History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 83

Author: Warner, George E; Foote, Charles M., joint author; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1n; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 83

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St. Paul Roller Mills. This thriving establish ment dates from 1878, when Schurmeier and Co. began business under the name of Capital Mills. . This mill was 50x100 feet and nine stories high, contained five run of stone, and was capable of producing one hundred barrels of flour per day. The motive power for driving the machinery was furnished by an engine of 125 horse-power. The individual members of the firm were John M. Archibald and Henry Schurmeier. In 1879 the capacity of the mill was increased to 200 barrels per day. In June, 1880, the firm became Archi- bald, Schurmeier and Smith, and the mill was at once remodeled, the stones being replaced by

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thirty-four set of rollers of the latest improved patterns, and the Hungarian system of manufac- turing adopted. To make room for these im- provements an addition forty feet in depth and extending the entire height of the building was erected in the rear, and one story was added to the height of the mill. The engine was in- creased to 300 horse-power, and thus enlarged. the mill turns out five hundred barrels of flour per day ; the principal brands being "Orange Blos- som," " Red Cross," " Capital," and " Acme." The product of this mill is shipped to all parts of the United States and Europe, the major part go- ing to the Middle States, England and Scotland, on direct orders from those points. The mill is located at number 24 West Third street, and is 40x90 feet and ten stories ligh. Side tracks from the railroads run in the rear of the mill, and af- ford unusual facilities for shipping. Fifty men are constantly employed in the mill. May 16, 1881, Mr. Archibald withdrew and Mr. B. F. Schurmeier became a member, and adopted the firm name of Schurmeier and Smith.

St. Paul Saw Mills, located on Fifth street, near Short's, in Dawson's addition, Sixth ward, was erected in the winter of 1869 by Ammi Cutler, of wood, 36x125 feet, with one circular and one gang edger, and a 100 horse-power engine. Mr. Cutler operated the mill until February, 1881, when the firm of H. Houlton and Co., which con- sisted of HI. Houlton and J. W. Doran, purchased the entire interest at a cost of $20,000. They added a new shingle machine with addition 14x25, and a boarding-house near the mill 24x40, which is conducted by the company for the accommoda- tion of thirty boarders. Capacity of the mill, 35,000 feet of dimension and boards and 45,000 shingles in ten hours, giving employment to about thirty men. In connection with the mill they run a lumber-yard in the Sixth ward ; also filling orders by rail to all parts of the country. Mr. Houlton has the general supervision of the mills, and being a Maineite, knows how a mill ought to be run. Everything is kept in first-class order.

Brandhorst, Moeller and Company, manufactur- ers and dealers in doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, planing, scroll and turning, in the shops of the St. Paul Manufacturing Company, corner of Sixth and Cedar streets. This company, consisting of J. H. Brandhorst, J. H. Moeller, P. H. Moeller,

and G. H. Soensing, commenced business in 1870, under the title of Brandhorst, Moeller and Com- pany. The company occupy the central portion of the long, two-story, stone building, and use the steam power of the said company, and 30x60 feet in the upper and lower floors of the building, for which they pay $175 per month. The com- pany use about $6,000 in stock and machinery, giving employment to several workmen, turning out about $30,000 worth of work each year.

Bohn and Company, manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds and lumber. This is a branch of the same business which was started in Winona, . twenty-seven years ago. This branch was started in 1879, on the corner of Sixth and Wacouta streets. The building is 50x125 feet, two-story. They employ about 130 men. Their engine is 100 horse-power. They have the best and most im- proved machinery. They consume about 15,000,- 000 feet of lumber a year. Their goods are shipped all through the North-west, also east, to Chicago. Sales about $500,000 per annum.

Corlies and Chapman Company. Incorporated January 1st, 1881, with the following officers: William Corlies, president; J. B. Chapman, treas- urer; and Jas. H. Drake, Sec., with office and store- room located at the corner of Jackson and Eighth street. Factory, corner of Sixth and Cedar streets, in the front shops of the St. Paul Manufacturing Company's works, with power furnished by said company. This company are the manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds and mouldings, and dealers in hard woods. The company have issued stock in shares, to the amount of $25,000, and will in- crease to $50,000. The annual sales amount to about $50,000. The intention of the company is to erect, the coming season, at some point not yet fully decided upon, a factory, with dimensions of about 75x100 feet, three stories, with engine room and patent dryers, outside, with 100 horse-power engine for motive power to factory.

Julius Bjarnstad, practical stairbuilder, com- menced business as a stairbuilder in 1870, on the corner of Broadway and Eleventh street, began in a small way, in partnership with Peter Eler- son. They employed no workmen on the start, but did all the work themselves, both being prac- tical men. Mr. Elerson remained in the firm until 1876, when he sold his interest to Mr. Bjarn- stad, the present proprietor, who has continued the

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business ever since. Ile moved from Broadway and Eleventh street in 1878, to the corner of Jackson and Thirteenth street, his present loca- tion. The building he occupies is 20x40 feet, with an L 18x20 feet, two stories. He employs from four to six men in his business. Stair build- ing is very particular business, hence it requires skilled mechanics for this work, who are very scarce; the work is all done by hand; such work goes mostly into our fine dwelling houses, or modern business blocks This is work very few carpenters will or can undertake to do. They have all the orders they can possibly fill, and their business is daily increasing. Lumber used for this work is clear pine, butternut, black walnut and oak.

Smith Brothers, stairbuilders, Seventh street, near Exchange street. This business was started by Clark and Smith, in the spring of 1880, con- tinued under that name about one year, when Mr. Clark sold his interest and the firm changed to Smith Brothers. Their work is exclusively stair building. Their shop is 30x50 feet, and they employ four men, and are doing a good business. Their business has increased fifty per cent. in the last year.

Nicholas Gruber, commenced the manufacture of cooperage about 1870, at 109 Eagle street. In connection with this shop he has another?shop at No. 20 Carroll street. He gives employment to four or five men. He uses about $3,000 in stock and machinery. He manufactures only tight work, as beer kegs and casks, pork barrels.

H. C. Young commenced the work of cooper- ing at the corner of Fourth and Minnesota streets, in 1870, where he continued until the spring of 1880, when his shop was destroyed by fire. The same spring he erected his present shop at 350 Farquier street. His shop is of wood, 20x30 feet, two stories, with a brick arch for steaming his work. Mr. Young manufactures only tight work, such as beer kegs and casks, and pork barrels. He gives employment to three or four men, turn- ing off about 1,000 pork barrels and 300 beer kegs each year.

Cooper shop. Mr. Frank Poppler first estab- lished in trade in 1873, in a small shop, 12x12, located on the site of his present shop. He con- tinued his trade until 1880, when he erected his present shop of wood 20x50, one story with brick

arch, giving employment to three or four men. He employs in stock and machinery about $800, manufacturing only tight work, such as pork barrels, liquor casks, beer casks, and tubs, turning out each year about $5,000 worth of cooperage.

St. Paul Box Manufactory and Planing mill, was first established by Joseph F. Blodgett, in the fall of 1868. The building is the property of the St. Paul Manufacturing company, located on Cedar, between Sixth and Seventh streets. In March, 1873, Mr. Blodgett died, and the estab- lishment passed into the hands of his brother, H. F. Blodgett, who operated it for one year, when he took for partner, B. S. Osgood; title of firm, Blodgett and Osgood, who manufacture mouldings, packing boxes, refrigerator and ice boxes, together with planing and re-sawing, and a large amount of office furniture, etc., giving employment to some twenty-eight men, turning off from $50,000 to $60,000 worth of work, employ- ing a capital of about $20,000.

Cigar Box Factory, located at 242, Thirteenth street, was established by George Shera, in 1873. His full capacity is about seven hundred and fifty boxes per day, giving employment to eight persons, employing a capital of $2,000.

Jacob Pontius paper box factory, located at No. 19, Fort street, was first established by Mr. Pontius, on Robert street, in 1871. He removed to Third street in 1873, and to his present loca- tion in 1876. IIe gives employment, to several boys and girls in the manufacture of the different grades of boxes. The products of his factory amount to about $50 per week, for which he finds ready sale.

Box Factory and Book Bindery, Messrs. Giesen and Dreis proprietors, was first established on Third street, by Peter J. Giesen, where he con- tinued until 1868, when he removed to the corner of Third and Minnesota streets. In 1870, lie opened a book store at No. 10, West Third street, at which he continued until 1874, when he closed out, and opened up his old trade at box manufac- turing in rooms over 10 and 12 West Third street. In July, 1881, Mr. Dries joined him in business under the title of Giesen and Dries, for the manufacturing of paper boxes and book binding. They give employment to five men and fourteen

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girls in the prosecution of their business, using a capital of about $10,000.

The Judd cigar box factory was established in January, 1880, in connection with the general job printing business, which was first established 'on Robert street in 1868, by C. E. Judd, now C. E. Judd and Company. They give employment to about fifteen hands, manufacturing about $8,000 in boxes and about $9,000 in printing matter, using about $6,000 capital in business.

Albert Hanft, proprietor of cigar box manu- factory is located at number 67 East Ninth street, he began in company with Chris. Effertz in 1878, on Market street, number 24, continued in partnership but a short time, when he purchased his partner's interest in the business, and has since run the factory on his own account. Removed to his present location in April, 1881; he manu- factures cigar boxes exclusively, in which he em- ploys four hands. His business extends over Minnesota and Dakota. The product amounts to about 5,000 boxes per month.

Brush mannfactory, Jarshishek and Ander- sen, proprietors. This enterprise was started by Mr. Jarshishek on Robert street in 1873, where he commenced in a small way, selling mostly at retail, and where he continued until 1875. At that time the firm changed to F. W. Van Deyn and Company, and subsequently to Leslie, Wann and Van Deyn. The new firm had a large capi- tal and opened a large factory at once in John Wann's block on Sibley street, occupying the whole building, four floors. Mr. Jarshishek being the business manager. They did a large business in their line, their goods found their way through the North-west, they employed three traveling sales- men who sold goods through Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois and Dakota. Their sales averaged from 60,000 to 80,000 per annum. But owing to hard times coming on and heavy eastern competition and other circumstances over which they had no control, they in 1878, con- cluded to work up the raw material on hand and close out the stock as best they could and wind up the concern. On January 1st, 1879, the pres- ent proprietors reorganized a brush factory at number 19 Wabasha street, their present location. and where they have done a successful business. They are both practical workmen, having learned the business in all its branches, and both hard-

working, industrious and economical, they have no trouble to get along and build up a good busi- ness. Their business has nearly doubled in the last year. They employ from ten to twelve men, making on an average between 500 and 600 dozen brushes per week. Their goods are sold mostly in Minnesota, Iowa. Wisconsin and Dakota. They find ready sale for all the goods they can make. They are able to compete with eastern manufac- turers as well in prices as in quality; they make all the different kinds of brushes in use; leather and wood-back horse brushes, shoe and scrubbing brushes, paint and whitewash brushes, machine, counter and hair brushes, also tanner's scouring brushes and paste brushes. This is the only brush factory in the state of Minnesota.

A Poirier, manufacturer of brooms, commenced in 1869 on Fort street, near seven corners. He operated that shop for two years when he sold his entire interest in the business. In 1873 he again opened his business at his present location when he erected a shop, his present site, of wood, 20x26. In 1877 his shop was destroyed by fire, and he at once erected his present building. Mr. Poirier employs a force of eight workmen, using about $2,000 in stock and machinery, turning off twenty-five dozen brooms each day. He manu- factures five different grades of brooms to- gether with wisps. His annual sales amount to about $17,000.

A. F. Stewart, proprietor of the broom factory on Jessamine street, in Evans' addition. Com- menced business in 1880. His shop, which is of wood, 30x40, two stories, was erected that year. IIe gives employment to five or six men, who turn off 15 dozen brooms per day. Sales average about $10,000 per year.

Vaughn and Company, Boston branch show case manufactory. This establishment began in 1879, in July, on Jackson street, where they remained until April, 1880, when they removed to their present location. They employ six men in their factory. The enterprise is a branch of F. Vaughn, of Boston. Manufacturers of all kinds of show cases. Their trade extends through Minnesota, Dakota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, Manitoba. Location.118 East Fifth street.

Crippen and Upson, manufacturers and whole- sale dealers in trunks, valises, and traveling bags. They commenced in 1870, at No. 185 Third

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street, started with a working force of nine hands, which they have increased with their growing business to twenty-seven, and the busi- ness is rapidly increasing, They manufacture all kinds of trunks from a first-class sole leather traveling trunk to a common packing trunk. They manufacture their own trunk boxes, for which purpose they consume a car load of lumber per week, which would make between six and eight hundred thousand feet of lumber per year, at a cost of about $10 per thousand feet. They turn out about two dozen trunks per day. They employ four traveling salesmen, who are selling their goods throughout Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, Iowa, Dakota, and Montana; they also handle traveling baskets, lunch baskets, shawl straps, pocket books, gloves, mittens, &c.

J. A. Laab, upholsterer, and manufacturer of mattresses and lounges, at 125 East Seventh street, commenced business in 1879, at his pres- ent location. He also has a shop at 67 Colborns street. In connection with his other business he operates a steam renovator for cleaning feathers, beds, and mattresses. Mr. Laab began business with the small sum of $45.00, but with persever- ance has worked up quite an extensive trade. Employs a capital of about $2,500, with four workmen, turning out. manufacturing and repair- ing to the amount of about $8,000 yearly.

Hanggi, Cady and Medicke, manufacturers of office, church and house furniture, counters, desks, side-boards and wood mantels. Fine ordered work a specialty. Factory at 69 and 71 East Eighth Street, St. Paul. This enterprise was started in February, 1880, at 61 West Ninth street, in a small way. Moved from there April 1st, same year, to their present location. The size of the factory is 45x60 feet, two stories and a basement, and a large shed for storing seasoned lumber. They use the basement for machinery. doing their planing re-sawing, scroll sawing, turning, carving, etc. The first floor is used for office, drafting room and cabinet shop. Second story is used for cabinet makers and, finishers. They employ fifteen hands. The proprietors are also practical mechanics. They are doing a very prosperous business, having more orders than they can fill, with their present force of workmen, and their trade is rapidly increasing. Their factory is supplied with the best and most improved ma-

chinery, and their reputation for fine work is not surpassed in the North-west. They get orders from different parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Dakota, Montana and Manitoba. In their work they use the finest quality of mahogony, black walnut, cherry, oak and butternut lumber.

Cooper and Kessler, manufacturers and dealers in parlor furniture and mattresses, on Dakota Av- enue, Sixth ward. This enterprise was first estab- lished by James Cooper, in the spring of 1879, at 93 Jackson street. In March, 1881, he formed a partnership with Mr. Kessler, and under the firm name of Cooper and Kessler, they purchased the building which they now occupy, which is of wood, 20x60, and still carry on the same branch of trade and manufacturing as before.

J. F. Tostevin, Minnesota steam marble works, 452 Robert street, St. Paul. Mr. Tostevin com- menced this business on the 1st day of August, 1855, on the corner of Jackson and Seventh streets, under very discouraging circumstances. The people of St. Panl were too poor to buy gravestones, in fact, they were almost too poor to die. For about a year he had to live on his for- mer savings. He continued at the above men- tioned location until the fall of 1856, when he moved to the corner of Robert and Seventh streets, where he remained until the spring of 1860 ; he then moved to his present location on the corner of Robert and Eighth streets. In 1866 he built his steam factory on the corner of Eighth and Minnesota streets, and the name was changed from Minnesota Marble works to Minnesota Steam Marble works. Mr. Tostevin is the pioneer mar- ble worker of St. Paul, and of the State of Min- nesota. In 1873 he established the first steam saw-mill, for sawing and dressing building stone, at Frontenac, Minnesota. He has just purchased a stone quarry of the Potsdam sandstone, at Dres- bach, in this state, his two sons being engaged with him in this enterprise, under the name and style of The Dresbach Sandstone company, head- quarters in St. Paul and Minneapolis, J. F. Tos- tevin and Sons. proprietors. Mr. T. occupies three separate buildings for his works in the city, one on the corner of Robert and Eighth street, used for office and salesroom and storing of finished work, size 20x80 feet, two stories ; the upper floor is used for storing mantels and grates. The building adjoining used for a work-room, is

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18x40 feet, two stories and basement. The third building is located on Eighth near Minnesota street, 22x60 feet, which is occupied by machinery ery for sawing, polishing and finishing their work. The motive power used for that purpose is a six- horse power engine. Mr. Tostevin manufactures the following : monuments, gravestones, out of marble, Scotch and Minnesota granite, also mar- ble mantels, slate mantels, iron mantels, low- down grates, half low down grates, elevated grates, and wire screens. Mr. T. commenced alone single-handed, with limited means, and with the aid of his son he did all the work for a long time. Sales the first year did not amount to $500, but he is now doing a very extensive busi- ness. Mr. T. keeps no traveling men on the road to sell his goods ; he has an excellent reputation for making good work, and he finds a ready sale for .all the goods he can make direct from his warehouse. He employs twelve men about his works in the city.

St. Paul Marble Works, No. 519 St. Peter street, Frank Erren, proprietor. These works were started in 1872, under the name of Frank Erren and Company; continued under that head until 1877, when the firm changed to Erren and Fletch- er. This firm was in existence until 1879. Mr. Fletcher going out, Mr. Erren ran the business alone until March, 1880, when he sold out and moved away from the city a short time. Re- turned in July, 1880, and recommenced business in company with Mr. Malloy. On the 16th day of July, 1881, Mr. Erren bought his partner out, and has continued the business on his own ac- count. His shop is 1Sx50 feet, one story, and he employs five men. He manufactures monuments, tombstones, marble mantles and other ornaments in that line. His work is sold mostly in the state of Minnesota. Sales about { 3,000 per annum.

L. C. Cummins, Marble Works, . manufacturer of monuments and gravestones, corner of Robert and Seventh streets. Mr. Cummins commenced the business in this city in 1877, on the corner of Cedar and Seventh streets, where he remained until May, 1881, when he was crowed out and moved to his present location, where he is doing very successful business. He manufactures all kinds of monuments and gravestones of marble, Scotch granite and Minnesota granite. His work is sold all through the north-west, in Minnesota,

Iowa, Wisconsin and Dakota. Has sent several expensive monuments to Maine and Kentucky, also to Montana. He employs six men, who are constantly at work. Mr. C. has all the orders he possibly can fill. He imports most of his Scotch granite and Quincy stone already finished as they have no facilities for cutting and finishing such stones. Mr. Cummins feels very much encouraged as he is now doing a business of about $16,000 per annum.

Moritz Vollner, manufacturer of marble monu- ments and tombstones. Mr. Vollner came to St. l'aul in December, 1878, and started his marble works at first at No. 66 East Seventh street, where he remained only nine months, when he moved to his present location, 213 East Seventh street, where he has been since. He manufactures all kinds of monuments, some very fine ones. He is also a sculptor, his specalty is cutting figures and busts in stone or marble, in which branch he ex- cells. Mr. Vollner had a larger stock and better business at the beginning than he has now, for the reason that his health failed, and he is obliged to reduce his stock, and trying to close out his business and return to the east, in order to be re- stored to health. His stock at present is valued at from $1,200 to $1,500.

John Fandel, marble worker, commenced busi- ness with a brother at the corner of Seventh and Market streets, in 1878. In 1879 John Fandel purchased his brother's interest, and has carried on the business of marble cutting since, using about $500 in stock and tools, and turning of ·$800 to $1,000 worth of work each year.

Mellgren and Cowhain, plate printers and gen- eral engravers, located at No. 19 East Third street. First established in 1870, at the No. 248 Third street. In their present location, No. 19 East Third, they occupy a portion of the room for an office with a work shop over No. 15. They keep on sale amateur printing presses, type, sten- cil stock, and medals. They manufacture sten- cil plates, rubber stamps, steel stamps, baggage checks. . They also engrave on wood. Pro- grammes, invitations, wedding and visiting cards are their specialty. They employ four persons. Capital employed, $5,000 to $6,000.

Martin Bruggemann, proprieter of the Brug- gemann brewery. First established in the brewing business on Oak street in 1853, erecting

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a building of wood 22x56 feet, which he used as a hand brewery for two years, when he was burned out. He soon had another building in which he continued until 1873, when he erected his pres- ent building of stone, 40x120 feet. two and one- half-stories. The full capacity of his present brewery is about 2,000 barrels. He has fine, large cellars excavated in the bluffs back of his building. He gives employment to five men.

The Cave brewery, located on the corner of Fort and Oneida streets, was erected by C. Stahl- man, in 1855, of stone, 40x110 feet, two stories. With the increase of business, he erected addi- tional buildings: a malt house, 40x80, next a bot- tling house, 20x50, all of stone. The full capac- ity of his works, already completed, is 20,000 bar- rels per year, which he furnishes to his customers in kegs and bottles. In addition to the present works he is building a new brewery, of brick, 140x250 feet. In connection with his present brewery, he has fine cellars for the storage of his beer.

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