RARE IOWA FOUNDRY CAST-IRON HITCHING POST, depicting a horse head with a tie-off bar between the chin and front of the neck, embossed "CARMODY" to each side of the neck, raised on a leaf-top plinth with two mounting holes at the base. Retains an old, likely original black-painted surface. The J. T. Carmody Foundry, Engine, and Machine Works, Cedar Rapids, IA. Circa 1900. 14" H, 4 3/4" D base.
Catalogue Note: John T. Carmody (1859-1909) was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1875 at the age of 16. He was an experienced machinist when he arrived in Cedar Rapids from Lima, OH in 1885. He immediately went to work for Whiting Brothers Foundry as a foreman and, by 1889, had purchased the company. He advertised widely citing the manufacture of engines, boilers, pumps, architectural iron work, columns, etc. After a devastating fire in 1902, Carmody rebuilt a totally new foundry with all new, up-to-date equipment. The company was touted as "manufactures the best fire escape known to the trade, to be found on nearly every large building in Cedar Rapids." He also devoted much attention to manufacturing steam and hot water heating plants, including for Mercy Hospital in 1903. His success led to his election as Rapid City mayor in 1908, to which he took a hands-on approach. Carmody was in office a little more than a year when he was shot in the stomach by an armed robber in his home. He was expected to survive the wound, but contracted typhoid fever in the hospital and died shortly thereafter.

Excellent condition.