USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 18
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BERNARD JENNEY.
intendent. Bernard Jenney, a resident of South Boston since 1837, was born on the site of the telephone company's building at the corner of Milk and Oliver streets. Before the discovery of petro- leum he was engaged on the same prem- ises in the manufacture of burning fluid, which was a mixture of camphene and alcohol. E. J. Dillaway, the treasurer of the company is a resident of Malden and has been connected with the con- cern since 1869. He is one of the best- known oil merchants of New England. Walter Jenney, who is superintendent of the plant as well as a director of the company, is a South Boston boy and has grown up in the business. He is a graduate of the Bigelow school and the English High School, and his technical
education was acquired at the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology where he graduated in the class of 1877. The works, which occupy nearly two whole squares between I) and E streets and Second and Cypher streets, have a capa- city of about 500 barrels a day, and the goods manufactured here are recognized, both in this and foreign countries, as of the very highest grade of excellence.
WALTER JENNEY.
The reputation of this concern adds no little to the distinction of South Boston, and is doing much to keep the name of the district's industry well in the front.
WALWORTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
One of the largest of South Boston's manufacturing industries is the Walworth Manufacturing Company, whose immense plant is located on East First street, City Point. This magnificent plant, which has added much to the business life and growth of South Boston, has furnished employment for years to many of South Boston's workingmen. The history of the Walworth Manufacturing Company covers a large page in the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
history of Boston's industrial develop- ment. It has been a veritable educa- tional institution from whence have ema- nated many of the most noted steam fitters and engineers of the present day. Pioneers in their line, this concern takes rank with the most important inventors of the age in the development of the present methods of heating, lighting and ventilating of homes, offices, stores and work shops and supplying them with water. So far advanced, so near per-
tween six and seven million feet of pipe. When this time-honored concern launched its career on the tide of adver- sity there was no precedent to guide them. All appliances were crude and rough and irregular in finish and gen- eral appearance. Caleb C. Walworth was the first to see the advisability of establishing a scale of sizes and weights of valves and fittings to give the work a symmetrical and finished appearance. Other inventions of Mr. Walworth's of
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WALWORTH
EXTENSIVE WORKS OF THE WALWORTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
fection in economy and comforts as regards heating and lighting, surely a return to the old styles would not be far from a calamity. The history of the Walworth Manufacturing Company covers an honorable period of fifty years and more. The advance in their business during this time can be easily told by referring to the fact that in 1842 a small stock of pipe, covering at the utmost 5,000 feet, was bought with con- siderable hesitation and was considered a large transaction at the time. In 1894 the same concern handled be-
almost equal importance followed, among which was the machine for tapping six fittings at once, and at the same time in- suring straight and regular threads. Un- der the old style but one thread was cut at a time and it was as liable to be cut crooked as straight. The old-fashioned scroll die plate was next improved, and the improved die plate is used to-day. To-day the Walworth Manufacturing Company are the leading and largest manufacturers of pipe tools in the world, sending their products to every part of the universe where a pipe for conveyance
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
of liquid or vapor is used, and being in the manufacture of these tools the largest consumers of crucible steel in the world. Prior to 1875 the method for constructing radiators for steam heating purposes was of a crude nature, the cost being considerably enhanced by the amount of labor necessary to properly
THE LATE C. C. WALWORTH.
construct them. To reduce this Mr. Walworth invented the Walworth radi- ator which at once took a first place in the market and has always been con- sidered one of its leading articles. Many other inventions can be enumerated which have gone to place the Walworth Manufacturing Company in the front rank with all concerns of its kind in the world. The influence, example and sturdy New England integrity and char- acter have done much in establishing the name and business of the Walworth Manufacturing Company, and placing it in its present eminence. In 1842 the business was established in a base- ment at the northeast corner of Dev-
onshire and Water streets. The year following more commodious quarters were found at 18 and 22 Devonshire street in which limited space was found for a brass foundry, machine shop, office and salesroom. This, with the addi- tion of a small room in Blake's court, was retained until 1869, when the prem- ises at r Bath street were occupied until the great fire in 1872 which necessitated a removal to Haymarket square. In 1874 the business was removed to 69 Kilby street where it remained for ten years. In 1884 and until 1899 the store and general offices were in 16 to 28 Oliver street. All these removals were made necessary on account of increas- ing business. In 1900 we find the prosperous firm magnificently housed in the building numbered 128 to 136 Federal street, the largest of its kind in the world, with five floors and basement, with a total floor space of 50,000 square feet. The South Boston works cover many acres and give employment to about 1,000 men. Besides this the concern has a pipe warehouse and pipe yards on Congress street, with a capac- ity of 75,000 square feet, where pipes of all sizes are cut, threaded and fitted. The present officers of the company are as follows: Wallace L. Pierce, president ; Geo. B. Little, vice-president ; Geo. H. Graves, treasurer ; Geo. T. Coppins, sec- retary ; Osborn B. Hall, general man- ager mechanical department.
ROBERT BISHOP.
One of the largest manufacturing con- cerns in the United States, in its line, is that of the business of Robert Bishop, located on Sixth street. Since the de- cease of its founder, it has been carried on by his son, Robert Bishop, and Col. P. H. Corr of Taunton, acting as trustees of the estate. In addition to carrying on this extensive factory in South Boston, where 150 hands are
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
given steady and remunerative employ- ment, the concern owns and operates a large paper mill at Newton Lower Falls. The business was originally started in 1861 by the late Robert Bishop. It was then located on Atlantic avenue. The factory, which was much smaller than the present extensive industry was destroyed by the great Boston fire in 1872. The business was then removed to South Boston, its present location. The intervening years have seen a won- derful growth of the factory. From a small beginning it has been necessary to enlarge the plant several times to keep pace with the rapid increase of
factory has a very large frontage on Tudor street and extends back to Seventh street covering a large frontage on each of these streets. The accompanying illustration, from a birds-eye point of view, shows the plant to good advantage. The motive power of the plant is fur- nished by four steam boilers each of 250 horse power and engines of 225 horse power. The plant is equipped with every known device for the saving of labor, and machinery necessary for the manufacturing of cotton, including mod- ern pickers, and card machines. No house in the United States stands higher with the trade. The product is shipped
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SOUTH BOSTON FACTORY OF ROBERT BISHOP.
business. The original lines of goods manufactured were machined cotton, and woolen and cotton waste for wiping and packing. Some years ago, however the firm went into the manufacture of carpet linings and bed comfortables. In 1890 they commenced the manufacture of dyed cottons. It was in the same year that they purchased the paper mills at Newton Lower Falls for the manufacture of straw and manilla papers. At this factory 160 hands find steady employ- ment and these mills there add much to the business success of Newton. The extensive factory in South Boston com- prises five buildings. But little idea can be gleaned of the magnitude of the plant from its entrance on Sixth street. The
to every known quarter of the globe and probably to every port in the world. A large portion of the manufac- tured product is exported showing the en- viable standing in which this reliable firm is held in foreign countries. The product is absolutely the best on the world's mar- ket and its demand is extensive. Robert Bishop, the father of young Robert Bishop, who to-day so ably manages the large business, was for many years a resident of South Boston and was held in the highest esteem by his neighbors and fellow citizens. Although no seeker for notoriety, he was selected to repre- sent his ward in the common council and performed his civil duty in the city governments of 1868 and 1870. He
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
was a prominent member of the Catholic Union of this city and was noted for many noble deeds of charity. He after- wards moved from South Boston to Brookline where he passed away in 1896. His loss has been universally felt in business circles. His son, Robert Bishop, on whom has devolved, in a great measure, the management of the business, as one of its trustees, was born
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THE LATE ROBERT BISHOP.
in Brookline. His early education was secured in the schools of that town, terminating with the high school courses. He came to his father's factory in 1893 and gradually acquainted himself with the workings of the entire plant. His natural ability, coupled with his educa- tion soon placed him in a position to assume management of the factory. Entire control came sooner than he expected, for he was only in the factory about three years when the death of his esteemed father opened up to him the ex- treme possibilities of entire management. The young man, who was so suddenly thrown in complete charge of the con- cern assumed the reins of government with all the grit and energy that made his father so successful a business man.
The younger Bishop has maintained the reputation made by his father. The large trade both in this country and in foreign lands has been catered to under the successors of Robert Bishop and new customers have been added yearly on the books of the firm. An important forward movement has been made as regards the foreign trade which to-day is one of the largest carried on, and it can be said the
ROBERT BISHOP.
largest that is carried on by any firm in their line in the United States. The con- cern sells its product direct from its extensive factory, thereby avoiding the necessary re-handling of goods. The concern is also represented in New York City, by John Ellice of 250 Fulton street. Taken as a whole the fame of Robert Bishop will not easily fade from view. A young bright, energetic man, he developed a business which to-day is the leading one of its kind in the United States. It has proven of great value to this locality and has, in no small measure added much to the business history of South Boston. The citizens of the dis- trict fully value its existence here. The working class appreciate its value prob- ably more than any other class, while the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
average business man has profited in no small degree from the revenues paid out weekly to its large force of employees. Since its inception the concern has made no backward movement and in this, the twentieth century, finds itself among the notable firms of the United States.
W. P. STONE & CO.
A time-honored concern of South Boston is W. P. Stone & Co., 175 to 179
THE LATE W. P. STONE.
First street. They occupy 21,000 square feet of land for the manufacture of wagons, caravans and sleds. It is a well ordered plant, three buildings covering three floors, each 25 x 100 feet in space. The storage and warehouse yards are directly opposite the manufactory and occupy 105 × 125 feet, both sides of the street being occupied. The firm has been in existence in South Boston since 1859 and has added no little to the business history of South Boston. The house was originally established way back in 1841,
by the late W. P. Stone. It was then located on Beverly street in small quar- ters. In 1859 the firm was removed to South Boston and time has seen it grow from small to large proportions, being now the largest in its line in South Boston. The establishment is well-known for the manufacture of large caravans, notably the large truck just completed for R. S. Brine & Co., which is forty- eight feet long, the largest of its kind in the world. It was manufactured espe-
W. P. STONE.
cially for the trucking of the colossal girders for the Boston elevated railway structure. The concern manufactures all heavy work, in which line it has made a wide reputation. They have facilities for every kind of wagon and carriage repairing and painting. When originally started the firm gave employment to six men and the beginning of the twentieth century finds them giving employment to . thirty hands. It was in 1871 that Mr. Stone took his son, W. P. Stone, Jr., into the concern. Young Mr. Stone practic-
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
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CARRIAGE WORKS OF W. P. STONE & CO.
ally assumed charge of the business and the father relied upon him for the man- agement of the business to the time of his decease in 1892. Mr. W. P. Stone the founder of the firm was born in North- boro, Mass., in 1814, he was educated in the schools of that section and, upon coming to Boston, he formed the concern which was his until he died. He came to South Boston in 1859 to live and resided in this district until his death. His life was devoted to his business and he had a strong interest, and was one of the most prominent factors in church work. His constant attention to the latter duties impressed his brother mem- bers of the congregation to the extent that he was made one of the standing committee of the South Baptist church. W. P. Stone who succeeded to the busi- ness upon the death of his father was born in Boston. His parents removed to South Boston when he was five years of age. His education was acquired in the local primary and grammar schools, after which he entered business in outside mercantile life. He spent five years in the mercantile field when he entered the em- ploy of his father. His natural ability at once asserted itself, and one year after entering the employ of his father he was admitted to a membership in the concern. Since the death of his father he has con- tinued the business under the old style adopted by his father. Honesty, thor- oughness and activity has been the motto learned by the young man from his father,
and this trio of recommendations has made the business what it is to-day. Mr. W. P. Stone is a careful, conscientious business man, imbued with the necessity of keeping up to the standard of products, and he has never wavered from the strict rules laid down by his father nearly sixty years ago. Besides being one of the best- known business men in Boston he is also a prominent figure in social and fraternal life. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M .; St. Mathew's Royal Arch Chapter; DeMolay Commandery, Knights Templar; and Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association. He is also one of the board of trustees of the South Boston Savings bank. Although for many years a resident of South Boston he has, since 1896, made his home in Dorchester. He is married, his wife being Lillian A. Dol- beare, the daughter of one of the oldest and most distinguished of South Boston's families. Mr. Stone typifies the success- ful business man. His products are manifestly in demand in all parts of Greater Boston and the capacity of the factory is tested in satisfying the calls for heavy vehicles, especially those used in transporting heavy steel and iron. The firm has done much for the advancement of South Boston in the business world.
R. ESTABROOK'S SONS.
R. Estabrook's Sons, whose works are situated at the corner of First and C streets, are manufacturers of machinery,
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
boiler and building castings, soil pipe and fittings, and wholesale dealers in bath tubs, copper and iron boilers and general plumbers' supplies, earthenware and brass work. The firm was estab- lished in January, 1874, by R. Estabrook
moulders engaged, and all work is done with the aid of modern machinery. The goods carried in stock compose the best products of the market. The firm's busi- ness methods are in keeping with the rule of sterling commercial integrity and
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CITY IRON FOUNDRY, R. ESTABROOK'S SONS.
and son, E. L. Estabrook. The firm was then located on the opposite side of First street from the present plant. Where the firm is now located were then water privileges. The present firm, organized in 1892, at the death of the father, is composed of Messrs. E. L., G. L. and F. Estabrook, all are natives of Massa- chusetts. Their premises are fitted with a view to affording every facility in their particular line. The plant covers a space of 100 by 220 feet, or 22,000 square feet, and is fully equipped. They have two cupolas with a daily capacity of fourteen tons each and utilize steam power. They have from twenty to thirty skilled
orders are filled promptly. The Messrs. Estabrook are members of the Plumbers' Supplies Association of New England.
JAMES RUSSELL BOILER WORKS COMPANY.
This company has extensive and busy works located at the corner of C and First streets. The business was first started by James Russell, one of South Boston's best-known manufacturers, as far back as 1874. In 1879 Duncan D. . Russell became his father's partner, and the concern was then known as James Russell & Son. The firm merged into
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
181
an incorporated company in 1890, James Russell having since been president and Duncan D. Russell, treasurer. The prod- uct of the works, during its existence here, has comprised innumerable difficult jobs of mechanical ingenuity, and foreign countries have been the recipients of many boilers, tanks, and other plate iron work emanating from this important manufacturing plant. The most import-
work and engineers' and contractors' specialties are made by them. The reputation of the company and the em- anations of the works add no little to the distinction of South Boston as a manu- facturing center. The president of the concern took up his residence in South Boston in 1862 and resided here for fully thirty years. Although he never sought political honors he was none the
INTERIOR OF JAMES RUSSELL BOILER WORKS.
ant piece of work issuing from there re- cently is the roof shield arch, weighing sixty tons, and now being used at the ex- cavating, before the concrete-roof is put in, at the East Boston tunnel, now being constructed for the Boston Transit Com- mission. A view of this colossal structure before being taken from the Russell works, is herewith presented. The work turned out at the James Russell Boiler Works comprises everything of the plate iron description and no contract is too difficult or problematical for the company to undertake and carry out. Boilers, tanks and plate iron work for sugar refin- eries, gas works, water works, locomotive boilers, tender tanks, railroad structural
less an interested citizen, and, although residing in Dorchester, he still retains a deep interest in the welfare of the com- munity. Duncan D. Russell has, since the retirement of his father in 1900, assumed the entire management of the large business. He attended the Bigelow school and his boyhood and business life have so far been spent here. With forty men and the large business now under his management he is one of the busiest of South Boston business men.
GEORGE H. LINCOLN & CO.
One of the time-honored business con- cerns of South Boston is Geo. II. Lincoln
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
& Co., iron founders, situated on Alger street. The plant covers 30,000 square feet of land. The foundry is 50 x 125 feet and the pattern shop is 40 x 100 feet. The business of the concern has grown rapidly since it was started. The pro- duct of the foundry is in a great measure machinery castings, the demand for which has been quite large in recent years. The firm has an established repu-
line of goods. Everything pertaining to the machinery trade is manufactured at this plant. Mr. Lincoln has been doing business on his own account since 1895. The foundry has proved a boon to South Boston and upwards of fifty hands secure steady employment. In business circles Mr. Lincoln is esteemed and honored. He is also well-known in fraternal circles being a member of Rabboni Lodge, F. &
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INTERIOR IRON FOUNDRY, GEORGE H. LINCOLN & CO.
tation and numbers among its customers, some of the best known and most promi- nent firms in New England. Mr. Lincoln, is one of the best-known business men of Boston. His knowledge of the foundry business was acquired in his youth, when, after leaving school, he entered the em- ploy of the City Iron Foundry on First near C street. It was in 1868 that he entered the employ of this firm. In 1873, he determined to enter upon a business career under the firm name of R. B. Lincoln & Son, for the purpose of supplying a general line of machinery castings to the trade that calls for that
A. M .; Dorchester Royal Arch Chapter ; De Molay Commandery, Knights Temp- lar ; Bethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Mt. Washington Encampment, I.O.O. F. ; and the Old Dorchester club.
LONG MACHINE CO.
The Long Machine company is one of the latest additions to South Boston manufacturing. It occupies what is known as the old suspender factory at the corner of First and L streets. The building was purchased by Mr. Long in December, 1899, when the works were
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
183
removed from East Boston. The build- ing contains four floors with a total of 53.000 square feet, a portion of which only is occupied by the Long Machine Company. The company, of which J. H. Long is the head, employs about sixty hands, in busy seasons, and does a general machine business. Mr. Long is a native of Northfield. He is a practical ma- chinist and has a wide experience in all branches of the trade. Ile first started in business on High street in 1888, and in the winter of 1896-189; he erected ex- tensive buildings in East Boston which he occupied until last December. He is a thirty-third degree Mason and a former resident of South Boston. He brought his present business to South Boston after recognizing the advantages of this dis- trict as a manufacturing center. The building is situated in the heart of what is destined to become in a few years the busiest section of Boston, the foot of the new Summer street extension and near the L street bridge. The building con- tains four floors, each 40 x 140 feet. They are available for desirable manufacturing industries. The building, besides being centrally located, is well appointed and
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J. H. LONG.
furnished . with light and power. It is one of the best locations in Boston for both light and heavy manufacturing. Mr. Long's reputation in Boston and vicinity has always been of the best. Being thoroughly conversant with the machine trade of Boston and a practical machinist he has built up a business which stands well forward in his line.
J. H.LONG MACHINE COMPANY
JHLONG MACHINE CO.
WORKS OF J. H. LONG MACHINE COMPANY, FORMERLY OLD SUSPENDER FACTORY.
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WORKS OF F. E. ATTEAUX & CO., WEST FIRST STREET, MANUFACTURERS OF COLORS AND CHEMICALS, SALESROOMS, 172 TO 176 PURCHASE STREET.
BRANCHES : New York. 260 West Broadway ; Chicago, 187 E. Kinzie Street; Gloversville. N. Y., West Fulton Street ; Toronto, Ont .. 53 Colborne Street ; Montreal, Que., 13 Lemoine Street ; Philadelphia, Pa., 11 Letitia Street.
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
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WORKS OF MURRAY & TREGURTHA
LAUNCH "SCIMITAR," 51 FEET LONG, 20 H. P. CASOLENE ENGINE. MURRAY & TREGURTHA COM
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
SHALES & MAY.
This important manufacturing plant has been in continuous operation in the present location since established by D. Shales & Company, in 1862. The goods manufactured by the present concern are not excelled, if equalled, by any of
the high character of the business carried on. The plant is located at the corner of Dorchester and Newman streets, and comprises a two-story factory build- ing, seventy-five by 145 feet in di- mension, dry houses, storage sheds, yards, etc., and on the opposite side of Newman street the firm occupy a ware-
FACTORY OF SHALES & MAY. REAR VIEW.
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