By Mrs. Donna Oberg
Mills were perhaps the earliest industry in South Windsor. In 1693, Nathaniel Bissell, Samuel Grant Sr., Samuel Grant Jr., and John Grant had shares in a mill along the Podunk River. The Skinner family, who owned the land, also had shares. Another mill was built on the Podunk River in 1734. In 1750, the mill and its dam consisting of heavy timbers and planks were completely washed away. The mill was rebuilt in 1775 by Samuel Rockwell. This part of Town became known as “Rockwell Mills.” The mill was later sold to Chelsea Vinton. Vinton’s Pond and Vinton’s Mill are frequently referred to on old maps. A post office was established here. A gristmill was located on the north side, a sawmill and ice house on the south side. Part of the mill was again washed away in 1869, but immediately rebuilt by Vinton. The framework of this historic mill has been renovated to a modern restaurant.
Please note that despite possible inaccuracies, we will include the description of each quilt square as published in the 1995 revised and corrected second edition booklet. This second edition was published in celebration of South Windsor’s “sesquicentennial” anniversary, 1845-1995, and was dedicated to the memory of Gail Woodard, who passed away in 1994. The revised edition was compiled by Charles E. Woodward in September, 1995, with the assistance of Doris Burgdorf who provided many historical corrections.