Philadelphia Hosiery Mill
As I walk through the streets of Philadelphia, I can see a diversity of things. Some I can easily relate to, but others are a vague impression on my mind. I can see the legacy that remains within the town's midst, but there is still a feeling of emptiness that surrounds it. I guess this is due to the simplicity of it. Unlike normal conditions, this area seems to thrive on its quaintness, its apparent lack of commotion and problems. It seems obvious that a change of culture and surroundings has taken place in this environment. I wonder what it must have been like years ago, in the age of generations past, in the time of a different Philadelphia, a time when life's complexities hadn't arrived, and a time when society was different. I also wonder how it was for my ancestors to found, operate, and live off the Hosiery Mill, which was the source of employment for most of the Philadelphians of this time. It is on this subject I would like to form the image of the day in your eyes, as it was in theirs.
Some time in July of 1921, my great-grandfather, Edward Waller, came to Philadelphia in an attempt to establish a hosiery mill. I'm sure he was not aware at the time that this idea would alter and enhance the lives of the next generations that inhabited this area. But nevertheless,he founthe industry-needing community in favor of his plans, and shortly thereafter, his dreams for fortune were a reality. On August 29, 1921, the charter with the state was approved, and the board of directors held its first meeting. I know this must have been a proud day in my great-grandfather's life. His goals for the practically new society were finally attained.
On this grand day for Philadelphia the directing board of the new mill elected its first officers. They were as follows: J.H. Thompson, President; E.W. Waller, Secretary and Treasurer; and E.W. Waller, Manager.
There were various reasons why Philadelphia was the ideal place to establish such an operation, not the least of which was the availability of a transportation method. This, of course, was the railroad. For more than 40 years of the mill's operation, goods were shipped by rail. This factor convinced M r. Waller that this area was perfect for the mill. The mill's goods could be easily taken by rail all over the country. It is for this reason that in its many years of existence, the corporation expanded horizons and grew enormously. In fact it grew so much that during the mill's mid to later years, it had sales representatives in New York, Georgia, and in various places on the west coast.
Another factor that helped bring the mill to Philadelphia was the availability of suitable land, including Sweetwater Creek. This gave the mill plenty of room to build and grow, as well as providing a plentiful supply of water needed in the operation .
Hosiery Mill during the 1920's.
Early in its existence, the mill's products and machinery were fairly simple. But shortly after, steps were taken to further advance and modernize the equipment. Thus a better product made was the one and only product-infant's hosiery. I'm sure it was due in part to this specializing on one product that the business was so successful.
But regardless of the reason, the business caused a great change for the people and the society that no one could have predicted. A community grew around the business. Philadelphia advanced on to higher accomplishments with the aid of the employment and income that the mill brought. New steps never before thought possible were achieved. The town became a source of industry for this region. The community was financially stable.
The people of Philadelphia had a become a tightly woven group, firmly set in a strong foundation. The people that occupied this region needed the mill, and the mill needed them. This relationship lasted as long as the mill was in business.
The long awaited dream of my great-grandfather had become a reality. In 1955, Mr. Ed Waller, Sr. died leaving his interest in the mill to his wife Marion and his three children , Mrs. Carrie Lee Anderson, Mrs. Evelyn Everett, and E.W. Waller, Jr.
The mill continued to flourish until the 60's when economic conditions forced the mill board of directors to put the mill up for sale. Philadelphia Hosiery Mill ceased to exist. Its legacy of 44 years was forced to die, but the lives it influenced and the memories and personal ties it created could never be destroyed.
The common bond which was interwoven into many Philadelphia families was vividly portrayed in the summer if 1984 when over 200 former employees and their children gathered at Philadelphia Park for a mill reunion. I'm sure many of the children, as myself, had heard stories all their lives about events which occurred at the mill. It was a pleasure to meet and visit with some of the people I'd come to know by listening to stories. This show of people at the reunion truly typified the closeness of the community and the special place the mill held in their lives.
In 1966 the mill reopened under the name of Bar Knit Hosiery Company. This new corporation was headed by J. Earl Barger and produced a much wider variety of goods. This company had intended to thrive on the same resources that had made the earlier mill a profitable venture, but unfortunately, this plan failed. In the early 1970's, the mill closed for good, never to open its doors for business again.
This closing must have been a tragic blow to the entire town. For so many years the economy revolved around the mill, and now it was gone. The inhabitants were forced to differ their lifestyles. But no matter what the problem, or situation, the people of Philadelphia always had one characteristic that seperates them from many others- love for one another. This says alot for then people here. It says that in spite of the set-backs this community has had during and after the operation of the mill, that it is still rich in its heritage, proud of the past, but looking forward to the future.