There has been for quite sometime one individual at Robinson Iron involved in all endeavors –Mr. Robert Burton. If there is a missing production pattern, Robert can find it. If an order requires a single casting to complete it… he casts it. If there is any question about how the foundry was started or what the company originally marketed, Robert has the information. Over the intervening sixty-something years, Robert Burton has remained an integral part of the company and with good cause.

Born November 29, 1929 to Allie and Hazel Leonard Burton, Robert was the eighth of fourteen children. His father worked in the foundry for Mr. Joe Robinson, Sr. and Robert’s mother took in laundry to assist the family income. Young Robert was hired by Mrs. Joe Robinson, Sr. to assist her at home with her two small sons Joe, Jr. and Ricky. Sara Robinson was an educator and Robert soon became one of her special pupils. She taught this bright young man to improve his reading skills, etiquette and speech. Robert’s natural curiosity,
engaging manner and willingness to please soon made him a standout. When old enough and after much pleading by Robert, Mr. Robinson employed him in the foundry. Robert eagerly learned every aspect of the foundryman’s art… from cutting sand, to molding, to pouring and grinding. He worked alongside “Mr. Joe” learning respect for the metal and the men who made it.

In time it was natural that Robert would assume a position of responsibility at the foundry. He knew better than anyone else what needed to be done and he followed through where others would or could not. The large collection of antique patterns purchased by the foundry was quickly organized by Robert and he became their special steward. When Joe, Jr. and Ricky took over operation of the
Foundry, they naturally relied greatly on Robert to assist them.

It was in 1953 that Robert’s life changed forever. It was then he met and married a spirited young girl named Willie Lee Peavy. Lee, as she is called, proved to be the perfect compliment to Robert. Not only did she make him a lovely home but together they had two girls, one boy, seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

In 1975 when Scott Howell was brought on board as Vice President and General Manager of Robinson Iron, Robert Burton gained a new importance. He was to assist Scotty in growing that part of the foundry dedicated to the production of ornamental cast iron pieces. Robert remembers several pivotal projects from that time. Especially difficult was The Marburg Retrofit at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and the Restoration of Court Square Fountain in Montgomery, Alabama. It was these early projects that established Robinson Iron as a premier source for historical restoration services.

When recently asked what he enjoyed the most in his long career he replied, “I guess meeting and getting to know all the many people we dealt with over the years. Delivering and installing our work all over the nation has been an education and an opportunity I wouldn’t have missed for all the world!” Now retired and devoted to Lee and his gardening, Robert Burton is more a part of Robinson Iron than ever. His frequent visits to check on personnel and operations at the plant are an inspirational treat. He is still the authority on the pattern collection and is not above offering bits of timely advice. Best of all he is willing to share his long history with the foundry making us all an integral part of a continuing legacy.

Robert greets the newest member of the Robinson family, Mary Sanford Robinson.

Robert Burton (far right) is shown in earlier days with fellow Robinson employees. The large cast iron capital they’ve just completed was used in the restoration of The Knox House in Montgomery, Alabama.