Family & friends add name of late Todd Frazier to list of Belknap Mill 'Bell Ringers'

LACONIA — For Todd Frazier, who died unexpectedly in February at the age of 57, the Belknap Mill meant a great deal. He began volunteering at the historic textile mill more than 30 years ago and eventually became employed as its caretaker. As much as the mill meant to him, though, he seemed to mean as much to the mill and the society that preserved it.

Yesterday evening, in a ceremony at the historic site, Frazier's family was presented with a replica of the mill's bell, symbolizing the $5,000 his friends and family members had collected so that their departed loved one could be counted among the Belknap Mill Society's "Bell Ringers."

George Roberts, president of the society, descrived Frazier as a "quiet person," but one who tended to turn strangers into friends. "He was the type of person you'd always want to meet, exchange stories with."

Officially, Frazier was listed as the mill's caretaker. As such, there was little to nothing at the mill that he couldn't fix. However, it was his informal title as head tour guide that made the greatest impression. Roberts recalled watching Frazier give a tour to someone who walked in off the street, and by the end of the tour the person was so impressed that he joined the society. "He did more than keep things operating, he really promoted the Belknap Mill Society," said Roberts.

"It's an honor, we're very happy and very proud," said Sherwood Frazier, Todd's bother.

Todd grew up in Gilford, part of a family of three boys and two girls. He first came to know the mill through his mother, Louise, who had taken a similar shine to the historic structure and its preservation. A fan of the Boston Red Sox and science fiction and fantasy, Todd's family members didn't know how much their brother and uncle meant to others until his passing, "He did so many more things than members of our family even realized," said Sherwood.

Sherwood was joined by about eight other relatives, and many more friends, at the brief ceremony last night. One of those was Betty McGreevy, a member of the society's board of directors. As she explained, Todd possessed both an extensive technical knowledge of the mill's machinery and history, yet never "lectured" visitors to the mill. Instead, his quiet nature made guests feel at ease, and Todd could find a way to present the mill's charms in a way that appealed to the visitor's interests.

McGreevy said she thinks of Todd often, especially when his skills would be useful. Such a time came recently when a large group from Epping visited and asked a series of ever-technical questions. McGreevy thought, "Todd, if you were here, we could have used you today."

Sherwood said the gesture was much appreciated. "It was important to my family, Todd needs to be recognized for a long time."

CAPTION for TODD'S BELL in AA:

Sherwood Frazier, at left, accepts a replica of the Belknap Mill Bell from George Roberts. The ceremony was held in memory of Todd Frazier, Sherwood's brother, a long-time volunteer and employee at the mill who passed away unexpectedly in February. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)