The Night Watchwoman: An Ode to the Mill Girls of Lowell’s Industrial History

The Lowell Watchwoman is an owl avatar that is dedicated to all of the Mill Girls who made the Lowell Mills an early success. The earliest Mill “Watchmen” were women. These older “Madams”, as they were called, secured the premises and watched over the young single women mill employees, taking turns at night to stroll the mills and assure the girls’ safety.

The barn owl is a night hunter that appears white with glints of gold as it soars over alleys and back yards seeking mice and rats. For almost 100 years an iconic family of barn owls was protected in the attics of the mills. Their presence was seen as good luck as they assured mice and rats were kept clear of the great brick factories.

The Night Watchwomen left many diary notes about their magical presence: “Like one of my girls in a slip, with wings in a dream, my dearest owl lofted off in moonlight to seek dinner for the five chicks clustered at the window. All is quiet. 1:30 a.m. May 12, 1843. Massachusetts Mill #2.” Amelia Bartlett, Night Watchwoman diary.

The Lowell Watchwoman celebrates the new extended Lowell River Walk of this historic district. By day, the wings of the Barn Owl, the vaulted space shelters pedestrians and by night, The Owl’s watchful eyes, delights all who pass by her at night.

The Night Watchwoman was featured on a recent episode of Innovation Showcase, produced by Jay Sugarman. Watch the video online. The Lowell Sun published a preview article by Melanie Gilbert that made the headline news on Friday April 28, 2023. Read the article online.

Photos courtesy of Hoang Nguyen

The Power of Three: For the love of Northern Saw Whet Owls

 

As one of the tiniest owls in the Northeastern USA, the Saw Whet is mostly silent and stays well hidden in thickets and small trees. Totally nocturnal they are rarely seen and can only be heard during the late winter breeding season. Their call to their mate is a repeated tooting whistle. Some say they sound like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Gentle and devoted to their young, these owls are generally unafraid and can be approached and observed closely. They are abundant in this area, even in the city, but so discrete, few of us ever see them.

This sculpture is dedicated to the many long term residents in this Salem Mass. neighborhood, and the abundant fans of this tiny precious park. Like the Northern Saw Whet Owl, Patten Park is a hidden gem. The Power of Three invites all who visit this park to wander through the paths, explore the mysterious space within, and discover its delight.

Photo credit: Fae Phoenix Photo

This project was made possible by the Making it Public Program in partnership with the New England Foundation for the Arts, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Salem Public Art Commission 2023.