Howell Furnace

Artist Unknown Artist

Periodca. 1830 - 1835

MediumInk wash on paper

Dimensions8.5 × 12.5 in. (21.6 × 31.8 cm)

InscribedInscribed in gilt lettering on the reverse painted black and gilt mat, "Howell Furnace."

ClassificationsLandscapes & Still Life

Credit LineGift of Rev. Louis B. Howell, 1932

Object number1994.577

DescriptionAn early drawing of an iron furnace with a large four-story structure over the furnace itself. Several smaller buildings cluster around the main furnace, three to its left and two to its right. A dwelling appears in the distance to the right of the furnace, which sits in a rolling open landscape. The artist has framed this industrial scene with tree on the left and right edges of the drawing, and in the distance.
Curatorial RemarksA similar view of the Howell Works furnace appeared on company scrip printed in the mid 1830s. It was, however, taken from a vantage point to the right of that in the wash drawing.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.

Collections