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Weaving In New Harmony

Weaving has been a part of New Harmony since its founding by the Harmony Society, a communitarian group who left the German Lutheran church under the leadership of George Rapp, and came to the United States in 1805. The Society first settled in Pennsylvania and moved to Indiana in 1814. While in Pennsylvania and later in Indiana they developed a thriving industry in textiles, especially woolen broadcloth. For economic reason, this highly acclaimed fabric was later mostly replaced by the production of cotton goods. Reportedly in 1821, their cotton industry produced "8000 yards plaids, stripes, checks, sheetings and shirtings, besides 5000 lbs. yarn for sale exclusive of what they used themselves." By the time the Society sold their town to Robert Owen in 1824, steam power was being used for the carding, spinning, weaving, and finishing processes in their manufactory.

Maps of early New Harmony show Sheep Barn (three), Bleaching Ground (three), Weave Haus, Cotton & Woolen Mill, Dye House, and Cotton Gin. All these buildings and much equipment went to the new owner. "The machinery left behind burned June 27, 1828, in a fire which destroyed the woolen and cotton establishments," and Robert Owen's experimental utopian communal society reverted to private ownership. Today many original Harmonist buildings still stand including the Rapp Granary which was a woolen mill from 1866-1878.

Weaving was revived in New Harmony in the 1960's with summer college credit classes. That the looms might be used all year, Earth & Fiber Shop was opened in the late 70's. More beginning classes were offered and fibers and weaving supplies made available to the public. This shop became the non-profit New Harmony Weaving Institute in the 80's under the leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors. In the mid 90's the store reverted to its previous owner who rented it to different entrepreneurs. Weaving at that location ceased in November, 1998. Now the looms have been made available to Weave Haus and have been moved to our present location at 527 Church Street. Weaving and spinning lessons and supplies are once again available to the public in this historic town.

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