USA > Ohio > Allen County > History of Allen County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part One > Part 27
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By 1900 the company was employing more than 400 workmen and still could not keep up with the popular demand and it was recog- nized that a suitable building would have to be secured or they could expand no farther. The members of the firm were excellent business men and could not consider any such re- straint as this and by the spring of 1901 they had not only secured the plat at the north- west corner of Main street and the Pennsyl- vania Railroad, but work was started on the foundation for the present immense factory, and in the following June the company was
able to take possession, having at command 30,000 feet of floor space. The main factory with its four stories and basement was con- sidered adequate until 1905 when an addition was erected which doubled the space and the consequent capacity of the plant. The new addition, with four floors and basement, ad- joins the former building on the rear and has a frontage of 65 feet, with a depth of 200 feet. In every modern equipment, both for business purposes and as the temporary home of an army of officials and workmen, this fac- tory excels any other of any kind in the United States. There are no dark, unventi- lated apartments where dust can gather on the material used for the manufacture of the cigars, nor un-hygienic housing of ill-paid workmen. On the other hand the factory stands in the midst of its own grounds with light and air on all sides. Its interior fittings are those of a modern home, each floor having cloak rooms, lavatories and toilet rooms, and in the new building a commodious dining room has been constructed. This innovation is the result of the humanitarian ideas of the members of the company who have, from the very beginning, given the greatest considera- tion to the comfort and well-being of their employees. High wages, commensurate with good work, have always been the rule with the company and it is a matter of note that the employees are among the most prosperous. people of the city, many owning property.
In describing this great factory, mention should be made of the new spiral fire escape. which has made danger from conflagations a matter of little or no moment. It is perfect in construction and so erected that it is as- cessible to every employee. In addition to. this provision for safety, the company has in- stalled automatic fire extinguishers, fire hose and hand grenades. An immense fire and water-proof stock room is a feature of the new factory building, with a capacity for the stor- ing of 8,000,000 cigars.
The products of this great concern are,. as stated, two brands of cigars, which have won on their own merits until there is prob- ably no section of the United States where.
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the smoker cannot find, on demand, a "San Felice" or "General Stark." While the price is an object, a smoker demands quality also and it is the quality which has caused the sale to run up within 14 years to the almost unpre- cedented number of 200,000,000 per annum. The "San Felice," the five-cent cigar, was brought out about 1895 and two years later the firm brought out the "General Stark," which retails for 10 cents. The trade terri- tory at first was confined to the State of Ohio, but it now covers a large part of the United States. No cheap material is used in the man- ufacture of the goods turned out by this com- pany. Much of the raw material is bought, through fortunate trade connections at Amster- dam, Holland, some from New York and other large tobacco centers of the world, while a very large proportion is procured direct from Ha- vana. Sumatra and Havana wrapping leaf is bought in bond and the company keeps con- stantly on hand great quantities of this material, its curing and handling being an important part of their business.
The Deisel-Wemmer Company is the second largest house in the world engaged in manufacturing and selling direct to the retail trade. Their jobbing trade is carried on with other brands of cigars than the "San Felice" and "General Stark," all their product being of such uniform excellence that the demand continues wherever they are introduced.
In 1902 the business was incorporated and the officers now are: Henry Deisel, presi- dent; William J. Wemmer, vice-president ; Henry G. Wemmer, general manager; and Robert J. Plate, secretary and treasurer. It has been the policy of the company to sell stock to some of its oldest and most reliable employees, but it does not figure in the market.
Although this business is not hoary with age, its beginning being easily within the mem- ory of the majority of Lima's business citi- zens, its importance is not to be considered by years. Like many of the other great enter- prises which have reached success, its origin was humble in comparison with its present prominence, and all who view the mammoth piles of brick and mortar which represent
comfortable living and possible independence to the 1500 employees and those dependent up- on them, numbering in all some 3,000 or 4,000 residents of Lima, must acknowledge the en- terprise, the business ability and executive: force of those who have changed conditions to such an extent. As a growth particularly belonging to Lima, it commands great, civic pride. Its management is an exemplar of per- fected mechanical ideas, modern industrial methods and of the success of broad-minded, liberal and humanitarian policies.
THE AMERICAN CIGAR COMPANY'S fac- tory, four stories in height with a basement, is located at the northwest corner of Main and Elm streets. The basement is devoted to the storage and handling of the raw mater- ial-the leaf tobacco-and here is stored, ready for use, filler and wrapper stock.
This factory is supplied with excellent light and ventilation, while the effect of the action of the air-suction machine is to take up and carry off all the dust and impure air of the work room, thus clearing and purify- ing the atmosphere.
This plant was opened for work on the morning of April 17, 1903, with S. Klein- berger as the local manager. In the beginning only the famous "Cremo" brand was made but the plant soon added to its line and before long a number of brands were being made, among which are the "Benefactor," and the "General Braddock."
THE EAGLE STAVE COMPANY is one of the city's representative and growing indus- tries. The concern came to Lima from Criders- ville and Minster in the early part of 1903 and took up its quarters in the old Monroe factory on the corner of Central avenue and the C. & E. Railroad. There are also large branch factories at Gilberts, Ohio; Lindsay, Ohio, and Livermore, Kentucky. This com- pany has a very extensive lumber-yard and makes a specialty of supplying contractors and builders with lumber, lath, shingles or what- ever is needed in the building trades. Coop- erage material of every class is manufactured and the firm exports much of its product, ship- ping mainly to Liverpool, England, as well as
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to many points in the United States. The company has its plant equipped with high- grade machinery and the manufacturing por- tion of its business is very large. Lima was exceedingly fortunate in being able to secure this establishment as it promises to prove of lasting benefit to the community, giving as it does employment to many men with a liberal pay-roll, the money finding its way next into the coffers of the business men of the city. At the same time the general volume of business receives quite an addition, the transportation companies being especially benefited by the large amount of material that is shipped, both in and out. The rapid growth of the com- pany is largely due to the capable executive management of D. C. Dunn.
LIMA PORK PACKING COMPANY. This «company was incorporated on October 1, 1901, with a capital stock of $60,000. The first year 'the firm was located in a small building, which stood where the electric light plant now stands. There the firm occupied but one room 'and employed only eight men. At present it 'is located on South Central avenue just south .of the Model Mills. In contrast with the one room, it has now two buildings, each two stories high. The pay-roll now shows 35 men employed, including three traveling sales- men. The annual volume of business aggre- gates $300,000. The company buys and slaughters all of its own live stock, practically all of which comes from the surrounding country, and manufactures all kinds of pack- ing house products. Its equipment includes unsurpassed cold storage facilities. The officers are: B. F. Thomas, president; Ira P. Carnes, vice-president ; W. C. Bradley, treas- urer ; O. W. Leichty, secretary.
THE LIMA CREAMERY & COLD STORAGE COMPANY's plant is located at 223-235 South Central avenue and is equipped throughout with the most modern machinery and appli- ances. This company is a wholesale as well as a retail concern, having a heavy traffic which daily arrives and departs from the fac- tory. The firm is now placing a hand sepa- rator with all farmers within a radius of 40 viiles, enabling them to ship pure cream direct
to the factory. Pure creamery butter is now manufactured in enormous quantities and the product of this great plant may be found in the markets of every town for miles around. The pasteurized milk and cream of this com- pany is the finest of dairy productions. The officers are: M. Thomas, president; C. E. Thomas, general manager and treasurer; S. Miller, vice-president and secretary; and R. L. Graham, superintendent.
THE DAIRY IMPLEMENT COMPANY is located at No. 220 East Pearl street and manufactures dairy implements and dumb- waiters. The business was established in 1897 and was incorporated in 1901. W. T. Agerter is president; R. C. Eastman, vice- president and J. D. Agerter, secretary and manager.
THE KNISELY SHIRT COMPANY, at Nos. 15, 16, 17, and 18 Holmes Block, is one of the oldest firms in Lima. Since 1872 the firm has been doing business in the city mak- ing shirts and underwear. In January, 1893, Hensler & Schlupp bought out J. H. Knisely, Jr., but the old firm name is retained.
THE JOHN CRAMER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, located at East Market street and the C., H. & D. Railway, is Lima's latest in- dustry, and one which promises to become one of the leading manufacturing establishments of the city. The company is composed of John Cramer, the patentee, and Theodore Feist. Finding their original quarters in the Stamets Block on North Union street too small for the growing business, the promoters erected the substantial frame building which they now oc- cupy. The company manufactures a combi- nation adjustable window shade and curtain pole hanger. This article, which is the prod- uct of the inventive genius of Mr. Cramer, possesses unquestioned merit, and already it is in great demand. Mr. Cramer, af- ter securing letters patent upon his invention, secured the financial support of Mr. Feist. In connection with the factory is a modern and thoroughly equipped electro-plating plant. Electro-plating of gold, silver, brass, copper and nickel is done in accordance with the most approved methods. This plant is up-to-date
PLANT OF THE LIMA LOCOMOTIVE & MACHINE COMPANY
2
MAIN STREET
FIRST ELECTRIC CAR IN LIMA (Lima had the second electric street railway line in the United States)
GRAND STAND, LIMA DRIVING PARK
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in every respect, and is the first of the kind to be established in the city, all work of this char- acter having formerly been sent elsewhere.
The building interests and the allied trades connected with the production and handling of lumber, brick, stone, cement and other building material constitute a group of indus- tries representing a large aggregate invest- ment, and giving employment to the efforts of some of the foremost business firms of Lima. First in order, mention will be made of the architects of the city.
J. A. CHAPIN has contributed in a large measure to the architecture of the city. Among the buildings that Mr. Chapin has designed in Lima and the surrounding towns during the last 25 years are the Lima House, Holland Block, Black Building, Lima Straw-Board Company's plant and Children's Home. As associate architect with Mr. Packard, of Co- lumbus, Ohio, he aided in designing the new High School Building. Mr. Chapin occupies a handsome suite of offices in the Holland Block.
DAWSON & MCLAUGHLIN is a new firm among the architects of Lima. On January I, 1905, Mr. Dawson took as a partner Thomas D. Mclaughlin, of this city.
Charles Wilmot Dawson is an architect who has received a thorough professional edu- cation at Haverford College and the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology. After fin- ishing his course at the latter institution he spent a year as a student under the late Henry Van Brunt, ex-president of the American In- stitute of Architects. Since then he has spent 17 years in the practice of his profession in various parts of the country. Mr. Dawson has been in Lima about five years and has a large number of prominent commercial buildings and residences to his credit. Prominent among these are the Deisel-Wemmer factory, The Moore Brothers Company's warehouse, the Central Building, Renz Block and the res- idences of J. D. S. Neely, G. E. Bluem, W. K. Boone, F. T. Cuthbert, W. J. Wemmer and Henry G. Wemmer. Mr. Dawson has built up an enviable reputation for intelligent design, thoroughness and honesty, besides
showing a keen interest in the progress of the city at large and a willingness to do his share of any work for its betterment.
Thomas D. McLaughlin came to Lima when a child, and has grown up with the city. He studied three years at Lima College, and three at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, preparing for a technical course in architecture. On finishing at Hamilton he en- tered the architectural department of Colum- bia University, New York City, and took a three-years' course in architecture. For the past six months Mr. McLaughlin has been superintendent of construction for the Buck- eye Pipe Line Company at the Cygnet pump station.
LEECH & LEECH. This firm of architects is composed of Charles M. and Frank Leech with offices on the third floor of the Badeau Block. Their success has been phenomenal, their business increasing daily until they at present are compelled to employ a large num- ber of assistants to keep pace with their orders. Their business is not confined to Lima, but ex- tends throughout the State and into adjoining States. Leech & Leech rank with the best in the State in their profession and this proud position has been won by hard work and close application to business. They are prepared to execute plans, furnish estimates and supervise structural work of all kinds anywhere. In their home city they rank high in their profes- sion and many buildings in Lima stand as monuments to their architectural skill.
B. F. MATTHEWS, the well-known archi- tect of Lima, ranks with the leading exponents of his profession in the State. Mr. Matthews possesses a thorough education and wide ex- perience, coupled with natural talent for the sphere of activity which he so successfully oc- cupies. He is prepared to execute plans, fur -. nish estimates and supervise structural work of every description. Many of Lima's finest dwellings are the result of his skill.
MOWEN BROTHERS are one of the leading firms of building contractors in this section of the State. As early as 1865 J. R. Mowen was the leading contractor of Allen County, later forming a partnership with his sons with
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the firm name of J. R. Mowen & Sons. Later still, Mr. Mowen retired and the two sons, Ed. S. and O. L. Mowen, have since carried on the business. This firm has gained a greater reputation for good work completed in good time than any other in this part of the State and some of the finest structures in the city and county are monuments to this reputation. Among these in Lima are the new High School Building, the shops of the Lima Locomotive & Machine Company, the American Straw- board Company's plant, the Times-Democrat Block, The Moore Brothers Company's whole- sale grocery building, Lima College, Pine street and West Spring street ward buildings, the Harper Block, Donze's four business blocks, the Applas Building, Manhattan Hotel and numerous others. In addition to these local structures, there are many big buildings in the surrounding towns, which have been erected under their supervision.
SMITH & SHERRICK are one of the largest contracting firms in Lima. Their planing mill and office are located at Nos. 330-332 South Union street. There has been a rapid growth of the business of this house from year to year since its establishment in 1899, when they be- gan with a small shop 18 by 20 feet, in dimen- sions. In the year following the business greatly exceeded the expectations of the firm, and the capacity of their quarters being in- sufficient the mill was enlarged to 40 by 40 feet. In the spring of 1903, all previous records being out-stripped, it again became evi- dent that a still greater capacity was required to handle the business. A large new two- story building, 60 by 64 feet, was then erected which the firm now occupies. At the time of their organization this firm employed only four men. Their business now requires the continual employment of twenty-five. This steady growth has been maintained by reliable business methods of the firm. The establish- ment is especially equipped to do all grades and styles of interior finish and office work.
A. SIMONS. Among the leading manu- facturers of brick in Lima, none rank higher or have had the confidence and the trade of the public in a greater degree than A. Simons.
His yard and brick kilns are located on the Spencerville road, within easy access, and he is a most agreeable person with whom to have business dealings.
SNYDER & KONTZ, the brick manufactur- ers, have long been noted for the manufacture of the most excellent quality of brick ever manufactured in Northwestern Ohio. The plant is located at the corner of Grand avenue- and Metcalf street. Its present capacity is. 25,000 brick per day. Their brick have been very largely used in the construction of Lima's handsome hotels, business blocks, factories, residences; etc., which is a convincing proof of the high opinion. in which their product is held.
F. P. RUSHER LUMBER COMPANY. This: company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, in 1903, succeeding the Rusher & Rossfeld Lumber Company. The. company transacts a general lumber business at wholesale and retail, dealing in lumber of every description, including sash, doors, blinds, building material, finish, interior trim, mold- ings, etc. Their trade is not confined merely to Lima, but extends throughout this section of the State. The offices and yards are situ- ated in an ideal location at Union street and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The company operates its own private tracks, and in extent and equipment its plant is foremost among the lumber dealers of the city. The yards embrace a ground area of 200 by 268 feet, and an im- mense stock of lumber is constantly on hand. The annual volume of business transacted aggregates $75,000 per year. The manager of the company is F. P. Rusher. Mr. Rusher is a native of Hardin County, and has resided in Lima for six years, during which time he- has gained prominence in business circles, and has won the confidence and esteem of the com- munity. He is a practical lumber man, pos- sesses a thorough knowledge of his business and under his management this company has become an important factor in the commercial life of the city and county.
LAURENS HULL LUMBER COMPANY. The name of Laurens Hull has been prominently identified with the lumber interest of Lima
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and vicinity since 1901, when the firm of Laurens Hull & Company succeeded to the business of T. W. Dobbins & Son. In May, 1904, the company was incorporated with a capital of $150,000 paid in, and the style of firm changed to Laurens' Hull Lumber Com- pany, by which it is to-day widely known. The local yards are of large area and are stocked with an immense amount of the choicest lum- ber of every description, and orders of the greatest magnitude are executed promptly and efficiently. Yards and offices are also main- tained in Chicago, Illinois, and Tiffin, Ohio. The annual volume of business transacted .ag- gregates $500,000. The officers of the com- pany are : Gilbert B. Shaw, president ; Laurens Hull, vice-president. Mr. Hull has been a resi- dent of this city since 1901, and is regarded as an excellent business man and representa- tive citizen.
THE SOUTH SIDE LUMBER YARD. This is one of the most substantial firms of the city. It was incorporated in 1903 and in September, 1904, the business was bought by Joshua Raudabaugh. The grounds are 240 by 165 feet, located in Central avenue and First street adjoining the C. & E. Railroad. Mr. Rauda- baugh handles the best grade of lumber of all kinds; also sash, doors and finished lumber. Everything is kept in perfect order, all under cover and so arranged that any particular kind of lumber can be found without a moment of time lost in searching for it.
Other lumber dealers are : Harry S. Moul- ton, No. 340 East High street; Theo. Feist, No. 316 East Market street.
PUGH STONE COMPANY. Lima has long been noted for the production of a fine quality of building and crushed stone, and in this connection it may be said that the Pugh Stone Company stands without a rival in this sec- tion of the State. For many years this com- pany has been an important factor in the busi- ness life of the city, and to-day it is better equipped and more solidly established than at any time in its long and successful career. The well known Pugh quarries are located in the eastern part of the city, with offices at No. 925 East North street. Their high-grade
product has won great favor among the archi- tects and building contractors throughout this part of Ohio, and their heavy wagons are a familiar sight on the streets of our city. The stone enters largely into all kinds of structural work, a specialty being made of stone for con- crete purposes. No better concrete stone can be found anywhere. The members of the com- pany are among our well-known and substan- tial citizens. Charles Pugh, the manager, is known as an energetic and reliable business man.
CONSUMERS' FUEL, BUILDING & SUPPLY COMPANY. This is one of the most active firms in the city and one which commands the full confidence of the public. They are exten- sive dealers, both at wholesale and retail, in all the best grades of hard and soft coal and wood, being one of the largest dealers in these commodities in the city. They carry at all times a full stock of the celebrated Lehigh Valley hard coal in all sizes, the best No. 2 vein Jackson, Hocking Valley, Massilon, West Virginia and Pocahontas soft coal and other brands. The company carries the best in fuel as well as builders' and contractors' supplies, such as lime, sand, cement, sewer-pipe, plaster, etc. The manager, J. W. Shanahan, is an enterprising business man and one of Lima's most valued citizens. The offices and yards are at the corner of Vine street and the C., H. & D. and L., E. & W. railroads. The officers are: Joel Spyker, president; Charles C. Miller, secretary and treasurer; and Seymour D. Evans, vice-president.
THE CRYSTAL ICE & COAL COMPANY Was organized in 1900. The officers are: U. M. Shappell, president; W. S. Ayers, vice-presi- dent; William H. Duffield, treasurer; J. A. Dutton, secretary; W. B. Craig, manager. They carry 800 tons of coal in stock, and are exclusive agents for old Lee anthracite, besides handling the leading grades of soft coal. The capacity of their ice plant is 25 tons per day, the ice being made from distilled water.
FIDELITY COAL & SUPPLY COMPANY. This company is one of the largest in Allen County, and handles annually a larger supply of coal than any other company in Lima. It is located
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on East High street, east of the C. H. & D. and L., E. & W. railroads. It was organized in 1899 by F. W. Holmes, W. L. Mckenzie and E. C. Mckenzie. The company handles, in addition to a large variety of coal, sewer-pipe, plaster, cement, fire-clay, and a full line of building material.
Other coal companies are as follows : Hiner Coal & Supply Company, No. 333 East Market street; Abraham Harsh, No. 414 North Main street; Central Coal Company, No. 521 South Central avenue; W. J. Fergu- son, Nos. 314-316 East High street; F. W. Drake, No. 458 South Main street; Walter P. Bloom, South Central avenue; W. H. Christy Fuel Company, No. 7 Times-Demo- crat Building; Conrath, Littler & Company, No. 229 East Kibby street and the Watson Cement & Coal Company, along the C., H. & D. railway near the gas works.
M. THOMAS & SONS. One of the enter- prises making Lima its home, and one which is known throughout the Eastern and Central States, equal to any similar firm in the country, is that of M. Thomas & Sons, shippers and commission merchants, who annually sell thousands of pounds of butter, millions of eggs and poultry in car-load lots to markets throughout the United States. This concern, established in 1866, one of the largest of its kind in the State, is located at Nos. 229-231 South Central avenue, while the eastern offices of the company are at Nos. 103-105 South Market street, Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to the main plant in this city, branch houses are located at Leipsic, Bluffton and Sidney, buyers for M. Thomas & Sons regu- larly covering the territory.
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