Dale Furnace and Forge Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dale Furnace and Forge Historic District
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Horse barn. July 2013.
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Forgedale Road northwest of Bally, Washington Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 19 acres (7.7 ha) |
| Built | c. 1791, 1827, 1854 |
| Architectural style | Federal, Iron furnace |
| MPS | Iron and Steel Resources of Pennsylvania MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001134 |
| Added to NRHP | September 6, 1991 |
The Dale Furnace and Forge Historic District, also known as Dale Iron Works, is a special historical place in Washington Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It's like a time capsule showing how iron was made long ago. This area is called an "iron plantation" because it had everything needed to make iron, like furnaces, forges, and homes for the workers. It is also a national historic district, meaning it's protected for its important past.
Contents
Exploring the Historic District
This historic district covers about 19 acres. It includes six important buildings and one archaeological site. These structures help us understand what life was like when iron was a very important product.
Key Buildings to Discover
Many old buildings still stand in the district. They show how people lived and worked here.
- Stone Horse Barn: Built around 1850, this barn was likely used for horses. Horses were essential for moving materials and products.
- Stone and Frame Bank Barn: Also from about 1850, this type of barn is built into a hillside. This design allowed easy access to different levels.
- Ironmaster's Mansion: This large house was built in 1791 and expanded in 1827. It was the home of the person in charge of the iron works.
- Smokehouse and Wash House: Built in 1827, these buildings had important uses. The smokehouse preserved meat, and the wash house was for laundry.
- Stone Worker's House: This house, built around 1830, was home to one of the workers. It shows how the people who made the iron lived.
- Counting House: Built in 1827 and updated in 1854, this building was like an office. It was where records were kept and business was done.
Uncovering the Past: Archaeological Site
The district also has an archaeological site. This means there are hidden remains of old structures underground. These ruins tell us even more about the iron works.
- Worker's House Ruins: You can find the remains of another worker's house here.
- Stone Furnace Stack: The main part of the old iron furnace, built around 1791, is still visible. This is where the iron was melted.
- Bank Iron Furnace: This type of furnace was built into a bank or hill. This made it easier to load raw materials from the top.
- Forge Foundations and Race: From 1804 to 1811, the forge was where the melted iron was shaped. You can see its foundations and the water channel (race) that powered it.
- Dam Breast Remnants: Parts of the old dam are also there. The dam would have held water to power the forge.
A Glimpse into History
The Dale Furnace was active until about 1822. The Dale Forge continued to operate until 1868. These dates show how long this place was important for making iron.
Family Legacy and Recognition
The Schall family bought the iron works in the 1820s. It has stayed in the Schall-Dibbern-Snow family ever since. The current owner is Natalie Dibbern.
In 1991, the Dale Furnace and Forge Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This listing means it's recognized as a very important historical site in the United States.
