Lower Merion Township near Bala Cynwyd in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
William Clegg's Cotton Mill
Cynwyd Heritage Trail
Clegg's Mill was located in Vine Creek's deep ravine to provide maximum water power. By 1851, three millponds were built to regulate the flow of the creek to turn the waterwheels that powered the mills. You are standing at the point on the map where Vine Creek and the rail line intersect.
Building 2 of the mill housed a cotton picking machine. Fabric was weaved and finished in Building 1. Building 4 was where fabric was dyed. The friable nature of cotton manufacturing made it difficult to keep the mill clean, heightening the danger of fire. In the case of Clegg's Mill, fire protection was provided by twelve iron, fire-proof buckets and two fire extinguishers. According to the 1888 Hexamer survey shown here, Clegg's Mill employed 36 hands — 8 men, 10 boys and 18 girls.
Sometime between 1913 and 1917 the Pennsylvania Railroad acquired and closed Clegg's Mill, filled in the ponds and virtually buried Vine Creek under tons of rubble.
Erected by Lower Merion Township; Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. West Laurel Hill Train Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Manayunk Skyline (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vine Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Transportation Corridor in Transition (approx. ¼ mile away); The Spaventa Switchback (approx. ¼ mile away); The "S" Bridge & The Manayunk Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Manayunk Stoops: Heart and Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Manayunk Canal Locks 69 & 70 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bala Cynwyd.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
