APPLETON — There’s a lot that Tom Courtney is going to miss about his family’s longtime wool mill. He’ll miss the views along the bank of the Fox River, seeing eagles and other wildlife scurry by, and the sunsets glow above the water.
“Where are you going to get that in downtown Appleton?” Courtney asked, gesturing to the window next to his desk.
Courtney has worked at the Courtney Woolen Mill , at 301 E. Water St., for decades, but “every day is different when you walk in,” he said. Courtney appreciates that, and it’s probably why it “doesn’t feel like I worked 52 years down here,” he said.
Now, though, “it’s starting to feel that way,” the 66-year-old told The Post-Crescent Monday, “so I guess it’s time to retire.”
After 144 years in operation, the mill will soon close. Courtney put the property up for sale last week and announced the end of an era to his customers on Facebook Thursday.
Business is slower lately — up until a few days ago, when he broke the news.
Courtney said there’s been “overwhelming” response from the community, congratulating him on his retirement, and lamenting how “it’s going to be a sad day when it does close.” Courtney credits the mill’s “loyal customers” for its long success. A 91-year-old man came to the shop in December, he said, who’s a third-generation customer.