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 8
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND. WEBSTER & PITT.
W. FIRST STREET, BELOW RAILROAD.
For a half century past foundry and machine work has been done in this location. Josiah Johnson was in charge of the New Albany Foundry, as the place was then known, before 1850. Alexander Webster, the present senior partner, was born in the Key Stone State, learned the machinists trade at Brownsville, Pa., and came to New Albany in 1848. He worked at the machine business here and in Louisville for a dozen years before engaging as a partner with Mr. Johnson, in 1860. The firm style continued to be Johnson & Webster until about the time of the decease of Mr. Johnson, in 1876, when it became Webster & Pitt. The senior Pitt was connected with the iron business here for nearly fifty years, and Wm. H. Pitt has owned the Pitt interest since the decease of his father, in Feb. 1889. Wm. M. Mix, a native of this place, who has had a varied experience in foundry and machine work, is bookkeeper. Mr. Pitt occupies a prominent position in the machine department of the Woolen Mills.
This plant is thoroughly fitted for foundry and machine repair work, which is a very necessary adjunct to a manufacturing city. The pattern shop has a very com- plete equipment; the foundry is equal to every requirement; machine department up to the times, and repairs or new work are turned out promptly. The plant fronts 150 feet on W. First street, extending back to the alley, makes a specialty of crushers for cement mill work and fire fronts for Louisville boiler works; also doing any desirable work in the machine or foundry line, to the order of customers, and furnishing regular employment to about 25 skilled workmen.
M. ZIER & CO.
BOILER AND SHEET IRON WORKS.
The late Michael Zier, father of the present proprietor, who died Feb. 24, 1890, commenced the boiler and sheet iron business with Mr. Stuckey, under the firm name of M. Zeir & Co., in 1863, the present M. Zeir having been brought up in the business. The plant was established on the grounds now occupied, corner of Pearl and Oak streets, in Sept. 1890, Dr. E. B. Zier, of Minneapolis, Minn., becoming a partner, with his brother, in this business, March Ist, 1891. The works have a thorough equipment of boiler machinery, and are fitted for all the requirements of sheet iron and steel work. In the year just passed more than a dozen steamboats were fitted with iron work, smoke stacks and other supplies. The senior partner, who has had a life long experience in the works, gives his personal attention to the selection of material and production of goods, the concern giving steady employment to some 40 or 50 mechanics in turning out the special requirements of customers. An estab- lishment of this character is not only an important factor to New Albany, by its dis- bursement of funds for labor, etcetera, but assists in making the production of equip- ments required in the fitting of manufacturing plants complete, and adds to the ad- vantages of this place as an industrial center.
IRWIN & MILLHEISER.
CORNER OF SPRING AND WEST FIRST STREETS.
To complete the ornamentation of fine machinery, and in many other directions, a well equipped brass foundry is necessary. This can be found in New Albany in the ORNAMENTAL BRASS WORKS conducted by the above firm. Brass castings were
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formerly made by Alexis Lemmon, on the site now occupied by the Government building. The present site at the corner of Spring and W. First, was purchased by Irwin & Millheiser, in Oct. 1889, and fitted for all the requirements of brass work. The firm makes all descriptions of brass castings and brass advertising signs. Placques, tiles, &c., are cast in bas-relief from real bronze metal. Car bearings, engine brasses, gaskets, brands, bells, etc., are turned out to the order of customers, and Babbit metal manufactured to meet the requirements of the trade. The part- ners are natives of this place, Jas. F. Irwin, a graduate of the N. A. Business College, having been for many years connected with the ferry boat trade conducted by his father. Edward Millheiser has had more than a dozen years experience in foundry and brass work. He was for some years connected with the Williamson Art Metal Works of Louisville, serving for a time as foreman, and, for three years prior to opening the present plant, had charge of the Hegewald foundry. All the brass work for the Highland Electric Railway and many other important jobs have been turned out from the above plant. Single journal brasses for the Rail Mill plant, weighing 250 pounds each, and giving entire satisfaction, have recently been produced by this firm.
WOOD WORKING INTERESTS.
1
1
HEATH-MORRIS COMPANY.
FRUIT PACKAGES, BASKETS, ETC.
The above line of manufacture was commenced by Smith, Young & Co., on Main street, about a dozen years since, and later was operated on Market street. The business was purchased by W. R. Heath in 1886, and W. F. Morris engaged as a partner a year later. The trade rapidly increased, and as the firm was compelled to have additional room, the present commodious quarters on Water street, between W. First and W. Second streets, was secured, thoroughly fitted with improved machinery and occupied in 1888. Their patents and mechanical devices cover a
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND. .
wide range in woodworking apparatus, and enable them to turn out 3 or more car loads of complete fruit packages daily. Many of the machines have been perfected and pattented especially for this firm. The establishment is reputed to be the largest of the kind in the United States, operating in their varied line of trade, and its pro- ducts are shipped extensively to jobbers in nearly all of the middle and Southern States. The plant is connected with the principal railroads by side tracks in the rear, and fronts on the river within one block of the New Albany wharf boat. All sizes and kinds of fruit packages and baskets are made, from pints to two bushels in size, and suitable for berries, cherries, currants, grapes, peaches, vegetables, etc. The timber used is poplar, beech, elm, linn and cottonwood, all easily secured in this section of country. A warehouse 60x120, three stories in height, also connected by railroad, is kept at the corner of Thomas and East streets, shown in the above cut.
Wm. R. Heath, who has the general management of this extensive mannfactory, is a native of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in which city he was formerly in the same line of trade for 12 years, and brought a practical knowledge in basket manufacturing, which assists in the permanency and increasing success of the business here. W. F. Morris, who is a native of this county, and a graduate of the New Albany Business College, has been in manufacturing pursuits from boyhood. He is superintendent of the mechanical work, and is familliar with all its details. Owned by practical men, who will make every reasonable effort to keep pace with the demands of the times, there is no perceptible reason why the fruit packing business should not be well cared for by the above works. Upwards of 120 men, women and children are almost con- tinuously employed by this industry, and the extensive fruit growing interests of Floyd and adjacent counties, find a great convenience in securing their packages in the immediate vicinity of where their fruit is grown. After supplying the local trade these works have a large surplus capacity, and as before intimated, their packages find ready sale in the notable fruit and vegetable growing sections of the South and West. These varied industries are each a spoke in the wheel of New Albany's man- ufacturing development, and the success in any one line is an essential factor in the great aggregate of our industrial importance.
JOHN SHRADER, SR .- FURNITURE, ETC. FACTORY, W. FIRST-STORE, 11-13, W. MAIN.
The well to do men, of New Albany, have largely accumulated their wealth in this city, and among the self-made men of the place, John Shrader, sr., takes a high rank. Born in Germany, he located in New Albany in 1837, and 9 years later com- menced in the furniture and cabinet maker's trade, the business continuing to in- crease, in 1861 he erected a large factory on State. After this burned, in 1867, he erected and equipped his extensive manufactory, on W. First street between Main and the railroad. The buildings are of brick and fitted for the production of all grades of furniture, from the common to the superb, although principal attention is given to the manufacture of bedroom suites and wardrobes, which are shipped to the southern states. The factory gives employment to over 50 hands, and has been for seven years past, in charge of Jas. H. Gimnich, an expert cabinet maker. The ware and sales rooms occupies the 3 stories and basement, brick block at Nos. 11-13, W. Main street, is filled throughout with furniture and undertaking goods, together with an extensive line of carpets, curtains and house furnishings. Mr. Shrader was
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a prominent member of city council for 3 terms, and is a stockholder in several of our leading corporations. He has acchieved an enviable success as a business man and citizen of New Albany. He also owns the livery business at Nos. 16-18, W. Main street, which is in charge of his son, Geo. B. Shrader.
H KLERNE
FURNITURE FACTORY OF H. KLERNER & SONS. CORNER OF OAK AND E. FIFTH STREETS.
The above business was started in 1874, and the factory erected in 82 and 85. Walnut, ash, oak and cherry abound in this section, and hardwood bedroom sets and wardrobes is the product, which is principally sold in the south. Over 60 men are employed and the establishment is among our solid manufacturing concerns.
I. F. FORCE-HANDLE FACTORY.
WATER ST., 10TH TO 11TH.
As early as 1848 John Force began the handle business in Rochester, N. Y., and in 1872 the plant was removed to New Albany, Ind., as hickory timber was more easily secured in this section, since which time the business has been conducted by his son, I. F. Force. Much care has been taken in the selection of timber and perfecting the process of manufacture, and the product of this factory is widely known throughout the U. S. and Canada. Mr. Force is engaged in manufacturing in his native city, Rochester, N. Y., and the business here has, for the past 5 years, been in charge of F. W. Peters, of Michigan, who has been with this plant since its establishment in New Albany. Some 60 hands are given employment, a full assort- ment of handles are constantly kept on hand, and this industry is an important factor in New Albany's continued success and manufacturing development.
NEW ALBANY BENDING WORKS.
EAST MAIN, ABOVE VINCENNES ST.
This plant was started in 1885 by B. K. Taylor, in a small way; purchased in Sept. 89, by the Parry Manufacturing Co., of Indianapolis, since which it has been thoroughly fitted with modern machinery and its capacity increased 400 per cent. Employment is given to some fifty men and the annual output ranges $100,000 or more in value. The concern is one of the leading industries in its line in Southern Indiana, and is exerting an important influence in New Albany's material growth.
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
I. B. FRIEND-PLANING MILL, ETC.
CORNER OF PEARL AND OAK.
The builders supply line, is a prominent one in any progressive city, and the planing mill, sash, door and blind factory of I. B. Friend is complete in its advanta- ges for furnishing any desirable product of wood finishing, including every variety of turning, seroll sa wing, mouldings, sashes, doors, blinds, posts, railing, etc., which are kept in stock, or made to any special design at the order of customers.
This plant was started, in 1856, by John C. Howard. Mr. Friend had located in New Albany in 1849; learned the steamboat cabin building, and later became fore- man for Mr. Howard. In 1866 he purchased a half interest and 3 year later became sole proprietor. The boiler of this plant was made by M. Zier & Co., and the engine by Webster & Pitt, thereby showing New Albany facilities for fitting up complete manufacturing establishments. Mr. Friend has erected many of New Albany's prominent buildings, and has done considerable work in Louisville as well. He is at present one of Floyd County's Commissioners and is recognized as a gentleman of energy and enterprise.
GEO. HELFRICH, SR .- PLANING MILL.
S. E. CORNER E. 5TH AND OAK STREETS.
The lumber yard and planing mill of Geo. Helfrich, sr., was established at the above corner in 1881; the mill being fitted for the planing and dressing of lumber of which a good quantity is annually turned out to the order of customers. Mr. Hel- frich is a native of Germany, coming to this place in 1848. For 16 years prior to engaging in this business, he served as master car builder, at the Monon shops, and is well and favorably known to the people of New Albany.
THE HOOSIER PLANING MILL.
S. E. CORNER EAST THIRD AND OAK STREETS.
R. C. Wayman, a Kentuckian, established the above plant some 15 years ago. The buildings are fitted with planers, boiler, engine, etcetera, and is in perfect working order. It is located on a convenient corner, fronting 60 feet on Third street and 120 on Oak, and has a capacity for doing a good trade; but Mr. Wayman, being well advanced in years would accept a young partner, or sell the entire interest at low figures to any person desiring to engage in this line of business.
HOSKINS & KIRWAN-SAW MILL.
RIVER BANK, 7TH TO STH STREETS.
The saw mill is almost a necessity to civilization, and certainly lays the foundation for architectural development. Clark & Ogle erected the mill on the river bank adjoining the water works in 1883. This was purchased by W. H. Hoskins Apr. 91, and three months later M. J. Kirwan became a partner. Both the partners are from Louisville and experienced lumbermen. The plant turns out about 20,000 feet a day; but as the business outlook is favorable, the proprietors will put in a modern band sawing output the coming Fall, which will more than double the present capac- ity. About 30 men find employment with this firm, and the mill is a great conveni- ence to builders, as it promptly cuts to order any requirement not found in the stock of the lumber yards here. The logs are principally secured from the Big Sandy and other rivers flowing into the upper Ohio, which are brought down in rafts
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and elevated, from the water's edge to the saw carriage, by the usual mill machinery. Lath, etc., are made here, and a good quantity of lumber and other builders material is kept in stock. The mill also has a planing outfit in connection. Although a young firm here, Messrs. Hoskins & Kirwan have displayed an amount of push, en- terprise and tact which marks them as successful business men.
I. F. FORCE-HARDWOOD LUMBER. OFFICE, 14TH AND DEWEY STS.
The most extensive lumber yard in New Albany, is that of I. F. Force, who also runs the handle factory. This is confined to hardwood, including poplar, and keeps in stock about 3,000,000 feet, the handlings of last year running over ten million feet. Mr. Force controls the R. E. Stapp saw mill at the foot of 16th street, owns a mill at Bedford, and several mills in this and other states. The lumber yard here covers a square and a half between Main and Dewey, above 14th street, and is principally engaged in wholesaling, although it has a good local retail trade. It has been for some time past, in charge of A. M. Young, who has served with Mr. Force for 20 ycars.
NEALY & SHRADER-LUMBER YARD.
ELM, CORNER FIFTEENTH-R. R.
Hugh Nealy, a native of Harrison county, has for 10 years been connected with the lumber trade of this city, and in the spring of 1889, together with L. I. Shrader, formerly in the shoe trade of New Albany, opened the above lumber yard. The plant is directly adjoining the railroad, and the firm, by special care have selected a choice assortment of white and yellow pine lumber, and other requirements for builders use. Large storage sheds are filled with dressed and matched Inmber. Railroad transportation has made such wonderful progress that it is now practical to secure shingles from the distant cedar forests of the recently admitted state of Washington, and the best variety of these are sold by the above firm at $4 per thousand.
Louis Bir has for 8 years past kept a well appointed lumber yard, and B. F. Cline has been in the trade for nearly 20 years.
MARBLE, GRANITE AND STONE CONTRACT WORK.
EDWARD CRUMBO, STONE CONTRACTOR.
PEARL ST., OPP. L., N. A. & C. FREIGHT DEPOT.
The successful working of building stone adds greatly to the beauty of architectural development and the solidity of vast enterprises. Edward Crumbo is an acknowl- edged leader in this line, in New Albany, and many of the prominent buildings and bridges, in this vicinity, have been erected under his superintendence. Among en- terprises of special magnitude, may be mentioned the piers and abutments for the K. & I. Bridge Co., and the Belt & Terminal R. R., the Pearl street bridge across Fall- ing run, the Goodbub, Losson, Briggs and other building fronts. Henry Crumbo, father of the above, learned the stone cutter's trade in Germany, and coming to New Albany, in 1845, five years later he engaged in the business, continuing until 1860. Edward Crumbo and Joseph Melcher commenced business, as Crumbo & Melcher, in
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
1870. This firm was dissolved, by mutual consent, in 1889. Mr. Crumbo continuing the business at the above site, on Pearl street, near Falling run, where he occupies grounds 190x200 feet, which are intersected with switches, connecting with all lines of railroads entering the city; fitted with derricks and equipped for expeditious hand- ling of the most ponderous stones. Mr. Crumbo, being a practical stone cutter of 30 years experience, and more than 20 years in contract work, enables him to undertake and carry to successful completion contracts of any magnitude. A large stock of building stone from Bedford and other desirable quarries, as well as approved mar- ble and granite, are always kept in stock, many of the fine monuments and other cemetery work in this vicinity coming from his establishment. Born in Germany and brought to this city in childhood, he has been deeply interested in New Albany's success, has served in the city council, and is prominently connected in the social and benevolent orders. All kinds of plain and ornamental stone work are turned out by this concern, the elegant new school house, on Vincennes street, now going up under Mr. Crumbo's supervision; who has greatly added to New Albany's Architectural development. He gives employment to about 50 men, thereby largely assisting in the continued success of the city.
JOHN VERNIA & CO .- MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS.
CORNER OF PEARL AND ELM STREETS.
The business of this house was started in 1876 by John & Frank Vernia, the firm name continuing the same style, since the decease of the junior partner, in 1888. John Vernia was born in Lafayette twp., this county, learned the marble trade with Prof. Brown some 27 years ago, and our cemeteries have a full share of handsome monuments which are the direct product of his handiwork. In his works, corner of Elm and Pearl streets, can be found a great variety in marble and granite work of both domestic and imported stone. Mr. Vernia also handles building stone for cem- etery lot fencing, and gives steady employment to from 10 to 12 men.
MELCHER & HERLEY-STONE AND MARBLE WORKS. CORNER FIFTEENTHI AND POPLAR STREETS.
The late Joseph Melcher was engaged in the stone contract work, in this city, from 1870 until his decease May 1, 1891; having been a member of the firm of Crumbo & Melcher, until that firm was dissolved, by mutual consent, in 1889. In 1890, he ac- cepted as a partner Wm. S. Herley, an experienced stone cutter, and since Joseph Melcher's death, that interest has been in charge of his son Chas. F .; who is a grad- uate of the N. A. Business College, and has taken a course of instruction in the Polytechnic Institute of Louisville. The partners are natives of New Albany, and the yards turn out all kinds of stone, marble and granite work, taking contracts for building fronts, or anything in that line. The plant adjoins the Monon tracks at 15th and Poplar, and furnishes employment to from 10 to 20 men.
E. F. SMITH-MARBLE AND GRANITE.
SEVENTH ST., AT CEMETERY.
E. F. Smith, a native of Strassburg, France, in New Albany from childhood learned the stone cutters trade in this city, and has been engaged in the business for 16 years past. He turns out everything desirable in the monumental line and cemetery work. Mr. Smith has erected some of the best work in the Northern Cemetery, among
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which are Bradley, McCord, Moore, Humphrey, LaFollette, and other monuments. Several men are employed under the personal supervision of the proprietor.
ANDREW SCHMITT-STONE AND MARBLE WORKS.
NO. 412, E. MARKET, AT R. R.
Andrew Schmitt, of German descent, was born iu Pittsburg, came to this vicinity in childhood, learned the stone cutter's trade with Crumbo & Melcher over 20 years ago, and commenced business with Wm. Herley as Herley & Schmitt in 1882. After 10 years he purchased his partner's interest, continuing the business on Market street, adjoining the L., N. A. & C. R. R. Mr. Schmitt contracts for stone building and all kinds of cemetery work, and his experience in the business has brought him a fair share of the trade in that line.
Prof. J. Brown has conducted a prominent marble shop at corner State and Elm for nearly 40 years past.
LEATHER MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
THE DAY LEATHER COMPANY.
CORNER OAK AND E. 4TH STREETS.
The leather industry of New Albany should not be overlooked, in reference to our importance in manufacturing, as many thousands of hides are annually purchased here, and large quantities of leather shipped. The late Theodore Day, father of the present members of the above company, commenced the tanning business in this city 54 years ago, and the. Day Brothers have been brought up in the trade, thereby re- ceiving all the advantages of experience. The company was incorporated in 1883; A. T. Day officiating as president; John I. Day, vice president, and Chas Day, secreta- ry and treasurer. The tannery, located at the n. w. corner of Oak and E. 4th streets, is fitted up with all necessary machinery and appliances for the production of first class oak harness leather, making a specialty of heavy hides, of which about 15,000 are turned out annually. This is shipped to jobbers all over the Union, giving entire satisfaction. It is a noteworthy fact that this establishment has not shut down, from any cause, for a consecutive week, in the past 35 years; but gives constant employ- ment to about 35 men, and the standard regularity of goods produced by the Day Leather Co. is so well known among harness men, that no salesman is required on the road, the orders coming direct to the tannery.
BARTH'S TANNERY.
E. 10TH, ON RIVER.
The very extensive tannery of A. Barth is located on E. Tenth, be- tween Beeler and Water streets. It was established, in 1864, by A. Barth & Co; Mr. Barth becoming sole proprietor in June 85. The tannery and appurtenances cover about an acre of ground comprising six well fitted buildings, with an an- nual capacity of 15,000 to 20,000
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
hides. Mr. Barth has had a life long experience in the business and mannfactures all grades of leather, although his principal attention is given to harness leather.
GEORGE MOSER & COMPANY.
NO. 272 TO 278 E. 8TH STREET.
This plant was originally started, in 1840, by Lockwood Brothers; purchased by George Moser, Jan. 1, 1878, John M. Moser becoming a partner in July, 91. George Moser is a native of Germany, and commenced the tanner's trade with A. Barth & Co., some 25 years ago, while J. M. Moser is a native of New Albany. The firm have a well fitted tannery, and handles about 15,000 hides of medium weight annu- ally the leather being tanned with chestnut oak and suitable for the use of harness and collar makers. The Moser tannery has a well earned reputation and its pro- dncts find ready sales among jobbers in various parts of the country. Some 30 to 35 men are employed in this industrial concern.
A. Hopkins & Son have recently overhauled the tannery at the corner Cherry and West streets, for the production of seating leather from hog skins. They also handle about 500 tons of sumach annually. R. Wunderlich runs a tannery on E. 8th street. and two other tanneries are controlled by A Barth.
INDIANA BREWING COMPANY.
CORNER MAIN AND WEST STREETS.
This plant was started in 1881, by Louis Smith; Jacob Horning becoming proprie- tor the next year. The concern was made an incorporated company, with author- ized capital of $100,000, in May, 89, and under the executive care of Gustav Wein- mann, was largely increased in order to meet the demands of customers. On an adjoining lot the company have a nest of 24 two-inch wells, put down for the supply of pure water. The brewery grounds are 120x360 feet, upon which, in addition to the large original plant, a handsome 5-story brick structure, which makes a decided improvement to the architectural development of this section of the city, has recently been completed. This has been equipped with the most approved machinery and appliances, no expense having been spared to perfect plans for the manufacture of the best product in this line. The floors are laid of ashphalt and granitoid, and are the most perfect to be found in the city. The plant is traversed on three sides by the principal railroads entering the city. The process of manufacture may be of interest to the general reader, and we will rehearse it in brief. The malt is taken by eleva- tor to the cleaning reel, on 5th floor, where sprouts or other foreign substances are removed, from whence it goes to the malt bin; when needed it is run to the scale hopper, thence through a crusher, and is carried by elevator to the meal hopper, thence to the huge mash tub which holds 150 barrels. Here it undergoes a steeping process for several hours, when the infusion is drained, through pipes, into an im- mense brass kettle, holding 150 barrels, while the refuse malt is lowered into a recep- tacle, from whence it is sold for dairy feed. In the I rass kettle the propper addition of hops is made, after which it is boiled for 3 or 4 hours. It is then passed through a strainer, and from thence, by pumps, the liquid is raised to an immense surface cooler, on the 5th floor, from which it descends over a system of copper pipes, which are constantly cooled by flowing ice water, and is eventually carried to the storage tubs, of which there are 30; holding 40 barrels each. Subsequently the beer is con- ducted to the storage cellar, where about a hundred huge casks are found, ranging
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