ABOUT HAWLEY SILK MILL
LIFESTYLE
THROUGH THE YEARS
As a National Historic Landmark, the Hawley Silk Mill weaves the roots of our cultured past with the modern touches of today. A destination for the inventive, an escape for the inquisitive, and a staple for the local resident—we cover all grounds for the experience you desire.
HAWLEY SILK MILL
ORIGINS & ARCHITECTURE
Built in 1880 by Dexter, Lambert & Co., the Bellemonte Silk Mill featured a Greek cross design, open interior floors, and was powered by a 61-foot waterwheel.
NEW OWNERS & INDUSTRY SHIFTS
Ownership changed hands multiple times—from Welwood to Wayne Silk Mills to Sherman Underwear. Electrical motors replaced water power as the creek’s flow was reduced by a nearby dam.
EARLY OPERATIONS & FIRE
By 1881, the mill employed 500 girls aged 8–17. After a devastating fire in 1894, it was quickly rebuilt using the original dimensions.
REVIVAL & MODERN USE
Purchased in 2009, the mill was revitalized with retail, office space, and a college campus. Now on the National Register, it continues to boost the local economy.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
From water-powered looms to fiber optics and modern wiring, the Silk Mill has continually embraced innovation—now housing tech-savvy offices, fitness centers, and a state-of-the-art college campus.
LACKAWANNA COLLEGE
As the only campus in both Wayne and Pike Counties, Lackawanna College occupies the entire top floor of the Mill, offering two-year associate degrees in a state-of-the-art educational environment.
HELP US HONOR AMERICA
Join us at the Hawley Silk Mill for America250PA as we honor immigrant labor, industrial grit, and community resilience—unveiling a Semiquincentennial Bell to celebrate the people and progress that helped build a nation.