Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Powering the Engine of Progress

— Paul Revere Heritage Site —

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

1. Powering the Engine of Progress Marker

Inscription.
Powering the Engine of Progress An essential component of a Banbury mixer, the engine A before you-like the truss bridge behind you-stands as a reminder of the industrial nature of this site. The Banbury mixer and reduction system was an imposing machine that combined raw materials with polymers and additives to create a sheet that was transformed into the various. products manufactured by the Plymouth Rubber Company. An example of a natural polymer is rubber.

The Plymouth Rubber Company purchased the site from Paul Revere and Son in 1906, and owned it until 2006. During that time, it was a leading manufacturer of rubber bands, friction tapes, slipknot shoe laces, and vinyl products.

Engineers like Fernley H. Banbury (the inventor of the. machine that bears his name), the original designers of the truss bridge, long lost to history, and entrepreneurs like Paul Revere used innovation and technology to create new products, new markets, and new jobs, thus profoundly changing this site and the rest of the country.

How do you think innovation is necessary for invention?

(image captions)
— An illustration

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of a complete Banbury Engine — Image of the engine as seen on the second floor of the rolling mill before removal in 2019. (Courtesy of George Comeau)

Erected 2025 by Town of Canton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 42° 9.274′ N, 71° 9.127′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It is on Revolution Way just east of Neponset Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton MA 02021, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Transformation of the Land (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Canton Dale Resident

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

2. Powering the Engine of Progress Marker

(about 500 feet away); A Long, Rich History (about 500 feet away); Honest Miller’s House (about 600 feet away); Paul Revere Heritage Site (about 600 feet away); The Canton Viaduct (about 600 feet away); Immigrants, The Key to the Site’s Success (about 600 feet away); The Power’s in the Water (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

3. Powering the Engine of Progress Marker

The inventor of the truss bridge has been lost to history according to the marker.

General Electric Engine image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

4. General Electric Engine

This engine was a component of the Banbury Mixer.

Banbury Mixer Engine image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

5. Banbury Mixer Engine

This General Electric engine (motor) was a component of the Banbury Mixer. The truss bridge is in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.