Founded in 1856 by two brothers, the company that operated out of this building for over a century is thought to have been the longest running business in the city which operated under the same name and in the same location. There was once several more buildings here, the earliest of which was built in 1870. They were the first company to design machines to make barrels. Previously barrels were all made by hand. They were still asked to make replacements for 100+ year old parts up until they closed in the early 2000s.

A friend and I were scouting out some grain silos in the area when we happened upon this place. Several of the buildings have been torn down over the years and although this place did not look very large from the outside, there was much to see inside. It ended up being one of my very favorite explorations so far this year.

We walked over piles of bricks from the crumbling facade, attempting to find a way in.


The site that greeted us after we gained entry on the second floor




Certainly no lack of storage space for small parts.


Pipe Dreams


Was really digging this old ladder.


A room with a view.


Found this bizarre anti ADD/Ritalin poster in one room. It was very out of place.


Wooden Cog




A large pile of what I believe to be wooden molds of metal parts.


Time to clock out


Mid-day in the courtyard.




Apparently this pattern did not make the cut.


Security Breach


Bone Saw


Took a break on the roof to enjoy the beautiful day.




No longer a safe escape method










Before we leave, let me pause to take a selfie


A parting shot, where I am standing was once another building, now just a pile of rubble.


Here is what the area looked like in the late 1800s

Killer fucking set, bro!

These are Good Swan! Really liken Pic1, Mid-Day in the Courtyard, and the roof shots. Wouldn't mind exploring this place myself

Wow, that place is beautiful!

Thanks all!!! This was a great building to stumble upon. It's sealed up well from the ground floor so very little vandalism or scrapping has occurred. So much history here, from the old equipment left behind to the book of pay stubs from the 30s and 40s we found, every room had something interesting. Ironically my good friends dad remembers this building from his trucking days in the 70s and 80s, he would haul loads in and out of here regularly.

Nice location. Nothing better then finding an untouched or barely touched spot.

Wow. Just Wow.

Abby Normal