The historic Wendell August Forge factory in Grove City, Pennsylvania, was destroyed in a major fire on Sunday, March 7. The company has made aluminum, pewter and other metal pieces since 1923. The employees and customers who were in the building when the fire started were all able to get out unharmed. The fire appears to have been caused by a malfunctioning fan. Firefighters were able to save many of the dies that made patterns in the metal products, but the plant's machinery and most of its contents were ruined. The company president said the forge will rebuild and could be open by Christmas. Its retail stores in other cities are still open. Wendell August Forge makes hammered aluminum pieces and other hand-wrought metalware popular with newlyweds in the 1950s and later.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
WENDELL AUGUST FORGE DESTROYED BY FIRE
The historic Wendell August Forge factory in Grove City, Pennsylvania, was destroyed in a major fire on Sunday, March 7. The company has made aluminum, pewter and other metal pieces since 1923. The employees and customers who were in the building when the fire started were all able to get out unharmed. The fire appears to have been caused by a malfunctioning fan. Firefighters were able to save many of the dies that made patterns in the metal products, but the plant's machinery and most of its contents were ruined. The company president said the forge will rebuild and could be open by Christmas. Its retail stores in other cities are still open. Wendell August Forge makes hammered aluminum pieces and other hand-wrought metalware popular with newlyweds in the 1950s and later.
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5 comments:
I love Wendell August. Their Grove City location was like stepping back in time. This was so sad, but I'm glad they are going to rebuild.
This is very sad news to me. Just this year I bought and read Bonita Campbell's fine history of the forge, after a lifetime of loving hammered aluminum items, but not delving deeper than admiring the two modest pieces I own.
I am, of course, thankful no one was injured in the fire, and also that some of the dies were saved. I am especially thankful that the company's collection is housed in the Berlin, OH facility museum. But it is sad to lose this piece of the history of an art form that that struggled to survive to today.
I grew up in Grove City, now live in Topeka. Whenever going back there to visit, Wendell August was always a must stop. Wonderful shop and store. Hope they can rebuild a new place but with its old world charm.
Sorry to hear this. I lived about one hour north of Grove City and passed by there many times on my way to Pittsburgh. Glad to see they will rebuild.
These are beautiful! Is there stock left before beginning new production?
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