Industrial Decay: A Journey Through The Abandoned Fownes Glove Factory

The Fownes Factory in Amsterdam, New York, has a rich history that dates back to 1903 when it was first built. The factory was primarily used for producing gloves and other leather products, and it remained in operation for more than a century, until its closure in 2010.

Over the years, the Fownes Factory became an iconic landmark in Amsterdam, and its distinctive red brick façade and imposing size made it a familiar sight to many who lived in the area. As one of the oldest industrial buildings in the region, the factory played an important role in the local economy, providing jobs for generations of workers and supporting the growth of the surrounding community. At one point, the factory supplied electricity to the city of Amersterdam.

Despite its closure, the Fownes Factory continued to attract attention from those who were interested in its history and architectural significance. In 2019, I decided to take pictures of the old factory, perhaps to capture a piece of the past before it was lost to time.

Walking through the empty halls of the factory, I saw evidence of the building’s former use, such as discarded machinery and boxes of textiles. The factory’s large windows, which once let in streams of natural light to aid in the production process, now stood dark and empty, their panes long since broken, some covered in plastic sheeting, though never replaced.

As I captured images of the abandoned factory, I felt a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The Fownes Factory, once a bustling hub of activity and innovation, now stood as a silent testament to the passage of time, a reminder of the many changes that had taken place in the world since its construction over a century ago.