Firestone-Apsley Rubber Company, Industrial rubber manufacturing facility in Hudson, Massachusetts
The Firestone-Apsley rubber factory in Hudson was a manufacturing facility that produced rubber garments, footwear, and later tires. A distinctive 150-foot brick smokestack rose above the grounds and served as a landmark for the complex.
The facility was founded in 1885 as the Goodyear Gossamer Company and became the nation's largest rubber garment producer within a few years. The operation later expanded into tire manufacturing and shaped the industrial landscape of the region.
The factory drew workers from many different countries and was known for its diverse workforce. These workers brought their own traditions and daily practices that shaped life inside the facility.
The building is now home to Hudson Lock LLC, a manufacturer of keys, locks, and locksmithing tools. Visitors should note that this is an active business operation, so viewing the facility typically requires advance arrangement.
The factory's brick smokestack once displayed the word 'FIRESTONE' spelled out in white-painted bricks across its face. A 2017 incident damaged part of the structure, altering what the painted letters now spell out.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
