After Collapse at Historic Dobson Mills L & I Calls For Demolition of Three Buildings
By Joe Durrance
Mark your calenders. June 2000 marks the end of another era in East Falls and Philadelphia history.
With the demolition of a large portion of the Dobson Mill ruins
East Falls lost another link to its historic and industrial past.
After an upper floor
collapsed onto the lower floors and caused the outer wall along Scotts Lane to bow visibly, somebody dropped a dime on the 150 year old structures.
L & I was out the next day and told the property owners
that the three structures along Scotts Lane had to come down.
"It was the last thing we wanted to do." Said Cheryl Fineburg Property Manager
for the Chelsea. "But you can't argue with L and I." The Chelsea was given 10 days to demolish
three buildings along Scotts Lane.
Demolition crews began their work on the 150 year old structures that once held the mills on June 12.
Built of local Wissahickon schist, the structures along the Scotts Lane gave the narrow and secluded street
a feeling right out of the 19th Century.
Dobson Mills, like the Hohenadal Brewery on Conrad Street which was demolished a few years ago,
were important links to the social and economic history of East Falls.
Unlike the Hohenadal Brewery, which was lauded by some local residents
as an improvemnent when it was demolished, the Dobson Mill buildings will be
sorely missed.
Local historian Andy Waskie was saddened when he was informed of the demolition.
"The Dobson Brothers played an important and significant role in the economic
life of the city because of their woolen mills and the work they provided to the residents of East Falls" Waskie is on the board of directors of the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery.
James Dobson, a fervent patriot, made army blankets for the Union troops during the Civil War
and raised a company of troops from his workers. He lead them personally as captain to Gettysburg.
If you like to pay your respects to the Dobson Brothers at this time of loss they are interned at Laurel Hill Cemetery located just up the road on Ridge Avenue.
Related Links:
The Laurel Hill Cemetery
History and Mystery Tours of Philadelphia given by Andy Waskie.