Childhood Memories of the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

My Uncle Steve knew a bargain when he saw one. Back in 1972, the Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, Mass., had a Sunday night all you can eat buffet. Some called it an all you can eat lobster buffet.

Yes, there was a time when you could eat an endless supply of lobster. Heroically, the Old Mill management staff decided to feature lobster at its buffet table in the charming pondview dining room, and a legion of lobster lovers couldn't have been more happy -- that is, happy when they actually put the lobsters on their plates. People stood in line the way they do today waiting for coffee at Dunkin' Donuts -- impatient and needing to fill a craving.

Uncle Steve, a long-time Manhattan, N.Y., resident, suspiciously seemed to enjoy the rural character of Westminster. We knew it was the lobsters that made him this way. Just in the way we, as 10 and seven-years-old brothers, had quite a year eating too many Hostess Cupcakes so that we could collect the baseball cards on the bottom of ther package, Uncle Steve might have eventually called Westminster his home if the Old Mill hadn't eventually tanked their lobster special.

While the lobster special sunk, the special feeling surrounding the 1761 Old Mill never did. The rustic atmosphere, the warm inviting lobby fireplace, the scented gift shop downstairs and the fabulous New England fare has always been at the top of many New Englanders' top five dining experiences. Everyone has a memory of the Old Mill whether it be throwing bread at the tip of the waterfall so the ducks would have a steep fall down or, perhaps more importantly, the family gatherings that centered around love, great food, and an appreciation of New England. The 40-mile ride from Arlington, Mass., was great, too, with fun and games --Mad Libs, baseball talk, listening to the friendly (late) Gene Laverne hosting a country music show on WFMP 104.5 in Fitchburg (now WXLO), and the crisp nighttime air traveling through the rolled down car windows in the phony wood-paneled Ford LTD station wagon. The Old Mill sign stating "nine miles" away was buried in a rocky ledge off the highway -- certainly a classic memory, too, as it began to prepare our taste buds for the terrific food.

Nighttime has always been especially appealing at the Old Mill. Even though it always means the end of the day , going there at night always seems like the beginning of a great new day. While some prefer the Sunday morning brunch with its popovers, pot roast, country chicken dishes and incredible dessert area (and no lobster), nighttime always brings a grand dimension to this former sawmill. The light reflecting on the water, the ducks calling it a day by migrating to the other side of the pond, the rush of the waterfall at night, the refreshing country air, and an out-of-the-way location makes one feel like they've found their own special discovery, whether it be family dining, or a romantic night out.

It's especially nice to know that the Old Mill's food has always matched the special feeling of the scenic surroundings. Just a taste of the roast duck, prime rib, or chicken pot pie confirm that high quality. The splendid food and that special atmosphere are enough to make one forget about eating an endless supply of lobster. It just goes to show what a great place the Old Mill is, still wonderful after all of these years.

Related article: Read a review on the Old Mill