Goodell-Pratt – Revered Toolmaker Swept Up in the Depression

Goodell-Pratt was a tool manufacturing company based in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The company first appeared in 1888 as the Goodell Brothers Company by Albert and Henry E. Goodell, and was located in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

A Partner who Takes Over Eventually

In 1895, William Pratt purchased half of the company and became treasurer and manager. In 1898, Pratt purchased the rest of the company and renamed it the Goodell-Pratt Company.

Products

The company’s main products were hand tools, such as drills, calipers, braces, and levels. They had their own forge and foundry. They used a variety of methods to shape the metal, including drop forging, hammering, and annealing. This allowed them to produce high-quality tools that were strong and durable.

Goodell-Pratt also produced high-precision metalworking machinery. In 1925, after A. F. Way Company acquired them , they began to produce power tools. These included drills, saws, and sanders.

Goodell-Pratt was a successful company for many years. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s forced the company to merge with the Millers Falls Company in 1931.

The Goodell-Pratt name was discontinued, but the company’s products continued to be manufactured under the Millers Falls name.

Milestones

Here is a brief history of Goodell-Pratt’s ownership:

1888: The company was founded as the Goodell Brothers Company by Albert and Henry E. Goodell.
1895: William Pratt purchased half of the company.
1898: Pratt purchased the rest of the company and renamed it the Goodell-Pratt Company.
1900: Goodell-Pratt started a subsidiary called the Massachusetts Tool Company to make precision tools.
1912: Goodell-Pratt acquired the Stratton Level Company, a well-known manufacturer of carpenter’s and machinist’s spirit levels.
1925: Goodell-Pratt purchased the A.F. Way Company’s electric drill operations and began to produce power tools.
1929: Goodell-Pratt had three production facilities and was producing 1,500 separate tools.
1931: The Great Depression forced Goodell-Pratt to merge with the Millers Falls Company.
1933: The Goodell-Pratt name was discontinued, but the company’s products continued to be manufactured under the Millers Falls name.