Big doings at Whiting Mills

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour what is apparently a hidden gem within our community. I had previously been introduced to Jean Paul and Eva Blachere, a Sandisfield, Mass., couple who purchased the Whiting Mills building on Holabird Avenue in 2004. Their dedicated efforts have transformed the building into an incredible showplace.

The Whiting Mills building traces its history to the late 1800s, when it housed Whiting Hosiery, a small manufacturer that would eventually become the largest hosiery producer in Connecticut. In painfully similar fashion to what happened throughout northern United States manufacturing towns, the business closed in the 1960s. The sturdy buildings of the complex were separated, with the building on the bank of the Still River eventually becoming apartments.

The remaining buildings gradually housed a variety of small-scale tenants, including the Blacheres, who subsequently purchased the series of buildings totaling 135,000 square feet in 2004. Their dedicated efforts have revitalized these prominent buildings.

The buildings now house more than 30 artists and craftsmen. The work produced by these artists is remarkable, as much in variety as in quality. A showroom presenting the works produced at Whiting Mills is available for visitors and patrons.

Although split and sold from the Blacheres’ current buildings, perhaps the most well-known tenant is Ellen Griesedieck and her inspirational American Mural Project. I have had several opportunities to visit her buildings which will house her extensive mural. When in place and unveiled, the American Mural Project will be a wonderful attraction for the community.

The artists in the two main buildings have been attracted to the area by the Blacheres and the simple word-of-mouth testimonials of what Whiting Mills has to offer. Many of the tenants are attracted by the ease of access to the buildings (and Winchester, in general) and the period architecture and restoration of the buildings.

The area is quiet and well-lit. The wooden floors have been restored and several hundred windows throughout the building are being replaced. Most importantly to the artists, the rent for this peaceful workspace is very affordable.

While touring the buildings with Jean Paul and his building manager, Sandy Evans, I was introduced to several of the tenants and told of the background of many others. I met James Gagnon, a metalsmith designing and producing (by hand) works of gold, silver and pewter. His work has been prominently displayed throughout the world. He has produced an annual Christmas ornament that remains popular for collectors.

Cheryl Bartley is an American folk art painter. She produces wildly popular country sampler-style calendars and a variety of scenic American landscapes. Her work has been replicated as greeting cards and puzzles.

Theresa Cannavo’s studio has bolts of cloth, sewing machines and large working tables. Tony Indino’s workspace is similarly filled with wood shavings, unfinished lumber and lathes. These are “home-grown” craftsmen that have achieved renown from beyond our community. I hope to meet several more of the creative tenants.

Based upon a simple introduction at Town Hall, I was exposed to this artistic colony in Winsted. I, in turn, have been able to introduce the Blacheres to a consultant who may be able to assist them in securing additional financing for further rehabilitation of the historic buildings.

This demonstrates my philosophy that a great part of local government success is built upon building individual relationships with handshakes and smiles rather than formal meetings and regulations. I need to meet and work with as many people as possible, attempting to find ways to make things happen rather than finding ways of saying “no.”

If you have never had the chance to visit Whiting Mills, please take a short walk and see what is an underappreciated community asset. I hope that others with similar dedication and patience consider all of the opportunities that we have here.

Jean Paul, Eva and Sandy — thank you for the tour and everything else that you have quietly done for Winsted. I look forward to my next visit (and I’ll bring my wallet!).

Dale Martin is the town manager of Winchester.