Shingle Mill

Colonial era shingle mills played a crucial role in producing wooden shingles for roofing and siding. Initially, shingles were split by hand using tools like froes (a cleaving tool with a handle at right angles to the blade) and mallets. However, as technology advanced, powered shingle mills
became more common, especially in the 19th century. During the winter months, farmers would fashion felled trees into shingles for use on their own farm and also to sell.

The shingle mill on the farm was built in 1880 and owned by Edward D. Leonard, inherited by his son and then sold to David Putnam. After Mr. Putnam’s death, it was then donated to Waters Farm by Ruth Putnam. The machinery inside is from Chase Company of Orange, MA and
constructed in 1912. Marty Linder, grandson of Dave Putnam, restored and donated the family’s John Deer model B tractor which is still used to power the mill.