Diamond Silk Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Diamond Silk Mill
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View from Hay Street
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Junction of Ridge Avenue and Hay Street in East York, Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Dempwolf, John A. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000949 |
| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1992 |
The Diamond Silk Mill, also known as the York Silk Manufacturing Company, is a historic factory building. It is located in Springettsbury Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This mill used to make silk, a very smooth and shiny fabric. Today, it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Building the Silk Mill
The Diamond Silk Mill was designed by a famous architect named John A. Dempwolf. It was built around the year 1900. The building is made of brick and has a strong timber frame. It stands about 3 1/2 stories tall.
What the Mill Looks Like
The mill is quite large, measuring 50 feet wide and 300 feet long. It has a special roof that slopes down on all sides, called a hipped roof. A tall, eight-sided smokestack, 100 feet high, stands out. The building also has decorative brickwork called a "corbelled cornice." These features give it a look similar to the Romanesque Revival style.
A Busy Factory
In the early 1900s, silk manufacturing was very important in York. By 1910, the Diamond Silk Mill was doing very well. It became a full-time factory and hired many more workers. The silk made here was even used to create umbrellas in nearby Lancaster.
Changes Over Time
The mill's success began to slow down later. This happened during the Great Depression, a time when many businesses struggled. Then, in the late 1930s, new man-made fabrics were invented. Most mills in York did not have the right machines to work with these new materials. This led to a decline in silk production.
A Historic Landmark
The Diamond Silk Mill is a significant part of local history. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it is officially recognized as a place worth preserving.
Images for kids
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Interior court
