November 8, 2014: Field Trip to Waterside Woolen Mill, Woodbury, PA
Note: The maximum number of 14 people has been reached for the November 8 field trip. See plans below for an alternate mill tour on November 22.
History: The Waterside Woolen Mill is one of the oldest operating woolen mills in the USA. The mill was built on land deeded by the heirs of William Penn to Abraham Oberholtzer in 1785. In 1806 John Snider purchased the land and erected a mill on the banks of Yellow Creek.
The mill shut down in the 1960s but was reactivated in 1990 to manufacture traditional Pennsylvania wool blankets. The equipment used in the mill dates from the latter 1800s to the early 1900s. It includes several Compton& Knowles Looms dating from the 1870s. The mill consists of a large three story building with attic.
Directions: The mill’s address is 0.4 miles past 2526 Woodbury Pike, Loysburg, PA 16659. From the Capital Beltway, take i270 to Frederick, MD; i70 to Breezewood, PA; Rt 30 West (5-6 miles); Rt 26N (6-7 miles); Rt 36N (6 miles); Mill is on the right.
Driving time from the firehouse should be less than 2.5 hours from the Dunn Loring Fire House. We will have access to the mill from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; however, a later arrival is fine. (We will plan to arrive by 10:00 AM).
Cost: The cost of this field trip is $67.50 per person. Payment will be cash only and accepted on entry. Exact change is appreciated.
Tour details: The mill is completely operational and you will see partially completed cloth/blankets in the looms. The machines will not be operating during the field trip due to safety considerations. We will be able to explore and photograph all parts of the mill including the old mill race.
There is a bathroom in the mill and restaurants are close-by for lunch. The mill is not heated so dress accordingly for this time of year.
More information and example images:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterside-Woolen-Mill/550470568371686
Google Images: click here to see Google Images of the Mill
*Alternate Mill Tour: Due to the popularity and limited group size (14) of this field trip, a second trip to the mill is being offered on November 22 to NVPS members. This alternate trip will be managed (outside of NVPS) by Dave Hammaker and not by Bob Friedman and Mike Whalen. If you are interested in this alternate field trip, contact Dave at dhammaker “at” aol.com or at http://www.creatinggreatphotos.com/contact/. A minimum of 8 people is required. Limit will be 14 people. Officially, this is not and NVPS field-trip, however, mill access and the photo opportunity is exactly the same and members may still submit their photos (up to four) for posting to the field-trip gallery.