4 Historic Hudson Valley Factories And What They Are Now

Historic Hudson Valley buildings have a story to tell. Whether they once were a place of work, entertainment, housing or production, it's interesting to learn about the past.

While exploring the historical information about our area, you may come across mysterious communities, abandoned ghost towns and Hudson Valley landmarks.

Do You Know Of Any Historic Hudson Valley Factories?

Driving in any town within the Hudson Valley, you'll be able to spot one or several historical sites. Some Hudson Valley towns date back to the 1600's and were referred to as different names as they go by today.

Take a look at what these historic Hudson Valley factories were in the past and what they are today.

SEE MORE: Where You Can See Guiness World Record Holder In The Hudson Valley

The Chocolate Factory

54 Elizabeth St, Red Hook, NY 12571

The Chocolate Factory at Red Hook shared information about their past.

"The Chocolate Factory was established in 1888 by Baker Chocolate. They manufactured 20,000 lbs of chocolate a day until 1924 when refrigeration allowed them to ship greater distances. Consequently they closed many local factories."

In 1924, The Chocolate Factory at Red Hook was sold to Walker Candy Company but then the company closed in the 1930's.

Later in time, The Chocolate Factory served as a cold storage warehouse for Hudson Valley grown fruit, frozen foods and concentrates. Ma Wagner's TV dinners also had a home at The Chocolate Factory at Red Hook.

In the early 80's, The Chocolate Factory building was abandoned and later repurposed and made into retail spaces and offices.

The Shirt Factory

77 Cornell St, Kingston, NY 12401

The Shirt Factory was also known as the Fessenden Shirt Factory.

In the 1900's, Kingston, NY factories employed thousands of residents.

According to the New York Heritage Digital Collections, 

"F. Jacobson and Sons was located at 77 Cornell Street, Kingston, New York. Employees at F. Jacobson and Sons work on sewing shirts. The Kingston F. Jacobson and Sons was opened on February 13, 1917. The company had factories in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York."

The Shirt Factory in Kingston, NY is now over 100 years old. Not only is The Shirt Factory,

"a unique location of artist studios, workspaces, lofts and creative businesses"

but it also is a place that Kingston residents call home.

This apartment and condo building is a renovated factory. It's fascinating that it provides residential and commercial spaces and was once a place of employment in the 1920s.

The Milk Factory

2860 NY-208, Walden, NY 12586

Thirsty anyone? A proposed hotel would be in a building of an old milk factory, The Milk Factory.

Michael Dorf is behind the idea of the proposed plan in the Hudson Valley for The Milk Factory.

Dorf founded Knitting Factory music venue and City Winery. He branched out and created the idea of City Winery with not only one location, but also a home in Atlanta, Boston, Nashville, and more exciting spots.

If all of the plans go through, The Milk Factory would be turned into a boutique hotel and more, it would only be about 10 minutes away from City Winery Hudson Valley.

Dorf expressed how he wanted to pay a tribute to Borden who made a huge impact in the dairy industry. Borden was known for being successful in condensing milk and having it done in a commercial method.

Borden's company had a location in Wassaic in 1861 and assisted the Union Army with milk supply. Ultimately, this adds to the name of this potential, new business, "The Milk Factory". This boutique hotel would have historic roots.

If the plans go through, The Milk Factory could also include a gym, spa, and pool amenities.

If the restaurant part of this idea gets approved, it would be called "Moo". The idea behind this would be working with local farms to bring a healthier aspect to the Hudson Valley.

The Silk Factory

 299 Washington St, Newburgh, NY 12550

This historic factory is now the home of Newburgh's Latest Entertainment Venue.

Located in the heart of the Newburgh, NY area sits The Silk Factory.

"Originally constructed in 1910, our venue was used as a factory and through the process called “throwing silk,” silk cocoons were unraveled and woven into silk thread hence the building’s name, Silk Factory. "

The Silk Factory is a great space for any occasion and a location that is unique to the Hudson Valley.

"An 8000 sq ft event facility which includes a 4000 sq ft restaurant on the 1st floor, an elevator, a 4000 sq ft banquet hall on the 2nd floor with almost 3,000 sq ft for seating, a 320 sq ft raised performance stage and an additional almost 600 sq ft bridal sweat/ green room."

 Rich Fracasse, Founder of The Silk Factory made it his mission to repurpose what was previously used as a Silk Factory to bring entertainment to the Hudson Valley. Residents and visitors can now enjoy their time in this space filled with delicious food, music and more.

This historic building is now an elegant and edgy space with unique and antique furniture and art throughout.

Which Hudson Valley factory is your favorite? Have you been to any of these? Share with us below.