USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 5
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Trade, and the R. I. Business Men's Association.
Frank D. Almy, Vice President and Super- intendent of the Almy Water-Tube Boiler Co., was born in Tiverton, R. I., June 4, 1865.
Walter S. Almy, Secretary of the Almy Water Tube Boiler Co., was born in Providence, Aug. 4, 1876.
The special claim of the company for this boiler is that it was designed to fill the following essential features : Simple in construction, perfect circulation, large combustion chamber, greatest amount of heating surface possible in fire-box, the latest and most efficient method of separating steam from the water, water in sufficient quantity to prevent excessive fluc- tuation, mud-drum to receive precipitation, ex- pansion provided for in every part, accessible in all parts for cleaning and repairs, occupying small space, non-explosive, of very light weight, but of sufficient thickness to insure strength and durability.
The heating surface of these boilers is con- structed of tubes of the best quality of metal. All manifolds, return-bends, elbows, and Y fit- tings are of the best quality air-blast malleable iron, and from their own special patterns. The steam dome and water reservoir are of the best lap-welded tube.
The base of the single tube boiler consists of a continuous manifold, extending along each side and across the back of the boiler below the grate. At the top is a similar manifold extend- ing along the sides and across the front, and is connected to the steam dome outside of the casing.
To form the heating surface are a series of
Almy Water-Tube Boiler.
sections made up with tubes connected together by elbows, return-bends and Y fittings ; these are connected to the top and bottom manifolds
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
by unions. The sections at the side rise from the bottom manifold to a proper height to form the crown of the fire-box, they then extend half- way across the fire-box, returning back to side, thence up, connecting to top manifold.
The sections which form the back of the fur- nace rise from the back bottom manifold to a height sufficient to cross over above and at right angles to those that form the crown of the fire-box, to the front, then returning back, then to the front again, and connecting to the top manifold which extends across the front. This forms the heating surface of the boiler.
The water heater consists of one or more layers of tubes connected together by return- bends, forming one continuous tube, and rests on the top manifold.
height to form the crown of the fire-box ; they then extend one-half way across the fire-box, then returning over themselves to the side again, then up and connecting to the top manifold. There are also two rows of tubes at the back of the furnace; these rise to a proper height to pass over the side sections connecting to the top manifold at the front.
The casings are made of sheet metal put to- gether with angles and through bolts ; angles having their flanges outward. The ash pan is connected to the base of the casing, making a tight bottom and part of the casing of the boiler, and is made of sufficient strength to sup- port the whole boiler.
The casing is lined with the non-conducting material and this faced with either sheet metal
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Plant of the Almy Water-Tube Boiler Co., Allen's Avenue, Providence.
The top manifold connects at the bottom of a vertical separator, and this is connected to the horizontal water reservoir extending across the front of the boiler.
The down-flow tubes connect at the bottom of the horizontal water reservoir, extending down to the bottom manifold at each side of the furnace.
The design of the double tube boiler is the same as the single, with the following additions : There are two rows of vertical tubes rising from the bottom manifold at the side, one back of the other, they are connected together by a four- way Y fitting ; these tubes rise to a proper
or fire-brick, as is best suited to the purpose for which the boiler is to be used.
The heating surface of these boilers varies according to the size, height of the fire-box, number of sections of water heater, whether of the single or double tube type, or the double tube with two furnaces.
These boilers are designed for 250 pounds steam pressure. Each of the sections which form the heating surface of the boiler are tested at 1,000 pounds hydrostatic pressure before they are assembled in the boiler.
All boilers are tested at 500 pounds hydro- static pressure before leaving the works.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Davol Rubber Company .- This company was established in 1874, incorporated in 1882 as Davol Manufacturing Co., and in 1885 it was decided that as the product of their works was a special line of rubber goods, complete in all its branches, the name of the concern should more fully designate the character of its goods, and accordingly in January that year, a petition for an amendment to the charter was granted by the General Assembly, changing the name to the Davol Rubber Company, its present
sively, and the amount of crude material used every year by this company alone is very large, owing to the fine quality of their product. The machinery and general plant were all put in with especial reference to the production of their line, and all its parts complete in every detail, whether of rubber or metal, and the reputation for quality and workmanship attained by this concern, evidences the success with which this has been done. New machinery and additions to the factory have been made as
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Works of the Davol Rubber Company, Point Street, Providence, R. I.
title. The Davol Rubber Company's entire product are what is termed by the trade, fine rubber goods, embracing the varied assortment used by druggists, surgical and dental depots, the stationery trade, and all the finer grades of goods entering into the rubber trade generally, in fact their line of manufactures is unlimited, and aside from boots, shoes and clothing they are constantly turning out every variety of soft and hard rubber work known to the trade. Into all these goods pure Para rubber enters exten-
occasion required, including the new office extension just completed, and the company can consistently state that they have the best equipped and most commodious plant, for the manufacture of their line in the United States. When the company first begun the manu- facture of their goods, many articles in the line were imported into the country, some of them extensively, but the character of the goods manufactured here soon displaced the foreign make, and materially enlarged and extended the
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home production, besides making a name for the goods which today stands at the head. This company does exclusively a manufacturing busi- ness, disposing of their product directly through the leading Jobbing Houses of the United States and Canada, and through their large export trade distribute their specialties largely through South America and Mexico, as well as Europe, Australia, China and Japan. As the trade of the company calls for the manu- facture of a large variety of special rubber goods, requiring distinct tools, moulds, dies, etc., for their production, this feature of their business has received due attention, their machine shops being fitted with the most modern and up to date machinery, with the most skillful workmen to be obtained, for the rapid and accurate exe- cution of any work of this nature with which they may be entrusted.
The William Sweeney Co .- Manufacturers of all kinds of mattresses, spring beds, pillows, cots, cushions, and do a general line of uphols- tering. Carry a full line of feathers and bedding supplies, and are dealers in brass and iron bedsteads. The business was established by William Sweeney in 1860, who developed an extensive business and a reputation for manu- facturing the best mattresses that were made in the state. Upon the death of Mr. Sweeney, Mr. Fred B. Burt purchased the business, and he has not only maintained the excellent reputation that was established by the originator of the business, but he has increased the volume of the output, and added many new articles to the list of manufactured goods that the house handles. His plant and office is now located at 226 Eddy street, Providence, where he has put in the most up-to-date and modern feather machinery, ma- chines for the manufacture of mattresses, springs and other articles. This is probably the most extensive mattress and spring bed manu- facturing establishment in the state of Rhode Island. The flexible spring bed made by this concern is one of the best made in this country, being attached to a wooden frame so as to stretch the wire spring taut enough to prevent it from sagging when the weight of one or more persons is put upon it. There are more of this style of spring used throughout the country at the present time than any other spring made, because it is the most convenient and most com-
fortable spring made, and when once put in place it is sure to remain permanent without any possibility of breaking down or giving any trouble. They make other springs, but this is their leader. They are made, like their mat- tresses, to fit any style and size of bedstead, and they are sold extensively to the wholesale trade of Southern New England. Mr. Burt is a native of Providence, he having been born here October 1, 1856. He is the sole owner of the business, and gives his personal attention to every detail of the factory and the sales depart- ment as well, and by this means he is enabled to find out just the class of goods he is producing and the requirements of the trade that he is en- deavoring to supply.
J. C. Tucket, Jr .- Manufacturers of sash blinds, doors and various kinds of finish for houses ; also does a large jobbing mill business. Dealer in coal, grain, and carries on a general store, and the largest meat market in the town. His coal pockets are located at the South Pier Dock, Narragansett Pier, R. I., his planing mill and stores being situated a little west of the dock. His coal and lumber being brought direct to his works by schooners, enables him to do an extensive business and compete with any of the large houses in his line in Southern New England. A 100-horse power Harris-Corliss steam engine, and two horizontal tubular boilers with a combined capacity of 260-horse power furnish the power for the plant, which is equipped with modern machinery, including planing machines, moulding machines, lathes, band and circular saws, grinding machines, shavers, sash and blind machines, etc., making it one of the most complete establishments of its kind in the state. The business was estab- lished in 1840 by Joshua Champlin, and later owned by Rodman & Taylor, then by Daniel Sherman, later by Jeremiah Peckham, then by Clark & Cottrell, later by William C. Caswell, then by Tucker & Partelow, and Mr. Tucker bought a one-half interest in the business in 1881, the estate of J. V. Hazard owning the other half. Joshua C. Tucker, Jr., was born in Narragansett Pier, R. I., June 19, 1854. Since he became General Manager the business has increased in volume to a large extent. He main- tains a large hardware store in Wakefield.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Joslin Manufacturing Co .- Manufacturers of all the leading lines in tubular and flat shoe laces, also a variety of glaced braids and corset
William E. Joslin.
laces, their goods being sold direct to the trade throughout the country, thereby giving the consumer the advantage of buying as direct from the manufacturer as is possible. William E. Joslin, the President of the company, who was born in Johnston, R. I., March 13, 1842, established the business in Richmond, South Scituate, R. I., in 1865. The business was incorporated in May, 1892, and consolidated in 1899. Mr. Joslin began in a small way with 200 braiders, and as the business began to grow more braiders were added from time to time, until at the present time there are 2,800 braiders in operation, besides a complete spinning plant, where they spin all of their own yarns, with about 28,000 spindles, the braiding machines making about 73,600 spindles, in addition to those of the spin- ning mill. The yarns are all dyed in the Richmond and Clayville Mills, and all of the finishing is done in the Merino Mills of Provi- dence, the latter being the largest establishment owned by the company, the main office being located here. These mills are considered one of the best manufacturing plants in the state, being
located on the Woonasquatucket River, with the finest water privilege in the city of Providence. The other mills are located in the town of Scituate, with good water privileges, but they are all equipped with auxiliary steam power plants so as to provide against low water in dry weather. The entire property comprises several hundred acres of farming land, and a sufficient number of tenements for the 650 employes. All of the mills are connected by trolley, the new Providence and Danielson Railway, the line running very near each factory.
Mr. Joslin was brought up in the manufactur- ing business, his father being in the textile busi- ness before him, and his persistent endeavors in this line have organized one of the largest plants in the country devoted to the manufacture of shoe and corset laces, and which is a decided credit to the state of Rhode Island. In 1893 the company established in Providence an extensive finishing plant in the Electrical Building on Stewart street, and at one time there was a com- plete establishment in the Calender Building and still another partial plant on Eddy street, but these were finally all brought together, so that the mills illustrated on the opposite page contain all of the plants represented by Mr. Joslin. Mr. Joslin's son, William H. Joslin, who was born in Scituate. R. I., November 7th, 1874, is Assistant General Manager of the business. Mr. Joslin
William H. Joslin.
was also the founder of the William E. Joslin Co., **
* later known as the Elmwood Mills.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
The American Screw Co .- Manufacturers of iron screws of all kinds. Business established in January, 1838, as the Providence Screw Co., with a capital of $20,000, its principal incor- porator being Clement O. Read, who had previously made wood screws in a wing of the Geneva Mill. John Gorham and William G. Angell were among the original incorporators. The machinery used by this company was claimed as the invention of Mr. Read. The factory was built on the east side of the Moshas- suck River, near Randall street bridge, which turned out twenty gross of screws a day. In the fall of 1838 another screw company was
chinist, was elected Treasurer of the company. This company suffered a loss of $20,000 as settlement for infringement on the Pierson patent, in the machinery purchased from the Providence Screw Co. Although a great setback to the progress of the concern, they continued to carry on business, and in 1846 they bought the patent owned by Thomas J. Sloan on a special form of gimlet pointed screw, which gave the company a boom in business and allowed them to keep pace with other concerns that had tried to introduce the gimlet point. From the introduction of this patent dates the prosperity and rapid growth of the company,
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American Screw Company's New England Mill, Eddy Street, Providence.
organized and chartered as the Eagle Screw Co., there being seventeen incorporators, including John Gorham, James Humphreys, John Proc- tor, Pardon Miller, William G. Angell and Jabez Gorham. Authorized capital, $75,000. The subscribed capital at first amounted to $30,000, and was soon raised to $50,000. Ma- chinery was purchased of the Providence Screw Co., and in 1840, the entire property of this company was sold to the Eagle Screw Co., their mill having burned and the enterprise proving unprofitable. William G. Angell was elected Agent of the Eagle Screw Co., and James Humphreys, a former iron founder and ma-
although some changes were necessary in bring- ing their machinery to conform to the principles of the Sloan patent, thereby giving the company the valuable production they were seeking to produce.
In October, 1840, the New England Screw Co. was organized and chartered with a capital of $20,000. There were ten incorporators, including Cullen Whipple, Henry Hopkins and Hezekiah Willard, the latter being elected Treasurer of the company, the business being established in a small building on Canal street. Cullen Whipple, who had been in the employ of the Providence Screw Co., was an inventive
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
genius and produced a number of important inventions in the line of screw-making machin- ery. He had a machine for cutting the threads of screws which he proposed the new company should use, which was patented August 18, 1842. April 6, 1843, his machine for shaving the heads of screws was patented, and April 19, 1843, his device for removing the burs left in cutting the slots in the heads was patented. These three patents were assigned to the New England Screw Co. In 1853, 1854 and 1856 Mr. Whip- ple invented and patented seven other machines or devices for improving the manufacture of
Co. In October, 1844, authority was granted to increase the capital to $200,000; and in Octo- ber, 1845, a still further increase of capital to $300,000. In 1860 the Eagle and New England Companies were consolidated as the American Screw Co., with a capital of $1,000,000. Offi- cers : William G. Angell, President and General Manager ; Albert G. Angell, his brother, Agent ; Edwin G. Angell, Treasurer, who was the son of William G. Angell; William H. Henderson, Secretary. The new company bought up other and smaller concerns, and finally became the owners of a factory in Hamilton, Ontario, and
American Screw Company's Eagle Mills, Stevens Street, Providence.
screws, all of which were also assigned to the same company. In 1841 the New England Screw company was authorized under a new charter to increase their capital stock to $50,000, and the business placed under the management of Alexander Hodges, he being elected Treas- urer and Agent. The old stage building at the corner of Eddy and Friendship streets was leased, where business was carried on until about 1852, when the New England Mills were built on Eddy and what is now Henderson street, extending through to Allen's avenue, and ad- joining the property of the Providence Machine
another in Leeds, England. At present the company owns only the three factories located in the city of Providence. The Bay State Mill, on the north side of Stevens street, was built in 1873. In 1876 the capital stock was increased to $3,250,000. Since that time several changes have taken place in the list of officers, the pres- ent officers being: Clark Thurston, President ; George W. Thurston, Treasurer; William A. Cranston, Secretary ; James A. Nealey, Agent ; Benjamin Thurston, General Superintendent. The company at present are doing an extensive business in the manufacture of wood and ma-
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
chine screws, stove bolts, fire bolts, rivets and kindred articles, the works being kept very busy, the entire force of employes being about 1,400. These great screw manufacturing estab- lishments, among the largest in the world, are among the leaders of the large manufacturing concerns of the State of Rhode Island, which have kept pace with the march of progress in their line, and which have done much in the way of creating one of the most useful articles that many of the trades are called upon to use exten- sively.
construction, the dimensions being 60x300 feet. This is said to be the largest manufacturing plant in the United States devoted wholly to this line of business. Goods sold largely throughout this country and Canada, and quite a foreign business has been built up. The power is sup- plied by a 50-horse power steam engine, from the Exeter Machine Works, of Exeter, N. H.
Corp Bros .- Manufacturers of bicycles at 40 Mathewson street, Providence. The only real manufacturers of bicycles in the state, with a complete plant for producing the different parts
RUSSELL&RICHARDSON 5C.
American Screw Company's Bay State Mill, Stevens Street, Providence.
American Tubing and Webbing Co .- Manufac- turers of silk and cotton elastic webs, oil stove wicks, flexible gas-tight tubing, elastic garter web, etc. Business established in 1883. In- corporated in 1890. Capitalized for $100,000. Works located at 69 to 105 Gordon Avenue, Providence. Employ 100 hands. Officers : D. LeRoy Dresser, President ; Lorin M. Cook, Treasurer ; M. H. Cook, Secretary ; Alfred Cald- well, General Manager. Their new brick factory was finished on Gordon avenue in 1896, part of which is three stories, the remainder being two stories in height of unsually strong
of a bicycle. Business established in 1894. The "Corp" cycle is the name of the wheel they make, which has had an extensive sale throughout the United States. Henry Corp was born in Providence, June 28, 1857; Frederic W. Corp was born in Providence, June 23, 1871.
A. Carpenter & Sons Foundry Co .- Iron Cast -. ings of all kinds. Business established in 1865 by Alva Carpenter. Incorporated July 21, 1896. Capitalized for $100,000. Foundry lo- cated on West Exchange street, Providence. Employ 125 hands. Officers : Alva Carpenter, President ; Henry A. Carpenter, Secretary and Treasurer.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
International Burglar-Proof Sash Balance and Lock Co .- Manufacturers of the "Loxit" Sash Balance and Lock, "Loxit" Sash Swinging At- tachment, etc. The history of Rhode Island manufactur- ers beginning with the Twen- SASH BALANCE tieth Century, would not be complete without including the "Loxit Sash Balance." The perfection of the mechanism of this device has been proven by the most severe testing, and the possibility of its getting out of order is so slight that it need not be considered. Not in any other part of construction work has so little progress been made as in that of working and securing win- dow sash, but in the "Loxit Sash Balance" everything that can be desired is found. The necessity of meeting the existing conditions be- comes apparent when we consider the statement of a Chief of Detectives of one of our large Amer- ican cities, who says that "over ninety per cent of house entering at night is done through un- locked windows." The risk of burglary is en- entirely removed by the use of the "Loxit." The contentment upon retiring, together with the security against thieves, brings to our mind
Outside of Lock.
the fact that when an appliance of this kind is needed, it is needed badly. We are confident that gratitude will be extended by users of the
"Loxit" to all who endorse it. This is one of the most important inventions now being brought out within the borders of the state.
Inside of Lock.
Architects and builders unanimously recom- mend this new invention, and they are being put into most of the new houses where perfect construction is desired. The accompanying illustrations give an accurate idea of the con- struction and operation of the lock and accom- panying appliances. By simply pressing a but- ton the window may be raised or lowered at will; and in every position it remains locked, so that it cannot possibly be raised from the outside, and it is impossible to leave it unlocked. Can be applied to any window, old or new, and it is certainly the most economical and substantial window fastener made.
The corporation was organized under the laws of the State of Rhode Island as the Inter- national Burglar-Proof Sash Balance and Lock Company, and is capitalized for $200,000 with the following officers : Henry S. Sprague, President ; Edmund B. Delebarre, Vice-President, and Eugene F. Bowen, Treas- urer. The home office and SASH BALANCE factory of the company is located in the Man- ufacturers Building, 101 Sabin street, Prov- idence, where working models are on display.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Silver Spring Bleaching and Dyeing Co .- Or- ganized in 1864, under a charter of the State of Rhode Island, with Henry Lippitt, President, and Charles H. Merriman, Treasurer. Messrs. Frieze and Dow had been carrying on the business of bleaching cotton cloth on Charles street in Providence since 1850. They employed about 22 hands with a monthly pay- roll of $500. Their work bore an enviable repu- tation for white- ness, which was attributed to the excellence of the water used. The plant and the busi- ness of Messrs. Frieze and Dow were purchased as a nucleus for the new company. Buildings were at once erected hav- ing a floor space of 28,722 square feet, and suitable ma- chinery was pro- vided for the pur- pose of bleaching and dyeing cotton cloth. The com- pany derived its name from a nota- ble spring, situated just west of the works. Its water is of great clear- ness and purity, which, together with the water of West River which flows through the property, was well adapted for the purpose of a bleachery and dye works. Pure water is one of the essential ne- cessities for the success of such an establish- ment, and this plant has been well favored in this respect. From time to time, as the busi- ness of the company has increased, and the waters of West River became contaminated by the waste of the mills situated above the works, further supplies. were needed. A dam was erected across West River, and two large reser-
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