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Hope Webbing Co. Mill
999-1005 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI
The Hope Webbing Co. Mill was founded in 1889 and several buildings were added to this location over the course of the next 15-20 years. What remains, pretty much, occupies an entire city block. At one time the rear of the complex carried on over Esten Ave. but now only a parking lot remains there. One of my (3) photos’ was actually from that parking lot capturing the rear of the building as it is today. Because this building is situated in a dense urban area I didn’t have enough room to photograph the majority of the layout.
Unlike most of my “abandoned” shots this story actually ends well. In 1994 Hope Webbing moved their operation to Cumberland RI where it stands today as part of the Hope Global Company. Their roots were in braided materials and their line has grown to include shoe laces, apparel cords, drawstrings, parachute cords, & bungee cords to name a few. They serve retail markets, automotive & military to name a few.
Another positive note. They actually export to China. That’s worth repeating. This old time manufacturing company actually exports to China. Do I get a hallelujah? That’s awesome! Wouldn’t we all love to see more of that and less of the converse.
The Pawtucket location mainly sits abandoned except for some small shops and a farmers market. In 2006 it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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