On This Day In 1888 Adelaide Silk Mill Boiler Explodes

On this day July 9th, 1888 one of the boilers at the Adelaide Silk Mill in Allentown, Pa. exploded killing three men.

Disaster In A Silk Mill
The New York Times

"ALLENTOWN, Penn., Monday, July 9.--A boiler of the Adelaide Silk Mill exploded at 7 o'clock this morning with terrific effect, killing three men and wrecking the boilerhouse. The disaster will probably cause a suspension of operations for at least six weeks.

During the usual July stoppage at the mill last week the six boilers were thoroughly repaired and overhauled, and work was resumed this morning at 6:30 o'clock, when 925 operatives were in the several departments of the mill. Half an hour later a rumbling noise, which was heard all over the mill, startled those at work, and it was followed a moment later by three or four reports similar to the rolling of thunder. In an instant the air was filled with flying bricks, pieces of iron, and splinters of wood..."Read The Whole Article Here or click on the newspaper clipping to the left.


The Adelaide Silk Mill, Allentown, PA, circa 1915

Photo Credit: 'Explore Pa. History.com' which credits the 'Pennsylvania State Archives' for this photo.


Also On this day:
In 1868 The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified and in 1877 The Bell Telephone Company was formed.