Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Western Knitting Mills

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 10, 2018

1. Western Knitting Mills Marker

Inscription. Paint Creek and the Clinton River provided power for the first woolen mill on this site in 1844. Constructed in 1896, the Western Knitting Mills building was supported by a yarn mill, dormitories and two warehouses. One of the area's largest employers, the mill produced wool socks, gloves and mittens (1896-1916), wool cloth (1916-1927), and khaki gloves for World War I soldiers. Knitting ceased at this site in 1939.

Erected 2003 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2125.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 42° 40.849′ N, 83° 7.875′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is at the intersection of Water Street and East Fourth Street, on the left when traveling south on Water Street. Marker is in the parking lot, near the entrance of the Rochester Mills Beer Company. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Water Street,

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Rochester MI 48307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Western Knitting Mills and Boarding Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hammer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Western Knitting Mills Dam and Michigan Central Railroad Bridge (about 500 feet away); Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator (about 600 feet away); Masonic Block (about 600 feet away); Rochester Opera House (about 600 feet away); City of Rochester, Michigan (about 700 feet away); Three-faced Clock (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Also see . . . Western Knitting Mills. (Submitted on June 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Western Knitting Mills and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 10, 2018

2. Western Knitting Mills and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.