THE WAHNETAH SILK COMPANY

Lambert and Reinhard, A History of Catasauqua 1914

This company was chartered "to manufacture silk fabrics" in 1890, when it began to run on a production of silk plush. The plush business, however, proved unprofitable, so that during 1902 this machinery was substituted for broad silk looms.

Now the Wahnetah plant began to grow. Building was added to building until their present equipment comprises seven hundred looms and such other departments as are necessary to prepare the silk received in skein for use on the loom.

The Wahnetah Company buys its raw silk directly from the raw silk importers in New York City. From the importers the raw silk (Japan silk) is shipped to the throwsters (Spinning Mill). From the throwsters it is shipped to the dye‑house from which it comes in skeins to the weaving mill.

The latest improved machinery is installed throughout the plant, and, being operated by competent help, produces a stock of the finest grade silks, which finds ready sale in any market.

Whilst the Wahnetah prospers our whole town feels the pulse‑beat of its life. An average of five hundred persons earn their daily bread here.

The first president of the Company was James Thomas, who was succeeded at his death by William R. Thomas, Jr., the present incumbent, who is also general manager of the plant. Mr. Frank M. Horn has served as Secretary and Treasurer since the organization of the Company. Mr. William M. Alford and Sons, New York, are the managers of the sale's department.

THE WAHNETAH SILK MILL

Roberts et al, History Of Lehigh County Pennsylvania 1914.

The Wahneta Mill is situated on the road to Allentown, beyond the Catasauqua creek, near the gristmill. It was organized in 1890, with a capital of $125,000. by James Thomas, Frank M. Horn, James W. Fuller, Samuel Thomas, Edwin Thomas, C. R. Horn, William W. McKee and George Davies, for the manufacture of silk plushes and fabrics. Alexander Pfeffer was engaged as the general manager and he was sent to England to secure the necessary machinery and a supply of silk, and the mill was erected in 1892. The capital was increased to $200,000, and the business was conducted under varying circumstances until 1900.

William R. Thomas was then engaged as the superintendent and he has managed the increasing business in a most satisfactory manner. The manufacture of plushes was abandoned and in 1902 broad silk looms were installed; and in 1903 one hundred looms were in operation. Since then the plant has been much enlarged, and in January, 1914, there were about 700 looms in operation with 400 hands.

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