USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 94
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Mr. Frohlich was the first and only democrat to be elected allerman in the fourteenth ward, being ehosen to the position in 1897. He made an excellent record in public office, exereising his official prerogatives in support of many valuable progressive public move- ments. After filling the office of superintendent of charities he resumed connection with the eigar trade and in 1910 opened his present commodious quarters at No. 37 Church street. He continued in the manufacture and sale of cigars until two years ago, or in 1915, when he discontinued the manufacture and is now a jobber and retailer. He handles the following ten cent brands: Old Cliff, El Banco and Dona Roma, while the five cent brands are Cosey Beach, County Court and J. F. Panatelas. He has always attributed his suecess as much to the assistance of his wife as to his own efforts, finding her judgment thoroughly sound, while her encouragement has been an incentive for his continued activity
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It was on the 11th of March, 1880, that Mr. Frohlich was married to Miss Caroline Koenig, of New Haven. They had but two children and both died in infancy.
Mr. Frohlich belongs to various Masonie bodies, having membership in Connecticut Rock Lodge. F. & A. M .; Franklin Chapter, R. A. M .; Harmony Council, R. & S. M .; New Ilaven Commandery, K. T .; Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S .; and Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of the Knight Templar Club. He likewise belongs to Germania Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of Hammonassett Camp of the Improved Order of Red Men. He also belongs to the Harugari, a singing society. He continues his in- terest in political affairs and in 1913 he was elected a state senator from the eighth sen- atorial district. While a member of the general assembly he gave careful consideration and thought to the vital and significant questions that came up for settlement and at all times his public activity has been characterized by marked devotion to the general welfare.
ARTHUR B. CLARK.
Arthur B. Clark has demonstrated his executive ability and keen insight into busi- ness through the snecesstul conduct of the affairs of the Everett B. Clark Seed Company, seedsmen of Milford. This concern is one of the most important in this line in the United States and was established many years ago by his father, Everett B. Clark, an account of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject was reared at home and after completing his college education became associated with his father in business and has since given his time and energy to the expansion of the company's trade. He has charge of the western branch of the business and displays marked initiative and energy in the opening up of new territory and in increasing the business in parts of the country where the house already has a good trade. The company has many branch houses and is one of the largest growers of peas, sweet corn and beans in the country. The most careful methods are followed in the production and distribution of the seeds and the name of the company has become recognized as a synonym for quality. In addition to being president of this company Mr. Clark is pres- ident of the Milford Trust Company of Milford and also a director of the Broadway Bank & Trust Company of New Haven.
Arthur B. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Glenna Hostetter, of Cleveland, and they have three children, Arthur B., Jr., Glenna Marie and Gordon.
Mr. Clark is a republican in politics but has confined his activity in public affairs solely to the exercise of his right of franchise. He belongs to the Sons of Veterans and is a member of the Plymouth Congregational church, of which he is serving as deacon. Ile is well known in the towns of Milford and Orange and ranks among the leading busi- ness men of his community.
ISADORE WOLF RESNIK.
Isadore Wolf Resnik, a prominent attorney of New Haven who is regarded as an ex- pert on real estate law, was born in Bentem, Russia, January 15, 1888, a son of David and Sarah Resnik. both of whom are living in New Haven. The family came to the new world and resided for a short time in New York city but in 1891 became residents of New Haven, Connecticut.
Isadore W. Resnik acquired a public school education, supplemented by a course of study in Booth's Preparatory School, from which he was graduated with honors. He also completed a high school course. and thus with thorough preparatory training to serve as a foundation upon which to rear professional knowledge, he entered the Yale Law School in 1905 and completed the full three years' course, winning his LL. B. degree upon grad- nation with the class of 1911. lle worked his way through school and through college, teaching at intervals in order to replenish an' exhausted exchequer. He was also steward of a club and became a culinary expert. and while thus engaged he also assisted in the
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support of members of his family. Determination and energy guided his activities and laudable ambition pointed out the way. He began the practice of law in 1911 and he soon became a recognized expert on real estate law, upon which he has largely specialized. He is a man of pronounced ability in that field, thoroughly conversant with every phase of real estate law and conversant with almost every important case that has to do with real estate rulings. In addition to his law practice Mr. Resnik has operated quite ex. tensively in the real estate field. He is the president of the Intrastate Realty Company, which owns several large tracts of land in Bridgeport. He is also the owner of the Belnard apartments on Orange street in New Haven, which was the first modern apartment building of this city. He likewise owns the Fay block on Congress street and together with others he owns a number of real estate holdings, his investments being most wisely and judiciously made. Acting as attorney for many prominent real estate owners, his attention was nat- urally directed toward that field of investment and thus he became a large holder of property.
On the 27th of October, 1908, Mr. Resnik was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Beck and they have become parents of three children, Burton B., Iloward and Prentice. Mr. Resnik belongs to the Knights of Pythias, also to the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and the Independent Order of B'nai Abraham. He is identified with the Chamber of Commerce and is in hearty sympathy with all of its well defined plans and movements to promote the upbuilding of New Haven and extend its business relations as well as uphold its civic standards. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Connecticut Bar Association. ITis political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is now, in 1917, serving for the third term as justice of the peace, At all times he puts forth effective effort toward ameliorating the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate and many have sought and received his assistance.
ROY J. WARREN.
Roy J. Warren is the president of the Curtiss-Way Company and is also prominently identified with other leading business enterprises of Meriden, being treasurer of the Baxter Calendar & Novelty Company and treasurer of the Perry Catalogue Company. Thorough business training and continued experience in this line well qualify him for the responsible duties which devolve upon him in connection with business management.
A native of New York, Mr. Warren was born in Middleport, on the 8th of August, 1886, a son of Delos M. and Jennie E. Warren. The period of youth over, he made his initial step in the business world as traveling representative of the Foster-Milburn Company of Buffalo, New York, and eventually he became advertising manager of the United Drug Com- pany of Boston. Massachusetts. These experiences and the training incident thereto well qualified him for the practical duties and responsibilities that devolve upon him in his present connection. His identification with the Curtiss-Way Company dates from 1910. This printing business is one of the most important in New Haven county. It was estab- lished in 1899 and has enjoyed substantial and continuous growth throughout the inter- vening years. The plant has been enlarged from time to time to meet the growing demands of the trade until today there is fifty-eight thousand square feet of floor space, while the employes number one hundred and twenty-five. The business really had its inception about 1880, the founder being A. J. Converse. After some years he sold out to James A Curtiss, a prominent business man and wholesale grocer of Meriden, who organized the Converse Publishing Company, with Mr. Converse acting as manager until his retirement in 1899. It was in that year that the stock company was formed, the principal stockholders being James A. Curtiss and William H. Way, the latter having been superintendent of the plant from 1891. At that date there were but thirty employes, which number has in- creased more than fourfold, while the establishment has become one of the best of its kind in New England. The business is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and an office is maintained in New York city. The company draws its patronage from the entire country east of the Mississippi river and its work is of the most advanced character, for the stand- ards of the company are high and the equipment of the plant is thoroughly modern. The
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output includes book, job and mercantile printing, also advertising novelties, calendars and memorandum and other books. The work has been thoroughly organized into departments, cach under the care of a competent department manager, so directing the activities of employes as to prevent any possible loss of time, labor or material. Coming to the pres- idency of this company, Mr. Warren has maintained the same safe poliey inaugurated at the beginning, the same thoroughness which has characterized the conduct of the business from the first, and has also kept in touch with the most modern and progressive methods, his establishment being the expression of the last word in twentieth century printing.
On the 17th of June, 1915, Mr. Warren was married in Meriden to Miss Ruby J. Golden. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is in religious faith an Episcopalian. He is also well known in elub cireles, holding membership in the Home and the Highland Country Clubs of Meriden and the Union League Club of New Haven.
OSWALD L. KLUEGEL.
Oswald L. Kluegel is a successful business man of Meriden, where he is engaged in dealing in paints, wall paper and mouldings, and he also does contract work in painting, paper hanging and decorating. Hle posseses marked artistie skill in that direction and his ability has brought him a large and growing business. He was born in Saxony, Germany, July 25, 1875, a son of Joseph L. and Wilhelmina (Ranft) Klnegel. The father, who was born April 12. 1835, died in Germany, and the mother, whose birth occurred March 21, 1836. also passed away in that country. The Kluegel family is of pure Saxon strain. They have a direct and true ancestry for twenty generations in Saxony.
Oswald L. Kluegel was educated in publie and preparatory schools of his native country and pursued what is equivalent to a high school education in this land. He thus had liberal opportunities in that direction and he speaks German, French and English fluently. His first work was in the line in which he is still engaged. In fact he has always directed his efforts in that held and he has developed his native powers and talents until he has won high reputation as an excellent artist in both oil and water colors. He is also a frescoer of the first rank and displays marked skill in china and in portrait painting. He is also splendidly qualified for taxidermist work. He came to the United States in December, 1890. and went to Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he engaged in business on his own account. In 1893 he removed to Meriden, Connecticut, but after a time left this eity for Chieago. where the preliminary work for the World's Columbian Exposition was being done. He did freseoing and art work there on many of the most prominent buildings on the fair grounds for ten months. On the expiration of that period he returned to Meriden, where he again worked at his trade. Later he removed to Easthampton, Massachusetts, and afterward to North Adams. Subsequently he returned to Easthampton, where he remained for ten or eleven years and during that period engaged in business for himself. His health became impaired and he went to Canada, where he remained for eleven months, engaged in hunting and fishing, in which he found great pleasure. He still enjoys an outing of that character and when opportunity offers takes his vacation in the wilds where he ean have opportunity to hunt and fish. These are his only relaxations. He has upon the walls of his home and place of business fine moose heads, splendid specimens of fish and birds, all of which he has mounted himself.
In 1910 Mr. Khegel returned to Meriden and for a time was employed by others. He then established his present business in painting, decorating and paper hanging, graining, art work and frescoing. He also does work as a taxidermist. He also makes portraits in oil and water color and in the line of decorating does contract work all over New England, also in New York city and at other points. He has won a very high and well merited reputation because of his marked skill and ability in that line. He recognizes the possibilities for the attainment of beautiful effects through design and color and his workmanship has ever been of the highest order.
In Easthampton, Massachusetts, Mr. Kluegel was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Bergman on the 26th of October, 1898. Mrs. Kluegel came from Germany in February, 1891. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children. Oswald E., born Nov-
OSWALD L. KLUEGEL
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ember 18, 1899, was educated in Easthampton, in Canada and in Meriden. Gertrude Minnie, born March 27, 1912, is now a student in St. John's parochial school.
Mr. and Mrs. Kluegel are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Kluegel is identified with the Foresters. He is a socialist in national politics but in local elections casts an independent ballot. He belongs to the Meriden Rifle Club and also to the Meriden Fishing Club, and his fellow members in those organizations find him a most congenial companion -one who is a valuable addition to any hunting or fishing party. Coming to America in early manhood, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the new world, for here he has found the business opportunities which he sought and in their utilization he has won success. America has given him her protection and the chances for business advancement and his activities have brought him prominently to the front in the line of business which he chose as a life work.
FRANK L. RAY.
Frank L. Ray, the alert and enterprising manager for Meriden of the Dutee W. Flint Ford agency, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 20, 1882, a son of Henry and May Ray, the former of whom survives, while the latter i> deceased.
In 1883, when our subject was only a year old, he was brought by his parents to Meriden and his education was obtained in the public schools here. He was for a time a student in the high school but did not complete the course there. He was first employed by the Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, holding the position of designer with that concern for three years. He went to New York city to join the army but was not accepted and returned to Meriden and went to work for M. W. Booth, the proprietor of a general store. He earned his employer's approbation and was sent to Wallingford as man- ager for the branch store there. In addition to looking after the interests of that business he opened a bowling alley for the same firm and a restaurant. and at length purchased the restaurant, which he conducted for four years. He then sold that property and for three years was in the employ of the Wallingford Drug Company. At the end of that time he became a salesman for Dutee W. Flint, the agent for the Ford cars. After nine months he was promoted to manager of the Meriden branch and has since bad charge of the business at this point. There are sixteen employes in the garage and two salesmen and everything for Ford cars is handled, but nothing else. The plant is equipped with the latest labor saving power machinery and everything about the place is kept serupulously clean, which adds greatly to its attractiveness. Every part of the Ford car is kept in stock and three large rooms are devoted to the storing of the stock on hand. One large room is given over to tools and the rule is rigidly enforced that everything must be kept in its proper place. That Mr. Ray is the right man for the place is indicated in the fact that he has sold three times as many cars as all the other agents in Meriden combined.
Mr. Ray supports the republican party at the polls but has never been desirous of hold- ing office. Fraternally he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men at Wallingford, the Royal Arcanum. and along social lines he is connected with the Colonial Club of Meriden. He holds membership in St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal church and is a generous con- tributor to its support. Since starting out to earn his own living as a boy in his teens he has steadily advanced and his friends predict for him continued success in the future.
LOUIS RALPH HERSHATTER.
Louis Ralph Hershatter. the proprietor of the Royal Business College of New Haven, is a young man of marked enterprise and initiative and since taking charge of the insti- tution has made it one of the standard commercial schools in this section.
He was born in New Haven, November 12. 1894. a son of Benjamin and Ida Hershatter, both of whom were born in Russia. On emigrating to the United States they located in New Haven and there the father, by dint of hard work and careful management, ac-
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cumulated considerable means, although as far as financial resources were concerned he arrived in this country empty-handed. He is now living in New Haven, but for a decade had resided in Colchester, Connecticut. He has retired from active life and is now en- joying a well earned rest.
Louis R. Hershatter acquired the greater part of his education in the Colchester schools and continued his studies in the Bacon Academy at Colchester, which was established in 1803 and is one of the famous schools of the east. He was graduated from that insti- tution in 1912 and then returned to New Haven and went to work for Sargent & Com- pany at a salary of eight dollars per week. He remained with them for only a short time and then clerked in a grocery store at five dollars per week and hoard. He was employed in a number of stores in New Haven but subsequently became a clerk in the office of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad at a salary of ten dollars per week. He remained there from May, 1913, to January 14, 1916, and during that time prepared himself for greater accomplishment through the study of shorthand and type- writing at night. After completing his business course he became a teacher in the Royal Business College, which then maintained only night courses, and his energy and deter- mination to succeed were indicated in the fact that his teaching was done after the day's work in the railroad office. In May, 1915, he became part owner of the school and in June, 1916, became sole proprietor thereof and converted it into a day school. Although at first the institution had but ten pupils there are now more than one hundred in at- tendance and the number is constantly growing. The instruction given is thorough and practical, being well adapted to the actual needs of the business world, and the grad- uates of the school have "made good." The career of Mr. Hershatter should serve as an inspiration to his students, for he has worked his way upward in the business world on his own merits and his record indicates what industry, initiative and thrift will accom- plish. The school has commodious quarters in the Merchants' National Bank building and is well equipped for the teaching of the subjects constituting a commercial course.
On the 10th of May, 1907, Mr. Hershatter married Miss Ethel Cohen, of New Haven, a daughter of Isadore and Dora (Panikoff) Cohen, natives of Russia. Many years ago the family came to the United States and for thirty years Mr. Cohen engaged in the jewelry business in New Haven.
Mr. Hershatter is republican in politics. He belongs to the Young Men's Republican Club, to Hiram Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to the Horeb Club, as well as a number of other social organizations. Those who know him respect him for his ability and hold him in warm regard because of his attractive personal qualities.
WILLIAM JOHN HODGETTS.
William John Hodgetts, a paper box manufacturer of Wallingford, who from a humble position has developed a business of extensive and gratifying proportions, was born in Birmingham, England, June 17, 1846, a son of John and Elizabeth (Windspur) Hodgetts, who came to the United States about 1870, settling in Wallingford, where the father secured employment with the Simpson, Hall & Miller Company, continuing in that connection until his death some years later. Both he and his wife were born in Bir- mingham, England, and have passed away. They were the parents of five children.
William J. Hodgetts, who with his brother, George Hodgetts, are the only surviving members of the family, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native country and came to America in February, 1866, when nineteen years of age, making his way to Philadelphia. In early life in his native country he had been engaged in mold making and after mastering the trade he turned to the manufacture of Britannia ware, in which work he engaged until he sailed for the United States. Soon afterward he came to Wallingford and secured a position in the factory of the Simpson, Hall & Miller Com- pany, with whom he remained for twenty-five years, or from 1867 until 1892. He soon rose to the position of inspector of goods and occupied that place of responsibility for an extended period.
About two years before leaving the company he took up the business of manufacturing
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paper boxes, beginning the work for local patrons with a jackknife and a straight edge. He originally had a small factory in a barn at No. 53 Academy street and his wife took care of the business. In two years his trade had grown to such proportions that he re- signed his position with the Simpson, Hall & Miller Company to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his box manufactory. As the years have passed he has added to his equipment until he now has a splendid modern factory devoted exclusively to the man- ufacture of paper boxes for the packing of silverware. He supplies the large factories of Wallingford, Meriden and Derby and employs thirty workmen. The business was incorpo- rated in 1905 as the W. J. Hodgetts Paper Box Manufacturing Company, with Mr. Hodgetts as the president and treasurer, and his son, E. R. Hodgetts as secretary and manager.
At Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Hodgetts was married to Miss Sarah Hobson, a daughter of Edward Hobson, of Birmingham, England. They have become the parents of six children. The two sons are: Harold W., who is engaged in the die-sinking business in Springfield; and Edwin Rodolf, who is the secretary and manager of the Hodgetts Paper Box Company. The wife and mother passed away September 22, 1914.
Mr. Hodgetts is a member of the Baptist church and he is also affiliated with Com- pass Lodge, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a republican and an active worker in the party. He is a man of genial disposition, is temperate in his habits and upright in his dealings and his many friends admire him greatly because of his manly character and his exemplary business methods. For a half century he has been a resident of Wallingford and through- out the entire period has commanded the goodwill, confidence and respect of those with whom he has been associated and he has made for himself a most creditable name and place in the regard of those with whom he has come in contaet.
GEORGE T. BIRKS.
In commercial circles of New Haven appear the names of a considerable number who are of English birth and who have become substantial factors in promoting trade relations of this city. Such a one is George T. Birks, conducting a profitable and growing business in pianos and organs. He was born at Sheffield, England, a son of the late Benjamin and Annie E. (Lee) Birks, natives of that country. They came to America during the latter part of September, 1868, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut. He afterward removed with his family to Bridgeport, where he entered the employ of the Howe Sewing Machine Com- pany. His residence was made in that city until ealled to his final rest. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Pequonnock Lodge of Bridgeport. His widow survives and is living yet in Bridgeport. She became the mother of seven children, of whom four sons and two daughters survive.
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