Can't speak of recent events that led to it now being closed. But remember when it began. Southern Iron Works was started when its Founder, Thomas Preston Boguess borrowed $500 and began the business on the Alexandria VA waterfront. Under Tom's leadership, Southern Iron Works was 5 star. Tom's business became such a success because Tom was willing to get out of bed in the middle of the night to go down and get iron ready for a customer who called at the last minute in the middle of the night and needed it first thing the next day. Tom Boguess and his wife, Ella Barbara Nichols Amon Boguess, grew the business to where they relocated it on 7 acres on the west side of Shirley Highway in an Industrial Park in Springfield VA. Tom wanted his younger brother Carlyle to join him, but Carlyle was hesitant not knowing if the business would succeed. Under Tom Boguess' leadership Southern Iron Works was a resounding success. Later, Carlyle Boguess joined Tom in Tom's business and together they continued to make the business a success. Tom later retired. and with his wife, Ella, lived in Alexandria and in Winchester where they owned and operated a motel, as well as wintering in Hollywood, Florida. Tom passed in March 1976, 4 months after his wife, Ella, passed in November 1975. Tom Boguess was a businessman all the way. Everything Tom touched was a success. And you could always see Tom coming by the biggest Cadillac they ever made driving down the road. Tom Boguess will always be remembered as "the man to see if you needed iron in your construction project." Yes, they were the good old days. read more
