Cold Spring Bleachery Topic Of Tour, Discussion

YARDLEY, PA —They say that certain businesses or landmarks make up the "fabric of the community."

One place that made fabric in the borough is highlighted during two events sponsored by the Yardley Historical Association.

The Cold Spring Bleachery was once Yardley’s largest industry.

On Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., a program will feature stories and photos of the Bleachery building, the company’s often dangerous operations, as well as its executives, employees, and demolition.

The presentation will take place at the Old Library by Lake Afton, 46 West Afton Ave.

A guided walking tour of the site of the Bleachery is scheduled for Sunday, April 28.

Today, the Yardley Walk residences stand on the property, but many remnants of the business remain, including two, now scenic, reservoirs and a dam on Brock Creek.

The 1-1/2 mile roundtrip tour will begin at the Old Library by Lake Afton at 2 p.m.

The program on April 11 is free and no reservations are required.

Reservations are needed for the walking tour, and a $10 per person donation is requested.

To reserve a place, e-mail info@yardleyhistory.org or call 215-208-1154.

The Cold Spring Bleachery, which in its 1950-60s heyday employed 150 people, was part of the rhythm of Yardley with its daily opening and closing whistle serving as the town clock.

Established in 1902, the company received huge bolts of “gray” cloth, cleaned and finished the material, then shipped it to manufacturers to be made into consumer goods, such as men’s shirts.

With a sales office in New York City, it was a leader in its industry.

The Yardley Historical Association is dedicated to preserving and maintaining the Old Library by Lake Afton and sharing its collections of books, documents, and ephemera related to Yardley’s history. Click here for more information about the association's activities.