The History
The John Grass Wood Turning Company produced turned wood objects for everyday use, including ballustrades, night sticks, plates, bowls, bowling pins, tool handles, and their most popular item: flag poles. The company produced these goods for over 150 years, with historically accurate reproductions becoming a large share of the work in recent years. The company had a relatively large staff of 10 to 16 individuals during its' heyday, including turners, accountants, and supervisors. The John Grass Company officially closed its' doors in 2003.
Articles:
Workshop of the World by Walter Palmer, jr.
(reprint from Construction Today)
A Historical Background by Jane Mork Gibson
Historic Images:
Technical Drawings:
A Brief Timeline
1838 - John Grass born in Bavaria
1853 - John Grass emigrates to the United States
1863 - John Grass Wood Turning Company founded
1911 - John Grass incorporates with his partner, Lou Bower
1914 - John Grass dies
1916 - The Company moves to it's current location at 146 N 2nd St.
1989 - Lou Bower III inherits the Company from his father
2003 - Lou Bower III ceases operation of the Company
2006 - The John Grass Task Force is formed to create and implement a plan to preserve the building, its industrial history, and to integrate the Wood Turning Center's programs, collections, and offices
Contact:
, (215) 923.8000
Wood Turning Center
501 Vine St
Philadelphia, PA 19106