Samson Cordage, Phoenix Pond, Shirley, Mass.

This is my first water drawing, if you are generous enough to overlook that hack job on the Catecoonemaug in Trestle over the Catecoonemaug. It is an auspicious beginning. Monet taught me everything I know.

In 1850 the Shakers erected a cotton mill which was bought by Phoenix Cotton Manufacturing and later became the Samson Cordage Company. It was a major town employer for over 100 years. In 1988, Samson Cordage decided to cease manufacturing its various brands of rope and clothes line in Shirley, although manufacturing operations continue elsewhere (see http://www.samsonrope.com). The Historical Society has a model of one of the intricate machines used to braid the rope.

The chimney developed a tilt and was finally torn down within a couple years after I did this drawing. The complex is currently (2003) being redeveloped as an office park (Phoenix Park).

June 23, 1996