Gateway-collections

What do church bells, iron stoves, rototillers, tractors, horseshoes, pianos, nurses’ uniforms, and . . detachable shirt collars?. . . all have in common? These were all produced at some point in Troy, NY. The nonprofit Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway has a collection of these items and so much more in their Burden Iron Works Museum in South Troy. Susan Ouellette, the Gateway’s Executive Director, talks about how she has organized a large collection of stuff to create a narrative of how the objects connected to each other and to the history of the area. She also notes how sibling rivalry resulted in two Meneely bell factories across the river from each other. The organization’s archives — including ledgers, advertising, and much more from the 19th and 20th century industries in Troy — have even attracted a novelist researching the times. Susan invites folks to visit the museum, and to support the Gateway as members and volunteers. For more info, visit hudsonmohawkgateway.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.