Location: Ames Shovelshops
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About the Location
- Location: Oliver Ames and sons Shovel Shop- 50 main street.
- Date Constructed: 1852 to 1900
- Original Purpose: Shovel Factory
- Architects: [Unknown]
- Notable people involved in construction: Ames Family
The Ames Shovel Shop was a factory owned by the Ames family designed for use in manufacturing shovels. The buildings were originally wood shops on the opposite side of the Shovel Shop Pond, which burned down in 1852. Temporary shops were made to continue the manufacturing operations while stone buildings, which are what is known as the Shovel Shops today, were being built for permanent operations. Many of the temporary wooden shops still stand to this day and are used as residences.
What is it used for now?
Much of the area of the Ames Shovel Shop grounds are now used for an apartment complex, named after the original site. Along with this, the former handle shop houses the town's local YMCA. During the construction of the apartments, multiple artifacts of historical importance were found, including a water wheel, which was delicately removed from the ground and put on display in front of the complex for the world to see. Along with this a bell was discovered and is also set up on display on the Shovel Shop grounds.
Audio Tour:
History is right around the corner!
From the Shovel Shop grounds you can easily walk to the Easton Historical Society Museum and Shovel Shop Pond. Or in the other direction, you can visit Unity Church or the Oliver Ames Memorial seat area.
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☎ 508-455-4137 |