The early settlers had large on which there was much work to do. They raised their own and had .

Every was his own carpenter. All helped to build a new or for a neighbor.

were floated down the river and made into masts and lumber for .

At first, each made for his own family. Later, cobblers went from one to another once a year.
Flax from the had to be spun and woven into cloth for table linens, , and .
Very good felt were made in the mill where Northeast Archives now stands.
Canvas for ' sails which was famous all over the as "Methuen " was made in the Mill. It was also used for army and .