While the textile business in the United States started in New England, it did not take Philadelphia long to catch up and pass our northern neighbors.  Three people who immigrated to Manayunk helped build what had been a small village into one of the major manufacturing centers of the country. 

• Joseph Ripka was a draft dodger from Silesia who at his peak employed 2000 men, women, and children in his mills, but went out of business at the start of the Civil War. 

Even if you know nothing about the textile business, I promise you will be informed and entertained.