R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Madison & Edwards Rd, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
The Madison and Edwards Road plant of The R.K. Le Blond Machine Tool Company (in service 1918-1989) is an example of the early 20th century "factory beautiful" movement in American industry. At this location a prominent Cincinnati area manufacturer of machine tools established itself as the industry`s foremost producer of lathes, and through mid-century dominated the world market for specialized lathes for the machining of engine crankshafts and for gun boring. The impact of this manufacturing plant on 20th century culture has been significant both during peacetime (when virtually all moving vehicles from American Hupmobiles to Soviet tractors were powered by engines with crankshafts made on Le Blond lathes) and during wartime when opponents in two world wars fired upon each other using ordinance of every size that had been bored and rifled on Le Blond equipment). Locally, the plant had significance as a major industrial employer during an era that spanned the Great Depression.
R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Madison & Edwards Rd, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
The Madison and Edwards Road plant of The R.K. Le Blond Machine Tool Company (in service 1918-1989) is an example of the early 20th century "factory beautiful" movement in American industry. At this location a prominent Cincinnati area manufacturer of machine tools established itself as the industry`s foremost producer of lathes, and through mid-century dominated the world market for specialized lathes for the machining of engine crankshafts and for gun boring. The impact of this manufacturing plant on 20th century culture has been significant both during peacetime (when virtually all moving vehicles from American Hupmobiles to Soviet tractors were powered by engines with crankshafts made on Le Blond lathes) and during wartime when opponents in two world wars fired upon each other using ordinance of every size that had been bored and rifled on Le Blond equipment). Locally, the plant had significance as a major industrial employer during an era that spanned the Great Depression.
Posted Date
Sep 27, 2021
Source Name
Library of Congress
Source Website
R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Production Building, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
The Production Building is the largest single building in the Le Blond plant complex. Its distinguishing architectural characteristic is its sawtoothed skylit roof truss system which brought north light into the manufacturing area and opened for ventilation in the summer. The building is important because it demonstrates the typical characteristics of the early 20th century machine tool manufacturing environment which began with belt-driven line shaft technology and evolved to obsolescence in the post war period. Additional significance lies in the role it played in the actual manufacturing of Le Blond`s products which were important contributors to the evolution of the automobile industry and to the United States war production.
R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Production Building, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
The Production Building is the largest single building in the Le Blond plant complex. Its distinguishing architectural characteristic is its sawtoothed skylit roof truss system which brought north light into the manufacturing area and opened for ventilation in the summer. The building is important because it demonstrates the typical characteristics of the early 20th century machine tool manufacturing environment which began with belt-driven line shaft technology and evolved to obsolescence in the post war period. Additional significance lies in the role it played in the actual manufacturing of Le Blond`s products which were important contributors to the evolution of the automobile industry and to the United States war production.
Posted Date
Sep 27, 2021
Source Name
Library of Congress
Source Website
R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Executive Garage, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
This curved building, one of the most unusual features of the site when seen from overhead, was originally constructed as a series of personal automobile garages for the senior management of the company. At the onset of WWII a second story was added for overflow storage. It formed the backdrop for many formal ceremonies associated with the company`s contributions to the war production in two world wars.
R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Executive Garage, 2980 Madison Rd, Norwood, Hamilton County, OH
This curved building, one of the most unusual features of the site when seen from overhead, was originally constructed as a series of personal automobile garages for the senior management of the company. At the onset of WWII a second story was added for overflow storage. It formed the backdrop for many formal ceremonies associated with the company`s contributions to the war production in two world wars.
Posted Date
Sep 27, 2021
Source Name
Library of Congress
