"Our ideal and aim is to create useful things, conceived in the spirit of their essential truth, goodness and beauty and to fashion them by earnest, skillful effort in which the worker progresses through his work in the service of the user."

" . . . fond memories of the crisp, clean atmosphere of this beautiful building, the weaving room with its carefully dressed walnut looms framed against a background of paneled walls." Over a period of forty years this scene was remembered by the hundreds of weavers who learned for pleasure or profit in the Cromaine Craft homes in Hartland.

In the 1930s and 1940s Hartland was the third largest hand weaving industry in the country. It served 200 retail stores and enticed thousands to travel up Old U.S. 23 to the peaceful rolling landscape where they could purchase hand woven items reflective of a less complex style of life.

Tea towels and placemats done in custom pattern weave variations of Whig Rose, Orange Peel and Honeysuckle, or the elegant Swedish lace adorned blankets, tablecloths and runners.

On February 11, 1934, Cromaine Crafts opened in the old mill. Soon, Cromaine looms were being made and the production of weaving and looms grew rapidly. By late 1934, they outgrew the old mill and prepared to move to the 100-year old tavern on Avon Street. This place would be the home of the weaving industry for the next forty years.

The weavers, customers, and visitors who shared the beauty of this craft can direct their gratitude toward the intellect, values and philanthropic efforts of one individual - J. Robert Crouse Sr. and his Hartland Area Project.