Norwich Iron Foundry
Alfred H. Vaughn founded the Norwich Iron Foundry in 1854. Both light and heavy iron goods were made and sold by the enterprising proprietors of this extensive industry. This establishment fronted on Ferry Street 135 feet, and extended through to Rose Place, a distance of 175 feet. In 1884, the foundry was materially enlarged to a four-story brick structure with a frontage of 35 feet on Ferry Street, now primarily occupied for the storage of patterns.
In 1887, a two-story brick building, now adjoining, was erected, the two buildings giving a 90-foot frontage. In the latter building, along with others in the rear, is the foundry proper, where powerful cranes, a large cupola, and other necessary implements are located. In 1881, Messrs. A. N. H. and C. W. Vaughn were admitted to partnership, when the present style of the firm was adopted; but since the death of the senior member in 1886, the business has been continued under the same name.
Among the various products of this busy foundry are architectural ironwork and modern stable fixtures. In addition to general foundry work, the firm executes contracts for the castings used by local steam heater industries and other ironworks in the vicinity. Railroad and mill castings also form parts of the work. Water pipes, lamp posts, cistern covers, cattle mangers, round and square grates, grate bars, gratings, park settees, lawn and cemetery vases, stair plates, ash pit doors, window frames, balances, hand truck and car wheels, gearings, pulleys, l hangers, couplings and boxes are also enumerĀated in the work emanating from this foundry. A great variety of the smaller articles is kept in stock at the capacious warerooms.
A.H. Vaughn & Sons possessed probably the most extensive stock of patterns in Connecticut. In addition to the vast accumulation of patterns from the firm’s forty-year business, it purchased the entire stock of patterns belonging to the Shetucket Foundry Company, which had a large business during its existence.
Employment was given to 50 men, and the capacity of the foundry is 1200 tons. The counting rooms are at 11 Ferry Street.
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