Belknap Mill fundraising for repairs after windows broken

LACONIA — The Belknap Mill was vandalized twice last month. In both incidents, staff found at least one window broken in the early morning when coming in for work.

Staff discovered the first broken window on June 10. According to police records, the call came in at 9:34 a.m. 

“It looked like a big rock was thrown through the window,” said Fallon Reed, development manager for the Belknap Mill Society. 

The next day, there were three more smashed windows, which a janitorial staff member found when they came in. Police records show their dispatch received the report at 5:42 a.m. on June 11.

“The first time, we thought could be accidental, but the second time seemed targeted,” Reed said. “We’ve never [suffered] vandalism to this extent, but we’re glad it was just damage, and nothing was stolen.”

Mill staff are currently working with police in an attempt to identify those responsible. The Belknap Mill Society addressed the damage in a statement released June 24.

“Seeing this damage was difficult for our staff, volunteers, members, and everyone who values and supports its mission,” the statement reads. “As many of you know, the Belknap Mill is more than a historic building. It is a treasured landmark, a gathering place, and a living reminder of the history that shaped Laconia and the Lakes Region.”

In the release, the mill shared the launch of the Window Repair Campaign, created to allow community members to contribute to the mill’s financial requirements needed to repair the damage. 

“We are asking our members and supporters to help us restore what was lost,” the statement continues. “Your contribution to our Window Repair Campaign will directly support the repair and restoration of the damaged windows and help ensure that the Belknap Mill remains a welcoming and beautiful community resource for generations to come.”

Community members wasted no time donating to the fund.

“In not even 48 hours, we collected $7,200 out of our $7,500 goal,” Reed said.

As of press time, the fundraiser has reached 98% of its goal.

For more details, visit belknapmill.org.