Between 1865 and 1921, Christian Dorflinger employed thousands of skilled workers—both imported from Europe and trained locally—in his huge glass factory in White Mills. In those days, White Mills was truly a “company town.” Dorflinger built houses, churches and schools for his employees and trained workers who became mainstays of the glass industry around the U.S. 

The surviving buildings of the Dorflinger glass factory in White Mills have a new life as the Dorflinger Factory Museum, a 21st-century tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world. Other stunning displays of Dorflinger glass can be seen at the Dorflinger Wildlife Sanctuary and Glass Museum, also in White Mills, and the Wayne County Historical Society in Honesdale. 

From the files of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, PA. For more information, call 570/253-3240 or visit www.WayneHistoryPA.org.