Chatham Manufacturing Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Chatham Manufacturing Company-Western Electric Company
|
|
The second Chatham Mill, built in 1893
|
|
 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 750 & 800 Chatham Rd., Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1907 |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000509 |
| Added to NRHP | August 4, 2011 |
The Chatham Manufacturing Mill was once a busy factory that made textiles, like blankets and car fabrics. It was built by the Chatham Manufacturing Company and is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Today, this historic building has been turned into modern apartments.
Contents
A Look Back: The Chatham Company's Start
The Chatham Manufacturing Company began its journey in 1877. It first opened in a town called Elkin, North Carolina. The very first mill was built next to Elkin Creek. Later, the company moved its operations to be closer to the Yadkin River. This move was smart because it allowed them to use the railroad to transport their goods more easily.
Growing Big: The Winston-Salem Factory
In 1907, the Chatham Manufacturing Company decided to build a second, much larger factory. This new factory was in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The factory grew quite a lot over the years, with new parts added until 1951.
What the Factory Looked Like
The factory was a big group of buildings connected together. They were made from strong materials like brick, steel, and concrete. Some parts were one story tall, while others reached five stories high! The complex also had other important structures. These included a special bridge for coal built in 1907. There were also smaller buildings added in the 1940s, like a brick fire pump house and a workshop. An electrical substation was built between 1948 and 1954. There was even a one-story brick office building from 1937.
New Owners and New Products
By 1940, the Chatham Manufacturing Company decided to focus all its work at the Elkin plant. So, the Winston-Salem factory was sold to the United States Government. During World War II, from 1943 to 1945, a company called National Carbon Company used the factory. After that, from 1946 to 1966, Western Electric took over. Western Electric made important equipment for the United States military in this factory.
Becoming a Historic Place
Because of its important history, the Winston-Salem factory complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This means it's recognized as a special place worth preserving.
What They Made
In the early 1900s, the Chatham Manufacturing Company was mostly known for making blankets. But by the 1930s, they started making something new: fabric for car seats and interiors. This is called automotive upholstery. By the 1980s, the company had factories in other North Carolina towns too, like Eden, North Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina, along with their original Elkin plant.
Today: Luxury Living
After many years of making textiles, the old mill complex has found a new purpose. It has been completely renovated and turned into modern luxury apartments. This means a piece of history now provides homes for people in Winston-Salem.
