USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Essex county, N.J., illustrated > Part 29
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almost every individual inhabitant. In early days crude files were constructed from the dried skin of a peculiar fish ; next they were made from copper and used in working the soft metals ; iron was next substituted, and this was finally replaced by steel, which metal is unsurpassed for the purpose. At the present time, fully ninety per cent of all the files consumed are not only cut, but entirely manufactured by machinery. The file of the present day, made by machinery, surpasses in every respect those made by the old and less progressive method.
Heller & Brothers manufacture every description of files and rasps, running in size from two to thirty inches, and in grade of cut, from twelve teeth to the inch, up to the number so large that the teeth become so fine that they are undetected by the naked eye, yet will withstand the most severe test.
The birds-eye view of the works illustrating this page, was sketched by our fellow-townsman, C. Durand Chapman, the well known artist, and they speak volumes for the determina- tion, pluck and enterprise of Heller & Brothers.
191
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
ELBERGER & BARKHOR I BLINDS, DOORS, MOULDING
WORKS OF ENGELBERGER & BARKHORN, CORNER HOWARD AND MERCER SURFEIS.
ENGELBERGER & BARKHORN.
G ETTING right down to solid facts, it will be found that among those industries which tend most to the main- tenance of the high character which Newark is celebrated for, in its buildings wherein is domiciled the capitalist and work- man alike, is that of door, sash and blind, frame, bracket and that of general light wood-working as also that of the factory buildings which rear their lofty heads far above their less pre- tentious neighbors. This branch of the wood working indus- tries carried on in this city, must needs take the lead of all others, so far at least as its output is designed for home con- sumption, unless we make an exception of the saw mill and carpentery, than to the former must be rightfully awarded the first place or real initiative, unless we are permitted to follow the woodman into the depths of the forest, to see him bury the
FRED. ENGELBERGEN.
bit of glittering steel into the giant oak, cloud-sweeping pine or deep-sighing hemlock.
While there are nearly, or quite a hundred of great establish- ments where the buzz-saw and planers by the score are kept running like the flash of lightning, and where hundreds of men and boys are kept busy, yet there never seems to be an over supply. All the product from these great establishments which is not caught up and consumed by the home builders, finds a ready sale in the markets of the world. and indeed, quite a large percentage of the output goes direct from mills to shipboard for exportation.
Among the great concerns engaged in the manufacture of doors, door frames, window sash and frames, brackets, moldings, etc., is that of Engelberger & Barkhorn, who have their plant housed in the great buildings erected for the purpose on the
corner of Howard and Mercer Streets, with warerooms at 305, 307 and 309 Springfield Avenue. The beautiful illustration here seen, gives but an introduction to what the con- cern in reality is. This industrial business was begun in the early fifties by the Augster Bros., they being succeeded by Engelberger & Barkhorn, as now constituted. It was in 188t, a little more than a decade of years ago, when the young firm with a capital all told, of less than three thousand dollars, flung their business banner to the breeze, and at this writing they stand at the head of this industry. The partners are Newarkers and men of standing. Mr. Engel- berger not only handles the plank himself, but sees to it that his workmen do their share, while Mr. Barkhorn keeps his eye on the iedger and bank account.
W.M. ( BAKKHORN.
192
ESSEX COUNTY N. J., ILLUSTRATED,
THE CORY-HELLER COMPANY.
N
EWARK'S prosperity is based on the variety and extent of
her manufacturing interests, and she is always ready to welcome every new enterprise which promises to add to her in- (lustrial fame. Her latest important acquisition is the wall- paper factory of the Cory-Heller Company, the only enterprise of this character within her limits. This establishment is situated in the beautiful suburb of Forest Hill, at No. 878 Mt. Prospect Avenue, and taking into consideration the convenience of its appointments, the perfection of its machinery and the excellence of its organization, it is by no means invidious to say, that in every detail of its equipment, it is better adapted to the production of paper-hangings, at the minimum of cost, than any other existing factory in the United States.
In the first place, the factory building was erected especially for the purposes of the Cory-Heller Company, under the super- vision of its President, Mr. J. Stewart Cory, and its Superinten- dent and Colorist. Mr. Benjamin Hems, the long connection of
floors, thus saving in the item of expense for handling. Run- ning the full length of the shipping floors, along the whole building, is a side track accomodating eight cars, which, after loading, may be transferred to any railroad within the territory of the United States. Goods may also be shipped by way of the Passaic River to all points accessible by water. These transportation facilities are equally as valuable for the reception of all material to be used in the manufacture of the goods. The establishment is also in rapid communication with Newark by trolley cars, which run to its door.
Mr. J. Stewart Cory, the President and General Manager of the Company, is widely and favorably known in the wall-paper business, with every department of which he is thoroughly acquainted. Mr. E. G. Heller, the Vice President, is a successful manufacturer, a man of large means, the senior partner in the extensive business of Ileller & Brothers, of Newark, file, steel and tool makers, and has long been identified prominently with public affairs. His sons Paul E. and Arnaud G., who are
KUI
LOF
CORY'- HELLER
CO
PS
WORKS OF THE CORY-HELLER CO., ON N. Y. & G. L. R. R. AND MT. PROSPECT AVENUE.
both of whom with the industry, and their practical knowledge of its commercial and technical details, have made them acknowledge authorities on all that pertain to the business. In the construction of the building, therefore, no labor or ex- pense has been spared to perfect the arrangement of details in every branch of the establishment in order to meet the latest and most exacting requirements of the trade.
Take as an illustration the extreme length of the factory. It measures 355 feet from front to rear, with a space of fourteen feet between floor and ceiling where the printing machines are in operation. No other wall-paper factory in this country has the advantage of such magnificent distances.
Still another advantage is enjoyed by the factory, the economic value of which can scarcely be over-estimated. Its shipping facilities by rail, water or truck, to remote or near-by markets, are simply perfect. It is situated on the main line of the Greenwood Lake Division of the Erie Railroad. The goods ready for distribution are conveyed by chutes to the shipping
respectively Treasurer and Secretary of the company, have long been associated with their father in his varied undertak- ings, and their natural abilities have been supplemented by a thorough schooling in substantial and honorable business enterprises, The Superintendent and Colorist, Mr. Benjamin Hems, also a member of the company, has spent all his work- ing life in this business.
With ample money, perfect equipment and the best technial and business organization, the Cory-Heller Co, is determined to make a grade of goods well suited to the trade, and in time will no doubt prove to be a successful investment for the enter- prising men who have founded the industry here. The manu- facture of wall-paper is a business which calls for the utmost attention to details before a reputation can be achived, and is retained only by unrelaxed watchfulness.
The illustration presented on this page gives an idea of this immense plant which adds a new industry to the numerous others which have made the city of Newark so well noted.
193
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
THE E. E. HOGAN SHOE MANUFACTURING CO.
T HIS concern whose factory we illustrate, is one of the oldest members of the shoe trade in New Jersey. It was established in November, 1866, by the late Patrick Hogan, and its career has been invariably charactized by the energy and sterling integrity of its management. Begining with very limited capital, the venture was a success from its inception, and rapidly assumed a position as one of the foremost shoe manufacturing firms of the State. After successfully weather- ing the financial panic of 1873, Patrick Hogan was forced to the wall by heavy and successive losses in 1881. The creditors, realizing that the failure was due entirely to misfortune and that
expanded until new and more commodious quarters became a necessity, and accordingly the present tine building, 150 x .Jo. four stories and a basement, was erected, and the firm took possession January 2, 1896.
Mindful of his promise made to his creditors, Patrick Hogan, during all this time was accumulating a fund that was to redeem that pledge, but overwork defeated his noble ambition, and after a short but painfull illness, he died on March 3, 1889, with the dying injunction to his children to redeem his promise.
The story of that incident is still fresh in the public mind ; hardly a child in Newark but knows how Miss Hogan paid
THE F. E. HOGAN SHOE MANUFACTURING CO.'S PLANT ON CENTRAL AVENUE.
no taint of dishonesty attached to the house, very readily accepted a settlement of their claims on the basis of twenty per cent., and Patrick Hogan, with shattered health, but indomitable energy, set out to retrieve the past, and, as he had promised, to repay his creditors in full. In this effort he was most ably assisted by his daughter, Miss Elizabeth E. Hogan, and by his adopted son, George Iligginson, the former in charge of the fitting room, the latter as general superintendent.
The new firm was conducted under the name of E. E. Hogan, and continued at the old stand, 337 Plane Street. Success followed the new firm from the start; the business rapidly
forty thousand dollars to her dead father's creditors, in full settlement of all their claims, and how this act was hailed as a most extraordinary proof of the sterling integrity and rugged honesty of the Ilogan family. The desired end having been accomplished, Mr. George Iligginson, to whom in a great measure was due the success of the firm, and Mr. Matthew W. Hogan became partners in the concern, under the name of the E. E. Hogan Shoe Manufacturing Company, which began business on July 15, 1889, with a paid-up capital of $60,000. Starting under such auspicious circumstances, it is hardly necessary to say that the firm has been successful. They
194
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
make a line of women's, misses', children's, boy's and youth's shoes which have a well deserved reputation as being the best wear- ing goods made in the country, at the prices charged, and which tre fully the equal of any line of shoes for style and appearance. Active and energetic, fully alive to the requirements of the trade, the I. E. Hogan Shoe Company are always keenly alive to the possibilities, and are always abreast of the times, Their plant is fully equipped with all the latest and most improved machinery, including the Goodyear system, and their two hundred and fifty employees are kept constantly hustling to supply the ever-increasing demand for the company's product.
The spring season of 1896 was a record-breaker in the history
MAHER & FLOCKHART.
T HE lower section of the city east of the Pennsylvania Rail road is steadily advancing as a manufacturing centre. Ilere are situated many large industrial plants, located among them being the large iron foundry of Messrs. Maher & Flock- hart, corner of Polk and Clover Streets.
This firm had a very humble beginning. In May, 1882, they rented a small building on Polk Street, and with the assistance of one employee, commenced the manufacture of grey iton castings. Being practical men and thoroughly con- versant with the foundry business, they soon established a
WORKS OF MAHLER & FLOCKHART, ON POLK STREET.
of the house, as they turned out during that entire period, an average of 9,600 pairs per week, the greatest production of shoes, by far, ever credited to a shoe manufactory in New Jersey. The firm's product is sold through New England and the Middle and Southern States, and as a proof of their quality, it is only necessary to say that they find a ready sale even in Boston and Lynn, the very heart of the shoe industry of Massachusetts. The officers of the company are the same now (1897) as at the start; George Higginson. President ; Matthew W. Hogan, Secretary ; Elizabeth E. Hogan, Treasurer, ind if indications count for anything, the concern is but just entering upon a career that will surpass in activity and pros- perity anything that they have yet experienced.
The illustration presented on the preceding page, gives to the reader some idea of the capacity of this plant, which has con- tributed in no small degree to the prosperity and good name of the City of Newark.
reputation for making heavy and light machinery castings of a superior quality. The result was that their business increased to such an extent that each year saw an addition to their plant, until every available foot of ground was occupied.
In 1889 they purchased a large plot of land bounded by Polk and Clover Streets and the New Jersey Central Railroad, upon which they erected a brick building 80 x 200, with additional buildings for boiler and engine rooms and pattern shop, which forms the illustrations herewith given. In 1891 they again found it necessary to increase their capacity, and erected a building 65 x 85 for the manufacture of light castings exclusively. They employ over 100 men, the majority of whom are skilled mechanics. Being progressive business men and thorough mechanics, their foundry is equipped with the latest improved cupolas, power cranes, and every appliance to facilitate the manufacture and handling of castings. A siding connects the works with the main line of the Central Railroad.
195
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
!) VANFS FPATENT & ENAMELED LEATHER.
H.P WITZEL & CO
HP
=
PATENT
& ENAMELED ATHER
WORKS OF THE H. P. WITZEL COMPANY, WRIGHT STREET, AVENUE A, AND MILLER STREET.
H. P. WITZEL COMPANY.
T HE foundation of Newark's greatness as a manufacturing city was laid in the tanning of hides and the making of leather. From the beginning, this industry has seemed to draw the most active and business-like men, as well as the thoroughly skilled mechanics and artisans around its, in many respects, uninviting exterior. The reason for this lies in the fact that the great incentive which draw men on-the rich results-were ever present. Whether the purity of the water and high quality of the materials used has done its part, results alone can tell. The facts are before us that no set of men can make a better show- ing on the tax books of the assessor than can those engaged in the manufacture of the great staple-leather.
Among the nearly one hundred firms engaged in this branch among the thousands of Newark's teeming industries, is that of the H. P. Witzel Company, who carry it on extensively in the capacious factory buildings, photographs of which grace this page.
This factory was established in 1879. and has now been run-
H. P. WITZEL.
ning most successfully for nearly a decade and a half of years. Mr. H. P. Witzel, who honors the concern with his name, and is President of the company, is a thorough tanner, and takes pride in his art, never ceasing to labor for its exaltation by turning out the very finest leather that human ingenuity can produce. Close application to business, deep study and pains- taking care has produced such results, which, when studied with care by others, redound to his credit and make him an authority.
In 1889 Messrs. August Lochnberg and Daniel Kaufherr were admitted as partners in the concern, and thus bringing to con- «luct the industry, genius, talent and business acumen which soon confirmed the promises which Mr. Witzel saw in the pro- posed combination and enlargement. But many a brilliant promise has been nipped in the bud, and so it proved to this firm when the apparent certainty of an early future of success in business was checked by fire, when on Dec. 25, 1890. the entire plant was destroyed. Nothing daunted by this catastrophy how- ever, the go-ahead firm, which knew no such word as fail, set to work immediately to clear away the charred remains of the debris out of the energy of years of labor, and began the con- struction of larger, better and more modern and convenient buildings in which to rebuild the stricken industry, and in a marvelously short period of time the wonderfully capacious and convenient buildings now occupied by the firm, and which the photographer's artist has transferred so truthfully to these pages, were ready to receive all the very latest and best im- proved labor and time-saving furniture and machinery necessary for carrying on the manufacture of leather. The fire took place on December 25, 18go, and the new factories, to take the place of the old, were ready August 1, 1891. The present officers of the company are: H. P. Witzel, President ; Frank Schwarzmaelder, Vice-President ; Daniel Kaufherr, Treasurer. Located convenient to railroad facilities, where an easy and cheap transportation of the raw material and finished produc- tions are enjoyed, this prosperous firm carry on their growing business, making all kinds of patent and enameled leathers for domestic and export trades. The tanneries of this firm also make a fine grade of fancy morocco finish leather for uphol- sterers' use, which finds a ready sale wherever there is a demand for this line of leather productious. Into the vats of this firm. 250 hides find their way each week, which are put through and finished by the nearly fifty workmen.
196
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
FINTER & CO.
W HILE the industry of wagon making is mn the same line really with that of carriage manufacturing, there is yet a mighty difference, and the best explanation thereof which we are able to make in the short space allotted to this work, is that the wagon is made for business and the carri- age for pleasure. Now, while this statement will not bear too close a scrutiny, it is near enough to the fact for all practical, as well as our own pur- poses, since in this article we have to do with the industry as applied to the making of both heavy and light farm and brewery wagons, light and heavy drays, carts and business vehicles generally, which is conducted extensively in Newark, not alone in a production for home sale, service and consumption, but for outside markets as well.
Mr. Frederick Finter, one of the oldest and most respected German citizens, was born in Germany, June 8, 1814. He arrived in Newark, N. J., in 1834, and devoted himself to the business of wagon making. When he came here there were only tive German families in this city. He climbed up the ladder with a sturdy determination which brooked no failure, and as a result of his industry and per- severance he was able, along with six other wagon-makers, to begin business in 1848, at the corner of llamilton and Bruen Streets. Step by step he went on increasing his knowledge and extending his efforts until finally he became sole proprietor of the large business which has since been carried on under his personal supervision up to a few months before he died, which was May 1, 1885. He employed very few helpers when he commenced business for himself, and depended largely on his own educated arms and hands to push his steadily growing industry.
The successful results which followed his efforts show how faithfully he worked and what an indomitable spirit of deter- mination he brought to bear in the consummation of his ideal project, of building up a great business upon such solid and en- during foundations as would be as lasting as the wagons he was engaged in building. The founder of this now enormous wagon manufacturing industry was one of those sturdy characters who was not content to scan the present with his clear eye, but
WILLIAM F FINTER.
FINTER &CO.WAGON M'FRS
FINTER &CO.WAGON YERS
WORKS OF FINTER & CO., MARKET AND CONGRESS STREETS.
was ever peering away into the future and endeavoring so far as possible to reach out for new ideas to build the very best he knew, and with this end in view he made wagons better and better as the years went on, but never, so far he could divine, did he build " better than he knew." When the time came that this father of one of Newark's important industries, and one who had laid the foundations in such, of the virtues that should make them enduring as time itself and had cemented it with his own good name, should lay aside his apron and tools for the last time, he could turn the institution over to his son. that he might continue its conduct under the name of its founder.
After the death of Mr. Finter, his son, William F. Finter, took full control of the business and, as it increased year by year, and the factory became too small to meet the require- ments of the trade, he purchased the ground, in 1891, at the corner of Market and Congress Streets, and erected one of the finest and most complete wagon factories in the State. Ile is a thorough mechanic, having learned the trade with his father before he took charge of the business.
As the reader turns the pages of this ESSEx COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED, and art treasure. and reads the short and succinct histories of the several industries, there are few who will find that the illustration speaks a better language than that representing the great establishment of Finter & Co .. on this page, one of the oldest in its line in Newark, and conducted by his son. Thousands of business houses all over Essex County and the State of New Jersey have abundant reason for appreciation of the good work done by this com- pany of wagon builders. For nearly a half a century the name of Finter branded on a wagon has been accepted as the sign of its high quality in the State of New Jersey.
The life-like photos of the founder and his son, who at present so ably conducts the business, are speaking likenesses of the men who have been fac- tors in promoting the carriage and wagon industry for which Newark has become so justly noted.
FREDERICK FINTER, FOUNDER.
197
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
JOHN REILLY.
T HE future of Newark as a manufacturing point is not a matter of guess-work. It would have been made a certainty by its leather interests alone. The magni- tude of this industry can scarcely be related without ex- citing a doubt as to the credibility of the narrator and the credulity of the reader, but in commercial circles the immensity of the business is well known.
In the front rank of the patent and enameled leather manufacturers, stands Mr. Reilly, who, in 1871, established the factory on Avenue C, Murray and Astor Streets, near Emmet Street Station, of the Pennsylvania Railroad, now one of the most prominent plants of its kind in the country. Every process through which the leather passes from its crude state to its finished state is under his personal supervision, and its market is the world. A thoroughness of manufacture and an enterprising policy of doing business, coupled with the known integ- rity of the man in commercial circles, compass the reasons of his exceptional success. Time was when Newark's leather industry was confined to a few tanners of hides, and those who put them in shape for carriage use - or for that matter any use to which enameled leather may be put- were few and far between.
Their product was the poorest, and would have driven the trade away from Newark but for the work of such men as Mr. John Reilly. Ile is one of those who brought to bear upon the industry a wealth of energy and brain which would have ensured success to any enterprise. It was attention to detail, a keen knowledge of the requirements of business, and a determination to win. characteristic of the man, which won the way. The half tone engravings, from photographs, represented on this page, convey to the reader an idea of the works which Mr. John Reilly founded, and has presided over for nearly a quarter of a century.
The golden value of a practical and thorough business
JOHN REILLY.
J.REILLY
LALM
T
JOHN REILLY
PATENT & ENAMELED LEATHER O! ON D:D:
PATENT AND ENAMELED LEATHER WORKS OF JOHN REILLY, AVENUE C, MURRAY AND ASTOR STREETS.
education for men who embark in the manufacturing pursuits. has seldom found a more forcible illustration than in the case of Mr. John Reilly. Here is a man whose steady success has frequently led citizens to inquire the cause, which was princi- pally his entering the patent and enameled leather industry with a keen understanding of its many intricate demands. He has labored strenuously to produce the very best of leather.
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