TOWN OF TEMPLETON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SCALE

 

DONATED TO:  THE NARRAGANSETT HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.

The scale once used by the Templeton Weights and Measures formerly housed in the old Baldwinville Fire Station is finally in our Grange building.

 

Made by the Howard & Davis Scale division July 1, 1848; 34 Water St. Boston, MA

 

The scale is in a wooden cabinet measuring approximately 6 feet wide by 6 feet tall and 2 feet deep.  Built with what looks like black walnut.  It has many weights, bowls, buckets, and tins all used to weigh anything that was for sale by the pound back in the early 1900's.  It is built in two sections accessed by double doors top and bottom.  The top houses the scale and weights and the bottom is storage for the assorted tins and bowls.  It is a very rare find.

 

Edward Howard and David Davis formed this company to make balance scales, clocks, and fire engines.  They soon discovered it was more profitable to make pocket watches.  They formed a partnership with Aaron Dennison and the three men soon produced the first watches which went on to become the Waltham Watch Co.  Their partnership soon dissolved and E. Howard Watch Co. which is now the finest American made pocket watch cherished by collectors.

 

A big thanks to all involved with the acquistion and the manpower to move it to it's new home.  rich, Justin, Seth, Erik, and Brian.  A display is planned soon and will bea prominent fixture for many generations to enjoy.

 

Submitted by:

Brian Tanguay

Curator