End of Tour - Lawton's Mill

Unfortunately, the sidewalk ends at 230 Main Street. We are including information for Lawton’s Mill which is across the Farmington River. The mill in many ways mirrors the early history of Unionville. At your leisure when you are able to walk on the even side of Main Street, you can view the back of Lawton’s Mill from the bridge.

Lawton’s Mill

While standing at the light at Main Street and Perry Street, Street, look left behind the homes. The indentation in the ground was an area to store water from the Farmington River to control the canals. After walking a short distance on the bridge, look across the Farmington River to the miniature golf course and the back of a building that was Lawton’s Mill.

According to Jack Crockett, late Unionville Museum curator, the foundation of the building may be the original foundation. The mill was originally built circa 1770. Thomas and Joshua Youngs operated the mill after the revolution. In 1832 the Youngs partnered with George Richards. Richards bought the mill outright in 1847. As the Rail Roads expanded and the canals became no longer viable Richards built a siding to the mill. George Richards’ sons, Lucas, and Solomon II, with Richard Condon, an Irish immigrant, ran the mill until 1912, selling to Frank D. Lawton.

George Richards was the local Postmaster, Unionville Town Assessor, and a founder of the Congregational Church. The area became a village center. Farmers brought their grain to the mill. Coal, coke, and lumber were added to the mix coming in from the expanding railroad system.

The above includes information from: The Hartford Courant(August 25,2021)Lawton’s Mill, Retrieved May 21, 2024, https://www.courant.com/1995/01/22/lawtons-mill-2/