The Everett Mill stands six stories tall, spans about three city blocks in length and, like the Stone Mill, it is home to a number of thriving businesses. Unlike the Stone, however, the interior appears much more refined. The exposed brick walls and wood floors you’ll see as you walk to the Historic Mills Photography Workshops meeting room (just follow the signs on April 6) reflect the character of the Industrial era. But they may leave you wondering, “what’s there to shoot?” The answer lies in the building’s hidden corners and empty spaces.
[singlepic id=5 w=320 h=240 float=left]After morning briefing, complete with a brief talk by the Lawrence History Center on the Mills’ and Lawrence’s place in history, you’ll make your way to the sixth floor. The sixth is largely free of any renovation and full of compositional opportunities. The North end is somewhat cluttered, as it is used for storage, presenting some shooting opportunities as well as challenges. The South end is completely empty. The exposed rafters, symmetrical posts and tall windows will tease your camera and your imagination.There are views of the Stone Mill to the East, the City of Lawrence to the west and, from the lone south facing window on the sixth floor, a cool view of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower, whose clock face size is second only to Big Ben.
The everett also boasts three protruding stairwells that offer infinite compositions. There is plenty of ambient light in all three.
Wherever you shoot in the Everett, be sure to pay attention to the details. The signs in the stairwells, the latches and hinges on the doors, and the brick work all work together to help weave the story of this magnificent building.