Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company National Register District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company National Register District
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Kendall Boiler and Tank Company building at Third and Binney Streets
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by 3rd, Rogers, 5th, and Binney Sts., Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000561 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 1997 |
The Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company National Register District is a historic area in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. It shows where a very important company, the Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company, used to operate. This company was famous for making industrial pumps.
The district is like a special block of land. It is surrounded by Third, Rogers, Binney, and Fifth Streets. This area was recognized as a historic place in 1997. It is now part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What Was the Blake and Knowles Company?
The Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company was one of the top pump makers in the United States. They made many different kinds of pumps. These pumps were used in factories and industries. The company was very important from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
How Did the Company Start?
The story began with George Blake. He owned a brickyard in Medford, Massachusetts. He invented special pumps to remove water from his clay pits. In 1864, he opened a pump factory in Boston. Later, in 1886, he moved his factory to this spot in Cambridge.
In 1879, George Blake teamed up with Lucius Knowles. Lucius was also a pump maker. Their two businesses officially joined together in 1897. This made them an even bigger and stronger company.
Pumps for the Nation
By the late 1800s, the Blake and Knowles company was a national leader. They supplied many types of pumps across the country. Their pumps helped industries work better.
In 1916, the company joined with other pump makers. They formed a new, larger company called Worthington Pump Works. This new company played a big role during World War I. They made pumps for the United States Army. Because of this, the factory almost doubled in size.
The Factory's Later Years
The Worthington Pump Works factory kept running until 1927. After that, the manufacturing moved to Holyoke, Massachusetts. The buildings were then sold to other businesses. Even though they had new owners, many of the original buildings are still standing. They look very much like they did long ago.
Exploring the Historic District
The Blake and Knowles historic district is in East Cambridge. This area became very industrial in the 1800s. The district covers about 2.4 acres. It is bordered by Third, Fifth, Rogers, and Binney Streets.
Some buildings that were once part of the company are no longer there. But many important ones remain. These include several machine shops. One of the main shops is 200 feet long and runs along Rogers Street. There is also the old plant office building. This building is now known as the Kendall Boiler and Tank Company.
