USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue county, including a sketch of the territory and state of Minnesota > Part 41
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Next in order is the steaming and bending house, 30x30 feet, two stories in height, where timber is steamed and bent into shape for bob- runners, wagon-felloes, plow handles and other purposes. The hubs are steamed and then painted over with varnish paint to exclude the air. The spoke machine cost $1,200, and it works like a thing of life. Then there is the endless saw for shaping plow-beams-a great im- provement over the old muscular way. Belonging to the works are quite a village, including the sheds for storing finished work, black- smith shops, dry-house, finishing shops and other buildings. The tim- ber used in the manufacture of these articles is a tough white oak, said to be unsurpassed. In Pierce county alone, Mr. Betcher owns from fifteen hundred to two thousand acres of land, crowned with hard-wood trees, stately and grand.
RED WING SAW MILL AND LUMBER YARD.
Adjoining the Bluff flouring mill, the Red Wing Mills Company own and operate a saw mill, where about 5,000,000 feet of pine lumber are manufactured during the summer, 2,500,000 shingles and 1,500,000 lath. The mill contains two circular saws for logs, the usual complement of
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
shingle and lath saws, and other necessary machinery. The power is steam, and all the works are of the most improved character. About 4,000,000 feet of lumber, with a proportionate number of shingles and lath, is the usual stock on hand in the yard ; but the annual sales keep pace with the cut, therefore the supply does not accumulate. The superintendent of this department is O. Densmore, a practical and thoroughly competent mill man.
DANIELS & SIMMONS, LUMBER DEALERS.
The lumber firm of Daniels & Simmons began business in 1867, con- tinued up to three years ago, when Mr. Simmons retired ; the interest was then carried on by P. Daniels, which continued up to May 1, 1878, when Mr. Childs became associated, and the firm has since been known as Daniels & Childs. They employ a capital of about $15,000, do a general lumber business, deal in sash, doors, blinds, &c. Their annual sales are about $25,000.
THE RED WING STONEWARE COMPANY.
On Feb. 8th, 1877, a meeting of citizens was held in the council rooms, to consider the subject of the organization of a company for the manufacture of stoneware at the city of Red Wing. A decision favor- able to such an enterprise having been reached, a committee, consisting B. B. Herbert, F. W. Hoyt and E. W. Brooks, were appointed to prepare articles of incorporation, and C. C. Webster and B. B. Herbert were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions to stock. On Feb. 9th, articles of incorporation were signed, fixing the capital stock of the new company at ten thousand dollars, divided into shares of fifty dollars each. A meeting of subscribers to the capital stock was called on Feb. 10th, and Peter Daniels, E. W. Brooks, C. C. Webster, F. W. Hoyt, Chas. Brink, B. B. Herbert and D. C. Hill, were chosen the first board of directors. On Feb. 21st, the board met and perfected an organization, by the election of P. Daniels, pres .; C. C. Webster, treas .; and B. B. Herbert, sec. On Sept. 31st, Mr. Webster resigned his office as treas- urer and A. J. Meacham was elected in his place.
The first six months after the organization of the company was devoted to experimenting upon the manufacture of ware with a small kiln and works purchased of D. Hallum, and in obtaining such infor- mation as was necessary for the successful prosecution of the enter-
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prise. Early in August the board commenced grading for the found- ations of the present works of the company, and on January 1st, 1878, the buildings, kilns and machinery were ready to commence the man- ufacture of ware on an extensive scale, and the present superintendent, E. T. Howard, was placed in charge, with a splendid corps of skillful workmen under him. The pottery proper is a brick building, about forty by seventy feet, built in the river bank, close to the railroad track. Its north front is two stories high. The clay pit occupies a space about twenty feet square, in the northwest corner, and is open from the base- ment floor to the roof, and is capable of holding a very large quantity of clay, which is thrown in through a broad door on the east side. The northwest corner of the lower floor is occupied as boiler and engine room. Over the engine room are the jiggers for turning out milk pans, which are made in molds, at the rate of about four hundred a day for each turner, and are carried at once into the drying room, immediately adjoining the jigger room, and directly over the boiler. The tempera- ture in the latter room is kept at a very high point. To the south of these rooms is a room for " sliping " the ware, a long drying room for jars, jugs and other ware, and at the southerly end, the office of the superintendent. Next to the clay pit, on the main floor, is a mammoth wheel for grinding the clay, and near it a closet in which the ground clay is placed in balls, while to the south, along the easterly side of the building, are the wheels or lathes of the " turners," where the workmen are constantly turning out, by skillful manipulations of the hands and well-trained fingers, from the pliant clay, all classes of ware, from the tiny brown jug, fit for the fine lady's toilet table, to the mammoth but- ter jar or water refrigerator.
Back of the workmen, as they stand at their wheels, is a drying frame about six feet wide by fifty feet in length. When the turners are at work, boards are run from this frame to the left of each workman, on which each piece of ware is placed as soon as shaped, and when a board is full.it is run back to its place on the frame, where the ware remains until it receives the finish, and is carried forward into the drying room proper. From the drying room the ware is carried into the room for sliping, which is done by dipping the ware into a wash of a different quality of clay, which fuses at a lower temperature than the clay form- ing the body of the ware, and gives it the inside glaze or polish.
From this room the ware is carried into either of two large kilns to the westerly of the main building, where it is burned. This burning process with the present improvements occupies about thirty-three hours, though formerly it took much longer. From the kilns the ware
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
is carried directly into the warehouse, occupying forty-five by seventy- five feet, two stories high, directly west of the kilns. A gangway in the warehouse leads to a platform in front, through and over which the ware is carried directly into the cars and is shipped all over Minnesota, West Wisconsin and Northern Iowa. The ware is of a very superior quality, and its sale has increased very rapidly. The engine and boiler is twenty-four horse power, and was manufactured by the Red Wing Iron Works, Densmore Bros., proprietors, and it would be difficult to find a smoother running or finer engine. The grinding of the clay, turning and drying is all done by steam. At the annual meeting February 11th, 1878, the old board were re-elected, with the exception of E. T. Howard, elected in place of C. C. Webster, who withdrew from the company in the fall of 1877, and J. W. Hodgman in place of C. R. Brink. Shortly after the annual meeting, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose, the stock of the company was increased to twenty thousand dollars, and there is now about twenty- five thousand dollars employed in the enterprise.
G. K. STERLING & CO.
This firm, composed of G. K. Sterling and S. B. Foot, commenced business in 1861, in a small building about 20 feet square, working five and six men besides themselves, shoemaking, dealing in leather and shoe findings, doing a business the first year of less than $6,000.
In 1865 they added a small general stock of boots and shoes, and gradually increased their manufactory from year to year, until they now employ about 100 men.
In 1872 they built a tannery containing thirty vats, which has since been increased to 100. The tannery turns out annually 10,000 hides, besides from 3,000 to 5,000 calf-skins, consuming in the operation more than 1,000 cords of bark.
Their goods now find a ready market, extending over a wide scope of country, embracing the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and the Territory of Dakota.
The company is eminently deserving of more than a passing tribute, for their manufactured articles have won well-merited praise wherever they have been tested, and the firm gives employment to a large number of men, thus contributing to the general welfare.
For 1877, sales of the company amounted in round numbers to the sum of $240,000.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
SASH, DOORS AND BLINDS MANUFACTORY.
D. C. HILL'S WORKS.
The first of this enterprise was established in 1862, corner of Main and Bluff streets. It was a small two-story frame building, 30x60 feet, with wing 16x30, and was devoted to the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, operated a planing mill, and gave employment to six men.
The rapid growth of the business obliged the proprietor to enlarge his works, and in 1869 he erected the fine two-story brick block, 50x60, in connection with the original building. Thirty-five men find steady employment during the busy season, and the mill has capacity for fifty men when business is driving.
From 300,000 to 500,000 feet of lumber are annually consumed in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings and other articles used in house building. Altogether it is one of the most active and substantial industries of the city.
RED WING IRON WORKS.
These works are established at the corner of Bush and Levee streets. They are owned by Densmore Bros., and the present buildings were begun and completed in 1866, at a cost of $12,000, including machinery. Since that time the property has doubled in value. The buildings are of brick ; storeroom 30x60 feet, blacksmith shop 20x50, foundry 40x65, boiler room 20x23, and other minor apartments.
In August, 1874, the shops were destroyed by fire ; loss about $7,000. In sixty days they were re-built and in operation, at an expense of about $9,000. Twelve men are constantly employed at the works, and at times fifteen or twenty. All kinds of iron work are done at the estab- lishment, and a large amount of mill machinery and hundreds of useful articles are kept in readiness at all times for the trade of the surround- ing country.
WAGON AND CARRIAGE MANUFACTORIES.
KAPPEL'S WAGON AND CARRIAGE SHOPS.
The wagon and carriage manufactory of M. & J. Kappel was com- menced in 1865. Their shops were opened in a frame building on Third street, near Plum, with a capital of about $2,000. Their business
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
increased so as to demand enlarged accommodations, and in 1875 they tore down the old shops and erected their present ones, which are 40x60 feet, three stories high, and cost $5,000. They give employment to fifteen men, and turn out about one hundred lumber wagons annually, besides sixty buggies, platform wagons, sleighs, etc. Their business averages about $15,000 per annum. They have about $6,000 invested in the business, exclusive of buildings and ground.
ERICKSON, NEWSTRAM & CO., WAGON MANUFACTURERS,
Established March, 1873, under the firm name of Erickson & Anderburg. Soon after the firm was changed to Erickson, Peterson & Co. In the spring of 1878, the firm became Erickson, Newstram & Co., G. L. Weber being the third member.
About one hundred wagons per year are turned out by the firm, and they also make light work to order. They employ nine men and use a capital of about $10,000 in their business. The works are located on Main street; building of wood, two stories, 35x85, with office adjoining. It is one of the important manufacturing industries of the city.
NEWSTRAM & HARRISON, WAGON MAKERS.
The former, Andrew Newstram, began business in 1875, and July 1, 1875, he was joined by Harris A. Harrison. They are located in a two- story wood building, 34x40, on Plum street.
HENRY J. HELMEKE, WAGON MANUFACTURER.
Commenced business Feb. 20, 1874, corner of Fourth and Plum streets. Shops 50x50, two stories, built of wood. Mr. Helmeke employs ten men, and turns out a hundred wagons yearly-carriages, sleighs, and other articles in that line.
CHARLES REINHART'S WAGON MANUFACTORY
Was established October, 1876. It is located on Third street, between Plum and Bush. The shops are 50x60 feet, a one-story building. They turn out wagons, buggies, sleighs, bob-sleds, and other articles of that character.
H. LOVEGREEN, WAGON MANUFACTORY.
These works were established in 1863. The main building is a wood structure, two stories, 44x45 feet. In addition there has since been erected a blacksmith shop, 25x80 feet, together with a small engine house, which contains a twelve horse power engine for driving the machinery.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
The enterprise is located on Fourth street. It turns out about fifty wagons per year, besides carriages and other articles that find a ready sale in the home market. It is one of the growing and important manufactories of Red Wing, and constitutes another link in the rising industries of the county.
COOPER SHOPS.
0. EAMES' ESTABLISHMENTS.
These shops were established in 1872, and the first building erected was early in that year, a structure 20x40 feet. In 1873, Mr. Eames put up a building 24x86 feet, with an addition 24x30 feet. In 1877, a build- ing was erected 26x145 feet. The engine room is 16x24, fourteen feet in height, built of stone and iron. It was erected in the summer of 1878. In it is a 12 horse power engine and boiler, made by Densmore Bros., Red Wing. In addition, there is also a heating room for barrels, 9x24, built of brick and iron.
One warehouse, 20x40 feet, is located on Bluff street; and on Seventh, Mr. Eames has another, 50x180 feet, where cooper material is stored. The works employ fifty men, and their capacity may be rated at 312,000 barrels per year, but they turn out an average of not far from 150,000 barrels annually. These shops are superintended by Capt. P. F. Glar- den, a practical business man and a gentleman of energy and enterprise.
GEORGE REICHERT'S COOPER SHOPS.
There are two large shops, one on Third and one on Waucoota street. The former was erected in 1867, is 20x60 feet, two stories in height, and furnishes employment to nine men. The latter was built in 1877, two stories, 26x100, employs twenty men and turns out 60,000 barrels annu- ally. On the same street Mr. Reichert also carries on a small one-story shop, employing four men. At the last named place tight work is manufactured. All the products of these three manufactories find a ready market in the city and county. Capital involved about $8,000. Number of men employed from twenty-five to thirty.
FURNITURE MANUFACTORIES.
ERICKSON & SWANSON, FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS.
Their factory was established May, 1874, on Desoto street. Their main building is 50x60 feet, three stories above the basement, includ-
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ing engine room. A twenty-five horse power engine drives the machinery.
The salesroom is located on Plum street, is a two-story brick, 20x60 feet. Eighteen men find employment at these establishments, and a capital of $25,000 is involved in carrying on the works. The goods turned out by the firm find a market in three States, Minnesota, Wiscon- sin and Iowa.
KAYSER & WETTSTEIN, FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS.
This establishment was begun in 1867. Their shops are located between Main and Third streets. They are 20x40 feet, with engine and boiler room 16x20, in which is located an eight horse power engine, manufactured by Densmore Bros., Red Wing. Their salesroom is on Third street, and its dimensions are 42x44 feet. The motto of this com- pany reads as follows : "By honest work we thrive."
BRICK YARDS.
The first kiln of brick turned out in Red Wing was made by Barnes & Van Houten, in the summer of 1855. The yard was located near where John Day now resides, and the kiln contained 200,000 brick.
The next yard was established by George Wilkinson, the contractor for building Hamline University, which enterprise was begun about June, 1855, and completed January, 1856. It was a Methodist church building, located where "City Park" now is, the institution having been removed elsewhere.
The brick business has been an important branch of industry, increas- ing rapidly from that time to the present. The work is now carried on exclusively by Brink, Williams & Co, who have in active operation three yards, which turn out in the aggregate about 2,000,000 brick annually, of which about 100,000 are pressed brick, of the best quality, equaling the celebrated Philadelphia brick, and surpassing anything of the kind manufactured in the Northwest. The brick burned in these kilns are sought after wherever they have been introduced, and the demand is on the increase to keep pace with the growth of the coun- try. The company shipped this season 52,000 to Minneapolis, to be used in the erection of the Hon. Mr. Pillsbury's palatial residence. The annual receipts from the product of these yards amount to about $20,000 per annum.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
STONE QUARRY.
This enterprise is established near the city's southeast boundary, and was originally owned by Chas. McIntyre. 1874, Mr. Robt. L. Berglund became the proprietor. In the summer season, from seven to ten men are employed at the quarry, and the value of the stone taken out after being dressed, amounts to from $12,000 to $15,000 annually.
BREWERIES.
CITY BREWERY.
In 1861, Wm. Heising came to Red Wing, and purchased of John Frederick the Old Minnesota House, located on the corner of Bush and Fifth streets, and immediately turned it into a brewery, with the addition of cellars and the necessary appliances for the manufacture of beer
In 1869, Mr. Heising built a fine brick structure 40x80 feet, three stories above the basement. The basement contained the malt machin- ery and other apparatus. On the first floor, beer kettle, mash tub, cooler works and the various appliances. Second and third floors were devoted to general purposes. The first beer kettle-1861-had a capacity of 8 bbls. 1869 a 20 bbl. kettle was introduced, and the works now have a kettle of 50 bbls. capacity.
December, 1873, Mr. Heising died, and the business then devolved upon the widow. This enterprising woman soon after had an excava- tion made for a beer cellar, 20 feet deep, 15 feet wide and 180 feet in length, and above that an ice house, 40x50 feet, two stories in height. built of brick. 1876, Mrs. Heising was married to Mr. A. Remmler, Under the direction of Mr. R., 1878, a new dry kiln was put up, built of brick, 20x22, three stories; an engine house, 22x34, same height, also of brick. On the first floor of the latter building is the engine, manufactured at Erie, Pa., and the boiler. The second floor is devoted to the water tanks, cold and hot, and on the third floor cooler apparatus.
In addition, there is a wood structure, 22x30, used as an office and for a retail business.
The old hotel yet stands and serves as sleeping apartments for the employes. Taken together, these improvements form an interesting cluster, and add their quota to the growing enterprises of the city.
RED WING BREWERY.
The original building of this enterprise was put up by C. H. Hoffman
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in 1858, having a limited capacity, and when Mr. Jacob Christ took charge of it in 1871, the annual sales were only about 500 barrels. Now they reach the handsome aggregate of 1,400 barrels yearly. The main building was re-built in 1878, of stone, 42x52 feet, with engine room 26x32, brewery room 24x50. The brewery is supplied with one of M. W. Altus coolers, 6x12 feet, an iron mash tub twenty seven feet in cir- cumference by four feet six inches in height, and copper beer boiler of thirty-two barrels capacity ; also one of Smith's patent malt mills, of Dubuque, a cool ship 20x22 feet, made of sheet iron and brick.
The main building is two stories above the basement with sample room in connection, 22x40 feet. In addition there is an ice-house built on the refrigerator plan, 21x53 feet. The buildings taken together are substantial and the machinery is of the latest improvement. Four men are employed in operating the works and managing the enterprise.
HOFFMAN'S STEAM BREWERY.
This enterprise is situated on Bush street, Lawrence Hoffman, propri- etor. The building was erected and occupied in 1856. Main structure or brewery proper, 23x70 feet ; dry kiln, 12x26 ; ice house, 22x28 ; engine room, 26x32, containing one of the Densmore engines, beer cellar, malt mill, &c., together with all the modern appliances for making a prime article of beer.
JOHN HARTMAN'S BREWERY.
In the southwest part of the city, John Hartman runs a brewery. It is one of the manufacturing industries, but the proprietor is one of those unaccountable characters from whom we could obtain no infor- mation that would be of use in this volume.
RED WING GAS LIGHT COMPANY.
Organized May 15, 1872, under chapter XXXIV of the general stat- utes of the State of Minnesota, with the following directors: Theodore B. Sheldon, Joshua C. Pierce, Lucius F. Hubbard, Wm. W. Phelps, of Red Wing, and Charles H. Nash, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The follow- ing board of officers were elected :
President, T. B. Sheldon ; treasurer, J. C. Pierce ; sec., A. W. Pratt. The company's works are situated on the east side of Bluff street, lot number ten of Longcor's subdivision, and were built under contract, by Charles H. Nash, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-consideration, $25,000. The contract included the laying of mains as follows: From the works
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
through Bluff street to Main street; through Main street to the center of Broadway ; through Broadway and West avenue, to Fifth street; up Fifth street to Dakota street ; through Fourth street from West Avenue, to Hill street; through Third street from Broadway, to Cedar street ; through Bush street from Main street, to Fifth street ; and through Plumb street from Main street, to Fourth street.
May 11, 1874, John Friedrich was elected a director in place of Wm. W. Phelps, deceased.
Capital stock paid up, $50,000, on which no dividends have ever been paid, the company expending them in relaying and extending mains.
The city was first illuminated February 11, 1873. At the present time the principal part of the city is supplied with gas lights.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
PROTECTION HOOK AND LADER COMPANY
This was the first fire company organized in Red Wing, and dates back to the years 1858-9, with Jesse McIntire, chief engineer; R. N. McLaren, first assistant ; J. C. Pierce, second assistant ; T. N. Lee, sec- retary ; and T. J. Clark, treasurer. The organization lasted, in name only, up to 1870, with various changes of officers during the interven- ing years.
TORRENT ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1.
This company was virtually a reorganization of the one spoken of above. Its organization dates Dec. 6, 1858, with M. B. Lewis, foreman ; W. E. Hawkins, assistant ; J. C. Hawes, secretary ; W. H. Wellington, assistant; T. J. Clark, treasurer; and W. B. Philleo, steward. This organization existed, with the usual official changes, up to June 7, 1865, without an engine, and failing to secure one, the company adjourned . sine die. The names enrolled up to that date numbered 128, but dur- ing the war many of them went into the army, some to return, and more to fall on the field of battle.
CATARACT ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1.
September 1, 1865, a re-organization of Torrent Company took place, and it became the Cataract, with the following calendar for that year : W. E. Hawkins, foreman ; A. Wright, first assistant; J. A. Woodbury, second assistant ; B. C. Stephens, foreman of hose ; John Winter, assist. ; J. A. Wright, secretary ; P. Lovgreen, assist .; T. J. Clark, treasurer ; L. Cornman, steward.
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THE HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY.
Total number of active members, Dec. 9, 1870, fifty-four; total num- ber discharged, ninety-four.
NIAGARA ENGINE COMPANY NO. 2.
This organization took place July 26, 1869, with the following offi- cers : Stiles Raymond, foreman ; J. J. Quayle, first asst .; Wm. Graves, second asst .; Wm. Jones, foreman of hose; Geo. W. Hawkins, asst .; Phil. Skillman, sec. ; E. F. Grow, asst .; C. H. Bosworth, Treas .; S. W. Park, steward.
December 21, 1870, total number of active members, seventy-one.
Subsequently the company was re-organized and became " La Grange Engine Company, No. 2."
CHAMPION FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPANY NO. 1.
Organized May, 1875, with Oliver Lovgreen, foreman; Fred. James asst .; D. Cole, sec .; Fred. McIntire, treas.
Present officers, Anton Boxrud, foreman ; Martin O. Johnson, sec. ; E. Robertson, assist. sec .; Swante Anderson, treas.
RED WING HOSE NO. 1.
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