USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Millbury > Centennial history of the town of Millbury, Massachusetts, including vital statistics, 1850-1899 > 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 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
In 1914, the Cordis Company built a new mill to the
18
274
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
south of the other buildings,in which automatic looms were set up, so that the production of the plant was doubled.
CONSOLIDATED POWER STATION
This manufacturing privilege is the sixth in town on the Blackstone River. A dam and mill here were begun in 1828 and finished in 1830 by Shepard & Ridgeway. After them Edward W. Ridgeway operated the mill under his own and other names until 1837. Trowbridge & Co. were afterward located here. Later companies have been Park & Wright, and Bellows, Baker & Co. William Crompton, the loom inventor, operated this mill for some time, making broadcloth, and it was while engaged here that he was at work perfecting the world-famous Cromp- ton Loom. Near this privilege he also had a foundry and a loom manufactory. In 1847, he advertised as follows: "Being about to make woolen and cotton goods entirely, will sell out tools used in the manufacture of machinery at Millbury, the 22nd of April, 1848." This included eight large engines. At the time Mr. Crompton was here, sixty horse-power is said to have been developed. The machine shop, foundry, and blacksmith shop were to be let by applying to the agent of the Cordis Company. Following William Crompton, came David F. Wood and after him Merriam, Simpson and Rays. Mr. Merriam and the Rays withdrew, and the factory was owned and operated for a number of years by Capt. Peter Simpson in the manufacture of satinets. This mill was sold in 1890, by the Millbury National Bank, to Mr. Capen, who sold in turn to Charles T. Aldrich. Mr. Aldrich operated the mill for several years, doing a prosperous business on a low-priced grade of goods but, in 1897, a fire occurred that stopped all operations.
Early in 1898 the Blackstone Valley Street Railway came into possession of the property. It is now used as a power station for the Worcester Consolidated Street Railway Co. The plant has been rebuilt and has been
THE WORCESTER CONSOLIDATED RAILWAY COMPANY POWER PLANT
275
INDUSTRIES ON THE BLACKSTONE RIVER
thoroughly equipped for generating electricity by steam power, so that well-nigh the entire system of the Worcester Consolidated Street Railway Co. receives its power from this station.
Situated on the Blackstone river, but receiving its power from a brook that is tributary to the river, stands the Rice saw-mill which has been operated extensively in times past.
276
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
CHAPTER XIX INDUSTRIES ON DOROTHY STREAM
BUCK BROTHERS
The first water privilege on Dorothy Stream is occupied by the Buck Brothers' works. This privilege has three ponds connected with it, viz .- Dorothy, and two others, one formed in 1868. On this site some years ago, Deacon T. H. Witherby ground chisels made at his other works. Skates were made here afterward. Later, tools were manufactured by Mr. Williams. Following him, Dennis Fisher made cut-nippers. Charles Hale succeeded him in the same line of work. Harrington & Heald followed on tool-work. Later A. H. Waters used the place in connection with his business.
Buck Brothers, manufacturers of chisels, gouges, plane irons, machinists' punches, cold chisels, nail sets, reamers, and countersinks, commenced business in Worcester, in 1853. Although started in a small way, the business gradually increased under the practical and skilful management of the Buck Brothers and, in the summer of 1864, it was removed to Millbury at this mill privilege, then owned by Dennis Fisher and known as the Andrus March privilege. A Buck's head is the trade mark. In 1873 Charles Buck withdrew from the firm. (see Chap. xx.)
The product of these works has become well-known, not only in the United States but also abroad, for the excellent quality of the edge-tools produced. Wherever the product of these works has been exhibited in compe- tition with similar products the edge-tools from these works have in every instance secured the first prize for
THE BUCK BROTHERS EDGE TOOL WORKS
277
INDUSTRIES ON DOROTHY STREAM
quality and style. The leading exhibitions in which displays have been made are the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876; the World's Columbian Exposi- tion at Chicago, in 1893; and the Buffalo Exposition, in 1901.
Gold medals were received from the Centennial and the Chicago Expositions, and a diploma from the one at Buffalo.
In 1878, Richard Buck added to the plant a handsome faced-brick structure, two stories high, one hundred twenty feet long, and thirty-five feet wide. He also erected, for the accommodation of his employees, twenty tenement houses, all so arranged as to form an attractive hamlet, known as "Buck's Village."
After Mr. Richard Buck died, Jan. 12, 1893, the busi- ness was continued by the sons-in-law, E. M. Wood and William L. Proctor, and it was purchased by them in 1894. In 1905, Mr. Proctor purchased Mr. Wood's interest, thus gaining possession of the entire plant. This is one of the oldest industries owned by a resident citizen and it is one of the leading manufacturing plants in the town. Mr. Proctor's sons, Richard W. Proctor and Harold B. Proctor, have taken an active part in the management of the business. Fifty persons are employed.
In 1913, a warehouse and a storehouse, with modern equipment, were added to the establishment. In addition to a commodious room for handling the edge-tools the warehouse contained a general and a private office. To the rear of the warehouse, a storehouse, forty feet square, has been built in which goods are stored, ready for shipment.
MOLT BROTHERS
The second privilege on Dorothy Brook was originally utilized by Chester Hastings on wood-work. After him H. H. Ward operated a grist-mill here. It then passed into the hands of G. C. Molt, the patentee of the cele- brated indigo blue dye. Later, Jerome Marble, of
278
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
Worcester, became a partner with Mr. Molt and, after Mr. Marble's retirement, L. L. Whitney became Mr. Molt's partner. After the death of Mr. G. C. Molt, Mr. Whitney and the sons of Mr. Molt constituted the firm. In 1896, L. L. Whitney retired, and the business was continued by A. C., Herman J., and William Molt. The Molt Brothers also did work in scouring, carding, picking and dyeing wool.
Formerly at this location, Dr. Heywood of Worcester and the Waits of Millbury maintained a grindstone ready to operate in order to hold their rights in the water privilege.
BENJAMIN O. PAINE
Originally a saw-mill occupied the third privilege on this stream. On this location at an early date Wilcox & Tuft made excelsior for mattresses. Afterward a grist-mill was maintained by Mr. Goodell, and after him by Mr. Marble. Later Jabez Ellis used the building as a carpenter-shop. After him, it was occupied by James E. Taylor, agent for the Ohio Mowing-Machine Co., who assembled the parts of mowing machines here. The privilege was later used by Peter Simpson as a flock-mill and after his occupancy W. A. Farnsworth used the building for carding and scouring wool, and for picking shoddy. The building was later destroyed by fire, and the dam was washed away. Nov. 10, 1905, Benjamin O. Paine, who was formerly located at Bramanville, bought the privilege, rebuilt the dam, moved a large storehouse on the site of the old mill, and equipped the place for the manufacture of edge tools. He also installed a steam plant to supplement the water power, which failed occasionally in dry seasons. In 1912, electricity took the place of steam.
E
THE B. O. PAINE SHOP
MILLBURY STEEL FOUNDRYCO
THE MILLBURY STEEL FOUNDRY
279
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
CHAPTER XX
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
WIRE MAKING
Charles G. Washburn, in his work entitled "Manufac- turing and Mechanical Industries of Worcester," states that, in 1831, Ichabod Washburn whose inventions have revolutionized the manufacture of wire products, began the manufacture of wire in an old woolen factory at North- ville, Worcester. In company with Mr. Washburn at that time was Benjamin Goddard. It has been ascer- tained, however, that previous to this, on a road leading from the Old Common to Auburn and in a blacksmith shop, then belonging to Elias Richardson, Ichabod Wash- burn experimented in wire making and it was no doubt his first attempt in this line of manufacture. The foun- dation outline of this old shop can be seen today on the right hand side of the road leading from the Old Common to Auburn, near the Auburn line. From Ichabod Wash- burn himself we learn the process that was first used and the improvement that he made. The work was previously done by using self-acting pincers, drawing out about a foot of wire, then passing back and drawing another foot. With this crude machine a man could draw about fifty pounds of wire in a day. In place of this process, Mr. Washburn substituted a wire-block which was used by drawing a coarse wire through a steel plate, having a hole with less diameter than that of the rod, thus stretching the wire. We are unable to learn the exact nature of Mr. Washburn's experiments at the old smithy, but the work put forth, along with that of many other early toilers,
280
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
stimulated efforts that resulted in improved processes of manufacture. Thus we may say that in Millbury began that development in the process of wire-making which has resulted in the development of the American Steel and Wire Corporation, founded by Mr. Washburn, and the greatest in the world.
HAND LOOMS
One industry, long past away, that had its day in Millbury was carpet making on the old hand-looms. In 1832, Francis McCracken, father of George W. McCracken, operated eight of these hand-looms in the old building first used as a house of worship in the North Parish of Sutton, after its removal to make way for a more imposing structure. These looms were about six feet square and were heavily constructed. Since the Old Common was not a place devoted to much business, Mr. McCracken must have had a monopoly in noise with the clattering and thundering of these giant looms of early days. One of the old machines ready for operation, though probably not one of those used in Millbury, may be seen at the museum of the Worcester Society of Antiquity.
When broadcloth was being manufactured in Millbury, and when machines were installed in some of the mills for its production, Mr. McCracken was employed in setting up the machinery.
POTASH
An early industry in Millbury was potash making. England then offered a good market for the commodity and the early settlers had plenty of material for furnishing the product. On the farm now owned by G. Burton Stowe, at West Millbury, the site of one of the old potash works can still be seen. The place is located on the shore of Ramshorn Pond, once a farm originally settled by Stephen Small.
281
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
On the farm formerly occupied by Rufus Carter at the northern end of the Old Common, potash was formerly made. At the corner of Elmwood and Beach Streets there are still evidences of other potash works and the grass grows greener where the potash was once left on the ground. In fact, it was not an uncommon task for the early New England farmers to spend part of the year in the manufacture of this product both for home use and for shipping away for it was very remunerative at that time.
· TOBACCO RAISING
An attempt at tobacco raising was made by John Hovey on the plot of meadow land north of West Main street and extending from the residence of Henry F. Hobart to the Blackstone River. Tobacco was success- fully raised by Mr. Hovey on the Waters farm, dried in a barn now standing on Waters Street, near Grove, and made into cigars in the Arcade building.
BRASS WORKS
When Thomas Blanchard was busy an his shop at West Millbury, Asa Kenney had a small brass foundry opposite, in which, years before, he had started the first brass foundry in central Massachusetts. After the brass foundry of Asa Kenney had closed up, Hiram, his son, erected a small building, and developed quite an industry in brass work, supplying gun-shops and other manufac- tories. He afterward closed out the work in brass and engaged in cabinet making and wood-work.
CURRYING
At West Millbury, in 1854, and for some years later, T. W. Childs and also John G. Wood were engaged in the currying business.
TILE MAKING
In the West Village there were formerly two brick yards, both of which are now discontinued. One of these
282
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
stood on the road which runs toward the house of Patrick McGrath and, in addition to brick of the common size, the old-time tiles such as were used by our fathers for the flooring and for the side-walls of fire-places were made. Two of these old tiles, which are in the possession of John C. Crane, measure seven and one-half inches square and two inches thick. They are in a good state of preserva- tion and constitute a reminder of days long since past. An immense brick, equal in size to four common ones, was taken from an old house at West Millbury and was doubtless made at this yard.
CARRIAGE MAKING
Among the former industries of the town, was the carriage manufactory of S. R. Parker & Co., in which for a time a considerable business was done. The Parker building, now owned by The Millbury Mills Company, was erected about 1858. The Parkers also had a black- smith shop connected for their iron work. During 1888, nearly one hundred carriages and wagons of superior workmanship were made here, and many of these are still in use. The name of "Parker" on a carriage was a guarantee of its strength and durability.
SHUTTLE-EYES AND THREAD-COMPRESSORS
At his home on the road running from the Old Common to Tainter Hill, Moses D. Garfield, from 1864 until his death, manufactured the shuttle-eye which he invented, having a monopoly in its production. To one who has witnessed Mr. Garfield at his labor and has seen him preparing the substance and baking the product, it seemed marvelous that such a small thing should require such painstaking care and judgment in its production.
For many years, in addition to the manufacture of shuttle-eyes, Mr. Garfield made, also, thread-compressers of the same material that he used in the manufacture of shuttle-eyes. When finished, these rival steel in hardness
283
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
and smoothness. Great accuracy is required in making the holes in these compressers since the sizes vary only one-thousandth of an inch. Not only in this country are these used but they have found their way abroad.
Thread guides were also made and these were used widely.
The industry is continued by Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Moses D. Garfield.
Charles H. Marble, son of the late Henry Marble, manu- factures porcelain shuttle-eyes and thread-guides for textile work. He resides in the house formerly occupied by Dr. Amasa Braman at the Old Common and in a shop at this place conducts his business. He was formerly employed by the late Moses D. Garfield in the same industry. This business and that carried on by Miss Garfield are the only establishments of the kind in the country and the processes which they employ are of great value. (See independent sketch of Moses D. Garfield.)
MILLBURY FOUNDRY COMPANY
This company was begun by Bradway Felton & Co. and later passed to John Martin, who was succeeded by Martin and Sweetser. The business was located for a time on the Armory site on South Main Street, but later it was moved to the southwest corner of Waters Street, opposite the present location of the Millbury Machine Co's works. Afterward, John Martin and Winthrop R. Cunningham were in partnership. Then Mr. Cunning- ham conducted the business alone, but later sold one-half interest to Mr. Martin. Mr. Cunningham afterward retired and left Mr. Martin in full possession. Mr. Martin was succeeded by Mr. Colvin, but the business again passed to Mr. Martin, who sold it to H. T. Merriam in 1886. Mr. Merriam re-located the foundry near the Boston and Albany R. R. tracks, on the site now occupied by the Millbury Steel Foundry. He manufactured wrought iron work, bridges, iron fronts, and many kinds
284
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
of structural iron work. He also erected some of the buildings now occupied by the Millbury Steel Foundry Company. Mr. Merriam was succeeded by the Oakley Foundry Company which carried on iron and steel work for some time. The works are now in possession of the Millbury Steel Foundry.
MILLBURY STEEL FOUNDRY COMPANY
The Millbury Steel Foundry Company was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts, Aug. 31, 1908, as the "Oakley Steel Foundry Company." July 1, 1910, the name of the company was changed to "The Millbury Steel Foundry Company." It is capitalized at fifty thousand dollars. Seventy persons are employed. The plant was changed so that electric power is used for operating, and fuel oil for melting. The company manu- factures crucible steel and monel metal castings, which are claimed to be equal to machine steel forgings, because of proper annealing by a Rockwell annealing furnace. This develops the molecular structure of the metal and makes it homogeneous. This product has shown a tensile strength of seventy-five thousand pounds per square inch, an elastic limit of thirty-eight thousand pounds per square inch, and a reduction in area of forty per cent. All the company's castings are made under the supervision of an experienced metallurgist.
Monel metal is a natural alloy of nickel and copper, composed approximately of sixty-eight per cent nickel, thirty per cent copper and the remainder iron. This wonderful metal is as strong as steel and non-susceptible to the action of sulphuric acid, muriatic acid or salt water. Besides being non-corrosive and rust proof, it will take a high polish and when buffed resembles nickel plate. It will not peel and tarnish, but always retains its bright lustre.
This company makes castings in carbon steel, nickel steel, nickel chrome, and nickel vanadium. The following
THE CHAS. BUCK EDGE TOOL WORKS
THE UXBRIDGE WOOLEN MILLS
285
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
are the present officers of the company: President, Fred- erick W. Moore, Millbury; vice president, Henry H. Merriam, Worcester; general manager, William W. Brierly, Millbury.
MILLBURY MILLS (UXBRIDGE WORSTED COMPANY)
· In 1907, this company began the manufacture of worsted goods at West Millbury in the Edwin Hoyle Mill, operating eighteen looms. A short time afterward it commenced manufacturing the same kind of goods in the Armsby laundry building at Millbury Centre and, in the spring of 1912, the West Millbury business was removed to this building. In the summer of 1912, the company purchased the old Parker carriage shop, remodel- ing and repairing it. Here the spinning and some of the weaving is done and, although the company formerly bought its yarn, it now spins all that it uses.
At the beginning, the company employed thirty-eight; but now over one hundred hands are engaged in the busi- ness. This company has the honor of being the first in town to use electricity for power. Fifty-eight looms are now in operation, besides other machinery, and from eight the power used has now increased to one hundred and thirty horse-power. C. A. Root, of Uxbridge, is pro- prietor, and Augustus C. Neff is the local superintendent.
CHARLES BUCK EDGE TOOL COMPANY
Charles Buck, the originator of this company, started in business for himself, in 1873, having separated from the firm of Buck Brothers, of which he had been a member with the late Richard T. Buck. The company manu- factures chisels, gouges, plane irons, reamers, punches, and other edge tools. Its product is of great merit and has been awarded medals and diplomas for excellence at the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876, and at The World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, in 1893. The works are located on the Grafton Road.
286
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
This company enjoys the continued patronage of discrim- inating dealers in edge tools. The officers in 1914 were, president, James C. Ryder, and treasurer, Robert T. Pollock. In 1915, the works were purchased by W. L. Proctor, proprietor of Buck Bros. Edge Tool Works.
H. W. HAKES MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Prominent among the industries of Millbury is The H. W. Hakes Manufacturing Company. In 1879, this business was started by H. W. Hakes in a shop of C. D. Morse & Co., which was destroyed by fire in 1881. Mr. Hakes then erected a small structure to the south of that location on the site of the present establishment, where the business was conducted for ten years under his own name. In 1891, the concern became "The H. W. Hakes Manufacturing Company." In 1900, a building two stories high, one hundred forty feet long, and forty feet wide was erected. In 1909, under one management, the business of the J. H. Williams Co. was added to that of the H. W. Hakes Manufacturing Company and an addition was built to the main structure, one hundred twenty feet long, forty-five feet wide, and two stories high. The Hakes Manufacturing Company manufactures wire hed- dle frames and mill wire goods. It gives constant employ- ment to thirty men at good wages. The J. H. Williams Company manufactures shuttles for all kinds of looms, as well as the German and native styles of wire heddles for plain and fancy weaving. The buildings are equipped with the latest improved machinery and the product of these companies is widely used. The officers of the Hakes Manufacturing Company are: Edwin L. Watson, presi- dent; Walter C. Watson, secretary and treasurer; and Hudson W. Hakes, manager. Mr. Hakes is also vice president and manager of the J. S. Williams Company.
The pay-roll of this establishment is the second largest in town.
/
287
INDUSTRIES NOT AT A WATER PRIVILEGE
SAMUEL E. HULL COMPANY
Near the junction of Canal and Elm streets is located the warehouse of the Samuel E. Hull Co., which deals in cotton and cotton waste. This business was established by J. H. Merry and next passed into the hands of Briggs & Co. They were followed, in 1883, by Samuel E. Hull who, beside carrying on the business here, also conducted for years an extensive business in wool and wool waste in Worcester, where the office for both departments is now located. Since Mr. Hull's death in 1911, both places have been continued by the sons, Edward F. and Harry C. Hull.
WATER WORKS
In 1888, a committee on water-works was chosen by the town and in its report it made the following recom- mendation: "First,-The Committee believes that the best interests of our town demand a public water supply, and recommends that this enterprise be undertaken at no distant time. Second,-We recommend the adoption of the plan referred to in the engineer's report as the Local Pumping Plan, so far as the construction of a well near the Boston and Albany Railroad, and the necessary pumping station, the laying of mains in our streets, with the necessary gates, hydrants, etc., and the building of the necessary reservoir upon Burbank Hill." This report of the committee was signed by John Gegenheimer, Levi L. Whitney, Irving B. Sayles, and Dr. George C. Webber. Percy M. Blake was employed to make a survey and the following places were examined,-Singletary Pond and its watershed, Ramshorn Pond and Brook, Hull Brook, Garfield Pond at the Old Common, Hathaway Brook, the springs east of the Lovell place in the southerly part of the town, the springs adjoining the branch of the Boston and Albany R. R., the water-shed above these springs including the Lincoln meadow and the adjoining water- shed, Dorothy Pond, and, finally, the securing of a supply from the city of Worcester.
288
HISTORY OF MILLBURY
The following letter was received from the State Board of Health in regard to the location finally accepted :-
"Office of State Board of Health.
13 Beacon Street, Boston, July, 1888.
"To GEORGE F. CHASE, Chairman of Selectmen,
Millbury, Mass.
Dear Sir-
"After careful examination of the different sources of water supply for the town of Millbury, the State Board of Health finds that the site selected for a ground water supply has advantages which make it the most appropriate source for the town.
"Analysis of water from the flowing well showed it to be very soft and of excellent quality. By order of the Board,
(signed) ' Samuel W. Abbott, Secretary."
After the report of Mr. Blake and the report of the water committee to the town the subject seems to have been dropped, and the interest had apparently died out. Some time later, however, Henry W. Aiken, Esq., took steps to renew the matter and a company was incorporated including with him Charles D. Morse, Samuel E. Hull, Damien Ducharme, Samuel N. Rogers and George F. Chase.
The success of the company was due to the knowledge, enthusiasm, vision, and financial judgment of J. Herbert Shedd, hydraulic expert. He assisted the members of the corporation in planning and financing the enterprise and inspired their confidence in the undertaking, for he saw in his own mind the completed system before a start was made. With them he took up the matter and carried it through, establishing the well and pumping station beside the B. & A. R. R. tracks on the old road to Wor- cester.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.