Liebhardt History
John Liebhardt was born in Strasbourg, France, in 1814 and came to America at the age of 19. In 1848 he moved to Middletown and soon purchased the grist mill on Deer Creek. Liebhardt stopped using the mill as a grist mill and created a woolen mill, making mostly socks and blankets. Thus Liebhardt founded the Liebhardt Woolen Mills.

The woolen mill was the first of its kind in the area. Settlers came from near and far to sell or buy wool or to have it washed, combed and dyed so that it was ready for socks, mittens and other clothing.

A large water wheel provided power for the mill. It was moved in 1885 to South Eighth Street, where steam provided the power.

It eventually changed faces, as the company expanded operations, building five additional facilities around the country and narrowing down its product line.

After becoming a pillow factory, Liebhardt Mills Inc. was known for having sold pillows and quilts to prominent Hollywood stars, including Mary Pickford. Pickford, a silent movie star, helped establish Paramount Studios as an industry leader. Although she was not the first female performer to achieve star status, Pickford was often considered the movies’ first superstar. Thirty-five quilts were also delivered to the queen of Romania.

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