Newtown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Stocking Works
| | Newtown Heritage Walk | |
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2009
1. Stocking Works Marker
Originally, the Newtown Hosiery Mill (a.k.a. The Stocking Works) operated out of this building at 301 South State Street. In 1884, the Excelsior Bobbin and Spool Works was founded by John B. Mawson in Yardley. In 1889, it was moved to Newtown after a fire destroyed the Yardley plant. In 1904, the Bobbin and Spool [W]orks chartered the name Excelsior Bobbin and Spool Company, which expanded with new buildings and updated equipment. After the brief tenure of the stocking manufacturer, the building was used by a stained glass company, a bobbin facory, and then, during World War II, by the Lavelle Aircraft Corporation.
When World War II started, there was a tremendous demand for aircraft, and Lavelle expanded to meet the demand. To mark its success, a ceremony was held at the plant in July 1945, where the company was awarded the Army-Navy "E" for excellence in production. After the war, the company changed over to stainless steel production for jet engines, missiles and satellites. The world's first weather satellite, TIROS 1, was manufactured here in 1960. It recorded the first TV image from space. Some of the components
this page online
Erected 2007 by Newtown Historic Association. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Newtown Heritage Walk series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1945.
Location. 40° 13.445′ N, 74° 56.162′ W. Marker is in Newtown, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County. It is at the intersection of State Street and Sterling Street, on the left when traveling south on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 S State Street, Newtown PA 18940, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2009
2. Stocking Works and Marker
Looking south on State Street.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First Weather Satellite (here, next to this marker); The Fenton House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Newtown Cannery & China Company (about 600 feet away); Friends Meeting (about 700 feet away); Edward Hicks House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Edward Hicks (approx. 0.2 miles away); White Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Whitehall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newtown.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2009
3. Stocking Works Photo on Marker
[Caption reads] View of the Excelsior Bobbin & Spool Works, circa 1900.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2009
4. Bobbin Works Photo on Marker
[Caption reads] View of Bobbin Works, circa 1920.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2009
5. Stocking Works and Sign
Rain didn't dampen spirits at the beer festival.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,739 times since then and 131 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
