Peltier Soda Ash Shovel

[IowaMarble]

Last fall, I was offered a rare opportunity by the Mayor of Ottawa to take a guided tour of the Peltier factory and grounds.

As I walked through the factory, I tried my absolute best to take it all in – after all, I knew this would likely be the last time I would ever step foot in the factory. 

As I meandered from room to room, I eventually made it to one of the oldest areas of the building – the chambers where they stored the glass cullet and soda ash.

I just couldn’t help myself so I stuck my head into each dark chamber to see what I could learn about their processes.  

I could tell that the chambers had been modified throughout the years mostly on the methods used to receive the cullet and ash deliveries from their suppliers. 

During my inspection, I was fortunate enough to notice this lonely shovel tucked safely away in the corner of the very dark soda ash chamber.  

I asked the Mayor if he would mind if I took it as a memento of sorts.  

The Mayor gave his permission so I quickly picked it up and immediately noticed the worn hand marks on the handle from a lifetime of usage – most likely from shoveling soda ash and recycled cullet from the adjacent chambers.

The shovel now stands very proudly in my marble room.

[machinemades]

Great piece with a great story and background. 

[Steph]

Oh that is so charming.  What a unique piece of history.  

[IowaMarble]

Thanks Sami!  We should catch up soon!

[lstmmrbls]

Very Cool!!!!

[akronmarbles]

What Galen said!

 

[ann]

How cool is that!  The blade even has a certain flair . . .