LANACONING SILK MILL, MD

A few weekends ago, Rick and I drove to Maryland and met up with some photographer friends to photograph in the last intact Silk Mill in the US.  In the 1950's, employees went on strike, and as a result, the mill was closed by the company.   What was most interesting about the mill is that its machinery, company records and workers’ personal effects have pretty much remained unchanged from the time that the factory ceased operations in 1957.  The mill was purchased in 1978.   Herb Crawford is the current owner who has been struggling with keeping up with the repairs.  The building is in dire need of a new roof.  As a means to get the funds to fund the roof repairs, Herb has been allowing photographers to visit the mill on weekends to take photographs.   Rick and I only photographed for one session for 4 hours but we came away with some interesting, unique photos.