Later this month the Lunenburg Foundry (est 1891) plans to demolish the Old Machine Shop building (which dates from 1907).
This is the building in which items cast at the foundry were machined and the patterns for casting were created in wood. And here, too, the Atlantic brand make-and-break engine was designed and built. These engines were sold world-wide.
This building has witnessed the rise and fall of the Grand Banks fishing schooner, the end of the age of sail as well as both world wars. With it goes a a significant piece of Lunenburg’s, Nova Scotia’s and Canada’s built history.
And here are just a few of the patterns that were offered up for sale last weekend in advance of the demolition.
I think these were specifically parts for the Little Cod wood stove. My grandfather had one of these sweet little stoves on his schooner. Seems an unlikely combination: a wood burning stove aboard a wooden schooner.
Linked to Norm’s Thursday Doors.
What a great post to remember this history that is soon to be lost. Just looking at these doors make one realize the stories that could be told. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the story. 😀
Lovely door Janet but a sad moment indeed.
I’m trying to picture in my mind where this building is in relation to the beautiful waterfront area – I’ll probably go rummaging through all of my Lunenburg pics this weekend 🙂
If you stand on the lunenburg waterfront, and look across to the golf course, then turn your head to the right, past the museum, the Foundry is at the head of the harbour. Or, put another way, it’s sort of near the tennis courts. (Not sure if my directions help…..)
I’m glad you like the photos.
I think I got it Janet – thanks for the visual reference 🙂
Sad to see this place go away, but it’s good you got some photos before. I love the patterns for the stove doors.
I picked the pattern for the hub of a ships wheel, and had to sign a waiver, stating I wouldn’t use it to reproduce same. As if that would happen! 😀
No plans to open your own foundry?
Ummmmmm…… Nah!
Oh, I’m so glad you got one!! There are some really cool designs in there. Picking one could have been really hard.
oh the stories those doors could tell!
Indeed!!! 😄
people around here would pay big money for those doors as decorative items
Ah ha! I did hear that some of the pieces were travelling as far as Vancouver to be displayed as decorative items. Not sure about the doors though. Great idea!
Great doors! Shame it can’t be restored .. A piece of history
the machine shop door reminds me of a quilt. very artsy and seasoned….
That’s an interesting (and really lovely) comparison. Thanks!
😉
What wonderful souvenirs/pieces of art they were selling off. Glad to hear you got one that is meaningful for you. I didn’t realize that the Make and Break engines were made in Lunenburg as I associated them with Newfoundland for some unknown reason.
Me too. I always thought they were a Newfoundland engine.