Celebrating 125 Years at W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop

The History of the Machine Shop

Built in 1900, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop became a hub for the production of parts for steamboats, coal mines, railroads, and local businesses. Some of the parts produced were used in world War I and World War II as well.

The foundry was built by William A. Young, the original owner and operator in 1900 using lumber from his family’s farm. In 1908, the foundry was added to the machine shop. Twenty years later in 1928, the foundry and machine shop was electrified, which ultimately had to be repaired. Inside, a system that powers 25 machines with a series of belts and pulleys.

The shop was passed down to Young’s sons after his passing in 1940, making the shop a family heirloom. The sons ran the machine shop until it’s closure in 1965. The shop operated for 65 years in Greene County, playing a key role in the growth and development of the once-thriving town.

This was not your typical closure where everything is moved out and the building is left an empty shell of what it once was. The shop was left as it was, frozen in time and left perfectly still. The tools were still in place. The machines were cold, but still there waiting for their next project. Unfinished parts lay on the counters, waiting for their chance to be put into action. For 20 years, it sat in Rices Landing collecting nothing but dust.

In 1985, the shop and all the contents were sold to the Greene County Historical Society so it’s historical significance could be preserved and eventually restored. It was opened the following year to spectators.

In 1998, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop was placed on the National Historic Places list. Then, in 2017, it was placed on the National Historical list.

In 2009, the shop property was sold to the Rivers of Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, the current owners of the property and shop.

Step into Living History

The 125th anniversary of the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop is coming up on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 12-4pm. Admission is free, so come step into history.

A Greene County treasure, the Machine Shop is located in Rices Landing, Pennsylvania and right along the Monongahela River. It holds history, tradition, and is a unique pillar in the development of coal mining in Greene County.

Walk into this completely preserved machine shop and admire the beauty of this National Historic Landmark and one of Americas most significant industrial treasures. Take in all the history and learn about the machine shop.

At 1pm there will be a special presentation to mark the 125-year milestone of the machine shop. The presentation will also acknowledge and honor the volunteer and community members who have worked endlessly and diligently to preserve the shop’s beauty and legacy.

The local Boy Scout Troop will be providing the food over the duration of the event. Come celebrate the occasion and honor those who work hard to keep history alive in Rices Landing.

If you cannot make it to the celebration and still want to see the shop, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop also offers guided tours on Sundays for $10 per person. To check event availability, check the Rivers of Steel website.