Steve Fagin was fortunate not to have capsized navigating through history on the Niantic River. See article, “Navigating through history on a Niantic River paddle,” June 9. The nineteenth century mill on Oil Mill Brook processed flaxseed into linseed oil, not cooking oil. Linseed oil was commonly used in the production of paints. Recommended reading on both the manufacture of sumac and the production of linseed oil is in the nomination for the recent listing of the Oil Mill Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. (Search CTSHPO Oil Mill District)

The Beckwith shipyard just west of Golden Spur and tucked in a small curve of the shore, was started by Elisha and Gurdon Beckwith, but not until the mid-1800s. Their father, Jason’s “bustling” shipyard of the early 1800s, was located east of Sandy Point along the Eastern Shore of Keeney Cove. Around 1850, sons Daniel D. and James relocated to Winthrop Cove in New London, and the Keeney Cove operation shut down. Around the same time, sons Elisha and Gurdon started their shipyard further upstream.

Robert Nye

Waterford