Powhatan Brass & Iron Works

Powhatan Brass and Iron Works. Ranson Lost History Trail. , In January 1891 a foundry owned by Boonton Brass and Iron Works of Boonton, New Jersey relocated to Charles Town. They broke ground on January 6th, and seven weeks later "the steam was turned on." The new foundry was built on a four-acre parcel bordered by Mildred Street, Beltline Avenue and Seventh Avenue. First called Shenandoah Avenue. First called Shenandoah Brass and Iron, the company was purchased in 1892 and renamed Powhatan Brass and Iron Works., In 1896, Powhatan Brass and Iron Works, employing 30 workers, "turned out eight times the quantity of the work done in the same period last." with one of its main products beign a brass, nickel-plated nozzle., As a sign of community spirit, the foundry crafted a large fire whistle which they presented to the Citizens Fire Company. The whistle was installed on the grounds of the City Electric Company and would sound once, twice, or three times to indicate in which of the town's wards the fire was located., During over a century of production, Powhatan Brass and Iron Works provided employment to hundreds of men and women. While under the ownership of American LaFrance, Badger Fire Extinguisher, and Kidde International Powhatan was among the nation's leading producers of firefighting apparatus and continued in production until 2004.