History Blog: George Tay Foundry

The buildings that once housed the Horner Flour Mill next to the old landing were no longer in use by 1870. The George Tay Company of San Francisco purchased the buildings to house a foundry. The buildings were moved “up the street” and remodeling was completed by late 1871. Charles Nauert was hired as the superintendent of the foundry. The primary product of the foundry was stoves.

The foundry was one of the major employers in Alvarado. Being close to Alameda Creek, the foundry had its own wharf and easily shipped its stoves to a growing San Francisco and Oakland.

In 1896, the factory was reworked to handle double the capacity it had previously.

A newspaper reported that “Superintendent Charles Nauert said today that the increase of business is due to the election of McKinley, which has restored confidence, increased the demand and compelled the works to enlarge their business." Newspaper reports from 1896 and 1897 noted that the foundry business was “rushed” and that additional moulder and stove fitters had to be hired.

The Hayward Review of March 1900 had this to say about the foundry:

One of the busiest industries in the interior of Alameda County is the stove foundry at Alvarado, of which Mr. C. R. Nauert is manager. From early morning until night there is the continuous ring of metal and belching smoke, denoting that all is life and activity within. This year has been particularly favorable. Orders are coming in steadily from all parts of the country. The payroll includes about twenty-five workers, each of whom is drawing good wages and is well satisfied. Alvarado may well congratulate itself on such a progressive and valuable industry.

The business ran for about 35 years, with Charles Nauert serving as superintendent for all of those years. It is unclear as to the reasons, but in 1905, the foundry was advertised for sale.