History & Culture
Copyright Daniel C. Krebs The history of the City of Paterson includes its beginnings as the ambitious project of Hamilton and the Society for Establishing Useful Manufacturers (S.U.M.) in 1792 at the Great Falls, the early development of water power systems for industrial use, and the various types of manufacturing that occurred in the District's mills into the 20th Century. These included cotton fabrics, railroad locomotives, textile machinery, jute, and silk spinning, weaving, and dyeing, among many others. The Great Falls also represents compelling stories of the lives of immigrants who labored in the mills, those who owned and operated manufacturing concerns and became wealthy, and the quest of laborers and the labor movement for better working conditions and pay. Immigrants still settle today in Paterson to pursue their versions of Hamilton's vision, creating a diverse and vibrant culture.
In Boston, Lambert worked for Benjamin Tilt and Walter Dexter at their silk factory. Several years later, Tilt left the business and Dexter offered Lambert a partnership. Dexter offered Lambert a $5,000 loan which over the course of three years, Lambert managed to pay back and buy Dexter’s share. As the business grew in the 1860s, Lambert had a three-story factory built in Paterson, NJ known as the Dexter Mill. The Dexter Mill had a large amount of government contracting during the Civil War. In 1857, Lambert married Isabella Eldridge Shattuck. During their marriage, the couple had eight children who lived well and accomplished lives. The Lamberts moved to Paterson, NJ in the 1860s when they purchased Maplewood in south Paterson. Lambert was the president of the Silk Association of America and the Merchants Loan and Trust Co. of Paterson among other organizations. Throughout his many years, Lambert managed to acquire an extensive antique and art collection. By 1892, the Maplewood home was no longer large enough to house his vast collection. From there, they began work on “Belle Vista,” also known as “Lambert Castle.” Belle Vista was named after Lambert’s beloved wife Isabella who died in 1901, eight years after moving into the castle. Lambert continued to live in the Castle until his death on February 15, 1923. Lambert Castle is now home to the Passaic County Historical Society. Its magnificent history still captivates the imagination of the visitors to the museum and library at “Belle Vista.” Enjoy more images of Lambert Castle and Tower by clicking on the link that connects you to the Paterson Great Falls Flickr page. |
Last updated: April 29, 2017