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Article
Towards the creation of model mill cities in New England: the planning contributions of the Boston manufacturing company in Waltham, Massachusetts
Planning Perspectives
  • John R. Mullin, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Zenia Kotval, Michigan State University
Publication Date
2021
Abstract

This paper describes and analyses the experiences of the Boston Manufacturing Company (BMC) as it planned and developed its mill seat in Waltham, Massachusetts between 1813 and 1850. Based on the vision of Francis C. Lowell, the experiences of previous mill experiments in Connecticut and Rhode Island and the innovations of on-site managers, its physical planning significantly informed the development of future mill cities in New England. In essence, the BMC served as a transitional experiment linking what came to be called the Rhode Island and Lowell Systems of mill development. While many of the elements of the BMC have been previously researched, there is a gap concerning how the BMC, working with Waltham’s civic leaders, implemented its plans in a climate of mutual harmony, respect and support to the point that the BMC continued to expand with minimal government interference and Waltham’s quality of life steadily improved.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2021.1873171
Pages
609-606
License
UMass Amherst Open Access Policy
Citation Information
John R. Mullin and Zenia Kotval. "Towards the creation of model mill cities in New England: the planning contributions of the Boston manufacturing company in Waltham, Massachusetts" Planning Perspectives Vol. 36 Iss. 3 (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_mullin/82/