Our March speaker was Matthew KIERSTEAD, an Industrial Historian who works for Public Archaeology Lab in Pawtucket.
The company was employed by Streuver Brothers, Eccles and Rouse many months ago for help in placing the Royal Mill project
on the National Historic Register. The Mill is now on the Register and anyone who rides by will notice that work is progressing.
Matt is now assisting in planning an interpretive room (a small textile museum) which will be open to mill residents as well
as those who will be using the Riverwalk. He is looking for historical material and information including
photos, books, illustrations, ads – just about anything associated with the mill, the surrounding neighborhood, the workers,
and the products, throughout its 19th and 20th century history. The target date for the opening is January 2007.
He will be creating, at a later date, a short video about the mill which will include interviews with people, historian, etc.
What he would like from us is help in locating former employees or descendants from the Royal Mill,
Ace Dye Works and any other textile-related businesses that occupied the mill complex during the mid to late 20th century.
Any information about textile workers’ union in this area would be of interest. He would like to talk with people
who lived in proximity to the mill. If you can be of help please contact him.
Matt Kierstead
c/o P.A.L.
210 Lonsdale Ave.
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Phone: 401-728-8780
Fax: 401-728-8784
Adapted from ”The Pawtuxet Valley Historian”, March 2006, volume 19, issue 7, and April 2006, volume 19, issue 8.
Marie Baron slips were once made in the Royal Mills.
