Events
Our New Exhibit "Swords & Plowshares Revisited" (Opening Gala, Nov. 3, 2-4 pm) at the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum
The Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre unveiled a new display case... on the first floor of City Hall, Brantford ON
While Brantford was still a village, this site was the location of an iron and brass foundry established by Philip C. Van Brocklin in 1844. The products of his Brantford Foundry were plows, stoves, and fireplace irons. Van Brocklin’s operation is recognized as Brantford’s first industry.
Mayor Davis, along with members of CIHC, spoke about the history of the site and the new display case that houses a set of cast iron fireplace andirons made in Van Brocklin’s foundry, circa 1845.
These andirons were used in a fireplace in the Waterous family home for over a century and are the oldest known pieces dating to the original Van Brocklin foundry. The display case can now be viewed in the hallway leading to Council Chambers.
Outlined on each casting: P.C. VAN BROCKLIN BRANTFORD C.W. (Canada West). These andirons were used in a fireplace in the Waterous family home for over a century and are the oldest known pieces dating to the original Van Brocklin foundry.