Browse Items (70 total)

The "E" or Excellence Award was given to plants for outstanding contribution to the war effort. About 5% of the plants in existence during WWII received the award.

Master of Ceremonies: Harold J. Morgan
Greetings of the Community: George A.…

The file contains various histories and papers related to the origin and operation of the Mills. It also contains newspaper clippings of the explosions that occurred over the years.

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Standing: William McGarry, Jack Carey
Seated: Lee Donahue

1st photo: Smokeless Powder Mill - 1910 Jack Punch
2nd photo: Black Powder Mill - 1913 William McGarry

The Powder Mills owned over 400 acres with the various mills separated on the property for safety reasons.

The theme of the float was the "Cotton Club" with some of the musicians in blackface.

Cord wood piled at the left is to be made into charcoal for the powder. Sepia photo of Powder Mill Rd. from Maynard line into Acton in early 1900's.

Machine shop, carpenter shop, and old office at the powder mills. Water gate to wheel mills, early 1900s.
The building in the center with the chimney is still standing with the latest renovation taking place in 2011 for commercial use.

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Horse "Charles", William Hooper, William Hird, Frank Rand, Horse "Tige"

ACTON, Mass., May 3. -- Three of the buildings belonging to the plant of the American Powder Company, near the boundary line of Acton and Concord, were blown up shortly after 9 o'clock this forenoon. Five of the employes were killed.

BOSTON, March 12. The American Powder Mills, at South Acton, Mass., exploded at 9:05 o'clock this a morning, causing much consternation and alarm. Two mills are wrecked, together with considerable machinery. The loss of life is confined to two hired…

Photograph showing the exterior of a mill building at the American Powder Company. The pulley on the outside of the building was connected by a rope to motor located in a distant building. This kept any sparks created by the motor away from the…

Photograph of the exterior and interior workings of a "Glaze Mill" at the American Powder Company. The glaze mill is where the final gun powder was coated to prevent degradation by water absorption.

Photograph of the "Corning Mill" at the American Powder Company.

Photograph of the "Glaze Mill" at the American Powder Company

Photographs of the remains of the Powder Mills taken in November 2010. Third photo shows Paul Boothroyd (l) and Bruce McGarry (r) at the site.

These guns were used to test the powder in various types of shells.

Photograph of the Powder Mill Dam

Portrait of William Hooper, one of the top employees at the American Powder Mill.