Old Schwamb Mill

"Interesting history, and many local community events."

"A little piece of history (and natural beauty) tucked in a corner of Arlington. Check for special programming or exhibits. Also a great spot for a casual picnic in the shade."

"I absolutely loved being there. Kind of like an out of body experience, like I had been there before in the past life. The frames, artwork, the people were so hospitable, the cupcakes were awesome! And the music just made my night! Thank you all so much. I'll be back!"

"Wonderful old machinery that runs off belts and still works. A great glimpse into a smaller factory that operated from the mid 1800s until the 1960s and still makes custom picture frames today."

"Old Schwamb Mill, site circa 1650, current complete structure c. 1861. Old Schwamb Mill is the nations oldest continuously operating mill site.. Originally a gristmill, this has been a workingplace since 1650. Its documented history of operation dates back to about 1684. It was bought by Charles & Frederick Schwamb, two brothers from Rhinehessen, Germany, in 1864 when it would become an Oval Photo Frame shop. They set up this state-of-the-art woodworking shop, combining water power from the Mill Brook with an 18 foot diameter water wheel & a belt-driven pulley-operated system of machines to produce the highest quality oval & circular frames. During the Civil War era, photography became extremely popular as many families wanted portraits of their loved ones who may never return. A particular favourite of many clients was a rich black Walnut oval frame. with delicate gold leafed liner. Schwamb Mill frames hung in hundreds of thousands of American mansions, farmhouses, &even lonely prairie sod huts. this original collection of Moulding knives dating back to 1870 was curated by the Smithsonian; they were so impressed they even tried to purchase them ! the Mill has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1971."