Howell Works Script Plate

Maker Howell Iron Works

Periodca. 1830-1840

Place MadeHowell, New Jersey

MediumBronze on wooden block

Dimensions1.75 × 4 × 1 in. (4.4 × 10.2 × 2.5 cm)

ClassificationsOccupational Equipment

Credit LineGift of Lucinda Johnson in memory of Halstead Wainright, 1937

Object number1030

DescriptionA rectangular wooden block with a fixed bronze plate featuring the engraved design of a two dollar script note. Below the depiction of a furnace building, the plate is inscribed, "the HOWELL WORKS Co. Will pay / ___ or bearer on presentation the amount of TWO DOLLARS in Goods / at their Store. Howell Works, NJ __18__."
Curatorial RemarksThe engraving is cut into the bronze plate in reverse to how it will actually print; the image shown here has been inverted for clarity.NotesIn need of a reliable source of pig iron for his marine engine factory in New York City, James P. Allaire purchased the Monmouth Furnace in a series of transactions between 1822 and 1828. Located in Howell Township, Monmouth County, Allaire renamed the works Howell Furnace. By 1833, he had invested $150,000 in the process of refurbishing the existing property and constructing a number of new buildings. When the Howell Works reached its peak production period in 1836 - 1837, it was nearly a self-sufficient community of 500 men, women and children. After two decades of decline, the Howell Works was shut down by 1846, with a few activities continuing to about 1850. The property remained in the Allaire family hands until 1901. A few years later, the tract was acquired by Arthur Brisbane. It was bequeathed to the State of New Jersey in 1941 by his widow. Today, the Howell Works is operated as a historic site. A non-profit organization, Allaire Village Inc., runs it in conjunction with the State of New Jersey as a tourist and educational facility.

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