USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Taunton > Tercentenary of Taunton, Massachusetts, 1639 [to] 1939, June 4-10 > Part 5
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Southern Massachusetts Oil Corporation was incorporated in February 1929 under the laws of Massachusetts for the purpose of selling petroleum products. It was given exclusive sale of Colonial Esso products for Taunton, Middleboro, and Mansfield.
In 1936 this company took over the entire Cape Cod territory; and, with the Bulk plant in Hyannis, serves the townships from South Middleboro to Eastham. In addition to the sale of petro- leum products, it is the exclusive New England distributor for
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Hayward Oil Burners, and distributors of Gilbert and Barker Oil Burning equipment for Bristol and Plymouth counties.
The largest division of their business is the delivery of fuel oils for the home. In addition to its exclusive Esso territory mentioned, it maintains Boston offices at 885 Boylston Street, and has a large number of fuel oil customers in the greater Boston area.
The Nason Oil Co. The Taunton Tercentenary Celebration finds the Nason Oil Company entering its fifteenth year in business in Taunton. This company, a 100% Taunton concern, owned and operated locally, was established in May 1925. It deals in petro- leum products exclusively. Through its policy of honest mer- chandising of quality products, plus prompt and courteous service, it has won and enjoys the confidence of the public.
Looking back over the past fourteen years, one realizes that the Nason Oil Company has kept in step with the times. It has a modern bulk plant located at the corner of Dana and Danforth streets, and a central office at 46 Taunton Green. Its trucks, equipped with the latest metering and safety devices, are seen daily plying back and forth over the streets of Taunton busily engaged in conducting its business.
Domestic Fuel Co. started business twelve years ago, at its present location as a gasolene service station under the guidance of the late Joseph C. Pedro. In 1931, DOMESTIC FUEL CO. entered the fuel oil business, and now serves hundreds of users in Taunton, Dighton, Raynham and Berkley. Again, in 1937, the DOMESTIC FUEL Co. expanded and entered the heating and air conditioning field, featuring the World famous Williams Oil-O-Matic oil burning units. This year, in celebrating Taunton's Tercentenary, DOMESTIC FUEL Co. keeps abreast of the times and adds a new department featuring the General Electric Hot- point line of electric refrigerators and household appliances of all kinds. Under the management of Arthur J. Pedro, son of the founder, patrons are assured of the dependable service upon which this business was founded. You are cordially invited to avail yourself of the various services DOMESTIC FUEL Co. is now offering to the people of Taunton and vicinity.
PRINTING
C. A. Hack & Son was established in 1844 by Christopher Amory Hack, born in Taunton, December 19, 1806. He became
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an apprentice in 1825 in the printing office of Allen Danforth who published the "Columbian Reporter" and the "Old Colony Jour- nal." In 1829, in company with Edmund Anthony, he became publisher of that newspaper, but soon removed to Bridgewater where he was engaged as editor and publisher of a newspaper. In 1832, as a member of the firm of Hack & Bradbury, he resumed the publication of the "Columbian Reporter" in Taunton. In 1844, he issued the "Beacon of Liberty," and in 1846, in company with William King and John Howard, he conducted the publication of the "Old Colony Republican," which was discontinued in 1848. From that time, Mr. Hack pursued the occupation of a commercial and artistic printer; and, in association with his son Henry Seaver Hack, under the firm name of C. A. Hack & Son, he became well known throughout the State for the excellent typographic art of his establishment. The same high standard is maintained today.
Christopher A. Hack died September 3, 1896, and Henry S. Hack continued the business together with his son, Harold W. Hack. In January 1907, Francis P. Callahan who had entered the employ of the company in 1895 as an apprentice, was made manager. On February 3, 1913, the concern was incorporated, and Mr. Callahan who held substantial ownership became treasurer and general manager. Henry S. Hack died April 22, 1913, and his son Harold W. Hack died February, 1933 in New Jersey where he had removed in 1907. In November 1919 the complete control of the business was acquired by Francis P. Callahan who is now president, treasurer and sole owner of the corporation.
The present plant is one of the largest and best equipped in southeastern Massachusetts, and it produces the highest grade of work in black and colors for books, catalogs, circulars, labels and general printing.
Over 80 Years of Good Relations. When Ezra Davol started in business in July 1858 and founded The Davol Printing House, it was his purpose to do only good printing and to sell it at a fair price. We have tried unceasingly to adhere to this policy laid down by the founder.
Above the making of money, we place the esteem of our cus- tomer friends and our service to them. In attaining these ends, we have had many years of hard work, found much happiness, made many friendships, and enjoyed sufficient prosperity.
The reward for good work, courteous treatment, and honest dealing is permanence of patronage and the good will of the public. We are proud of the fact that scores of customers have been with
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us since the earliest days of our business. Such good relations cannot endure for so many years unless they are based on confidence, early established and steadily strengthened by fair methods. We think the best fruit of the tree planted here so long ago is the good opinion and loyal friendship of the community, and we hope it may be said of us that all who use our product are our friends.
THE DAVOL PRINTING HOUSE Charles W. Davol The Local Printer
One of the oldest Job Printing establishments in the country owned and continuously operated in the same family.
Drummond Printing Co.
56 Cohannet Street
Printers and Stationers
INSURANCE IN TAUNTON
J. R. Tallman & Co., Inc., takes pride in joining with the citizens of Taunton in the celebration of this year.
For 100 years this Agency has served Taunton and surrounding communities as Insurance Agents and Counsellors. Founded in 1839 by Sydney Williams; continued by his son S. A. Williams. In 1888 J. R. Tallman was taken into the firm.
Incorporated in 1930,-Arnold R. White, Pres., J. Stuart White, Treasurer.
J. R. TALLMAN & Co., Real Estate Dept., 13 Weir St. Property Management,- Sales,- Rentals,-Appraisals, Listings solicited, Arthur D. Fisher, Arnold R. White.
Randall Dean & Co., Inc. Complete Insurance Service.
1847-1849 Philip E. Hall
1849-1863 C. A. Hack
1863-1870 Jeremiah Kelley
1870-1873 Kelley & Hinckley
1873-1874 J. W. Hinckley
1874-1880 Jackson & Hinckley
1880-1908 E. T. Jackson & Co. (Elisha T. Jackson and Henry F. Bassett).
1908-1919 Randall Dean d/b/a E. T. Jackson & Co. 1919-1928 Randall Dean d/b/a Randall Dean & Co.
1928- Randall Dean & Co., Inc. Allan M. Walker, Treas. & Mgr.
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L. C. Couch Agency, L. C. Couch, Byron P. Taylor, General Insurance, 8 Taunton Green, Telephone 2101.
Established 1858 A. S. Briggs & Company-1890
Rhodes & Mitchell-1869 L. C. Couch-1892
A. S. Briggs-1872 L. C. Couch Agency-1938
81 YEARS OF INSURANCE SERVICE
W. J. Davison, Jr.
22 Harrison Street
Leonard I. Feingold
13 Weir Street
G. Williams & Co.
8 Court Street
Florence W. Scanlon
3 Scaddings Street
James E. Miles. "Miles Ahead in Service."
MacAdam Insurance Agency
18 Broadway
Henry F. Bailey Agency
46 Taunton Green
Frank Donahue. "The Insurance Man."
Hector Demers
14 Danforth Street
THE INDUSTRIES OF TAUNTON
The men who led in the development of Taunton had a wide vision, and many enterprises were started which soon developed into prosperous industries. So, we find a great diversification of industry in Taunton,-companies engaged in the manufacture of a multitude of useful products which have been in great demand,- nails and tacks, locomotives, printing presses, machinery, stoves, silverware, cotton goods and special products. The beginning and growth of these industries has made Taunton widely known as a manufacturing city.
THE IRON INDUSTRY
Nearly three centuries ago, in the year 1652, the Leonards, iron masters from England, settled in Taunton and set up an anchor forge. This enterprise, we believe, was the birth of the iron industry in America. From those ancient days to the present time, Taunton has sent forth to the world, iron products that have gained an enviable reputation for superior workmanship and de- pendability.
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Foundries and Stove Manufacturing
Taunton is famous for its stove industry; and the reason for it is interesting. In the newer parts of America, we find mushroom growths in industry. Factories are built over-night, and the town follows the factory. But, in New England, we have something of the traditions characterizing old England, and when we see a city noted for some particular industry in New England, we usually also discover that that city has been noted for that industry many years.
More than a century ago, the old brick fire-place with its Dutch oven was outmoded by the invention of the kitchen stove; and, it was natural that Taunton citizens, with their "iron" heritage, should capitalize on this popular and revolutionary idea. Soon, through the enterprise of these citizens, Taunton became a world- famous center of the stove industry. Skilled craftsmanship was handed down from father to son for several generations, with each succeeding generation carefully guarding the reputation for quality products established in the early days of the industry.
Old-timers closely associated with Taunton's stove industry of a half-century ago, passed on to us the following interesting information: The first casting related to stoves was made in the year 1825 by Nathaniel Wheeler whose little foundry was located in the North Dighton section. About 1830 Crocker and Rich- mond established, what was at that time, one of America's largest and most flourishing stove foundries. They made "the James stove" which was the first successful type of cook stove produced in America. Soon after the establishment of the Crocker and Richmond foundry, others sprang into existence; and, among those prominently identified with the industry in bygone days were John Cobb, Washburn and Terry, the Hathaways, Laban Eddy, L. M. Leonard, John H. Eddy, Samson Perkins, J. F. Mont- gomery, Coddings, C. F. Baker, Geo. E. Wilbur, Wm. E. Walker, O. G. Thomas, Fred P. Leonard, Charles White, Richard E. War- ner, L. B. West, and George Walker.
Byron C. Spencer
Operating at this time in the city of Taunton are the following four well-known stove manufacturing companies:
The Oscar G. Thomas Company is the oldest stove foundry in operation in Taunton. Founded in the year 1848 by Eddy and Perkins, it came under the sole ownership of Sampson Perkins in 1867. In the year 1873 Oscar G. Thomas, a young Taunton
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business man, acquired the concern from his grandfather, Sampson Perkins. Shortly afterward, Mr. Thomas purchased the nearby Union Foundry which he merged with his original concern.
"Herald" was adopted for the trade name, and thousands of ranges and heating stoves bearing this name are being used through- out this country and in foreign lands. The concern was incor- porated in 1911; and in 1922 the plant was greatly enlarged by the purchase of the Bridgeport Crucible Company's buildings. In the year 1929, a new line of ranges was added through the purchase of the business and patterns of the North Dighton Stove Company, manufacturers of the famous "Oakland" ranges and heaters.
In the development of such an industry, the personnel plays an important part. The craft of moulding and assembling range castings has been handed down from father to son; and, like the president and general manager, Howard W. Thomas, son of the founder, most of the workmen are sons of former employees.
The records of this concern show the industry's development, step by step, from the low built cook stove with oven doors on both sides to the streamlined models, finished inside and out in gleaming, colorful enamel and equipped with many modern ac- cessories.
The Glenwood Range Company. Established in 1879, was founded by Charles F. Baker, Wm. E. Walker, and George E. Wilbur who purchased a piece of farm land with an old house and barn to establish a tiny factory that was destined to enjoy a rapid growth and become internationally known. Being excellent mechanics and skilled wood workers, they set to work with their own hands and quickly remodeled the buildings into a stove foun- dry of sufficient capacity to produce about four ranges a day. A high standard of quality was set for their product which has been rigidly maintained down through the years to the present day.
Sixty years of progress now finds the Glenwood Range Com- pany one of the nation's largest and most prosperous stove manu- facturers whose product is distributed throughout the land and to foreign countries-an enviable record built on the solid foundation of "a satisfied user is Glenwood's best advertisement."
The present owners and operators of the Glenwood Range Company are Joseph L. Anthony, president, Robert M. Leach, treasurer, Wilbur E. Forbes, vice-president in charge of manu- facturing, Walker Leach, assistant treasurer, Malcolm Leach, vice-president in charge of sales.
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The White-Warner Company. Loyal to the industry which gave Taunton its reputation since 1652, the White-Warner Com- pany has produced cooking and heating ranges for home, hotel and boat of the finest workmanship to be found anywhere.
In 1886, the White, Walker Company began the manufacture of the "HOUSEHOLD". When the plant was destroyed by fire in 1903, it acquired the Taunton Iron Works, which, since 1854 had manufactured the "QUAKER". Again destroyed by fire in 1912, its factory was rebuilt through the efforts of its treasurer, the Hon. Richard E. Warner.
Today with rapid change in styling, the streamline "HOUSE- HOLD" and "QUAKER" ranges present the latest perfection in design and devices.
"Premier on Sea and on Land"
Leonard & Baker Stove Company. In 1907, Eugene L. Baker and Louis L. Lincoln formed a business to make patterns and pattern letters on Hill Street where Brady's Mattress Shop now stands. In June, 1908, Mr. Baker and Mr. Lincoln, together with Chester N. Leonard, incorporated the present Leonard & Baker Stove Company.
They moved from the Hill Street address to a barn at the foot of Cushman Street, where they proceeded to manufacture "Fair- mount" stoves, furnaces and various other heating equipment. From this small barn, the business has grown so rapidly, that, at the present time, the factory occupies a number of acres.
In 1920, the Somerset Stove Foundry was purchased, together with the trade name "Barstow." Since that time, they have manufactured ranges under the three names,-"Fairmount", "Glendale" and "Barstow".
In the thirty-one years of existence, the enviable progress that has been made is a just tribute to the present owners. Of the original incorporators, Eugene L. Baker and Louis L. Lincoln remain the active heads of the business.
SILVER WARE AND JEWELRY
Isaac Babbitt, with William W. Crossman as a partner, pro- duced in 1824 the first britannia ware to be made in the United States; and in 1828 the Britannia Manufacturing Company was incorporated. Two young men, Henry S. Reed and Charles E. Barton, who were apprentices in that Britannia plant when it
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suspended operations in 1830, were not satisfied to see such an industry cease. So, by continuing the processes they had learned, Taunton has become known throughout the world as a center for Silverware.
Reed and Barton, - Founded in 1824. The great silver- ware manufacturing concern carrying the name Reed and Barton arose from humble beginnings in the City of Taunton. Picture four men in a comparatively small room without modern equip- ment, heating or lighting facilities and you have a bird's eye view of the plant which in those days carried the name Leonard, Reed and Barton. What these men lacked in the comforts and facilities of today's extensive Reed and Barton plant they possessed in an intimate knowledge of their craft. Inspired by a determination to supply American requirements for fine table wares with American- made products that. would at least equal and perhaps surpass European importations, they designed and produced merchandise which soon brought local distinction and gradually national pre- ferment.
As time went on more men were employed. Buildings began to arise on the banks of the river that cuts through that section of Taunton now known as Britanniaville. Before his death Henry G. Reed, who had helped to found his little business 75 years before, could walk through a plant covering approximately four- teen acres with hundreds of thousands of square feet of floor space and employing close to 600 men. Among these employees he could count the finest designers-men steeped in the traditions of art and constantly giving of their talents to make Reed and Bar- ton creations the finest obtainable. In his plant he could see craftsmen who had no superiors in the industry and but few peers. On the shelves of the finest jewelry stores not only in the United States but elsewhere he could find liberal stocks of his silverware. In exhibitions at World's Fairs invariably the medal of honor came to the products made by Reed and Barton. When the Maharajah of Barwoni, India, called upon all the prominent silversmiths of the world to present to him at Paris designs for his palace silverware it was Reed and Barton who were given the outstanding order.
Throughout its 115 years the standards of quality established by the founders have been maintained without interruption. Whole families for four generations have spent their working lives in the service of Reed and Barton. Great grandfathers have taught their sons and grandsons, and from pensioned retirement
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have lived to see their descendents take over their places at bench or lathe. Like the family generations of old who built the great cathedrals of Europe, these men pass on from father to son their knowledge and their ingenuity.
As one proceeds down Britanniaville hill to the great Reed and Barton Plant of today, first to appear is the modern adminis- tration building. Here are housed the executives and office staffs. Here too are up-to-date conference rooms, dining rooms and every facility for conducting a substantial and progressive business. But perhaps the outstanding features of this building are its two beautiful show rooms; one filled with hundreds of magnificent sterling silver creations, the other with equally handsome plated pieces. In these rooms can be seen nearly every conceivable article in silverware which the well-bred hostess could desire. Here come buyers from all parts of America to select merchandise to be offered through the finest stores to the most discriminating clientele in the world.
The Poole Silver Company was formed in 1892 by George Poole and Edward Roche, beginning in a small shop in May of that year. The business grew rapidly and in 1894 a larger shop was built.
Previous to 1895 the concern was known as Poole, Roche & Company, but in 1895 it was incorporated as The Poole Silver Company.
The company manufactures a high grade silver tableware, plated both upon nickel silver, or hard metal base, and white metal, or britannia base, comprising such utility articles as tea and coffee sets, meat platters, vegetable dishes, water pitchers, serving trays, etc., together with a line of trophy cups and pewter.
With the revival of pewter during the last twelve years, the company has entered into that type of production quite extensive- ly, and already is very well known in this line throughout the country.
The present president of the Company is Arthur E. Poole, the Mayor of the City.
The Taunton Pearl Works, Inc., 96 Ingell Street, is the only manufacturing jewelry plant in the City of Taunton. It had its beginning in this city in the year 1894, when it was organized by Albert A. Ormsbee, for the purpose of manufacturing pearl back collar buttons and other jewelry novelties of which pearl was a part.
The business was located on Porter Street, where it grew steadily
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until lack of space necessitated moving, at this time locating on Vernon Street, into what was formerly a shoe factory. Addi- tions were built on to this plant from time to time, until it too became insufficient to care for the progressive increase in demand for pearl jewelry. In 1931 the Taunton Pearl Works bought the land and buildings at 96 Ingell Street, formerly owned and occu- pied by the Winthrop Cotton Yarn Company. The building was completely renovated, much new equipment added and a straight line system of production worked out, to make the Taunton Pearl Works one of the best equipped and progressive concerns in the Jewelry Industry.
The business was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine in 1907 and changed to conform to the laws of Massachusetts in the year 1924. Its founder and proprietor, Mr. A. A. Ormsbee, retired from active participation in the business in 1916, at which time it was taken over by his son, Willard A. Ormsbee, its present proprietor and Treasurer. Mr. A. A. Ormsbee died February 25, 1931, at his winter home in Florida.
The basic materials used are metals of all kinds and pearl shell. This shell is known as West Australian Mother of Pearl shell. It is an oyster which grows to very large proportions; some of the old ones measure as much as 25 to 30 inches in circumference. It is in the flesh of this oyster that the finest gem pearls are found, hence, the title Mother of Pearl. The oyster is fished off the coast of Australia and shipped from the City of Broome.
The product of the Taunton Pearl Works consists of all articles of men's and women's jewelry made in all pearl, all metal and metal, pearl trimmed. Its product is constantly changing to conform to seasonable style trends which necessitates the maintenance of an elaborate creative department. Its distribution is mainly through the leading variety and chain stores embracing the entire United States, Canada, Cuba and Hawaii.
The Taunton Pearl Works normally employs about 300 people, and over a period of many years has proven a creditable asset to the city of Taunton, both with respect to payroll and taxes.
TEXTILES
The textile industries of Taunton are of a wide and varied nature. Samuel Crocker was a pioneer in the manufacturing of cotton goods in Taunton. He established a calico print works here, before there was a mill operating in Lowell. Other important textile mills soon came into existance in and around Taunton.
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The first mill, called the Green Mill, was started in 1906 on Weir Street; the second Cotton Mill at Whittenton, and a third, the Dean Mill at Barehole, soon followed.
Whittenton Manufacturing Company, Inc., the oldest industry in continuous operation in the City, was founded in 1823, for the purpose of manufacturing Cotton Textile Fabrics; in which line of business it has continued to the present date. It has had intimate association with the earliest industrial development of the Colony. Prior to its establishment on the site it occupies, there has been located, dating from the first settlement of the town, Grist Mills, Iron Forges, Nail and Saw Mills, etc., all of which contributed largely to the growth and prosperity of the City and surrounding country.
It has developed and produced many lines of fancy colored cotton dress goods, cotton voiles, mercerized fabrics in both woven and piece dyed colors, ginghams ranging all the way from the cheaper grades used for house dresses and domestic purposes to the production of the finest known qualities made from combed yarns and equal in quality to the widely known imported Anderson Ginghams, napped fabrics of every description for household and utility purpose as well as a complete line of bath and beach robe flannels in plain colors and colored jacquard designs for the gar- ment manufacturing trade.
Cotton blankets of jacquard design and coloring have been a major product for many years; and later, cotton and rayon have been used in the production of this type of blanket. At the present time the manufacture of bath robe flannels and cotton blankets constitute the principal products.
Curtain Making
This interesting industry, the styling and making of curtains with which women decorate their windows, was first brought to Taunton when H. H. Shumway and his sons operated the Francis Manufacturing Company in Raynham, from 1899 to 1905. Not until 1916 were curtains again manufactured in Taunton. In that year Morse & Sprinkle, Inc. built their factory on Maple Street. From this new start Taunton became one of the leading curtain making centers, with six factories producing more curtains than any other city in the country, with the exception of Metro- politan New York. Today, while not as many individual factories
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