Laroy Sunderland Starrett was an inventor on par with the likes of Alexander
Graham Bell, Thomas Alva Edison, and Benjamin Franklin. The tools of his
invention made work easier and more precise and workmanship more repeatable and
predictable. The tools that carry his name today are some of the most
trusted and respected in industry around the world.
Starrett was born in China, Maine in 1836; one of twelve children born to farmer parents. At the age of twenty-six, he rented a 600 acre farm for himself in Newburyport, Massachusetts and became a tenant dairy farmer. Although he was quite successful as a farmer, his mind was idle. Accordingly, he was always tinkering with things, trying to make them better. Starrett was also gifted mechanically. Beyond simply making improvements, he also invented completely new tools and techniques. His first invention was a machine to chop meat... he called it the "Hasher." During his time on the farm, he also invented a washing machine and a new style of butter churn. L.S. Starrett was not long for farming after this.
As the story goes, Starrett was on a train from Boston when he struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger. Starrett was looking for a place to manufacture his inventions and the other passenger suggested his home town of Athol, Mass. He had mentioned that there was plenty of water power for manufacturing and plenty of capital for investment for the right idea. He visited Athol and decided it was the right place for him to set up business. By 1868, he had moved to Athol and became the General Agent and Superintendent of the Athol Machine Co. The company was to manufacture his "Hasher" meat chopper.
More to come on Laroy Starret and the L.S. Starrett Company soon...
Photo courtesy of Rose Antique Tools
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