History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 73

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc > Part 73

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The F. F. Adams Company, corner of Fifteenth and Cherry streets: No establishment in Erie furnishes such a striking illustration of the results of enterprise, vigorous, persistent work and splendid management as is afforded in the present condition of the works of the F. F. Adams Company. Notwith- standing the severe competition which the products of the factory have to meet, and the fact that the premises were swept by fire, December 13, 1880, they have been replaced by structures more substantial and of greater utility thau those destroyed, and the products maintain a position in the trade which the fiercest competition has failed to weaken, or the rapid invention of the age to excel. The works had their origin in the year 1869, and were known by the firm name of Adams & Lovell, continuing so until 1870, when they were operated by F. F. Adams until 1874, when, by the admission of A. H. Gray, they were known as F. F. Adams & Co. There were one or two other changes between that and 1878, at which time they assumed the title of F. F. Adams & Co., limited, which remained until January, 1883, when the present name was adopted. The plant is one of the best and most eligibly located in the city, being directly on the line of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern and Erie & Pittsburg Railroads, with switches into their yards for the convenience of receiving and shipping goods, and covers an area of two and one-half acres. The buildings utilized are as follows: Factory No. 1, 50x135 feet, two stories high, with an L of the same height, 40x50 feet; Factory No. 2, 40x105 feet, two stories high, with an L 30x40 feet in the two-story portion, and 30x60 in the one-story portion; Engine House, 40x40 feet, of brick, two stories high, in which are two engines of 50-horse-power each; store rooms and offices, 50x125 feet, besides the dry house and outside shedding devoted to various uses. The products of this establishment comprise the celebrated Keystone Wringers and Washing Machines, step and extension ladders, and household articles of too great a variety for enumeration. Employment is given to 175 hands, involving a large outlay of wages, while the business aggregates the sum of from $300,000 to $400,000 per annum, and reaches to all parts of the country. An output of these proportions from any concern devoted to the productions of wooden articles, will be appreciated by those familiar with

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such production, and in the trade must place this house as one of the largest in the country. The possession of a vast amount of machinery, with facilities for making their own malleable iron castings, annealing and nickel plating, make the works the most complete in every department, and fully explains their ability to produce such a large quantity of work. The members of the com- pany are F. F. Adams, President; W. T. Farrar, Secretary and Treasurer; C. W. Farrar and C. F. Adams. These gentlemen have given to the city of Erie an establishment which as a factor in its manufacturing wealth, is one of the most important, and while endowing the city, have made for themselves a rep- utation co-extensive with their productions.

The Burdett Organ Company, limited, corner Twelfth and Walnut streets: Probably the name of Erie has become more widely known through the sale of the products of the Burdett Organ Factory than from those of any other estab- lishment located in her midst. These organs have been shipped to every civilized country on the globe, and even among the schools, churches and missionaries located in heathen lands, and wherever their melody is heard the fame of Erie as a manufacturing center has been attested. No man living has done more to perfect this popular instrument than Mr. Burdett, and the twenty-six patented inventions embraced in the Burdett organs, effecting movement, tone, construction, material, and in fact pervading the entire mechanism, justifies this statement. A Mr. Carhart, of Buffalo, is entitled to credit for important improvements made from 1839 to 1846. It was about this time that Mr. Bur- dett began the business which, under his hands, has become the important en- terprise of which we write to-day. Commencing in Brattleboro, Vt., Mr. Bur- dett continued his work there till 1865, when the firm of R. Burdett Organ Company was organized and located in Chicago. They remained there until

burned out in the great Chicago fire. Then the Burdett Organ Company, lim- ited, was organized, and a new factory built in Erie, on ground now occupied, which is a tract embracing about five acres of land, nearly one-half of which is utilized in their business. The main building is an imposing five-story brick structure, 150 feet front, in which are the various departments devoted to the building of every part of an organ. The machinery used is the most perfect of its kind made, especially adapted to the work required, much of it being of the most novel and ingenious construction, and is operated by an engine of 75-horse-power. In the selection of timber, every possible pains is taken. The company employ one man constantly in looking up and get ting out black wal- nat lumber in the West, and they have often on hand in one lot over 900,000 feet of sawed walnut, seasoning. All lumber is first time-dried, then kiln-dried, and afterward piled under cover until it is exactly in a condition to be used. Nothing but the finest possible class of materials is used, and every part of the organ, except the ivory keys, is made at the factory. Employment is furnished to 125 men, all thoroughly skilled in making some particular part of an organ, and by being constantly employed on this one part of the work, is enabled to produce it in perfection. The product of the factory reaches 300 organs per month, and the demand is such that no stock ever accumulates on hand, being sold as fast as made. No better comment can be made on these celebrated organs than the statement that the entire make is sold, and none are ever con- signed to agents. The company has neither depot, salesroom nor agent of its own, and finds ready sale for all it can produce. The Burdett organ is made in several styles of case, in almost numberless styles of action, and at list prices ranging from $175 to $1,200. The sale of over 45,000 instruments is the best evidence that can be brought of their merit. The company is a limited cor- poration, its principal officers and stockholders being R. Burdett, Chairman;

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P. Metcalf, Treasurer; C. C. Converse, Secretary and Business Manager; and B. O. Church, Superintendent, gentlemen who are justly accorded a high po- sition among Erie's enterprising manufacturers.

Erie Burial Case Company, limited, office over Dime Savings Bank: This enterprise was started in 1873, under its present title, and after several changes came under the present management in 1881, with William Smith as President, and W. Barry Smith, Secretary and Treasurer. These gentlemen, with Mr. Giles and George Caldwell, are present managers and principal owners. The works are well located just south of the city limits, are substantially built, and enjoy every facility for the rapid and economical production of work, yet the demand for their goods has outgrown their capacity and they have been adding new machinery and enlarging the works, adding also to the variety of the line of manufacture. Under the present management there has been a very grati- fying yearly increase of trade. All kinds of wooden coffins and caskets, cloth covered or finished in wood, are made, many of them in new styles peculiar to this company. A full line of undertakers' supplies is dealt in, and metallic caskets of all kinds handled. The works occupy two large brick buildings three stories in height, each 40x100 feet in dimensions, besides a three-story brick addition, 20x30, for engine, boilers, etc., the plant covering two acres of ground. Fifty men are employed in tlie different departments of the work, and a full line of wood-working machinery, which is driven by an engine of 40- horse-power. The company has no competitor in this section, and its trade extends over a wide extent of country. The present statement of its affairs does not do the Erie Burial Case Company justice and gives no adequate idea of the amount of energy and enterprise manifested in its management and ca- pacity to do business. The improvements and additional facilities recently put in will surely place it in the front rank of the manufactories of this line of goods.

A. B. Felgemaker & Co., organ factory, corner of Twenty-fifth and Ash streets, was originally established in the city of Buffalo in the year 1865, but was removed to this city in the year 1871, when it was operated as a stock com- pany up to the year 1875, under the name of " The Derrick & Felgemaker Pipe Organ Company," but after that year became as now known. The premises oc- cupied are one of the most complete possessed by any concern in this city, and consists of a handsome four-story brick structure 40 feet wide by 200 feet long, built in 1872, with a frame wing 30 feet wide by 100 feet long, erected in 1871, and used for the machinery necessary in the business. The steam power is supplied by an engine of 30-horse-power, and employment is given to twenty-five practical organ builders. The trade of the house, which has been made solely on the merits of the instruments turned out, extends to all sections of the South and West, and aggregates a large sum annually. Mr. Felgemaker, a practical and experienced organ builder, has his work in many of the best churches in this State and others, and his references represent some of the best professional performers in the United States. The special points of excellence which characterize all his work are amply set forth in his pamphlets, and while it is apparent to all, that all work turned out is of a fine character, the critics of this class of manufacture are the ones most impressed with its excellence. These works deserve the highest consideration from the people of Erie, while the products entitle it to a conspicuous position among the organ factories of the land.

Erie Steam Bending Works, corner Twelfth and Cherry streets, were es- tablished originally in 1868, by Hartleb, Metz & Co., who operated them for about ten years, when they were succeeded by H. G. Fink & Co., and later on

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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.

by H. G. Fink, who has since conducted them entirely alone, in a manner re- flecting much credit upon himself as a business manager. The works are located in one of the best sections of the city for manufacturing purposes, oc- cupying two acres of ground, improved with substantial buildings, as follows: Main factory, 60x165 feet; saw mill, 24x60 feet; engine house, 22x30 feet, con- taining two engines, one of 20 and one of 45-horse-power, besides eight store houses of large capacity, shedding, etc. They give employment to from thirty to forty men, and the annual production amounts to over $120,000. The work turned out consists of bent felloes, poles, shafts, bob-runners, rims, etc., and the market extends all over the country, to the principal carriage building centers, while a steady local trade is enjoyed. The material used is the best selected hick. ory and oak, which is obtained principally from the adjoining counties of this State and the State of Ohio. The Erie Steam Bending Works, as a permanent industry, are one of the most important located here, and the history of their progress from the time of Mr. Fink's connection with them, furnishes one of the best examples of the results of enterprise and sound business principles properly applied, which the city affords.

Erie Wooden Ware Works, corner Twelfth and Poplar streets: This section of Pennsylvania being one favored with a prolific growth of the woods most sought by manufacturers of wooden ware, has stimulated the prosecution of that line of industry to a degree which makes it one involving an immense in- vestment of capital, and the employment of thousands of men. The Erie Wooden Ware Works of this city is an illustration of this fact. In the filling of their annual orders they have found it necessary to procure supplies from the State of Ohio, where they have erected saw mills in the heart of the best lumber country, and take out large quantities annually. This company was established in the year 1873 and has enjoyed since then an uninterrupted suc- cess. The plant covers two acres of ground, inclosed and covered with build- ings devoted to the various wants of their business. They have a steam power of 70-horse, employ fifty men, and have a capacity of 2,400 pails per day. These consists of water pails, horse buckets, lard and tobacco pails, candy buckets, and butter and jelly packages. They are made in the most workman- like manner, and their sale reaches to many parts of the East, West and South. To such proportions has the firm brought the business that they now produce annually $75,000 worth of pails of all kinds. This display of enterprise bespeaks the character of the owners, while it has placed their works in the front of the producers of this line of manufacture. The firm is H. J. Howe, R. T. Mc- Clure and T. W. Shacklett, all of them residents of the city to which they have contributed such an important industry.

Bauschard & Bros.' Planing Mill, corner Tenth and Holland streets: The business of this firm really dates its origin from the formation of Bauschard, Gloth & Co., in 1866. That copartnership was succeeded by Gloth, Schulte & Co., and in 1868 Messrs. Bauschard & Son built the present factory, or, rather, a part of it, the original building having been added to from time to time since, until now the establishment is one of the most complete of its kind in the city. The main factory, which was originally 24x48 feet, has grown to the proportions of 46x165 feet, three stories in height, with an engine and boiler house of brick 18x45 feet, and dry-kiln of brick three stories in height, 24x36 feet in dimensions. The dry-kiln and lumber yard are across Holland street from the factory, and occupy three city lots. The machinery is of the newest and most approved kinds, consisting of planers, molding machines, and the great variety necessary in their business, with a steam power of 45- horse. Employment is given to from fifty to seventy-five men, and the pro-

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duction annually amounts to about $75,000. This consists of sash, doors, blinds, siding, flooring, molding, stairs, verandah work. etc., besides a line of hard wood work for court houses, churches, banks, dwellings, halls, etc., of a very superior and ornamental style. The works enjoy a large local trade, while that derived from distant points in the State is constantly increasing.

Constable Bros.' Planing Mill, corner Fifth and Sassafras streets, was established in the year 1849 by Constable & Jones, and ever since its com- mencement has been a successful concern. John Constable was at that time the practical head of the business, and continued to be so until a few years ago, when he disposed of it to his sons W. H. Constable and E. W. Constable, but is still to be found at the works, actively supervising the details of all work. The firm is fortunate in being able to command the services of this gentleman, as his knowledge and ripe experience are of great benefit in the practical administration of the affairs at the mill. The plant has a frontage and depth of 165 feet, or nearly one acre of ground, and is improved with shedding for the storage of Jumber, besides the sash and planing mill, which is in dimen- sions three stories high, 44x80 feet, and an engine and boiler room 14x40 feet .. The supply of machinery embraces molding and mortising machines, planers, and in fact everything in the line of improved wood-working machinery, the whole being driven by an engine of twenty-five-horse-power. The production includes sash, doors, blinds, siding, moldings, flooring, pickets, brackets, verandah work, and box and crate making, requiring the use of nearly 500,000 feet of lumber per annum, and giving employment to twenty five men at all times. The firm are also contractors for the furnishing of any desired work, taking contracts from foundation to roof of any sized building, or number of them, and some of the most prominent buildings in the city bear evidences of their handiwork.

Erie City Planing Mill, corner of Eleventh and French streets: Among the widely known establishments for manufacturing and furnishing lumber, the "Erie City Planing Mill" deserves notice. W. H. Deming established this business on Peach street in 1870, though for several years prior to that he had been a very extensive dealer in lumber, and was located in Warren County. In 1874, he erected the present establishment, which is a substantial brick structure, on the corner of Eleventh and French streets, 90x100 feet in dimen- sions, with a lot of much larger proportions. The building is about one-half three stories, and the remainder two stories high, and contains a full equip- ment of all the machinery required in the business, which is new, of the most improved construction, and includes a saw mill with circular saw, where in addition to its own work, a large amount of custom sawing is done. An engine of one-hundred-horse-power is used, and a force of men running from twenty to twenty-five find constant employment. Everything in the way of dimension timber, rough and dressed lumber, flooring, siding, moldings, sash, doors, blinds, hard wood work for banks, court houses and churches, and all other planing mill work is done to order, and every facility enjoyed for turning ont work promptly, and in the most workmanlike manner. In November, 1882, Althof Bros. rented the mill and succeeded to the large trade which had pre- viously been secured by Mr. Deming. Much attention has been devoted to contracting and building, and the factory has always enjoyed a fair share of business in this department.

H. Ramsay, Fourth street, between Peach and State, has for many years been a prominent builder and contractor in this city, and his skill is recognized in some of Erie's handsomest and most enduring structures, among which we may mention the Scott Block, which has the reputation of being the best con-

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structed building in the city. His work is not confined to Erie alone, but takes in a large section of the adjoining country. His shops are in dimensions 40x75 feet, built substantially of brick, supplied with necessary machinery for turning out window frames, sash, doors, blinds, flooring, etc., and employing an average of twenty men. The motive power is supplied by an engine of forty-horse-power, and the business done annually amounts to about $50,000. Mr. Ramsay came to Erie in 1863, and was formerly in business as Con- stable & Ramsay, but after the dissolution Mr. Ramsay established the present works in 1877. His resources are such that he is prepared to take contracts for any sized buildings or any number of them, and the many specimens of his work to be found here are a sufficient guarantee of its excellence.

Daniel McDonald, Parade street, between Eighth and Ninth, is one of the best known contractors and builders of Erie who has become prominent from his work, and since much of it is to be found in the best structures of the city we accord him space here as a contributor to the arts thereof. He came to Erie some eighteen years ago, and in 1879 began business on Eighth street near State, whence he removed to his present location where stair building and general jobbing is carried on, and employment given to thirty men. His principal business is contracting, which he carries on to a large extent in this city and other portions of the State, amounting to $100,000 annually. He is prepared to contract for all classes of buildings, and his well known reputa- tion and ability for the satisfactory filling of all contracts is a sufficient guarantee that any work of this nature will be thoroughly and honestly prosecuted.

Downing Carriage Company, Eighteenth, between German and Holland streets: One of the most important manufactories in the city of Erie is the above, which was formerly the Erie Chair Company, and was established in 1874. Mr. Downing having originated and perfected what is now universally known as the Excelsior Sleeping Coach (a child's carriage), the firm on January 1, 1882, determined to adopt the present title in honor of his patents, and to manufacture these carriages almost exclusively, of course continuing to make the "combination baby chairs," but no others. The factory is a brick building, three stories in height, 40x44 feet in dimensions, with a frame L attached 38x85 feet, two stories in height, the first floor being used for machinery, and the upper for a finishing department. The blacksmith shop is separate, 15x30 feet, and a frame storage room, 30x60, two stories, and brick engine house 21x30 feet. The steam power is supplied by two engines, one of 40 and the other of 3. horse-power. The number of men employed is about 20 at all times, and the number of carriages produced will this year reach 3,000, and probably more, ranging in price from $14 to $50, according to style, size and finish. The trade of the factory extends to all parts of the United States. The pro- prietors, Messrs. C. F. Bostwick and H. N. Thayer, are both practical men in every department of the work, and personally supervise all details. They have for a long while been identified with the business interests of the city, and in this enterprise have given it an establishment which is a credit in every way.

Keystone Carriage Works, corner Eighth and Holland streets, were estab. lished in 1878, by the firm of Harrison & Leemhuis Brothers. The premises which they own are 123x165 feet, and are conveniently located and arranged, one shop being 25x60 feet in dimensions, and the other 36x70, both being two stories in height. There is also a woodshop 17x48, and a storage room 20x38. During the busy season, a force of fifteen hands is employed, and the work turned out embraces everything in the line, including fine carriages, platform spring wagons, trucks, cutters, sleighs, etc. In 1880, Leemhuis Brothers be-

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came the sole proprietors of the business, and by their energy and the fine reputation of their work they are building up a substantial trade. Horse- shoeing, general blacksmithing and repairing are important features of the factory, and every facility is enjoyed for the prompt prosecution of the busi- ness in a most workmanlike manner. Both members of the firm are practical workmen, and give their personal attention to all branches of the business.

Noble Sewing Machine Company, corner Eighteenth and Plum streets, was started in 1881. It is located in the western part of the city, on grounds 60x200 feet, improved with substantial buildings, which are fitted with the most approved machinery known for the production of their work, costing $55,000. This is driven by an engine of 50-horse-power, and employment is given to sixty men. In the manufacture of the Noble Sewing Machine, the company possesses two points which entitle them to the fullest consideration; first, valuable patents, which are the result of a life-long study, and familiar- ity with sewing machine manufacture, the patents covering the most impor- tant essentials of a light running, durable and convenient machine, and sec- ondly, the patentee, Mr. Mayo, is on hand, personally supervising the appli- cation of his patents, and looking after the construction of the machine in every part. George H. Noble is proprietor of the works, and possessing full qualifications for the prosecution of his enterprise, and being so situated that every facility for the conducting of an extensive business is enjoyed, he is destined to make the Noble Sewing Machine one of wide repute upon its mer- its, while to the city he gives an industry which adds much to its wealth and reputation.

Eureka Manufacturing Company, limited, corner of Twelfth and Rasp- berry streets, was established in January, 1881, by a coterie of inventors, who began business in Schutte's planing mill, which stood on Fourth street near Cascade. During the same year, E. J. Cowell and William Varnum, together with John Minnig and John J. Roemer, of the original stockholders, became principal owners, and erected the nucleus of the present works. The build- ings were then 40x60, two stories high, but in the summer of 1882, they were enlarged being now 60x100, a portion of which is three stories in height. One 30-horse-power engine furnishes the motive power, while an average of 35 men find employment here. the annual sales amounting to about $40,000. All classes of wooden notions for household use, are manufactured at this establishment, which have been so well appreciated that the business done is surprising, while the trade is steadily growing and surely becoming an im- portant one under the efficient management of the present proprietors.

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History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 73

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280