If you ever tour the former Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, you will see a plaque proudly displayed proclaiming the Stewart Iron Works Patented Locking Device! Stewart technicians invented this locking system which allowed the prison guards to open particular cell doors individually with a lever system. Prior to the Stewart invention, guards had to open cell doors with keys.
Stewart Iron Works had a division, Stewart Jail Works, that manufactured the fencing, gates and jail cells for such notorious Federal Prisons as Leavenworth, Kansas (1904), Alcatraz, California(1909), and Sing Sing, New York (1914). The jail division was eventually sold.
To view the Alcatraz plaque, click on the link below:
http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/alca/exb/FederalPrison/EquipmentProcedures/goga100_sign_lockingMech2_e.html
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Cemetery Fences
Understanding Iron
The two most common metals found in American Cemetery fencing are wrought iron and cast iron. Stewart Iron Works provided fencing for many of our country's cemeteries from the late 1800s through the 1900s.
Wrought Iron was the traditional material of early fence manufacturing. Wrought iron consists of little carbon (less than 1%) and siliceous slags (up to 5%). Wrought iron resists corrosion, it is not brittle and hardly ever breaks. It is soft, malleable and can be "worked", thus, it was often used in delicate and ornate creations. Wrought Iron is no longer used due to environmental concerns.
Cast Iron, on the other hand, has a high content of carbon (+/- 3%) that is easily cast in molds - allowing it use to replicate fence details. It is brittle, and thus, unable to be hammered or "worked".
The two most common metals found in American Cemetery fencing are wrought iron and cast iron. Stewart Iron Works provided fencing for many of our country's cemeteries from the late 1800s through the 1900s.
Wrought Iron was the traditional material of early fence manufacturing. Wrought iron consists of little carbon (less than 1%) and siliceous slags (up to 5%). Wrought iron resists corrosion, it is not brittle and hardly ever breaks. It is soft, malleable and can be "worked", thus, it was often used in delicate and ornate creations. Wrought Iron is no longer used due to environmental concerns.
Cast Iron, on the other hand, has a high content of carbon (+/- 3%) that is easily cast in molds - allowing it use to replicate fence details. It is brittle, and thus, unable to be hammered or "worked".
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Refinishing Wrought Iron
Steps To Take When Refinishing Your Wrought Iron
- Remove any rust that may have formed on your wrought iron with sandpaper, steel wool or wire brush.
- Brush off or rinse off the rust residue from the wrought iron. If rinsing, dry thoroughly with a towel and place in the sunlight to be safe for additional drying .
- Spray or brush the wrought iron surface with rust converter. Be sure to wear protective gloves when working with rust converter.
- Spread the rust converter with a paint brush to insure that an even coat is applied. Allow to dry thoroughly. This rust converter will serve as an initial primer coat.
- Apply a primer coat to the wrought iron surface. A spray application is best for joints or surfaces that have hard to get to areas. Allow to dry thoroughly. You can find metal primer alongside the regular paint primer at your local hardware store.
- Paint your wrought iron with a rust preventative paint ( Rust-Oleum products work well ). Apply multiple thin coats for the best finish!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Caring for Your Wrought Iron
Hints to Preserving Your Wrought Iron!
- Clean your wrought iron fence/furniture regularly if possible with dish washing liquid detergent and warm water to keep it clean of dust, dirt or grime from pollution. Dry if possible or clean on sunny day.
- If possible, keep the wrought iron furniture covered with tarps or fitted covers.
- Check your wrought iron furniture or fence regularly for scratches or paint chips. If exposed areas of metal surface are noticed, wash with warm soapy water, dry and sand with fine steel wool. Then spray with Rust-Oleum primer, allow to dry, then finish with spray Rust-Oleum paint to match. Hopefully, a sample paint was provided at purchase for touch-ups.
- If severe rust is detected, Naval Jelly should be applied to dissolve the rust. If the rust still persists, sand blasting the surface may be the only solution.
- You may spray your wrought iron surface with an automotive car wax twice a year to prevent rusting.
- If your fence or railing posts are embedded into soil or a wall cap, check the cement, epoxy or caulk around the base to insure a raised surface above the surrounding area. This area is prone to settling or shrinkage over time and will collect rain water, which will rust your posts. Additional cement, epoxy or caulk should be added as necessary to raise the level of the base area above the soil or wall cap.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Go West, young man, Go West!
The above popular saying has historically been attributed to Horace Greeley's July 13, 1865 editorial in the New York Times in support of Western expansion. Whether or not Mr. Greeley was the first to utter that prolific verse, Stewart Iron Works is glad that so many early Americans took heed to search for the prosperity that the Western Frontier offered.
Stewart Iron Works creations can be found throughout this great and beautiful country of ours! Thus, it is of no surprise that we find ourselves in the middle of three jobs near the coast of California. The first job is a direct result of our previous Jail Works division and the work we provided in the construction of the cells for the Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisc0 bay. Stewart Iron Works design of an automatic opening mechanism for one cell door or multiple cell doors made for the product to be in high demand.
Now decades later, the National Park Service has contracted Stewart to reproduce a metal roof-top cupola to the exact specifications as it had been originally been constructed by us. Our recreation is in place and the Stewart Iron Works/Alcatraz Prison connection lives on for generations to come.
Approximately 50 miles away in San Jose, CA, Stewart Iron Works has been contracted to design and fabricate a 21 ft. in diameter custom gazebo for one of the city parks. Our gazebos can be found in numerous municipal parks and we are proud to be creating San Jose's distinctive gazebo! Along with the gazebo, Stewart Iron Works has been contracted to fabricate a fence for another city park.
Little did R.C. Stewart know in 1862 when he opened his iron fence company, that an editorial written three years later in New York City, would be providing his namesake company work 150 years later in California!
Stewart Iron Works creations can be found throughout this great and beautiful country of ours! Thus, it is of no surprise that we find ourselves in the middle of three jobs near the coast of California. The first job is a direct result of our previous Jail Works division and the work we provided in the construction of the cells for the Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisc0 bay. Stewart Iron Works design of an automatic opening mechanism for one cell door or multiple cell doors made for the product to be in high demand.
Now decades later, the National Park Service has contracted Stewart to reproduce a metal roof-top cupola to the exact specifications as it had been originally been constructed by us. Our recreation is in place and the Stewart Iron Works/Alcatraz Prison connection lives on for generations to come.
Approximately 50 miles away in San Jose, CA, Stewart Iron Works has been contracted to design and fabricate a 21 ft. in diameter custom gazebo for one of the city parks. Our gazebos can be found in numerous municipal parks and we are proud to be creating San Jose's distinctive gazebo! Along with the gazebo, Stewart Iron Works has been contracted to fabricate a fence for another city park.
Little did R.C. Stewart know in 1862 when he opened his iron fence company, that an editorial written three years later in New York City, would be providing his namesake company work 150 years later in California!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Stewart Iron Works Wins Prestigious Award!
The Board of Trustees of the Historical Society of Princeton, New Jersey presented the 2011 Preservation Award to Stewart Iron Works, Covington, KY!
On Sunday, May 22nd, the Historical Society of Princeton, New Jersey bestowed their annual Preservation Awards at the annual Bainbridge Club Party in recognition of outstanding contributions to historic presevation in Princeton. Four noteworthy projects received this prestigious designation for design and restoration that integrated careful research, historic preservation, and green design where possible.
Stewart Iron Works won the award for their restoration of the ornamental iron fence around the Maclean House on Nassau Street situated on the Princeton University campus. The original fence was installed over 160 years ago and had fallen into disrepair with only a few of the original panels remaining.
Stewart salvaged and repaired the remaining sections, along with crafting accurate reproductions of the balusters and posts to design a system with slight adjustments to the settings to create a seemingly level fence assembly on a sloping grade.
"The Historical Society of Princeton's Preservation Awards Committee is proud to present these awards to worthy projects in the Princeton community during National Preservation Month, whose theme in 2011 is 'Celebrating America's Treasures'."
Monday, July 18, 2011
Stewart Iron Works Awarded NKCC Success Award!
Stewart Iron Works wins the 2011 Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Award for Manufacturers!
The NKCC acknowledged Stewart Iron Works for their tradition and reputation of "artistry in metal" earned for their work over the past year and the past 150 years! Stewart designed products have been universally acclaimed for excellence and balance of beauty and function.
The Stewart legacy is proudly on display at the United States Capitol, the Panama Canal, Walt Disney World Resort and throughout the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Stewart shield has proudly graced The White House and the British Embassy in Washington, D. C. and private properties of distinction throughout the world!
http://www.nkychamber.com/External/WCPages/WCWebContent/WebContentPage.aspx?ContentID=3371
The NKCC acknowledged Stewart Iron Works for their tradition and reputation of "artistry in metal" earned for their work over the past year and the past 150 years! Stewart designed products have been universally acclaimed for excellence and balance of beauty and function.
The Stewart legacy is proudly on display at the United States Capitol, the Panama Canal, Walt Disney World Resort and throughout the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Stewart shield has proudly graced The White House and the British Embassy in Washington, D. C. and private properties of distinction throughout the world!
http://www.nkychamber.com/External/WCPages/WCWebContent/WebContentPage.aspx?ContentID=3371
Monday, July 11, 2011
Stewart Fountains, Fences and Trellis at Columbus' Scioto Mile Park!
Stewart Iron Works one-of-a-kind ornamental metal works bring lustre to city's riverfront makeover!
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/07/07/scioto-mile-a-waterfront-makeover-banking-on-the-river.html?sid=101
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/07/07/scioto-mile-a-waterfront-makeover-banking-on-the-river.html?sid=101
Friday, July 8, 2011
Columbus in Awe of The Blossom and Halo Fountains!
Our Awe Inspiring Fountains Highlight Columbus's Scioto Mile Bicentennail Park!
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2011/07/07/park-fountain-awe-inspiring.html?sid=101
Click on The Columbus's Dispatch article!
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2011/07/07/park-fountain-awe-inspiring.html?sid=101
Click on The Columbus's Dispatch article!
Scioto Mile Bicentennial Park Opens to Rave Reviews!
Stewart Iron Works Blossom Fountain Thrills All!http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/extras/2011/sciotomile/index.html?sid=101
Click on link to read The Columbus Dispatch "Banking on the River" article from Thursday, July 7th's Front Page!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Babylon Fountain Re-Creation
The Stewart Iron Works tradition is one of enduring quality and value, with nearly 150 years of artistry in metal. Our ultimate goal is to create a setting with timeless appeal. Ornamental metalwork set the welcoming for our most recent project on the East Coast.
Stewart Iron Works, Inc was contacted by the City of Babylon, New York regarding their “old town fountain”. The original fountain was installed in 1897, for a cost of $400. The original fountain was presented to the City of Babylon by the Babylon Women’s Exchange. Over 100 years later, the citizens of Babylon, NY are working to restore the historic aspects of their city. As this fountain appears in many city photographs, a fund was started for the replacement of this historic landmark. The fountain was destroyed years earlier. The new fountain will be place in front of the old village library, now the headquarters of the Babylon Historical Society.
And so the search began for a company with the experience and expertise to replicate this exact fountain in its original form. Stewart Iron Works was contacted by the city of Babylon in regards to this project. Stewart Iron Works is one of the few companies in the United States with the expertise in historic restoration and preservation involving historic metal castings. For many years Stewart Iron Works has been restoring products manufactured early in the company’s over 120 year history, as well as similar historic products made by other companies.
During the completion of all the projects completed by Stewart Iron Works over the years, an archival library of these historic ironwork pieces, accompanying literature and drawings have been developed. The fountain from the city of Babylon is one of the many entries in the archival library.
After a great deal of research regarding their fountain, Babylon, NY learned that their fountain was purchased from a dealer in 1897 that sold Stewart Iron Works products. Upon learning that Stewart was the original creator of the fountain, Babylon contacted Stewart Iron Works with their request. Stewart Iron Works went to work searching their archives for a casting or pattern from which to recreate this fountain. Finding none, they went to the city of Ligonier, PA to request the use of their structure from which to make a mold and pattern. They generously consented to have Stewart Iron Works remove their fountain as it stood in the park at center of the city.The fountain was trucked back to Stewart Iron Works and the work began recreating the elements of the fountain.
The fountain was disassembled and a mold of each piece of the Ligonier fountain was created. From these molds, two part patterns and core boxes were created to precisely resemble the previous fountain’s structure of a woman feeding a dove and intricate pattern on the interior and exterior of the fountain’s base. The creation of a pattern is a complicated process that requires a great deal of skill that only a Master Pattern Maker can offer. The pattern must be created to compensate for the shrinkage of the metal during the casting process as well as to capture all of the detail of the reproduced item. The expertise of Stewart Iron Works is sought after in this capacity, as they are one of the few companies that has a Master Pattern Maker on staff with the knowledge to achieve a flawless final product.
The pattern for the fountain is currently at the foundry where a casting is being made for each piece of the structure. After the casting is complete the fountain will return to Stewart Iron Works for grinding and polishing. The structure will them be assembled in place in Babylon, New York. The fountain from Ligonier has been returned to its original location and restored to reflect its original beauty.
Stewart Iron Works, Inc was contacted by the City of Babylon, New York regarding their “old town fountain”. The original fountain was installed in 1897, for a cost of $400. The original fountain was presented to the City of Babylon by the Babylon Women’s Exchange. Over 100 years later, the citizens of Babylon, NY are working to restore the historic aspects of their city. As this fountain appears in many city photographs, a fund was started for the replacement of this historic landmark. The fountain was destroyed years earlier. The new fountain will be place in front of the old village library, now the headquarters of the Babylon Historical Society.
And so the search began for a company with the experience and expertise to replicate this exact fountain in its original form. Stewart Iron Works was contacted by the city of Babylon in regards to this project. Stewart Iron Works is one of the few companies in the United States with the expertise in historic restoration and preservation involving historic metal castings. For many years Stewart Iron Works has been restoring products manufactured early in the company’s over 120 year history, as well as similar historic products made by other companies.
During the completion of all the projects completed by Stewart Iron Works over the years, an archival library of these historic ironwork pieces, accompanying literature and drawings have been developed. The fountain from the city of Babylon is one of the many entries in the archival library.
After a great deal of research regarding their fountain, Babylon, NY learned that their fountain was purchased from a dealer in 1897 that sold Stewart Iron Works products. Upon learning that Stewart was the original creator of the fountain, Babylon contacted Stewart Iron Works with their request. Stewart Iron Works went to work searching their archives for a casting or pattern from which to recreate this fountain. Finding none, they went to the city of Ligonier, PA to request the use of their structure from which to make a mold and pattern. They generously consented to have Stewart Iron Works remove their fountain as it stood in the park at center of the city.The fountain was trucked back to Stewart Iron Works and the work began recreating the elements of the fountain.
The fountain was disassembled and a mold of each piece of the Ligonier fountain was created. From these molds, two part patterns and core boxes were created to precisely resemble the previous fountain’s structure of a woman feeding a dove and intricate pattern on the interior and exterior of the fountain’s base. The creation of a pattern is a complicated process that requires a great deal of skill that only a Master Pattern Maker can offer. The pattern must be created to compensate for the shrinkage of the metal during the casting process as well as to capture all of the detail of the reproduced item. The expertise of Stewart Iron Works is sought after in this capacity, as they are one of the few companies that has a Master Pattern Maker on staff with the knowledge to achieve a flawless final product.
The pattern for the fountain is currently at the foundry where a casting is being made for each piece of the structure. After the casting is complete the fountain will return to Stewart Iron Works for grinding and polishing. The structure will them be assembled in place in Babylon, New York. The fountain from Ligonier has been returned to its original location and restored to reflect its original beauty.
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