Wistariahurst Museum

         
          "Good Silk is Always Good Property": A Skinner Silk Exhibit
Exhibition at Wistariahurst Museum
November 2004 - June 2006

William Skinner's move to Holyoke in 1874 was fortiutous for Skinner and the City of Holyoke. With an unlimited source of power and inexpensive immigrant labort in Holyoke, the manufacturing business grew to have sales of $6.5 million in the year 1902 with 2,500 employees. Silk and satin were the earliest fabrics and the mainstay business for 87 years.

 

Skinner & Son's Silk Manufacturing: A Family Business

In 1876, William Skinner's eldest son, William C. Skinner, began working for his father in New York City. This office was located in the heart of the city's silk district at 508 Broadway. After graduating from Yale College, Joseph A. Skinner joined the fmaily business in 1886, which then became known as William Skinner & Son's Silk Manufacturing.

Skinner's sons were instrumental in a tremendous business expansion. By 1902, annual revenues for the company were $6.5 million. Though there were sales offices throughout the United States, the manufacturing all took place in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

 

Working at the Factory

Women participate in harness making at the William Skinner & Son's Silk Manufacturing factory, Holyoke, MA.

Inspectors examined the silk cloth after it was produced. The Skinners prided themselves on high quality silk.

 

Skinner Products

Skinner products ranged from silk, suede, satin and crepe. Items include jackets, jacket linings, shoes, blanket covers adn undergarments. Skinner's markets included a large focus on brides and weddings, which included ring piollows, veils, gowns and shoes.

 

 

Special thanks goes to the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities for their sponsorship of this exhibit.