History of Millpond
Millpond’s history is long, rich, and deeply layered, shaped by generations of intriguing characters who helped forge the town into what it is today. Founded in the mid-1650s as little more than scattered farmland and a modest settlement, Millpond steadily expanded, its roots spreading outward with each passing decade until it became a bustling hub of the Northeast.
When the railroads were built, they offered an immense opportunity for Millpond. The exportation of lumber and raw materials, along with weapons and ammunition, flowed out of Millpond and out into the heart of the United States. At the core of this growth stood the town’s founding family, the Archingolds, whose influence brought wealth, work, and a sense of purpose to those who called this place home.
Yet, Millpond has never been just another industrious New England town. Beneath its calm streets and white picket fences, lie secrets buried deep within the soil. Stories whispered, rumoured, and sometimes elaborated. Some of these tales are only now beginning to surface.
So explore Millpond’s past. Immerse yourself in its vibrant history. Just remember, when you start digging, you might uncover things of a disturbing nature.
Who are the Archingolds?
Millpond wouldn’t be Millpond without the Archingold family. Their mark on this town stretches back nigh on two hundred years - so much so that it’s near impossible to find any corner untouched by their influence - and their story is like the thread that weaves through the fabric of this glorious town.
The Archingold Estate 1799 - 1979
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Ambrose Archingold was born in 1799 to Winston and Mary Archingold, who resided in a modest farm on the outskirts of what would later become Greenville. Ambrose had two siblings, Calvin and Sarah.
He was literate in a time when few were. Ambitious in a place where most were not. Even as a boy, he seemed to want more than the toiling life could give him.
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Ambrose returned with a wife - Ellenor Holmesworth - and a refined understanding of contracts, land, and leverage.
He opened his own solicitation firm and began quietly influencing property, trade, and development throughout the growing town.
Millpond expanded.
So did the Archingold footprint.
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In his late teens, Ambrose left the family home for Waterscreed, a port town located north of Millpond. Newly energised as a free state and thick with opportunity.
It was there he witnessed his first public killing when a thief was shot dead by police - an event that would shape his thinking in ways not immediately visible. He did not leave Waterscreed unchanged.
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Rupert (1836), Jacob (1837), and Arabella (1840) were born into increasing prosperity. Meanwhile, Ambrose’s brother Calvin (1800–1904), though physically impaired from a childhood accident, proved gifted in engineering and design.
The family’s influence deepened.
Some would later say the town’s growth felt… accelerated.
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With national tensions rising, Ambrose’s past had resurfaced. Remember the man that had been shot brought up new ideas and innovations. He and Calvin incorporated Archingold Ammunitions.
Pivoting industries proved to be worthwhile. Their first rifle, the Archingold ’57, was a huge success and would soon be followed by sidearms and expanded production.
Public resistance was strong at first, but when civil war was on the horizon, it did not last.
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Rupert Archingold died by suicide at age thirty-five, using a Model 18 sidearm manufactured by his father’s company. The tragedy fractured the family.
But that same year, Ambrose’s brother, Jacob Archingold, welcomed two baby boys - Theodore and William Archingold. Both younger siblings to John Archingold who would later take on the Archingold empire.
Since Ruperts death, Ambrose grew increasingly isolated.
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Calvin Archingold died one year later under more unusual circumstances.
His home was found in disarray. Bottles empty. Furniture overturned.
Witnesses reported he complained of unbearable thirst shortly before his death.
The matter was not investigated further. He is buried in Hallow Hill Cemetery.
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Permits secured. Investment found.
By Christmas, the largest industrial structure Millpond had ever seen stood in Bloomsdale.
It brought jobs and wealth. Production soared and profits grew exponentially.
It also marked the moment the Archingolds became untouchable.
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At age 104, Ambrose Archingold was discovered dead in factory machinery.
Official cause: intoxication and a fall from the foreman’s balcony.
Unofficially: debated.
He had built an empire from soil and steel.
He died inside of it.
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Jacob Archingold (1837–1915), known by some as “Smiling Death,” disappeared in a car accident at Hanock Bridge.
His body was never recovered.
His vehicle surfaced in 1997 during unrelated dredging operations.
It showed no visible deterioration.
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John Archingold (1867-1941), who modernised the company and improved worker conditions, was struck dead by lightning outside his home on a clear summer evening.
No storm was recorded in the county that night.
After this, talk of a family curse was no longer confined to taverns.
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Roger died of a drug overdose outside Molly Colly Nightclub in 1979 and Archingold Automobiles folded shortly after.
The empire ended where it began - in excess.
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Roger Tripp, a family friend had vowed to take on the company. Under his leadership, the company pivoted toward automobile production. Away from death and destruction.
It brought jobs in for just over a decade but ultimately the gamble failed.
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The Bloomsdale factories remain, some overgrown, and some have changed hands.
The Archingold Estate on Chestnut Drive sits as a museum, an ode to the past and its founding family. Reports of lights in upper windows and sounds in empty halls persist.
Officially, the Archingolds built Millpond.
Unofficially… Millpond may have been building something in them all along.