Molly, (my dog), and I were driving around Woonsocket RI with camera in hand looking for a picture of an abandoned building. We only had about a half an hour of free time before we had to be somewhere so when we stumbled upon this old abandoned factory I took the picture. In my research I couldn’t actually ascertain what business was in here. I presume because this area was rich in textile mills that this was probably one of them. The height and length of this building was pretty typical of woolen mills. If you ever saw the inside of one you’d understand why. If any readers themselves or had family that worked in this building I’d love to hear anything you can share about it.
Textile mills were a major part of Rhode Island’s economy from 1790 to the early 1950s. The industry thrived during the Industrial Revolution, with mills powered by rivers and dams, particularly in places like Pawtucket and the Blackstone River Valley. By the mid-20th century, however, many mills had shut down, leaving behind historical sites that still impact the local environment today.(1) The river running under this bridge is the Blackstone River.
My wife’s Grandparents, on her fathers side, were both first generation immigrants from Canadian and were of French Canadian descent as were so many textile workers in the day. They lived in Providence and worked in a textile mill there during the 20’s, 30’s 40′ and possibly some of the 50’s. In the 1950s, textile workers in Rhode Island typically earned lower wages compared to other industries. Manufacturing jobs, including textiles, had an average annual income of around $3,300 in 1950, rising to $5,215 by 1959. However, textile workers often earned less than the broader manufacturing sector, especially in mills that were struggling due to industry decline.(2) Some mills were unionized and some were not.
Life inside a Rhode Island textile mill in the 1950s was tough, demanding, and often monotonous. Workers endured long hours in noisy, dusty environments, operating heavy machinery that required precision and stamina. Many mills were still powered by water or steam, and the work was physically exhausting, with employees standing for hours, handling raw materials, and maintaining equipment.
The workforce was diverse, including French Canadian immigrants who had settled in Rhode Island decades earlier. They played a significant role in the textile industry, bringing specialized skills and adapting to the industrial discipline required in the mills. The mills themselves, like the National and Providence Worsted Mills, had been in operation since the late 19th century and continued producing worsted wool into the 1950s.
Despite the hardships, mill workers formed tight-knit communities, often living in nearby mill villages. Their lives revolved around work, but they also found ways to socialize, whether through union meetings, church gatherings, or local events. However, by the mid-20th century, the industry was in decline, with many mills shutting down or relocating to the South, where labor was cheaper. (3)
(1), (2), (3) Microsoft Copilot
Photographed with a Sony Nex 7, 24.3mp mirrorless camera and a Sony 18-55, f3.5-5.6 lens at 18mm (35mm=27mm).
1/640th, f16, ISO 400, Aperture Priority
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