USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Somerville, Mass.; the beautiful city of seven hills, its history and opportunities > Part 6
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
We now have considerable territory suitable for manufac- turing or business purposes, which should attract the attention of wide-awake, progressive men. Special attention is called to the fact that the Mystic River, which borders our territory on
89
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
the north, in passing our city is a tide water stream, and affords an invaluable waterway to Boston harbor for bringing in sup- plies, or for the shipment of finished products. Much of the land along this water front is yet unoccupied and Somerville should see that manufacturers seeking locations where docks, or wharves, are desirable, are encouraged to locate here, as they can find no better place for business purposes.
Some of the more important of manufacturing and business interests are here presented :-
DERBY
i .. . ..
DERBY DESK COMPANY.
The Derby Desk Company of Boston, Mass., was established in 1870, and is the largest manufacturing industry in the world devoted exclusively to the manufacture of office furniture. Oc- cupying ten acres of floor space, it has made and sold over two million desks, and designed special and artistic furniture for the principal banks, libraries, public institutions, and corpora- tions throughout the United States. Derby Desk agencies are in all the large cities, with sales offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, Washington, D. C., and St. Louis. The Derby Desk Company began in the upper stories of a small building on Beverly street, Boston, but was soon obliged to enlarge the salesroom and manufacturing facilities. Moving the store to Charlestown street, a factory was built in Cambridge. These quarters were quickly outgrown, and the store was enlarged, taking in the entire block. During 1887, the lot at the corner of Vernon and Central streets, Somerville, was selected as a suitable place for the factory, and a five-story wooden building was erected. Every few years thereafter, increasing business called for additional room, until the present enormous plant was built up. The company enjoys a reputation the world over for fine standard desks and office furniture.
90
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
NORTH PACKING & PROVISION COMPANY
This company conducts the city's greatest industry, a larger part of their product going abroad. The company is Somerville's largest tax-payer to the amount annually of about $33,500. Nowhere east of Chicago is the slaughtering and packing business done on so large a scale, and nowhere in the world is there a cleaner or more sanitary plant. None but experts are at the heads of departments, men of ability and capacity tried out by long experience. The great business is handled with smoothness and precision, never a cog slipping in the great system, and wherever desirable improvements in machinery or methods are discovered they are adopted by this concern. When the pork, lard, sausages, hams, bacon, and shoulders are ready for distribution the name of the company is a guarantee of the best. When the system of government inspection went into effect it was found that the inspection by the company's officials was as rigid as that of the government, and between them both nothing unfit for consumption gets by. Cleanliness about the plant and all the tools and machinery is the basic principle. The buildings that constitute the plant are large, substantial brick buildings. The main build- ing is devoted to the work of killing, cleaning, cutting, and preparing the meat, either for the immediate home market or for export. Another building is occupied by the wholesale market connected with the establishment, where various meats are sent out in large quantities to local dealers. The entire third floor of this building is given up to the offices of the management. No one has seen the sights of Somerville who has not been through the great plant of the North Pack- ing and Provision Company. To watch the preparation of food on such a mammoth scale is interesting and instructive, and scarcely a day passes that some party does not go through the plant, for visitors are welcome. There are many smoke rooms and curing rooms. The sausage department is equipped with all the latest improved machinery, where fresh pork sausages, Bolognas, and Frankforts are carefully prepared. The output of lard from the factory is an important feature, and is favorably known for its absolute purity and fine quality. There is a considerable production of greases, which are
NORTH PACKING & PROVISION COMPANY'S PLANT
92
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
converted into various kinds of oil. All the bristles and hair are converted into brushes and curled hair. No part of the animal goes to waste ; all such parts not used in other ways are mixed together and made into a valuable fertilizer. The specialties of the company have a world-wide reputation, and include Brookfield Farm and North Star brand of pork sausages; Premium and North Star brand of ham and bacon ; Premium Leaf and North Star brands of pure leaf lard ; Silver Leaf and Ivory Leaf brand of pure lard.
SOMERVILLE NATIONAL BANK.
The Somerville National Bank is one of the strongest institutions of its kind to be found outside of Boston, and is able to do for its customers all that any national bank in Bos- ton can do. The bank commenced business in July, 1892, and by conservative management and attention to its patrons has made for itself an excellent reputation. The bank office was located in a building in Union square until about four years ago, when they moved into their present building, 15 Bow street, near the old location, the present building being ex- clusively used for their purposes. The bank building is architecturally beautiful in design, and the interior arrangements modern, convenient, and suitable for officials and patrons. In it are the latest and most improved fire and burglar-proof vaults, with the best known electrical devices to send forth alarms, one to the nearby police station. The vault devoted to safe-deposit boxes is complete in every detail with large and small boxes, the smaller boxes renting for $5 each year, and are just the size for keeping deeds, mortgages, insurance, and other valuable papers. Financially it is most substantial, hav- ing a surplus of $130,165, and the deposits December 5, last, were $917,280.57. The officers, men of business ability and integrity, are: Joseph O. Hayden, president; John A. Gale, vice-president ; Joseph E. Gendron, cashier; George M. Barnum, Jr., Allen F. Carpenter, Louis B. Carr, John A. Gale, Joseph E. Gendron, James F. Hathaway, Joseph O. Hayden, Andrew M. Kidder, David D. Lord, Walter C. Mentzer, Albion A. Perry, Nathan H. Reed, and L. Roger Wentworth, directors.
SOMERVILLE NAT . BANK
SOMERVILLE NATIONAL BANK
94
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
SOMERVILLE TRUST COMPANY.
The Somerville Trust Company was organized by men connected with the Somerville National Bank, and was estab- lished for the convenience of residents and business men in localities remote from the national bank. It is located at 421 Highland avenue, Davis square, with a branch at 265 l'earl street. It has a capital of $100,000; is doing a conserva- tive business, has the advantages of any institution of its kind, and is directed by men who have established a reputation in connection with banking. Careful attention is given to the accounts of individuals, business firms, corporations, trustees, guardians, executors, and administrators. The officers are : Joseph O. Hayden, president ; John A. Gale, vice-president ; Joseph E. Gendron, treasurer ; Harry C. Fallis, assistant treasurer ; F. C. Alexander, Allen F. Carpenter, Louis B. Carr, Luke W. Farmer, John A. Gale, Joseph E. Gendron, Charles A. Grimmons, James F. Hathaway, J. O. Hayden, Frank W. Kaan, Andrew M. Kidder, David D. Lord, Walter C. Mentzer, Charles E. Mongan, Albion A. Perry, Nathan S. Reed, E. S. Sparrow, L. Roger Wentworth, and James M. York, directors.
C. J. MIERS & SON, ROOFERS.
The corporation of C. J. Miers & Son,. ? Washington street, is favorably known through Somerville and Charles- town for the best work that can be done. Hundreds of customers testify to the completeness and excellence of work in the construction of a roof built to stay. Slate, tin, and gravel roofs are put on and repaired, and in addition a large business is done in putting up and repairing corrugated iron, copper gutters and cornaces, and no conditions arise in the firm's line of work which it cannot overcome, for the workmen are all experienced and skillful. Miers & Son are among the oldest established roofers in Massachusetts, the original firm being founded by G. J. Miers in 1860. G. J. Miers died about twenty- seven years ago, and C. J. Miers is now the head of the cor- poration, and he has done excellent work for nearly fifty years. He has now associated actively with him his son, Frank L. Miers. Both father and son are well known and respected. If given a trial where others fail the corporation will be found equal to any difficult situation in connection with a building to protect it from the elements. Success has been attained by satisfactory work at a reasonable price.
SOMERVILLE AUTOMOBILE CO., Inc.
BABCOCK TRUCKS
REPAIRING RENTING SUPPLIES SOMERVILLE AUTOMOBILE CO. NEW IN SECONG-HAND CARS FOR SALE .. . GENERAL: MACHINE WORM
GARAGE SOMERVILLE AUTOMOBILE CO.
Inter-State and Abbott-Detroit
SALESROOM AND GARAGE : Broadway, Cor. Boston Avenue, West Somerville. =
FREDERICK A. DUTTON, MANAGER.
Agents for Interstate and Abbott=Detroit Cars.
Supplies at Boston Prices.
=
=
= = Tel. 1089 Automobiles for hire.
96
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
C. W. H. MOULTON COMPANY, LADDERS.
The C. W. H. Moulton Company, one of Somerville's large and flourishing industries, was established in 1839, and has been under the ownership and control of the present com- pany since 1869. This plant gives employment to a hundred people. It manufactures varying sizes of step ladders, exten- sion ladders, fire department ladders, staging outfits for painters and carpenters, kitchen furnishings, lawn and piazza furniture, swings, etc. Before the advent of the department stores the company owned and operated twenty teams, and to-day has ten teams peddling its product, and covering the entire section of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. This company has an enormous trade in Canada, and in the United States east of the Mississippi river, and from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It also enjoys a fair export trade. The company's several buildings cover an acre of land, the main building having on its several floors 50,000 square feet of floor space. It furnishes its own heat, light, and power. The Moulton Company is the largest individual consumer of clear spruce lumber in the world, using about 2,000,000 feet a year. It manufactures every working day 1,000 lineal feet of ladders, 1,000 lineal feet of extension ladders, 1,500 lineal feet of step ladders, and other goods in proportion. Its patterns, which have always remained the same, other manufacturers have failed in an attempt to reproduce, and its enterprise, energy, and honest dealings have entitled the company to the highest commendations.
THE O. L. STORY SCENIC COMPANY.
From all over the world come orders to the above-named concern to prepare drop curtains, stage scenery, portraits, pictorial paintings for public decorations, asbestos fire curtains, decorative panels and friezes for interior decorations, theatrical properties, papier-mache work, oil portraits, photographic backgrounds, and all kinds of stage supplies. The business is under the critical eye of O. L. Story, treasurer and manager. who employs many skilled assistants at his studio at 21 Tufts street. Mr. Story has lived in Somerville since he was six years of age, and is identified with many of the social or- ganizations. He gladly gives estimates on any work, large or small. Persons interested should have one of the company's handsome booklets.
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
L BUILDING
SOMERVILLE JOURNAL BUILDING, 8 WALNUT STREET
For forty-two years the Somerville Journal has been the public forum of Somerville. Every notable public improvement, every worthy charity and every movement for the benefit of the city during these years has been advocated and fostered in the columns of the Journal. Every section of the city and every phase of life is covered in its news columns. It is a carefully edited, clean, and interesting family newspaper, and is the fore- most paper of its class in New England.
The Journal maintains a completely equipped printing plant and does a large business, including everything from the small job to publishing books and newspapers. For thirty-six years it has been under the present management,
98
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
W. R. DONOVAN, OPTICIAN.
Mr. Donovan is a manufacturing optician in room 65, at 5 Bromfield street, Boston. His office is equipped with the best known mechanical appliances for testing the sight, for grinding lenses and putting together a perfect pair of eye glasses. Mr. Donovan by his skill and interest in his patrons has gained astonishing favor. During business hours his office is a busy place, many customers calling for completed work, or desiring glasses fitted as specified in their physician's prescrip- tion, or desire to have Mr. Donovan to fit them to glasses. His ability to test eyes and select the proper glasses is well known to his many friends. Mr. Donovan is a graduate of the New England Optical Institute, and after being employed several years, in 1885, he established his present business, since which time he has been eminently successful in giving satis- faction to a continually increasing number of customers.
GEORGE W. NORTON SOAP WORKS.
The George W. Norton soap works were established in 1820 by Henry Norton, and later on the factory was conducted by Edward H. Norton. In 1887 George W. Norton became sole proprietor, and the business was moved to South street in this city to a plant which was destroyed by fire in 1902. In a short time, Mr. Norton had the new plant built in its present location at Ward, Horace, and South streets. It is one of the most modern and best equipped soap and rendering plants in New England, the main building containing on its three floors and basement about 25,000 square feet of floor space. Adjoin- ing the large building is the engine room, the stables, and the storage sheds. The general manufacturing equipment, includ- ing numerous tanks, the great vats, driers, and mixers, are of the most modern type. A visit to the place will impress any- one, for cleanliness and order are everywhere in evidence. The product of this modern factory comprises laundry soap, and a specialty, "Norton's Tidy Soap," one of the purest and best laundry soaps made. Mr. Norton's ability along the lines of soap making has become so well known that in recent years he has put up large quantities of the product as special private brands for other concerns. The rendering of tallow forms a large part of the business, and the sal soda used in producing the several brands for which this concern is noted is made on the premises by special equipment.
99
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
THE ONLY COAL WHARF IN SOMERVILLE
SOMERVILLE COAL COMPANY (INC.)
The Somerville Coal Company is one of the largest distributors of coal in Somerville, and is as prompt in its atten- tion to small orders as large orders from manufacturing interests. This company has the only coal wharf in Somerville, and that is located upon water convenient for the unloading of vessels. The nearness of the wharf to homes and business places greatly assists the company in its purpose and continual efforts to give quick response to orders.
The business of the Somerville Coal Company was started in 1907, and the company by conscientious attention to the details of business, and the best of service, has each year increased the business, which to-day requires the services of twelve single and double teams, and the services of twenty men. Last year the company did a business of over $100,000.
The company is incorporated under the laws of Massachu- setts, and is controlled and directed by Somerville people. N. W. Cummings is president ; Ray R. Rideout, vice-president ; W. G. Cummings, treasurer. The wharf of the company is fitted with every convenience for the handling of coal, and has a storage capacity of 5,000 tons. In addition to the coal busi- ness the company is giving great satisfaction to many who purchase from them lime, sand, cement, and wood. Strict honesty, energy, and attention to orders received is rapidly increasing the company's business. Patrons have appreciated the quality and quantity of the things sold, and are pleased with the courtesy and attention given them. The company's wharf is at 593 Mystic avenue, and their city office at 291 Broadway.
100
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
J. ARTHUR BEAN DRUG COMPANY.
J. Arthur Bean, one of the most reliable druggists of the city, was born in Penacook, N. H., June 14, 1822, and after completing his studies and graduating entered the drug busi- ness, which he has made a success by energetic enthusiasm and square business methods. Fifteen years ago he purchased the drug store at 258-A Broadway, and by careful attention to business details and courteous consideration of customers has so enlarged his patronage that he now has another drug store at the corner of Pearl and Walnut streets. Mr. Bean's business is now incorporated, and Harry I. Quennell, one of the stockholders, assists in the management of the concern. Mr. Bean purchased the estate at the corner of Walnut street and Highland avenue, where he resides with his family. He is much interested in local societies, is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is identified with many drug associations as an officer or active member.
FULTON O'BRION, HAY AND GRAIN.
Fulton O'Brion for the past thirty years has been in the hay and grain business at 4 Union square. He was born in Maine, has lived in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, graduating from the high school in Milwaukee. He came to Somerville thirty-two years ago, since which time he has done his share in the upbuilding of our city. He is a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, and the Sons of Maine Club. As a direct receiver of car load lots of hay and grain from the West and other points he has built up a splen- did business through years of honorable dealings and reason- able prices.
PETER FORG.
Peter Forg manufactures specialties in hardware, and has the United States and Canada as markets, and a reputation requiring no advance agents or advertising campaigns. The business was started in a small shop on Bow street, thirty years ago, by Peter Forg, now over eighty years of age, and still active in the business. About twenty years ago the fine factory at 50 Park street was built, employing thirty people. The several lines of specialties go principally to the wholesale hard- ware trade, and one of the notable products is an adjustable electric light fixture. It is interesting to record that Mr. Forg has his son and grandson associated with him in the business.
101
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
"VICTOR" BOLT CLIPPERS AND WIRE CUTTERS, MADE BY ROBERTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, CORNER PARK AND BEACON STREETS.
The "Victor" Bolt Clippers are made in four sizes, and are the strongest and most serviceable clippers made. F. A. Roberts, proprietor and manager, has been identified with the bolt clipper business for over fifteen years and put the "Victor" on the market about eight years ago. Having added special
RIGHT
" VICTOR " BOLT CLIPPER.
CHO.L.RIGHT
NOJ.RIGHT
ROBERT'S
NO.I. LEFT
SIZE
NOTLEFT)
NO. I. GUTS OFF 3+8 IN. BOLTS LEFT
machinery, tools, and fixtures which enable them to do each operation in the best and quickest manner, and also by owning their factory building, which they occupy, makes it possible for them to sell their "Victor" Bolt Clipper all over the world under competitive basis. In selling the "Victor" clipper in England, Germany, France, Sweden, Russia, New Zealand, South Amer- ica, Cuba, and Canada, also Africa, under the conditions above mentioned, it will be plainly seen that nothing but good goods and right prices would bring results. These Bolt Clippers will be found very useful in the homes, on the farms, railroads, stores, in the several city departments, and in all manufacturing establishments.
WILLIAM L. LARSEN, ROOFER.
One with skill and ability to do roofing work of all kinds and do it right is usually in great demand and finds plenty of customers. William L. Larsen, 26 Tufts street, can and always does do the best of roofing work and has the confidence and patronage of many owners of property. Mr. Larsen was born in Plymouth, Mass., August 23, 1885, and came to Somerville with his parents in 1887, was educated in the public schools, and on completion of his studies went into business with his father, who was one of the best roofers in this section. Four years ago, upon the death of his father, he succeeded to the roofing business, which he has conducted with signal success.
102
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
H. S. HEMINGWAY, REAL ESTATE.
Mr. Hemingway has succeeded to the real estate business of Frank H. Fiske at 302 Broadway, and makes a specialty of the care of property, having the confidence of a large clientele. Mr. Hemingway also conducts a large renting business at his office, as the part of the city covered by this establishment is the Winter Hill section, where there are many rentable build- ings. This section of the city has excellent steam and electric car service, and is only twenty-five minutes from the business centre of Boston by the street cars. He is agent for the Hamburg-Bremen, Springfield, Phoenix, and other well known insurance companies.
ARTHUR W. WALKER, JEWELER AND OPTICIAN.
Many dealers in eye glasses disappoint patrons because they think the only thing necessary is to furnish proper lenses. Arthur W. Walker, 108 Marshall street, Gilman square, is right in his opinion that it is just as important to properly fit and adjust a pair of glasses as it is to have correct lenses. This, no doubt, accounts for his success as a practical optician, in ex- amining eyes and fitting glasses. Mr. Walker is an expert in watch, clock, and jewelry repairing of all kinds, and his repair- ing department is at the disposal of all who seek first-class work. He carries in stock an excellent line of watches, clocks, and jewelry.
JAMES H. MAGUIRE, GROCER.
James H. Maguire, grocer and provision dealer, at 480 Medford street, while a man of high intellectual attainments prefers trade to a profession. Two of his brothers are M. D.'s, and his "den" in the home of one of his brothers and his as- sociation with intellectual men would indicate him to be a professional man. His genius, however, is directed to keeping a clean and attractive store where the freshest, best, and most wholesome groceries and provisions are displayed under
hygienic conditions. Mr. Maguire is genial, courteous, and obliging to his many customers, and has most efficient clerks. Mr. Maguire is at present a member of the Board of Aldermen, and is the first Democrat to represent ward five, the strongest Republican ward of the city. He is a member of Winter Hill lodge, A. O. U. W., and of the Knights of Columbus,
1
103
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
A. D. HALL & SON.
A. D. Hall & Son, 33-41 Spice street, Charlestown district, Boston, Mass., began business in a small way in 1872, with headquarters at City square, Charlestown, Mass. For twenty-nine years they have been lo- cated in their present quarters, a fine factory building 46x115 feet, four stories high.
Eden C. Hall, the surviving part- ner, has long been a resident of Somer- ville, and, Chester A. Hall is there in the capacity of sales-man- ager. The firm manufactures the famous Hall's Standard Re- frigerators in forty-eight sizes and styles, porcelain lined and zinc lined, with slate stone shelves. Their refrigerators are sani- tary and cleanable, needing the least amount of ice. People who have bought this old and reliable New England brand of refrig- erators have never had occasion to regret their choice. The firm's 'product goes to first-class furniture dealers all over the United States.
ARTHUR C. GORDON, PAINTER.
Arthur C. Gordon is one of the best known painters in Somerville, having been in business here for about twenty- five years. His business integrity, superior work, and fair prices have given him many patrons. He has under his direc- tion competent men whom he directs in exterior and interior painting and decorating. His kindness and consideration make him popular with his workmen. Mr. Gordon is per- sonally recognized as one of the best sign painters in Greater Boston, having in his youth served three years in Boston and three years in New York with sign painting firms of past and present renown. With a natural and acquired talent, he person- ally turns out ornate, practical, and finely lettered signs. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Columbia Associates of Somerville, and is a past president of the Master Painters and Decorators Association of Somerville, and of the Master Sign Makers As- sociation of Boston and vicinity. He was born in Augusta, Me., in 1863. He is a widower, and lives with his four sons at 58 Atherton street, Spring Hill.
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.