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