USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 70
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P. G. Lamoreaux's shingle-mill occupies the site of the Minneapolis Lumber Mill, which was burned in May, 1880. It is located at the east end of the upper bridge. The machinery con-
sists of one single and one double shingle-machine. Mr. Lamoreaux has commenced to rebuild his saw-mill, which will be 36 x 126 feet, containing one gang and one eireutar saw.
Hobart and Chatterton's mill, located at the east end of the upper bridge, was built in 1876. The firm manufactures cedar posts, telegraph poles, piles, and shingles. A twenty-five horse- power engine operates one shingle-machine, one circular saw, and a trimmer, producing 25,000 shingles and from 2,000 to 3,000 posts per day. The firm employs twenty-five men, whose pay roll amounts to $900 per month.
The door, sash and blind factory of Frazer and Shepherd, corner of Fifth street and Fourth Avenue north, was built in January, 1879. The factory consists of main building, 30x64, two stories high, dry-house. 18x24, and an addition 18 x24. It is thoroughly equipped with improved machinery, and employs sixty men. The power is furnished by the engine of the Camp and Walker planing-mill, on the opposite side of the street, and is transmitted by cable.
CHAPTER LXV.
IRON MANUFACTORIES -- MILL FURNISHIERS- HARVESTER WORKS-PLOW FACTORIES-MIS- CELLANEOUS MANUFACTURERS.
The extensive mitting interests, previously de- scribed, necessarily make room for farge manu- factories of iron work. This is especially true of the fouring mills in consequence of the pro- gressive character of the business. No sooner is a mill in running order than improved machines are invented and introduced, furnishing employ- ment to numerous shops. The heavy iron work and the ornamental iron, brass and copper works are represented by several firms, whose estab- lishments, though from time to time extended, are stiff overtaxed. The principal firms are the North Star Iron Works Company; Minneapolis Iron Works, O. A. Pray & Co .; the Union Iron Works, J. E. Lockwood & Co .; Gregor Menzel & Company; and the Northwestern Stove Works,
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
Spear & Bushnell. Other extensive manufacto- ries of wood, iron, etc., find abundant patronage from the demands of the city and surrounding country, a demand increasing beyond the ability of the present establishments to supply. Of the eighty different concerns. half have been es- tablished during the last tive years. The total value of goods manufactured during the year 1879. inclusive of flour and lumber. was $8,155,- 100. giving employment to 5.475 men. In 1880 the amount was increased to $10,333.000, with 7.250 men employed.
The Minneapolis Iron Works of which O. A. Pray and Company are proprietors. were origi- nated by Otis A. Pray, who, in 1866, formed a partnership with John Webster. This firm was organized for the manufacture of mill furn- ishing and mill-wright goods. They opened an office in Harrison's block. and during the win- ter began the erection of a brick building on Washington Avenue. between First and Second Avenues south. After conducting business here for several years. the firm purchased a one-third interest in the Minnesota Iron Works, which were then owned by Lee and Hardenbergh, and occupied the site of the Crown Roller Mill. After remaining with this firm eleven months, Mr. Pray sold his interest to Lee and Harden- bergh, and purchased the machine shops of Phim- mer and Moore. corner of Sixth Avenue south and Second street. After conducting this business for a few years. Mr. Pray sold to the North Star Iron Works, arranging with them for the man- ufacture of his goods, though he controlled their sale. In 1873. he Jeased all of the Minnesota Iron Works, excepting the foundry, which was conducted by C. M. Hardenbergh, who continued until 1876. when Mr. Pray obtained control of the entire works.
The present firm of O. A. Pray and Company. was formed June Ist. 1878. by the association with A. L. Miner, who had been Mr. Pray's su- perintendent since 1873. and C. E. Holt. his head book-keeper since 1875. Adopting the name of " Minneapolis Iron Works." the new firm leased for ninety-nine years, the ground they now weenpy and immediately began the erection of a new foundry and machine-shop. All the tools and patterns of the old Minnesota from Works were purchased, but as the tools were
worn. they were sold. the patterns valued at $40.000, being retained. Purchasing new tools and machinery, the firm rapidly completed the es- tablishment which consists of a stone building 35×95 feet, two stories high, fronting on Fifth Avenue south, corner of First street. the first floor being used for offices and the second for ware-rooms : a large fire proof vault adjoining the office used to store bolting cloth ; a three- story brick warehouse 32x330; two briek one story machine-shops, one 50x100 feet, and the other, used for wood work, 50x65 feet, and a stone building 60x80, used as foundry and black- smith shop. These buildings and materials of the firm are worth not less than $100,000. They employ from eighty to ninety men, and the sales for 1880. amounted to about $300.000.
In addition to the large local sales, the com- pany ships goods to all parts of the north-west. Prominent among their splendid facilities for manufacturing heavy iron goods, is a large bor- ing machine for iron, one of the best in the country, and the only machine in the west for re-grinding erusher rolls. To facilitate shipping, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul have laid to the shops, three side tracks which enables the firm to fill large orders from abroad with prompt- ness and dispatch. otherwise impossible. The machinery is driven by a 50 horse-power Buckeye engine and boiler, which is soon to be replaced by more powerful machinery.
The shops are heated throughout by steam. and in every department is manifest that complete arrangement and precision which insures that perfection upon which rests the popularity of this prosperous manufactory.
North Star Iron Works, which stand high in the rank of American iron works, occupy two and one-half acres of ground on River street and Second Avenue north. Formerly this manufac- tory was on the East Side, but when Mr. J. W. Johnson came into the firm in 1870. it was re- moved to its present location, and its capacity increased by the introduction of the most prac- tical and improved machinery. So great was the demand for its work that though operated fourteen hours per day for months at a time. the orders could not all be filled. In August. 1880, Mr. Johnson disposed of the entire property to the present proprietors, the North Star Iron
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Works Company. Principal among the products of this concern are mill machinery and mill fur- nishings, wrought iron pipes, engine trimmings, steam and water gauges, water wheels. smut machinery, French buhr mill stones, separators, flour packers, smooth and corrugated rollers, middlings feeders, improved Corliss and other stationary engines. steel and iron boilers. A 50 horse-power engine keeps the vast array of machinery in motion, and 125 men are re- quired to perform the labor necessary to meet the demands of trade. With the manifest enter- prise of the new firm it is safe to say that the splendid reputation of the North Star Iron Works will not diminish, but will retain its place in the rank of first-class iron-working es- tablishiments of the country.
North-western Foundry. corner of Third street and Tenth Avenue south, was established in 1874, by G. Menzel, his son, Charles G. Menzel, and D. C. Howard, under the firm name of G. Men- zel and Company: In the fall of that year, L. V. N. Blakeman purchased the interests of Charles G. Menzel and D. C. Howard, but the firm name was unchanged. The building and grounds occupy about one and one-half acres. Fronting on Tenth Avenue south is a bnikling 20x60 feet, one and one-half stories high, in the south-west corner of which is the office. The remainder of the building is used for a pattern room. Back of this is the foundry, a two and one-half story building. 60x120 feet ; attached to this is the engine room 20x30 feet, and above this is the pattern shop.
This firm furnishes all the ear wheels for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, west of the Mississippi river, and most of those used by the Northern Pacifie, Minneapolis and St. Louis, St. Paul and Duluth, and St. Paul and Sioux City, besides all the wheels used by the Street Railway Company of this city. Besides the manufacture of car wheels, this lirm does a large business in all kinds of architectural, ma- chinery and ornamental castings, employing about sixty men.
The Union Iron Works, owned by J. E. Lock- wood & Company, is the ontgrowth of a machine shop opened by Mr. Lockwood in 1872. on the present site of the Humboldt mill. After re- maining three years in that locality he removed
to the vicinity of I. B. Bassett's mill where he remained four years. In June, 1879, the present firm was founded. Mr. Lockwood taking into partnership C. 11. Upton and Nils Nyberg. They at once commenced to fit up their present quarters on Main street and Second Avenne, S. E.
Having increased their facilities by purchasing the stock and machinery of the St. Anthony Iron Works, which had been destroyed by fire the pre- vious April. A stone building fronting on Main street is three stories high, including basement. Its size, 45x60 feet, with a leased basement 15x 60 feet, gives them a machine shop of 60x60 feet. On the first floor is the office and another ma- chine shop, and the second floor is devoted to mill-wright and pattern shops. In the rear of the basement is the foundry. 45x60 feet, one story high. The firm also have at Mr. Lockwood's old stand. on the west side, a blacksmith shop and bolting-cloth manufactory. They employ from fifty to sixty men, and manufacture about $63- 000 worth of goods annually, embracing all kinds of flour and saw-mill machinery. The motive power is furnished by an American turbine wheel of 100 horse-power, part of which is used by other manufacturers.
Variety Iron Works of Hashow, Maish & Davis were started by Hashow & Maish on the 1st day of May, 1878. in the basement of Brack- ett's block, with capital invested to the amount of ten dollars. After remaining three months in the basement they took a room on the ground floor. On the 1st of October, 1879, Wm. II. Davis was admitted to the firm, and the name changed to Tlashow, Maish & Davis. Business continued to increase, and in 1880, the firm sought more eom- modions quarters, and leased lots on Second street and Fifth Avenue south for fifty years. On this they have erected a three-story building, 50x60 feet, with an ell 20x24 feet. The lower story, or half basement. is used for the coarser work of dressing rollers, the second floor for the machine shop and the upper floor for mill-furnishing and general mill-wright work. The principal manufactures are flouring and saw-mill machinery, brewers' machinery. shafting, pulleys, etc. Twenty or more men are employed, producing in 1880 $50,- 000 worth of goods.
The Minneapolis Boiler Works of M. W. Glenn were established in 1867, by Emmerman and
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
Ilardenbergh. who operated them until February. 1878, when they were purchased by the present proprietor. These works are on Fifth Avenue south between First and Second streets. and are devoted to the manufacture of boilers and all kinds of sheet and boiler iron goods. Its pro- duets may be seen in almost every town in the north-west, and its present business amounts to about $50,000 per year, requiring the labor of thirty-seven men. Mr. Glenn, the proprietor, is a practical machinist having spent much of his time from childhood in various departments of iron manufactories.
North-western Stove Works, owned by Bush- nell and Spear, though comparatively new is the only institution of the kind in the state, and has already acquired a good reputation with the trade. The buildings and yards occupy twoand one-half acres of ground in South Minneapolis near the Harvester Works, besides extensive .ware-rooms at 204 llennepin Avenue. The enterprise was es- tablished in 1878. by Edward Spear. Jr., whose twenty years experience enabled him to lay a strong foundation for a large business. In Jan- uary. 1880. he formed a partnership with Charles R. Bushnell, practical machinist. and the firm is now known as Bushnell and Spear. The factory is devoted exclusively to the manufacture of stoves, making a specialty of hay stoves for the use of the settlers on the prairies. The full working force is seventy-five nien.
In 1867, Frank Grygla and Company began the manufacture of galvanized iron cornice, shutters. sky-lights, pitch and gravel roofing. Since then a a number of changes have occurred in the firm prior to March, 1880, when 1I. E. Selden became the sole partner of Mr. Grygla, under the firm nanie of Grygla and Selden. They retain the original site, 111 North Third street, occupying a frame building, 22x100 feet. three stories high, the first story of which is used for manufacturing, and the wareroom is on Eleventh street. Their products, amounting to $60,000 per annum. are shipped to all parts of the state, and to Wiscon- sin, Iowa, Montana and Manitoba.
M. II. Crittenden, senjor partner of the firm of Crittenden and Seribner, came to St. Paul in 1866, and engaged in pitch and gravel roofing. This he soon after extended to Minneapolis, and in 1871. took into partnership, Edward E. Seribner.
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In 1868 they commenced the manufacture of their own tar paper and other roofing material, and in 1875 they added the production of galvan- ized cornice, tin and slate roofing. In April, 1880, the firm proeured its present quarters, 203 and 205 First Avenue north. occupying a build- ing 45x62 feet, all of which is used for shop and storage room. Besides this they conduct an ex- tensive business in coal tar, concrete and asphal- tim sidewalks and roofing, requiring the labor of ten workmen.
Strothman Brothers, proprietors of the North- western Iron Works, began operations June Ist. 1880, on the corner of Third street and Ninth Avenue south. where they leased ground and erected a building 30x60 feet. They make mill machinery, shafting. pulleys. boxes. and gearing. Both members of the firm are practical machin- ists. J. Il. Strothman is at present superintendent of O. A. Pray and Company's works, and his brother, E. E. Strothman. manages their own es- tablishment, which is operated by a ten horse- power engine. The tirm expects soon to enlarge to meet the demands of their rapidly increasing trade.
1I. C. Butter. manufacturer of mill picks and iron work. established business in 1857. in a small shop on Ninth Avenue south, with but one forge, and a capital of about ten dollars. He, with one assistant, set to work, and in 1858, just as he was commencing to realize some reward for his in- dustry, his shop was destroyed by fire. He then Imilt on Sixth Avenue, where he did a prosper- ous business until 1860, when his shop was again destroyed by fire. He again built, and was again a sufferer by fire. He then built on the present site of the Humboldt mill, and there enjoyed a season of unobstructed prosperity. until the explo- sion of the mills in 1878, when his shop was totally destroyed. He then purchased his present. location, 255 Sixth Avenue south, where he or- eupies a hilding 27x100 feet, in which are six forges, furnishing employment to fourteen work- men. Mannfactures mill picks and other iron and steel work.
Edward Kennedy. mill-pick maker, first began business in 1873. at No. 514 Second street south, where he ocenpied a building 22x68, used three forges, and employed five workmen. He began manufacturing for the home trade only, but has
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MACHINISTS.
received orders from abroad until now he ships goods to all the north-western states. Manitoba. Washington Territory and California. The shop was burned November loth. Isso. and was a total loss, but Mr. Kennedy immediately rebuilt on First street between Fourth and Fifth Ave- nues south.
The Minneapolis Fence Works. owned by Me- lony & Kyle. was established in 1 -; 1. by Day & Rollins. whose shop was located on Second street and Fifth Avenue south. Its manufactures consist of wood and iron fencing and roof crest- ing. After conducting the business four years. Mr. Day died. Mr. Rollins ran it alone until December. 1878. when he took E. F. Melony in- to partnership under the firm name of Charles G. Rollins & Co. In July, 1-79. Mfr. Rollins sold luis interest to J. N. Kyle, and the firm of Me- lony & Kyle was established. In the spring of 1880. they moved to their present site. corner of Third street and Fourth Avenue south.
The North-western Fence and Architectural Iron Works of Philip Herzog. dates its existence from 1969. when Mr. Herzog opened a small shop in the upper part of the old Morrison planing- mill. where he employed but one assistant the first year. in 1-72 this mill burned. and Mr. Herzog purchased ground on Third Avenue south and Second street. E. D .. and built a shop 40x50) feet. which now constitutes his main building. His business, constantly increasing. has com- pelled him to enlarge. from time to time. until he now occupies 115x132 feet and employs twenty- six workmen. The machinery is driven by a 150 horse-power turbine wheel. though it requires but fifty horse-power to operate the mill. The business amounts annually to $90.000. the products being iron and wood fences. iron lawn-chairs. set- tees. roof-railings. etc.
Bachner Bros. in 1567, opened a gun store on Hennepin Avenue, between Washinton Avenue and Second street. In January. 1-7 -. they re- moved to their present quarters. at 36 Washing- ton Avenue south. For a number of years they manufactured muzzle-loading rifles. but lately have added machinery by which they are engaged in making breech-loading shot-guns. They do an extensive repairing business. and carry a large stock of fire-arms, hunting. trapping. fishing, camping. skating and police equipments.
In the fall of 1579. Henry Krueger came to Minneapolis and opened a gun-shop at his present location. No. 10. Second street south. His busi- ness has increased. and he now enjoys an annual trade of about $7.000. carrying a complete stock of guns and other hunting materials.
HI. J. Pyle on the Ist of May. 1s-v. commenced the manufacture of tire-arms at 400 Nicollet Ave- nue. where he still remains. carrying a full stock of fire-arms and other goods pertaining to his line of business.
In 15-0. John Grime and Company. organized for the manufacture of machinists and engineer's tools. tap .. dies, etc. They are located on Nicol- let Island. in the basement of the manufacturing building, where they have a room 35x50 feet, em- ploying six workmen. This firm makes a speci- alty of J. Grime and Company's new pipe vice. and also have other inventions nearly ready to introduce to the public.
The Minneapolis Drill Manufactory was started in 1>65. by 1. L. Penny. on the ground now occupied by M. W. Glenn's boiler works. The first machinery was a foot lathe which sudiced the first year At the close of the second year he removed to his present quarters. 315 Third Avenue south. where he erected a building 25x70 feet. two and one-half stories high. in which he employ> fifteen men. manufacturing coopers tools. drills. and forging hammers. besides doing an extensive jobbing business. The machinery of this institution is driven by a fifteen horse- power engine.
The machinery and mill furnishing business of W. S. Hall was established in 1-76. on Second street. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues south. by Dufrasne and Douglas. They re- mained there until May 2. 1>>>, when their shop and tools were destroyed in the mill disaster of that date. The firm re-organized and employed six men. In January. 1-79. the firm of Dong- las and Hall was formed. the building enlarged to 25x100 feet. two and one-half stories. the force increased to twelve men. and an annual business of $25,muw) enjoyed. On the 11th day of October. 1-50. W. S. Hall purchased Mr. Doug- las interest. and now conducts the business alone.
In 1577 George F. Perkins commenced business. manufacturing and repairing machinery and
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
mill work. He invented. and in 1878 com- menced the manufacture of the Perkins jack- screw. In June. 1880. he formed a partnership with C. E. Thayer. under the firm name of George F. Perkins and Company, and in July, of the same year. they purchased the site. No. 120 Main street south. and erected a building 25x10 feet, two stories high. Their business, making Perkins' jack-serews. and all kinds of serew presses. required the labor of five men. Their building was destroyed by fire on the 15th of January. 1881. and the firm leased for five years. No. 125 Main street south, of N. II. Bolton. At this time the firm was strength- ened by the admission of W. B. Cogger, pattern maker. formerly superintendent of the Ohio Boh Company. In connection with their own work they mannfacture Bolton's machinery re- quiring the labor of twelve men.
In 1876. Nelson and Hernhind started a black- smith shop at 122 Main street south-east. and did business until the spring of 1878. when they rented a portion of their shop to August Malm- sten. who put in a small lathe for repairing etc. In July of the same year. Mr. Hernhind died, and a partnership was formed by Messrs. Malm- step and Nelson, who did business together until May. 1879, when J. W. Hernlund, son of the for- mer partner was admitted to the partnership which was call Malisten. Nelson and Company. Their business of manufacturing wood and iron machinery and bolts, and general blacksmithing and repairing. requires eight men, and amounts to about $5,000 yearly. It has increased until the firm was compelled to purchase the entire building which is 10x71 feet. two-stories high above the basement. The power is furnished by the East Side Water Power Company.
The mill furnishing establishment of A. Il. Kirk was founded. May Ist, 1878. with a capital of $250. as a mill-wright and repairing shop. One man was employed in one-half of the lower floor of the building on the corner of Second street and Sixth Avenue south. He now occupies the entire building, which is 36x60 feet, two- stories high with a full basement, in which he employs twenty -five men in the manufacture of middlings purifiers of his own invention, and all kinds of mill furnishings. He requires 25 horse- power to propel his machinery: this is obtained |
from the North Star Woolen mills which adjoin.
A. R. Guilder, manufacturer of middlings puri- fiers and mill machinery. I 1872, Mr. Guilder secured his first patent on a middlings purifier, and has been engaged in their manufacture since. Ilis place of business is on Sixth Avenue south, where he occupies a building 30x44 feet, and em- ploys six men, sales amounting annually to $10,- 000. Mr. Guikler is the inventor of several im- provements in mill machinery, which he man- factures.
Fender and Cuthbertson. 125 Fourth street south, manufacturers of Standard purifiers and dealers in mill furnishing, established their busi- ness in 1874. Mr. Fender is the inventor of the Standard middlings purifier, which was patented in 1874, since when several improvements have been made and patented. C. C. Washburn uses them exclusively, having fifty-five in the " A" mill alone. The firm are at present manufacturing aspirators. a machine called into use by the roller system of making flour. Fifty of these maehnes are now in use in this city. The business of the firm for 1879. amounted to $60,000, furnishing employment to thirty men, whose weekly wages amounts 10 $300.
The shingle. lath and saw-mill machine manu- factory of N. II. Bolton was established by him in 1872. where the express office now stands. on Hen- nepin Avenue. Ile received his power from the Nicollet House engine, and at first employed one assistant : but his business soon increased to such an extent that he was compelled to enlarge, and he leased ground upon which he erected a building, at No. 120 Main street S. E,, which he occupied until May, 1879, when he purchased his present location. at 125 Main street. S. E. This building is of stone, 293×60 feet, four stories high includ- ing basement. In connection with his mannfae- tures he deals extensively in engines and boilers. doing an annual business of $10.000.
In May. 1867. John Hinton came to Minneapo- lis and began the business of making saws with A. M. Richardson, now deceased. under the firm name of Richardson & Hinton, on First Avenue south, between First and Second streets. In 1869 Mr. Richardson retired from the firm. Mr. Hinton continued alone, and soon removed to Second street. between Fifth and Sixth streets south. where he remained until the spring of
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1878, when he removed to his present stand, 252 Second street south.
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