Faculty Advisor(s)

Jennifer M. Black

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Abstract

Scranton, Pennsylvania was home to early industry crucial to early American development. Early settlements turned to booming businesses as locals took advantage of local coal and iron deposits to build the rail industry. This growth, furthered by the geographic advantages of the city, made Scranton the perfect place for a new business venture. In 1891, the English Nottingham Lace Firm was looking to expand business, eventually settling on Northeastern Pennsylvania. Although the company saw some difficulties at its inception, it soon became the largest global producer of Nottingham lace in the world. Early management prioritized customer relationships, as shown through their efforts to cater products towards the public. Such sentiment is evident in their shift to wartime production during both world wars, as well as a continuous attempt to produce goods in demand. In the 1950s, as the surrounding industries declined, Scranton Lace was able to persevere, surviving bankruptcy and risky investments. However, it would never be able to completely recover and, in 2002, permanently closed its doors mid-shift. This project argues that this proliferation was due to the advantages provided by the region and established industries, as well as the tendency to cater advertisements and trends to consumer desires. “History and Fortitude of the Scranton Lace Company” builds on prior research conducted on the history of Scranton. Primary archival material and narratives are compared to data to understand how the Scranton Lace Company left a lasting impression, helping to build the city it called home for over a century.

Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Poster

Department

History, Government, Law & National Security

Keywords

Scranton, Scranton Lace, Nottingham Lace, Scranton Lace Company, Alexander Guterma, industry, textiles

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | History | Other Business | Public History

History and Fortitude of the Scranton Lace Company

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