Knights of labor were running rampant in the 1880’s – so much so that foundries created a “Stove Founders Defense Association” in 1887. Bridge, Beach & Co created havoc across the country through a strike/lockout in1887, the results are incredible — and their patterns were sent all over from foundry to foundry to try to keep production made. Union shops would strike and walk out.
It’s interesting to read some of the well known foundry names involved. Mt. Penn Stove Works, Orr & Painter just to name a couple. Most times, only cities were mentioned, not the foundries.
