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July 29, 2008 ... After years of renovation and repair, a key Hopedale landmark—the “Little Red Shop”—is once again the color of its famous namesake color. Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, participated with Hopedale residents, officials, and museum curators in painting the Little Red Shop of Hopedale’s Draper Complex with its original color. “This building is truly representative of the town of Hopedale, and it is great to be part of the repainting of this historic landmark,” remarked Moore. “Residents of Hopedale and those from all over will now be able to look upon and visit the Little Red Shop that represents a time in history that was greatly different.” Sen. Moore helped to save the museum as a Hopedale Selectman in the 1970’s when North American Rockwell Corporation divested its property in Hopedale. He later came to the museum’s aid as a Senator by obtaining a $100,000 grant for historic preservation when the building had deteriorated. The Little Red Shop was built in the 1840’s and is recognized as the oldest industrial building within the town of Hopedale. Originally, it served as the machine shop of the Draper Corporation, the largest manufacturer of textile looms in the world during the Industrial Revolution, under the ownership of Ebenezer and George Draper. After the Draper family opted to move the location of the shop instead of razing it on several occasions, it served as the location for all Draper employees to pick up their weekly paychecks, and to gather some supplies for their Draper-owned homes. When Sen. Moore assisted in securing the Shop for the town of Hopedale in 1976, it was granted with an understanding that it would be turned into a museum for all to tour. The museum that was established contains original Draper and Northop looms, as well as information pertaining to the history of the textile industry and the Draper Factory. Unfortunately, the museum has been in severe disrepair for quite some time, and has required serious refurbishment and restoration. In an effort to preserve the shop as a museum, Sen. Moore worked tirelessly to secure the $100,000 grant. Since then, the shop has utilized the grant money by renovating and refurbishing the landmark, so that it may stand the tests of time. In the process, new siding was required, which meant that the original red color needed to be restored. The “New Pilgrim Red” color paint that was used for the Shop, was donated by the Benjamin Moore Company of Milford. Eric Schermerhorn, of D&E Painting & Home Improvement, is leading the work crew that will be completing the painting, which should be wrapped up by Wednesday afternoon. “I truly am honored to have participated with everyone in painting the Little Red Shop,” said Moore. “It is great to finally see this important icon of America’s Industrial Revolution restored to its original appeal.” |
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