Stone Mill History

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This five-story granite mill building was one of the major catalysts for the 19th century population surge in Ware, Massachusetts. As New England’s fledgling textile industry of the era played a vanguard role in transforming the U.S. into an industrial nation, the significance of this type of mill can hardly be understated. The Otis Mill #1 in Ware is one of the last remaining granite textile mills of this early period in central/western Massachusetts. The mill was built in 1845 for the Otis Company, which initially manufactured woven cotton fabric, but later branched out into stockings, woolen shirts and drawers underwear. The company was Ware’s largest employer for about 100 years! The company prospered thru WWI employing over 2,500 people. During the 1920’s the business began a decline due to the southern state’s mills and lack of modernization. In the mid 30’s the Otis Co sold its property to the citizens of Ware then founding the Ware Industries, Inc to continue as the major employer in the town. Ware's community inspired survival tactics soon became known nation-wide as “The Town That Can’t Be Licked.” 

Over the years and into the early 1980's Ware continued to fill the Mill Yard buildings with manufacturing. The Stone Mill has been home to many businesses over the years. Ware Sportwear, Seven Sisters, Ware Knitters, Pioneer Knitters and even converted to a factory outlet center in the late 80's and into the 90's after a article in the New York times noted Ware as the Mill Out Capital of the World. Like many historic buildings a change of circumstances brought forth difficult times for many of the retailers within the Stone Mill and the retailers eventually closed their doors. Since 1993 The Stone Mill has been headquarters for Berkshire Blanket Inc. Berkshire Blanket has become a national brand and we are all proud to have had Berkshire as the foundation for the Stone Mill for all these years. Berkshire Blankets is now relocating its corporate offices to Worcester, Ma. and presents a transition period.

This transition in the Stone Mill occupancy is opening up new opportunities for the greater Ware community. The future tenant plan is a Tap Room, Art and Ceramic Studios, Photographers, and Working Professionals. Our goal is to build a single location where craftsmen, artist, therapists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects and more can have a work and social environment steps away from each other. A sort of incubator, providing workspaces and entertainment together while creating jobs for local residents!