White Mills

🏭 White Mills, nestled in Texas Township, Wayne County, PA, is a village with a legacy that sparkles—literally. Once a bustling hub of American glassmaking, it’s now a quiet community with deep historical roots and scenic charm.

📍 Location & Layout

• Positioned along Route 6, between Honesdale and Hawley
• Covers about 1.5 square miles, with the Lackawaxen River flowing nearby
• Elevation: ~948 feet

👥 Community Snapshot

• Population: ~659 (2010 Census)
• Density: ~444 people per square mile
• ZIP Code: 18473 | Area Code: 570

🏛️ Historical Significance

• Founded in the 1860s by Christian Dorflinger, a French-speaking Alsatian immigrant
• Became famous for the Dorflinger Glass Works, which produced exquisite lead crystal used in the White House and by American elites
• Dorflinger built a company town with over 100 homes for skilled European craftsmen

🏡 Architectural Legacy

• Distinctive worker’s houses, some restored to their 19th-century appearance
• The original factory buildings, company store, and office still stand
• Home to the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes a museum showcasing Dorflinger glass

🌿 Today’s White Mills

• A peaceful village with preserved historic structures
• Offers a glimpse into America’s industrial artistry and immigrant craftsmanship
• Hosts seasonal events at the Glassworker’s House and Lock Tender’s House