Cowanesque Valley Iron Works

A 1994 fire nearly wiped out CVIW a second time. The night-time fire started in the area of the cupola furnace and swept across the roof into the machine shop. Much of the antique machinery was damaged, although not totally lost. One exception was the ancient pulley lathe in the corner, which broke up when hit with cold water. This machine had been used in recent years to finish a large engine flywheel which the foundry cast, and may be missed by some of us. Once again, CVIW rebuilt and is back in business today, but it could just as easily have gone the other way, and we would have lost yet another small foundry. Today they pour iron about twice a week, and run aluminum and brass about every day from small furnaces. I encourage anyone needing parts made to talk to Walter or Jeff because they can help you and would like your business. Walt is particularly knowledgeable about the machines we like to work on and has seen just about everything in his lifetime. The address is: Cowanesque Valley Iron Works, PO Box 13, Cowanesque, Pennsylvania 16918. Telephone is 814-367-2218.

This photograph of a gasoline engine powering a cider press is so crisp and clear you can almost taste the tart apples and feel the juice running down your chin. The photo is part of the collection of J.C. Allen & Son Inc. Rural Life Photo Service, 1341 Northwestern Ave., West Lafayette, Indiana 47906