The Harrington Estate Abandoned After Textile Mill Bankruptcy

The Harrington family established Willowmere Estate on Franklin Street in the town of Westbridge in 1908 after Thomas Harrington purchased the land while expanding his regional textile mill. Thomas, his wife Eleanor, their two sons, and Eleanor’s widowed sister lived in the three-story residence. The family income came from wool production, fabric contracts, and mill investments.

For many years, Willowmere Estate remained well maintained, supported by the success of the Harrington mill, which employed local workers and supplied fabrics to nearby clothing manufacturers.

The first warning sign appeared in 1929 when textile orders declined sharply and the Harrington mill began losing major contracts. By 1931, Thomas received overdue notices for equipment payments and unpaid supplier accounts. The family reduced household expenses, dismissed remaining staff, closed the upper balconies, and stopped maintaining the slate pathways and garden fountain. The textile mill bankruptcy of 1933 caused business debts, unpaid property taxes, and mortgage problems. In 1934, Thomas and Eleanor left Willowmere Estate after legal proceedings began and moved to a smaller rented house with their remaining possessions.

Willowmere Estate was abandoned in 1935 after the textile mill bankruptcy, foreclosure process, and unresolved financial obligations ended the Harrington family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Harrington relatives returned to live in the mansion. County records later noted failed property auctions and increasing repair expenses. Furniture, business papers, and personal belongings remained inside as weather damaged the shingle walls, copper roof, and wooden balconies. Over decades, ferns covered the pathways and the garden fountain deteriorated beside the porch. The Shingle Style Victorian mansion remains empty on Franklin Street, continuing to decay without restoration or a known future owner.