Lonaconing silk mill

The Klotz Throwing Company Mill, also called the Lonaconing Silk Mill, was the last intact silk mill in the United States. The mill, located in Maryland, was built in 1907 and produced silk thread from raw silk.

In the 1920s, the mill employed over 300 people but in later years the number of employees decreased. By the 1950s the outdated machinery, labor disputes and competition from synthetic materials led to the mill closing in July, 1957. The mill was shut down so quickly that it looks the same as when the doors were shuttered. Machinery with wooden spools, skeins of raw silk and calendars dated 1957 are seen throughout the mill. Personal items left by employees give an eery feel as if they will be back any moment to claim their items or return to work. When you enter you are literally stepping back in time.