Machinist & Engineer: Frederick Webster Howe

1 property

1822 to 1891 — Howe and Richard Lawrence jointly developed numerous innovations for Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, VT. He built milling machines and worked for the Simeon North company in Middletown, CT. While at the Providence Tool Company perfecting the manufacture of the Springfield rifle, he interested Joseph R. Brown in machine tools. The first Brown & Sharpe machine was an improved version of a turret screw machine that Howe had designed. He inspired Brown to invent the universal milling machine and organized quantity production of Elias Howe’s sewing machines. Finally, he returned to Brown & Sharpe as President, machine tool and building designer, and chief stockholder. AmericanPrecision.org.

  • Slow and steady wins this race — vacated in 1964, some of the buildings were in use as early as 1988, but only 30 years later has the entire complex been redeveloped

    Smith Hill | Built: 1872–1941