USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 24
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Mr. Cohen employs a force of skilled cutters and tailors and has every facility for meeting every requirement of the most fashionable as well as those more conservative in matters of dress, at low prices.
Mr. E. R. Sherwood, who assists Mr. Cohen in his business has his office in the store, and is agent for the well-known and popular National Steam Laundry, of Malden, Mass., and work placed in his hands is laundried with dispatch and in the most satisfactory manner.
P. H. Dwyer, Haruess Manufacturer, Fine Harness to Order a Specialty. Under Arlington l'prices.
Hotel, Wall Street, Norwalk .- Among the many manufacturing industries of Norwalk, we must not overlook the establishment whose name heads this sketch, as it holds a prominent position in our community. This establishment was started fifty years ago by Mr. S. Bradley. The present proprietor, Mr. P. H. Dwyer assumed control in 1872. The premises occupied for this business are located on Wall street, under Arlington Hotel and cover an area of 24x40 feet. Here are displayed some of the finest harnesses to be seen in the city.
This complete and extensive stock embraces all kinds of fine Saddlery, Whips, Blankets, Brushes, Curry Combs, etc. The extensive re- tail trade of this house gives employment to three capable clerks, who thoroughly understand the business in all its branches. In connection with the above named goods, Mr. Dwyer makes a specialty of manufacturing fine Harnesses to order, and perfect satisfaction is guaranteed as regards material used, fit and style of finish. All kinds of repairing neatly and promptly done. We commend this house to our many readers with the full assurance that they will receive not only fair and liberal treatment, but will find in addition to the facilities of the house, already mentioned, manifest advantages in terms and
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SO. NORWALK.
The City of South Norwalk is situated on a lovely bay opening into the Sound, into the head of which flows the Norwalk River. The population at the present time is in the neighborhood of six thousand. As a business center it has grown very rapidly during the last few years and is now one of the most active cities in this part of the State. Among the various causes to which this prosperity may be assigned, probably none have more obtained than the advantages of its natural situa- tion seconded by the enterprise of its citizens.
The accommodations for passengers and freight, both by land and water, are first-class. In the neighborhood of forty passenger trains daily connect South Nor- walk with New York, Boston and the other prominent cities of New England. A large and commodious steamboat daily conveys passengers to and from New York, and freight steamers furnish facilities hardly to be excelled. The New York, New Haven & Hartford also provides the best of arrangements for the large amount of freight shipping done at South Norwalk, which in amount few cities on their route surpass.
The water system of South Norwalk has attracted much attention all over the country, and in efficiency and quality of supply, together with economy of storage and distribution,-it would be difficult to find its superior.
One of the articles of production which the city supplies in large quantities and of the best quality, is its excellent brand of oyster, celebrated in New York and other large cities for their unusual size and delicate flavor. The manufacture of hats is, perhaps, the line for which South Norwalk is most widely known, few cities in the State or country producing them in larger quantities, or in greater perfection of style and material. This industry, after a period of depression and retrogression, seems once more to be advancing at a pace commensurate with its importance.
The manufacture of locks, steam-engines, machinery, general iron goods, straw goods, corsets, paper boxes, shoes, cigars, hatters' tools and ship-building are carried on here successfully. There seems to be no reason why the various influences which in the recent past, have so rapidly developed the business and manufacturing inter- ests of South Norwalk should not continue to operate in greater magnitude with the years. That the foundations of a large and prosperous city have already been laid, there can be no doubt, and it only remains to allow the beneficent influences of the past free scope to witness yet greater progress.
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SOUTH NORWALK, PAST AND PRESENT.
Every department of the city life corresponds with the high state of its business activity. It would hardly be necessary to say that its public school system is of the best New England affords. The five important denominations, Congregational, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, are represented by church edifices. The standard of morality is very high and maintained with unyielding integrity. The city government is both representative and worthy of the city itself. The supply of the necessities of city life and of its pleasures, is of the most universal and best character.
The beauties of the seashore have attracted many permanent and summer resi- dents to South Norwalk of late years, which has been beneficial to the city as well as most satisfactory to the former. There are three large and thoroughly appointed hotels, which furnish the most desirable accommodations, transient or for the season. The Opera House is one of the most beautiful in the State, with a seating capacity of one thousand and seventy-five persons.
It is a fact of considerable import that almost the entire growth of South Nor- walk has taken place within the century, Not much further back than 1880, it was little more than a stopping place for West Indians' trade-ships to obtain water sup- plies at a large well not far from the shore, renowned far and wide for its excellent water. From this well the place was called for many years " Old Well." Around this old well has grown up in a time and manner which remind one of a western town, though with more stability and strength, a city of which all its citizens may be well proud. The logical sequence of the past and present demonstrates greater prosperity in the future, and not only to the fortunate inhabitants themselves, but to all who choose to share them, as well, will South Norwalk by her attractions and elevated employments, continue to render life more enjoyable and worth the living.
One thing which has induced manufacturers and business men to settle here is the proximity of the city to New York. Through its excellent railroad accommodations it is brought into close connection with all parts of the United States, and this fact has been thoroughly appreciated by its merchants and manufacturers. The openings for business in the city are unusually advantageous, and the comfortable and beauti- ful homes which the mechanics can occupy here are no small reasons for the gradual extension of the commercial industries of South Norwalk. Real estate is obtainable at the most moderate charges, and nowhere can capital be invested with greater con- fidence than in this city.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH NORWALK.
The Norwalk Iron Works Co., Builders of Air Compressors .- The Norwalk Iron Works Company is one of South Norwalk's leading in- dustries, and for years the enterprise has been one of the potent factors in the large aggregate of the city's trade.
These extensive works are eligibly located with reference to receipt and shipment of mer- chandise, on the line of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., and in close proximity to the wharves of the city, giving abundant facilities, both for cheap and rapid transportation.
The main building is a large three story brick structure, 80x200 feet in dimensions, and is throughout equipped with the best improved iron working machinery, and operated by steam. The company's important specialty is the build- ing of Air Compressors of their own designs, which are esteemed the best in use among a large proportion of the manufacturers of this section, and the trade of the corporation has attained most important proportions, and under able management is steadily increasing and ex- tending.
A force of one hundred skilled workmen find constant employment in the company's service, and the facilities of the house for executing orders for special work at low prices are all that could be desired.
Mr. E. Hill is the general manager and treasu- rer of the company, and is one of Connecticut's most energetic business men, and whose honora- ble methods and business capacity has challenged universal confidence and commendation. Mr. Hill is also president of the National Bank of Norwalk, an institution built on a solid founda- tion, well known throughout the United States.
Hubbell & Barthol, Manufacturers of Fur Hat Bodies .- Those who believe that the prizes are all won; those who are possessed of the idea that unless a man is born heir to a large fortune or is put in a way to be the successor of a great business be may as well abandon all hope of ever amounting to anything and content himself as best he can in a subordinate and obscure position, should study the history of the house of Hubbell & Barthol, the great hat manufacturers, and learn what energy, enterprise, ability and grit can do from a comparatively small beginning.
This business was inaugurated but six years ago, and, as has been hinted, was conducted on a small and contracted scale at first. But grad- ually as the time went on, as the superior merits of the firm's manufacture became more plainly manifest and more generally known; in short, as brains and integrity began to tell, the orders came in more and more rapidly until now the services of fifty men, and the occupancy of three floors and a basement, each 40x60 feet in dimen- sions, supplied with a seventy-five horse-power boiler and three steam engiues are necessary to properly handle the still rapidly growing trade of the house.
The efforts of the firm are confined exclusively to turning out Hats in the rough, ready to finish and trim, and a very fine grade of Hat body they produce too. The firm consists of Messrs. Wm. B. Hubbell, a native of Orange, N. J., and Otto Barthol who was born in Germany. Mr. Hub- bell certainly needs no extended introduction to our readers, as he is the present very popular Mayor of South Norwalk. He is a gentleman of great executive ability and is winning new hon ors in his high official position.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH NORWALK.
Crofut & Knapp, Manufacturers of Fur Hats, 195 Greene Street, New York. Factories: South Norwalk, Connecticut, corner Main and Union Streets and corner Water and Tolles Streets .- With two extensive factories located at corner of Main and Union streets, and at corner of Water and Tolles streets, this well known firm are conducting a business of immense pro- portions as manufacturers of Fur Hats, and the concern is the oldest and leading industry of the kind in South Norwalk.
This business was inaugurated in 1858 and has been conducted without change in the name or personnel of the firm for nearly thirty years, with unvarying success.
The firm occupy two large buildings, three stories in height, the one on Main street being 50x60 feet in dimensions, and that on Water street having an area of 40x200 feet, and both are thoroughly equipped with valuable machinery, operated by steam engines of enormous power.
Such is the extent of the operations of Messrs. Crofut & Knapp, as to necessitate the employ- ment of over 300 operatives, and the aggregate of the hats placed upon the market by the firm annually, is very large.
The firm manufacture the best qualities and most stylish and serviceable Fur Hats, stiff and flexible, in the market, and have facilities for supplying the most desirable goods, perfect in workmanship and finish at low prices, and the punctuality in filling orders, liberal policy and honorable methods have long since established the house in the confidence of the trade through- out the United States.
The salesrooms and principal offices of the firm are at No. 125 Greene street. The large output of the factories is consigned to all parts of this and many foreign countries, and the volume of the trade of Messrs. Crofut & Knapp, home and export, rank them as successful leaders in this field of industry in the United States.
Messrs. A. J. and Jas. K. Crofut, Jas. H. and B. N. Knapp comprise this representative, responsible firm. They are Connecticut men by birth and at home and abroad are esteemed for their personal and business worth.
Dennis & Blanchard, Finishers and Trimmers of Straw Hats and Manufacturers of Braid Hats. -- Instances of the ingenuity shown by man in turn- ing natural products to his own uses are too fre- quent to excite remark, but certainly he who first thought of using straw as a head-covering show- ed a power of application of means to ends wor thy of the highest intellect. Think how admira- bly straw is suited to the purpose of a head-cov- ering. Light, a non-conductor of heat, capable of bearing prolonged exposure to the elements, perfectly water-proof (when properly braided), it combines in a marked degree a multitude of good qualities.
That these are appreciated is shown by the enormous demand for Straw Hats in this country alone, a demand of the size of which some faint idea may be formed when we state that a single factory here, that of Dennis & Blanchard, has a capacity for turning out 150,000 dozen per sea- son. This well known house has been conducted under its present name since 1881, business prior to that date having been carried on by Mr. Dex. 1
ter Dennis, father of the present member of the firm.
The firm now consists of Messrs. L. E. Dennis and A. Blanchard the former gentleman being a native of Barre, Massachusetts, while the latter was born in Petersham, same State.
From thirty to fifty hands are employed in the shop, which is 60x300 feet in dimensions. The finishing and trimming of Palm Leaf, Leghorn, Mataga, India, Panama, Canton, and other for- eign hats, and the manufacture of Braid hats are extensively carried on, an exclusively wholesale business being done.
W. A. Wheeler, Manufacturer of Hatters' Tools, Heaters, etc .- Commanding the univer- sal confidence among the manufacturers of this city and section Mr. W. A. Wheeler has for four years past successfully conducted one of the im- portant industries of South Norwalk. He occu- pies two extensive buildings 30x60 and 30x80 feet in dimensions respectively, fitted up in the most complete manner for forging and iron work generally, and the valuable machinery is driven by a steam engine of 25 horse-power.
A force of twelve skilled workmen are em- ployed in the establishment in the manufacturing of Hatter's Tools, Heaters, etc., and the out-put the establishment both in design and general excellence is unsurpassed. He manufactures the Extension Box and Rod for Water, Steam and Gas, and supplies these desirable appliances at lowest margins above cost of production. All special work is made to order in the most ac- curate manner, and in prices as in workmanship, this reliable iron master successfully competes with any manufacturer in this section.
Mosher & Curran, Manufacturers of Hat Blocks and Flanges, Hatters' Tools, etc., Water Street .- Nothing is more interesting for those who have a fondness for looking into such sub- jects than to see how surely one industry gives birth to another, and that, perhaps, to still an- other, and so on until finally from the establish- ment of one great manufactory to do a certain kind of work, perhaps a dozen smaller shops are founded to perform widely different operations. Take the hat business, for instance. We must all wear hats a good part of the time, conse- quently hatters are numerous and prosperous, and as the work which they carry on requires certain tools, blocks, forms, etc., many large factories are employed in supplying these articles.
Prominent among the manufacturers of Hat Blocks and Flanges, Hatters' Tools, etc., stands the firm of Mosher & Curran, located on Water street, South Norwalk.
The business was started in 1882, and has now reached large proportions, requiring the occu- paney of two floors 48x32 in dimensions, and the employment of 35 horse-power.
Both a wholesale and retail business is carried on, principally in Hatters' Materials, although Variety Trimming in quantity is also done.
The firm consists of Messrs. W. H. Mosher and J. F. Curran, both of these gentlemen being natives of Yonkers, New York. Work is done at the lowest market rates and perfect satisfaction is guaranteed.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH NORWALK.
J. W. Studwell, Agent for B. Shoninger & Co., and Dealer in Pianos and Organs, 12 Railroad Place .- A business agent is a man whose ser- vices are valuable both to the buyer and the seller, and he who devotes his entire time to this business is certainly as well if not better pre-
pared to act wisely and with good judgment than either owner or purchaser probably could.
Mr. J. W. Studwell, who is agent for several of the best manufacturers of Pianos and Organs, established his business in South Norwalk in 1879.
The attractive warerooms utilized for the transaction of the business covers an area of 24x 60 feet, where a fine assortment of the best makes in Pianos and Organs may be found. Among the most celebrated are the Emerson, Shoninger and Weber. He has the assistance of a thor- oughly capable clerk who is conversant with all the details of the business, and his already large retail trade is steadily increasing.
These instruments are sold at very reasonable prices for cash or on the installment plan. Mr. Studwell has had several years' experience in this line of business, and is considered one of the best judges of Pianos or Organs in this section of the country.
Mr. Studwell is a native of Connecticut, and his long business career in South Norwalk has gained him many friends.
We recommend him heartily to all who desire any of the above named instruments as being a man entirely capable of conducting his business in an intelligent and successful manner to the financial advantage of his patrons.
The Volk Hat Company, Successors to Joseph A. Volk & Co., Manufacturers of Fine Wine Stiff Hats, Cor. Raymond and Day Streets. -Of late years South Norwalk has attained dis- tinction as one of the leading hat manufacturing cities in the country, and her fame for quality as well as quantity of these productions is rapid- ly extending.
Among those concerns whose energy and resources have produced these results, the Volk Hat Company maintains a prominent position and since its incorporation four years ago it has exercised a most beneficent influence, and met with most gratifying success.
The company's factory is located at corner Raymond and Day streets, and consists of two large three-story, brick and frame buildings, 40x70 feet, and 30x80 feet in dimensions, respec- tively, and the establishment in its equipment and appointments is a pattern of completeness and convenience.
The extensive business of the house affords employment to several hundred operatives.
The output comprises a full assortment of Fine Wine Stiff Hats of the best quality, and in latest and most fashionable styles and colors, and the ability of the company to meet all the requirements of an exacting trade, make this a favorite source of supply for the leading jobbers and dealers in all parts of the country.
The officers of the company are as follows: President, Christian Swartz; Secretary_ and Treasurer, Jos. A. Volk; Superintendent, Henry I. Smith, all of whom are men especially quali- fied for their several responsible positions, and their ability and worth inspire fullest confidence of their trade and correspondents everywhere.
Mr. Swartz is a Director of the City National Bank, and both he and the efficient Secretary of the Company are numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of Norwalk.
Jacob M. Layton, Fire, Life and Accident In- surance Agency, Real Estate and House Agent, Ocean Steamship Tickets, 65 Washington Street, next door to Post Office .- The house of Jacob M. Layton, located at No. 65 Washington street (next door to Post Office) does a general Real Es- tate business, buying and selling, procuring loans, etc. He also places insurance in reliable compa- nies and makes collections, and in all these branches of business is amply prepared to con- duct business in an able manner. He is well ac- quainted with the property of the city and his judgment in this direction is of value to all who desire to either buy or sell.
As an Insurance man he represents the follow- ing well known and reliable companies: London Assurance Corporation, Norwich Union Fire In- surance Society, Continental Insurance Company, New York; North British & Mercantile, Washing- ton Fire and Marine, Boston; Glens Falls Insur- ance Company, Sun Fire Office, London; Fire Association, Philadelphia, Penn ; Newark Fire Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Com- pany, Newark, N. J .; Rochester German Insur- ance Company, Lion of London, Scottish Union and National Insurance Company, State of Penn- sylvania, Philadelphia; New Hampshire Insur- ance Company; Imperial of London, Middlesex Mutual, Connecticut.
The business was established in 1876. IIe fully understands the Insurance, Loaning and Real Estate business, and is a prompt and effi- cient collector. Any business trusted to him will be well and faithfully transacted. Mr. Layton is a Notary Public and competent not only to pre- pare Legal Documents, Deeds, Mortgages, etc., but also to take acknowledgement of the same.
Mr. Layton also has on hand Ocean Steamship Tickets, Drafts and Money Orders. Railroad tickets to all points South and West are also for sale, and baggage will be checked to destination by Pennsylvania R. R. or New York Central R. R. and connecting lines South and West.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH NORWALK.
Mr. Layton is a native of New Jersey and is highly esteemed in this city, having occupied the position of Water Commissioner and also a mem- ber of School Committee. He is at present writ- ing Treasurer of the School District and Secretary of the Water Board.
He will always be found ready to conduct bus iness with prudence and energy, and we com- mend him to non-residents who have property in South Norwalk as a proper gentleman to take charge of same.
I. M. Hoyt, Druggist and Pharmacist, 62 Main Street. - Among the many long and well estab- lished houses in this city devoted to sale of drugs and manufacture of Medicines, we take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to the house of Mr. I. M. Hoyt, located at 62 Main street. This Pharmacy was established by its present proprie- tor in 1875, and during the twelve years of its existence it has gained an extensive trade extend ing throughout the city. The premises com- prise a fine store 20x60 feet in dimensions which is elegantly fitted up and arranged in the most approved style.
The goods handled are tastefully displayed and include a complete stock of Drugs, Medicines, Fancy and Toilet Articles, etc. The extensive business of this house requires the assistance of three competent and reliable clerks, and phy- sicians' prescriptions are compounded with the utmost care and caution. Dr. Hoyt is a reliable Chemist and the public are assured that only the purest Drugs are used in the manufacture of Medicines at this establishment. Dr. Hoyt is proprietor and manufacturer of Hoyt's Cough Remedy, Hoyt's Fever and Ague Cure, and other specialties, which are so well known and highly appreciated by all who have used them. Dr. Hoyt is a native of Norwalk, well known and highly esteemed in social and business circles throughout the city.
Hayes & Co., Manufacturers of Fine Stiff and Flexible Brim Fur Hats, Cedar Street. - Among the numerous Hat Manufacturers of Connecticut, none produces better goods than the well known establishment of Hayes & Co., whose factories are located on Cedar Street, 200 feet west of Main, in this town, and whose New York office is at 115 Greene street, where a full line of samples are shown. Their main office is at the factory; here all accounts are kept, and goods are shipped direct to their destination.
At these factories they manufacture a line of Stiff and Flexible Brim Fur Hats of a fine grade, made entirely by hand, and these are placed in the hands of the leading jobbers throughout the United States.
The goods are produced under the personal supervision of Mr. R. F. Hayes, a gentleman of long experience in the business, having been closely connected with the Hat business for the past twenty years, formerly carrying on the same business in Danbury, Conn.
The product of this establishment cannot be excelled, either in quality or price, by any of its contemporaries, and all using their goods are thoroughly satisfied with them. We commend this establishment to our readers, both at home and abroad.
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