The Tack Factory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
The Tack Factory
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 49 Tiffany Rd., Norwell, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.27 acres (0.51 ha) |
| Built | 1834 |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000472 |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 1980 |
The Tack Factory was an old building in Norwell, Massachusetts, United States. It was built a long time ago, in 1834. This factory was special because it was the last old mill building from the 1800s left in Norwell. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire in 1983. Before that, in 1980, it was added to a list of important places called the National Register of Historic Places. For many years, people used this factory to make equipment for horses, like saddles and bridles, which is called "horse tack."
What Was the Tack Factory Like?
The Tack Factory was located on the west side of Tiffany Road, near Tiffany Pond. There was a dam at the end of the pond. This dam was likely built in the early 1900s. It replaced an even older dam from the 1700s. That first dam was probably used for a mill that ground grain.
The main factory building was a single-story structure. It was built with strong wooden posts and beams. It had a wide, pointed roof. The outside of the building was covered with many layers of wood shingles. A tall brick chimney, about 30 feet high, rose from the roof.
Underneath the building, there was a granite channel called a sluiceway. This is where the old waterwheel and other machinery were located. The main building also had three smaller wooden additions built onto it over time.
A Look at Its History
The factory was built in 1834 by two men, Zephaniah Talbot and Samuel Salmond. They bought the rights to use the water from the old mill that was there before. The Salmond family ran the factory for many years. They made "horse tack," which is all the gear used for horses, like saddles, bridles, and harnesses.
The Salmond family kept the factory running until the middle of the 1900s. The very last business to use the building was a printing company.
Why Was It Important?
The Tack Factory was recognized as a special historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
Sadly, the factory was completely destroyed by a fire in 1983. Even though it's gone, its history as a busy factory making horse equipment is still remembered.
