Etched in the memory of this bluestone behemoth forever is the immigrant labor, which tells the story of these United States from more than a century ago. Once a bustling mill making silk, given the name of Bellemonte, it now preserves that history in a significant way with a Semiquincentennial Bell as a centerpiece to mark 250 years of the American promise.

"So the site is important, but the story is also important. We were honored to be selected to honor those who had been not recognized to date for their contributions to our country for the Semiquincentennial of the United States, 250 years," said Grant Genzlinger of Settlers Hospitality. "So our site is dedicated to honoring immigrants, women, and children who were the workers in the industrial factories of our region."

In February 2024, the Hawley Silk Mill and Settlers Hospitality embarked on a journey to bring a bronze Semiquincentennial Bell here. The call for donations went out, and generous donors answered to bring a piece of history to the Pocono Mountains, near the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, to the thriving town of Hawley and silk mill, where it was delivered on a sun-soaked day in October.

Before that, it was forged in Philadelphia, inscribed with the words: "In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here."

"I am honored to stand here today and look out to see this beautiful permanent Semiquincentennial Bell, a bell that will indeed lock the story of grit and perseverance of immigrants, primarily women and children, who forged the nation during the Industrial Revolution, said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA.

"And our newest business partner in town and also the largest individual sponsor with us on this project is Northwell Health, which many of you will hear more about in the future," said Settlers Hospitality CEO Justin Genzlinger. "They contributed $100,000 today as they open the first urgent care primary care center in Pike County."

Today, the Hawley Silk Mill is home to a college campus, coffee shop, brewery, event space, shops, and a fitness center. It serves as a major destination for locals and visitors and is now one of only a handful of locations across Pennsylvania to have a bronze bell commemorating the Semiquincentennial.

"This exhibit really is the story of thread, right—from cottage home industries where people did work in their homes to the Industrial Revolution, where it became large-scale industries, spawning other industries around it," added Grant Genzlinger.

"We want folks when they're here to think, "Wow. What else can we do?" How can we go outside of Philadelphia? How can we travel across the Commonwealth, and what is there for us to see and do that's historic, that we can go back and have a meaningful experience here in the Commonwealth? Hopefully, they'll come and see these Semiquincentennial Bells," added Coleman.

Plans for the Hawley Silk Mill bell include a replica of the Bicentennial Bell gifted to the U.S. from Great Britain, a monument wall, seating, as well as educational signs and a walking tour―all set to celebrate America250PA here in the Pocono Mountains, where freedom rings to this day.