Mill Town

Consisting of four large dormitories and several small single residences, these neglected wooden structures have fallen to ruin the last few years. One residence, near the small Catholic chapel, is mostly intact and still inhabited.

The Mill Town Squatters

This small, single family dwelling is home to Rose Chylinski and her son, thirteen year old Peter. A widow, Rose’s husband, Wojciech, had worked at the new lumber mill for several years before losing his job. While most of the immigrant families moved out of Foxfield — many of them to Bolton where mill jobs were available — the Chylinskis stayed on, taking advantage of the rent free housing while Wojciech worked part–time as a handy man around town or as a farm laborer. Brought down by a case of the flu, Wojciech died in 1947, leaving a widow and a young son. Rose earns what money she can, most often working as a laundress for the some of the town folk. She also takes in sewing.
Rose knows little of town matters, but she is fond of Pastor Barnes. He has more than once helped out the struggling family with a few dollars or a basket of food purchased at Parker’s General Store.
Thirteen year old Peter is often nearby, at the edge of the river, where he is catching frogs, tossing them up in the air, and batting them with a heavy stick. He is barefoot and dirty. His clothing is a little too small for him and is patched and sewn. A school drop–out with little interest in pursuing a job, Rose worries what will become of the boy.

Parent Location

Foxfield