Medway Group Organizes to Defend Dam

Above, "birds-eye view" of Sanford Mill Dam on the Franklin-Medway line in 1887.

At last night’s Medway Historical Commission meeting, one of the top topics discussed was an initiative being pushed by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) to eliminate all dams on the Charles River and many of its tributaries, including the historic Sanford Mill Dam, which spans the river between Franklin and West Medway.

Linda Donnelly, a resident of the Sanford Mill condominiums in Medway, organized and led a group of about eight residents who said they wanted to Historical Commission to be aware of the plans, which would impact a National Register of Historic Places district as well as eliminate a large 19th
century mill pond that is home to a dense and diverse population of animals and plants.

Donnelly stressed that CRWA does not yet have a plan or timeline but is working to build support and get commitment from local and state government. The organization held a Zoom meeting with Franklin officials about the proposal several weeks ago. Although the river borders both towns, “They didn’t even inform or invite anyone from Medway,” she said.

“Divide and conquer,” an audience member chirped...

Donnelly provided extensive documentation about the history of the dam and one of her supporters said it had actually been the site of the second textile mill in the United states, built by Samuel Slater shortly after the success of his famous mill in Pawtucket, RI. Donnelly said she had obtained the “talking points” used by CRWA to get around opposition from historical commissions and neighbors and said she would share it so the Commission would be informed and ready.

While the Commission was only “listening” there were many questions from members present, including chair, Jeanne Johnson. She asked to be kept apprised of developments and Donnelly committed to doing so.

Commission vice chair Paul Russell also suggested setting up a future joint meeting of the Franklin and Medway historical commissions with the CRWA.