Fead Knitting Mill Factory

Preservation Forward is spearheading the historic redevelopment of the John L. Fead & Sons Knitting Mill at 1635 Poplar St., Port Huron, MI. Built in 1907, this mill was a significant producer of socks and mittens during both World Wars, employing around 250 people at its peak. After closing due to overseas competition, Charles L. Fead re-acquired it in the 1960s to establish Plastic Plaque Products, which creates plastic emblems for burial vaults.

As the historic preservation specialist, Preservation Forward is currently managing the National Register of Historic Places nomination process for the mill. We're facilitating the National Register Historic Property Documentation Form, which includes the historic narrative, period of significance, historic function, architectural history, architectural description, statement of significance, applicable NRHP criteria, geographical data, photo-documentation, and bibliographical references. Preservation Forward will then present the National Register of Historic Places nomination to the State Historic Preservation Review Board (SHPRB) at its quarterly meeting for approval and submission to the Keeper of the NRHP at the National Park Service for listing, with an anticipated listing in 2026. We're also providing crucial technical guidance and financial incentive expertise to ensure a successful rehabilitation, working closely with owners, local, state, and federal partners, architects, general contractors, and tradespeople. Work on the redevelopment is expected to commence in the fall of 2025.