Reclaimed Heart Pine Beam Mantels
1910 Charles River Dam Locks

These original-surface Heart Pine beams were salvaged from one of – if not the – single most important engineering projects in the Cambridge and Boston area.
 
The source for these beams is the original Charles River Dam, originally built in 1910. It connected Cambridge to Boston and forever changed the structural, environmental, and aesthetic nature of the Charles River Basin. A second dam, built just downriver in 1978, now runs from Boston to Charlestown. The new dam perpetuates the functions of its predecessor: controlling water levels upstream, separating ocean and freshwater, providing public spaces along the river, allowing for navigation through the locks, and preserving the structural foundations of many older area buildings. The original dam has been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
 
These 10 beams have metal hooks that slot into holes, the mechanism by which they interlocked and were reinforced to withstand the incredible pressure of the water. They also have Roman numeral “marriage marks” carved into them, a method of identification that was used to specifically position beams.
 
Dimensions:
5″ x 11″ x 5′6″
5″ x 11″ x 7′8″
5″ x 11″ x 7′9″
5″ x 11″ x 7′10″
5″ x 11″ x 8′2″
5-1/2″ x 9″ x 7′4″
7″ x 8″ x 10′7″ (four beams)
 
Quantity Available: 10 beams available for pickup or shipping from our Cambridge retail warehouse and showroom.
 
Price: Please ask us about pricing.