Phoenix Iron Work (Palmer's Foundry)

Founder Chauncey Palmer established the Phoenix Iron Works in 1852, and was located on the Northeast corner of First and Blandia Streets.


From page 139 of, "The Mercantile and Manufacturing Progress of the City of Utica, N.Y. and Environs", published in 1888. [Ref.]

Phoenix Iron Work
C.F. Palmer, Manufacturers of Machinery, Iron Castings, Furnaces, Ornamental Iron Work, &c., First and Blandina Streets

The Phoenix Iron Works was established by Mr. Chauncey Palmer in 1852 and he was succeeded by his son, the present proprietor, in the year 1860. The manufacturing plant covers an area 200 x 150 feet in dimensions. The main building is built of brick, is two stories high, and is 40 x 150 feet in extent. There is in addition a frame building of three floors, a foundry and other structures, utilized in the various departments, the whole of which is thoroughly equipped with modern tools, machinery and appliances, including a steam engine of 40- horse power, and employment is given to about thirty-five skilled mechanics.

Mr. Palmer is prepared to build machinery of any description, promptly, to order and at reasonable prices, and he also makes castings of any required weight or pattern, and manufactures iron vases, lawn, cemetery and park settees, iron railings, iron fencing and ornamental iron work of every description. The house posses-es a large stock of patterns suitable to the production of this variety of iron work, which are of modern and elegant design and tasteful conception.

Another specialty is that of the carrying out of architects' designs in iron work, and equal facilities are at hand in this department. Fire basket grates for open fire places, with iron linings, are also here produced, and in fact it is not too much to say that anything made of iron can be manufactured at this establishment.

The Phoenix Iron Works also turn out the Palmer patent clothes dryer, which is perhaps the best appliance of this nature ever introduced to the American public. It strings nearly two hundred feet of line; about double the amount which can be strung to advantage in any ordinary yard the old way. It greatly lessens the wear and tear of clothes, saving the severe flapping they get on the ordinary clothes line. It dries the clothes in half the time, and there is no expense of rotting ropes. The line used is galvanized iron wire. about the yard. Altogether it is simple, durable, and easily repaired by any one having the use of ordinary tools.

Another specialty is the patent sewer inlets, catch basins and stench traps, which entirely remedy all the defects existing in all other styles. All other sewer gratings are liable to become clogged in sudden and severe showers, by leaves, sticks, straws, etc. By use of those made at these works such accidents are absolutely impossible. They are extensively used in cities throughout the country and with the greatest satisfaction.

Mr. Palmer is about introducing to the public a new furnace, which is to become popular by its name of the Phenix hot-air furnace. It is provided with Palmer's patent duplex grate, and it is therefore not an untried furnace, and it will further embody a number of improvements of signal merit. in the market, and it is so simple that any child can clean the fire in a moment's space of time. It will be made in seven sizes., both brick set and in portable form. No doubt that by the time, or immediately after the appearance of this volume, it will clearly have demonstrated its utility and improved character.

Furnace by Phoenix Iron Works, Utica, NY

The trade of the house is largely in the Eastern States, New York, Pennsylvania, and the South, as regards the iron products; but the the clothes dryers are shipped to every section of the United States, generally.

Mr. C. F. Palmer is a practical mechanic of experience, and an inventor of considerable skill and ingenuity and by dint of a thorough knowledge of the business has not only built up a large and growing trade, but has contributed greatly to the excellent reputation of Utica's products.


The Phoenix Iron Work was one of many Utica-based Furnace & Boiler Companies. Utica's history of boiler and furnace manufacturing offers a great opportunity for a Better Wynn Hospital Neighborhood.



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