american optical co

We visited the nearby town of Southbridge, MA today.  Southbridge has a long history of manufacturing optical products, earning it the unofficial title "Eye of the Commonwealth", in reference to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Here stands, the American Optical Company ("AO") which became the world's largest manufacturer of ophthalmic products, and at it's height employed more than 6,000 people around the world. Many of it's workers were exempted from the draft during World War II since they were doing vital defense work, including making Norden bombsights and even some work on the atomic bomb.

AO has some really interesting history, such as being the very first sunglass producing company in the United States and being the first company to manufacture the Original Pilot Sunglasses, which we all know today as the Aviators.  They were introduced for the US military to provide maximum protection to the pilots' eyes.  They also have the honor of being the first sunglasses to land on the moon worn by Commander Neil Armstrong.  And, at the present time the Original Pilot Sunglasses are still being manufactured here in the AO Complex in Southbridge, MA.

These giant sunglasses are here to commemorate the work done at the AO complex.

I had no idea we had such an interesting historical factory nearby.

Here at the AO Complex the very first optical fiber laser was constructed and operated.

There is a cute park in front of the AO complex where we hung out for a bit with Winston and Bennett.

There happened to be a small parade going on at the same time.  And, it may have been the smallest parade I have ever witnessed.  There were about 10 cars and one band.  I love that we have discovered and visited such an interesting and unique part of American history.