USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fall River > Centennial history of Fall River, Mass. : comprising a record of its corporate progress from 1656 to 1876, with sketches of its manufacturing industries, local and general characteristics, valuable statistical tables, etc. > Part 5
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In the management of the business John Eddy was the manufacturer, and Jessc the buyer and seller. The last-named member of the firm was obliged to travel all over New England and some portions of the West for the purchase of the necessary supply of wool ; his business also demanding a weekly trip to Boston, which was accomplished in his own private carriage, there being no public conveyance. It was his custom to go the whole distance of fifty miles on one day, returning the next, and on several occasions when dis- patch was required, the trip both ways occupied but a single day,-of course a relay of horses being previously provided for.
In the times referred to (1825-35), the younger operatives in the several manufacturing establishments were divided into three classes. The first, and
33
COTTON MANUFACTURE A.D. 1820-30.
the largest numerically, was popularly denominated " Cotton Bugs," from the particles of that staple adhering to them, and the second " Blue Niggers," from the peculiar blue tint given to their unwashed faces by an admixture of dye-stuffs and oil incident to their employment. The employés in the calico works, comprising the third class, were without any distinguishing title, though perhaps occasionally called "Calico Boys," when a particular term was necded. The relation to each other of thesc distinct classes was not widely dissimilar to that existing between different tribes of Indians, amicable at times, and at others directly the opposite, according to circumstances, which were depend- cnt upon the seasons of the year and the presence or absence of snow. The principal antagonism was between the " Cotton Bugs" and " Blue Niggers," the " Calico Boys" occupying a neutral position, ready to take sides with either party, as occasion might dictate.
The winter campaign gencrally opened with the first snow-fall of sufficient depth to allow of making a snow-ball, commencing with a sort of desultory warfare or skirmishing, and finally developing into regular pitched battles. At first only the boys engaged in these contests; but as the scason drew towards the close, armies of adults, the card-strippers, mule-spinners, jack- spinners, ropers, and even overseers, became interested and took a hand. These scenes were re-enacted with variations winter after winter, until the friendly rains of spring melted the snow and the animosities of the bellige- rents at the same time.
The proprietors of the Satinet Factory were remarkable for their affilia- tion with their help, with whom they were ever on terms of easy intimacy, always seeming to regard them as their equals in the social scalc.
In the long Saturday evenings of the winter months many were the gatherings around the old stove in the finishing-room, when the Messrs. Eddy werc present and joined with their work-people in discussing the topics of the day. To this encouragement and kind companionship on the part of the principals is attributable, perhaps, the fact that so many of the employés have risen in subsequent years to honorable positions in life.
The production of Eddy's satinets was largely increased from ycar to year, and they became well known in all the principal markets as the best goods of that style of fabric. In 1843, however, the satinet manufacture was discontinucd, and a fabric of all wool, called " Cassimere," was commenced. It was made in various shades of mixtures, and in stripe and plaid effects, and almost entirely superseded the usc of satinets for the best trade. Two years later, in consequence of the demolition of the old Satinet Factory, to makc way for the larger Pocasset Mill for the manufacture of cotton goods, the
34
FALL RIVER AND ITS INDUSTRIES.
business was removed to a place known as " Eagle Mill," situated about three and a half miles south of Fall River, in the town of Tiverton, R. I.
Shortly after, the firm of J. & J. Eddy was dissolved, but the business continued in the above locality for a few years, until the property was destroyed by fire.
In the mean time Jesse Eddy, in connection with Joseph Durfec, bought and located a mill on a tract of land just above the dam, and near the outlet of the pond known as " Mosquito Island," designing to manufacture the same kind of goods produced by J. & J. Eddy. But, as they were about ready to commence operations, Joseph Durfce died, and it was not until January, 1849, that manufacturing was begun in the new mill. Jesse Eddy became the proprietor, and shortly after took his son, Thomas F., into partnership, under the firm name of Jesse Eddy & Son, by whom the business was con- ducted for twenty-one years.
In 1873, upon the decease of the father, the business passed into the hands of his two sons, Thomas F. and James C., who still continue the manu- facture under the name of Jesse Eddy's Sons.
Jesse Eddy was born in Northbridge, in 1801. While yet a young man he engaged in manufacturing at Woonsocket, R. I. Remaining but a brief period at Woonsocket, however, he moved to Fall River, where he perma- nently established himself in the business pursuits detailed in the foregoing pages.
Mr. Eddy, though singularly unpretentious in his personal nature, was one of the best known citizens of Fall River. A man of generous sympa- thies, his kindly, genial bearing won the friendship of all who came in con- tact with him. His sterling character as a citizen and thorough integrity in his relations to the public were recognized by several positions of large responsibility. As early as 1828, he was chosen one of the original Trustees of the Fall River Savings Bank, and for many years was vice-president of that institution and chairman of its Board of Investment. At a later period his sound judgment in financial matters was distinguished by his election as President of the National Union Bank.
Mr. Eddy's exceptional kindliness of nature, as developed in a constant regard for the welfare of his employés, has been remarked in its propcr con- nection. He was a consistent, practical Christian in his action-one of the too rare exemplifications of the truth that
" He prayeth best who loveth best
All things, both great and small ;"
-- 96 16 .010
Sessel Gdy
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COTTON MANUFACTURE A.D. 1830-45.
1136841
and the highest tribute of society at his decease was a universal regret for the ending of a life, unobtrusive and unselfish, full of good and gentle decds.
The manufacture of eotton goods having been brought to some degree of perfection, the larger manufacturers began to look about them for a market for their production, and finding a growing demand for calieo prints, many of them started small works of their own, which subsequently grew into con- cerns with a national reputation. Thus the Spragues, Allens, Dunnells and others had their own printeries, and the sueeess of these establishments doubtless suggested to the Fall River manufacturers that something of the kind might be attempted here. Such an enterprise was just suited to the tem- perament of Holder Borden, who had by this time got his Massasoit Mill into perfect running order, and whose restless disposition could not brook inactiv- ity while other avenues of business were opening before him. Aeeordingly, a joint-stock company was formed in 1834, and the American Print Works started under the ageney and principal management of Mr. Borden.
Holder Borden was born June 17, 1799, and at the age of eighteen or nineteen entered the serviec of David Anthony, who was then running the Fall River Manufactory. He remained with him perhaps a couple of years, when he removed to Pawtucket, and was at first clerk for the Wilkinsons, large eotton manufacturers, but soon after was made agent of the Blackstone Company, owned by Brown & Ives. Here his independent, self-reliant charac- ter speedily manifested itself, for having been instructed to invest, as he saw fit, quite a large sum of money belonging to the company, but then lying idle, he proceeded at once to buy up all the eotton he could find for sale, and the amount was so large that he shortly found the whole market in his own hands,-in fact, that he had made a "corner in cotton." The company was at first astonished, then frightened ; it was wholly unprecedented that an agent should buy and sell of his own motion without consultation with his prin- cipals. Holder Borden, however, was equal to the emergency ; he offered to make the purchase his own, which was accepted, and in the end actually sold a portion of it back to the company at an advance, realizing a very handsome percentage on the whole transaction. The boldness of the operation, requi- ring, as it did, great nerve and confidence, as well sagacity; illustrated perfectly the character of the man as it manifested itself throughout his brief but bril- liant career. He was a thorough business man, a merchant as well as a manufacturer, knew how to buy and how to sell, varied his productions to suit the market, gave up old methods when new ones were better, and so kept fully up to, if not a little ahead of the spirit of his time.
In 1827, the Massasoit Mill was ereeted on the stream and leased for fifteen years by Brown, Ives & Borden, and filled with machinery for the
36
FALL RIVER AND ITS INDUSTRIES.
manufacture of cotton goods at a probable investment of $100,000. When, some years later, on account of trouble with low water, Brown & Ives wished to move out the machinery to Lonsdale, Holder Borden, being too much of a Fall River man to permit such a change, bought out their interest and operated the mill on his own account. He subsequently became interested as an owner in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, thc Annawan Mill, the Fall River Manufactory, Fall River Iron Works, etc., and later became agent of the print works at the Globc. This, however, con- tinued but a year, when he became the prime mover and active manager in the organization of the American Print Works.
This enterprise he pushed forward with characteristic energy. Having maturcd his plans, hc proceeded onc morning below the hill, took all the teams and men he could find, staked out the foundation alongshore, sct thc men to work, and drove off to Providence to attend to his other duties as agent of the Blackstone Company. Such was the style of the man, con- stantly scheming and planning something new, keeping his counsels to him- self until ready for action, then pushing on vigorously to the completion of his project. Not much of a talkcr, rather slow and delibcrate in his speech, he had little patience with discursive remark in others, especially at board or committee meetings, and always demandcd close attention to the subject in hand. In person he was tall and slim, in complexion dark, and, contrary to the usual custom, allowed his beard to grow for the protection of his throat. In his dress and personal appointments he was extremely careful : hc walked with his head inclined slightly forward. He was a great smoker, and a lover of a good horse-a necessity to him in his frequent journeys to and from Providence. Although so full of business, he was as attentive to details as to larger matters, and being somewhat of a nervous disposition, any inattention or inaccuracy in little things was sure to excite his comments, and call forth his displeasure. He possessed the happy faculty of impressing others with his own views and aims, and in consequence was naturally a leader among leaders. Rarely has one so young in years as Holder Borden attained such prominence in a community and held it so securcly during his entire career. Rarely has so successful and so brilliant a business life been compassed by fifteen years, especially when those are the first and early years of manhood. Rarcly does one from the start combine those threc clements of assured suc- ecss, " bold energy," " untiring industry," and "unbending integrity."
The throat difficulty with which he had been troubled several ycars developed finally into that insidious New England disease-consumption. It ran its course rapidly, causing his death September 12, 1837, at the com- paratively early age of thirty-eight years.
Van Slycka
AMERICAN PRINT WORKS
FALL RIVER, MASS
37
COTTON MANUFACTURE A.D. 1830-45.
The American Print Works, which is perhaps the most prominent legacy of Holder Borden to the business world, was started up in January, 1835, running four machines, with an average production of 2000 to 2500 pieces of prints per weck. One half to two thirds of this quantity had a portion of the colors blocked in. The Works continued under the management of Holder Borden till February, 1837, when, in consequence of ill-health, he resigned, and Jefferson Borden was elected agent and principal manager. This management continued till February, 1876, a period of thirty-nine years, when Thomas J. Borden was elected to the position.
This company stands pre-cminent among all the calico-printing estab- lishments of the country for the persistent energy of its management, the skilful adaptation of means to ends, its indomitable perseverance in the face of the heaviest misfortunes and losses, and the appreciation of its efforts by the public in the patronage received. Starting out, mainly as an experiment, adjunct to the manufacture of print cloths, this corporation has gone directly ahcad on its own judgment, and won a place among the permanent institu- tions of the city and country.
In 1840, the Works were enlarged, a new machine building, dye-house, etc., being added, and the production of prints about doubled. In 1857, the company obtained a charter of incorporation, when Colonel Richard Borden was elected President, and so continued till his death, in February, 1874. In 1858, the Bay State Print Works, then under the management of Thomas J. Borden, was purchased by the American Print Works, and became a part of the same corporation. By this arrangement, both establishments were con- tinued under the management of Jefferson Borden, and the capacity for production largely increased.
In 1867, a portion of the buildings of the American Print Works were taken off, and a new structure of Fall River granite was commenced, but on the 15th day of December of the same ycar, when the new building was just about completed, and in appearance much like the present magnificent struc- ture, a fire broke out in one of the old buildings, which, notwithstanding the untiring efforts of the firemen, destroyed the whole new part of the establish- ment, with about half of the old, and their contents. This fire was preceded, on the 6th of the same month, by a fire at the Bay State Works, which laid in ashes the boiler-house and machine-room buildings of that establishment, with most of the machinery and a small portion of the goods.
It was a terrible blow, involving, in the destruction of property and the disruption of business interests, an estimated loss of two million dollars, half of which went down with the buildings. Great sympathy was expressed in
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FALL RIVER AND ITS INDUSTRIES.
all business cireles with the sufferers, and capitalists abroad proffered their aid in loans to the company.
But the old heroie spirit that had controlled and organized the former coneern, did not quail before this unlooked-for disaster, and courteously thanking their friends for their proffered aid, the company proceeded to reconstruet the whole affair on a broader foundation. Notwithstanding the total unexpectedness of the disaster, coming as it did on the very day before oeeupaney, three hundred workmen were on the premises, elearing away the rubbish and preparing the ground for rebuilding, by ten o'clock the next morning. Few instances of similar energy are on record. In one year and four months from the date of the conflagration, the remains of the old build- ings were removed, a new foundation laid, and the present building erected and filled with machinery. The amount of labor performed in this interval can hardly be over-estimated, and the energy shown by the agent, Jefferson Borden, in accomplishing so great a work in so short a time, has been rarely, if ever, paralleled in the history of manufactures.
The main building is a handsome, massive granite structure, upon Water street, near the wharf of the Old Colony Steamboat Company, and, inelud- ing basement and Mansard roof, is five stories high. It is 60 feet in depth, and presents a front of 406 feet on Water street, broken only by a finely proportioned tower, some 110 feet in height, furnished with a large bell, and one of Howard & Co.'s celebrated tower cloeks, with four eight-feet dials. In this tower is the main entrance. The front is principally built of beautiful ashlar work. The first story has a succession of large arched windows, sep- arated by a single hammered granite pillar, with eap and base, and attracting the eye by their graceful proportions.
Within the main room on the lower floor is space for twenty printing machines. These machines are of a capacity to print about eighty million yards of ealico per annum, and to keep them in operation requires the united skill of a whole corps of draftsmen and color mixers. Reckoning all the force employed about the establishment, in all departments, the number is nearly or quite a thousand persons, with a monthly pay-roll of about $30,000. To drive the machinery for this work are used one thirty-four-ineh engine, four and one half feet stroke ; one thirty-inch, six feet stroke; one sixteen- inch, four feet stroke ; two nine-inch and two six-inch engines, and one brass turbine water-wheel. To furnish steam for their impulsion, fifty-eight boilers are constantly available.
The main building is flanked on the west by four Ls, all built of granite, with substantial finish, and each separated from the main building by division walls extending above the roof. The north wing and shed is 310 feet by 80
39
COTTON MANUFACTURE A.D. 1830-45.
feet, five stories ; the second, 68 by 40 feet, three stories ; the third, 195 by 57 feet, three storics ; the fourth, 173 by 41 feet, and five stories high. The length of these added to that of the main building is 1152 feet, the whole appearing as solid and substantial as a fortress. In addition, there is one boiler-house, 100 by 50 fcet, three stories, and another 195 by 55 feet, two stories; one engine- house, 50 by 30 feet, and two stories; one dye-house, 100 by 50 feet, two stories ; a carpenter-shop and blue-dye house, 267 by 43 feet, and two stories ; a shell-house, 90 by 34 fcet, and two storics; a chemical shop, 63 by 45 feet, one story ; and a pump room, 38 by 16 feet, and two stories high. The total length of these subordinate structures, 903 feet, added to the aggre- gate of the main printery, with its Ls, gives the enormous cxtent of 2055 fcet of solid stone masonry, and probably no similar establishment in America can show so extended a frontagc.
The different floors of the main building are fitted up for the various operations in printing and dycing. Four elevators are in constant use. The arrangements for guarding against fire are as complete as they can be made, consisting of two Worthington's duplex steam pumps of the largest size, two rotary fire pumps, also the largest sizc, and one force pump attached to the water-wheel. Sixty-eight hydrants are distributed about the premises, so that in case of a fire as many as one hundred and thirty-nine streams of water can bc made to play upon the buildings at once. Bracket balconies (double width), or fire-escapes, are attached to cach story, two sets being on the main building and one on each of the Ls, while all communications between the buildings of the new part have double doors, one of which is iron. The area of the works is 816} square rods of land. Two additional buildings, on the opposite side of the street, will be soon connected with the main structure by means of a tunnelled way under the thoroughfare. They are substantial brick erections, one 156 feet by 50, and three stories in elevation ; the other 156 by 92, and two stories. The former will be occupied for offices, designing-rooms and storage, the latter for shearing, folding and packing rooms.
The building of the American Print Works is one of the finest devoted to the printing business in the country, if not in the world, and attracts the attention of all strangers as they enter the city by steamboat or railway. It requires no less than six large mills to supply its printing machines with cloth. Its ample rooms are furnished with modern appliances of science and skill in each department, and the productions of this company are to be found in all sections of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
The great improvements made during the last few years in the texture, style, and coloring of calicoes, or, as they are now better known in the dry- goods market, " American Prints," are due to the enterprise, and in some
40
FALL RIVER AND ITS INDUSTRIES.
measure to the business competition, of leading manufacturers, who have brought to bear upon their production every applianec which the progress of art and science has placed within their reach. The best designers in the Old as well as in the New World have been sought out and kept constantly employed in producing new and pleasing effects. The most skilful dycrs and printers have also been pressed into the service, while the substitution of aniline and alizarinc colors for the old madder process of dyeing has given a variety of delieate shades and a perfection and finish to the work never before attaincd. At the same time, the cost of these goods has been kept down to a point which places them within the reach of all classes. The result of this enterprise and improvement is seen in an enormous and steadily increasing consumption, and, especially in days of popular economy, in a large substitu- tion of prints for the more costly descriptions of dress goods. But there is no class of goods in which the caprices of fashion are so arbitrary and exacting.
The skill and resources of the manufacturers are continually taxed for the production of novelties in coloring and design, and such is the demand of this nature, that no printing company can now hope to be successful unless it is prepared to observe these caprices of popular taste, by changing its styles at least twice a year, and to bring out just so many fresh and attractive lines of fancies every spring and fall at the opening of the season. The magnitude of the work involved in this continual change can be imagined when it is stated that a single printing company has put on the market two thousand different patterns (each with several combinations of coloring) during one year. This constant versatility of production is an absolute law of trade, which must be obeyed.
But there are cycles in these fashions, and a style of print which goes out one year comes in again as new after the lapse of three, four, or perhaps half a dozen years. Some styles run out in a single season, while others last through several. Hence the necessity of great caution in not producing any surplus to be carried over, since goods that are a little out of style have to be forced off, generally at a sacrifice. No specialty, unless of rare merit, can be made to run over two seasons, while any striking innovation, such as the Dolly Varden and Centennial prints, has usually but a very brief existence. Bright colors are the rage for a season, then only the subdued or dead shades are wanted. The styles have also to be adapted to the different sections of the country where they arc sold, as, for instance, the production of "Quaker" prints for the Pennsylvania market, which is quite an important specialty. Of necessity, therefore, the productions of a printery have to be of an almost infinite variety, from the most tasty percale to the indigo print, which still holds its place in domestic use.
Ahhhh Ahhgning & Enpranul Upany New York,
Jefferson Pardew
41
COTTON MANUFACTURE A.D. 1830-45.
The Bay State Print Works, the smaller of the two belonging to the American Print Works Company, is situated at Globe Village, upon a stream which issues from Laurel Lake and empties into Mount Hope Bay, and which has been utilized for manufacturing purposes for more than sixty years. It is really the outgrowth of the first cotton-mill built in this vicinity, which, after passing through several hands subsequent to Colonel Jos. Durfee's control, was purchased by Potter & Chatburn in 1829, and converted into a print works. Its first goods were printed in September, 1830. Since that date it has been enlarged from time to time, and with varying degrees of suc- cess been run in 1833-34 by Holder Borden, in 1835-39 as Tiverton Print Works, 1839-42 by Walter C. Durfee, agent, 1843-44 by Prentiss & Marvel, 1845-53 by W. & G. Chapin, 1853-58 as Bay State Print Works, until finally purchased by the American Print Works Company, and run in con- nection with their larger establishment at Fall River. It employs 250 hands, has five printing machines, and turns out twenty million yards of printed calico annually. Its engine is a thirty-inch cylinder, six feet stroke, and requires thirteen boilers for the gencration of sufficient steam for the works. On the 6th of that same December, 1867, which witnessed the entire destruc- tion by fire of the main works at Fall River, a terrible explosion occurred in the boiler-room of the Bay State Print Works. The boilcr-house, containing several boilers, was burst into fragments; the side and roof of the dye-house werc completely destroyed, and the building immediately envelopcd in flames. Much damage was done to the other buildings in the vicinity, but, as fcw of the workmen had arrived, no serious injuries were inflicted upon the help. This calamity threw one hundred and fifty persons out of employment, and caused a loss of $100,000, partially covered by insurance. The energy of the company was conspicuous, also, in recovering from this disaster. In three months from the date of the explosion the works were entirely repaired, the machinery refitted, and the whole in successful operation.
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