Bellemonte Silk Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bellemonte Silk Mill
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Bellemonte Silk Mill, November 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 230 Welwood Ave., Hawley, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1880-1881, 1894 |
| Architectural style | High Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000407 |
| Added to NRHP | June 28, 2010 |
The Bellemonte Silk Mill, also known as the Welwood Silk Mill or Sherman Underwear Mills, is a really old and important building. It's located in Hawley, Pennsylvania, in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. This historic mill was once a busy place where silk was made. Today, it has been beautifully updated and is known as the Hawley Silk Mill.
Contents
A Look Back: The Mill's History
The Bellemonte Silk Mill was first built between 1880 and 1881. Sadly, a fire damaged it, so it had to be rebuilt in 1894. This shows how important the mill was to the community.
What is a Mill?
A mill is a building where raw materials are processed into finished goods. In this case, the Bellemonte Silk Mill processed silk. Silk is a strong, soft fiber used to make fabric.
Unique Building Materials
The mill is made from a special type of stone called bluestone. It has three to five stories and is very long and narrow. Many people in the area believe it's the largest bluestone building anywhere!
Architectural Style: High Victorian Gothic
The building's style is called High Victorian Gothic. This means it has features that remind you of old castles. For example, it has a roof that looks like the top of a castle wall, called a castellated parapet. There's also a small, one-story engine house attached to the main building.
The Cocoon House
On the same property, there's another small, stone building called the Cocoon House. It's a one-story building with just one room. This building also played a part in the mill's history.
From Mill to Modern Hub
In 2011, the Bellemonte Silk Mill and the Cocoon House got a big makeover. A famous architect named Peter Bohlin helped with the renovation. The Bellemonte Silk Mill became the Hawley Silk Mill. It's now a place with shops, offices, and even a fitness center. The Cocoon House was transformed into the Cocoon Coffee House, a cozy spot for drinks and snacks. Before its renovation, the main building even housed an antique shop.
National Recognition
Because of its important history and unique architecture, the Bellemonte Silk Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This list includes buildings and places that are important to the history of the United States.
