Beginning of Millers Falls Manufacturing Co.

Both men were not only good employees and independent contractors.  Their ambitions were reaching much farther and the goal was to establish themselves as an independent business. 

Levi J. Gunn had long experience in manufacturing, gained during many years of employment with Alonzo Parker. 

Years later author writes:

"His success in life is due to habits of thrift and industry, and the economical management of the large affairs with which he has been connected." (Greenfield Gazette, Centennial Edition, February, 1892.)

Charles H. Amidon brought an inventive mind to this team.  As early as 1856, in partnership with A. C. Hitchcock, another employee at Greenfield Tool Co., he developed and patented his first device - a Mortising Chisel.

At the Greenfield Tool Factory, Amidon together with Gunn were only two mechanics making plow and matching planes - an "honor" given only to the most skilled workers.

Aside from working for Greenfield Tool Co., Gunn and Amidon began their own, small enterprise in building clothes wringers.

The reason for engagement in this line of products remains a mystery.  We can only speculate that Gunn and Amidon, being "tinkerers" by nature, were also looking for opportunities to find a "hot" product that was simple to build and easy to sell. 

In early 1850s washing machines and accompanying wringers became very desirable house appliances.  In 1851 James King patented the first washing machine to use a drum.  In 1858 first rotary washing machine was invented by Hamilton Smith.  By early 1860s various patented wringers were available on the market. 

It was natural for Amidon to work on improvement to existing wringer designs and have his own solution ready for patent in 1862.  He received this patent on October 28, 1862 with a number 36,761.

Apparently, "the two had begun making wringers in part of the old steam mill, near the original railroad depot, while they were still employed by the Greenfield Tool Company.  When the steam mill burned in June, 1861, they stopped working for the tool company to begin business on their own in the northwest corner of town." (The Conservative Rebel by Paul Jenkins, 1982).

In September, 1861, Dunn, Amidon and Holland built shops on Gunny's Pond, a spot in Cherry Rum Brook area above Nash's Mills.

"Cherry Rum Brook flows from the west end of White Ash swamp, and continues westward discharging into Mill Brook.  The thickets which lined its winding way were cover for the Indians who attacked the retreating forces of Captain Turner, after the Falls fight, and near its northern bank some of the captured soldiers were burned at the stake.  Nearly a century ago its waters turned the wheels of a sawmill, which was located just east of where the swamp road crosses the brook.

"Their product received immediate, widespread attention, winning an award at a national industrial exhibition."  (The Conservative Rebel by Paul Jenkins, 1982).

Even before the date of his patent, October 28, 1862, Amidon presented his wringer design at the Twenty Second annual Fair held in Rochester, NY during September 30 and October 3, 1862.  He received a recognition diploma for his improved wringer.

According to R. Roeder, (oldtoolheaven.com) the success of the wringer patented by Amidon, prompted Levi J. Gunn to formalize relationship with Charles H. Amidon and the business adopted a name of "Gunn & Amidon".  Up to this point the business was rather informal association of Levi J. Gunn and Charles H. Amidon.

On September 6th, 1864, First Annual Exhibition of the New England Agricultural Society, formed that year, opened its review of agricultural and related industrial achievements in Springfield, MA.  Gunn & Amidon presented eight samples of their improved wringer.  The wringers were based on a patent received by Amidon in 1862.

Although Gunn & Amidon did not receive an award for their presentation, another important event took place on the floor of the exhibition.  The wringers presentation was entered in the Class IX, No. 46 - Agricultural Implements Entries.   In the Exhibition catalog Gunn & Amidon are listed at entry No. 136. 

The next entry, No. 137, was for W. H. Barber from Greenfield, MA.  He presented one Barber's Patented Bit Brace.