Return of historic Old French Sawmill in Ti planned

November 24, 2007 04:00 am

— TICONDEROGA -- The Old French Sawmill could be back in Ticonderoga as early as next summer to serve as a tourist magnet.
The original French sawmill was located on the LaChute River near the Lower Falls, close to where its replica will be built, said Main Street Partnership member Robert Pell Dechame.
"This is an idea that's been around for 25 years -- 250 years, actually. It would be a complete, working sawmill."
The French sawmill of 250 years ago was used to supply lumber for the construction of Fort Carillon, later renamed Fort Ticonderoga by the British.
Building a replica sawmill was in the Lane, Frenchman & Associates plan done for Ticonderoga in 1983. The Boston-based planning firm drafted the elaborate plan to help boost Ticonderoga's tourism base, and the town has been referring to it ever since.
The sawmill would be located near an ice-hockey rink the town is proposing to build on other property it owns.
"The sawmill would have other applications. It could be used as a warming hut for the rink," Ticonderoga Town Historian William Dolback said.
Dechame said construction of the sawmill would begin in the spring.
"The idea is to at least have a frame building up by next year."
There are French and Indian War anniversary events planned for June and July, including a Parade of Arms on June 27.
The sawmill was operational in 1756, providing all the lumber to build Carillon, he said, as well as timber for the French fort at Crown Point.
"The sawmill was a real industrial use on this river. This is part of the history of Ticonderoga. The industrial use of this area is right here."
All the land around the falls was owned by the French crown, Dolback said.
"This was the king's land. It was reserved."
Now it's the town's land, and Ticonderoga Supervisor Robert C. Dedrick said the sawmill would be at the beginning of the existing LaChute interpretive trail system the town has established.
"It's part of our legacy. When we get people here, we have to have things for them to do."
The more there is for tourists to do, the longer they'll stay in the area, Dechame said.
"It will create another amenity for visitors, another reason for them to come here."
He said the sawmill will have a large wooden wheel turned by the flowing water.
"It will add a kinetic aspect to the landscape. It will drive more curiosity to what we have in our downtown."
So far, four corporate donors have expressed interest in the sawmill project, he said.
"We have the resources now to put the frame up, the beams. The working model will follow not too long after."
lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com

Photos

Standing where a replica of the 18th-century French sawmill would be built as a Ticonderoga visitor attraction are (from left) Town Historian William Dolback, Main Street Partnership member Robert Pell Dechame and Town Supervisor Robert C. Dedrick. The Lower LaChute Falls are behind them.