It started as a co-op for local sheep farmers to meet and spin and weave their wool. The mill also provided a place for grinding corn and wheat. In the mid-1800's, Nicholas Dunne took over the mill and developed it as Avoca Woolen Mills. In 1926 it was taken over by the Wynne sisters: Veronica, Emily and Winifred. They turned it into an international business, even providing the waistcoat material for King George VI as well as baby blankets for Queen Elizabeth II. They were active in Avoca until their deaths in the 1960's. The Mill fell into disrepair until in 1974 when it was purchased by the Pratt Family and it is again a vibrant, global company today.
We got to tour through and watch people weaving and producing gorgeous items. It is a free tour and it is short, but they have lots of information about the weaving craft and it is actually quite interesting. Of course, after touring that part, you go to the store! Haley bought a great hat with a big ball on top and it was gray and white and looked GREAT on her, but for some reason I didn't get a photo of that...
Connor put this on and came up to me saying "Help me Obi Wan Kanobi, you're my only hope!"
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