Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515234
Dexter-Russell 11 B orn in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on September 10, 1796, Henry Harrington moved to Southbridge at the age of 21 and created a company that was to become legendary. His cutlery business, grounded in skill, quality and precision, began in a small 14' x 16' shed that served as a workshop behind his house on Charlton Street in the Brookside section of Southbridge. While the tiny structure accommodated his tools, he was in need of a water source to operate his grinding and sharpening machines. A canal located on a nearby farmer's property proved to be the ideal solution. Harrington struck a deal with the farmer: he granted Harrington access to the canal and to the water on his property and Harrington agreed to sharpen the farmer's tools in perpetuity. is agreement enabled him to ply his trade without having to relocate his business. With his machinery and tools, which admittedly were rather primitive, Harrington utilized his skills as a craftsman to produce first-quality cutlery and knives. Initially focused on shoe and cigar knives, razors and other precision cutting tools, he eventually added other edged tools to his product line. From those early days, Harrington's reputation for quality workmanship was well known. He used the finest steel imported from England for his blades and chose tortoise shell, ivory and other quality materials for the knife handles. His precision in polishing and grinding the blades became a hallmark of all his products and led to much demand. Shoe knives were manufactured to support the New England shoe industry. According to statistics from Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts alone produced more than 15 million pairs of shoes and boots annually in the 1830s. Reportedly, Harrington's shoe knives were shipped to customers in Boston by wagon. In time, he expanded his cutlery line to include tableware and kitchen cutlery, which found its way into many homes and restaurants. Birth of a Legacy Original Harrington Knife Shop, 1818