Trowel and Masonry Tool Collector Resource : History of C.A. Maynard

Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

History of C.A. Maynard

C.A. Maynard's Hoe and Shovel Works, of Northampton, Massachusetts, manufactured several styles of brick trowels in the late 1800s, along with agricultural tools. Their output was carried as far west as Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis, MO.

The works was on the banks of Mill River, below Paradise Pond. The business was originally Clement, Hawkes & Maynard, making cutlery and hoes. C. A. Maynard was Mr. Clement's son-in-law. Maynard died 1 May, 1922, age 80. His obituary stated that he had retired 3 years before, after 53 years in business.

The caption under the picture below reads:

The engravings on this page... represent what is now one of the picturesque objects in the city — the hoe and shovel works of C. A. Maynard, with a few of its products. This factory was badly injured by fire, in 1886, and will probably never again be built in its old form, but Mr. Maynard’s business is increasing so that enlargement must soon be had on the ground floor. The factory is always running full, turns out the highest priced goods in America, and gives the most value for their cost.

This photograph at Digital Commonwealth shows the back of the works before the 1886 fire.