I recently approached the Brantford Museum & Archives and the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre about an idea I had to do a photography coffee table book on the subject of the Brantford Brownfields, specifically the mohawk site. This idea intrigued them and I am excited to be working with them on this project. The book will now involve great imagery and a look at the interesting history behind this 53 acre parcel of land that helped make Brantford the 3rd largest exporter of manufactured goods in Canada at it’s prime.
James Cockshutt started the Brantford Plow Works in 1877 and in 1882 it was incorporated as the Cockshutt Plow Company. The company’s products included plows, cultivators, harrows, seeders, and rollers. The company relocated to 66 Mohawk Street in 1903. They also manufactured transport equipment, shells, and other weapons to help with the war effort during both World Wars. The Cockshutt Company became a subsidiary of the White Motor Corporation in the early 1960s and the name was officially changed to White Farm Equipment in 1969. Creditors forced the closure of White Farm Equipment in 1985 with the last shift coming on April 10, 1985.
Below are a couple of images taken for the upcoming project. Upon completion of the book in 2011 there will be an exhibition featuring many more photographs and other multimedia works.
