In 1901, the Globe Mill of the Social Manufacturing Company, like many cotton mills in the area, was flourishing. Noting the success of the Social Manufacturing's three mill sites (Social, Nourse, & Globe), the Lippitt family (who had holdings in Social Manufacturing) consolidated their Manville Company with the enterprise. The newly formed partnership made them the city's largest textile employer, with just over 1,700 workers.
After the consolidation, the Globe Mill continued to operate successfully. Demand for its products continued until the early 1920s and 300 looms operated almost exclusively for Cluett, Peabody and Company during this time. However, this demand fell off rapidly with the wider acceptance of non-detachable shirts and collars and competition from southern cotton mills.
Slack business conditions continued into 1926 and the company announced that they would need to slash wages by 10%. In turn, the workers demanded shorter hours, reduced production, and higher wages. At an impasse, in 1927 the company closed Social Mill and sold the Nourse Mill. The Globe Mill continued with limited operations, but closed by 1930.
In 1935 the mill property was put up at auction, but did not sell. In 1946, the property was sold with the stipulation that all buildings and parts of buildings be removed from the premises within one year of the date of delivery of the deed. However, the rubble of the Globe Mill remained well into 1951.
<i>Images courtesy of the Rhode Island Historical Society (A, C, D, & E) and the Woonsocket Historical Society (B)</i>
