History of the Mill

The Silk Mill opened in 1929, employing approximately 200 employees. The mill imported silk to be weaved and made parachutes for World War II.

The Silk Mill sits on six acres and is approximately 200,000 square feet. The mill has a water tower and was the first factory opened in the County of Orange. It employed two and three generations of families, until business declined in the early seventies, the mill shut down operation in 1979.

Kent Higginbotham purchased the Silk Mill in 1989. Since that, time extensive renovations have been made to accommodate the various businesses located here. Most of the wood flooring is original. Our restaurant is located in what was originally the weaving department of the mill.

The décor of the restaurant in is made up in part from original equipment of the Silk Mill. In fact, the curtains are made with material, donated by Hilda Winkler that was manufactured here many years ago. The other farm and household items are from farms and individuals in and around the Orange county area. Special thanks to Kent Higginbotham, Timber Ridge Farm, Homewood Farm and Orange Paint Center for their donations.

Please feel free to look at the pictures and equipment from the Silk Mill era, that we have in the restaurant.