North Tonawanda in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lumber City
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 9, 2023
1. Lumber City Marker
In the second half of the 19th century, the area between the Niagara River and River Road from this point south for 3 miles, to the Erie Canal was filled with lumber drying in stacks about 12 feet square and up to 16 feet high. The only breaks in the lumber stacks were for railroad tracks leading from the main lines to each yard and buildings that house mills and lumber company offices.
Across River Road there were other yards of timber and lumber related businesses. Planing mill and sash and blind manufacturers were the most numerous Others included local furniture makers and coopers barrel makers.
The abundance of wood of many varieties led to the establishment of wood-related industries in North Tonawanda. Several furniture makers were headquartered here. Allan Herschell used locally processed wood in his carousels that were shipped nation-wide from North Tonawanda.
The Richardson Boat Company used a mix of North American hardwoods processed here in building their esteemed yachts and cabin cruisers. These boats were built to order over the winter. When the Erie Canal opened, the boats were sailed down the canal to the
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Auto-Wheel Coaster was another firm that made use of the locally processed wood. They made children's toys most notably coaster sleds, but also toboggans, bobsleds, wagons, scooters, and tricycles.
All of these wood products used metal fasteners in their construction. The Buffalo Bolt Company located on Oliver Street, was able to supply all of these needs. In their peak production year, the "Bolt Works" produced over 600,000,000 bolts, nuts, screws and other fasteners. With around the clock production, hundreds of people were employed there. Many of these workers came from surrounding towns.
The Wood Pulp making industry here made use of otherwise undesirable wood. The pulp was shipped to paper making factories in the east.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 43° 3.36′ N, 78° 54.129′ W. Marker is in North Tonawanda, New York, in Niagara County. It is at
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 9, 2023
2. Lumber City Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tesla Coil (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nikola Tesla Legacy Corridor (about 400 feet away); Nikola Tesla (about 400 feet away); Gratwick Riverside Park (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named The Lumber City (about 500 feet away); Edgewater Landing (about 800 feet away); Shoreline Trail (approx. half a mile away); Gratwick (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Tonawanda.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 763 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
