Sunday, February 7, 2010

Woolen Mills Chapel, Charlottesville, Virginia

East of Charlottesville, along the Rivanna River, a community grew up around the Charlottesville Woolen Mills. The company built housing for the workers to live near the factory, and in 1887 contributed a plot of land and $150 for the construction of a chapel. Contruction of the Gothic Style structure began in July, 1887, and was completed by Christmas. In 1908, a Sunday School wing, also funded by the company, was built.

The mill went out of business in the early 1960s, but the chapel still serves the community.

More information about the Woolen Mills Chapel and the historic community surrounding it is available at the Woolen Mills website. Of particular interest is The Woolen Mills Village, 1920, a Snapshot, a tour of the Woolen Mills district with both vintage and contemporary photographs, along with historical information about some of the people who lived and worked in this place.


UPDATE: Bill Emory just let me know that he has posted some photos of the Woolen Mills District taken during the snow storm that hit the Charlottesville area this weekend. Be sure to take a look.

1 comment :

  1. The Charlotresville Woolen Mills is a very historical place! it s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Charlottesville. The mill operated from the mid 1850's to the 1960's when it permanently closed. The woolen mills chapel was a meeting place for the mill workers and a worship place. today, it is a worship place and a meeting place for the neighborhood.

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