In 2026, America will celebrate its 250th, or Semiquincentennial, anniversary of its founding. Settlers Hospitality is partnering with America250PA, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. America250PA aims to engage citizens from all 67 counties in Pennsylvania by bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. This initiative helps Pennsylvanians understand the origins and diverse perspectives of current issues, inspires future leaders, and celebrates local contributions to both state and national history. By fostering an appreciation for past triumphs and challenges, America250PA hopes to leave a lasting impact on the next generation and inspire the future.
As part of America250PA’s preservation mission, the Commission hopes to place bronze, permanent commemorative Semiquincentennial Bells across the Commonwealth to highlight historically significant locations.
The Semiquincentennial Bell at the site of the Hawley Silk Mill will herald the story of immigrant labor that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. Upon installation, it will include an inscription reading, “In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here.”
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson will design the Semiquincentennial Bell site at the Hawley Silk Mill campus. The Wilkes-Barre, PA, based firm was the architect for the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia and designed the plan to repurpose the Hawley Silk Mill into the vibrant lifestyle center that it is today. The Dedication will take place on October 21, 2024, 11:15 a.m. at the Hawley Silk Mill (8 Silk Mill Drive, Wayne County, PA).
— Inscription to be engraved on the Hawley Semiquincentennial Bell
The unveiling of the Hawley Silk Mill Semiquincentennial Bell will provide a new opportunity for visitors and locals alike to learn about our heritage. It will also serve as a storytelling exercise, shedding light on the events that took place here over 125 years ago. Today, the mill houses shops, salons, an art gallery, a fitness center, a brewery, and Lackawanna College’s Lake Region Campus. The addition of the Semiquincentennial bell will offer yet another reason for visitors to explore the mill and learn from its history. This project is founded on the belief that by reflecting on the story of our community thus far, we will inspire the next chapter.
The Hawley Silk Mill, originally known as the Bellemonte Silk Mill, has a rich history that intertwines with the Third Wave of immigration. This period saw an influx of experienced silk workers from Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Eastern Europe. These new arrivals brought innovative ideas about wages, hours, and workers’ rights that challenged the industry’s established order. The mill, which was the first large-scale silk factory in Northern Pennsylvania, played a significant role in this era. It was a beacon of opportunity, providing work to immigrants and harnessing their skills to produce up to one million yards of silk cloth yearly.
The Hawley Silk Mill also holds a significant place in the history of women in the workforce. When it opened in 1881, the mill employed fifty young women, ages 8 to 17. These women spent their days twisting the raw material produced by the mill’s silkworms into thread. This was a time when opportunities for work were limited for daughters, children, and unmarried female relatives of miners and railroaders. The mill provided these women with a chance to contribute to the economy and society. The dedication of the Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill serves to honor the remarkable work of these individuals — primarily women — who helped forge this great nation during the Industrial Revolution right here in Pennsylvania.
Northwell Health
AM Skier Insurance
Justin and Heather Genzlinger
Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger
John and Cindy Shuman
David Tolson
Grimm Construction
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Human Resources Center
Olsommer-Clarke Insurance
Honesdale Bank
Wayne Bank
Chuck and Wanda Jurgensen
Wayne County Community Foundation
Wayne County (Hotel Tax Program)
Brookfield Energy
Chant Realtors
Turano Insurance
Dime Bank
Bold Gold Media
Dime Bank
The Bryzek Family
Tito’s Vodka
Onvo Travel Plazas
Bryzek Family
Greater Pike Community Foundation
Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge
Reinfurt Excavating
Friends of Tom Lamb
Woodloch Resort
Kiesendahl Family
Wayne County Camp Alliance
Geisinger
Greater Pike Community Foundation
R. Anthony Waldron, Esq.
Manzi1 Consulting
Blueprint Benefits Group
Ronald and Mary Schmalzle
Randy and MaryHelen Schmalzle
Bill Rosado
Tom Farley
Econo-Pak
Cordray Family
William J. and Geraldine Lovejoy Charitable Fund
William Grant & Sons
Crum Tree Service
Beth Hoffman
Kimler Law
Blue Ridge Cable
Van Gorder’s Furniture
Stephen’s Pharmacy
Greshams Lake View Motel
Janna Genzlinger
Molly and Peter Rodgers
Paul and Colleen Edwards
Barley Creek Brewery
Pocono Raceway
Amy Litzenberger
Johanna, Steve, James Livanavage (“Svieks”)
The installation of the Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill is made possible through the support of our generous donors.
If you are interested in becoming a donor, please return the form below to tlamb@settlershospitality.com.
America250PA is sponsoring projects, programs, and events in and around your community. Find more ways to contribute at america250PA.org.
Settlers Hospitality is taking action to restore and preserve local real estate treasures.
