Philip Garnier wrote: <Is anyone familiar with the immigration from Lyon, France to Paterson as a result of problems with silk manufacturing in Lyon?> By the late 1800s, Paterson NJ was foremost producer of Silk products in America and was called the "Lyons of America." Its reputation was known across Europe and attracted silk workers from all the major European silk producing areas. Experienced weavers and dyers came from France, Germany, Switzerland,and England, followed by the Italians near the turn of the century. While I am not aware of any 'silk-worm famine,' the lure of riches seems to be the primary impetus for the massive immigration. The 'princely' wages referred to below contrasted with 'the poorly paid operatives of England and Continental Europe.' The following paragraph from a local newspaper of 1898 says most eloquently. "The silk business gained a reputation as a means of amassing sudden and colossal fortunes, and every provident weaver, after saving a few hundred dollars from the princely wages which he received, embarked in the business for himself, and was generally successful." Myra E. VREELAND Lane