Baer Silk Mill

Hidden in the town of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, is the Baer Silk Mill, a piece of history that's still standing strong. The mill takes you back to the early 20th century, with its old walls telling stories of a different time.

The mill’s story starts with Eugene Baer, a third-generation silk weaver from Switzerland. Born in 1868 in Patterson, New Jersey, Eugene learned the trade from his father, Jacob Baer, who had moved to the U.S. in 1856. In 1896, Eugene started his own company in Patterson, but by 1898, he decided to move his business to Lehighton. He set up shop in a large four-story brick building at the intersection of Seventh and Bridge Streets, where the mill became a key part of the local community and provided jobs for many.

In 1912, the Baer Silk Mill was officially incorporated, and the Helvetica Silk Co. moved into its upper floors in 1913. Eugene’s son, Carlos Baer, eventually took over the business, continuing his family’s legacy until his retirement. The mill became a lasting part of the town’s history and a symbol of the Baer family's impact on the silk industry.

THE BUILDING THAT ONCE HOUSED THE BAER SILK MILL IS NOW A THRIVING PART OF THE LEHIGHTON COMMUNITY, AND ITS HISTORY SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE TOWN'S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE