USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > The story of Bridgeport > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
After the Stanley Works took over its new Bridgeport property, old mills were replaced and old buildings remodeled. The hot mills at Bridgewater were closed and their steel operations were consoli- dated at Bridgeport.
In 1929, the Stanley Works recognized the trend from hand tool operations to portable tools, electric- ally operated, and by the end of the year had a com- plete line of electric tools, drills, grinders, hammers, saws, metal cutting shears, planes and routers.
In 1930, the Stanley Works patented an automatic door spring device that combined a pneumatic oper- ator with the Photo Electric control. This was called the "Magic Eye" because it opened and closed a door as if by magic, without a touch of hands or feet. The first installation was at Wilcox's Pier Restaurant, West Haven, during the summer of 1930. Perhaps the best known installation is the
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1836
THE STORY OF BRIDGEPORT
1936
battery of doors in the Pennsylvania Station, New York City.
During 1931, "roll-up" doors, "swing-up" doors, sliding doors and swinging doors were developed. One installation of 500 Stanley "roll-up" doors on the barracks at Fort Benning, Georgia, indicates the breadth of this market.
In 1932, the Stanley Works purchased the patent rights to manufacture the Farrand rule, a strip of thin, concave steel that was rigid and yet flexible.
The latest Stanley product is called "Stanlo" a construction toy without nuts or bolts, the bright colored sections of which can be made into automo- biles, boats, towers, bridges and buildings of all types.
At the present time about 1000 are employed in the Bridgeport plant. Maurice Pease is vice presi- dent of the Stanley Works and works manager at the local plant located on Seaview Avenue.
RAYBESTOS
The Raybestos Division of Raybestos Manhattan, Inc., 1427 Railroad Avenue, was organized in 1904 and was first known as the Raybestos Company. It was located on Housatonic Avenue
Three hundred and fifty different products are made at the local plant, although brake lining for automobiles is the most important product.
Autoists seldom stop to consider that Bridgeport gave to the automobile, when that vehicle was in its infancy, the famous "Duplex" wrapping brake, an outstanding innovation in the development of brake design.
The "Duplex" wrapping brake was lined with Raybestos brake lining, and in those early days "Duplex" brakes and Raybestos brake lining were manufactured in the same plant. Thus it was to Bridgeport that automobile manufacturers had to come for these safety devices. That was 30 years ago. By the same token, car manufacturers still look to Bridgeport and Raybestes for brake linings and clutch facings.
With the improvement in engines and roads, auto speed increased. In the same ratio, Raybestos pro- vided increased safety for those who ride and those who drive, not to speak of pedestrians.
The Bridgeporter who examines the car he drives, the bus he rides in or the truck which serves him, will probably find Raybestos PG sets or Raybestos heavy duty materials on the bands or shoes.
In this modern age, much is heard of proving ground tests and this is particularly true of the auto- motive industry. Although it is not generally known, Raybestos organized fleets of test cars back in the "horseless carriage" days at a time when automobiles were in their infancy. These early tests were the forerunners of the Raybestos proving ground tests of the present. The practice is now generally in vogue in the automotive field.
Many outstanding improvements have had their inception in the Raybestos laboratories, such as the modern brake service machinery which is the out- growth of experimental work done by Raybestos engineers years ago. With the advent of four wheel brakes, Raybestos devised brake lining especially adapted to the new conditions.
The Raybestos plants in Bridgeport and Stratford have been many times enlarged since the inception of the original company. Sumner Simpson is president of the firm which employs between 700 and 800.
JENKINS BROS.
Six hundred different types of valves are made to- day by Jenkins Bros., 510 Main Street, whose products have been made in this city since 1872.
The company was founded by Nathaniel Jenkins of Boston and commenced in the Hub city as Rice, Jenkins and Co., coppersmiths, in 1837. In 1853 the name was changed to Jenkins and Co.
When Nathaniel Jenkins died in 1872, his two sons, Alfred Blunt and Charles, who were salesmen rather than manufacturers, contracted with the Eaton, Cole and Burnham Company of Bridgeport, to manufacture their company's product. In 1872 the firm of Jenkins Bros., came into being with offices in Boston.
Progress was rapid. In 1880, Jenkins Bros. opened a New York branch; in 1885, a Philadelphia branch; the next year, a Chicago branch; in 1894, the Jenkins Bros. formed, with factory at Holyoke, Mass .; in 1898, the Jenkins Rubber Co. was incorporated and a factory built in Elizabeth, New Jersey; two years later a London branch was opened; and six years later, Jenkins Bros., Ltd. was incorporated; in 1907, Jenkins Bros. was incorporated in New Jersey; and in 1908, a factory in Montreal was opened.
In 1920 Jenkins Bros. bought the Main Street plant of the former Eaton, Cole and Burnham Company and commenced to manufacture its own valves in this city.
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1936
1836 THE STORY OF BRIDGEPORT
In 1922, the company added to its bronze plant a building for the manufacture of certain types of iron valves. In 1932, the rubber division was moved from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Bridgeport.
The executive office of Jenkins Bros. is in New York city and there are branches in Boston, Phila- delphia and Chicago. Jenkins products are distri- buted throughout the world and there is also an affi- liated company known as Jenkins Bros., Ltd. with plants at Montreal and Lachine, Canada.
Farnham Yardley is president today of the com- pany which employs 808.
AMERICAN FABRICS COMPANY
Fine laces of all kinds are produced in the Ameri- can Fabrics Company, 1069 Connecticut Avenue, which has multiplied in size 20 times since its begin- ning in 1910.
The company had its origin in Germany when Albert Henkels founded the firm of Alb. and E. Henkels at Langerfeld, Germany, in the early 1870's, the company developing into the largest lace factory in the world.
With Albert Henkels worked his son, Max, a graduate of Berlin University and a student at Columbia, New York. The two together decided to set up business in Bridgeport and in September, 1909, work was begun on a factory for the firm of Alb. and E. Henkels on Connecticut Avenue. The building was completed in 1910 and 25 circular lace machines were installed.
At first the company specialized in Cluny laces, but gradually branched out until it now makes all types of laces such as Cluny, filet, torchon, Valen- ciennes and Spanish laces. These products are made in all widths and from all kinds of materials: cotton, silk, rayon, and occasionally tinsel, gold and silver for special work. The company also makes frillings and rufflings and woven labels.
During the World War period, the company was sold through the alien property custodian and the firm now became the American Fabrics Company. Walter B. Lashar is president and the company em- ploys about 600.
In addition to the Bridgeport plant, the company maintains showrooms at One West 37th Street, New York. Some idea of the growth of the company may be gained from knowledge of the fact that the orig- inal 10,000 square feet of floor space has increased to
200,000 and the original 25 circular lace machines have increased to 500 machines.
HARVEY HUBBELL, INC.
Harvey Hubbell, Inc., a pioneer manufacturer of wiring devices and machine screws, has its factory at Bridgeport, with branch warehouses at Chicago and San Francisco. The plant is of modern construction, covering about two city blocks. Its business is national in scope, and products, trademark, and name are intimately and favorably known by the electrical fraternity and allied trades.
The business was started in 1888 by Harvey Hubbell, who commenced manufacturing tools and machinery. Two years later he developed the rolled thread screw and started manufacturing machine screws of this type. Later he invented the pull socket, the separable attachment plug, the duplex re- ceptacle, the T-slot receptacle and the toggle switch. While the toggle switch principle was known in England, the Hubbell Company was the first to develop it in America, and to incorporate the "quick make and break" feature.
A study of the art in the industry shows that most of the present day standards were evolved from wir- ing devices originated by Hubbell. The new "Twist- Lock" and Hubbellock lines (locking cord con- nectors) invented by Harvey Hubbell, Jr., are a con- tinuation, stressing the company's fine quality and excellence of design,-which has often caused the line to be referred to as the "Tiffany" of the industry.
The Hubbell laboratory which develops all pro- ducts, is most complete, consisting of the following departments: design, drafting, model making, test- ing, proving, and technical library. Much of the testing equipment, being unavailable elsewhere, was developed and built specially at the factory. In addi- tion to the development of new products, the labor- atory continuously tests and improves present pro- ducts.
Harvey Hubbell, Jr. is president of the company and about 550 are employed.
SALTEX LOOMS, INC.
A touch of the English colored the beginnings of the Saltex Looms, Inc., 217 Kossuth Street, first known as the Salts Textile Manufacturing Company.
The company had its start in 1891. In that year Frederick Rhodes left England to take charge of a branch office of Sir Titus Salt Bart. Sons and Com-
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1936
1836 THE STORY OF BRIDGEPORT
pany Lmt. of Bradford, England, which firm was then about to establish a branch in Bridgeport, Con- necticut. In 1893, the branch was made a separate company under the title, Salts Textile Manufactur- ing Company.
For many years the company conducted a success- ful business making all grades of seal plush, fur imi- tations and velvets. In 1917, there was a branch in Philadelphia and another in Lyons, France.
In 1926, the company went through bankruptcy and for two years William T. Smith, receiver, appointed by the United States District Court, oper- ated the company. In December, 1928, the company was taken over by S. Blumenthal of New York which organization also operated the Shelton Looms in Shelton. The name of the Bridgeport Company be- came the Saltex Looms, Inc.
Today finds the company once more in a thriving state. Frank J. Munley is works manager of the Saltex Looms, Inc. in this city, which now employs about 500 men and women. The company manu- factures as its chief products: seal plush, fur imita- tions, velvets, and upholstery plushes.
BASSICK COMPANY
The Bassick Company, 38 Austin Street, was or- ganized May 16, 1917 and was the result of the con- solidation of three companies: Burns and Bassick Company, Universal Caster Company of New Jersey and the M. B. Schenck Company of Conn.
The company is headed today by W. A. Rose, president, and about 750 are employed. Auto hard- ware, casters and furniture trimmings are the chief products of manufacture.
CASCO PRODUCTS CORP.
The Casco Products Corporation, 1333 Railroad Avenue, was incorporated in 1923, the first address being on Fairfield Avenue.
In 1926, the company moved to its present loca- tion. Joseph H. Cohen is president and some 650 men and women are employed.
Products made by the Casco Products Corporation include: cigar lighters for automobiles, windshield defrosters, automobile fans, fender guides, gear shift balls or knobs, fender flaps and hot water heater switches.
BRIDGEPORT METAL GOODS COMPANY
Anker S. Lyhne and Herman K. Beach organized the Bridgeport Metal Goods Company in 1909. The company was first located at 35 Spruce Street but in 1917 moved to Pine and Cherry Streets, the present address.
Metal goods from sheet, rod, wire and casting are made at the factory, in the vicinity of 500 being em- ployed. Herman K. Beach is president.
CONSOLIDATED ASHCROFT HANCOCK CO.
The Consolidated Ashcroft Hancock Co., Inc., 11 Elias Street, employs about 600. Hamilton Merrill is head of the local plant and the manufactured products include: brass and aluminum goods, safety valves, and gauges.
CROWN CORSET COMPANY
The Crown Corset Company, Federal Street, em- ploys about 500. A. W. Langenegger is general manager. Corsets, girdles, combinations and step-ins are manufactured.
In addition to the above companies employing 500 or more, there are in Bridgeport a number of firms employing 100 to 500 men and women and others employing from 50 to 100. These will be found listed in the appendices. There are, as well, almost 300 manufacturing establishments which employ less than 50 men and women.
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1836 THE
STORY OF BRIDGEPORT
1936
APPENDICES
CITY GOVERNMENT
The mayor of the city of Bridgeport is elected every two years by popular vote on the first Tuesday in November.
In addition to the office of mayor, the following are elective offices: selectmen, treasurer, city clerk, town clerk, judge of probate, city sheriffs, justices of the peace, board of education and board of aldermen, otherwise known as the common council.
The board of aldermen appoints the registrars of voters. The bridge commission, created by a special act of the 1933 legislature, is appointed by the mayor. The bridge com- mission in turn, appoints the superintendent of bridges. The latter office has been combined with that of harbor master.
The mayor names the board of apportionment and taxa- tion. The latter in turn names the tax assessor, the board of relief and the tax attorney and the tax collector.
The mayor also names the director of public works, city engineer, city attorney, comptroller, zoning commission, board of recreation, sealer of weights and measures, garage commission, oyster ground commission, board of electrical examiners, board of plumbing examiners, building commis- sioners, power engineers, board of appraisal of benefits and damages, financial advisory committee, board of police commissioners, department of public purchases, board of fire commissioners, board of welfare commissioners, board of health commissioners and the civil service commission. A special act of the 1935 legislature created the latter com. mission to be named by the mayor.
The insurance commission was created by a special act of the 1935 legislature and is to consist of the mayor, the comptroller and the city clerk.
The city planning commission was created by a special act of the 1935 legislature. The mayor is an ex officio member and the five other members of the board are appointed by him.
The board of zoning appeals is appointed by the zoning commission. The general assembly names the judge and deputy judge of the city court.
The library board, the board of park commissioners and the dispensary board were all created by special acts of the general assembly. Under a special act in 1917, the mayor appointed ten members of the dispensary board which was thereafter self perpetuating. The library board and the park commission are also self perpetuating.
CITY OFFICERS FOR 1936
Present (1936) incumbents of offices in the city govern- ment of Bridgeport include: mayor, Jasper McLevy, city treasurer, John Shenton; city clerk, Fred Schwarzkopf; town clerk, Richard Schulze; board of education, Jack C. Bergen, president, and Ameriko L. Scanzillo, Dr. Andrew McQueeney, Attorney William A. Redden, John L. Mac- Dermott and Gustave G. Samuelson. Worcester Warren is superintendent of schools.
The common council, also known as the board of alder- men, John M. Taft, president, also Michael Gratt, Sadie K. Griffin, Thomas W. Tennant, William Douglas, William S. Neil, Philip Schnee, Samuel Silverstone, Louis E. Hafele, George C. Rosenbeck, Clifford A. Thompson, John J. Schiller, Charles Mottram, William Hutton, Michael Quaka and Harry Oldfield.
Board of apportionment and taxation, B. I. Ashmun, president, also Roger Connelly, Horace D. Strong, William S. Mason, Albert E. Russell, John L. Simpson, Joseph Schultz. Tax assessor, William F. Connelly.
Board of relief, William J. Histon, chairman, also Howard S. Challenger and Louis Kutscher, Jr. Tax attor-
ney, David Goldstein; director of public works, Peter Brewster; city engineer, Frederick E. Toquet; city attorney, Harry Schwartz; comptroller, Perry W. Rodman; board of recreation, George M. Eames, chairman and Robert Leckie, superintendent.
Board of public purchases, Fred Schwarzkopf, Chairman, also Rockwell J. Larabee and Albert W. Miller. Board of police commissioners, Harold J. Morris, president, and Warren J. Nichols, Carl Westerberg and William J. Brennan. Charles A. Wheeler is superintendent of police.
Board of fire commissioners, George Wellington, presi- dent, and James H. Carroll, Andrew Havinich and John F. Brown. Thomas F. Burns is fire chief.
Board of welfare commissioners, Philip Magill, president and J. William Schindler, Robert Beaty and James J. McGee. John J. Galla is superintendent of the department of public welfare.
Board of health commissioners, George Murgatroyd, president, and Dr. Frank Turchik, Benjamin A. Todfield and Aldo Ladori. Dr. Richard O'B. Shea is health officer.
City court: Paul L. Miller, judge, and Hugh J. Lavery, deputy judge; D. Harold Cotter, prosecuting attorney, and John V. Donnelly, assistant prosecuting attorney; library board, Elmer H. Havens, president, and Julian A. Sohon, librarian; department of public parks, George M. Eames, president and Henry Cliffe, superintendent.
Dispensary board, Dr. James D. Gold, chairman and Dr. William H. Curley, Dr. Charles H. Sprague, Dr. Joseph E. Ruby, Dr. Daniel T. Banks, Dr. J. Grady Booe and Dr. Albert A. Mclaughlin. Dr. Richard O'B. Shea and John Galla and the mayor are ex officio members.
Civil service commission, Stephen Jankura, chairman and Michael Svihra, Albert W. Miller, James Tait, and Bernard J. Flynn.
Tax collector, Howard S. Challenger.
BRIDGEPORT MAYORS
The mayor is the head of the present city government. From 1836 to 1893 the term was only one year in length. Now it is two years. Until 1899 elections were held in April. They are now held in November. Mayors to date, since the incorporation of the city in 1836 have been as follows:
Isaac Sherman, Jr 1836
Daniel Sterling 1837
Alanson Hamlin
1838
Charles Foote
1839
Charles Bostwick 1840
William P. Burrall Part of 1841
James C. Loomis
1841-1844
Henry K. Harral
1845-1846
Sherwood Sterling 1847-1848
Henry K. Harral
1849-1850
John Brooks, Jr.
1851
Henry K. Harral
1852
Charles B. Hubbell
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