Stevens Linen Works.

Henry Hale Stevens purchased the former Merino Wool Factory in Webster, Mass. and converted it to linen manufacture in 1846. This factory had previously been owned by the Dudley Woolen Manufacturing Company, 1818-1846. Under Stevens's ownership, the company produced linen fabric and shoe thread, adding jute materials such as burlap, bagging and various twines in 1870. In 1881, the mill reconverted to manufacture linen crash only. In the 20th century, the Crawford family became an important part of the company. John M. Crawford served as company agent from 1907 until his death in 1929.