Furnace Communities

By TeamOHE, October 23, 2020

1. Furnace Communities Marker

• Each furnace had its own school and church. Generally, these buildings were log or simple-frame construction, although some of the larger furnace communities built more elaborate brick structures. Religion played an important role in the life of most furnace work's. The worship services that were conducted at the community church were so important that casting seldom occurred on Sundays.

• Social life in the isolated furnace communities did not vary greatly from that of other small Ohio towns.

• Furnace workmen lived in small log houses located on plots of land that also contained several outbuildings. Families often kept a milk cow and several pigs, and they cultivated garden plots that supplied fresh vegetables.

• The best constructed house in a furnace community was that of the ironmaster, who managed the operations of the furnace. This structure was much larger, grander, and better built than

By TeamOHE, October 23, 2020

2. Furnace Communities Marker

Celebration
Dances, traveling shews, and Fourth of July celebrations were lively events in which most members of the community participated. One event unique to furnace communities was the Annual Bean Dinner. This event occurred each year when the furnace was closed for relining. The closing usually signified the end of a successful blast and brought temporary relief from the relentless work schedule imposed by the furnace. Everyone in the community gathered for a feast and hours of lively entertainment.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces series list.
 
Location. 39° 3.3′ N, 82° 27.483′ W. Marker is in Buckeye Furnace, Ohio, in Jackson County. Marker is on Buckeye Park Road (County Road 167) 0.1 miles north of Buckeye Road (County Road 165), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 145 Buckeye Park Rd, Wellston OH 45692, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Scales (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckeye Furnace (1851 - 1894) (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanging Rock Region (within shouting distance of this marker);