Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Rusty Mechanism
The Recycled Factory Man
He is a local guy, a loyal, hardworking factory man and is employed by the Factory at Franklin. Rusty is both dependable and moral and stands as a tribute to American industry and to all working people.
He is clocking out, leaving the Factory forever and going home to his family. Rusty is one of the lucky ones who was offered a new job after his plant closed when another guy named Calvin Lehew gave him a new life. Calvin saw value in what no one else did and erected something from what was about to be discarded.
Following Calvin's lead, Rusty picked up his pieces and reinvented himself through "metal morphosis". He became larger than life now he is back on his feet and working again thanks to a good idea, American know how & the determination to preserve and persevere.
Rusty will continue to survive in a changing world because he learned to adapt but he wants his origins to be remembered and celebrated, after all his mother was invention.
His new mission in life is to embrace the past by standing tall, reminding everyone that anything "American Made" is an investment in our future and that everything can be reused or recycled.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 35° 55.916′ N, 86° 51.595′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker is on Liberty Pike, 0.2 miles east of Franklin Road (Business U.S. 31), on the left when traveling east. Stands outside one of the south entrances to the Factory at Franklin (see Allen Manufacturing Marker). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Allen Manufacturing Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Truett House (about 800 feet away); Retreat Action at Franklin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Granger Federal Garrison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jasmine Grove / Myles Manor Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Price Buchanan (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cox House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Working Farm (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Also see . . .
1. Rusty Mechanism at Roadside America. (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)
2. Factory's Water Tower, Historic Landmarks Mean a Lot to Local Metal Artist & Preservationist. Austin Thompson, 2017, Williamson Herald (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)
3. Cast Iron Craftsman: The Art and Artistry of Kris Nethercutt. by Leigh Greenwood, 2013, Sports and Entertainment Nashville (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2020. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 21, 2020. 6. submitted on May 23, 2020. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.