This business was established in 1827 by Elias Strange. For many years he manufactured cylinder saws (for sawing barrel staves), barrel and tub machinery, and box-making machinery. In 1885 a son, Emerson C. Strange, became a full partner. At some point after 1891 the company operated as E. C. Strange; we have also seen an 1876 mention of Stranges Cylinder Saw & Machine Co. It is uncertain how long past 1891 the company lasted.

We have found several patents granted separately or jointly to Elias, Emerson C., and Elias W. Strange of Taunton. Since there are a couple of patents granted to all three men, it is clear that Elias and Elias W. were two different people. Elias W. was probably either a son or grandson of Elias.

Information Sources

• The 11 February 1865 issue of Scientific American contains the following text ad: "E. C. Strange, manufacturer and dealer in box-bound shingle and stave machines, cylinder saws, stave planers, barrel and nail-keg heading machines, No. 20 Broadway, Taunton."
• The 27 May 1865 issue of Scientific American has an article on E. C. Strange's patent furnace blower, which was manufactured by Taunton Steam Fan Blower Co.
• The 26 June 1869 issue of Scientific Americanhas this text ad: "Portable saw mills, patent ground cylinder saws, self-feeding boxboard, shingle, and stave machines. Send for price list. Address E. C. Strange, Taunton, Mass."
• "Stranges Cylinder Saw & Machine Co." of Taunton is listed in a work published by the United States Centennial commission, Official Catalog of the 1876 International Exhibition, as a maker of a cylinder-saw stave machine and a foot lathe. An 1883 sawmill patent to Elias W. Strange was assigned to Strange Cylinder Saw & Machine Co.
• The 1891 book, Inland Massachusetts Illustrated lists Strange's Machine Works. It provides the establishment date, the relationship between Elias and Emerson C., and the year that Emerson C. became full partner. It also gives the address: 36 Washington Street, and mentions a patented combination vise and drill made by the firm.