Exploring the Historical Enigma of Cottonwood Papermill
Steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, the Cottonwood Papermill located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, presents a fascinating journey through time. Constructed by the LDS Church in 1883, this mill was initially established to fulfill the burgeoning need for paper, essential for the church’s extensive record-keeping and publishing endeavors.
Originally functioning as a pulp mill, the facility processed logs from surrounding forests and recycled fabrics into paper. For nearly a decade, it thrived under the church’s management before transitioning ownership to the Granite Papermills Company. The mill’s history took a dramatic turn on April 1, 1893, when a devastating fire, initially dismissed as an April Fool’s joke, reduced it to a mere stone shell.
From Ashes to Arts: The Transformation of a Ruin
In 1927, the resilient structure saw rebirth as the Old Mill Club, an open-air dance hall that later became a popular venue for rock concerts in the 60s and various cultural activities in the subsequent decades. Throughout the 70s and 80s, it gained fame as a haunted house attraction and a hub for small craft businesses, enriching its layers of history before being designated a historic monument. Despite its current condemned status, the mill continues to captivate the imagination of visitors and historians alike.
A Haunting We Will Go: Ghostly Legends of the Old Mill
The Old Mill is not just known for its historical significance but also for its eerie tales of the supernatural. Legend has it that the spirits of two men and their loyal dog, who tragically died in the mill, haunt the premises. Visitors have reported unexplained phenomena such as phantom dog barks, mysteriously moving doors, and flickering lights in a building long disconnected from power. These spooky occurrences, especially prevalent during its days as a haunted attraction, have only amplified its reputation as a ghostly site.
Whether it’s the rich history, the architectural resilience, or the chilling ghost stories, the Cottonwood Papermill remains a captivating chapter in Utah’s heritage. It serves as a stark reminder of the past while continuing to intrigue and engage those who dare to delve into its mysteries.
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