Newspapers / Amco News (High Point, … / Nov. 1, 1972, edition 1 / Page 1
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AMCO NEWS PG 77 I Vol. XXVIII No. 5 Adams-Millis Corporation Nov.-Dec., 1972 J. E. Millis Blacksmith Shop MEMORIAL HONORS A-M HOSIERY PIONEER J. E. MILLIS In High Point's Historical Park on East Lexington Ave nue at McGuinn Place, there stands a newly- restored 18th century blacksmith shop. A plaque inside the shop carries the inscription, "James Edward Millis, 1884-1961, given by Mrs. J. E. Millis and Family. " A major por tion of the funds for the restoration of the blacksmith shop, which was dedicated on November 14, was provided by the Millis family as a memorial to Mr. Millis. The shop resembles that used by black smiths in the late 18th century and the early l9th century in Piedmont North Carolina. The structure itself, moved from its original site Hartman Road in Davidson County, dates trom the 18th century and possible pre-dates the historical park's Haley House which was ^ilt in 1786 by John Haley, who was himself a blacksmith and not unlike Mr. Millis in leader ship in his time. Mr. Millis, father of Corporate President ames H. Millis and grandfather of William B. ^illis, personnel director of TexElastic's Rub er Covering Division, was one of the organiz ers of Adams-Millis Corporation, which became °ne of the largest hosiery producing firms in the ^orld. He served as president of the corpora tion from 1935 until 1952 when he became chair man of the board of directors and James H. Lillis succeeded him as president. He remain ed chairman of the board until his death in ctober of 1961. A man of broad vision and 9niet integrity, J. E. Millis as an industrial ivic, cultural and religious leader was for iftany years an inspiring force for the life and Pirit of High Point. With all of his busy activ- however, he always found time to share 6 interests of his family. The blacksmith Op, often the backbone of the early American 'Community, is indeed a fitting tribute to his iioemory. On exhibit in the High Point Museum, a part of the historical park complex, is one of the first type of knit ting machine used to make hosiery in the Adams-Millis Corpora tion plant. It is the Ceorge D. Mayo knit ting machine, forty of which were installed in 1904 at a cost of $5, 000. Only one grade and one style of hosiery, service weight and all black, was produced. The stocking was knit in string fashion and cut apart; the toe was closed with a seam. Average output for the first year amounted to 200 dozen pairs daily. The knitting machine was presented to the museum by Adams-Millis Corporation Presi dent James H. Millis. Mayo Machine
Amco News (High Point, N.C.)
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Nov. 1, 1972, edition 1
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