USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our county and its people : A history of Hampden County, Massachusetts. Volume 2 > Part 21
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Another notable old industry was the Ames Manufacturing company, which was incorporated in 1834 by Nathan P. and James T. Ames, Edmund Dwight, and James K. Mills, for the manufacture of hardware, cutlery and other articles in that line. The company built works on Chicopee river and developed a valuable industry, but when Springfield was divided it became an interest of the new town of Chicopee, although started and owned largely by Springfield capital.
The Springfield Manufacturing company also is to be men- tioned in the same connection. The company was incorporated in 1832, with an authorized capital of one million dollars, by Jonathan Dwight, Harrison Gray Otis, Israel Thorndike, Ed-
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mund Dwight, James K. Mills, Thomas H. Perkins, Samuel A. Eliot, Benjamin Day, Samuel Cabot, Francis Stanton, George W. Lyman and George Bliss. The establishment of this com- pany was well known in its day, and was a cotton and woolen factory of much importance half a century ago. Although an industry of that part of the town set off to Chicopee, much Springfield capital was employed, and great good came to the town through its operation. With the others before mentioned, this plant went to Chicopee in 1848.
The Dwight company, the first corporation so called, was incorporated in 1836, by Charles Stearns, George Bliss and Wil- liam Dwight, all of whom, it is remembered, were interested in securing the early completion of the railroad from Worcester to Springfield and thence to the Hudson river. In their endeavors to promote this enterprise these men secured a charter for the company and proposed to establish in Springfield a factory for the construction of locomotives and other steam engines. The plant, however, was not built, and nothing more than organiza- tion of the company was effected under the charter.
The Dwight Manufacturing company was incorporated in 1841 by Thomas. H. Perkins, William Sturges and Edmund Dwight, with $500,000 capital, for the erection and the equipment of a factory building and the manufacture of cotton goods, the Chicopee river being selected as the site of operations. The Chi- copee falls company, incorporated in 1836 by David M. Bryant, David Bemis and George W. Buckland, was another old Spring- field enterprise which became lost to the town as a result of the division of the territory.
In 1837 the Indian Orchard Canal company was incorpo- rated for the purpose of constructing a canal and diverting the waters of Chicopee river for manufacturing purposes. The com- pany also was authorized to engage in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods. This was the actual beginning of the indus- trial history of the locality known as Indian Orchard, although steps toward that end were taken several years earlier. In 1821 the Springfield Manufacturing company was organized, Benja- min Jencks being the leading spirit of the enterprise. The first
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mills in the locality were built on the Ludlow side of the river, while early all the employees were domiciled on the Springfield side. In 1825 Charles Stearns began purchasing lands in the vicinity, with the ultimate intention to found an industrial set- tlement in that part of the town. Soon afterward George Bliss, James Brewer and Willis Phelps became interested in the enter- prise with Mr. Stearns, and through their united efforts most of the available mill sites and power privileges were brought under their control. Then followed the incorporation of the Indian Orchard Canal company and the real development of the indus- trial resources of the region. In 1845 the canal company suc- ceeded to the rights and interests of the old Springfield Manu- facturing company on the south side of the river, and in the same year the first massive stone dam was constructed across the stream.
The work of the canal company was performed slowly but surely, and it was not until about 1852 that the erection of the mill buildings was begun. In the meantime the canal for power purposes had been excavated, the company lands had been sur- veyed and laid out into lots, and a small village had been founded. In 1853 the Ward Manufacturing company succeeded to the rights and privileges of the canal company, and at that time the two principal factory buildings were partially com- pleted. In 1857 the Ward company conveyed its property to William Dehon, Henry V. Ward and Samuel Frothingham, as trustees, and at the same time a mortgage was given to George Bliss, George Walker and Caleb Barstow, also as trustees. This lien afterward was released to the Indian Orchard Mills com- pany, who became the next proprietors of the mills and land enterprise. At this time 1,800 spindles and 352 looms were in operation in the mills, and twenty-five houses had been built in the village.
A second mill was built in 1859, and operated 1,800 spindles and 385 looms. The general capacity was afterward increased until the mills run more than 50,000 spindles and nearly 1,200 looms. In 1859, also, the company established a library and reading room for the benefit of its employees. The result of the
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work of these several companies was the establishment of a flourishing village, which ever has been known as Indian Orch- ard. The old industries lived out their time and then gave way to others of a different and more modern character, and not less important in the history of the city
One of the best of these successor industries is that known throughout the land as the Chapman Valve company, one of the largest, most solid and reliable labor-employing concerns in Western Massachusetts. Its product is distributed throughout the United States and in general business circles it has a very high standing. The company was incorporated July 20, 1874, with an original capital of $60,000, and began business January 25, 1875, occupying two of the buildings which had been erected by the Indian Orchard Mills company. Even at that time, with comparatively limited capital, the works operated were regarded as an important element of manufacturing life in the city, yet within a very short time it was found necessary to increase the capital stock and also to add to the capacity of the plant. The most extensive enlargements were made between 1880 and 1890, but since the business was first begun every year has witnessed the growth of the works to meet the demands of constantly in- creasing business. The capital has been enlarged at various times, and now is $600,000. James D. Safford is the president, and Henry R. Dalton, jr., treasurer, of the company.
The Springfield Satinet company was another of the old in- terests of the town, and for several years was operated in the card factory building in the "dingle," to which previous allusion has been made. The incorporators of the company were Elisha Curtis, Walter H. Bowdoin and William Child, each of whom was a conspicuous figure in early city history. The charter was granted in 1837 and for something like twenty years afterward the company was a factor in Springfield industrial circles.
The Springfield Car and Engine company was incorporated in 1848 by Osgood Bradley, Amasa Stone, jr., and Azariah Boody, with $250,000 capital, for the purpose of manufacturing cars, steam engines and other machinery incident to the equip- ment of steam railroads. Previous to the incorporation some of
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the persons interested in the company had begun the manufac- ture of cars for the railroads, but the business was conducted in a small way and it was expected that the stock company would establish a plant of greater magnitude and employing capacity. This hope, however, was not realized and in a few months the concern lost its identity and the works passed into the hands of the proprietors of the firm which afterward was resolved into the- Wason Manufacturing company, the latter destined to become one of the greatest industrial enterprises of the whole country.
The Wason Manufacturing company, which was incorpo- rated under its present name April 17, 1862,with a capital at that time of $50,000, dates its history in Springfield to the year 1845, when Thomas W. and Charles Wason left the employ of one of the Cabotville cotton mill companies, came to Springfield and began making cars for the Connecticut River railroad com- pany. The first car was built entirely by themselves, and almost wholly without machinery or mechanical appliances except skill and persevering energy. During the first year the brothers and their employees built eight box cars, and in 1846, as their business promised future success, they removed from their first location near the bridge across the Connecticut to a larger shop on Liberty street. Two years later they occupied the buildings previously used by the old car and engine company. Soon after- ward Charles Wason retired from the firm, and Thomas W., after carrying on business alone for a year or two, took as part- ners L. O. Hanson, Josiah Bumstead and J. S. Mellen, Mr. Wason having a half and each of the others a sixth interest in the works. In 1854 George C. Fisk succeeded Mr. Mellen in the partnership, and the firm thus constituted carried on the works without ma- terial change until 1862, when the Wason Manufacturing com- pany was incorporated. The later changes in the personnel of the company and its management are unnecessary in this place ; a sufficient record of the wonderful success and growth of the industry would require a volume. In 1870 Mr. Wason, actual founder and at that time president of the company, died, but. the vast business of the corporation was continued uninterrupt- edly until it became the principal industry of the city. Soon
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after the death of Mr. Wason the company purchased a consid- erable tract of land at Brightwood, a northern suburb of the city, and in 1873 the works were removed to that point. The company has a present capital of $300,000 and furnishes constant employ- ment to from 400 to 750 workmen in all departments. The pro- duct of the factories (the company operates several acres of buildings) of the Wason Manufacturing company may be seen. in almost every city in the United states, and Americans travel- ing outside the jurisdiction of our government very frequently notice the best emblem of the company, "Wason Manufacturing Co., Springfield, Mass.," in gilt letters in cars where chance calls them. The principal officers of the company at the present time- are George C. Fisk, president, and H. S. Hyde, treasurer.
The Springfield Gas Light company was incorporated Feb- ruary 10, 1847, by James D. Brewer, Albert Morgan and Henry Gray, for the purpose of manufacturing illuminating gas and supplying the same to consumers in the then principal village of the town. Although a small enterprise at the outset the com- pany evidently filled a "long-felt want," and in 1848 entered into a contract with the selectmen to supply Main and State streets with 38 lamp-posts (to be paid for by the town) and to furnish lights each night in the month, "except when the moon is above the horizon." For more than half a century the gas. company has been an important element in the industrial history of the city. Previous to 1900 it was principally a local concern, but in February of that year the stock was transferred to a syndi- cate of capitalists outside of the city. The company has about 90 miles of main pipes in use and about 8,600 consumers. The presidents in succession have been Solyman Merrick, James D. Brewer, Marvin Chapin, James M. Thompson, Marvin Chapin, William H. Haile, James A. Rumrill and Charles H. Tenney. The present officers are Charles H. Tenney, president; F. de V. Thompson, manager ; I. B. Allen, treasurer.
The Springfield Water Power company was incorporated in 1846, with $300,000 capital, by Willis Phelps, James D. Brewer- and Henry Sargeant, for the purpose of creating a water power and diverting the waters of Chicopee river for manufacturing
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purposes in Springfield. This was another of the early enter- prises planned for the general welfare of the town, but like many others of its time and kind it now has passed out of existence.
The Ludlow Manufacturing company, a Springfield enter- prise, although the name indicates a location in another town, was incorporated in 1849 by James Stebbins, John B. M. Steb- bins and Timothy W. Carter, who, with their associates and suc- cessors, proposed to create a water power and erect a series of factory buildings for the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods, iron and other wares, succeeding in their operations to the well planned but less elaborate works started by Benjamin Jencks in the towns of Ludlow, Springfield and Wilbraham.
The Springfield Machine company was incorporated in 1850, with a capital of $150,000, by Amasa Stone, jr., Azariah Boody and Addison Ware, for the manufacture of various articles of wood and iron. The American Hardware company was incor- porated in 1854, with $150,000 capital, by Homer Foot, and Philos B. Tyler and their associates, for the manufacture of fur- niture casters and other hardware. The Indian Mills company, to which reference is made in a preceding paragraph, was in- corporated in 1859 by Jabez C. Howe, George O. Hovey and George S. Bullens. Its object was to construct and maintain dams across Chicopee river, and also to engage in the production of cotton goods in the towns of Chicopee and Ludlow, but in the course of its operations the concern found its way into the town of Springfield.
In treating of the old and well established industries of the city special mention must be made of the enterprise carried on for almost half a century under the firm style of Smith & Wes- son, manufacturers of fine grade revolvers and other small arms. This universally known house was established in 1857 by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, both of whom are frequently mentioned in various portions of this chapter as factors in the civil and political as well as the industrial history of the city. The original firm continued in business until 1874, when the senior partner retired and Mr. Wesson then continued alone until 1882. In
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this year Walter Wesson became partner with his father, and still later Joseph H. Wesson, also a son of the founder, became interested in the firm which throughout this long period has been under the old style of Smith & Wesson-a name known in busi- ness circles throughout the world.
The Hampden Watch company, an industry of the city for more than twenty years, was established in 1867, taking the place of the still older New York Watch company. At the outset the business was small, but the product of the works, while limited, found favor in the markets of the country. The company was originally incorporated in 1870 and was reorganized and rein- corporated in 1877, at which time Homer Foot was the principal man of the concern. The works were maintained in the city until about 1889 and then were removed to Ohio.
The Waltham Watch company, a more enduring and success- ful enterprise than any of its predecessors in Springfield, was not the outgrowth of any previous establishment of the same class, yet it came to the city by removal from Waltham in 1890, in which year, also, the company was incorporated. It is in all respects a reliable concern and gives employment to many skilled workmen. The active officers of the company are C. E. Van Norman, president; William E. Wright, vice-president; John McFetheries, treasurer.
The Morgan Envelope company was originally incorporated in April, 1870, and was reincorporated in March, 1872, but the enterprise as an industry of the city dates back to 1864, when Elisha Morgan began the manufacture of envelopes in a small way in a building on Hillman street. At first an experimental investment in a comparatively new field of operation, the proprietor did a careful and conservative business, but at the end of a year or two the venture had proved a success. Then it be- came necessary to remove to larger quarters on Taylor street, where in the course of time the buildings occupied by the con- cern extended through to Worthington street. In 1883 the com- pany removed into the most complete and thoroughly appointed factory buildings in the city. Here the company has found permanent lodgment, and here it has developed one of the best
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industries in the region. The first president of the company was Emerson Wight, while Mr. Morgan was the treasurer and man- ager. The latter became president in 1884, and still stands at the head of the company. Robert Day is the present treasurer.
The American Papeterie company, which was organized in 1878, was the result of a consolidation of interests in the pape- terie departments of the Morgan Envelope company, the Powers Paper company and the Plympton Manufacturing company, the latter a Hartford concern. The American Writing Paper com- pany, incorporated in July, 1899, is the outcome of a consolida- tion of individual paper companies of various cities. Elisha Morgan is president of the latter company.
The National Needle company, an important factor among the industries of the city, was organized in September, 1873, and was incorporated in the next month. When the business was be- gun six workmen were employed, but when the resources of the company were fully developed the number of employees was in- creased to more than 150 in all departments. The present offi- «cers are James D. Safford, president, and Selden B. Hickox, treas- urer. The works are located on Boylston, Emery and Fulton streets.
The Barney & Berry Skate works, one of the old manufac- turing concerns of the city, and one which has been continued more than thirty-five years with unvarying success, was estab- lished in 1864 by Everett H. Barney and John Berry, and began operations in what was then known as the Warner pistol factory building at Pecowsic. During the first year only 500 pairs of skates were made and six or eight men were employed. In more recent years an annual product of from 75,000 to 100,000 pairs of skates has not been regarded as an unusual event. Mr. Berry retired from the firm in 1869, Mr. Barney then becoming sole proprietor, but the old firm style always has been retained. The large factory building at Broad and Hanover streets was erected in 1882.
The R. F. Hawkins Iron works, which is recognized as one of the best industries of its class in this part of the state, was es- tablished under its present name in 1868, although the business
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dates its history from 1846, when the firm of Stone & Harris be- gan the manufacture of the Howe truss bridge and in connection therewith did general machine work. Mr. Hawkins at first was an office employee of the old firm and became partner with Mr. Harris in 1863. Five years later he became sole proprietor and during the more than thirty years of his active business life in the city he has shipped the product of his works to nearly all parts of the country. As is well known this plant manufactures bridges, steam boilers and builders' and contractors' iron work. The present proprietors are R. F. and Paul R. Hawkins.
The Hampden Paint and Chemical company as an industry of this county dates its history from 1852, when a charter was granted to the Serpentine Paint and Fire Brick company, the corporators being Reuben A. Chapman, C. C. Chaffee, Herman S. Lucas and Charles Phelps. On a reorganization of the con- cern the name was changed to Hampden Paint and Chemical company, as now known in manufacturing and trade circles. The company is an important factor in the industrial history of the city. The present officers are Edward P. Chapin, president, and Edward K. Baker, treasurer.
The Newell Brothers Manufacturing company, whose works at the foot of Howard street produce an extensive variety of cov- ered, ivory and pearl buttons and give constant employment to a large number of wage earners, was established originally in Long- meadow, and thence removed to Springfield in 1864. The found- ers of the enterprise were Nelson C. and Samuel R. Newell, who made their beginning in 1848. The company was incorporated in 1870, and upon the death of Samuel R. Newell, in 1879, a re- incorporation was effected. From the outset this business has been successful and the company has established an excellent reputa- tion in trade circles as well as in this city. During the period of its operation the works have been enlarged frequently and the working force as often increased. The personnel of the manage- ment also has occasionally changed, as is customary with estab- lishments of long standing in any community. The present officers are Nelson C. Newell, president and treasurer; A. W. Newell, vice-president, and William C. Newell, superintendent.
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The Phillips Manufacturing company, producers of steam heating apparatus for public and private buildings, was incor- porated in March, 1876, and for many years thereafter was an important industry in the city. It was named in allusion to Col. Henry M. Phillips, its president, who also for years has been a factor in Springfield civil and political history.
The Medlicott-Morgan company, successor to the W. G. Med- licott company, was incorporated in 1887, although the predeces- sor concern dated from 1881. The company for several years was the only manufacturer of textile fabrics in the city, and all through the period of its history has held a good standing in in- dustrial circles. The present company in its works on Worth- ington street produces a general line of men's fine fancy cotton underwear. The officers are James C. Cooley, president; H. J. Straukamp, secretary, and H. M. Morgan, treasurer.
The Taylor & Tapley Manufacturing company was incorpor- ated January 1, 1884, although its business was begun in 1882 as an individual concern succeeding the still earlier interests car- ried on by Bingham & Co. est., 1863; Ray & Taylor, 1865 ; George Tapley, 1866, and the Ray & Taylor company, organized in 1874.
The Milton Bradley company, so long known in litographic and publishing circles in Springfield, has been for many years an important concern in the city. It was started in 1860 by Milton Bradley, who soon afterward was joined by Clark W. Bryan and J. F. Tapley, and later by Lewis Bradley, then establishing the firm of Milton Bradley & Co. The company was incorporated in 1884, with George W. Tapley as president, and Milton Bradley as treasurer and manager.
The Cheney Bigelow Wire works was incorporated in 1887, with $90,000 capital, yet the company traces its history to a time previous to the city charter, when Cheney Bigelow with a single assistant opened a small shop in the principal village of the town and began the manufacture of various articles from wire. This was in 1842. Mr. Bigelow continued the business with fair suc- cess until the time of his death, in 1873, when W. D. Stevens, a former mechanical draughtsman and office employee in the shop, undertook the management. His efforts also were rewarded with
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success, and in 1889 the former individual company was resolved into an incorporated stock company, the first officers being J. H. Bigelow, president, and W. D. Stevens, treasurer and manager. The works now occupied by the company are located at the foot of Heywood avenue, and the product includes a large variety of wire goods. The present officers are Daniel B. Wesson, presi- dent, and Edwin C. Spear, treasurer and manager.
The Bay State Corset company was incorporated July 19, 1890, and was the outgrowth of an individual enterprise previ- ously conducted in West Brookfield, having removed thence to Springfield in 1886. The proprietors at that time were C. L. Olmstead and A. D. Nason, and on the organization under the in- corporation Mr. Olmstead became president and Mr. Nason treas- urer of the company. The other persons interested in the enter- prise were Myron W. Sherman, Charles E. Whitney and William M. Titus. From the humble beginning indicated above the com- pany has become one of the best employers of labor in Spring- field, furnishing work to from 400 to 500 wage earners, and carrying on a very extensive business. The present officers are William M. Titus, president and manager; Joseph A. Ordway, treasurer; Frank E. Powell, assistant treasurer; John J. Line- han, secretary.
Having thus referred at some length to many of the older manufacturing interests, both individual and corporate, of Springfield, it will be seen that from the early years of the cen- tury just closed this city has been an industrial center of far more than ordinary prominence. In preceding paragraphs the writer has attempted to mention as many as possible of the labor employing establishments which had an existence previous to ten years ago, yet doubtless many concerns have been omitted which are deserving of notice. The claim has been made, and with undoubted fairness, that at least 20,000 of the city's popu- lation are daily employed in the numerous factories which are now in operation, and also that the city has as many as 200 es- tablishments in which material is improved or manufactured. Many of these concerns are conducted by individual owners, or partnership proprietors, while an equal number are carried on
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