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From the Gowanda PennySaver News "Reflections" series compiled by Mary Pankow. issue date - May 27, 2001

c. Latter part of the 19th century

Romer Bros. Ax Factory - In 1876, John and Nicholas Romer establish their ax factory on the Erie County side of Gowanda, next to Cattaraugus Creek. John is named first vice president of the Gowanda Cooperative Savings and Loan Association in 1889. By 1893, the ax factory employs 75 men, but the Romers, both village trustees in the 1880's, decide to move the business to Dunkirk. Although manned entirely by Gowanda workmen, the new ax factory is an inconvenience for employees and their families. In 1900, word arrives that John Romer died in Dunkirk. (Photo courtesy of the Gowanda Area Historical Society.)