Spearheaded by the Shaftsbury Historical Society, which has formed a nonprofit organization called Friends of Eagle Square, organizers are trying to acquire the historic stone building that served as the original Eagle Square headquarters.
In 1817, Shaftsbury, Vt., resident Silas Hawes was granted one of the first patents by the U.S. government for his carpenter’s square.
The innovation led to an anchor business in the village, when four others formed the Eagle Square partnership in 1859. With a monopoly on the square-making business, the company earned a national reputation, and the resulting plant went on to produce a wide variety of precision hand tools, keeping alive a tradition of hand-crafted products.
In 1915 the Eagle Square company was bought out by Stanley Tools, a tool-maker that had built itself around the success of its carpenter’s levels.
In late 2000 the Stanley Works — now a multinational corporation headquartered in New Britain, Conn. — announced it would be closing the Shaftsbury plant to consolidate its operations closer to its South Carolina distribution headquarters.
This decision ended a nearly 200-year tradition of tool-making in Shaftsbury, a tradition a local group is now trying to preserve and celebrate by turning the oldest building on the property into a museum showcasing historic tools and the legendary Eagle Square operation.
According to Norman Bronning, president of the historical society, the group is trying to raise money and support for the project, which would require a transaction between Stanley Works, “which is actively trying to sell the property.â€
Bronning says the now-unused stone building, a small part of the Stanley plant, is far from empty. It contains many historic tools and machines, as well as interesting documents and other ephemera. If the group can acquire the building, it would seek to display these items to visitors, as well as adding others.
“What we’re trying to do is get the old stone building, the building where the original carpenter’s square was built,†said Gronning. “Stanley is divesting itself totally of the property.â€
He said no one is sure what Stanley is going to do; it could either sell the building or tear it down. He noted that while the circa 1850s stone building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the group has been informed that the building could still be razed if Stanley wishes to do so.
He said the Friends’ task will not be an easy one. “Stanley has actively been trying to find a buyer ... but they won’t separate the entire plant [from the stone building] in the deal. We’re trying to get them to deed over the old portion to the Friends [of Eagle Square].â€
Gronning said not only is the building an historic landmark, but more importantly, its interior is filled with equipment used to manufacture carpenter’s squares, as well as related antique tools. “There are a number of early documents relating to various enterprises,†he said. “We also know of stock certificates ... the original stamp that was put on the documents.†There is also an oil painting of the Eagle Square house, a stone building adjacent to the property in which Hawes’ invention took place, done by artist Eric Sloane a few decades ago.
“The plant has the distinction of having been the longest continuous business in American history that made the same product,†he said.
He said the group is meeting regularly because it must take action quickly. Many of the artifacts are being sought by other museums, which would erode the collection. He said some of the tools are currently on loan to the Windsor (Vt.) Precision Tool Museum, and at the Bennington Museum, but those will be returned. He added that, through this project, he has discovered people from all over the U.S. who are avid collectors of historic tools. Many of them have offered to donate tools and other items should the museum be realized.
Gronning said the building, which sits on Route 67 near the junction with Historic Route 7A, is constructed of laid stone with a wood, post-and-beam frame interior. “Overall, it’s really in pretty good condition,†he said. Conversion into a museum would require interior upgrades such as painting and other cosmetic work, but the building has electricity and heat. The type of materials would not require a climate control system.
In the longer term, the roof would need to be reconditioned, he said. An assortment of air ducts and other piping and wiring have left the roof susceptible to leakage and it would be necessary to replace it over time.
He noted that underneath the stone building is the original sluice that once powered the plant via a waterwheel. The operation had been fed by a nearby pond, which has since been filled in. “It would be great to get that water wheel back in place, to simulate the original method of operation at the Eagle Square plant,†he said.
“We’re holding meetings every month, because we want to keep this project moving. We’re actively seeking donations and other support,†said Gronning. The group has also found a grant writer.
Lance Matteson, executive director of the Bennington County Industrial Commission, said a museum would be “doable†without affecting the redevelopment of industry in the newer buildings. “We’re talking about a few thousand square feet of space versus a few hundred thousand square feet of space,†said Matteson.
Gronning noted that the Eagle Square would fill a key role in the area’s larger goal of creating a “trail†of museums throughout Southern Vermont. The idea is to link up the area’s attractions, beginning at the Bennington Museum and the Bennington Center for the Arts, then continuing through Shaftsbury to Eagle Square and the proposed Robert Frost Museum, then on to Arlington’s Norman Rockwell Museum, an ending up, via Hildene House, at Manchester’s many art and retail attractions.
If you wish to make a donation to this effort, checks can be made out to the Shaftsbury Historical Society (please include "Friends of Eagle Square" in the memo line), and sent c/o Norman Gronning, Route 7A, Shaftsbury, VT 05262.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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