remains of the Capron Mill/Bernat Mill complex - Uxbridge MA
Uxbridge has a long history of wool and textile production, starting with the original Capron Mill in 1820 -- where the first power loom ever used in the US was put into operation.
The mill's name changed from Capron Mill to Bernat Mill and later to the Bachman Uxbridge Worsted Company, and continued producing yarn and fabric well into the modern era (note: there is still a yarn company called Bernat, although it isn't based here.) The mills were particularly well-known for producing military uniforms -- soldiers in the Civil War (Union side), World War I, and World War II all wore uniforms produced here. The first US Air Force uniforms were produced here, in a color that became known as "Uxbridge Blue."
This is not the original building, but was a newer expansion of the mill complex. It was destroyed in a fire (caused by welding equipment) in 2007. Although there have been plans to rebuild, those plans have been indefinitely delayed.
remains of the Capron Mill/Bernat Mill complex - Uxbridge MA
Uxbridge has a long history of wool and textile production, starting with the original Capron Mill in 1820 -- where the first power loom ever used in the US was put into operation.
The mill's name changed from Capron Mill to Bernat Mill and later to the Bachman Uxbridge Worsted Company, and continued producing yarn and fabric well into the modern era (note: there is still a yarn company called Bernat, although it isn't based here.) The mills were particularly well-known for producing military uniforms -- soldiers in the Civil War (Union side), World War I, and World War II all wore uniforms produced here. The first US Air Force uniforms were produced here, in a color that became known as "Uxbridge Blue."
This is not the original building, but was a newer expansion of the mill complex. It was destroyed in a fire (caused by welding equipment) in 2007. Although there have been plans to rebuild, those plans have been indefinitely delayed.