Spinning it forward: Renovation plans set for a former silk mill in Western Maryland

A former silk mill dating back more than 100 years is under new ownership and renovation of the historic landmark is underway. Located on East Railroad Street in Lonaconing, the Klotz Throwing Company — sometimes written as Klots — opened in 1907, producing silk and rayon until it was closed in 1957 during a labor dispute. At its peak in the 1920s, the facility employed more than 300 peop The former mill in Allegany County was purchased in March by Brandon Sloan, a Lonaconing resident, from heirs of the late owner Herb Crawford. .