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All the United States Massachusetts Somerville Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque
Gastro Obscura

Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque

This unassuming stone commemorates a condiment factory gone up in smoke.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Added By
Andrew Furst
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The stone marker, with replicas of the company’s original jars.   anfurst / Atlas Obscura User
  jeanine554
  anfurst / Atlas Obscura User
  tdcusick / Atlas Obscura User
  chris brat / Atlas Obscura User
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Located just outside Boston, the Old Powder House is the oldest stone building in the state of Massachusetts. The stone-walled structure was once used for gun powder storage in anticipation of the American Revolution. On your way to visit this historical landmark, you’ll also find what's left of condiment manufacturer George W. Emerson's foray into cucumber-brining, sitting in the shadows.

This site, now Nathan Tufts Park in Somerville, Massachusetts, was once home to Old Powder House Brand Pickles. The factory burned in October 1878, but the business didn't officially go under until 1892. On October 5, 1878, the Somerville Journal published an account of the fire, noting that while the pickle factory burned to the ground, Emerson's adjacent home was spared: "Fortunately, the wind was blowing away from the dwelling house and over the opening field; otherwise it is probable that the structure would have fallen prey to the devouring element. The inmates were considerably alarmed as it was, and experienced something of a ‘house-warming.’"

Today, all that remains of the factory is a lone stone marker. To see the commemorative pickle plaque, follow the steps from the stone house on College Avenue.

Related Tags

Pickles Plaques Fires Parks Disasters Food Disasters

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The plaque, and the Old Powder House, are a 10-minute walk from Davis Square.

Community Contributors

Added By

anfurst

Edited By

rachelrummel, chris brat, tdcusick

  • rachelrummel
  • chris brat
  • tdcusick

Published

October 31, 2018

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Sources
  • https://historictours.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/george-emersons-pickle-factory/
  • https://dmorinsite.wordpress.com/george-watts-emerson/
  • https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/obscure-england-pickle-jar-emerson-131911975
  • https://paulreveresriderevisited.wordpress.com/2017/06/28/sidetracked-the-old-powder-house/
Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque
850 Broadway
Somerville, Massachusetts
United States
42.400696, -71.117325
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Nearby Places

Old Powder House

Somerville, Massachusetts

miles away

Museum of Modern Renaissance

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miles away

Mahalab Bakery

Cambridge, Massachusetts

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Somerville

Somerville

Massachusetts

Places 12
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Old Powder House

Somerville, Massachusetts

miles away

Museum of Modern Renaissance

Somerville, Massachusetts

miles away

Mahalab Bakery

Cambridge, Massachusetts

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Somerville

Somerville

Massachusetts

Places 12
Stories 1

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