SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. - A quick drive by the Southbridge Town Common, and it's hard not to notice the giant pair of glasses standing just outside of the police station. They're a tribute to the American Optical Company, which opened it's original manufacturing plant in town during the late 1860s.

"People are influenced just by this complex alone, and the history of the people who lived and worked here built families, built homes," said town council member Dave Adams.

What You Need To Know

  • The American Optical Company Historic District in Southbridge has been officially designated on the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior

  • The company and space was acknowledged for its global impact from the late-19th to mid-20th century

  • American Optical was once the largest employer in Southbridge

  • A plaque was unveiled in the Wellsworth Hotel, which now occupies the space where AOC used to be

At one point, American Optical was the world's largest manufacturer of eyewear and the largest employer in Southbridge. President John F. Kennedy was even known to don a pair of their glasses from time to time.

"One would be hard pressed to find someone in town that did not know someone that worked here," said Margaret Morrissey, director of the Jacob Edwards Library. "Even to this day, there are still people who still connect back to the American Optical."

Although the central Massachusetts facility has since closed its doors, it's legacy was honored Thursday, as the former home of American Optical has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building which housed the former manufacturer has since become a hotel, now known as the Wellsworth, a nod to a line of glasses the produced there. A plaque now sits in the lobby, serving as a symbol of the location's historic past.

"American Optical's storied history and the magnitude of its influence is one of the main reasons the property was selected for this designation," said Chip Norton, owner of the Southbridge Innovation Center.

The Wellsworth is part of a larger area called the Southbridge Innovation Center. The 150 acre space is home to the hotel, newer manufacturers, along with other commercial space.

"The residential development alone will spur additional capital investment," Norton said. "In addition to the $150 million that's already invested in this park, in this site, over $130 million of additional investment, and nearly $300,000 a year in tax revenue to the town of southbridge."

Continuing what American Optical started is now the goal moving forward.

"Southbridge is turning the corner, and we're ready to move in a way that the town hasn't seen in years to come," said Scott Lazo, chair of the Town Council.