THE WAHNETAH SILK
COMPANY
Lambert and Reinhard, A
History of Catasauqua 1914
This
company was chartered "to manufacture silk fabrics" in 1890, when it
began to run on a production of silk plush. The plush business, however, proved
unprofitable, so that during 1902 this machinery was substituted for broad silk
looms.
Now
the Wahnetah plant began to grow. Building was added to building until their
present equipment comprises seven hundred looms and such other departments as
are necessary to prepare the silk received in skein for use on the loom.
The
Wahnetah Company buys its raw silk directly from the raw silk importers in New
York City. From the importers the raw silk (Japan silk) is shipped to the
throwsters (Spinning Mill). From the throwsters it is shipped to the dye‑house
from which it comes in skeins to the weaving mill.
The
latest improved machinery is installed throughout the plant, and, being
operated by competent help, produces a stock of the finest grade silks, which
finds ready sale in any market.
Whilst
the Wahnetah prospers our whole town feels the pulse‑beat of its life. An
average of five hundred persons earn their daily bread here.
The
first president of the Company was
James Thomas, who was succeeded at his death
by William
R. Thomas, Jr., the present incumbent, who is
also general manager of the plant. Mr. Frank M.
Horn has served as Secretary and Treasurer since
the organization of the Company. Mr. William M.
Alford and Sons, New York, are the managers of the
sale's department.
THE WAHNETAH SILK
MILL
Roberts et al, History Of
Lehigh County Pennsylvania 1914.
The
Wahneta Mill is situated on the road to Allentown,
beyond the Catasauqua creek, near the gristmill.
It was organized in 1890, with a capital of $125,000.
by James Thomas, Frank M. Horn, James
W. Fuller, Samuel Thomas, Edwin Thomas, C. R.
Horn, William W. McKee and George
Davies, for the manufacture of silk plushes
and fabrics. Alexander Pfeffer was engaged as the
general manager and he was sent to England to secure
the necessary machinery and a supply of silk, and
the mill was erected in 1892. The capital was increased
to $200,000, and the business was conducted under
varying circumstances until 1900.
William R.
Thomas was then engaged as the superintendent and he has managed the increasing
business in a most satisfactory manner. The manufacture of plushes was
abandoned and in 1902 broad silk looms were installed; and in 1903 one hundred
looms were in operation. Since then the plant has been much enlarged, and in
January, 1914, there were about 700 looms in operation with 400 hands.
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