Insider Tours
Chase's Mill Water Power Tour with Bob Brown
- Item Number
- 088
- Estimated Value
- 250 USD
- Sold
- 105 USD to sle208697
The winning bid will go to FrontStream Global Fund (tax ID 26-3265577), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which will send the donation to New Hampshire Preservation Alliance (tax ID 222603277) on behalf of the winner.
- Number of Bids
- 3 - Bid History
Item Description
Stepping into Chase's Mill is stepping back into time. This current iteration of the Mill sits on the foundation stones set in place in 1767, upon which a grist mill was erected to support the farmers settling the new town of Alstead. From the cat walk level (aka, turbine pit), to the line shaft floor, to the woodworking shop and on up to the community room, this complete tour will give you a sense of the past and the present coming together and the threads of service to the community that continue to this day.
For water power enthusiasts, on this tour you will see the major water-powered components of Chase’s Mill and watch the two turbines run. The larger turbine demonstrates how power moves from the turbine to the line shaft, countershafts, and machines. The smaller turbine demonstrates generating 12V electricity using a car alternator for electric lighting. The tour will include the gristmill and sawmill models made by Heman Chase.
Growing up in the 1950s, Bob Brown and his siblings were Heman Chase’s first regular shop students. From this influential early exposure to woodworking and making things, Bob went on to a career as a science educator. He now recognizes Chase’s Mill as a “learning place” with the potential to enrich the creative lives of both young and older visitors. Bob will lead your tour for up to 6 people!
Item Special Note
Tour available between June and October 2025. To be arranged with Bob, whose contact information will be provided to the winning bidder at auction close.