USA > Vermont > Bennington County > Gazetteer and business directory of Bennington County, Vt. for 1880-81 > Part 8
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The library at the present writing, contains about four thousand volumes, embracing a wide range of historic, scientific, religious, classical and philosophical works, together with many of the ordinary books of lighter character to be found in such libraries in this country. The association sustains a course of lectures each winter. The reading room is supplied with all the news- papers and periodicals which the needs of those who frequent it
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seem to demand. The wise and generous donations of Messrs. Hunt and Park have resulted in the existence and maintenance of an institution which is an honor to Bennington, and which for many years has exerted a most wholesome educating influence upon the entire community, and its promise for the future is bright as its history in the past. The librarian, Miss Olivia A. Dixon, is admirably fitted for the position she so acceptably fills.
MILITARY.
Park Guard, Co. K., Ist Regt., N. G. of Vt., organized Jan. 20, 1876, with headquarters at Bennington. The present officers are Olin Scott, Capt., Albert M. Downes Ist Lieut. ; Samuel A. Holt, 2d Lieut .; Charles S. Kehoe, Ist Sergt .; Fred. Godfrey, 2d Sergt .; David Robinson, 3d Sergt .; Frank Dwyer, 4th Sergt; Ed. L. Bates, Quartermaster Sergt .; Jerry Hurley, Calvin W. Evans, Charles Evans, Robert Swift, corporals; Alex. J. Cooper, bugler ; Cornelius Cook, drummer ; Edward L. Bates, clerk of the com- pany ; F. A. Geenslet, treas.
The armory and drill room is at No. 60 Pleasant street. The company meet for drill on Monday evenings of each week.
At the Bennington Centennial celebrations of August 15-16, 1877, it was this company which had the post of honor in the regiment and escorted the president. The company also assisted at the Centennial celebration of the battle of Saratoga, in Octo- ber of the same year.
MANUFACTORIES.
The Bennington Machine Works .- This establishment is situ- ated at the east end of Pleasant street in Bennington Village, oc- cupying both sides of the street, with a front also on Main, Saf- ford, and Scott streets.
Col. Olin Scott, the proprietor, is a practical mechanic and engineer of long and varied practice, in which he has been quite successful.
The old Bennington Iron Foundry was the first one in Ver- mont, having been started in 1810, and in the days when stoves were first made, it was a leading concern in that business. Col. Scott became interested in these works in 1858, and in 1863
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purchased the patterns, machinery, tools and good will of the concern, and in 1865, he bought in like manner the plant of the old and well established Eagle Iron Foundry and Machine Shop, and at same time erected the extensive buildings, now occupid by the Bennington Machine Works, and placed in them the ma- chinery of both old establishments, with new additional machinery.
The leading line of work made here is gunpowder machinery, in some branches of which the proprietor has no rival.
A large part of the gunpowder machinery used in the United States during the late war, and since, was made at these works, and mills from this establishment are now used in the leading gunpowder mills in Europe, South America, Mexico and the West Indies.
At these works are also made, paper machinery in all its branches, quarrying and sawing apparatus for marble, and other machinery.
H. E. Bradford & Co.'s Hosiery Mills were first established in 1858, a little south of the site of the present mill on Upper Main street. It was burned in 1865. A one story brick mill was immediately built on the site of the present mill.
In Jan. 1874, an accident accurred to this mill, which suddenly and without notice sent mourning into the houses of many, and cast a gloom which fell like a pall over the entire community. A tank of gasolene, buried in the ground, used for generating gas for lighting the mill, sprung a leak, by which the surrounding soil be- came surcharged with gas, which by some means was ignited, when a terrific explosion occurred, burying alike the dead and dying, together with machinery, falling timbers, brick, etc. Nine persons were killed outright, and nearly as many more badly in- jured. The debris took fire and burned. The proprietors afforded every relief in their power to the suffering, and as soon as possible thereafter, the present mill, two stories high, was erected of brick.
The company employ about 110 hands and use about 175,000 pounds of scoured wool, and 50,000 pounds of cotton in the man- ufacture of 18,000 dozen shirts and drawers annually.
The Green Mountain Mills were established in 1857, by Geo. S. Bradford, on Upper Main street, In 1866 his son Frank, and
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son-in-law Geo. A. Wattles, were associated with him. On the the death of Geo. S. Bradford in 1876, the business was discon- tinued for a year, when it was revived by Mr. Wattles, who now employs about 60 hands, and consumes about 150,000 pounds of cotton in the manufacture of 15,000 dozen pieces of knit goods per annum.
The Hosiery Mills of Geo. Rockwood & Co., at the eastern extremity of the village, on Main street, were established in 1863. Employment is given to 80 hands. About 185,000 pounds of scoured wool and 45,000 pounds of cotton are manufactured into 17,000 dozen shirts and drawers, the annual production. The mills are built of wood and brick.
Joel Valentine, from Washington county, N. Y., settled in the west part of the town in 1822. He came to the village in 1824, and purchased a woolen mill which had been recently built by other parties. This mill was burned in 1836. He at once erect- ed a smaller building near by, where he continued the business until 1845, when he erected the present substantial brick factory on the site of the old mill. The property was owned by Joel Valentine until 1866, when his son, Maj. Alonzo B. Valentine, the present proprietor, converted it into a knitting mill, wherein he now employs 100 hands and uses about 75,000 pounds of wool and 150.000 pounds of cotton in the manufacture of 21,000 dozen shirts and drawers per annum.
The business of Enos Adams & Co., was commenced about fifty years ago by Enos, father of the present Enos, at which time the ocher mines were opened. A few years later his son became associated with him. About twenty-five years ago the present Enos Adams acquired a quartz mine in Berkshire Co., Mass., the productions of which, the company have mills for reducing to sev- eral grades of fineness. The granulated quartz has found a market in nearly every State in the Union, and to some extent in foreign countries, on account of the celebrity gained for its polishing effects on wood, metals, etc. Mineral soap, of a superior quality, is also one of their manufactures.
Mr. Enos Adams is also manufacturer of steam and water wheel governors, mop sticks, wooden bowls, cotton batting and lumber. The several enterprises of these firms give employ to thirty or forty hands.
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In 1793, Captain John Norton, from Goshen, Conn., estab- lished a pottery north of his residence,-the house now occupied by Mr. C. V. B. Davenport on road 57, as designated on the map. Subsequently it passed into the hands of Luman and John, his sons. After a time John went out, and in 1833, Luman and his son, Julius, removed the business to its present location on Pottery street. In 1845 the works were burned, and soon after re-built of brick. At the time of the fire the firm was Norton & Fenton, the elder Norton having previously retired. A little later Julius became the sole proprietor. In 1851, Edward became a partner, under the firm name of J. & E. Norton; later Luman P. was admitted, from which time the firm was known as J. Nor- ton & Co. Julius died in 1861, since which time the business has been conducted by E. & L. P. Norton, the present proprie- tors. They manufacture all kinds of stone and Rockingham ware. This is the oldest establishment of the kind in this State or in this section of the country. Usually about twelve hands are employed. In 1874, the pottery was burned the second time, and was immediately re-built of brick in its present form.
About forty years ago, Mr. Luther R. Graves, who had been a tin peddler in Massachusetts, and H. G. Root, a practical tin- worker, came to Bennington and engaged in the business of manufacturing tinware, and employing peddlers to travel the country and sell for cash or barter. After a few years of success. and concluding to enlarge the business, they established a branch at Watertown, N. Y., and sent one or two of their trusty workmen to superintend the business as local partners. Graves & Root furnished the needed capital, purchased stock and sold the barter collected by the peddlers. Subsequently they set up similar establishments at Syracuse, Poughkeepsie and elsewhere in New York, and to their judgment and discerment in business matters credit is due, for every one of these ventures were so successful that within a few years after starting, the local partners of the several establishments bought the business and conducted it on their own account. While in this business Graves & Root laid the foundation for the large fortunes they now enjoy. The home business is still continued in a moderate way, with the addition to' the firm of William R. Graves, the
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acting manager, Mr. L. R. Graves devoting his attention to his banking interests, and Mr. Root to his marble interest in Dorset.
Milo G. Remington began business for himself in 1863. He employs twelve men in the manufacture of 50 to 75 tin carts annually, besides other heavy wagons, as the market demands. So favorably are his tin carts known, that his orders come from tin peddlers in nearly every State in the Union.
The Bennington Woolen Mills were erected in 1865, by Hunt, Tillinghast & Co. In 1872, Mr. S. B. Hunt became the sole proprietor, by whom the mills were operated until 1874, when he sold to S. S. & M. Fisher, of New York. The main mill. No. 1, is built of brick, 113 feet long, 48 feet wide, and four stories high, besides basement and attic. In 1877, the Messrs. Fisher built a one story addition, 120 by 240 feet, also of brick. The company operate 144 looms, and about 12,000 spindles. They employ about 400 operatives, and, during the past year, have manufactured over half a million yards of heavy overcoating. On lighter goods the capacity would be larger. Both steam and water power are employed. These mills have cost probably three-quarters of a million dollars.
Henry W. Putnam is quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of various articles of light hardware. Two or three large build- ings, on the Walloomsac at North street, are occupied by the busi- ness. Several important inventions have eminated from here. Mr. Putnam is interested in the Double Pointed Tack Company. whose goods are all made at these works. He also has a grist mill at this point.
The Globe Button Works, established in the spring of 1880, on East Main, corner of Beach streets, are rapidly building up a lucrative trade. They make a great variety of buttons from vege- table ivory, the Cabezas de Negro of Central and South America. : from whence the nuts are procured. Small circular saws clip off three or four slices from the surface, leaving the centre, which is hollow and worthless. The pieces are carefully assorted as to size and quality, The succeeding operations are turning, polish- ing by tumbling, coloring or ornamenting, boring, etc. The oper- ation is very interesting to observe. As the works are compara- tively in their infancy, it is impossible to determine their capacity. Twenty-five to thirty operatives are now employed.
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Charles Cooper has been engaged several years in the manu- facture of machine spring knitting needles, a business in which he excels, making annually from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 of the vari- ous styles of needles needed for all kinds of knitting machines.
Tiffany and Cooper commenced the manufacture of knitting machinery about ten years ago. They employ twenty-three hands, and manufacture the best machines in the country for the pur- poses intended. The improvements in these machines were origi- nally due to the inventive genius of Mr. Eli Tiffany, a practical knitter, and now of this firm.
N. W. Holt employs four men in the manufacture of dental and jewelers lathes, and specialties for knitting machinery.
M. WV. Stewart has been established here in the manufacture of packing boxes, lumber planing, trunks for water courses, etc., since 1853. He employs five men.
A remarkable spring upon the land of Wm. R. Morgan, in rear of his house, flows a sufficient volume of water to drive two mills, The water at the source has a temperature of about 50° at all seasons of the year.
EDUCATIONAL.
Early in the history of the village, steps were taken for estab- lishing here superior facilities for educating the young, which resulted in the incorporation of the Union Academy, Oct. 30, 1817, and a building was erected in which academic studies were for a time pursued; but it was not a permanent institution. About 1833 a new academy building was erected on Union street, about where Mr. Stewart's house now stands. - It was for a time a very successful school, but that too was discontinued, and the building was some years ago burned. Feeling the want of facili- ties offered only by the graded system, the people of the several districts interested, introduced measures by which the Bennington Graded School District was chartered Oct. 25, 1870, and organ- ized Nov. 9, of the same year. The building committee wisely decided not to adopt the cheapest plan that should be presented, but to erect a building which, while it should meet all the import- ant requirements of a school, as demonstrated by leading educat- ors in other sections of the country, should also combine with these,
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elegance of architectural design and surroundings, such as would tend to cultivate the esthetic tastes of the pupils. Accordingly a large lot, on the Waloomsac, extending from School street to Pot- tery, and containing about three acres, was purchased, on which was erected in 1864 the finest public school building in the State. It is in the Renaissance style of architecture, as may be seen by the cut facing page 93. The main building is 78 by 66 feet. To this is joined an annex of 323 by 66 feet, by a section of 38 by 12 feet, making the extension of the building east and west 1133 feet.
.It is built of selected brick, two stories high, covered with Mansard roof. A tower of 163 feet square projects from the west facade, and is 832 feet high. The height of the first story is 123 feet ; the second 12 feet, and the third in the annex 13 feet and in the main building 18 feet. The basement is 10 feet in the clear, extending under the entire building, and is used for water closets, play rooms, for furnaces and the storage of fuel. The ground and second floors are divided into two halls, direct and transverse, and six school rooms with wardrobes attached.
The school rooms on these floors correspond in size, being 283 by 30 feet. The third floor is divided into one school room 362 by 28 feet, with two recitation rooms, each being 24 by 13 feet, and a public reception room 60} by 60 feet ; to this is an exten- sion for a raised dais and platform, 11} by 22} feet. On each side of the platform is a room 19 by 113 feet, one being used as a laboratory and the other for chemical and philosophical appara- tus and geological cabinet. The front entrance opens into the main hall. This hall is 81 by 16 feet. Side and opposite en- trances open into corridor, running at right angles with and into main hall, from which ascend broad and easy stairways. In the main hall is a broad stairway facing front entrance.
The furniture is of chestnut combined with black walnut. The desks are single and of the most improved pattern. The windows are ample in size and furnished with inside slat blinds. . Black- boards 43 feet wide extend the length of two sides of each school room.
The school is supplied with valuable apparatus, both chemical and philosophical, and a cabinet of minerals. The pupils and
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teachers have access to a valuable library. The apparatus, library and piano were donated to the school.
The ventilation is complete. The building is ventilated on the Ruttan system. In addition to the vertical discs, large ventilat- ing openings are made in each room, through which the impure air is drawn into large chimneys, where it is heated by fires from the furnaces and thus passes off. By this means a stronger draft and a more perfect ventilation is secured than by any other auto- matic method now in use. Gas and water are introduced in each school room and in the basement.
In architectural design, convenience of arrangement and com- pleteness of finish, this building compares favorably with any similar institution in the country.
The course of study pursued in this institution is comprehen- sive, and comprises a full course of methematics, natural sciences, Belles Lettres, mental and moral sciences, French, Latin and Greek. The classical course gives thorough preparation for ad- mission to college, and may be completed in three years.
There are now 12 schools in operation; most of them are taught by graduates of the High School. These graduates bring into prompt and efficient practice, essentially the same principles and modes of government and discipline inculcated and made fa- miliar in various gradations of their school experience.
The school building was erected during the year 1874, and completed on the Ist of January, 1875.
The aim of this institution has been to dispense alike to all classes of persons, irrespective of rank and wealth, the invaluable blessings of free education, thereby infusing fresh elements of strength and beauty into the grand structure of our civil and re- ligious liberty.
Non-resident pupils are admitted. For further information, parties interested should send for catalogue, or address, Trustees of Ben- nington Graded School, Bennington, Vt.
The grounds about the school building are artistically laid out, with a beautiful fountain of considerable size half-way down the walk toward School street. A few rods to the north, and in the same yard, is the pretty cottage erected for the family of the janitor. Ornamental trees are set at suitable points, thereby ad-
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ding comfort as well as beauty to the spacious play-ground. The school board is composed of seven members, one trustee from each ward, who meet at the school building in regular session, on the first Monday evening of each month.
The entire expense of the building and grounds did not much exceed $50.000. The people of Bennington have a right to feel proud, as they do, of their Graded School.
Bennington is a village of "magnificent distances," and few places of equal population cover so much territory. In many parts of the village, private grounds are large and arranged with taste and elegance. Fountains are quite numerous, one on the
(PUTNAM HOUSE AND COURT HOUSE, BENNINGTON.)
grounds of Mrs. Hunt, with a basin 1oo feet in diameter, is sup- plied with water from the mountains three or four miles east, and with sufficient head to throw a perpendicular jet from the foun- tain 180 feet high. In all parts of the village the houses are kept well painted and in good repair. The hotels are ample for the business, and generally well kept.
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THE PUTNAM HOUSE, occupying the site of the Mt. Anthony House, burned on the night of November 12, 1868, is the leading hotel, and has during the administation of Mr. L. Collins, the popular
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See Page 50
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landlord, won an enviable reputation. The rooms are neat, clean and airy, and the cuisine always of the best. As a home for city people, who come out here to spend the summer, this house is justly popular. Unform kind and obliging attention from land- lord and servants, has come to be expected by its guests, as a matter of course.
The churches of Bennington are convenient in size and gener- al arrangement, and are usually under the pastoral care of able ministers; of these additional mention will be made further on. The whole appearance of the village denotes the presence of a thriving, prosperous, happy people.
NORTH BENNINGTON, an incorporated post village, situated on Paran Creek, near the north-west corner of the town, is a station on the Bennington & Rutland Railway, of which corporation the general offices are located here. The village contains three churches, (Cong., Bap. and R. C.,) one graded school, two cotton factories, one paper mill, one manufactory of stereoscopic lenses, one grist mill, twelve or fifteen stores, two hotels besides several wagon, blacksmith, harness and other shops, saloons, &c., and about 700 inhabitants.
A beautiful pond covering several acres, just north of the rail road, at the north-eastern corner of the village, serves as a reservoir for supplying the various mills of the village. It has been partially stocked with goldfish, which thrive well here. This village is the summer residence of Hon. Trenor W. Park, president of the Pana- ma Railroad, of the Bennington & Rutland Railway, and of the First National Bank of North Bennington. Mr. Park was a native of Woodford, in this county. . He spent his boyhood there and in Searsburg, and later studied and practiced law at Bennington, in which he was very successful. He also practiced law in Cali- fornia, where he lived for several years, and where he laid the foundation of his large fortune. His beautiful country seat in the western part of the village, is the finest in the county. With him resides his father-in-law, the venerable Gov. Hiland Hall, and his son-in-law, Gen. John G. Mccullough.
The Bennington & Rutland Railway Company have recently erected a substantial and ornamental station house of brick, with -6
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marble trimmings, an improvement which adds much to the ap- pearance of this pretty village. The village owns a handsome fire engine, but has no organized company. It also possesses a stone "lock up," containing a single room ten or twelve feet square, by perhaps eight feet high, with grated ventilators of small dimensions just under the roof. During last summer the entrance was obstructed by rank weeds, the result perhaps of the forebod- ing appearance of the building; or is it to be attributed to the moral atmosphere surrounding this community ?
Of the manufacturers of the place the following are the most extensive :-
The Vermont Mills employ ninety operatives, 7000 spindles and 162 looms, and manufacture 47,000 yards of cotton print cloths per week. The company have, during the past fall built a new trunk of large size, extenting from the millto the pond north of the railroad, at an expense of about $10,000.
The J. S. Lyman Mill employ seventy operatives, 5,000 spindles and 104 looms, and makes 31,000 yards of print goods' each week.
The Stark Paper Company own two mills. The Paran Creek Mill at this village, and the State Line Mill in Shaftsbury. In the two mills they employ about 65 hands, and manufacture an- nually of curtain and hanging papers, about 1200 tons, principally from old paper but with some straw added.
The Steroscope and Graphoscope Lense Factory of H. S. Wal- bridge, was commenced by Surdam & White, in 1871. Two years after they moved out, and were succeeded by Mr. Wal- bridge, who now employs five men, and makes two gross pair of small steroscopic lenses, or half as many large ones, per day. These goods are made from the best French plate glass.
The North Bennington Academy, was established about 1852, and continued until November, 1870, when the North Benning- ton Graded School District was organized. For about one year the graded school was kept in the Academy building. The prop- erty being then sold for a church to the Catholics, the present com- modious school building was erected in 1871, at a cost of $12,000, on School street, which was newly opened for the purpose. It is a substantial structure of brick, two stories high, with a base- ment. The school has five departments.
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About 1867, an extensive shoe factory was established here, and conducted for a few years, but owing to discrimination of freight rates and for other reasons, the business was not pro Stable and was therefore abandoned.
The Ladies Circulating Library Association was organized in 1877. The annual membership fee is one dollar, which is ex- . pended in maintaining and increasing the library, which row contains about 250 books. Mrs. Milo Huling is president, and Mrs. E. W. Howe, treasurer.
The manufacturing interests of the town, outside the villages, are also of large importance. Commencing in the east part near the Woodford line, on road 50, is the Bennington Chemical Works of Root & Jones, which were established in 1875. The firm employ about eight men at the works. The following description of the manufacture of wood acid is given for the benefit of those who may not be able to witness the process.
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