USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Gazetteer and business directory of Rutland county, Vt., for 1881-82 > Part 24
USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Gazetteer and business directory of Rutland county, Vt., for 1881-82 > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
200
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
manufactured goods shipped to the Western States amount to $100,000.00 per annum.
Thayer & Co., shirt manufacturers, opened business at Rutland in August, 1880. The business had previously been carried on at Glens Falls, N. Y., by S. T. Thayer alone. Since the removal here business has increased so that more room was needed. Consequently Mr. J. M. Haven, of this firm, has just erected a building, 40x100 feet, and five stories in height, three floors of which are to be used for the shirt business, while the two upper stories are an addition to the Bates House. The firm expect to make from 50 to 75 dozen shirts per day.
Levi Premo began the carriage and blacksmithing business on Wales street in the fall of 1876. He now employs eight men and manufactures about 50 wagons, of different styles, and 25 sleighs per annum.
Samuel Terrill, with his father Ziba, had begun the carriage business on the hill in 1858. The business was established at its present location in 1859, and has since been conducted by Samuel. He employs 15 men and manufactures a large quantity of heavy and light wagons, carriages and sleighs, each year.
BANKS.
The National Bank of Rutland was chartered in 1824 under the name of "The Bank of Rutland," with a capital of $50,000.00 and with Robt. Temple president, and William Page, cashier. It retained this name until 1866, when it was reorganized as a National Bank, assuming its present name, with a capi- tal of $300,000.00, and Hon. John B. Page, president, Francis Slason, vice- president, and S. W. Rowell, cashier. Since this time the capital of the in- stitution has increased to $500,000.00, with a surplus fund of $100,000.00. Mr. Slason, the present vice-president, has been connected with the institu- tion ever since it was first organized, and was one of the original directors.
Rutland Savings Bank .- This institution was incorporated in 1850, begin- ning with a small deposit and gradually gaining the confidence of the com- munity until it now has deposited in its care over $1,000,000.00. The first president and treasurer was Mr. Luther Daniels, who retained the position until 1879, having served with ability and honor a period of 29 years. Mr. Daniels was succeeded by Wm. M. Field, who still retains the position. Mr. Newton Kellogg is treasurer.
The Rutland County National Bank was chartered as a State Bank in 1861, with a capital of $100,000.00. In 1865 it was reorganized as a National Bank, with a capital of $200,000.00. This is about its present capital, with a surplus fund of $75,000.00. William Y. Ripley, president, and James Mer- rill, cashier, were the first officers of the institution. Mr. Ripley died Sep- tember 27, 1875, and was succeeded by his son, William Y. W. On June 10, 1867, Henry F. Field was elected cashier, to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of James Merrill, who resigned to accept the position of treasurer of the National Trust Company of New York city, where he died in 1873, while holding that office.
201
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
The Baxter National Bank was organized in August, 1870, with a capital of $300,000, H. H. Baxter being president ; J. N. Baxter, vice-president ; and G. R. Bottum, cashier. The institution has at present a capital of $300,000, with a surplus fund of $54,000. The building is a handsome three-story structure with a mansard roof, built of pressed brick and iron trimmings, presenting a grand and imposing appearance, and cost about $80,000.
The State Trust Co. of Rutland was organized June 3, 1881, with a capital of $100,000, and does a general banking business, with Charles Clement, president ; John N. Woodfin, treasurer, and O. F. Harrison, as- sistant treasurer.
EDUCATIONAL.
Under an Act of the Legislature of Vermont in 1841, a union district was formed in the village of Rutland by the consent of the four districts, and
(THE RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL.)
on the 6th of April, 1855, at a public meeting of the districts, the union was consummated, and soon after a high school was established. This organiza- tion was in successful operation during a period of twelve years. But to give greater unity and efficiency to the school system, a vote was passed at a special meeting of the legal voters of the village, held February 20, 1867, whereby all the school districts in the village were consolidated into one district, to be called the Rutland Graded School District, which vote was legalized by the Legislature, March 28, 1867, and on the 9th day of April following, at an ad- journed meeting of the legal voters of the village, the organization of the Graded School District was completed by the election of officers.
202
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
The High School building was erected in 1852, but was rebuilt and en- larged in 1879, so that the village now has a school building it may well be proud of. It is beatifully located on a hill near the head of Center street, commanding a fine view, at the same time receiving the benefit of the health- ful air of the higher land. It is a handsome commodious structure, built of pressed brick, with stone trimmings, and well ventilated. It also contains a library of about 2,000 rare volumes, which are kept in a room nicely and appropriately furnished for that purpose. The school has also valuable ap- paratus for astronomical and philosophical illustration, the whole being under charge of the principal, Oscar Atwood, M. A. Including the High School, there are five school buildings in the Graded School District, employing nineteen teachers. Taken all in all, the educational advantages enjoyed by Rutland will compare favorably with those of any other place of its size in the country.
INSURANCE.
The New England Fire Insurance Company was organized March 30th, 1881, under a charter granted by the Legislature, with a capital of $100,000, and is the only stock fire insurance company in the State. J. M. Haven was elected president ; Bradley Fish, vice-president ; B. W. Marshall, treas- urer, and C. Parmenter, secretary.
RIPLEY MUSIC HALL.
The Ripley Opera House, destroyed by fire in 1874, is now in process of re-erection. The new building is to be known as "The Ripley Music Hall," after its projector, Gen. E. H. Ripley. It is to be three stories high, with a much more ornate exterior than the old one. The first story of the front will have a marble base, with iron columns and entablature. Above the first story the front is to be of brick, set in red cement, without pencilings, with trim- mings of blue marble. Running entirely across the building, at irregular in- tervals, in the second story, will be six courses of a combination of dark blue and light blue marble, all flush with the brick except the fourth and six courses, which will project flush with a series of heavy pilasters. The center or pro- jecting section will terminate, near the top of the building, in a pediment with- an elaborate marble cornice. The interior is to be handsomely decorated, and capable of seating about 800 persons. Mr. J. J. R. Randall, the archi- iect of the interior, has given especial study to the acoustic effect, and it is not to be doubted, will meet with entire success. The Ripley Music Hall will be a monument in the growth of the village that Rutland people will look upon with pride.
HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
This is a State institution, built in pursuance of an Act passed by the General Assembly, at its fourth biennial session in 1876. Rutland was selected as its site, by the county's contributing $20,000 towards its erection,
203
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
and thereby gaining its use as a county jail. The building, located just west of the village line, on the bank of East Creek, was erected in 1877-'8, at a cost of about $60,000. At the session of 1878 the Legislature changed the purpose somewhat from its original intent as a workhouse to a " House of Correction," and the criminal laws of the State were so amended as to allow the Court at its discretion to sentence persons convicted of an offense pun- ishable by imprisonment in the State Prison, to the House of Correction. That the discipline of this institution is a great improvement over the State Prison mode, can scarcely be doubted. Especial care is exercised relative to cleanliness, clean, wholesome food furnished, and much pains taken towards moral instruction. The institution is divided into a north and south wing, or extension, with kitchen, guard-room and chapel between; contains 75 cells, four of which are lined with boiler iron and furnished with solid iron doors. These are used for confining dangerous or refractory inmates, and is, indeed about the only mode of punishment inflicted, the present management, relying more upon kindness than harsh measures to preserve discipline. When a prisoner enters the institution he is first obliged to make thoroughly clean his person, and then is dresed in a clean suit of clothes, and from that time until his release, habits of cleanliness and good manners are constantly en- forced. All conversation with fellow prisoners is prohibited, and in health a full day's work required. One day in each week they are gathered together for religious instruction and advice, and at all times the superintendent and keepers are ready by kind words and kindly admonitions to strengthen their resolutions to lead a better life when released. The female prisoners are kept well employed in making, mending and washing the prison bedding and clothing.
During the summer of 1879 Mr. M. R. Brown entered upon the contract now in force for the labor of the prisoners. This contract, for finishing mar- ble, is to continue for a term of five years from September 1, 1879, and is terminable by either party upon six months notice. By its terms the con- tractor is to pay twenty-five cents a day for the labor of each prisoner em- ployed, up to August Ist, 1880, and 3oc thereafter. There are at present 72 prisoners confined here, of which seven are female. I. M. Tripp was first ap- pointed superintendent, but resigned his office before the close of the first month, and G. N. Eayres, the present superintendent, was appointed to fill the vacancy. To the good character, judgment, prudent and careful manage- ment of Mr. Eayres, much of the success of the institution is due. Although without experience in the management of prisoners at first, he has mastered the situation and is now well fitted for the position.
HOTELS.
The Bates House, located just opposite the depot, on Merchants row, is as fine in all its appointments as any in New England, comparing favorably with the first-class hotels of our large cities. It contains 150 light, well ven-
204
TOWN OF RUTLAND
tilated and luxuriously furnished rooms, several parlors, and a spacious dining-hall. The furniture throughout is of black walnut, marble-topped, of elegant design, mostly Eastlake pattern. Every room is heated by steam and connected with the office by Creighton's patent speaking tubes ; the floors are covered with body Brussels carpets, and indeed furnished with every improvement known or attainable for the comfort and convenience of guests. The cuisine is all that the most fastidious could wish, while the gentlemanly proprietor, Mr. J. M. Haven, and the manager, Mr. W. F. Paige, by their courtesy and kindness to guests, render the hotel not only a success, but immensely popular with all. From the large and finely furnished observatory,
BATES
.HOUSE
BATES HOUSE
(THE BATES HOUSE. )
tourists can obtain a fine view of Rutland and its environs, including Killing- ton, Pico and Shrewsbury mountains, and the Otter Creek as it winds its way through the valley, with the Green Mountains on one side and the Taconic on the other, forming a scene that is scarcely rivalled by that of any other country. With a ten mile drive over a road leading directly east from the hotel, one will arrive at the famous Mt. Killington, rising in majestic grandeur 4,380 feet above tide-water, the highest point in Vermont, except Mt. Mansfield ; from its summit a view may be obtained far surpassing in extent and majestic beauty that obtained from any other mountain in Vermont, and is even regarded more attractive than that from Mt. Washing- ton, being less a scene of desolation, and of greater pastoral beauty ; pre- senting to the beholder a sea of mountains clothed to their summits with verdure, their sides dotted with nestling lakes and fertile farms. Although these mountains seem to crowd each other, so great is their profusion, there
205
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
is yet room for many valleys of great beauty and fertility. This feature of cultivation does not tame the view, but enhances the charm of its vastness. A view that includes the greater part of New England, and even ex- tending far beyond its limits, cannot well be tamed by cultivation. This prospect takes in all the mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains, and all the principal ones of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and the beautiful Adirondacks ; also Lake Champlain, so plainly visible that steamers can be seen upon its waters with the naked eye. The grand prospect, together with the abundant springs of water, cold and pure as crystal, situated within a few rods of the summit, and the purity of atmosphere which the great elevation affords, all combine to make this mountain a delightful dwelling-place during the summer months. It was first occupied by a party of the United States Coast Survey in the summer of 1879, when a carriage-road was built for their accommodation as far up as the spring. At this point, in August of the same year, a small house was built by V. C. Meyerhoffer, of Rutland, as a health resort and for the accommodation of tourists. During August and September of that year about one thousand people visited the mountain. The following year, 1880, a much larger house was erected in addition to the old one, and the number of guests largely increased. Killington bids fair to become one of the most attractive summer resorts of New England. A new road is to be built this summer up the Sherburne side of the mountain, and the present road is to be greatly improved.
The Bardwell House, located on Merchants row, opposite the railroad depot, was built by Bardwell & Cook, and opened in the spring of 1852. J. W. Cramton became proprietor August 16, 1865, and has since conducted the house as a first-class hotel in all respects.
The Berwick House, built in 1868, and owned by C. F. Richardson, is a large, well regulated hotel, located on the corner of Center and Wales streets.
FIRES.
Rutland has been visited during the last half century by three destructive fires, the black scar left by the last having never been removed, and still de- nominated as the "burnt district." The first great fire, occurring in the mid- dle of a July night in 1845, swept away all of that side of Main street lying between the old Butler House and "the three-storied store." In April of the following year another fire occurred on Main street, making a new "burnt district," extending from the old Grove House to the Strong House-in all a dozen front buildings and more than a score of back buildings. But the last and greatest occurred on the 3rd of April, 1868, involving a loss of over $50,- 000.00. This fire was occasioned by the bursting of a lamp in the bar-room of the Franklin House, a large hotel owned by Gershom Cheney, located on the east side of Main street. When first discovered, at about 1:30 A. M., it was under considerable headway, and the whole main building was soon a mass of flames, which no human power could quell. It then ran along by a
206
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
connecting link to a block owned by W. H. B. Owen, which was also in a few minutes burning rapidly. The county court house, on the north of the hotel, caught fire in the cupola almost at the same time as Mr. Owen's store. From the court house it next enveloped a wooden building on the north. At this point, there being an alley of some fifteen to twenty feet wide, the fire began to succumb to the water poured upon it, the Dr. Ross block, next south of Mr. Owen's, being the southern limit. The Franklin House, at the time of the fire, was filled with guests and boarders, but fortunately all escaped safely, though most of them lost their wardrobes. Two eminent lawyers, at- tending the County Court, came down from the second story on a board, being men of more than average avoirdupois, and rivals in the political arena ; their safe landing was hailed with delight, as grave doubts had been enter- tained of the strength of their frail support. Other than these fires no great calamities have visited the village.
Previous to the year 1846 there was no street leading west from Main except West street. The other streets of the village were Greene street and Woodstock avenue. From where Oscar Brown now resides-then at the out- skirts of the village-there were only two houses before reaching the creek, the Ruggles house and Chipman Thrall's. The village did not begin to build up much until about the time the railroad was constructed, 1847 to '50. At this time there were but three churches in the place, which now contains seven. On the 26th of December, 1856, it was decided by the authorities "to open two new streets, to be called Center street and Court street." These streets have since become two of the most important of the village. In 1853 and'54 the depot was erected. In 1857 the U. S. court house and post office building was erected, at a cost of about $80,000.00. Thus from year to year has the village added to its beauty and importance, until at the present time, with its 17 miles of streets, it bids fair to be, in less than another quarter of a century, one of the most prosperous and flourishing cities of the East.
OLD HOUSES.
The oldest house in the village is the old gambrel-roofed building next west of the Advent Chapel, on West street, built previous to 1775, and used several years as a county court house. (See page 43.) The building located on the north-west corner of Main and West streets was built about the year 1775, and for a long time used as a hotel. Where Cheney Bros. and Graves now are, Luther Daniels & Bell were located a number of years as general merchants. The building was erected, however, previous to 1795, by John A. Graham; just north of this was the old Franklin House. Where Mr. Field now resides was the old Fox place, where the Herald was first pub- lished, and a book store kept. The old jail was located where Mr. Lawrence now resides. Among the business men in Rutland in 1794-'95-'96 were Trobridge Maynard, in the saddlery business ; James Daviss and William Leadwell were clothiers ; Joseph Munn kept the tavern near the court house
207
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
and Elijah Taylor opened the tavern "lately occupied by Major Buell ;" Fred Hill was postmaster ; Nathaniel Chipman and Leonard Williams were together in the law business; Pomeroy & Hooker were druggists ; Pepoon Fuller & Co., Jonas & Anthony Butler; Isacher Reed, "a few rods east of the meet- ing house ;" and Ralph Page "one mile west of the court house," were general merchants; Uri Hill was a house and sign painter; David Stevens, late of Walpole, N. H. was in the boot and shoe business, a few rods north of the meeting house, East Parish ; he was also a tanner and currier here ; Eben Mussey sold boots, shoes and leather at wholesale and retail, about half a mile south of the court house ; John and Wm. Smith were blacksmiths ; Wm. Storer was a goldsmith and silversmith ; Sampson Ladd was a carpen- ter and builder ; Wm. Hale was a cabinet maker, " 100 rods west of the State House, at Rutland."
The present churches of Rutland are convenient in size and general 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.
WEST RUTLAND, a post village and station on the D. & H. C. Co's R. R. is located about four miles west of Rutland village, in the West Parish of Rutland. It contains one hotel, three churches, about a dozen stores and about 2,000 inhabitants. At a distance of eighty rods north from the rail- road depot in the village, is a range of hills rising 200 feet above the bottom lands. On the western slope of these hills, and near the base, crops out the world famous Rutland Marble.
Marble, from the Greek wood marmoros, to sparkle, to flash, to gleam, is a term properly applied to the varieties of carbonate of lime, which have a granular and crystaline texture. In the ordinary parlance of the mason, it means almost any rock that may be polished ; such as steatite, serpentine, brecca, etc. The use of marble for ornamental and artistic purposes dates from the remotest antiquity. Italy, the famous marble producing country of the world, whose far-famed quarries of Carrara have supplied statuaries with this beautiful material from the time of Julius Caesar, was destined to find a dangerous rival nestled in the quiet hills at West Rutland. The valley at the foot of West Mountain, in 1838, was a dreary swamp, land that one would scarcely believe worth a song. In 1838 William F. Barnes began a lime kiln near the "old red store," calcining the marble into quick-lime. Soon the idea occurred to him that this limestone might be used in the manufac- ture of tomb-stones. Accordingly he struck a bargain for this barren, swampy land, including a portion of the hill, giving in exchange an old horse, worth not to exceed $75. This same barren land contained nearly all of the famous quarries of West Rutland, now valued at millions, and which before his death he sold for $130,000.
Starting from the R. R. depot and going north, a short walk places the visitor at the three large quarries of Sheldons & Slason. These quarries
208
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
were opened about the year 1843, and the past 38 years, marble has been taken from them to the depth of 250 feet. In the beginning the business was limited, and not very profitable, as, in the absence of railroads, the entire product had to be hauled by teams from the quarries to Whitehall, N. Y., the nearest shipping point, a distance of twenty-five miles. But the completion of the railroad in 1851 gave an impetus to the business. In the spring of 1850 Messrs. Sheldons & Slason erected an "an eight gang " mill, running nine months in the year, in the day time only, and then more nearly met the demand than they now do with a forty-eight gang mill, running night and day all the months of the year. The machinery is driven by a 300 horse-power engine, which also hoists the stone from the quarries. In quarrying, sawing and shipping marble 350 men are employed. In ad- diton to the vast amount of inarble which they work up on their own account, they annually ship many thousand tons to be worked up by other mills.
The Gilson & Woodfin quarries, just north of Sheldons & Slason's, were opened in 1845, William F. Barnes working the quarries by contract for Allen & Adams until 1849, when they took a lease of the property. There was but one opening (which has attained a greater depth than the opening of any other quarry) until 1879, when the present firm made another opening higher, on a deposit running parallel with the old one; this as yet has not been worked to any great extent. The business has undergone numerous changes, until June, 1868, it was taken by the present firm, who employ about 100 men.
The Sherman & Gleason quarries, north of the Gilson & Woodfin opening, were opened in 1846 by the present proprietors, who employ 60 men.
The West Rutland Marble Company .- In 1867-'68 a firm under the name of "The Green Mountain Marble Co." opened a quarry on the old Blanchard estate, which they worked three or four years, and took therefrom about $75,000.00 worth of marble ; but did not make it a success, on account of lack of funds to carry on the business. Since it was abandoned by them it has lain idle until May 1, 1881, when it was bought by J. E. Manley, Esq., of West Rutland, J. S. Brown, of Concord, N. H., A. J. Griffin and Thomas H. Elliott, of Lowell, Mass., forming themselves into a company under the name of "The West Rutland Marble Co." The whole is under the management of Mr. J. E. Manley, and there is little doubt but that under him the enter- prise will prove a success, as he is a gentleman possessed of rare business qualities and has had considerable experience in the marble trade.
The old Rutland Marble Company, whose quarries and mills are situated north of the Sherman & Gleason quarry, was organized October 29, 1863, and worked 24 gangs of saws ; but on September 30, 1880, it united with the Sutherland Falls Co. to form the Vermont Marble Co., who now have their headquarters at Centre Rutland.
.
209
TOWN OF RUTLAND.
CENTRE RUTLAND, a small post-village, located midway between Rutland village and West Rutland, on the Central Vermont and D. & H. C. Co.'s R. R., and by a beautiful fall on Otter Creek, contains one store, one church, one grist-mill, about forty dwellings and the mills of the Vermont Marble Co.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.