The Klotz Throwing Company located in Western Maryland may be the last silk mill in America.  The mill once employed 300 people, taking raw silk from Japan and spinning it into thread which was shipped to New England to become textiles.  The mill closed in 1957 and has remained largely untouched since – one of those places where time truly stands still.

Herb Crawford purchased the mill in 1978 and continues to care for the factory to this day.  Unfortunately the roof is badly deteriorated so it may be a loosing battle.  Hopefully the mill will last long enough to be saved.

As I said in last Friday’s post, the Klotz Throwing Company has developed a wonderful patina and is full of wonderful photography opportunities.  I enjoyed every minute spent at the mill and am looking forward to another trip this fall.  Thanks again to Matthew Christopher of Abandoned America for arranging the tour and to Mr. Crawford for allowing us to visit.