USA > Indiana > Floyd County > New Albany > The advantages and surroundings of New Albany, Ind., Floyd county : manufacturing, mercantile and professional interests Public buildings and officials, schools, churches, societies, canals, rivers, railroads, etc., etc > Part 6
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NEW ALBANY BUSINESS COLLEGE.
CORNER STATE AND MARKET STREETS.
Practical business education has grown in popular favor very rapidly within the last quarter century,, and good business colleges are now so numerous and well con- ducted that young people, of either sex, can readily avail themselves of these privileg- es. In fact at the present time a young lady or gentleman can scarcely afford to enter upon the active duties of life without first having obtained a practical business educa- tion,
What is now known as the New Albany Business College, was established by Wm. Purdy in the Woodward Hall, Lower First and Main streets, with James McMannus as penman, September 2d, 1865. This school was then known as Purdy's Business College. About five years later Marquam & Johnson purchased Mr. Purdy's school and then named it The New Albany Business College. Marquam and Johnson had a branch-school at Louisville, and another at Lexington, Ky. It was at the latter that. I. G. Strunk was a student and teacher, and after graduating Aug. 20, 1872, was employed to come to New Albany to teach in this College. He was duly installed as
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
principal Sept. 2, 1872; on the first of November following purchased a half interest, and on the 18th of the same month became sole proprietor. The College then occupied one room about 18x30 feet on the third floor of the Vernia Block, Spring and Pearl street. Here bright new furniture was purchased, which at that time was considered the finest around the Falls. The seating capacity was soon found to be too small and another room the same size was added. Still the space was found to be inadequate, when in 1876, the school was removed to the old spiritual hall, Cannon Block, Pearl st.
On May 15, 1877, Prof. D. M. Hammond was admitted as a partner when the firm name became Strunk & Hammond. Dec. 1, 1882, the seating capacity was found too small and the school was removed to Maennerchor Halle, corner State and Market streets. At that time this was thought to be too large for the business, but three months later it became necessary to teach four sessions a day, in order to accommodate the appli- cants for admission. Prof. Strunk, in May, 1885, retired on account of failing health but a year later reentered the College- At that time Prof. Hammond assumed the po- sition of president, and I. G- Strunk as secretary, since which no firm name has been used.
The College has prospered until it now occupies the second and third floor of the large Sloan block, Market and State street, having two distict Departments, viz: the Commercial and the Shorthand and Typewriting department. In the former are taught bookkeeping, penmanship, arithmetic, spelling, commercial, law, correspond- ence and business practice. In the latter are taught shorthand, typewriting, penman- ship, spelling, correspondence and false syntax. Miss J. Annie Jones, is principal, of the shorthand department, and Miss Fannie Forse has charge of the typewriting di- vision. The New Albany Business College, as now established, presents superior fa- cilities, and prepares its graduates to fill important and responsible positions with suc- cess in the various directions of business life. That it has been successfully continued for nearly 29 years, is a credit to our city, and its proprietors are meeting with an en- couragement which is the due reward of efficiency and good business tact.
American Express .- The business of carying small packages was begun in 1840, by W. F. Harnden and spread in its development to the express trade, which now has for its motto, "speed and safety," receiving packages of any reasonable size or weight. The American Express commenced business about the middle of the present century and has ever kept abreast of the times, adding new lines and offices as fast as the contingencies of the case demands, until it now has 6,000 offices and covers some 45,000 miles of railroad and steamship lines. The money orders of this company are convenient, cheap and safe, while its commission purchase system is very popular with those who have investigated. The American Express was run jointly with the Adams, at this place, until about 12 years ago, since which the bus- iness has rapidly grown.
During the season for strawberries, raspberries and other small fruits, the express business is especially brisk, necessitating the use of several cars daily to cover these shipments. William B. Hinkley is a native of this place, served for 2 years in the employ of the Adams Express, and after a year as driver for the American took charge of this in 1887.
Adams Express .- The Adams Express Company was first organized to carry packages between New York and Buffalo about 1850, and has each year been adding new lines and offices, until it now has numerous agencies extending well over the
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United States. Soon after its organization the company established an office in New Albany, which is now held at No. 124, Pearl street, and is transacting a large bus- iness at this place. In the fruit season, a specialty is made of shipping strawberries, raspberries and other fruits and vegetables, which go principally to Chicago and Indianapolis. J. N. Morris, agent, is a native of this county, and had been in the employ of the Adams Express Co. for the past two years as chief assistant, prior to his appointment upon the death of J. B. Morris, in March last.
U. S. Express Co .- The United States Express was organized about 1856, and has since been adding new lines and offices as fast as the contingencies of the case demanded. The company own express franchise, over 27,000 miles of railroad, and, through connection with the Pacific Express, ships goods direct to 10,000 agencies.
This company established an office in this city, in June, 88. L. Hammersmith has been in charge here since the office was located in New Albany, and is assisted by John Hahn, Jr., who is a native of this place. Mr. Hammersmith is also con- nected with the Louisville and New Albany transfer trade described in the following article :
Louisville & New Albany Freight Transfer .- Charles Hammersmith, deceased, commenced the freight transfer trade between this city and Louisville about 1860, and his son Louis grew up in the business. Upon the death of his father in 1875, L. Hammersmith succeeded to the management and from time to time has increased the teaming capacity until now some 40 men and above 50 horses are engaged in the trade. Spring vehicles are used for freights requiring careful handling, and heavy drays for more ponderous goods. In Nov., 1890, Jacob L. Young, who had been an assistant in the business for some time past, became a partner with Mr. Hammersmith in the transfer trade. The firm contracts for any kind of hauling, but especial attention is given for the transfer of goods between the jobbers, merchants and manufacturers of Louisville and New Albany, the teams making a regular daily round, for the delivery of special orders. Messrs. Hammer- smith & Young are each expert horsemen and employ men of integrity and sobriety. They are supplied with all the necessary apparatus for handling ponderous machinery, and the steady increase in this trade assists in the promotion of the commercial relations between the two cities which it connects. Orders taken at U. S. Exp. office, 65 State street, or at the stable office on Elm street, near 14th. Louisville office at. No. 153, Third street. Telephone connections at each office.
Slider's Transfer .- John T. Slider came to New Albany in childhood and for 30 years past has been in the transfer trade. His son, E. T. Slider, has grown up in the business. The twain occupy stables together, but have separate offices and each has a distinct trade. The Sliders keep a dozen teams or more and give employment. to from 15 to 25 men transfering all kinds of light or heavy freight in this city, as well as between here and Louisville. Covered spring wagons are used for household goods and light merchandise, while heavy trucks and all necessary apparatus are provided for weighty and bulky articles. E. T. Slider is also proprietor of the line of sprinklers, which are a great convenience to our citizens as dust layers, in dry weather. Every kind of hauling receives prompt attention from the Messrs. Sliders. Morris M. Slider. a brother of the above, is general soliciting agent, and accompanies the transfer teams to Louisville, in each daily round, to see that all orders are
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properly filled. The stables and offices are on Elm street, below State. Louisville offices at Kessler, Koch & Co.'s, 509 W. Main street.
W. U. Telegraph .- This company was formed in 1856, by the consolidation of three companies, then doing business in the United States. The Western Union transacted business in New Albany soon after its first organization, starting off with less than 10,000 messages a year. and is now above 120,000. Geo. H. Godfrey, local manager, is a native of Gennesee Co., N. Y., and commenced with the Western Union in Michigan, in 1858, came to New Albany July 8, 61, has been in charge of the office here since, for the first 19 years doing all the work, but now is assisted by P. M. Mathers, of Bloomington, who has been here for 7 years, and P. C. Garrett, of this place, who has recently commenced here.
The W. U. Tel. Co. owns or controls nearly 200,000 miles of poles, having three times as great a length of wire, and over 10,000 offices. It annually transmits over 50 millions of messages, which are handled by about 22,000 operators, nearly half of whom are in railroad employ, in addition to handling W. U. Telegraph business.
The Ohio Valley Telephone Co .- The wonders of development in electrical science, within the past quarter of a century, have been amazing indeed, and among these, none have surpassed the telephone. If any scientist, 25 years since, had pro- claimed that our generation would yet speak to each other, when miles of space in- tervened, he would at once have been taken for a erank, or a fit subject for an asylum, and yet space has now been practically annihilated, and we talk with friend or cus- tomer a hundred miles or more distant through the aid of a tolephone wire, with ease, thereby greatly facilitating commercial transactions. In this busy age, when time is worth more than money, the conveniences and benefits derived through the use of the telephone are so numerous, that it is poor business policy for any progressive firm to be without the advantages to be gained by it. The mechanism of the telephone to the wants of commerce was first perfected March, 1876, and it spread with wonderful alacrity to all progressive cities. The Ohio Valley Telephone Co. extended their lines from Louisville to New Albany it 1882, but on account of arbitrary law in Indiana, reducing the price below a remunerative standard, the business was withdrawn in 85, and after the obnoxious law had been repealed, it was reestablished again in May, 89. There are now about 100 phones in use here, but at least three times that number of business firms would be greatly benefitted by its use and should be supplied. The more subscribers there are the more valuable the service becomes. Non-subscribers pay 15 cents for a call with Louisville, but New Albany subscribers get an 8 cent rate, making a considerable saving to those having much business with the metrop- olis across the river. The Ohio Valley Telephone Co. gives connection with 60 cities and towns in Ky. and Ind., within a radius of 100 miles from this place, toll rates being charged at usual prices. There are 2,500 phones in use in Louisville, the central office being at 444, Jefferson street. H. N. Gifford, general manager, has been with the company since 1879, and has built up an efficient and satisfactory service. The New Albany branch, since May, 89, has been in charge of Alice Frazee, as chief operator, with Kate Williams and Blake Frazee assistants for day and night.
Water Works .- Perhaps no other single agent, contributes more largely to the general prosperity of a manufacturing city, than first-class water works, and in this respect New Albany is highly favored. When the project was started in 1873, it did not meet with prompt encouragement from our capitalists; but John F. Geb-
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hart and others who saw the immense advantages to be derived from a manufactur- ing standpoint, persisted in the undertaking and the articles of association were filed Dec. 5th, 1874, by J. F. Gebhart, W. S. Culbertson, Jesse J. Brown, Morris McDonald, J. K. Woodward, Sr., R. G. McCord, D. C. Hill and H. O. Cannon. The $100,000 capital stock not all having been taken, W. H. Dillingham was shortly after- wards induced to subscribe, and notwithstanding the fact that it was many years be- fore a dividend had been declared, he continued to be a liberal encourager of the en- terprise, purchasing stock from time to time until he now owns more than one-fourth of the present $233,000 capital. Active work commenced in 1875, and the plant was opened for use in July of the Centenial year. Mr. Gebhart, having been chosen president, W. N. Mahon, secretary, and Frank Shefold, superintendent, at the start.
The mains have been extended, reservoir capacity enlarged, and improvements added from time to time, until the works are now first-class in every respect, and rep- resent an investment of over $365,000. The pumping station on the river bank, at the foot of W. Eighth street, is equipped with a battery of boilers and two pumping engines. One of these has a capacity of raising 112 millions of gallons daily, and the other 214 millions, the running of the works consuming 5 tons of coal daily. The daily consumption of water averages about a million gallons daily, which is but little more than one-fourth the capacity of the plant. The intake or suction pipe extends from the pump house 200 feet, with its mouth covered by a strainer, in deep ' water, 30 feet from the beach, at low water mark. The reservoirs are located on Silver Hills, about a mile distant, by air line, from the pumping house, and at an elevation of over 200 feet above the average plateau of the city. Three old reservoirs have a holding capacity of ten million gallons. The new reservoir, built in 1891, cover 4 acres, is 18 feet in depth, and has a capacity of about twenty million gallons, so that a supply sufficient for nearly 4 weeks can be held in the reserve. The water is floated slowly, through opposite diagonal corners, from one reservoir to the other, until delivered into the new one, allowing sufficient chance for settling and aeration by exposure to the strong current of air on the knobs.
At the first test, July, 1876, 8 leads of hose, with inch nozzles, were attached to the hydrants, on State street, and simultaneous streams thrown 125 feet high. There are 166 fire plugs. The original contract with the city required 11 fire-hydrants to each mile, and as there are 20 miles of mains, there properly should be 54 more hy- drants, which rightly placed would avoid the necessity for long stretching of the hose. The pressure is so even and abundant, and the fire service so efficient, that disastrous fires seldom occur, and insurance risks are written at about half what they were prior to the building of these works, so that the saving in premiums alone is much greater to the citizens of New Albany than the entire cost of water rental to the city. The first 100 fire-hydrants are charged at $100 each, the next 100 at $75 each, and all above 200 at $60 each. A large amount of the present prosperity of this city is due to the efficiency of these works and the very low rate given by the company to factories and others who use water in large quantities. The rate made is 1212 cents per 1000 gallons where the daily average is a single thousand, and this is graded in proportionate quantities, running as low as 5 cents. Not only is the metre rate low, but the prices for domestic use, when compared with 60 other cities throughout the Union, is found to be about half as much as the usual charge. Many kinds of diseases are attributable to toul air and polluted water, but diptheria, typhoid
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
fever and kindred complaints, are found in country villages, where only well water is used. When they become epidemic in cities, they are sometimes supposed to have been caused by river water, while perhaps more justly attributable to other sources. Drainage from cesspools and penetration by common sewage, often pollute wells at a greater distance than would naturally be expected. Well or cistern water when kept covered and stagnant become a more fruitful field in which to multiply bachteria or other noxious germs than, flowing water. The rapid and continuons churning which the river water gets in coming over the Falls, results in thorough aeration, and in our judgment, the New Albany Water Works supply is far safer for general use than any of the products of the city wells. Careful analysis has been made by 2 chemists of note, and the amount of organic matter found in a gallon of water, taken from the hydrant last fall when the river was lower than it had been for ten (10) years, was found to be infinitesimally small. The chemical tests showed the water to be "pure, wholesome and fit for domestic use."
The net earnings of the water works for 1871 were 714 per cent., which, for a con- cern requiring constant additions and replacements, is small. The pumping station is in charge of C. H. Fitch, a native of Mass., who came to New Albany in 1845. After learning the machinist's trade he served as engineer on a steamboat for many years, and has been chief engineer of these works ever since their erection. As before stated, Wm. H. Dillingham became a stockholder in the enterprise about 1875, and his inter- ests in the same has continued to increase from time to time. At a sacrifice to his business interests in Louisville, he accepted the presidency of this company at its last election. He is a native of Mass., and has been a resident of Louisville since March 1st, 1847. E. J. Brooks, secretary and treasurer. is a native of Maine, came to New Albany in 1855, and has been connected with the various interests of the city since that time, excepting a couple of years that he was interested in the railroad at Madison, Ind. Fred. Rapp, superintendent, has been connected with the company since its organization. The directors, elected in Jan., 1891, were W. H. Dillingham, J. K. Woodward, Sr., John Shrader, Sr., Chas. Sackett, G. C. Cannon, E. J. Brooks and the Hon. G. V. Howk, who died a few days after his election. The magnitude and successful management of the Water Works is a very important feature in our manufacturing development, presenting great inducements in pure water at lower rates than elsewhere; with superior protection against fire, resulting in low cost of insurance. The enterprise is deserving of business encouragement from every owner of real estate.
Light, Heat & Power Co .- A company was organized Jan. 91, for the product- ion of light, heat and power by electricity. The works were purchased July of last . year by the present well known proprietors. Since which time extensive im- provements have been added and the plant is now a very complete and well equipped electrical concern. The inventions of the present century are very numerous, but in no other direction has so many wonderful results been developed as through electrical seience. The census reports of 1880, had but a brief mention of electrical progression, while those of 1890, show many millions of dollars invested in the man- ufacture of various electrical appliances, and many thousands of people employed in this direction. Perhaps the developments in electric light and electric power have in- creased more rapidly within the last decade than any other branch of science. Fifteen years ago-mere toys-in an experimental stage, these have now become the necessi-
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ties of the age, and no progressive city can afford to be without them. Marcus Ruth- enburg, superintendent of the above plant, engaged in the study of solving electrical problems pertaining to mechanism in 1880, has kept abreast of the times in electrical development, and the new plant has been fitted up with special reference to having it as nearly perfect, in all departments as it is practical to make it. The works are lo- cated on the river bank at E. Ninth and Water streets and cost about $100,000. With a battery of four boilers, 6x16 feet, of Stearn's manufacture, Erie, Pa, creating an aggregate of 600 horse power; and two magnificent engines of 300 horse power, each of Armington & Sims make, sufficient electrical power can be generated to run a number of factories, in addition to the Highland Electric Railroad, and the necessi- ties for electric light. The line has 50 miles of wire in use here, extending from Sil- ver Grove to Silver Hills, and ramifying throughout the city. The machinery is plant- ed on solidly constructed stone foundations, above the highwater mark of 1884 flood. The output of the 60 arc-light machine having all been taken, another. dynamo of like production has recently been added to supply the increasing demand. Three Nation- al incandesent machines, of Euclaire, Wis., manufactories, have combined capacity of 3,000 lights, are being largely patronized on account of the superior illuminating pow- er. Altogether this enterprise is meeting with a well merited success, and is fully demonstrating the efficiency of the management. John S. Briggs, president, is a na- tive of Floyd county; a resident of New Albany from boyhood, and in the hardware trade prior to engaging in this enterprise. August Barth, secretary and treasurer, is owner of an extensive tannery, under which heading he will have mention, while Ot- to Hoffman, vice president, is a coal dealer, and will be mentioned in that department.
Gas Light & Coke Co .- This company was organized in 1854, to supply illum. inating gas for New Albany. The location of the works is at the corner of Sycamore and E. 4th streets, on a lot 130x190 feet, more than half of which is covered by fine brick buildings. The Gasometre is corner of Bank and Sycamore, holding 60,000 cubic feet. A new reservoir will be built, in the near future, to hold 350,000 feet When the present management commenced a dozen years ago the price of gas was $3.00. This has been reduced one-half and extensive improvements added to the plant. Notwithstanding the fact of electric plants and lights, the consumption of gas has steadily increased. The price charged for illuminating gas is $1.50 pe: 1,000 feet, and for fuel purposes $1.00 per 1,000. Some 600 customers and about 60( street lamps are supplied.
In 1888 a 50 light arc dynamo was put in and with the increasing demand, another o like capacity was added in the latter part of 1889. A 1,000 light incandescent Thomson Houston machine was put in, from which a steady and satisfactory light is given The electric plant is equipped with a battery of boilers and two large engines, and the combined consumption of coal, for gas and electric light purposes, is 5,000 tons annually The plant is under the superintendence of J. W. Dunbar, a native of this city, and : graduate of the Scribner High school, who has been connected with these works for 10 years past, and is thoroughly acquainted with every minutiae of operation.
W. S. Culbertson, the president of this organization, is the well known president o the First National Bank,. J. K. Woodward, Jr., the secretary and treasurer, wa born and reared in this city, graduated from Harvard college, and has been witl this company since 1880. In the various operations of the company some 25 hand are employed.
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
G. H. Devol, vice president, is in the stove and tinware trade, where he will receive mention. Jas. O. English, cashier, has been with the company for a dozen years. J. K. Woodward, Sr., in the mercantile trade, is also on the board of directors, in ad- lition to the president, vice president, secretary and superintendent.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
In observing the many advantages of this favored section of our state, it is a matter f wonder to the careful observer that there are not more general manufactories in New Albany. To be sure we have an encouraging number, but in this pamphlet we ope to sufficiently demonstrate, that, taking all in all, there are few better localities n the wide world for manufacturing than this location at the foot of the Falls. While the mercantile interests of a community are an essential feature and the professional talent a necessary part of a city, it is generally admitted that thriving manufacturing industries are the great desideratum, giving greater permenancy and apidity of growth than all other interests combined. The merchant brings to us the ommodities of commerce and is usually generous in dividing his profits to enterprises f public good; but the successful manufacturer opens a permanent investment for apital at remunerative rates, gives employment to the laborers of a community and nhances the value of all farm products in his immediate section by providing a ome market. New Albany with her superior river and railroad facilities, well roven healthfulness and picturesque surroundings, offers superior inducements to hose who may desire to make investments within her borders. Lands are cheap, aborers plenty; educational, social and religious advantages of high grade; her itizens are noted for their culture, hospitality and generous welcome toward good eople from other states and countries. With a map before him, any observer may eadily see how centrally and advantageously this city is located, with reference to oal, iron and lumber interests, and the facilities to reach the principal markets. Manufacturers, capitalists, or those in search of healthful homes, after well weighing ur surroundings, cannot fail to ascertain the great advantages possessed by New lbany. Many who in the emigration excitement of the past decade, sought for omes in the west and south, have realized their mistake, and have returned to this icinity. New Albany township will in time become densely populated, and the urrounding acres of this city can furnish abundance of room upon which to build a ity of 500,000 inhabitants. This is already a city of homes, in which a large ercentage of heads of families own commodious residences, with plenty of breathing pace. With Silver Grove, Silver Hills and other desirable plats, which will be mentioned under real estate matters, there can be no difficulty in procuring reasonably heap and favorable locations for coming development.
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