The L.S. Starrett Museum located on Crescent Street in Athol is a time capsule into the company’s past. The museum is housed in the location of the Gerry Textile Machinery Shop purchased by the L.S. Starrett Company along with five acres of land in 1942.
The museum itself was established in 1960 and houses tools and equipment produced by the Starrett Company since its beginnings. Items on display include Laroy Starrett’s first invention, a meat chopper, which first brought Starrett to Athol from Newburyport after Athol Machine agreed to produce his invention, according to The Starrett Story 2018 edition produced by the company.
Another early invention by Starrett which can be seen at the museum was a combination square with a moveable head. The combination squares are a measuring tool used in metal working, woodworking and masonry. The combination square was originally produced by Richardson Machine Company in 1877, which was bought out by Starrett Company, according to the Starrett Story. Prior to this invention, according to Scott Robinson, who works in technical support at the factory, squares were stationary.
Starrett micrometers, a measuring tool used in engineering, machining and other mechanical trades are also available to see at the museum. LaRoy Starrett made innovations to this tool allowing for a neater appearance, more sensitive adjustment and a quicker adjustment of the tool, according to the Starrett Story.
Several of the Starrett micrometers on display took part in larger world history events. These include a Starrett Micrometer which went with Admiral Byrd to the South Pole and another which was brought back to Athol from a returning World War II soldier. The caption to the tool reads “Micrometer Underwent Japanese Bombing. Starrett Cat #4365 with American Repair Units on Iwo Jima. Brought back by one of our boys who presented it to Starrett.” LaRoy Starrett eventually sought patents for approximately 100 of his inventions over his lifetime also including shoe hook fasteners and a line of bench vises.
The social life of Starrett employees is also preserved at the museum. Hanging on the wall is a Women’s Tug of War Champions Banner from 1947-1948-1949. This banner was from the days when Starrett held field days and annual picnics at Packard Heights in Orange for its employees, said Joel Shaughnessy, retired personnel director and office manager at Starett’s. Also at the museum is a board displaying a series of photographs from company picnics.
The museum is currently cataloging the items at the museum online. The collection can be viewed at catalogit.app by typing Starrett Museum into the Search Hub.
The company assists in preserving Starrett tools still in use as well. Said Robinson, “We get calls like ‘I have my grandfather’s micrometer from WWII, he used it to work on P51 Mustangs.’ We make every effort to get them back to their original working condition.” Those wishing to arrange a tour of the museum should contact the main office at 978-249-3551.
Carla Charter is a freelance writer from Phillipston. Her writing focuses on the history of the North Quabbin area. Contact her at cjfreelancewriter@earthlink.net