Rowland Shovel Works

Philadelphia saws, axes, shovels, rakes, and picks were in demand everywhere across the nation during the 19th century, helping to win the West and complete the United States. Besides the Disston Saw Works, a good amount of these tools were made by individuals with the name "Rowland," most apparently descendants of a John Rowland who came to Philadelphia in 1682. Confusing matters greatly, there were several tool-making factories by the name of "Rowland" along the Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philadelphia.

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The Rowland Shovel Works was also founded on the Pennypack Creek in around 1826/7 by Jonathan Rowland. It is said that the first shovel made in the United States was manufactured by this firm. Jonathan's son Maxwell became head of the company in 1854. A long rectangular shovel made by him won first prize at the Centennial Exposition of 1876.

The Rowland Company was founded in 1732 by Benjamin Rowland. Its principal products were shovels and similar tools, as well as springs for wagons. Now specializing in industrial power transmission products, the firm is apparently the oldest continually-operating company in Philadelphia.

The house at 415 Ashbourne Road in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania was once part of the Rowland Shovel Factory, connected to the Rowland House that exists at Center and Ashbourne Road (That site is a PA Historic Landmark.) It was built according to some in 1793, with additions to the original stone mill house done in the 1930's. It is known as "Little House" and served as a house for factory workers. It is situated on the Tookany Creek. It is also called the Richard Drake House.