The above postcard from about 1910 shows today's Beatty Rd. where it crosses Crum Creek. Part of the old mill in the background still stands. The building is now owned by the Water Co.
NOTE: Beatty Edge tools were the edge tool from the 1820s thru the 1870s. William Betty began making edge tools in the 1806 and was the first person to make edge tools out of cast steel. His tools won numerous awards and were highly sought for many years. The Beatty Factory eventually moved to Chester in the 1880s.
DELAWARE COUNTY AMERICAN
April 18, 1860
BEATTY’S MILLS
These mills in Springfield, on Crum Creek, about a mile east of this borough, are so well known to the people of this county, that something in relation to their past and present history, cannot but interest our readers. The business of manufacturing edge tools in this county, was first commenced by Wm. Beatty, now deceased, near Chester, in the old mill on the Providence Road, this side of the bridge at Shoemakerville in 1806. It is now used for the manufacture of cotton laps, and was erected by him as well as some of the other buildings there situated. The race, which is quite lengthy, was dug by moonlight, by Mr. Beatty’s own hands. He was also the first man in the United States to manufacture edge tools from cast steel. He remained at this place until the year 1825, when he removed to Springfield, where the mills now are, and at place he died, at about the age of sixty-two, 1842, honored by all who knew him. Specimens of his tools were exhibited at the Franklin Institute, the first year of its existence, in October, 1825, and were awarded the first premium. The report of the Institute of that year says: 'They were adjudged to be specimens of very superior workmanship; their appearance, form and finish, are not equaled by any of the same description which the judges have seen introduced into this from any foreign country.’ The edge tools of these works also took premiums at the above Institution in 1846, ’55 and ’58; and are now more sought after, and in more general use than any other in the country.
The dam and all of the works were swept away by the great flood of August 5, 1843. The business was then carried on by John C. Beatty, who by his indomitable perseverance, notwithstanding the great loss, rebuilt them during the same year. The works at the present time are under the control of torn down, and another far more extensive, been erected in its stead, besides other improvements made. This was necessary to keep pace with the greatly increasing demand for the tools there manufactured. They now employ constantly some thirty men, and turn out at least two hundred pieces of cutlery, daily, consisting of broad and pitching axes, hatchets, cleavers, drawing knifes, etc. Their tools have a world-wide reputation, and are without doubt, the best the country can produce.
Relatives of this family, whose names are also Beatty, have extensive edge tool works in Chester Township.
NEED HELP UNKNOWN Picture
Below is a picture of Smith's Landing in Essington. The problem is I want an exact location. This is a glass plate from about 1902 from my collection. The name does not show up on any maps. Thanks for your help. Contact Keith if you know where it is- keith106@rcn.com
The UNKNOWN picture is the block between Saude and Bartram Avenues. I've written this several times before. It is now Fox's Grove Marina. At the time of the photo the block belonged to Samuel Rosengarten. A private resort. The building above the sailboat mast was a boarding house. After Sam died my grandfather bought the block from the Rosengarten estate. We have this photo and another showing my house. The property was expanded with fill in the 50s and 60s.
Chris Templin