“In the year 1875, Mr. S. Sawyer of Fitchburg, Mass., concluded to start a watch factory in the town in which he resided. His idea was to build the necessary machinery, make a model movement and when everything was ready, to interest capital and organize a watch company. Accordingly, he entered into negotiations with Mr. H. J. Lowe, who had previously been a superintendent in the United States watch factory, and after renting a suitable building the manufacture of the necessary machinery was commenced. Several gentlemen, who were formerly connected with the United States Watch Company, were engaged to see to the building of the machinery, among them being Messrs. Thos. Parker, A. R. Bardeen, Chas. Whitehouse and Gilbert Crowell. Mr. Crowell was made superintendent and the work went on at a very lively rate.

     At the end of three years the machinery was well under way and Mr. Sawyer went in search of capitalists who were willing to invest their money in a watch factory. Previous to this time Mr. Lowe severed his connection with the concern owing to his ill-health. Mr. Sawyer's search was not rewarded with success and his own money having given out he decided to cease operations until moneyed parties could be found. Work was accordingly stopped, the employees discharged and the factory was closed up. Subsequently Mr. Crowell returned to Fitchburg and was associated with Mr. Sawyer in the Sawyer Watch Tool Co. Part of the old machinery was used in their business and the balance was sold to Cornell and other watch companies. At the time of closing the factory, the necessary machinery for an output of twenty-five movements per day was finished. The machinery cost Mr. Sawyer $45,000 exclusive of rent and taxes and he realized very little of this amount from the sales.” (Quote from 1888)

Information Sources

• The Watch Factories of America, Past and Present, 1888, pg. 91