The Iron Furnace Interpretive Center www.glynnhouse.com/area/id22.htm contains the only Blast Furnace still Standing in New Hampshire. The octagonal stone stack that is visible on the far bank of the Gale River is all that remains of a 200-year-old iron smelter shown on an 1805 map of Franconia. Chiseled into one of the heavy stones in the west arch opening is "S. Pettee, Jr. 1859". Pettee was a well-known iron master who was associated with several blast furnaces in New England. He was the last known foreman to operate this furnace.The furnace was built of local granite. Its interior is lined with firebrick, laid in a cylindrical shape. The space between the firebrick and stone exterior is filled with clay. Farmers burned trees to make charcoal to fire the furnace. Iron production declined by 1865 as the ore and trees diminished and as iron production in Pennsylvania progressed at less cost. The furnace was abandoned with a belly full of once-molten iron. The furnace had been inactive for twenty years when, in 1884, the shed that surrounded it burned to the ground.
Visitors can see a scale model of the furnace and the shed that enclosed it. Also on display at the Interpretive Center are an ore cart, stove, kettles and tools, as well as panels explaining the process. The Franconia Heritage Museum offers additional displays of iron and books on the subject. Franconia is approximately 35 minutes from the Inn.
Stay at the romantic Glynn House Inn during your visit to NH’s spectacular lakes and mountains. Guests experience elegant surroundings, delicious food, uncompromising service and genuine hospitality. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Bring your favorite four-footed canine pal and reserve one of four pet friendly rooms. Visit the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com/ for additional information about the Inn and local activities.
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