The Old Woolen Mill, originally the Cleveland Woolen Mill, was built in Cleveland, TN in 1890 with a mission to process wool from local farms into clothing. The Cleveland Woolen Mill was established in 1890 to process wool from surrounding farms into finished clothing. The mill's slogan, "From the sheep's back to the clothing rack," reflected its ability to handle the entire production process, from raw wool to finished garments. Over time, the mill expanded, eventually reaching approximately 200,000 square feet of floor space. The company, which later became Hardwick Woolen Mills, was founded by local businessman C.L. Hardwick and other partners. They developed an innovative fabric called "jean cloth," used to produce popular "Dollar Pants." When Hardwick Clothes relocated to a new facility in the 1970s, the Old Woolen Mill fell into a period of disuse.
Dry Creek, as it was named by local children, ran through the center of the Mill grounds and underneath the main structure. Dye, used from daily milling, was dumped into the creek. One day the dye would be red, the next day it might be blue. Local children found a great deal of pleasure playing in Dye Creek. However, when they arrived home, their parents were not happy. Their clothes and bodies would be colored with whatever dye was used that day.
Dr. Coleman purchased the Mill in 1999 and has brought new life to this Historic Downtown structure. He communicated to Art is Here Partnership that he would like to see an Art Festival at the Mill. Art is Here Partnership has taken on this task and is hosting the 2025 Dye Creek Fine Arts Festival on October 11, 2025.
Interested fine arts vendors please use this link to apply:
https://tinyurl.com/f2puh2an
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Festivals in Cleveland,
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