Burlington in Alamance County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
J. Spencer Love
1896 - 1962
Photographed By Paul Jordan, April 20, 2010
1. J. Spencer Love Marker
Founder of Burlington Mills, 1924; success of rayon propelled world's largest textile company. "Pioneer Plant" 3/4 mi. S.Erected 2008 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number G-126.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 36° 5.837′ N, 79° 24.854′ W. Marker is in Burlington, North Carolina, in Alamance County. Marker is at the intersection of North Church Street/US Highway 70 and Beaumont Ave., on the left when traveling east on North Church Street/US Highway 70. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1382 North Church Street, Burlington NC 27215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Henry Jerome Stockard (approx. half a mile away); Pioneer Plant (approx. 0.7 miles away); Camp Alamance (approx. 1.2 miles away); Norfolk & Western Caboose #518654 (approx. 1.2 miles away); 1763 Providence
this page online
Regarding J. Spencer Love. James Spencer Love is credited with reviving the textile industry in Alamance County. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, he moved to North Carolina in the 1920s.
With a grant from the Chamber of Commerce, Love brought his equipment from his cotton manufacturing company in Gastonia, and opened Burlington Mills.
The newest fabric on the market was rayon, and Love began making bedspreads. People called it "artificial silk" and the new venture was a success.
In 1955, the name Burlington Mills was changed to Burlington Industries. The product line had expanded to new synthetic materials including nylon, polyester and acrylic.
When Love died in 1962, Burlington Industries was the largest textile mill in the world and the 48th largest corporation in the United States.
Also see . . .
1. Burlington Industries History. This webpage details
Photographed By Paul Jordan, April 20, 2010
2. J. Spencer Love Marker at Intersection
Looking East on North Church Street
2. North Carolina Business Hall of Fame. J. Spencer Love was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame as a laureate in 1989. He is recognized as an outstanding NC businessman. (Submitted on April 20, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A..)
Additional keywords. James Spencer Love, Textiles, Alamance, Burlington Industries, Cotton
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A.. This page has been viewed 1,324 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A.. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
