4" x 3" In 1836 Albert W. Gray patented a hand cranked corn sheller. Horse-powered treadmills followed in 1844, to first power equipment in Gray's own shop, then to power Gray's threshers, saws and ensilage cutters. Along the way there was also a wrought iron nail maker and gasoline engines, including the Ruggles. Over a half century, with help from his sons, Leonidas and Albert Y., Gray's products were sold around the world, all made in a little town in Vermont. For a wonderfully detailed and informative discussion of A. W. Gray & Son products and history, check out this page at the STEAM TRACTION website. When Albert discovered mineral springs (that had been lost during an 1811 flood), the town was renamed Middletown Springs, Vermont. The enterprising Grays began bottling and selling the spring water and in 1870 built a hotel to encourage tourism. Competition from nearby John Deere and other large farm machine manufacturers, led to the Gray family's decision in 1917 to close the doors. It must have been a difficult choice, knowing the impact it would have on their hometown. Today's Middletown Springs is nearly as isolated as it was 150 years ago, encircled by mountains and the Poultney River. Its approximately 900 residents concentrate on dairy farming and enjoying the historic remnants of a prior century. In fact, most of the village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A story in the RUTLAND HERALD sheds more light on the founding of Middletown Springs and its history. And the Middletown Springs Historical Society website offers photos from the past and today.
Q. Can you personalize or make custom magnets? Happy to, make dozens of them every week. Simple text changes to stock magnets are free, including eliminating all text. Just add instructions to your payment or email me after payment.
Sorry, I do not sell magnets of copyrighted images unless you are the copyright holder.
Q. Any special offers? Every order ships with at least 1 free magnet, sometimes made exclusively for you, always selected with an eye to your particular interests.
Q. Are magnets three dimensional or die cut? Please be advised that my magnets are not three dimensional or die cut. They are hand crafted rectangular pictures printed on flat, flexible 35ml magnetic vinyl with a protective satin-finish top coating and hand finished edges.
The magnets are roughly twice the thickness & strength of magnetic material found at office supply stores. They are suitable for interior use.
In other languages that's: El imán es una imagen plana. L'aimant est une image plate. Der Magnet ist ein flaches Bild. Il magnete è un'immagine piatta. De magneet is een vlakke afbeelding.
Q. How strong is the magnetism? Will it stick to my ....? My magnets will hold a couple sheets of lightweight paper or an appointment card but are apt to fail at holding Johnny's finger-painted masterpiece slathered with a pint of tempera paint, or a stack of coupons. The magnet covers the entire back, which means it's unlikely to be brushed to the floor by a youngster cart wheeling through the kitchen.
Q. What if I don't like my magnets? Return it within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, including return shipping, up to the amount I spent getting it to you. (In other words, if you decide to fly it here on your jet, you're buying the fuel :). Just
email so I'll know to watch for an incoming parcel.
Q. Where are the magnets made and who makes them? They're made in Elkhart, Indiana by Yours Truly. I'm a 1-lady band so when you buy from me, you deal only with me. If your order is flubbed, your complaint goes directly to the person who has the most to gain by your satisfaction
Copyrights and images
I do not knowingly sell copyrighted materials. Please contact me if you see an image in my offerings that is contrary to this policy.
Q. What about durability? Will they damage my refrigerator?
They are kind to your refrigerator; no metal corners to scratch or rust, no plastic sleeves to harbor soil or moisture. To clean, wipe with a damp cloth. Do not soak, use abrasives or apply cleaning products containing bleach or solvents. I've run them through the dishwasher without disaster, but they'll last longer if you keep them out of puddles, away from puppy teeth, and remember that they are not suitable for exterior use.
