Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill

     In the 18th century, a single Pennsylvanian woman by the name of Susanna Wright found agricultural success in the production of silk. Her pioneering efforts in cultivating silkworms paved the way for a new generation of economic and industrial endeavors. In fact, her discoveries were even recognized and awarded by George III and the Philadelphia Silk Society. Wright’s successes lead to the construction of several silk mills almost a century after her death, one of these being the Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill. 

     On March 15, 1897, H.M. Alexander, James Duffy, and John Thumma purchased eight barren lots from a married couple. All three of these men were trustees for the Establishment of a Silk Mill. A newspaper entry for just two months after the purchase stated that the project was progressing very quickly. Over 100 men worked on the construction in the early stages, and that number grew rapidly. The architecture itself was mainly viewed as traditional, but there were some indicators that the period of 1890-1910 influenced some of the construction. The small-paned window sash and overhanging eaves are examples of this. The walls are entirely made out of brick, and the foundation is limestone. The mill is divided into thirteen bays, with each bay extending upwards for three stories. Each bay has a total of six windows, making that two windows for each floor. These windows have a light wooden sash, which is still intact today. A conjoining four-story-high water tower was also built. Since the initial construction date, two additions were added. These extensions have no historical value, however. The construction of the Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill demonstrates typical late 19th century industrial architecture. 

     The Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill as well as other similar mills in the area brought about a whole new economy and series of job opportunities. For a period of about 40 years, the Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill was one of the main employers in Marietta. Taverns, lumber yards, and iron furnaces are just some of the distinguished employers throughout the town’s history. The silk mill industry was not only confined to Marietta, however. Similar mills in the greater Lancaster county area have also contributed to the economic fame of the Pennsylvania silk mills, with the Stehli Silk Mill in Lancaster City being the second largest in the world.

America’s silk industry has its origins in the year of 1603 when King James discovered that America’s climate was sufficient for production of silk. Upon his discovery, he hastily delivered silkworm eggs as well as mulberry tree seeds to the state of Virginia. In the years following, the industry had its ebbs and flows until a steady decline in the early 1800’s. It was not until the emergence of the sewing machine in the mid 1800’s that the industry was back in demand. The process of harvesting silk is a tedious and strenuous one. It involves the silkworms constantly eating mulberry tree leaves. Once the worm enters the pupa phase, it distributes liquid silk from its mouth in hopes of creating a cocoon. The silk is formed into one continuous strand as the silkworm wraps its cocoon. Seeing that once the worm becomes a moth it breaks its cocoon open, they must be boiled to kill the worm and stop it from severing the continuous strand. The person harvesting the silk must then take 30-50 of these strands and combine them together to make a thicker thread. The silk thread is then bleached, dyed, and transferred to smaller spools. The Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill not only participated in this process, but they excelled in the demanding industry.

The mill has been owned by various companies, all of whom were in the silk industry. The original trustees had rented out the building to the Ashley and Bailey Company until the corporation had bought it in early 1908. Only five and a half years later it was sold to the Dery Company, another silk manufacturer. The Amalgamated Silk Corporation was next on the list and seeing that they filed bankruptcy, the mill and its entirety was sold to the Duplan Silk Corporation of Delaware. Then in June of 1936, the corporation sold the building for a measly $10,000. Following this sale, the mill was used for various industrial purposes.

     Instead of letting the historic Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill rot and become condemned as many architectural artifacts do, it was transformed into condominiums with a lavish amount of charm and character. This project was overseen and completed by Historic Landmarks for Living. Seeing that the mill itself was skillfully built on a sturdy limestone foundation, it was able to be completely renovated into twenty-six gorgeous units, with no two being exactly the same. These condos are rich with character. Hardwood floors, high beamed ceilings, stained glass windows, loft spaces, spiral staircases, and wood burning furnaces are just some of the architectural features that the condominiums offer. The south-facing units offer a scenic view of Marietta and the Susquehanna River. Marietta has been labeled a Historic District, so the mill fits in perfectly. The condominiums come in a variety of options when it comes to the amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. The mill now neighbors a park and is walking distance from many local pubs and restaurants. It is obvious that these Silk Mill Condominiums, which they are now known by, are historic beauties that have fortunately been restored into fascinating living spaces.

     It is no surprise that the Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill is still standing today. Its solid limestone foundation and durable architecture are why this mill is able to be used over 100 years later. From employing hundreds of workers to housing locals, the mill has had an impact on many lives. The fact that this building has never been neglected or vacant shows the appreciation for the exquisite, historical architecture. Although the Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill may now be overlooked, it gives an insight into Marietta’s history and significance.

Bailey, Stephen M. “Photos.” Marietta, PA, 8 Mar. 2017, marietta-pa.com/photos/. 

“Life Story: Susanna Wright.” Women & the American Story, New York Historical Society, 1 May 2020, wams.nyhistory.org/settler-colonialism-and-revolution/settler-colonialism/susanna-wright/

“‘Silk Culture and Manufacture’. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Oct. 2020 .” Encyclopedia.com, Dictionary of American History, 16 Oct. 2020, www.encyclopedia.com/history/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/silk-culture-and-manufacture. 

Snyder, John J. . National Register of History Places Inventory - Nomination Form, gis.penndot.com. March 10th 1980. Accessed October 25th 2020. https://gis.penndot.gov/CRGISAttachments/SiteResource/H001111_01H.pdf.