Busiel-Seeburg Mill
a.k.a. Granite Hosiery Mill;J.W. Busiel & Co.
Mill St., Laconia, NHThe Busiel mill represents the growth of a single hosiery manufacturing company which was, by the turn of the century, the largest of its kind in this industrial region of New Hampshire. Its founder, John W. Busiel was a pioneer in the development of the industry and the father of Charles A. Busiel, who inherited part of the business and was an early Governor of New Hampshire. The mill was one of the first to adopt the newly invented Aiken and Peppers circular knitting machines with latched needles in the mid-1850s, and among the earliest to manufacture Shaker socks and other garments with these machines. Busiel's early adoption of this technological advancement has been cited as the reason that this business tended to centralize along the Winnipesaukee River, which became the home of the manufacture of woolen hosiery and knitting needles and machines.
The building itself is an interesting example of the development of industrial architecture within the textile industry. In comparison with the Belknap-Sulloway mill, which stands opposite the Busiel mill, the construction reflects the later development of "slow-burn" floor framing. The contrast in both style and structural composition makes this building an excellent mill in which to show the vernacular changes in New England industrial architecture. The increases in space through a series of additions permit some measure of tastes in succeeding generations of the mill building. As an example of the small Victorian mill, which grew to a sizeable business in the region, the Busiel mill is among the most attractive to have survived.
It is the location of the Busiel mill, however, which adds even greater significance to its preservation. Sited along the river, opposite the Belknap-Sulloway mill, its tower and cupola are again visible as a visual focus to the center of Laconia. As part of an urban renewal project, the less significant buildings have been removed to present the building within an open area along the Winnipesaukee which cuts through the city.
Local significance of the building:
The building itself is an interesting example of the development of industrial architecture within the textile industry. In comparison with the Belknap-Sulloway mill, which stands opposite the Busiel mill, the construction reflects the later development of "slow-burn" floor framing. The contrast in both style and structural composition makes this building an excellent mill in which to show the vernacular changes in New England industrial architecture. The increases in space through a series of additions permit some measure of tastes in succeeding generations of the mill building. As an example of the small Victorian mill, which grew to a sizeable business in the region, the Busiel mill is among the most attractive to have survived.
It is the location of the Busiel mill, however, which adds even greater significance to its preservation. Sited along the river, opposite the Belknap-Sulloway mill, its tower and cupola are again visible as a visual focus to the center of Laconia. As part of an urban renewal project, the less significant buildings have been removed to present the building within an open area along the Winnipesaukee which cuts through the city.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Belknap County
Belknap County Timeline
Belknap County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent clergyman and historian of that time.
In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.
Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.
Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.
In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.
Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.
Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.
Belknap County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Belknap County, New Hampshire.
- 1790: Belknap County was established on December 22, 1790.
- 1823: The first county courthouse was built in Meredith.
- 1840: Laconia, the largest city in the county, was incorporated on February 23, 1840.
- 1842: The Belknap County complex, including the current courthouse, was completed in 1842.
- 1855: The railroad arrived in Belknap County, contributing to its economic growth.
- 1868: The Laconia Car Company, a major employer, was founded in Laconia.
- 1973: The Gunstock Mountain Resort opened in Gilford.
- 1995: The Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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