F. M. Howell and Company, Manufacturing complex in Elmira, New York, United States
F. M. Howell and Company is a manufacturing complex in Elmira located along the Chemung River with multiple interconnected buildings. The structures display Renaissance architectural details combined with industrial design elements and remain in active use for packaging production.
The company began in 1883 making wooden cigar boxes for regional markets. Over the following decades it transformed into a general packaging manufacturer, reflecting the broader shift in American industrial production.
The complex shows how a family business adapted over generations to survive and grow in an industrial region. The buildings with their red brick and large windows reflect what local manufacturing meant to the community over time.
The buildings sit along Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Elmira and are visible from the street. Visitors can view the exterior facades and river frontage from public areas, though the working facilities are not open for tours.
The business remained under family ownership for four generations, making it a rare example of continuity in American manufacturing. This long-term commitment allowed the operation to evolve constantly while maintaining its local roots and identity.
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