History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Part 7

Author: Bayles, Richard Mather, ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 938

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Orr Brothers are successful dyers of braids and plush goods for D. Goff and Sons, Pawtucket. They established their business in the city in 1885. The firm consists of George H. and William T. Orr, who came here from Attleboro, where they had become practical ex- perts in the business. They employ from 15 to 20 hands, as business requires, and have the necessary equipment in all kinds of machinery and fixtures to produce any and all shades of colors.

Richard Harrison, dyer, bleacher and printer of cotton and woolen yarns, is located on Front street. This business was established in 1863 by Hayley & Harrison. In 1867 Mr. Hayley retired and a new firm was formed, R. Harrison & Co. In 1863 the old firm erected the present buildings, and in 1867 enlarged their works. In 1869 Har- rison & Co. began to manufacture woolen yarns. The dye works building was erected in 1864 and is a three story structure. At present Mr. Harrison is carrying on his business without a partner, and gives employment to about 60 hands. In 1888 he began the manufacture of cotton yarns, having purchased the machinery of E. R. Johnson & Co. after their failure.

John H. Cumming, proprietor of dye works and laundry, estab- lished his business in 1873, where Fairbrother's tannery is now. The beginning was small, the place of business being in a cellar. Gradually, however, the business prospered, and in 1881 the building now used was erected. In 1885 the laundry department was annexed, and this, with the dyeing establishment, gives employment to about 50 hands. The dye works and the laundry are both well equipped with machinery of modern style for the efficient prosecution of the business.

J. O. Draper & Co. are manufacturers of soap, corner Clay and Front streets. The business was started in 1861 by Draper & Atwood. In 1871 the present firm was organized, consisting of James O. Draper and A. W. Stanley. They manufacture every kind of soap, in all 72 varieties, but give special attention to the making of two kinds of soap. One of them is styled the Nottingham Curd Soap, which is largely used in print works; the other is called the English Fig Soap, deemed very serviceable in washing wools. They occupy a factory three stories in height, 50 by 100 feet, and give constant em- ployment to twelve or fifteen men.

Perry Oil Company, Exchange street, are widely known as manu- 4

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

facturers of the celebrated Perry's champion harness oil and harness oil soap, also of the eagle belt oil, star axle oil, signal oil, and cylin- der, engine, machinery, spindle and lubricating oils of all kinds. Mr. R. K. Miller founded the business in 1869, and is the present owner. The company takes its name from the discoverer of the oil and soap, the manufacture of which is the leading business of the concern. The works occupy three floors, 38 by 60 feet, and are provided with the requisite capacity and all necessary facilities for carrying on the manufacture in the most thoroughly successful manner.

Salisbury & Phillips established the business of manufacturing jewelry on River street in 1874. The firm next became Salisbury & Chase, then A. F. Chase, and early in the year 1889 W. G. Evans. Mr. Evans manufactures goods for gentlemen's use, including studs, col- lar buttons, etc. He employs 30 hands.

William H. Phillips & Co. were many years in the jewelry manu- facturing business, and carried on their manufacturing somewhat ex- tensively. Mr. Phillips was succeeded by Mclaughlin & Phillips in 1888.

Orr & Schuyler, on Slater avenue, are also in this business. They began here in 1878, and their productions quickly found a market all over the country and across the ocean.

George H. Fuller & Son, manufacturers of jobbing materials for jewelers, Exchange street, carry on a special business of making jewelers' findings of gold, silver, gold-plate and fire gilt. In this es- tablishment chains, rings, pins, buckles, clasps and hundreds of like articles are made. The business was established in 1861 in the same building with Payne & Taylor, by George H. Fuller. Charles H. Fuller, the son, recently became a member of the concern.

D. F. Read, in J. B. Read's block, is also a manufacturer of jewelry.

B. P. Clapp & Co. occupy an establishment on the eastern side of the river, just above Division street bridge. Their special business is the manufacture of aqua ammonia from ammoniacal water obtained from gas works. Mr. Clapp started this business alone in 1859. When he began he used 400 gallons of that refuse water per day. Now he and his associates find 2,500 gallons not excessive. The last named quantity yields about a ton of aqua ammonia. The article is used in calico printing, in the manufacture of wall paper and in dye- ing. After a few years Mr. Clapp had as a partner for a time Mr. Preserved W. Arnold. His present partners are Messrs. Walter E. Colwell and Marvin H. Leavens. A large share of the ammoniacal water is obtained in Providence, and brought thence in bulk in a steam barge. They make, also, from the same kind of water nitrate of ammonia, for the use of dentists in making laughing gas.

Henry F. Jenks, manufacturer of builders' hardware, is located on Bayley street. The business was established in 1865. The

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

specialty in the outset was the making of window springs. In the course of time, however, the inventive genius of the proprietor de- vised various articles, since patented, consisting of house trimmings and articles for household comfort. Also, drilling and thread ma- chines, and drinking fountains, the latter having received the first degree of merit at the World's Industrial Exposition and Cotton Ex- position at New Orleans in 1884-5. Mr. Jenks is a lineal descendant of Joseph Jenks, who emigrated to Salem, Mass., from England in 1645.

J. F. Bliss, contractor and builder, occupies buildings on Pleasant street. Mr. Bliss is the successor of Bliss & Carpenter, who succeeded Slade & Co. He is prepared to rear buildings of any size. The mill has facilities for making Gothic, circular and plain window and door frames, also for the manufacture of brackets, scroll and fancy work, and in times of prosperity gives employment to a large number of hands.

S. S. & J. M. Humes commenced business in 1850. The members of the company at that time were S. S. & J. A. Humes. The present company was organized in 1876, with a capital stock of $100,000. The business to which they give special attention is the manufacture of all kinds of wood work, boxes, tanks, scroll work, sashes, doors, etc. The establishment is large enough to employ 100 men.

Willmarth & Mackillop are carpenters and builders and manufac- turers of patent conductors bored from solid wood. The business was founded in 1879 by John W. Willmarth. About the year 1880 Nelson Carpenter came into the concern, Robert Mackillop having taken an interest in April, the year previous. Carpenter only remained a short time, and the business since then has been conducted by Messrs. Will- marth and Mackillop. The building was erected in 1885. The firm employ in the busy season of the year over 100 men. They have erected many prominent buildings, both in Pawtucket and Providence, since their existence as a company.

F. F. Halliday & Son, pattern and model makers, are successors of D. A. Arnold & Son, who some years ago manufactured a great deal of wood work for cotton machinery, viz., twisters, spinning frames, etc. In 1883 F. F. Halliday, senior, bought Edward Arnold's interest, and the firm continued under the style of Arnold & Co. till 1887. Then it be- came F. F. Halliday & Son, F. F. Halliday, Jr., becoming an interested party. The firm employ nine hands.

L. Upham & Co. are manufacturers of thread, braid and silk cabi- nets and novelty wood workers, corner Cottage and Saunders streets. The business of pattern making and designing and building stone derricks was started by this firm in a small way in 1857. Since that time the business has largely increased, and gives employment to a dozen or so of men constantly. The firm consists of Lucian Upham, Charles I. Davis and Job L. Grant.

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

J. N. Polsey & Co., manufacturers of boxes, have their works near the depot, on the left hand side of the railroad as you go toward Providence. The business was established by Mr. Polsey in 1857 on a small scale, but it has grown in the course of years to great magni- tude. The firm now consists of J. N. Polsey, John P. Hood and Lester I. Mathewson. They employ from 40 to 50 workmen constantly and work up about 5,000,000 feet of lumber yearly. They manufacture every kind of box, from one-eighth of an inch in thickness up to an inch, and from one foot, surface measurement, up to one hundred feet. They make what are called the "lock-corner " boxes. They are also contractors and builders.

V. P. Westcott manufactures hames and trimmings. The business is an exceptional one, there being no other establishment in the state like it. It was established about 40 years ago by G. B. Perry & Co., Mr. Westcott coming into the proprietorship in 1874. Few workmen are employed in this concern, the goods being manufactured princi- pally by machinery. The carriage business was added in the fall of 1875.

The Jackson Shell Roll Company was formed in 1887. It is a stock company, David Jackson being president, and A. T. Atherton treas- urer. The company manufacture Jackson's lubricating device, a patent applied to all journals for lubricating purposes. The works are in Cole's building, and give employment to 12 and 15 men.

Phillips' Insulated Wire Company was established in 1884 by H. O. Phillips. This company is doing business in the Payne Building, and employs from 35 to 40 hands. Mr. Phillips established his busi- ness some years prior to this in Central Falls. He was located there in the old Sprague building.

Linton Brothers & Co. are manufacturers of card boards. The business was established in 1871 by Robert and Hugh Linton, and was continued by them till 1881, when Benjamin M. Jackson, of Provi- dence, and Edward Jollie, of Pawtucket, bought up all interests of the brothers, increased the capacity of the works, and are now employing from 40 to 50 hands. They still continue business under the above style. The factory is finely equipped with all kinds of machinery neces- sary to the business.

The manufacture of card board has become a somewhat important branch of industry in this town. The business was originally started by Elder Ray Potter. He began, indeed, with another branch of in- dustry. His first attempt was to make lamp-black, in the old steam planing mill; from that he proceeded to the manufacture of glazed paper for his box manufactory. His experiments in the latter matter led him to undertake the manufacture of card board. This was done in 1844. His first attempts were on a small scale, but the business steadily increased, and even in 1853 was quite large for the times. In 1858 Mr. Henry B. Dexter bought out the establishment, just to

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

the west of the present East avenue, and assumed the charge of the business. He had as partners Simon W. and Daniel S. Dexter. In the following year David Ryder and H. H. Thomas took an in- terest in the business, Mr. Thomas taking charge. They afterward withdrew, and the business of what is called the Rhode Island Card Board Company was carried on by Mr. Henry B. Dexter and Mr. George H. Clark. This is supposed to be the first establishment in the country, probably in the world, that undertook to make card board by ma- chinery. Even now this material is made in Europe mainly by hand. The proprietors make every description of card boards, from the most delicate to the most substantial; and provide them for the use of sta- tioners, photographers and printers. They make their goods, when desired, in continuous strips of any thickness, length or width. Ma- chinery is extensively employed, and 40 workmen are busied in the establishment. They produce about 20,000 sheets per day, but can, if need be, increase the product to 40,000. In 1880 the company built a large brick mill on Exchange street, and have since introduced a number of improved and more powerful machines, more than doub- ling their former capacity. In 1886 the company was incorporated with the following officers, still acting: President, Henry B. Dexter; treasurer, George H. Clark; secretary, Walter H. Stearns.

The Fairbrother Belting Company was established in 1834 by Lewis Fairbrother, and was the first of the kind in Rhode Island, and save one in Attleboro, Mass., is the oldest in the United States. Mr. Fairbrother learned the art of tanning in Attleboro. He was then 15 years of age. The first building erected in Pawtucket by Mr. Fairbrother was 30 by 15 feet. It had but one vat. Picker and lace leathers were made. A few years afterward the manufacture of leather belting and all kinds of leather for factory use was added. In 1859 Henry L. Fairbrother became a partner, and during the late war the firm name was changed to H. L. Fairbrother & Co., which title remained unchanged till 1888, when the company was incorpor- ated under its present name. The buildings of this company occupy about two acres of ground, and the business of general mill supplies has been added.

The James Davis Belting Company also manufacture leather belt- ing, lace leather, etc. This is an old business, the first building hav- ing been erected in 1847, and a large addition made in 1853 by James Davis, the originator of the concern. The company was incorporated in 1885; D. G. Littlefield, president; E. S. Mason, treasurer; Waldo Trescott, superintendent; Charles R. Bucklin, bookkeeper. The com- pany employ from 40 to 50 hands constantly.

The Star Tanning Company manufactures improved rawhide lace and leather belting. The present company consists of Oscar A. Jillson and Robert Bellew. The business was established in Central Falls by William Gould and William H. Keach, under the firm name of

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

Gould & Keach, in 1874. Shortly after the business was established William McKelvey came into parthership, and not long after R. A. Butler took an interest. In 1881 Mr. O. A. Jillson bought out Mr. Butler's interest, and subsequently Mr. Robert Bellew, in partnership with Mr. Jillson, became proprietors of the business. The firm em -. ploy about 25 hands constantly, and do a business of about $4,000 per month.

George C. Stillman & Co., proprietors of the Pawtucket Ware- house, are large commission merchants, who deal in wholesale fruit and produce generally. They erected their large warehouse on Weeden street in 1887, 200 by 50 feet, two stories in height. The firm trades extensively throughout the New England states, especially in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It consists of George C. Stillman and Allen B. Ralph. They give employment to ten men, and some- times more.

Ellis Thayer & Son, brush manufacturers, are located on Exchange street, where their business was established April 1st, 1882. Mr. Thayer began the business of manufacturing brushes in the city of Worcester some 35 years ago. In 1878 he came to Pawtucket, and, in company with his brother, P. E. Thayer, under the firm name of Thayer Brothers, operated on North Main street for two years. He then went to Attleboro, Mass., but in 1881 P. E. Thayer & Co. bought all interests in Thayer Brothers' business, and in 1883 it' became Ellis Thayer & Son, Mr. Herbert Thayer being the junior member. This firm employs 20 hands, and makes carpet sweepers and brushes of every description.

American Hair Cloth Padding Company, East avenue, are manu- facturers of tailors' hair-cloth paddings, also ladies' hair-cloth skirt- ings. This business was established by Messrs. Payne & Taylor. In 1854 they bought the site of David Wilkinson and erected the pres- ent building, which stands where the old anchor shop did. About the time they began their enterprise Messrs. John Hall and James Sheldon started business in the same building under the title of the Boston Hair Cloth Company. They attempted to make crinoline and stuff for ladies' wear, but, after continuing the business for three years, abandoned it. In 1858 Payne & Taylor began the manufacture of crinoline and like stuff on the machinery left by the Boston Com- pany. They had, meanwhile, carried on their engraving, but in 1860 gave it up to devote their energies entirely to the production of tailors' hair-cloth padding, as well as to ladies' hair-cloth skirtings of all kinds. In the same year they disposed of their old looms, and soon obtained of the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Company the right to use their patent automatic action for feeding the hair. Their present looms contain this and other later improvements. About fifteen years ago Mr. Payne, one of the founders, died, and his two sons, Messrs. Charles B. and James R. Payne, succeeded to his interest in

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

the concern and as partners of Mr. Jude Taylor, who is a native of England, the Messrs. Payne being natives of this city. Subsequently the business was incorporated under its present title of the Ameri- can Hair Cloth Padding Company. The company occupy two floors of the building, which covers an area of 40 by 175 feet, and employ- ment is provided for about 30 hands. The company have agencies in New York and Boston, and their products are in demand in all parts of the country.

The following companies have been but recently incorporated: In the year 1889 the Narragansett Machine Company, with a capital stock of $100,000, W. L. Cook, president; the Pawtucket Dyeing and Bleaching Company, with a capital stock of $15,000, E. G. Blodgett, president; Perry Manufacturing Company, with a capital stock of $10,000, James A. Perry, president: Royal Weaving Company, with $100,000 capital stock, with Daniel G. Littlefield, president. And in the year 1890 the Standard Seamless Wire Company, with $200,000 capital stock, H. T. Smith, president, and the Hope Webbing Com- pany, with $30,000, Charles Sissons, president.

One of the most interesting events in the history of Pawtucket was the celebration of the Cotton Centennial during the week be- ginning September 28th, 1890. The idea of the public observance of the one hundredth anniversary of Samuel Slater's successful efforts to spin cotton by power originated with Captain Henry F. Jenks several years ago. The arrangements for the celebration were conducted and successfully carried into effect by the following com- mittee, appointed by the common council: Henry E. Tiepke, chair- man; J. Ellis White, secretary; Nathan A. Chatterton, treasurer; Ber- nard F. Lennon, auditor; Edward Smith, Philo E. Thayer, Frank O'Reilly. General Olney Arnold acted as chief marshal of the entire celebration.

The exercises began with a preliminary meeting in Music Hall Sunday afternoon, September 28th, presided over by Hon. Henry B. Metcalf. Prayer was offered by Reverend George Bullen, D. D. Ad- dresses were made by Reverends Porter M. Vinton and Alexander McGregor, Ansel D. Nickerson read a historical Sunday school paper, and Reverend Emery H. Porter pronounced the benediction. Mon- day was given to a celebration by the Sunday school children. Several thousand of them marched in procession through the streets to Dun- nell Park, where special exercises were held, consisting of prayer, addresses, songs, etc. In the afternoon the Young Men's Christian Association held athletic exercises on the grounds. The industrial exhibit in the skating rink was opened at 2 P. M. After the opening exercises, consisting of music by the band and addresses by Mr. Henry E. Tiepke, chairman of the committee, Governor Davis and Mayor Carroll, the machinery was set in motion by Albert R. Sher- man, superintendent, and the exhibition was formally in operation:

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

It was a good exhibit of the manufacturing of Pawtucket, including nearly every industry in the city. An interesting feature of the exhi- bition consisted of the original spinning frame and carder of Samuel Slater, many relics from Mr. Slater's mill and other curiosities loaned for the occasion. In the evening the Garfield Club held a banquet at Music Hall. Tuesday was military day. The entire state militia and companies from Massachusetts and Connecticut took part in the parade. The weather was bright and beautiful, and the grand and imposing pageant was witnessed by thousands of spectators. In the evening a huge Grand Army camp fire was held in the large tent on Dexter street, attended by about 2,000 people.

Wednesday was trades and societies' day. The forenoon was de- voted to a trades procession, in which many firms from Providence took part. The main feature of the afternoon was a large and attrac- tive parade by the civic and secret societies. Thursday was fire- men's day. The parade was far superior to any firemen's parade Pawtucket ever had, and was witnessed by thousands all along the line of march. In the afternoon an interesting prize trial of ancient hand engines took place at Camp Burnside. In the evening the ex- hibitors held a banquet in Infantry Hall. On Friday forenoon an amateur rowing regatta was held on the Pawtucket river, under the auspices of the Pawtucket Boat Club. In the afternoon horse racing and bicycle contests drew many spectators to the driving park. The King Cotton Carnival on Friday evening, notwithstanding the some- what unpropitious weather, was a highly successful and interesting affair, and was witnessed by hosts of spectators. After the parade a grand concert and ball were held in the mammoth tent on Dexter street. On Saturday afternoon a large crowd assembled at Mineral Spring Park to witness the dedication of a monument to the late chief engineer, Samuel Smith Collyer, who died in the summer of 1884 from injuries received while going to a fire. The exercises consisted of a parade, headed by the American Band, the Fire Department, the Veteran Association, the Providence Veteran Association, and the mayor, city council and invited guests. After the dedication cere- monies the monument was presented to the city by General Olney Arnold, and accepted in behalf of the city by Mayor Carroll. The monument was designed by Charles Dowler, of Providence, and cost about $2,500, which was raised by subscription.

NEWSPAPERS IN PAWTUCKET .- The first newspaper printed and published in Pawtucket was the Pawtucket Chronicle. Its publication was begun November 12th, 1825, by John C. Harwood, a young printer from Providence. December 30th, 1826, he sold the paper to Carlile & Brown, of Providence. February 10th, 1827, the Chronicle bore the name of Randall Meacham as publisher. He was a first-class printer for those days, and came to Pawtucket from Lowell, Mass. Two of his apprentices soon afterward were Robert Sherman and Shubae

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

Kinnicutt, who in after years started the Pawtucket Gazette, and subse- quently bought the Chronicle. July 11th, 1829, Samuel M. Fowler, of Warren, R. I., became associate publisher of the Chronicle, and on Feb- ruary 11th, 1831, he became sole editor and proprietor. He died in Pawtucket August 26th, 1832. His wife continued the publication of the paper, the editorial work being performed by John H. Weeden, one of the leading attorneys of the place. In October, 1832, the Chroni- cle was purchased by Messrs. Henry and John E. Rousmaniere, of New- port, their names appearing as publishers in the number bearing date of October 26th. November 4th, 1836, Mr. J. E. Rousmaniere retired from the establishment, and the publication of the Chronicle was con- tinued by Mr. Henry Rousmaniere until April 19th, 1839, when he disposed of the newspaper and its job office to Messrs Sherman and Kinnicutt.

On Friday morning, August 3d, 1838, the first number of the Pawe- tucket Gazette made its appearance. It was printed and published by Robert Sherman and Shubael Kinnicutt, two young men who had learned the printing business in the office of the Pawtucket Chronicle. Their printing and publication office was in the upper story of an old wooden building on Main street, owned by Amos M. and John B. Read, the site of which is now covered by the brick block owned by the widow of the last named. It was issued because the older paper, the Chronicle, did not then " fill the bill " as a local paper ought, and the young printers were encouraged in their undertaking by the lead- ing citizens and the general sentiment of the village. The paper was a folio of six columns, and was printed on a sheet of good rag paper 22x30 inches. The proprietors set the type and " worked off " their limited edition on an old hand press themselves. The Gazette im- proved with each issue, and in the latter part of April, 1839, the Chronicle establishment passed into the hands of Messrs. Sherman and Kinnicutt. The issue for April 26th, 1839, bears the title of Gazette and Chronicle, and it has so continued to the present time. It has not missed making its appearance regularly every Friday morning during the more than fifty years that are now completed.

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History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Part 7

Author: Bayles, Richard Mather, ed Publication date: 1891 Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 938

Author: Bayles, Richard Mather, ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 938