Specimen of superfine broad cloth, which obtained the first premium from the Domestic manufacturing Society of Philadelphia -- and a specimen of second quality -- both made by Col. Humphreys of New Haven

Object Status:

Unlocated

Primary Source Reference:

Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia) 4 Jan 1809

Notes:

David Humphreys (1752-1818) was a soldier, author, politician, foreign minister, and entrepreneur. "He set up the first successful woollen mill factory in the new country, and it quickly achieved the reputation as the best producer of broadcloth in the United States. . . . Humphreys is regarded as the founder of the woollen industry in America." (Wikipedia)

The premium was awarded by the recently established Philadelphia Premium Society, which announced its first set of awards in July 1808, including $50 for the best piece of superfine broadcloth and $30 for the second best piece of broadcloth. Oracle and Daily Advertiser (New York), 28 July 1808