Silk culture began at Ebenezer in 1736, when each Salzburger was presented with a mulberry tree and two were instructed in the art of reeling. Two machines were soon in operation in Mr. Bolzius' yard near the church, and in 1749, 762 lbs. of cocoons, yielding 50 lbs. 13 oz. spun silk, were produced. Though silk culture in Georgia declined in the 1760s, the Salzburgers persevered, and in 1772 shipped 485 lbs. raw silk. They made their own reels, and one was sent to England for a model. During the Revolution, silk production at Ebenezer was interrupted and was never resumed.
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