The Adelaide Silk Mill opened in Allentown at 333 West Court Street in 1881. When it opened, the city leaders had high hopes for the silk trade. With its many ancillary businesses, the silk industry became the largest in the city and remained so until the late 20th century. By 1914 there were 26 mills in Allentown, which by 1928, when rayon was introduced became 85 mills. Over 10,000 people were employed in the Allentown silk industry at its height during the 1940s.