The silk mill in Lonaconing, MD was in operation from 1907-1957. Initially, silk was imported from Japan  and China and the factory produced silk thread, and during WW II rayon. IN the 1920s the payroll included over 300 people, but in later years fewer than 200 worked there. and by the 50s antiquated machines in a small mill made compettion with larger facilities impossible. In 1957 the mill closed for good. The silk mill still stands in Lonaconing, as it did 50 years ago.