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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