For anyone interested in the history of manufacturing in New England a stop at the L. S. Starrett Museum in downtown Athol is a must see. The museum is open by appointment by calling the Starrett Office 978-249-3551. Visitations are scheduled during normal business hours and a factory tour can also be arranged.
The Athol Machine Company was established in 1868 in order to manufacture a chopping machine invented by Laroy S. Starrett. In 1881, Mr. Starrett established the L. S. Starrett Company, known for making quality precision tools. The company remains the town's largest employer to this day, and thus does Athol live up to the nickname "Tool Town".