ralph Spencer, forms Hilliard and Spencer Company.
1875: Building #4 is constructed
1871-1940: Mr. Spencer sells his interests back, Mr. Hilliard and his successors found and operate the E.E. Hilliard Woolen Company on the site.
1882: Building #3 is constructed
1895: Building #2 is constructed.
1925: Building #1 is constructed.
1940-1949: Buildings purchased by Mr. Aaron Krock. The site was used to manufacture aircraft parts during World War II by the Pratt and Whitney Corporation.
1949-2006: Purchased by the Bezzini family, Old Colony Furniture Company has a long and successful history as one of the largest furniture makers on the east coast.
2006: Hilliard Mills LLC takes over the main site, which includes Buildings #1, #2 and #4, and begins the restoration efforts.
2009: Hilliard Mills LLC acquires the remaining portion of the mills to the east, which includes Buildings #3 and #6.
Read more about this topic: The Hilliard Mills