They've been making iron and steel since Colonial times (PHOTOS)

HIGH BRIDGE - The 275th anniversary celebration of the Taylor-Wharton Iron and Steel Company continues Sunday.

The borough is celebrating the history of the old iron works, which for generations was the only major, non-agricultural industry in the area. A two-day Foundry Festivalis being held on Saturday and Sunday.

Taylor-Wharton and its predecessors manufactured a wide variety of products since their operations began in 1742, and remains one of the country's oldest companies. Known for the manufacture of cannonballs for the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, it also supplied armament casings well into the mid-20th century.

Just as important was the manufacture of railroad switches, track and other products needed to expand the nationwide railroad system, mine car wheels and dredge buckets used in the construction of the Panama Canal.

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Another, a 2,500-pound bucket used in the Chatanika Valley gold fields near Fairbanks, Alaska, was returned to the borough in time for the festival.

The foundry closed in 1971, and today is site of Custom Alloy.

The Foundry Festival on Saturday included a street fair, parade and iron-making demonstrations.

On Sunday, there will be numerous exhibits on the history of the borough, and various walking tours.

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