USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 19
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the few in this country engaged in the manufacture of high grade furniture, and bank and office interior woodwork. Its product, being supplied to every quarter of the globe, adds greatly to the manufacturing fame of this district. The work at this factory requires the services of a class of mechanics who are none other than the highest skilled arti- sans; and the beautiful pieces of carved furniture and other speciments of art in woodwork emanating from there show
house for storage purposes. Since the start, so many years ago, the business of the firm has been on the steady increase and its name is a synonym to the trade for the best goods made in the world in its line. The original firm carried on the business under the name of I). Shales & Company until 1882, when the firin was changed to Shales & May, the individual members being Messrs D. Shales and R. May. In 1891, upon the regretted decease of Mr. D. Shales,
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
187
his interest was taken by his son, M. A. Shales, the business still continuing under the same firm name. The mem- bers of the concern have all been resi- dents of South Boston and have shown an active interest in its welfare, outside of that affecting their business. Mr. M. A. Shales was born in this district and has
The innumerable tools for hand [ work are used with great skill by the mechan- ics, a majority of whom have been em- ployed by the firm for several years and most of whom reside with their families in South Boston, thereby adding to the prosperity of this district. No little"of the success of this concern has been due
INTERIOR OF FACTORY, SHALES & MAY.
always resided here. Mr. May, senior, is a native of Germany, but for many years has resided here and now has a home in Dorchester. Associated with the business also is Charles F. May, son Mr. R. May. He was also born in South Boston.
A visit to the factory of this concern is both interesting and instructive. The plant is equipped with modern machinery run by sixty-horse power steam engines and every labor-saving device is at hand.
to their talent as designers and reputation for strictly high grade and thoroughly made work. Fine modern and antique furniture, artistic interior wood-work for fitting up banks, offices, churches, and office buildings comprise the specialties of this concern. Always wide-awake and progressive, they hold an enviable name for their ability and valuable knowledge. This busy plant furnishes steady and re- munerative employment to from seventy- five to one hundred men.
1
188
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
BOX FACTORY, P. CORCORAN & SON.
P. CORCORAN & SON.
This concern are the largest dealers and manufacturers of packing cases in this city. Their business is carried on all over the state. The demand for this class of goods has increased their busi- ness from small proportions to their
present large establishment on D street opposite the Commonwealth park gym- nasium. The business was established in 1872 by P. Corcoran, and, in 1889, his son, George, became a mem- ber of the firm. In 1899 it was incorporated, with George Corcoran, as presi- dent and treasurer. The factory covers 31,500 square feet of land and employs a number of hands, mostly residents of South Boston. In a year the firm uses about one million of feet lumber in the manufacture of packing cases. The original business was started on Batterymarch street. The demand for packing cases is great at all times and the sterling reputation of the concern is well known. Both the president and the founder of the concern have always resided in this vicinity.
F
HUB
INOL PEND
ICE CO.
DANIEL RUSSELL BOILER WORKS.
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
189
MULLIN & COMPANY.
Established over a score of years, this well-known coal dealing firm stands well in the front ranks of local business con- cerns. The firm originally consisted of Messrs. P. J. Mullin and James T. Tighe. The former well-known citizen died in 1888; his interest was then purchased by Mr. Tighe, who has since
institutions, churches and large manu- facturing concerns are also supplied from these wharves with clean coal. The firm enjoys a high reputation for square and legitimate dealings with the public, and all patrons great and small are treated fairly. Mr. Tighe the present proprietor of this large coal business, resided in South Boston for a full half century, and has always identified him-
WHARVES OF MULLIN & CO.
conducted the business alone under the same firm name. The wharves and main office are located on First street, at the foot of F street, where the concern occupies nearly an acre, enjoys the privileges of one hundred feet of water front and has coal sheds of a combined capacity of eight thousand tons. There is also a branch office at 331 Fourth street. The business of the firm requires the services of twenty men and the use of fourteen horses. A large retail busi- ness is done and the teams of the concern are frequently seen delivering in sections remote from this district. Several public
self with its best interest. He attended the old Hawes grammar school and is a vice-president of the Old Hawes School Boys' Association. Although now a resi- dent of Dorchester, he still retains his membership with the South Boston Citizens' Association, and is classed as one of the influential men of this district.
MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST COMPANY.
This financial institution, which for a decade has furnished adequate facilities for the merchants and manufacturers of
190
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
this district, was inaugurated in 1892. Its founder was Richard J. Monks who, since the organization of the company, has ably served as its president. The af- fairs of this bank are under the juris- diction of the sav- ing bank commis- sioners and the in- stitution furnishes all the advantages of a national bank and, over a certain amount, interest is allowed on deposits as in a savings bank. Its capital has always been $100,000 and, since the doors of the bank were first opened for business
MONKS BUILDING. MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST COMPANY.
INTERIOR MATTAPAN DEPOSIT & TRUST COMPANY.
a surplus of over $43,000 has accu- mulated. The insti- tution has made a no- ble record and has al- ways been possessed of a con- servative and able manage- ment. The quarters, in the Monks Building at the corner of Broad- way and E street, are equal in point of
191
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
beauty, convenience and comfort to those of any Boston national or savings bank ; and the institution naturally and easily takes an important place in the business life of South Boston. By its charter the company is author- ized not only to re- ceive deposits sub- ject to check and transact a general banking business, but to act as trustee of estates and trust funds. Since July, 1896, the bank has paid annual divi- dends of four per cent to its stockhold- ers. Its officers are all men prominently identified with large interests in South Boston. Thelast statement, December 31, 1900, of the bank as follows speaks volumes for the able management of the institution : Resources, notes of cor- porations and individuals $243,453.45 ; demand notes $187,490 ; time loans with
RICHARD J. MONKS, PRESIDENT. Photo, Purdy.
subject to check, $791,956.79; dividends unpaid, $2,000 ; certificates of deposit, $16,066.84 ; total $953,598.43. The offi- cers of the corporation are Richard J. Monks, president ; Ezra H. Baker first vice-president; Fran- cis C. Hersey, sec- ond vice-president ; George A. Tyler ; ac- tuary ; W. S. Fretch, Jr., assistant actuary. Directors : Richard J. Monks, Ezra H. Baker, George HI. Bond, David H. Coo- lidge, Jolm F. Fal- vey, M. F. Gavin, Francis C. Hersey, Charles S. Judkins, Lawrence J. Logan, Hales W. Suter and George A. Tyler. The president, Rich- ard J. Monks, one of South Boston's leading capitalists, is a son of the late John P. Monks, a resi- dent of South Boston at one time, and dur- ing his life the largest lumber merchant in New England, having extensive yards
W. S. FRETCH, JR., ASST. ACTUARY.
GEORGE A. TYLER, ACTUARY.
collateral, $261,615.39 ; mortgage notes, $52.550 ; bonds, $57.375 : cash on hand and in other banks, $151, 114,59 ; totals, $953,598.43. Liabilities are as follows : capital stock, $100,000; surplus and undivided profits, $43,574.80; deposits
on First street. He was also president of the Broadway National Bank. The president of the Mattapan Deposit and Trust Company inherited the financial ability of his father and is one of the best-known men in Boston business
192
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
circles. He has large interests outside of the bank. He has been employed in the care of corporations and trust com- panies for several years and still retains a deep interest in the welfare of South Boston. . George A. Tyler, actuary, who succeeded William H. Hidden Jr. was for fifteen years with Lee Higginson & Company, and is one of the most effi- cient financiers of Boston. His untiring efforts in behalf of the bank have been much appreciated both by the bank and the public.
SOUTH BOSTON STORAGE WARE- HOUSE COMPANY.
The South Boston Storage Warehouse Company occupies the historic old build- ing on the property of the Boston Electric Light Company, First and L streets known as the Harrison Loring building. This building is probably as well known to South Bostonians as any structure in the district. Here it was that boats were equipped for the civil war and where the plates for the now famous cruiser Marblehead, were made ready for the hull of that vessel. The storage company was incorporated in 1897 with Charles A. Snow as presi- dent, and L. M. Wallace as secretary and treasurer, the stockholders being
connected with the Boston Electric Light Company. The offices of the company are at room 75, Ames Build- ing. This new enterprise and institu- tion in South Boston is of much value to the district and is greatly appreciated. The building has almost unlimited storage capacity and has been entire- ly remodelled and the interior made suitable for its purposes. Since the changes have been made the building contains one hundred and fifty rooms, with a capacity for double that number. These rooms have been prepared with care and offer unusual advantages for the storage of furniture. If the business demands, the company is prepared to build as many more rooms. For the insuring of furniture stored at their com- modious warehouse, the company offers more advantages than other warehouses. The best facilities and arrangements are offered, combining cheapness and safety with extremely low rates of insurance. The building is so situated as to be suita- bly adapted for storing all furniture or articles of value. The building is in charge of Superintendent C. A. Peterson. He is always on the premises and at- tends to the wants of all patrons. The establishment fills a long-felt want in South Boston and is thoroughly appre- ciated.
71
SOUTH BOSTON STORAGE WAREHOUSE.
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
193
J. F. & W. H. FALVEY.
The new building at the corner of F street and Broadway, occupied by J. F. & W. H. Falvey, commands the atten- tion not alone of the people of South Boston but all visitors. It is a distinct ad- dition to the growing architectural beauty of the district and adds another jewel
three stores were made one. The pass- ing of years and increase of business demanded larger quarters which have been secured in the magnificent building just erected by them and completed December, 1900. The new building is of Indiana limestone and cream pressed brick. Four floors and a basement, each floor representing twelve thousand square
FALVEY'S
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NEW STORE AND BUILDING OF J. F. & W. H. FALVEY.
to South Boston's crown of success. The members of this enterprising firm, for several years leading residents of South Boston, were born in Foxboro, Mass. Their first business venture was made in a small way at 437 Broadway, in 1882. This store was occupied until 1885, when more commodious quarters were secured at 415 Broadway, where
feet, give an idea of the facilities which the firm have for the conducting of their business. The store is finished with floors of maple, counters of ash and trim- mings of cherry. The stairways are modern in width and appearance and the building is the first retail store in South Boston of its line to have passenger elevator facilities.
194
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
M. A. MURPHY.
In the front ranks of the business con- cerns of this district a prominent place must be given to the well-known firm of M. A. Murphy. The firm consists of two brothers William H., James J. and sister, M. A. Murphy. They were born and have always lived in South Boston, and with a large number of personal friends, they are well-known to thousands of its
one clerk and a small stock at 383 Broad- way. This beginning was made at a time when the prospects were any- thing but bright ; and their first year, known as a panic year, was certainly the most discouraging since 1872. Notwith- standing this they succeeded in laying the foundation on which they are build- ing a business which is a credit to South Boston and a source of pardonable pride to themselves. In a very short time the
.
MURPHY'S MURPHY'S CORKER
CORAFR
HURPHYS
415 MURPHY'S
411
MURPHY'S NEW STORE.
people. Their parents came here in 1865 and purchased the property at 134 1 street, still occupied by the family. After receiving good educations they entered upon their business career in the largest wholesale dry-goods house in New Eng- land and one of the largest in the world. Here they received a thorough training and formed a large acquaintance and were soon able to branch out for them- selves.
.
This they did in 1895 when they opened an embryo department store with
business became too large for the store, although every inch was utilized to the best advantage, compelling them to seek larger quarters. Fortunately learning that the big store at the corner of F street and Broadway was soon to be va- cated, they immediately and with char- acteristic promptness, secured the lease of the premises. This, their present store was fitted up in first-class style and filled with a large and well selected stock divided into thirty departments and, al- though it is five times the size of the old
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
195
W. H. MURPHY.
JAMES J. MURPHY.
store, it is thought that it will be only a question of a very short time when it too will be inadequate to the demands upon it. The thousands of their old customers, who submitted so patiently to the incon- venience made unavoid- able by the always crowded state of the old store, have been added to by large num- bers of the residents of South Boston and Dorchester who find the tiresome shopping trip to the city un- necessary. With Mur- phy's progressive store and modern methods so handy, they can now shop "at home " as satisfactorily. Their force of employees, which consists of from thirty to fifty bright young men and women of this section, have a reputation for courtesy
and good nature which is a very attrac- tive feature of the business. The career of this young concern is a striking example of what industry and perseverance will do when combined with scrupulous honesty.
383 . M.A.MURPHYULB8
FORMER STORE OF M. A. MURPHY.
196
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
GEORGE M. KREY.
This energetic business man of South Boston was born and brought up at the North End of Boston and first saw light
GEORGE M. KREY.
of day in 1869. He was educated at the Elliot and English high schools. He is a son of George M. Krey, who for over half a century has been in the department store business in Boston. The subject of this sketch entered his father's store, then on Fleet street, at the age of fifteen. Later they engaged in the whole- sale hat business and finally carried on no less than ten branch stores in Boston. One of these was the store now owned by Mr. Krey at 158 to 162 Broadway, and now carried on by TRUNKS him as the leading men's furnishing and hat store of the dis- trict, which has been a hat store for over thirty
years. This store, formerly known as Murter's, was taken in hand fourteen years ago. Since that time the business has been largely increased, necessi- tating cutting through and taking in the adjoining store, and he now occu- pies the whole building. Five years ago Mr. Krey married and removed to South Boston and has since been active in pub- lic and social affairs, being a member of about a dozen organizations, including the Citizens' Association and South Boston Yacht Club. The South Boston store comprises but a small part of his business operations as he has also for some years managed Krey's large depart- ment store located at 327 to 331 Wash- ington street. He is also in the music publishing business and the head of the Standard Music Co. and is interested in other enterprises. His business and social relations here, having been of a pleasing nature, he may well be classed as one who has a genuine regard for the best interests of the district, and one in whom the subject of South Boston touches a tender spot. His store is one of the best-known and patronized in the fur- nishing goods line in South Boston, and is conducted upon modern business prin- ciples, and its patrons comprise a large number of the young men of the district.
George Mo. Krey.
GLOVES
UNDERWEAR.
OVERALLS.
STORE OF GEORGE M. KREY.
197
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
MILLS D. BARBER.
. A singularly successful grocer and provision dealer of South Boston is Mills D. Barber, who conducts two stores at City Point. He has been engaged in business in this immediate vicinity since December, 1888. In one-half of one of his present stores, that located at 719 East Sixth street, he made his start in a modest way as a member of the firm of Cushing & Barber. After one year suc- cessfully serving the people of City Point, the firm became Barber & Locke. During the past three years Mr. Barber has conducted the business alone. The expansion of Mr. Barber's undertakings shows that his honorable dealings and progressive methods are appreciated by the buying public in South Boston and elsewhere. Mr. Barber's trade is not confined to South Boston, as he supplies many families in Dorchester, where his teams are as familiar as in this district. During the summer season his stores are patronized extensively by the many yachtsmen of Dorchester Bay. Mr. Bar- ber was born in Fairlee, Vermont, and was educated in the Bradford Academy, Vermont and Offord Academy, New Hampshire. He left home at the age of twenty-one and his first situation was on the South Boston horse car line.
MILLS D. BARBER. Photo, Ayer.
He then entered a grocery store, as a clerk. Three years later, by economy and perseverance, he started for himself. Three years ago he erected his present handsome residence and stable on Fourth street which commands a full view of the harbor. Both are models of modern architecture. The enlarging of his busi- ness has brought with it an increase of his store force which to-day numbers fourteen clerks and three bookkeepers; Five teams are required to call for and deliver the orders daily. Mr. Barber is a member of the South Boston Citizens' Association; Gate of the Temple Lodge, F. & A. M .; Shaw- mut Commandery, Knights Templar; United Order Golden Cross; Boston Retail Grocers' Association and the South Bos- ton Yacht Club. This enterprising dealer has made a great suc- cess in local business circles, and it is a success that is in every way worthy and well- merited.
RESIDENCE OF MILLS D. BARBER.
198
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
LEWIS BROS.
Among the adopted residents of South Boston who stand high in business and social circles, are Daniel and James Lewis, the well-known carpenters and builders. They are of Welsh descent and of an old distinguished family of the parish of Berkeley in what is known as the tithing of Alkington division, county of Gloucester, England. Daniel was born' April 14, 1841 : James, September 29, 1851. Both served their apprenticeship at the carpentering trade in the old English school, where everything was
DANIEL LEWIS.
taught in a thorough manner. At the close of the civil war Daniel saw what he thought to be a rare chance for a young man to start out in life. Acting on his impulses he left England and came to South Boston. James came in 1870. Both were employed by the firm of Holbrook & Harlow, located on what is now the site of St. Vincent's church. Daniel remained with the firm until 1882, when he bought out the business of the late W. V. Bail .: A year later James united with him, forming the present firm of Lewis Bros., located at the present time at 163 F street. The firm are mostly engaged in the jobbing business and have continued ever since with success,
being well and favorably known for their honest and thorough work. Both are members of St. Paul's Lodge of F. & A. M .; South Boston Citizens' Association ; and Mattapanock Lodge, Knights of Honor ; James being a past dictator of the latter and ex-governor of Mount Washington Colony of Pilgrim Fathers. He was a member of the old Lincoln Guards, doing service at the great Boston fire in 1872. Leaving South Boston for two years to work on Wellesley College, and returning in 1882, he was employed by the Old Colony Railroad Co. Daniel was married in 1866 in St. Luke's parish
JAMES LEWIS.
church, at Bedminster, Bristol, England, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts of that place, two sons were born to them, Clement G. and W. R., the latter died in infancy, a short time after his mother. Mr. Lewis was married a second time to Miss Susan Urquhart formerly of Londonderry, N. S. On March 10, 1893 he was elected a dea- con of Phillips church, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the late Choate Burnham, and still holds that office. He was also one of the founders of Phillips chapel in 1874. James was married to Miss Isabella C. Thompson of South Boston. Eight children have blessed their union, seven of whom, one boy Cyrus Carter, and six girls, are now living,
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
199
In religion Daniel is a Congregationalist and James an Episcopalian; in politics both are Republicans, and always inter- ested in whatever pertains to the best interest of South Boston. The history of Lewis Bros. is well known to the older residents, who have followed their prog- ress with much interest. Family records are found in Berkeley and Hawkesbury Upton parish churches, England.
HENRY C. BISPHAM.
The oldest druggist in South Boston, Henry C. Bispham, is one of the best known men of this district and conducts an extensive business at 472 Broadway. Thirty-six years ago Mr. Bispham com- menced business with George P. Brooks, at the corner of Fourth street and Dor- chester avenue. Five years later he continued business alone at the corner of Fourth and D) streets, where he remained for ten years, after which he disposed of his interest in that location and opened a new store at his present location, where he has been for twenty- one years. Early in life he attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. and his establishment has always main- tained a reputation for accuracy in filling
HENRY C. BISPIENM.
prescriptions. Mr. Bispham is a native of Dorchester, and was born in 1846. His family is an old one in that locality. His father was connected with the Blue Hill National Bank for fifty years and up to the time of his death was presi- dent of that well-known bank. Mr. Bisp- ham has been a member of the Odd Fellows for thirty-one years; and is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M .; St. Matthews Chapter, St. Omer Com- mandery, Knights Templars and Aleppo Temple, M. S. He was for a number of years a trustee of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He is proprietor of several staple medicinal preparations of repute and merit. He was a resident of South Boston for thirty-two years and later moved to Dorchester, but is at present a large property owner here. He has always been interested in the welfare of the district.
CLARENCE HALLETT.
Clarence Hallett, the well-known sta- tioner and newsdealer has been a resi- dent of South Boston for the past fifteen years. During that time he has success- fully managed a growing business and stands in the front ranks of the energetic business men of this district. He was born in Yarmouthport, Mass., fifty-two
CLARENCE HALLETT.
count
200
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
years ago, and received his early educa- tion in the schools of his native place and the Middleboro Academy. Some years ago he was engaged in the piano business in this city; but in 1884 he established himself in this district at 675 Broadway. Ten years ago he purchased the business of A. G. Pike, then located at 365-367 Broadway. From a small beginning his business has increased to generous pro- portions. His two stores are considered the leading ones of the district for a per -. fect line of stationery, fancy goods, sport- ing goods and fireworks. He owns considerable real estate in this section, is an active member of the South Boston Citizens' Association and is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Close application to business and a thorough study of the wants of his large trade have made him a successful business man and one who has earned a prominent name in South Boston business circles.
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