W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop

Very interesting. Thay made paddle wheeks for bardges and large gears for heavy machines as well as wooden models to work from and all done by 6 people. They take donations and sell T-shirts $10.00.

What a treasure trove of interesting machining fabricating welding and foundry tools from the 1800s.
Was a fantastic tour we spent several hours there, the staff was more than happy to show us anything and answer any questions. Would highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in history of machining old equipment or foundry work.

Fantastic time capsule preserved just like it was, everything left behind when they closed down the shop in the late sixties. Electrified by a single gasoline engine connected to a series of pulleys mounted to the ceiling. The fellow that showed us around was very nice and knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Two other guys were using a power hammer to shape a piece of steel, something I'd never seen before or knew existed. I grew up hanging out at my grandfather's shop, the late Honisek Tool and Die Co. and I am always into this kind of thing, but I was blown away repeatedly by the coolness. A must see, totally worth while way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Foundry attached with coal pile intact. Built in 1900 as they often were with many used machines, lots of late 1800s equipment around. Hardware store on the second floor also completely intact and fascinating. Right on the riverfront. No bathroom right at the shop but nice clean public bathroom in a little building right where you turn off the main road. Deserves ten stars!!! Thank you Mr. Young for leaving it all intact like you did and to Rivers of Steel and the historical society for preserving it.

This place is amazing! A true step back in time. I've never seen such a complete collection of antique industrial machinery in one place, and yes, it all works. The simple complexity of it all left me speechless. To think that a place like this was able to survive scrappers and thieves intact boggles the mind.
You really have to see it for yourself, it's soooo worth the trip. Kids will be amazed by the machinery and how it operates, and the gentlemen who were there were incredibly knowledgeable, and eager to show their wares.
The attraction is free, though donations are requested, and they are only open on Sundays. Be warned, however, this is a WORKING machine shop. There is heavy equipment, exposed rotating equipment, and sharp and heavy objects everywhere, so keep a really sharp eye on the little ones, and avoid wearing loose clothing. Not trying to scare anyone, but an informed traveler is a safe traveler.

Go check it out! You'll be glad you did.

Woah! Take a step back in time to early 1900"s industry, The moment you walk in you are hit with the sights and sounds of gear grease and large machines that are still operable due to the restoration work and energy of it's people. Actually seeing these machines working off of all the belts and pulleys is amasing. You are led from inception to final product in the industry.
The tour guide was really informative and really very helpful.
If early industry interests you at all, you need to see this place.
You may even want to forge something of your own in one of their classes.

Every parent should take their child there to take a step back in time where things made in the USA meant it was the best in the world. The enginuity and craftsmanship of the tools and equipment let alone the products they produced were amazing. Bly and company do an amazing job as custodians of a time long gone.

GWas really interesting to see all of the belt driven machines! The place is well cared for. You can get up close to things and really get a good look! No ropes to stay behind here!!

So much more than I thought it would be. I was honestly nervous about going. But it is very interesting and had lots of machines and equipment to look at.

Wonderful tour and blacksmithing demo! Excellent photography stop, highly recommend.

This is a treasure and a destination trip for any craftsman! The people are so kind and informative!

A step back in time, the docents are world class guys too!!! Go see it!!!

Stunningly unchanged from it's days as a working shop. A step back in time.

The place is kind of hidden off the main road.

All old school, amazing

The history of the old days