In the late 1860s and early 1870s, Alfred Thomas operated this manufacturer of patent chair lathes, metalworking lathes, and drill presses. The factory was located in Merrifields's Building, 5 Cypress Street in Worcester. The business also used the name Thomas & Co.
Advertisement from the 1871 "Worcester Directory"
Information Sources
- Ad in 1866-12-01 Scientific American
- Ad in 1867-04-06 Scientific American
- Ad in 1867-05-04 Scientific American
- Ad in 1867-10-12 Scientific American
- Ad in the 1868-08-26 Scientific American: "Five 20 and five 22-in. swing Engine Lathes of the Thomas pattern. Each machine is designed for an advertisement. THOMAS IRON WORKS, Worcester, Mass."
- Ad in the 1868-11-04 Scientific American: "ENGINE LATHES—The Thomas Patent, for sale at reduced prices. JAMES JENKS, Detroit, Mich., Greenlee Bros. & Co., Chas H. Smith, Philadelphia, Thomas Iron Works, Worcester, Mass."
- Ad in the 1869-03-27 Scientific American: "Machinists' Tools. Be sure to call and see the Thomas Pat. Engine Lathes and Drills, at the Thomas Iron Works, No. 5 Cypress st., Merrifield's Building, Worcester, Mass."
- Undated envelope, ca. 1870: "PATENT ENGINE LATHES / CUTLERY MACHINERY / MACHINE PATTERN MAKERS. / Thomas Iron Works, No. 5 Cypress St., Worcester, Mass." The back of the envelope has a map of central Worcester with some landmarks listed, including "H. A. Lee's Pat. Four-Sided Moulding Machine, 55 Union Street, "Witherby, Rugg & Richardson, Wood-Working Machinery, 24 and 26 Central Street", "E. C. Tainter, Wood-Working Machinery", "L. W. Pond's Iron Machinery, Saleroom 53 Liberty St., N.Y.", and "MERRIFIELD'S BUIDING. Cutting & Oakes, Moulding & Scroll Sawing. Thom. Smith & Co. Nuts, Washers &c. Thomas & Co. Machinists Tools & Patterns. B. I. Peabody, Carriage-Wheel Manufr. Sale Rooms, 72 Kilby Street, Boston."
- Advertisement in the 1871 Worcester Directory.