Last updated: April 12, 2023
Place
Draper Mill Complex
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Cellular Signal
George Draper gave rise to a new era in Hopedale. This Draper brother had a passion for finding innovative technology to make the production of cloth more efficient. He led the company's charge to become the nation's leading producer of machines for the cloth-making industry. The more idealistic Ebenezer, who had started the business as a member of the original Hopedale community, eventually left town. For him, finances came second to the fraternal order.
Even without Ebenezer, the Drapers ran one of the most successful textile production companies in the world. Although their business got its start in the Little Red Shop, the Drapers’ ambition quickly outgrew their small, unassuming workshop. Over time, new buildings were constructed all over Hopedale, including a large brick complex that eclipsed all others in town.
During the 1880s, Draper produced and sold more than six million new high-speed spindles to textile companies. By the 1890s, the Drapers dominated the nation's loom-making business.
Workers in Hopedale manufactured every piece of the machines they used, including the nuts
and bolts. Some processed raw steel in the foundry. Other laborers innovated and made new
technologies, such as the bobbin battery, that would change the weaving world. At its height of production, the Draper Corporation employed more than 4,000 workers. For many years, their home base was a massive facility located opposite the present-day Draper museum.
Many community institutions were built with money from the Draper business. But this era of
prosperity did not last forever. After World War II, the Draper family slowly divested themselves of most of their town properties. The corporation was also acquired by an outside owner, Rockwell International. They closed the large plant on Hopedale Street in 1978.
After decades of vacancy, demolition of the Draper complex began in August 2020 and
continued through 2022. During your visit, you may see some signs of the factory that was once here. Most visitors will have to imagine what this huge presence was once like, however, in the space of its vacancy.
Even without Ebenezer, the Drapers ran one of the most successful textile production companies in the world. Although their business got its start in the Little Red Shop, the Drapers’ ambition quickly outgrew their small, unassuming workshop. Over time, new buildings were constructed all over Hopedale, including a large brick complex that eclipsed all others in town.
During the 1880s, Draper produced and sold more than six million new high-speed spindles to textile companies. By the 1890s, the Drapers dominated the nation's loom-making business.
Workers in Hopedale manufactured every piece of the machines they used, including the nuts
and bolts. Some processed raw steel in the foundry. Other laborers innovated and made new
technologies, such as the bobbin battery, that would change the weaving world. At its height of production, the Draper Corporation employed more than 4,000 workers. For many years, their home base was a massive facility located opposite the present-day Draper museum.
Many community institutions were built with money from the Draper business. But this era of
prosperity did not last forever. After World War II, the Draper family slowly divested themselves of most of their town properties. The corporation was also acquired by an outside owner, Rockwell International. They closed the large plant on Hopedale Street in 1978.
After decades of vacancy, demolition of the Draper complex began in August 2020 and
continued through 2022. During your visit, you may see some signs of the factory that was once here. Most visitors will have to imagine what this huge presence was once like, however, in the space of its vacancy.