Label
Broad Ax, c. 1850
Consider Stebbins Bardwell (1807-1885)
Pawlet, Vermont
Steel, wood
Gift of Dorothy Offensend, #1998.36.1
Consider Bardwell moved to Pawlet, Vermont from Massachusetts in 1842 to take possession of 34 acres of land along the Indian Brook. He made improvements to the property and water-power source to advance his edged-tool manufacturing business. Over time he added more properties to his holdings including a small slate quarry to produce roofing slate.
Bardwell produced edged tools from about 1846 to 1867. In addition to owning a slate quarry, which he leased to a third-party operator, he also created the first cooperative creamery in Vermont. Established in 1864 and incorporated by the Vermont Legislature in 1865, the West Pawlet Dairy Association collected surplus milk from area farmers and manufactured butter and cheese for the open market.
By the end of 1867 Bardwell stepped back from his various business ventures, ultimately selling his properties in 1869. He retired to a grand brick residence in Granville, New York where he lived until his death in 1885.
The site of the creamery in Pawlet is now an award-winning, artisanal cheese facility named after Consider Bardwell.