The information below provides additional history about one of the sixteen points of interest along the tour. Visit Essex, Massachusetts and enjoy our self-guided tour to learn more about each historic Essex location on the interpretive signs.
BURNHAM'S CORNER
INSIDE THE FULLER SHOE FACTORY
Early 1870’s
The Fuller Shoe Factory steam whistle blew at 7 AM and at 12 noon for the dinner hour, and again at 1 PM and 6 PM for closing. Machinery for making the shoes was propelled by steam. A very large water tank towered above the roof, its iron foundations set on 3 foot square blocks of granite. A brick chimney rose even higher above the tank. Each floor had a different purpose: one for cutting, one for offices and lasters (skilled workers who attached the upper part of a shoe to the sole), and the top floor for women stitchers.
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