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

Canva, Historic Red Hook, Facebook

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

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Canva, The Shirt Factory, New York Heritage Digital Collections

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

Canva, The Milk Factory, Instagram

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

Canva, The Silk Factory, Facebook, Google Maps

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.

The Only Way To Catch All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River

How Can You Experience The View Of All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River?

Spending time outdoors in the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite things, I also enjoy exploring different attractions and new experiences.

I took part in the Hudson River Cruises Sunset Cruise out of Ulster County, NY. Being on the Hudson River, seeing historical sites and soaking in the fresh, summer air was uplifting.

This is the only way that history buffs, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can experience these 5 sites along the Hudson River.

Take a look at what can be experienced along this cruise.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Filed Under: Kingston, Newburgh, ny, Red Hook, The Chocolate Factory, The Milk Factory, The Shirt Factory, The Silk Factory, Walden

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