Dr. Scott Geise will give a presentation uncovering the history of the Spalding Mill on February 26th, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Historic Palace Theater, located at 2 East Ave, Lockport. This program is free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated. Refreshments will also be provided.

For nearly a century, one of Lockport’s most historic mills has sat empty and silent, hidden behind a much more modern concrete parking ramp on Pine Street.  As the years passed, that ramp eventually fell into disrepair, and when it was completely removed, our local residents could finally see what time has hidden away for far too long.

The Spalding Mill is as old as the Erie Canal itself, and its turbines harnessed the waters flowing here from Lake Erie.  The mill’s initial success attracted many other businesses to our area, and with the additional commercial traffic provided by the canal, Lockport became an industrial giant during the 1800s. 

This presentation will explore not only the history of the Spalding Mill, but also of how our waterpower in Lockport spurred the curiosity and innovation of many other businesses, all connected by the same waterway – the Mill Race.  Why that story has been lost to time is a mystery, and the properties surrounding that waterpower were the talk of our nation…right up until electricity became the king of the hill.

The Historic Lockport Mill Race Corporation has been working diligently to uncover that history, and their plans for renovations in the area are well underway.

Come join us for an evening, and take a 3D virtual tour through the Spalding Mill, something only a few dozen people or so have done for the last 100 years.