Attleboro Smokestacks

Attleboro Smokestacks. . , This smokestack replica is a symbol of the many industries which made Attleboro a world-renowned manufacturing center. Once a small farming community, the town of Attleborough's population grew as entrepreneurs established textile mills and shops that were powered by the Ten Mile River. The arrival of the railroad in 1836 stimulated a diversification of industries producing jewelry, tools, machinery, and military items. A skilled workforce of toolmakers, designers, metallurgists and craftsmen, including many immigrants, recognized the opportunities and made their homes here. During the 1900's, the City of Attleboro became known as the "Hub of the Jewelry World." Although its industries caused damage to the environment, Attleboro continues to work to correct the harm caused by its industrial past. The L.G. Balfour Riverwalk, Kevin J. Dumas Walkway and Judith H. Robbins Riverwalk Park are results of these efforts., Having learned the trade in England, Robert Wolfenden came to Attleboro in 1868 and started the Robert Wolfenden and Sons Dye Works nearby, along the Ten Mile River. When the plant burned down in 1902, he rebuilt an even larger and more modern facility, which grew to become the largest dye works in the world. The Wolfenden family built several of the Victorian Mansions still located on County Street, as they lived the American dream., [Captions:] , L.G. Balfour Co.-25 County St.-Began in 1913 specializing in college fraternity jewelry and special insignias., Dodgeville Mill - 453 S. Main St. - Started in 1809 as the Attleborough Manufacturing Co. specializing in textile manufacturing. The mill is one of the oldest in the Attleboro area., Blackinton's Shuttle Shop- 200 N. Main St. -Established in 1852 this was one of Attleboro's oldest factories. They produced shuttles for the region's large cotton textile industry., Howard and Bullough American Machine -Started in 1894, located near the Attleboro/Pawtucket line, they manufactured cotton mill machinery., James E. Blake Co.- 49 S. Main St. -Began in 1859 during the Civil War, they produced Army badges and regimental insignia. They later evolved to rolled plate jewelry and cigarette cases., Watson and Newell Co. - 73 Mechanic St. -Began in 1874, producing sterling flatware and holloware, employing 200 people., Leach and Garner Co. - 49 Pearl St. -Organized and incorporated in 1899, they manufactured rolled gold plate in sheet, wire and seamless tubing., R.F. Simmons- 191 N. Main St. -Started in 1873, specializing in Simmons chains, they also produced lady's hair pins and men's gold collar pins.