Delano Sawmill closes, ending a century of service

After over 100 years of operation in Dartmouth, the Joseph K. Delano Sawmill shut its doors for good. 

The mill has been in owner Jack Delano’s family for generations — it was established in 1922 by his grandfather Joseph. The mill originally stood at Wal-Mart’s current location, but moved to its final location on Cross Road in 1940. 

“It’s got to be at least six generations old,” said Historical Commission member Sue Giuducci. 

The sawmill put up a going-out-of-business sign in December, and closed just before Christmas. 

“That’s where everybody used to bring their trees … because that was our source of local lumber,” Giuducci said. “To me, it’s sad that somebody [else] can’t make a go of it, but of course I understand.”

Jack Delano declined to comment on the business’s closure.