The History Behind Our Name, Silktown

Since so many people are curious as to where the name Silktown came from, we wanted to share some of the story of the Cheney Brothers and the rich history of their industry here in Manchester, CT where Silktown Roofing, Inc. was founded and is currently headquartered.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century the Cheney Brothers started a silk manufacturing company, the first America-based silk company to properly raise and process silkworms to develop techniques of spinning and weaving silk. Their manufacturing became a center of the silk industry in Manchester, CT which spanned 175 acres, over 275 mill buildings, workers houses, churches, schools and Cheney family mansions. These structures have since been declared National Hisctoric Landmarks as of 1978.

Silktown Roofing, Inc.’s headquarters in Manchester, CT is located within the Cheney Brothers bathhouse which was built in 1913. It has since undergone extensive rehab but maintains the historical preservation of the original build. This public bath house was open on weekdays at noontime and most evenings as well as Saturdays and Sundays. The baths and soaper were free and towels could be rented at a low price.

Additionally, one of the main warehouses for Silktown’s Manchester operation is located at the former Finishing and Printing Mill which was built in 1946. Similar to the bathhouse, the exterior has been maintained to preserve the strong history behind this building and the Cheney Brother’s successes in town.