Harriman Reservoir in February. The size of Harriman Reservoir is impressive, but its history is what grabs your attention. Along the reservoir's floor are remnants of an old logging village that was flooded in the 1920s when the Deerfield River was dammed to generate power.
Harriman Reservoir, also known as Lake Whitingham, is the largest body of water located entirely within the state of Vermont. Enjoyed by boaters, swimmers, paddlers, and fishermen, the reservoir extends about 10 miles from Wilmington to Whitingham in southern Vermont.
The scenic reservoir is owned by TransCanada and is a source of hydroelectricity. Originally developed by the New England Power Company in 1922-23, the reservoir flooded the former pulpwood and lumber village of Mountain Mills, located just outside of Wilmington.
When water levels are low, you can occasionally spot submerged tree stumps and foundations from Mountain Mills. How extraordinary would it be to come across this forgotten little village?
An old postcard of Mountain Mills (courtesy of the Town of Wilmington). 
An aerial view of Harriman Reservoir.
Always sad to see a way of life taken away. But,.. time marches on.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi Cedar - So true. I wonder how people felt about the flooding of Mountain Mills when the reservoir was developed. It's such an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteHi Erin -- Thanks for stopping by.
I am very pleased to have found your blog- I grew up in Vermont and know the state quite well... and often miss it! I have returned a great many times through the years! LC
ReplyDeleteHi LC -- A fellow Vermonter! I so glad you came across the site. I really enjoyed looking at your beautiful garden photos on your blog. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of the account of the Quabbin Reservoir in Western Massachusetts. Jane Yolen wrote a beautiful account of the flooding of three small towns to form the reservoir in the children's book, Letting Swift River Go. Such a strange concept to think of your hometown being underwater, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Margs,
ReplyDeleteI thought a lot about the Quabbin Reservoir when I was researching this piece. I'll have to check out Jane Yolen's book. Yes, it is so strange to think of these towns being underwater.
I didn't realize it was so large. 10 miles long is much more than I imagined
ReplyDeleteI read a book about the lost village under water, do you know the name of that book? GS in MA
ReplyDeleteAnonymous -
ReplyDeleteSorry , I don't know the name of the book. Someone from the town of Wilmington, Vermont might be able to help you. Visit http://www.wilmingtonvermont.us/
The planning for the future via the way of progress by dest planned destruction can set the times back. I believe what we think we created can very well destroy the heart and soul of the original place.
ReplyDeleteMountain Mills Vermont past lives on under the mounds of water above it, and tear drops that now surround it.