by Laurel | February 18th, 2013
18 September 1904
Skinner Mills
The news of most interest this week has been the making public of the decision of William Skinner Manufacturing Company to erect a new mill on its site bought some time ago — between the Whitcomb building and Appleton Street. The company is not to build as extensive a structure as originally planned when a foolish strike caused such aggravation that work begun ceased; yet the addition planned is of no inconsiderable size, and, further, is to be built with an eye to a future addition that will equal the original structure planned. Of special interest is the fact that this step of the Skinner company definitely settles the point that the company desires, and if allowed to do so will make Holyoke its manufacturing home. There are scores of communities who would gladly welcome the establishment of a branch mill of the company in their midst, and would even make a considerable sacrifice to obtain it. In this light Holyoke two years ago appeared to be in the act of selling its industrial birthright for a mess of trades union pottage. It fortunately developed subsequently that the foolish action of the unions was indignantly repudiated by the majority of Holyoke citizens common-sense reflection of a few movements being generally enough to settle the matter in most minds.
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
