#Stonington
about the Velvet Mill from the website..
History
The Stonington plant was built by the town in 1888 as a means of encouraging the development of new industry. Originally, A. Wimpfheimer & Bro., Inc. imported velvets from abroad and sold them to itinerant merchants and to consumers. The passage of the McKinley Act in 1891 made it possible to start manufacturing velvet in this country. At first, the Wimpfheimers attempted to weave and dye fabrics in their mill in Astoria, Long Island. However, because of a malaria epidemic, they relocated to Stonington, Connecticut.
“From the time the yarn enters the Wimpfheimer plant to the time the fine finished velvets leave, all packed and ready for use, every step in production is performed under one roof…under one guiding hand…under one standard of quality. We weave our own grey goods…dye and finish the piece. Many of these operations are performed on special machinery designed by Clarence A. Wimpfheimer in conjunction with textile engineers and key men of the organization.
“For speed and efficiency of operation…for streamlined production methods…for economy of motion and effort…the Wimpfheimer plant rivals the straight-line production set-ups of the automobile industry.”
In 1996, the President of the American Velvet Company made the tough decision to move the company out of Connecticut and relocate to Virginia, which is more business friendly. Mr. Wimpfheimer cited that personnel costs were over 20 times higher in CT than Virginia. From an original mill organization operating 25 looms and employing 35 people in 1891, the company expanded with the growth of this country, operating approximately 300 broad looms with 450 employees by the middle of the 20th century.
Today
Today this Mill, like many others in New England, continues to develop its adapted reuse with the many artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs. We feel a certain kinship with the artisans that worked here for generations and we ask you to join us in celebrating their many contributions. The Velvet Mill is now home to a thriving creative community of artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Offering visual arts, design, unique crafts, creative classes, health & healing services, fitness classes, and professional services. The Mill is also home to an artisanal bakery, an award-winning nano-brewery, a woodfired pizza restaurant, an espresso bar, and a new bistro style restaurant garnering rave reviews.
About Dubois beach from website..
With a gentle surf, a shaded gazebo, an anchored dock and jetties for crabbing, it's easy to understand how duBois Beach made Boston Globe's top 20 best beaches to visit in New England. It's located at the southernmost tip of Water Street at Stonington Point, where you'll enjoy a magnificent view of Stonington Harbor, Fisher's Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay.
VISITING DUBOIS BEACH
duBois Beach is owned by the Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA) and managed by the Stonington Community Center (COMO). It opens for weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend with lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 4 pm. The beach is open full-time - Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm - June 22 through Labor Day weekend.
duBois Beach season passes are available for individual adults and families. COMO members receive a $25 discount on duBois season passes. Day passes are $10 per person. Children 18 and under access the beach for free.
For beach membership information, or to purchase duBois season passes, please visit the COMO.
Parking is free of charge in the public lot adjacent to the beach.
From The Lobster trap tree website..
A visit to the Stonington Lobster Trap tree is a magical experience and provides unique photo opportunities. The architectural masterpiece is situated on a grassy area at the Stonington, Connecticut town dock, paying homage to the town’s renowned fishing industry. Whether you view this spectacle during the day or at night, the beautiful landmark provides an eclectic buoy exhibit that is a flawless balance between stunning professionally painted works and those created by local children.
The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree will be on display for 6 weeks beginning November 27, 2021, Small Business Saturday, at 4:30pm. Please come and visit with your family and friends. The art installation will be in place through January 2022 and there is convenient parking in the lot at the Stonington Town Dock. The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree is the perfect selfie spot, makes a terrific backdrop for your family holiday cards, and is a great excuse to come and visit beautiful Stonington Borough. After you’ve seen the tree, we encourage you to explore the eclectic shops and outstanding restaurants in this quintessential shoreline village. The tree will be lit each night so that it's equally as beautiful in the evening as it is during the day.Stonington Connecticut CT drive around dubois beach lobster trap tree velvet mill shopping dining