The Tannery Marketplace ... living the vision of a local economy that is environmentally sustainable and based on preservation, recycling and creativity.
The Tannery Marketplace ... 
The year is 1878....
Littleton, New Hampshire is booming. Ira Parker has just purchased the site of the former Littleton Woolen Manufacturing Company and converted the building, erected in 1839, to house his expanding business-the manufacture of deerskin gloves.
Ira Parker was well versed in the manufacture of deerskin gloves, having learned all aspects of the business from his farther Silas and others in the trade. Parker acquired the rights to use an improved process of tanning in the late 1860's thereby creating a product with much improved pliability, durability and strength. These qualities ultimately made Saranac Gloves nationally and internationally known.
Ira Parker and Company built a large shop east of the former woolen mill to house the glove making portion of his business, thus leaving the former woolen mill to house the tanning operation. The "sister" building is still in existence and currently houses a furniture manufacturing company. A Sawmill, a storehouse, and 30 tenements completed the property in the late 1800's.
On November 10, 1887, fire consumed the tannery building. One month later, on December 14th with "time being of the essence" the tannery building was rebuilt and back in use in order to process the large number of orders coming in. It is this building, on its 1839 foundation, which currently houses ADMAC salvage as well as other rental tenants and artisans.
In December of 1889, Ira Parker and Company merged with the two other glove manufacturing businesses in Littleton to form the Saranac Buck Glove Company. At that time, the company employed 250 people and its gloves were sold nationwide and in several foreign countries. The company manufactured linemans gloves, ski tow mitts, hunters mitts, driving gloves, golf and handball gloves and tobacco pouches among other items.
Athough Parker sold his interest in the company in 1898, the Saranac Glove Company remained in business until 1977 -- 111 years. To this day, visitors relate stories of their empoyment or experiences at the Tannery. It was the practice of the company to give a pair of gloves to anyone who brought in a deer hide, a practice which is fondly remembered by many in the area.
Admiral Byrd took Saranac Gloves with him on his expeditions to both the North and South Poles.
Actress Bette Davis was persented with a pair of
Saranac driving gloves during on of her many visits to the Littleton
area.
A quote from Littleton History, Vol. 2 (1950) states "....the town has fortunately had her captains of industry at every critical period in her industrial history-men of keen vision, abounding enthusiasm, unflinching courage and great power of concentration...of the masters of industrialism none has made a larger contribution to the material prosperity of the town than Ira Parker.
The Tannery Marketplace
111 Saranac Street
Littleton, New Hampshire 03561
OPEN EVERY DAY
603-444-1200
Information about Littleton, NH:
