The Baron Woolen Mill began in Brigham City in 1871 under the direction of Lorenzo Snow as part of the Brigham City Mercantile and Manufacturing Association. After burning to the ground in 1877, it was quickly rebuilt, but rebuilding costs and other financial problems forced the Association to close and transfer its assets to private ownership. In 1879 the mill was sold to its manager, James Baron, who moved it to Hyrum in 1892. His son Thomas took over operations in 1894 and returned the mill to Brigham City in 1915, rebuilding there after a fire had destroyed the Brigham City mill in 1907. By 1927 it had one of the largest direct sales forces in the United States, with about 200 salesmen, 50 employees on site, and annual sales of more than a million dollars, producing blankets, dresses, sweaters, blazers, and scarves. The mill remained successful through the Great Depression, and during World War II it operated 24 hours a day to produce blankets for the military. It burned down a third time in 1949, was quickly rebuilt, and resumed operations in January 1950. In 1968 the Barons received the Distinguished Service Award for industrial advancement from the Utah State Economic Development Conference. The Baron family operated the mill until 1988, when Duke, Dale, and Rex Baron retired and it was sold. The mill ceased operations in 1998, then was severely damaged by a fire in 2014 and destroyed by another fire in 2015. For nearly 120 years, the Baron Woolen Mill contributed significantly to the local economy and was recognized as one of the most successful woolen mills in the United States, known for honesty and high quality products.