Exploring Amsterdam's Industrial Past: A Journey Through the Chuctanunda Creek Trail

The Chuctanunda Creek Trail in Amsterdam, New York, combines natural scenery with industrial history. The creek was crucial for the city's growth, powering early mills. This led to a strong industrial sector, giving Amsterdam the title 'Rug City'. The textile mills became carpet manufacturers, including S. Sanford & Sons, Shuttleworth Brothers Company, and McCleary, Wallin & Crouse. The Sanford complex, with about 40 buildings, showcases the city's industrial history.

Amsterdam also hosted other important industries. The Chalmers Knitting Co., established in 1901, produced 'Porosknit' fabric for men's underwear. At its height, the company had 600 employees and made 1,300 dozen garments daily. The Chalmers brand lasted until 1957, with a change of ownership in 1945.

Coleco Industries, started in 1932, relocated to Amsterdam in 1964 to make recreational equipment. The company entered the electronic game market in 1976, increasing its local workforce to over 4,000 in the early 1980s. However, financial issues led to Coleco's bankruptcy in 1988.

The Amsterdam Broom Co., established in 1884, was once the largest independent broom manufacturer globally. After a fire in 1909, a bigger mill was built, raising the annual production to 4 million brooms. But, production in the city stopped in 1966.

The Hampshire Pearl Button Co., operational since 1898, was the largest pearl button producer globally. However, the company closed in 1964 due to competition from zippers and plastics. Despite the fall of these industries, Amsterdam has 13 properties on the historic registry and varied architecture. The Chuctanunda Creek Trail, with its waterfalls, bridges, and dams, provides a glimpse into the city's industrial history.

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