The factory was originally home to the Foote Manufacturing Company owned by my Great Grandfather and Great Uncle. The company was established in 1898 and manufactured cement mixers and starting in 1931 black top pavers. There are many historical highlights associated with the company. First and foremost the two brothers are credited with creating the first gas powered cement mixer in 1897 using a Lambert gasoline engine. By 1901 they had completed a 6 h.p. engine of their own design. In 1903 the first factory was built and in 1915 the factory where the Fairbanks-Morse came from was built. In 1932 the company came out with the Adnun ( Nunda spelled backwards) the first self propelled, non-form riding asphalt paver. During World War II, the company had an exclusive contract with the U.S. Government to produce cement mixer/pavers for the military. They were used to make the runways for Army and Navy aircraft. In 1943 the Company was awarded the Army and Navy "E" Award for excellence in manufacturing. The company was awarded this two more times before the end of the war. In 1948 the company was bought by the Blaw-Knox Company and continued to manufacture mixers and pavers until 1956 when the factory was again sold.