The Ironton Register, on Jan. 23, 1890, announced the Foster Stove Co. would erect a three-story warehouse to care for their immense stove stock.

A crossing from the warehouse to the foundry was built between the two second stories. The Register noted this was “another gratifying evidence of the enterprise and prosperity of the Foster Stove Works.

The Lawrence County Museum at 506 S. Sixth St. has two original Foster Stoves on display, a small heating stove in the parlor, and a cook or canning stove in the kitchen.

These stoves were made from the finest Hanging Rock charcoal iron.

During its first half century, 1849-1900, Ironton made great strides as an industrial and business center because of the convenience of rail and river transportation and the availability of good grade iron.

The Foster Stove Co. was organized in 1885. Mr. J.D. Foster was President and General Manager.

Other names associated with the early enterprise were: Charles Hutsinpillar, Vice President; James Alexander, Superintendent and H.A, Marting. Secretary treasurer.

The 1888-1889 Ironton City Directory gives the location as 269 Second St., but records show the foundry and warehouse were located between Chestnut and Mulberry Street on South Second.

Nancy Livingston, a museum volunteer, recalls using equipment left by the Foster Stove Co. when she worked as a chemist at Southern California Chemical Company, located at Second and Chestnut streets in the 1960’s.

Sales of the stoves extended principally in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee, but shipments were made into every state in the union.

This company added greatly to the fame of early Ironton industry.

Please put the following dates on your calendar.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. will be the Historic Cemetery Walk at Woodland Cemetery.

This is free to the public and a great way to learn about Lawrence County’s past history.

A shuttle van will be available on the Leiberts parking lot for those not able to walk.

Our annual Old Fashioned Bean Dinner will be 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. There will be live music, crafts, hotdogs, cornbread and fried potatoes along with pinto beans cooked outside over a wood fire.

We are already planning the Christmas Historic Church Walk Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5.

Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy these events.

Sue Jenkins is a docent at the Lawrence County Historical Museum