Owned by Pacific Mills, Lyman opened in 1931. Bought by M. Lowenstein and Co., in 1955, the mill employed over 3,000 workers by the 1960s. The mill closed in 2005. In anticipation of the General Strike of 34, Pacific Mills relied on the power of the state. They constructed an armory to stage an occupation of the town using the National Guard as strikebreakers and union-busters. The history of armed suppression of organized labor highlights the continual ties between state violence and capital. Though Lyman never unionized, since its founding workers faced material and bodily threats in their fight for wages you could live on and safe working conditions.
The dominance of the parking lot gives presence to the chapters of workers that filled those floors. The signs marking divisions of craft and purpose provide a glimmer into the daily life that made that place hum with activity. The act of love that organizing a mill was, love for your work, your labor, and love for your neighbor is humbling.
