Skip Navigation
X iconBack

In 1842, Curtiss Bullard and Cornelius Northrop built a dam downstream of the High Falls. A woodenware factory was constructed at the south end and a separately owned woolen mill was built at the north end. Northrup left the business and Bullard’s sons joined. The Bullard factory produced butter molds, rolling pins, potato mashers, steak pounders, bowls and other wooden items all made out of maple.

They were a leading firm in the U.S., and sold only to wholesalers who sold their products throughout the country. The company received patents for machinery used for boring molds and for the manufacture of butter molds, and in 1866 one for the mold itself.

The 1883 flood caused extensive damage to the factory, but they recovered. By 1885 the demand for butter molds ceased and the supply of maple dwindled so the factory’s machinery was sold. The devastating flood of 1913 swept both the empty building and dam downstream.

Photo for Bullard Woodenware Co.
Woodenware items made by Bullard Woodenware Co.
Photo for Bullard Woodenware Co.
Bullard Woodenware Co. dam on the Chagrin River west of the Main Street bridge.
Photo for Bullard Woodenware Co.
Three butter molds made by Bullard Woodenware Co.
Photo for Bullard Woodenware Co.
Bullard Woodenware Co. dam and factory at foot of Water Street on the Chagrin River.

My Bookmarks

CancelSend Email

Checkmark-in-circle icon
Activities Designed to Enhance Your Exploration

Select One:

You got

correct

Want another activity?

Back arrowBack to Topic Choices
Your program will now start over.
Bookmarks and activities will be reset.
I’m Not Done YetStart Over