Jamaica Plain Factory (1876-1903, 1915-1919)

Sturtevant's growth and product expansion led to the move out of crowded Old Boston to an industrial center forming in the newly annexed borough of Jamaica Plain. Blowers, fans, heating systems and steam engines were produced in the buildings nestled along the Boston & Providence Railroad near JP station.

There stay would be brief, lasting only 27 years. The fire disaster, typical of this period, that hastened their arrival would revisit in 1901 prompting an early departure in 1903 to Hyde Park a few miles south.

The factory didn't remain idle post-fan manufacturing. Still owned by Sturtevant, a section was leased to Nappier Auto from 1904-1907 to assemble this British model for the US market. The onset of WW1 brought a more creative re-use.

In the summer of 1915, the Sturtevant Aeroplane Co. was organized by the owner's son and located on 20k sq.ft. consisting of wing assembly, covering and final assembly. Under the guidance of famed early aeronautical pioneer Grover Loening three historically notable but ultimately failed designs were built. In 1917, America's entry in the war caused employment to explode to nearly 1000 as the company abandoned their early efforts and became one of several around the country churning out spare aircraft parts for the war effort.