New Movie Has York County Ties
Looms at Family Heirloom Weavers
Two new movies are being heavily hyped this weekend. I don’t plan to see Jonah Hex–too much violence. Toy Story 3 is more my cup of tea. Since the public’s taste in entertainment covers a wide range, I’m sure both will be quite successful. Which one do you think has a connection to York County?
Family Heirloom Weavers is in Adamsville, York Township, just down the road from Red Lion and Dallastown. The business was founded by David and Carole Kline in 1983, and son Patrick and his wife Kelly have joined his parents in the firm.
You might be familiar with their beautiful reproduction 19th century jacquard coverlets, but they weave a dazzling array of fabrics as well as authentic historical reproduction carpets. So far, they have woven carpeting for nine restored homes of U.S. Presidents and many more historical sites. Just last Sunday I toured Rock Ford, the home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand. Yep, there was a Family Heirloom carpet on the floor.
Some of their 40 looms produce lighter fabrics, such as curtains, bedding and table squares in beautiful patterns from the 18th and 19th centuries. They have also had success with their historically accurate material for clothing, both for re-enactors and the entertainment industry. Family Heirloom fabrics have appeared in Cold Mountain, Gods and Generals, 3:10 to Yuma, and now, the post Civil War tale based on a comic book character, Jonah Hex. (Even though it’s not my kind of movie, I’m still glad there is a little York County in there.)
The Family Heirloom factory is open for fascinating tours. A small donation is asked, which is then passed on to a charity. A three-story house next door is fitted out as a store/showroom. You can call 717-246-2431 to confirm a tour time.
