Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Allen Manufacturing Company

May 21, 2020

1. Allen Manufacturing Company Marker

Known locally as "The Factory"

Inscription. This complex of ten depression-era buildings, with a total of 310,000 square feet, housed four different factories over its industrial lifetime. The buildings were built for the Allen Manufacturing Co. (stove manufacturers) in 1929. More than $100,000 worth of preferred stock was sold locally to finance their construction. After Allen Manufacturing went into receivership during the Great Depression, Dortch Stove Works (1932-1955), Magic Chef (1955-1959) and Jamison Bedding Company (1962-1991) successively occupied this site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1997-98, the complex was renovated by Franklin businessman Calvin LeHew as a commercial, retail, and entertainment center.

Erected 1998 by Williamson County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee – Williamson County Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 35° 55.967′ N, 86° 51.683′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker is on Franklin Road north of Liberty Pike. Marker sits in plant parking lot - in front of said building (number 11). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. The Truett House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rusty Mechanism (about 500 feet away); Jasmine Grove / Myles Manor Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Working Farm (approx. ¼ mile away); John Price Buchanan (approx. ¼ mile away); Retreat Action at Franklin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Granger Federal Garrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); The History of Harlinsdale Farms (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Also see . . .
1. The Factory at Franklin Site. (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)
2. Asset Detail from National Register of Historic Places. (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)
3. Dortch Stove Works Helped Franklin through Depression (Hudson Alexander, 2006, Williamson Herald). (Submitted on May 21, 2020.)

Photographed By Don Morfe, July 25, 2013

2. Allen Manufacturing Company Marker

The Factory, including the tower image. Click for full size.

May 21, 2020

3. The Factory, including the tower

The inside of the Factory now has businesses, such as retail, restaurants, and event venues. image. Click for full size.

May 21, 2020

4. The inside of the Factory now has businesses, such as retail, restaurants, and event venues.

"Dortch Stove Works" ghost sign visible on brick front image. Click for full size.

May 20, 2020

5. "Dortch Stove Works" ghost sign visible on brick front

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,157 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 21, 2020. 2. submitted on October 5, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on May 21, 2020. 5. submitted on May 23, 2020. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.