The Dudley Tannery and bark shed, pictured here in an early 20^th century photograph by Frank DeMars, stood at the corner of Ashpohtag Road and Route 44 in West Norfolk. Tanning was once a thriving industry in Norfolk, the second largest after the woolen industry in the mid-19th century. The State of Connecticut Report of Agriculture and Industry for the year 1845 includes the production of two tanneries in Norfolk: 22,000 sheepskins, 357 boots, and 454 shoes. The process of tanning involved soaking animal hides in bark from hemlock trees mixed with ingredients that generated an acidic chemical reaction. The tannin in the bark preserved the leather, making it both supple and durable. This tannery was first operated by Levi Shepard & Son, which manufactured book-binders, suspenders, and pocket-book leather.

— Ann Havemeyer