Aspinock Memories
Putnam Foundry and Machine Corp.
By Bill Pearsall, Municipal Historian
The hot and humid days of summer are continuing, and you might have sought some relief by stopping for ice cream at Deary Bros. You may have noticed a sign that says: “Putnam Foundry Assessment Project” just before or after Deary Bros. depending on what direction you are going. Looking around the area you can see a lot of open acreage. So, what was there?
In 1884 The Putnam Foundry and Machine Corporation was in that area. They made many products but were known for their furnace “The Plummer Steam Heater”.
The “History of Windham County Connecticut by Bayles” says “one of the most promising among Putnam’s later industries is the Foundry and Machine Corporation, it was incorporated April 1, 1884. A machine shop and other needful buildings were at once erected and the first cast manufactured was on August 27th that year. They make a specialty of the Plummer Steam Heater, for which they hold the patent, but also manufacture castings of varied descriptions. The steam heater is largely in demand and the business of the company is well established upon a permanent basis. Some thirty or forty workmen find remunerative employment (good paying employment). This corporation was formed with the special object of adding to the substantial interests of the village and gives promise of abundant success.”
Mr. Orrin Morse was the president of the company. Mr. William R. Barber, secretary, treasurer and efficient managing agent. Henry G. Leonard, L.H. Fuller, Edward Mullan, J.C. Nichols and George E. Shaw completed the board of directors.
In the Putnam Directory of 1888, the back cover advertises The Putnam Foundry and Machine Corporation. Putnam CT – Sole manufacturer of the Plummer Steam Heater. Machinery and Castings from the best scotch iron. The furnaces that the foundry manufactured were fueled by coal which was brought in by the railroad.
The following picture was manufactured by the Putnam Foundry and was found buried in the back yard of house on Woodstock Avenue in Putnam.
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Finessing
Last week the box culverts which will form the new Danco Drive bridge were hoisted into place and then finessed snugly into each other. The bridge is being rebuilt by NJR Construction of Southbury. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page. More photos on page 4. Linda Lemmon photo.
page 4, top to bottom:
The crew had to work the culvert under the large water line and snug it up against all its neighbor culverts.
Shims help.
The water is being piped from one side to the other while 14 box culverts are being installed.
The box culverts that will carry the water are between 18 and 23 tons apiece and are immense.
The crew used a delicate touch with everything from huge wrenches to a backhoe to line the culverts up. When the left side is finished, they will do the same on the right side and hope to finish the bridge by December.
Solomon family donates $2,000
PUTNAM — The Solomon family recently donated $2,000 to the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH in memory of their beloved family member and 2018 NECT Cancer Fund Angel Ambassador, Shannon Labonte, who passed away from a rare form of cancer on April 27, 2018.
Since her passing, the Solomon family and friends have organized annual fund-raisers to support causes close to Shannon’s heart. Their efforts help fund the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH, the Shannon Lee Labonte Scholarship Fund at Putnam High School, the Putnam Congregational Church, and the Putnam Public Library.
The Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund provides financial assistance to residents of Northeast Connecticut who may not otherwise have the resources to access necessary medical care. Healthcare officials said: “We are deeply grateful to the Solomon family for their continued generosity and for carrying forward Shannon’s legacy of ensuring access to high-quality, local cancer care. Their support brings hope and courage to those in our community facing a cancer diagnosis.”
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Donation
From left: Bettye Jo Pakulis, Shannon’s aunt; Ann Russo, Shannon’s aunt; Roberta Solomon, Shannon’s mother; Zoe Labonte, Shannon’s daughter; Kristen Willis, director of development, Day Kimball Healthcare; Linda Pacheco, Shannon’s aunt; at the Deary Memorial Recognition Garden on the grounds of DKH’s Schneider Center. The garden was created by members of the Deary family in 2007 to memorialize, honor, and recognize cancer survivors and loved ones lost to cancer.
Progress
The addition to the Pomfret Public Library is moving along. Linda Lemmon photo.
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