The first yard of silk woven in Canada

The first yard of silk woven in Canada, 1922

“I am the first yard of silk ever produced in Canada. It was in 1922 at the Bruck Silk Mills in Cowansville, Quebec. Recognized for my durability as well as for my fine quality, I was cut away from the rest of my bolt. I was framed as witness to my significance to the history of Quebec and, indeed, to Canada.”

– Quote published by the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network. This artifact is part of the 100 objects collection that represents the identity of the English-speaking people of Quebec.

Bruck Silk Mills memorial plate, 1922

An unprecedented achievement
At its inauguration on July 21, 1922, the mill produces the first full-width silk yardage in Canada. At the time, Bruck is the only company to produce fabrics in their entire width from raw silk imported from Japan. Its competitors only make trimmings, laces, ribbons, or sewing threads. This precious artifact is now preserved and exhibited in the Bruck Museum. It is part of the 100 Objects collection that represents English-speaking communities in Quebec, as selected by the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN).

Kiosk of the Bruck Silk Mills at the Wembley Exhibition, 1924

International exposure: the Wembley colonial exhibition
As a national jewel in the crown of the silk industry, Bruck Silk Mills has the honour of being selected to represent Canada at the British Empire Exhibition held in Wembley, England, from April 1924 to October 1925. This great event celebrating the British Empire attracts about 27 million visitors. It is an important showcase for Bruck, which takes advantage of it to develop new markets. Its silks are tremendously popular and receive a gold medal and a special mention from Queen Victoria.

Employee mending the threads, circa 1946