I have been fantasizing about entering these buildings for weeks now, maybe even months. After doing some research on historical sites remaining in Lancaster, PA, I stumbled upon this... The historic Stehli Silk Mill. This mill was the 2nd largest silk mill in the entire world. This building represents an important chunk of Lancaster’s industrial past.
I took so many pictures while in the mill earlier this week. Bruce let me borrow his fancy camera (much fancier than mine) and now I think I need one after seeing how fantastic these pictures turned out. Next purchase, maybe?
At its peak, more than 2,100 people were employed by Stehli Silk Corporation. The employees of this factory helped create the neighborhood surrounding the mill – known as Rossmere. Housing was built for select workers in Lancaster city. Here's a little historical blurb about the mill: (as alwasy, click the image to enlarge)
The Stehli Silk mill was built in 1897 by Stehli Silk Corporation. The company was from Obfelden, Switzerland. The company chose to build their factory in Lancaster, PA because of its close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. All silk products, dress goods, and any other textiles created at the mill were sent to the market in New York City.
Some pictures from old postcards that claimed Stehli as "The Worlds Largest Silk Mill".
I had heard that the mill was really hard to get into. High security, barbed wire, alarms, etc. Apparently everyone else who said that entering was difficult missed the fact the driveway is shared with a trucking company that has a security office. I simply asked an administrator next door if they would mind if I walked around their property. Easy as pie. A little question was all it took. However, I would have been disappointed if they said no and probably still would have climbed the barbed fence and risk a trespassing charge. Anyways…
Until 1973 one of the three warehouses that make up the mill was used as storage for a toy/merchandise company. While walking the long, damp, and empty hallways I saw traces of toys that had been tossed aside and long forgotten.
I was surprised that I didn’t see any silk remnants while in the first warehouse… guess the 2nd and 3rd buildings were hiding all of the surprises.
As I said earlier, I took so many pictures while in this mill. I’m going to turn these many photos into 3 individual blog posts… get ready for some goodness. It’s been a few days since I was at the mill, and I’m still excited about my chance to visit this historic landmark. I’ll be back with pictures from Warehouse 2 and 3 later this week.
What do you think of this place? Stehli should be synonymous with stellar. Look for more blog posts about Stehli soon!
Hi, Great Pictures! My great grandfather worked there and lived in one of the houses, that were built, on Clay St, when the rest of the family came over, from Switzerland. Thanks for sharing!
My Dad worked in part of this building after RCA used it for a warehouse during the height of color tube production at the current Burl Buildings.