Historic White Mills
The picturesque community of White Mills is located along Route 6 between Honesdale and Hawley in Wayne County. The seemingly quiet town of today belies its early industrial fame as the home of the world renowned Dorflinger Glass Works, manufacturer of what has been referred to as America’s finest glass.
Beginning in the 1860s, the Dorflinger Works, and its founder, Christian Dorflinger, transformed White Mills from a sleepy hamlet on the banks of the Lackawaxen River into a bustling industrial center. For more than half a century the glass factory produced exquisite cut lead crystal that graced many of America’s finest tables including those of several White House administrations.
Although the factory closed in 1921, many vestiges of the company town that Dorflinger built remain to this day. The imposing stone factory building, distinctive worker’s houses, and the company store and office are but a few of the extant structures that have survived the intervening years. A superb museum housing numerous examples of Dorflinger glass is located above the town on the grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the home where Christian Dorflinger and his family lived.
Glass Worker’s House – 1867
Christian Dorflinger brought a small group of workers from France to work in his new Wayne County glass factory. The houses built in 1866-1867 for the families of these skilled workers were modified in 1875. In 2001, this house, the fifth in line of the original seven, was restored to its 1875 appearance.
Opening this year! The last Sunday May through October, 1pm to 5pm.
Dates are:
Sunday May 25, 2025 1-5
Sunday June 29, 2025 1-5
Sunday July 27, 2025 1-5
Sunday August 31, 2025 1-5
Sunday September 28, 2025 1-5
Sunday October 26, 2025 1-5
Historic White Mills Community Trail
This short trail extends through the site of the former Dorflinger glass factory from the 1911 White Mills Fire House to Lollipop Pond. Eight interpretive signs tell the history of the community. The trail is open from dawn until dusk.
Lackawaxen River Trails opened the White Mills River Access Park. The new river access including a concrete precast boat ramp, ADA parking, bathroom, benches and more is the culmination of years of fundraising, grant writing, design and construction at the site in Texas Township between Honesdale and Hawley. It is the first accessible public access for individuals with disabilities on the Lackawaxen River.
White Mills Fire House – 1911
This historic building was moved to its present location to save it from demolition. In 1999, a new bridge was constructed crossing the Lackawaxen River which threatened the building at its original location on the corner of Main and Park Street. There were fears it would have to be demolished. Through the great efforts of the public and local businesses, it was made possible to relocate the building a quarter mile down and across Route 6, where it sits today.
Dorflinger Factory Museum
This privately owned and operated museum features several displays of Dorflinger glass in the beautifully restored Dorflinger Office and Cutting Shop.
Delaware & Hudson Canal Lock Tender’s House – 1850
The former home of the Lock Tender for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company has been restored. It houses a small museum with canal artifacts and a diorama that shows how the canal system worked.
Lock House Today[/caption]