Bethlehem in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dye House
1771
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
1. Dye House Marker
“Br. Schenk began erection of new dye shop.”
Single Brethren's Diary
June 27, 1771
Early Bethlehem's dyers used natural materials such as indigo (blue), madder (red), logwood (purple), and fustic (yellow) to add color to linen, wool, cotton, and silk cloth and thread.
The first dye house opened in 1746 and was built along the grist mill tailrace. In 1752, a second dye house was built as an addition to the west side of the grist mill-fulling mill complex adjacent to the site. In 1771, a third, separate building was constructed on this location. Only walls remain today.
By the 1830s, the dyeing operation ended. The dye house became a dwelling and was later used as storage for the adjacent Luckenbach Mill. In the 1930s, the building was partially dismantled to use the stone for another project.
[Caption for photo on marker - damaged]
Between the ___ and 1900, the dye house was used as a dwelling.
Erected by Historic Bethlehem, HistoryWorks!, and Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Natural Resources • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1825.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Luckenbach Mill (a few steps from this marker); Butchery (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tannery (within shouting distance of this marker); Springhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Tawery (within shouting distance of this marker); Bark Shed (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First House of Moravian Settlement (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Also see . . . Colonial Industrial Quarter. (Submitted on February 1, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
2. Dye House Marker
Luckenbach Mill at extreme right of photo.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
3. Dye House and Marker
Multi-story Luckenbach Mill at right of photo.
Photographed By Carolyn Martienssen, February 15, 2015
4. Dye House Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
5. Dye House Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
6. Dye House Ruins
Broad Street Viaduct over Monocacy Creek in background. Looking north.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
7. Dye House Excavation Marker
On ruins wall.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,051 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on August 16, 2015, by Carolyn Martienssen of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 1, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
