Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company and Mill Workers
Stage Point Pier
The long white building seen from here used to house the Naumkeag
Steam Cotton Company that incorporated in 1839 and was considered
one of the finest cotton factories in the country. In 1886, the
mill “produced 18,750,000 yards of cotton, had a work force
of 1,400 ‘operatives’ — over half of whom were women
— and a payroll of $420,000.”11
The company was a pioneer in steam-driven power and also in providing
employee benefits, including health care, family outings, pensions,
education, and training — well before today’s employee
benefits packages came into existence. Unfortunately, Salem’s
great fire of 1914 destroyed the mill complex. The warehouse —
filled with a million pounds of cotton — was burned to the
ground. Only one structure survived. No one was injured, but hundreds
of workers lost everything. Their homes were destroyed, most lost
a lifetime of possessions, they had nothing to eat, and no place
to stay. True to form, the company helped its employees find food
and shelter and promised to rebuild as quickly as possible. The
long success of the “Pequot” and “Naumkeag”
brands of sheeting allowed the company to secure financial backing.
By 1920, the mills earned over nine million dollars and employed
seven hundred and sixty-eight women and five hundred and fifty-six
men.
Notes
11. Salem Maritime National Historic Site files.
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