Libertyville Woolen Mill · Binary Visions · Hudson River Valley Heritage Exhibits

Little documentation exists on the Libertyville Woolen Mill beyond local tradition stating that New Paltz residents Jacob Lowe (b.1786) and his brother Samuel (b.1789) were in partnership with Solomon DuBois in running a mill which specialized in fancy coverlet weaving. The mill was located approximately three miles south of New Paltz on the Wallkill River. The New York Census for Libertyville, Ulster Co., for 1850 lists Jacob Lowe as a weaver.

HHS Permanent Collection, 2009.61.10, Gift of Ruth O’Hara. Libertyville coverlet, Dinah Roosa, ca. 1840.

Two distinct design types appear to have been woven at Libertyville. One type is represented in a coverlet that bears Dinah Roosa’s name, seen here. The pattern this coverlet is a densely composed floral field centering four federal eagles each carrying the banner “E Pluribus Unum”. The whole is bordered with classical urns and a palmetto motif. Examples of this type found so far are not dated. A second design type, sometimes dated, incorporates medallions with scrolled floral and grapevine motifs. Both carry a “Libertyville, Ulster County, N.Y.” border inscription.

Historic Huguenot Street owns eleven coverlets produced at this factory (including one from the second type dated 1846). Family names include: Hasbrouck, Elting, Deyo, LeFevre, Roosa, Freer, Van Nostrand, and DuBois

HHS Permanent Collection, 2009.41.01 Gift of Mrs. Marian DuBois. Detail of woven coverlet and inscription reading LIBERTY-VILLE ULSTER COUNTY NY JANE ANN DUBOIS.