Then And Now: The Old Chemical Plant

This week -an old chemical factory once stood in Lynnfield. I'm not sure exactly where, although near Route 1 is one likely location. A state historical document found online mentions the chemical factory in passing, stating that it was established to produce magnesium bombs during World War I. Magnesium silicate for the bombs was even reportedly mined near Pillings Pond. The state historical document, dated 1986, reports that after World War I, the chemical factory helped produce rust-resistant paint and epsom salts before it closed.

The chemical factory is not to be confused with the "Chemical House," which is what they apparently used to call fire stations around the WWI/Turn of the Century eras.