APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Courtney Woolen Mill in Appleton, which has stood on the banks of the Fox River for more than 140 years, is closing up shop.
The mill was built in 1880. Tom Courtney’s great-grandfather bought the property in 1904.
“Before I even started working down here, the river used to butt up right against the mill so I would fish out of the back window,” said Courtney, the mill’s owner.
He took over the business in 1986 and is now ready to retire. He said he wants more time for his family and his own hobbies.
“Spend a little more time camping, biking and enjoying life because you never know what health brings you,” said Courtney.
Courtney plans on selling the property, which is on the National Register of Historical Places. On one of the walls, you can find his grandfather’s name, Giles, carved into the wood.
Courtney hopes that whomever buys the property will preserve the building.
“I mean, could you have a brewery, apartments? I just want it preserved basically the way it is,” said Courtney.
According to the National Register of Historic Places, before any type of work can be done on the structure, the owner should first contact the State Historic Preservation Office — in this case, the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Appleton officials say the location could help draw a wide variety of opportunities for the building.
“It’s also exciting to feel what opportunity what might be coming next for that building. We would love to see that building remain a part of the riverfront landscape and a part of our history as well, and part of our future,” said Jennifer Stephany with Appleton Downtown Inc.
Until the property is sold, you can find Courtney here inside the mill completing orders for loyal customers.
“When you know them, their kids and even their grandkids, I guess that’s what I’ll be missing the most,” said Courtney.
For Courtney, it’s bittersweet as he looks to turn the building over to someone else.
“Getting rid of the building and business is definitely going to be tough,” said Courtney.
But he hopes it will bring new life to a piece of Appleton history.
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