The Hawley Silk Mill or as the locals call it \”The castle\” is a large stone building that juts up from the rocks in Hawley, Pennsylvania. This massive native blue stone structure located in Hawley was built by Dexter, Lambert & Co. in 1880, and was originally known as the Bellemonte Silk Mill.

On August 17th 1894 the great castle caught on fire. As a small town Hawley had no fire department at the time the bucket brigade was there only defense to this raging fire, a special train was sent to the neighboring town of Honesdale to ask their fire department or help. This great fire toppled the walls of the mill into Paupack Falls the waterway in which it overlooks but the neighboring buildings were saved.

Although, this great fire did destroy the building it was rebuilt, but as the silk industry faded, the building remained a textile factory employing up to 363 people at its peak. Gradually the demand for domestic textiles faded and in 1986 the mill became vacant for the first time. In 1990 the mill was put into service as an antique retail and wholesale operation. The property flourished as Castle Antiques and Reproductions until recently when the business was liquidated leaving the building vacant for only the second time in 129 years.

Today The Hawley Silk Mill is the region\’s largest revitalization project. The historic 1881 mill, the world\’s largest blue stone structure have been updated with the area\’s largest solar photovoltaic array on a historic reuse project. These solar panels which currently number over 200 cover just over 50% of the roof and provide 216 watts per panel. There is a plan in the works to cover 100% of the roof in the future. Also in the massive silk mill there is a fiber optic data connection, an on-site generator, and new electric service throughout the building.

This state of the art location is home to Lackawanna College encompassing the entire third floor of the building. Lackawanna College offers bachelor\’s degree programs close to home. Schwartz Wealth Management can guide you on saving for college, or planning for retirement, and Red Stone Run Realty can help you find that home of your dreams. The mill also features counseling for families, children, teens, adults, and couples from Kelly Magee, LPC, and women\’s health and WIC services from Maternal Family Health Services. 4Sea-Sun Photography and Erin Carroll Photography on the second floor even offers family portraits.

As you walk in the door of the Silk Mill be sure to check out the 84 country Store a smaller version of the original store located in Greentown PA which offers wonderfully whimsical gifts and home decor as well as fresh made fudge and candles. Country Arts Alliance shop and Harmony Arts Experience offer more shopping on the first floor. After shopping you can mail off all your gifts at Alpak Station featuring all your shipping and office needs. Maybe you need a place to relax well then enjoy a massage at 5th Avenue Salon and or reiki session at Renewed Harmony Reiki.

Or enjoy a great workout at Lake Region Fitness the area\’s only full service gym and health center with personal training, a variety of classes, and memberships for summer or year round residents.

Whatever your needs the Hawley Silk Mill has something for you.

Brenda Hopkins writes for 84 Country Store about Lake Wallenpaupack and gives travel advice.

Brenda writes for the 84 Country Store http://www.84countrystore.com located in the heart of the Poconos

Author Bio: Brenda Hopkins writes for 84 Country Store about Lake Wallenpaupack and gives travel advice.

Category: Travel
Keywords: silk mill,hawley silk mill,hawley silk,bellemonte silk mill,blue stone structure,blue stone