Rhode Island PERKINS HORSESHOE COMPANY, Manufacturers of Perkins' Horse
and Mule Shoes, and Toe Calks, No. 31 Exchange Place. -- One of the representative
industries of Rhode Island is that so successfully conducted by the Rhode
Island Perkins Horseshoe Company at Valley Falls. This company is
famous the world over as manufacturer of Perkins' horse and mule shoes,
and toe calks, and is the second oldest in the line in the United States.
The company was incorporated in 1867, under the laws of the State of Rhode
Island, as the Rhode Island Horseshoe Company, the present title being
adopted in 1891. It has a capital stock of $2,750,000 and is officered
as follows, viz,: F. W. Carpenter, president; C. H. Perkins, general manager;
R. W. Comstock, secretary; C. R. Stark, treasurer. The plant covers
an area of six acres, and the productive capacity of the works is sixty
tons of manufactured goods per day. The works are among the most
complete of their kind in the world, and all of the special machinery in
use was invented by Mr. Perkins and manufactured by the house. They
manufacture their own iron, and give employment in the various departments
of their business, to 500 hands. The superiority of the Perkins horseshoe,
as demonstrated in active service long ago, has been steadily and conscientiously
maintained. They are always made of the best material, the quality
of which is greatly improved under the company's processes of manufacture;
while they are perfect in weight, strength and durability, and the best
yet offered to the public, while the prices quoted for them are extremely
moderate. The various styles of shoes made by this company include
the Perkins toe-weight shoe, in three different weights; the Goodenough
shoes, the Perkins snowshoe, the Perkins cowboy shoes, X. L. steel shoes,
etc.; while a specialty is made of the Perkins steel side-weight hind shoe,
their latest and best production. Every intelligent horseshoer well
knows its superior advantages. It is made of the best selected material;
is made concaved, in order to avoid throwing mud, stones or snow; and it
is almost impossible to pick up a stone with them. The price put
upon them is about one-half that of the cost of the hand-turned, and leading
horseshoers throughout the country prefer them to all other makes.
They are put up in all cases with rights and lefts in the keg, and are
supplied in quantities to suit at short notice. In a word, this company
is fully prepared to furnish the very first-class shoes for almost every
variety of solid-footed animals, and suitable or necessary for any district
or section of this country, or any part of the world. Their regular
standard brands remain the same, with the exception that they have better
adapted them to the more modern style of horseshoeing by leaving the toe
a little more rounding and taking out some of the concave. The Perkins
snowshoe, as now made, is vastly superior in all points to any like style
of shoes in the market, for either plain shoeing, as a trotting or showshoe,
or for use in mud or clay grounds. For the purpose for which they
are made - light and fine work - the X. L. Steel shoes stand at the head
of that style of machine shoes. Their Goodenough pattern horse and
mule shoes have been for some time the first choice of the horse railroad
companies of this country. They are largely used on transfer lines
and are every year gaining ground in private shops. They are a most
economical shoe, as they require no fitting, while they are calked and
ready to put on at short notice. The Perkins toe calks are in constantly
increasing demand on their merits, and are conscientiously maintained at
the highest standard of excellence and efficiency. The trade of the
company extends to all parts of the United States, and fame of the company's
products having spread to all parts of the civilized globe, and its business
is constantly broadening in extent and increasing in volume and importance.
An office is operated in this city, while all orders are filled from the
works, and patrons are supplied without delay in every instance.
The general manager, Mr. Perkins, has filled that position since the inception
of the company, as has also the secretary, Mr. Comstock, while all the
officers are experienced in the industry, and enjoy a standing in the business
world which places them far beyond the requirements of any praise which
these pages could bestow.
ARNOLD & STEERE, Makers of Solid Gold Band and Stone Rings, Facory,
No. 94 Point Street. -- The great success of the enterprise conducted by
Messrs. Arnold and Steere is a testimonial to the ability and energy of
the management. This house was founded in 1866 by Arnold & Webster,
and the present proprietors succeeded to the control in 1890. The
factory is located at No. 94 Point Street, and occupies a floor 40 x 150
feet in dimensions, conveniently fitted up throughout, and provided with
every mechanical facility whereby the best order of production may be secured.
Seventy-five experienced workmen are employed, and the operations are systematically
divided into departments, each having its complement of applicances, devices
and materials and its quota of skilled workmen, some having been employed
for the past twenty years, under experienced supervision. The manufacture
embraces gold rings in engraved bands and a large variety of ladies' set
rings in all kinds of stones, pearls, etc., all of which are made in solid
gold. The goods are made in an almost endless variety of size, shape
and design, and the beauty, originality, and propriety of the patterns,
together with the superior quality which is maintained, leave nothing to
conjecture as to the cause of the demand for them among dealers in all
sections of the Union. Orders are promptly filled, and all transactions
are placed upon the most satisfactory basis. Mr. Thos. F. Arnold is a native
of this city and Mr. Horace W. Steere is a native of Gloucester, R.I.
Both gentlemen are among our most prominent citizens, reliable and responsible,
and influential factors in our industrial development.
EDWARD N. COOK, Manufacturer of Gold and Silver Plate and Plated Wire,
No. 33 Page Street, Corner of Friendship Street. -- Among the many commercial
and industrial enterprises of Providence, there are very few that can compare
in importance with the manufacturing jewelry trade and its kindred interests.
From small beginnings it has grown for the last few decades until it has
reached astonishing proportions, and it is now one of the most prominent
centers in the United States for the manufacture of all kinds of goods
in this line, while the products are recognized everywhere to be equal,
if not superior in beauty and elegance of design and workmanship to those
made in any other portion of the world. A most necessary and important
branch of this trade is the manufacture of certain classes of material,
and among the well-known, reliable and progressive houses engaged in this
special line, is that of Mr. Edward N. Cook, manufacturer of gold and silver
plate, etc., centrally located at No. 33 Page Street, corner of Friendship
Street. This enterprising gentleman is a native of Massachusetts,
but has been a resident of this State at Johnstown (sic) for many years,
and having acquired a thorough knowledge of this business by years of close
practical experience, he founded this enterprise on his own account, in
1886, and by attending closely to the wants of the trade, producing none
but A1 goods, and adhering strictly to honorable, straightforward business
principles, he soon developed a very large and permanent trade, that now
extends to all parts of the United States, and as it continued to increase,
he was compelled to seek more commodious quarters, in order to meet its
demands, and in 1889 he moved to his present eligible location. The
premises utilized are amply spacious and commodious, admirably adapted
to the wants of the trade, and appropriately fitted up for business and
manufacturing purposes. The factory is fully equipped with the latest
improved modern machinery, tools and appliances, also steam-power, and
a full force of skilled and experienced workmen is given constant employement.
The proprietor devotes his entire attention to the business and is prepared
to execute at the shortest notice, all orders for gold and silver plate,
also plated wire, either single or double, all of which are made of the
very best materials and in the best workmanlike manner, while the prices
quoted are the very lowest. Mr. Cook is a young man of superior business
ability, enterprising and honorable, prompt in his dealings, and justly
merits the success he has achieved by his energy and industry.
A. BURGESS & SON, Manufacturers of Leather Belts, Loom Pickers,
Picker and Lace Leather, and Dealers in Manufacturers' Findings, Factory
and Office, No. 692 North Main Street. -- A. Burgess & Son, have a
reputation and trade co-extensive with the whole civilized world as manufacturers
of leather belts, loom pickers, picker and lace leather, and as dealers
in manufacturers' findings generally, with factory and office at No. 692
Main Street. The foundation of this extensive business was laid in
1835 by Mr. Alpheus Burgess. He subsequently admitted his son, Mr.
Alexander Burgess, to partnership, and retired from the firm in 1865; when
Mr. Edwin A. Burgess became a partner with his father, and on the decease
of the latter, in 1887, succeeded to the sole control. The factory
is a substantial three-story building, 50 x 200 feet in dimensions, supplied
with improved machinery and ample steam-power, and having a productive
capacity of 5,000 feet of belting per day. The manufacture of rawhide
belting and lacing is also carried on at the tannery of Wm. Coupe &
Co., in South Attleboro, Mass., in which firm Mr. Burgess is a partner.
The output of these two factories is recognized as standard in all the
markets
of the world. This house has supplied the Allan Print Works, the
American Screw Company, and nearly all the great mills in New England with
belting and findings, and ship immense quantities to the leading manufacturers
of Great Britain, Europe, South America and other nations of the world.
Col. Edwin A. Burgess is a native of Providence, and accounted among that
class of energetic, public-spirited business men in whose hands the continued
development of this city rests. He enlisted in the First Rhode Island Infantry
when nineteen years of age, serving for three months, and is now A. D.
C. on the staff of Gen John Palmer, Grand Commander of the G. A. R.; and
a member of Prescott Post, of this city; a director of the Merchants Insurance
Co., and the Mercantile Trust Company; a half-owner of the Franklin Machine
Compnay, and honored and esteemed by his fellowmen.
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK, No. 14 Westminster Street. -- One of the most
creditable and interesting histories of steady financial progress is that
of the Merchants National Bank, of Providence, No. 14 Westminster Street.
This institution has ever proved one of the financial bulwarks of the city,
and one ever guided by the soundest and most conservative policy.
It was originally incorporated with a capital of $300,000, February, 1818,
and is therefore seventy-three years of age. April 22, 1818, William
Richmond, 2d, was appointed first president and Joseph Wheelock, cashier.
Its capital was $300,000, and it was located in a building on the present
site. Its first board of directors were: Gravener (sic) Taft, William
Richmond, 2d, Andrew Taylor, Peleg Rhodes, Truman Beckwith, Samuel N. Richmond,
Randolph Chandler, Stephen H. Smith, Josiah B. Woods, Charles Potter, George
S. Rathbone, Charles L. Bowler and Nathan Tingley. During its seventy-three
years of existence the bank has had three presidents and seven cashiers.
The first president, William Richmond, 2d, held that office from April
22, 1818, to January 14, 1850, thirty-two years. He was succeeded
by Josiah Chapin, who filled the position until 1868, at which time old
age and infirmities compelled him to resign. He was then eighty years
of age. He was succeeded by ex-Governor Royal C. Taft, the present
incumbent. The cashiers of the bank who have served since its incorporation
are Joseph Wheelock, Henry E. Hudson, Henry P. Knight, William B. Burdick,
Augustus M. Tower, Charles T. Robbins and John W. Vernon, the present incumbent,
who has served since 1868. The capital stock was increased from time
to time until, in 1865, it was $939,500. At this time the bank was
reorganized and converted from a state bank to a national bank, and the
capital stock increased to $1,000,000. In 1856 the present Merchants
Bank building on Westminster Street was erected. The building and
estate cost over $90,000, and the banking rooms when fitted up were considered
the finest in New England. That the prosperity of the bank has been
continuous, both as a state and as a national institution, is evidenced
by the fact that it has never passed a dividend during the seventy-three
years of its existence. As a state bank the dividends, regularly
paid each half year, averaged seven per cent per annum. Since its
reorganization as a national bank in 1865 its dividends have averaged seven
and one-half per cent, per annum. For many years the Merchants Bank,
in connection with the Suffolk Bank of Boston, redeemed the bills of all
the banks of the State, a work of great labor and responsibility and some
profit. It is a question whether this most useful service to the
public, which engrossed the attention and energy of the management of both
banks, did not eventually involve a greater loss through neglect of other
channels of banking activities than the temporary gain realized from the
enormous volume of business connection with this redemption work.
After the inauguration of the national banking system the Merchants National
Bank and the National Bank of North America effected the clearings for
the other banks of the city, a work that some three years since was assumed
by the Clearing House Association of the banks of the city. Since
then the clearings of the Merchants National Bank for the year ending June
30, 1889, amounted to $53,700,000, and for the year ending June 30, 1891,
to $59,200,000 the largest amount credited by the Clearing House to any
institution in the city. The Merchants National has ever been a favorite
with the business world; its unusually extended deposits are those of active
merchants, and of the City of Providence, while it discounts much of the
most desireable commercial paper on the market. Its capital stock
is held by leading citizens as one of the choicest and must remunerative
of investments. Its board of directors is thoroughly representative,
being composed of prominent capitalists and business men, whose names are
synonymous with ability and integrity and whose interests are closely allied
to the growth and prosperity of the city and State; and there is no fiscal
institution here which enjoys greater confidence or whose management is
more signally prudent and sagacious. Its officers and directors are
as follows, viz: President, Hon. Royal C. Taft; cashier, J. W. Vernon;
directors, Royal C. Taft, Frank Mauran, Frank E. Richmond, Samuel R. Dorrancce,
John W. Danielson, Edward D. Pearce, Horatio N. Campbell, Frederic C. Sayles,
and George M. Smith. President Taft has been a director of the bank
for the past thirty-five years, and both he and Cashier Vernon were elected
to their respective positions in 1868. Both are able, clear-headed
financiers and have every qualification at command, including vast practical
experience and perfected methods of conducting the vast volume of business
centered here. The bank capital is an eloquent commentary upon the wisdom
and prudence of its executive management, while its operations and investments
have been so satisfactory that a snug surplus of $200,000 has been accumulated,
with undivided profits of $165,823.26; and its individual deposits average
over $2,200,000, and its loans and discounts upwards of $3,100,000.
This bank transacts a general business and numbers among its patrons many
of our wealthiest corporations, merchants and business men. It makes
an extended series of collections through its correspondents, who include
the Importers and Traders National Bank and the Bank of Commerce, New York;
and the Exchange National Bank and the National Bank of Redemption, of
Boston. The banking-rooms of the Merchants National are situated
on the ground-floor of its own magnificent six-story building, and are
among the finest and best equipped in the city. As through the handsome
swinging doors one enters the establishment, its admirable arrangement
is the first impression conveyed to the mind. Notwithstanding the
large amount of business daily transacted here, a quiet elegance pervades
the place. About July, 1890, the bank began some extensive improvements
on its building, remodeling the whole of the interior and adding another
story, making it six stories high. The stairway leading from the
enterance on Westminster Street up into the building was torn down, and
a new entrance made on the northwest corner. An elevator was also
put in the upper rooms fitted up for offices. On each floor there
is a spacious hallway. Every room is fitted up with gas and electric-light
attachments, so that either or both can be used if desired. The lower
floor is fitted up for the business of the bank. The bank will have
its own entrance on Westminster Street, and in no way can access be obtained
from any other part of the building. The banking-rooms are fitted
up with every accommodation.
PROVIDENCE CORNICE COMPANY, Manufacturers of all Kinds of Sheet Metal
Work, Skylights, Ventilators, Finials, Cornices, Tin, Copper and Corugated
Iron Roofing, Conductors, Gutters, Etc., George Salmon, Treasurer, No.
135 Dorrance Street. -- One of the leading houses in Providence engaged
as coppersmiths and sheet metal workers is that of George Salmon, working
in conjunction with the Providence Cornice Company, both located at No.
135 Dorrance Street, which are widely known in this section of the country
for turning out the most satisfactory work at the lowest trade prices,
and, accordingly, control a heavy volume of business throughout the New
England States among the better class of regular patrons. Of the
many kinds of work turned out, the chief lines are: every description of
light and heavy copper works for plumbers, printworks, cotton-mills, dye-houses,
bleacheries, steamboats, sugar refiners, candy-makers, hotels, saloons,
jewelers, chemical-works, etc.; skylights, ventilators, finials, cornices,
tin, copper and corrugated iron roofing, conductors, gutters, etc., as
well as metal spinning repairs of all kinds in copper, iron, tin and lead,
and jobbing of every description incidental to the trade, estimates being
furnished and models of work required sent upon application. This
house manufactures extensively slashers for printworks and cotton-mills
and carries an extensive stock in this line. The two businesses were
established in 1874, by the present sole owner, Mr. George Salmon, who
has at his command an experience in the trade of forty-five years, and
personally superintends the prompt and accurate fulfillment of all orders
undertaken. To ensure the most satisfactory results every modern
device and facility has been embraced, and thus, the manufactory, comprising
two spacious floors, each 30 x 100 feet in area, is replete with a full
equipment of plant, machines, tools and appliances pertaining to the industry,
steam-power being the motive force used, and eighteen skilled mechanics
regularly employed on the spot. Mr. George Salmon is a native of
London, England, whence he came to Providence twenty years ago.
MOWRY & SCOTT, Attorneys and Counsellors-at-law, No. 20 Weybosset
Street. -- Prominent among the successful lawyers of Providence is the
firm of Mowry & Scott. These gentlemen have been engaged in the
successful practice of law for a quarter of a century, Mr. Mowry in Providence
and Mr. Scott both in Providence and New York City. The firm, although
engaged in general law practice, made a specialty of equity, real estate
and patent law, including not only patent causes in the courts, but also
practice in the Patent Office in the United States and in foreign countries.
Mr. Mowry is a native of Rhode Island, graduated at Brown University in
1861, and was a soldier of the Union. He has for many years been
known as a successful and safe counsel in equity and real estate law as
well as a conscientious legislator both in the Municipal and State legislatures,
having for a long term of years been a member of both the Common Council
and Board of Aldermen of the city of Providence and representing the city
of Providence as its senator in the General Assembly. Mr. Scott is
a native of Massachusetts, entering Brown University in the class of 1863,
but left before graduation to enter the Union Army. He served with
the three months' troops, and a second time entered the army, being commissioned
as first-lieutenant and adjutant of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, subsequently
being promoted to a captaincy in the same regiment, serving therein till
the close of the war. He read law in the office of the late Hon.
Thomas A. Jenckes, of this State, and was admitted to the Rhode Island
Bar in 1866, and commenced practice in that year in Providence. In
1869 he removed to New York City to engage in the practice of patent law
in connection with Mr. Jenckes, one of the ablest patent lawyers of this
country. After the death of Mr. Jenckes, Mr. Scott continued the
practice of patent law in New York City. In 1891 he returned to Rhode
Island and with Mr. Mowry formed the present partnership of Mowry &
Scott, giving particular attention to the practice of his specialty, patent
law. -- 'Elisha C. Mowry was born in Smithfield, near Blackstone.
When about four years old, his father and family moved to Providence, where
he had the advantages of the excellent schools of that city till he was
twelve years of age. After a residence of more than two years in
Sheboygan, Wis., he returned to Providence, and between 1851 and 1853 prepared
for college at the excellent University Grammar School, of which Messrs.
Frieze and Lyon were principals. Entering Brown University in 1853,
he had completed but half of the college course, when ill-health compelled
him to suspend his studies. The next four years were passed in teaching
school in New York State, in which he was particularly successful, and
in commercial business in Buffalo, N. Y. Having recovered his health,
he returned to his college studies in 1859, and graduated at Brown University
in 1861. He served his country in the 10th Regiment Rhode Island
Volunteers in 1862, and during the next three years pursued the study of
law in the office of the Hon. Samuel Currey, of Providence, teaching school
winters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts with marked success. In
1864 and early in 1865, he was the principal of the High School in East
Douglas. He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in May, 1865, and
to the United States Courts in 1866. Elisha C. Mowry is now (1878)
one of the most promising young lawyers of Providence. He has the entire
confidence of the people and of a large clientage, as an honest, upright
man, well-read in legal matters, of broad intelligence, large general culture,
and sound judgment. Although attached to a political party largely
in the minority, he has repeatedly been elected by the people to several
responsible offices of trust and honor. He has been an active and
efficient member of the School Board of Providence since 1872, for several
years chairman of the important committee on evening schools; was a member
of the Common Council from 1871 to 1877. In the latter year he was
elected alderman. In these positions he has exerted large influence,
having been chairman and member of some of the most important standing
and special committees.' (From 'The Descendants of Nathan Mowry', by William
A. Mowry, A. M., 1878). He served two terms as alderman and the next
year (1880) was chosen to represent the city of Proidence in the State
Senate.
MACULLAR, PARKER & COMPANY, First-class Clothing, for Men, Youths
and Boys, Ready-made and Made to Measure, No. 112 Westminster Street. --
The very marked improvement in male apparel in this country, of late years,
is a distinctly notable feature of this age of tasteful attire. Compared
with the clumsy and unshapely 'store clothes', worn a generation ago, the
neat-fitting and elegant suits displayed by our leading clothiers to-day
are certainly a triumph of art; while the custom garments turned out by
fashionable tailoring firms, are not only designed and out in accordance
with exact scientific principles, but are made up and finished in a style
utterly unknown a few decades past. And in this connection attention
is notably directed in a review of the representative business houses of
Providence, to the spacious and well-ordered establishment of Macullar,
Parker & Company, No. 112 Westminster Street, where can always be found
an immense assortment of first-class ready-made clothing, for men, youths,
and boys, at remarkably low figures. Suits are made to measure here,
also, at short notice, fine tailoring being a specialty, and perfect fit
is assured in every instance, while style, cut, finish and fabric, are
warranted. The prices prevailing are exceptionally moderate, quality
of material and character of workmanship considered, and patrons of this
widely-known and noted firm, can always rely upon getting a superior article
and satisfactory treatment. Only thoroughly reliable, high-grade
goods are offered for sale here, the stock embracing a line of clothing
and suitings, from which the most fastidious in dress can make selection,
and no pains are spared to please. The business premises at the location
above-indicated occupy the whole of a 40 x 100 feet, four-story and basement
building. The ready-made department, which is on the first floor,
is commodious and handsomely appointed; the custom department is on the
second floor, and the third and fourth floors are used as stock- and workrooms;
upward of fifty, including clerks, salemen, cutters, and tailors, being
employed in this establishment, which is a branch of the old and noted
house of Macullar, Parker & Company, whose headquarters are at No.
400 Washington Street, Boston. The firm, than which none in New England
maintains a higher reputation for excellent goods or honorable dealing,
has been in existence since 1849, the Providence branch being established
in 1876. Mr. Edward L. Root, the efficient manager here, is a gentleman
in the prime of life, and a native of Massachusetts, residing in this city
some seventeen years. He is a man of thorough experience, as well
as of energy and business ability, and prior to assuming his present position,
in 1887, had been employed by the firm, in a responsible capacity in their
Providence house, ever since its inception. The stock displayed in the
store here, includes ready-made clothing of fashionable cut and elegant
material, in all sizes, styles, shapes and patterns, both in finest and
medium grades, and which is all manufactured by the firm themselves; the
assortment shown in the custom department embraces all the latest novelties,
in imported and domestic novelties - fancy cassimeres, cloths, serges,
checks, plaids, stripes and stylish fabrics in great variety.
I. M. LINCOLN, Wholesale Dealer in Fresh and Salt Beef, No. 223 Canal
Street, Box 857. -- The trade in fresh meats is one of the most important
branches of business in any city, and as a rule is conducted by men of
capital and ability of a high order. One of the leading and largest
houses in the wholesale trade in fresh and salt beef in Providence is that
of Mr. I. M. Lincoln, whose headquarters are located at No. 223 Canal Street,
with branch store at No. 330 Canal Street, styled the Kansas Store.
Mr. Lincoln is the only wholesale butcher in the city that kills his own
beef, and he mades a specialty of the very primest and choicest beef, of
which he is an expert judge. This prosperous business was established
in 1872 by the present proprietor, and his long and honorable career in
this line has been marked by the most assiduous attention to the interests
of his patrons; and his liberal and straightforward methods of transacting
business, coupled with his unlimited resources and facilities, have resulted
in the present influential business, which is one of the largest in this
line in the State. At the slaughter-houses, which are located on Charles
Street (formerly Louisquissit Pike), two carloads of cattle are killed
every week and are used mostly by the Hebrews for Koscher beef. The
house also handles three carloads per week of Western dressed beef and
at the Kansas Store four carloads are handled each week. Beef is
sold directly from the slaughter-house, where Mr. Lincoln has an ice-house
with a capacity of 3,000 tons. In addition to this he has a farm
of one hundred acres, on which he last year raised 1,200 bushels of corn
and where cattle are allowed to graze and fatten into prime condition before
killing for the market. In fact his facilities are not surpassed
by any competitor in this line of trade, and his home-dressed meats, for
exclusively fine trade, are the choicest that can be procured. The
store at No. 223 Canal Street - and also the Kansas Store at No. 330 on
the same street, which was established two years ago- are both 25 x 100
feet in dimensions, and include every facility for the handling, receiving,
shipping and preservation of stock, the former containing an ice box with
a capacity of 275 tons of ice, while the latter has an ice box with a capacity
of twenty tons. Home-slaughtered beef is sold also direct from
the slaughter-house, where ten hands are constantly employed, sixteen men
being also given employment at the two stores, while twelve wagons and
twenty horses are kept in constant use. The original establishment
of the business was on Canal Street, the present premises having been occupied
about seven years. A large stock is at all times carried and orders
of any magnitude are filled with promptness and despatch, and a large and
influential patronage is enjoyed from the best trade, including the best
hotels, restaurants, etc., which handle only the choicest beef, which is
obtained here at reasonable prices, taking the quality into consideration.
Mr. Lincoln is a native of Massachusetts, but has resided in this city
for the past twenty-five years where he has built up an enviable reputation
and a flouishing business. He is a type of New England's enterprising
business men, whose capacity and ability permanently retains to this section
its due share of national trade supremacy.
INDUSTRIAL TRUST COMPANY, No. 57 Westminster Street. -- During the last
few years a class of institutions has sprung up in the United States intended
to meet the requirements of holders of property, for their 'better protection
during life', and the more certain and speedy transmission of property
to heirs at death. These trust companies not only receive money on
deposit like banks, but also securities and other articles of value, and
are besides authorized to act as trustee, executor, administrator, etc.
Being corporations, they never die. The Industrial Trust Company,
of Providence, whose offices and banking-rooms are eligibly located at
No. 57 Westminster Street, was incorporated June 9, 1886, and began business
in August, 1887. It has a cash capital of $500,000, and is officered as
follows, viz: President, Samuel P. Colt; vice-president, Albert L. Calder;
treasurer, J. M. Addeman; directors, James M. Kimball, Providence; Geo.
L. Littlefield, Pawtucket; Joshua Wilbour, Providence; Albert L. Calder,
Providence; Sterus Hutchins, Providence; John P. Campbell, Providence;
Horace M. Barns, Bristol; Leander R. Peck, Providence; Enos Lapham, Centerville;
Newton D. Arnold, Providence; Henry R. Barker, Providence; Olney T. Inman,
Pascoag; Henry B. Winship, Providence; Geo. Peabody Wetmore, Newport; Hezekiah
Conant, Pawtucket; George T. Bliss, New York; Wm. C. Osborn, New York;
Sam'l P. Colt, Bristol. The company's cash department is a thoroughly
organized banking institution, affording every facility to patrons.
Loans are made on approved collateral and mortgage of real estate; first-class
commercial paper is discounted, and the collection of notes, drafts, coupons
and interest is made on the most favorable terms, through its correspondents,
who include the First National Bank, and Morton, Bliss & Co., New York;
and the National City Bank, Boston. The company acts as agent for
the transferring and registering or countersigning of certificates of stocks,
bonds or other obligations of any corporation, association, State, or public
authority, and also undertakes the execution of trusts in any State of
the Union, all trust funds being kept separate from the assets of the company
and invested in the names of the parties for whose benefit they are held.
Here is offered to executors, administrators, and trustees of estates,
as well as to ladies unaccustomed to the details of business, and to religious
and benevolent institutions, the finest possible facilities for the transaction
of their business. That these facilities are duly appreciated and
promptly availed by our citizems is evidenced by the statement of the company
made February 1, 1892, which shows individual deposits amounting to $1,328,455.07;
participation account deposits, $1,237,960.48; loans and discounts, $940,382.24;
investment securities and mortgages, $1,725,164.89; profit on hand, $61,035.46;
total resources, $3,339,416.17. President Colt is one of the best-known
citizens of Rhode Island, president also of the National India Rubber Company,
identified with numerous enterprises, and a tower of strength to all.
The vice-president, Mr. Calder, is widely known as the manufacturer of
Calder's Dentine. The treasurer, Mr. Addeman, was Secretary of State
for Rhode Island for fifteen years, and is eminently qualified as the custodian
of the finances of this powerful institution; while the Board of Directors
comprises much of the financial solidity and business talent of the city
and State.
ARTHUR W. JOYCE, Pension Attorney and Agent, No. 18 Custom House Street.
-- None but those who are entitled to the pensions granted by the United
States Government, and have tried to have their claims properly laid before
and adjusted in the United States Pension Office, are aware of the annoyances,
vexatious delays and difficulties encountered, unless they have been wise
enough to procure the services and advice of a thoroughly experienced attorney
and agent. The fact that the Government has granted pensions to the
deserving soldiers, soldiers' widows, and their dependent children, is
evidence that it desires that they should be remembered, and are entitled
to the amount allowed them. A well-known and responsible house devoted
to this line of professional industry in Providence, and that has been
of great benefit to all who have engaged its services, is that of Mr. Arthur
W. Joyce, pension agent and attorney, centrally located at No. 18 Custom
House Street, room No. 13, lock box No. 681. This old-established
concern was founded originally in 1865, by Major William H. Joyce, who
was late major of the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, who first
enlisted under President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men at the outbreak
of the late civil war, in April, 1861, to serve for three months, and at
the expiration of that time, he re-enlisted as a private, and during the
remainder of the war, from 1862 to 1865, was promoted step by step, until
he became major of his regiment. From the start the business has
met with uninterrupted success, and its patronage now extends to all parts
of the United States. Owing to his untimely and deeply lamented
decease in 1890, the business of the concern passed into the control of
his son, under the present title, who had an experience of over six years
in the business, and is thoroughly familiar with all its details.
His office is amply spacious and commodious and provided with every convenience
for the transaction of business and the comfort of clients. He is
prepared to transact a general pension business, and possesses special
advantages and qualifications to accurately advise applicants and frame
cases so that they may be promptly adjusted and pass through the Pension
Office with the least possible delay. He is well versed in all laws
governing the business and those having claims of any sort to make, for
back pay, bounty, extra duty, commutation of rations, clothing, disabilities
in consequence of wounds, sickness or old age, also the dependent widows
and minor children of soldiers and sailors, together with requests for
removal of charges of desertion, correction of muster, re-opening of old
cases for re-rating, etc., should place them in his hands without delay,
when they will receive his prompt and personal attention. Mr. Joyce is
a young man, active, energetic, and is highly respected by all with whom
he has any business relations. Mr. Joyce also holds position as Clerk
of Senate Committee on Corporations of the Rhode Island Assembly.
WALDRON, WIGHTMAN & CO., Wholesale Grocers, Nos. 7 to 15 Pine Street,
and Harkness Court. -- In the wholesale grocery trade, applying the broadest
sense of the term, no house is more thoroughly representative of modern
progress and intelligently directed enterprise in this section of the country
than that of Messrs. Waldron, Wightman & Co., located at Nos. 7 to
15 Pine Street, and Harkness Court. This house was founded October
7, 1858, by Messrs. Waldron & Wightman, and in 1866 the present style
was adopted. The business premises comprise an entire six-story building
fronting 100 feet on Pine Street, 50 feet on Harkness Court and 125 feet
deep; (also basement of an adjoining building, 60 x 125 feet each, owned
by them); while the interior arrangements leave nothing to be desired,
every convenience and facility being accorded for the acceleration of business.
No pen can do justice to the magnificent array of food products of every
conceivable description that is here displayed in such an attractive manner.
This firm rank among the leading wholesalers of groceries in New England
buying in both home and foreign markets, and receiving only the purest
and best in every line. They are among the heaviest jobbers of domestic
products in the State, purchasing so extensively as to afford unequalled
inducements to buyers as regards both reliability of goods and liberality
of terms and prices. Their stock is immense and varied in all departments,
and includes the finest teas and coffees, the purest spices, the finest
sugars and syrups, and the best brands of flour and farinaceous goods;
also select olives and olive oils in class and bulk, capers and sauces,
imported consomme, pickles and preserves, jams and jellies, potted meats,
Swiss cheese, French and German vegetables in class, canned soups and fish,
fruit flavors, essences and extracts, macaroni and manioc, chocolates and
cocoas, cider and vinegar, fancy soaps, wrapping paper, and wooden ware.
The establishment is completely stocked from cellar to roof with the choicest
food products that the earth yields, and the most extensive orders from
the most critical buyers can always be promptly filled. The leading
retailers in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, Westerly, Bristol,
Lincoln, and other towns in Rhode Island, as well as all through Eastern
Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts, depend on this house for their
regular supplies, and are never delayed or disappointed. A corps
of expert salesmen represent the interests of the house to the outside
trade, and are prepared to guarantee the prompt and perfect fulfilment
of all orders, as well as entire satisfaction in all transactions.
The founders and active members of this firm are Messrs. Nathan B. Waldron
and William B. Wightman, well-known citizens and natives of this State;
while Hon Nelson W. Aldrich, United States Senator from Rhode Island, has
been a partner in the house since 1866. The fame and facilities of
this old and honored house are so familiar to the public that further comment
upon our part in unnecessary; and the city of Providence is to be congratulated
upon having in her midst such a thoroughly representative and important
house and one contributing so largely to her facilities as a source of
supply.
PROVIDENCE SASH & BLIND CO., Dealers in Doors, Sash, Blinds, Window
Frames, Door Frames, Brackets, etc., No. 663 Broad Street, Corner of Pearl.
-- In a relatively short period the Providence Sash and Blind Company,
located in this city at 663 Broad Street (corner of Pearl), have sprung
into prominence among similar houses here; and they now occupy a foremost
position as a leading source of supply for the building and carpentering
trades throughout Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Southern Massachusetts.
This distinct success cannot fail to be regarded as a substantial tribute
to the company's ability to place before users the best qualities of goods
at rock-bottom figures; and this fact is attested by the many facilities
they possess for drawing their supply at first hand, directly from mills,
upon the most advantageous terms. The enterprise was established
at the same location two years ago by the present sole proprietor, Mr.
Walter R. Stiness. The chief lines dealt in are all the usual sizes
of doors, sash, blinds, window frames, door frames, brackets, etc., as
well as plate and French window glass, flock and stained glass. Of
the whole of these a heavy and very complete stock is always carried, and
goods of special sizes or patterns are supplied at short notice.
The premises utilized comprise a building of three floors, each 40 x 100
feet in area, well fitted and fully equipped throughout; as well as storehouses
of three spacious floors on Central and Pearl streets. Mr. Walter
R. Stiness is a native of this city and still a young man.
HENRY WILLIAMS & CO., Manufacturers of Fine Rolled Plated, Seamless
Wire and Sterling Silver Chains, No. 27 Page Street. -- In that branch
of the great jewelry industry of Providence devoted to the manufacture
of chains of various kinds, a prominent place is occupied by the old and
responsible house of Henry Williams & Co., located at No. 27 Page Street,
who are the centre of a large and far-reaching trade consisting in the
supply of retailers all over the United States. This important enterprise
was established in 1865 in quite a small way, and was conducted with steady
and continuous success up to 1882, when Mr. Henry Williams assumed sole
control of affairs; and during this last decade the development in both
the volume and scope of the business has been more pronounced than before.
The chief lines of manufacture are fine roll plated, seamless wire chains
and sterling silver chains in all the standard patterns and of the latest
styles and designs, as well as spring swivels, rings, bars, and bracelets;
besides a number of minor lines far too numerous to mention. The
firm's manufacturers are now freely recognized throughout the trade as
a standard made of fine chains of uniformly high quality, and the steady
influx of orders from all over the country necessitates the constant employment
of twenty-five skilled assistants, whilst two active travellers are retained
to faithfully and accurately interpret customers' orders and detailed instructions.
The factory, 25 x 100 feet in size, on the fourth floor at the location
indicated, which has been maintained there for the past four years, is
furnished with a complete modern equipment of machines, appliances, tools,
and accessories for turning out the finest work in the shortest space of
time; steam-power being the motive force used. The experienced proprietor,
Mr. Henry Williams, is a native of this city and now in the prime of life.
RICHARD THORNLEY, Wool, Wool Waste, Shoddy, Flocks, Etc., No. 9 Exchange
Place. -- The trade in wool, wool waste, etc., has its most prominent
representative in Rhode Island in the establishment of Mr. Richard Thornley,
whose headquarters are located at No. 9 Exchange Place. This enterprise
dates its inception from 1869, when it was founded at East Greenwich, R.I.,
by the present proprietor, Mr. Thornley, who removed to Providence and
to his present address twelve years ago. Since the business was founded
a large, flourishing trade has been developed, extending to all sections
of the New England, Middle and Western States, and a traveling salesman
is constantly kept busy in the tributary territory. Mr. Thornley
is a general merchant in wool, wool waste, shoddy, flocks, etc., and deals
principally in products of the Eastern and Middle States, buying and selling
in lots of from one bag to several carloads. The premises occupied
consist of the four upper floors of a five-story building, each loft having
an area of 30 x 100 feet, and affording ample accommodation for the storage
and handling of a large stock, such as is all times carried. The
connections of the house are of the most influential character, and all
the demands of the trade are met upon the most satisfactory terms.
Mr. Thornley, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Pawtucket, R.I.,
and one of Rhode Island's most prominent citizens. He is a leader
in public affairs, is one of the Board of World's Fair Managers for Rhode
Island, president of the Town Council of East Greenwich, where he resides,
is an ex-state senator, was delegate-at-large to the last Columbus anniversary
held in New York City, and enjoys the honorable distiction of having been
a delegate-at-large and the nominator of Benjamin Harrison for President
of the United States. In all the walks of life he enjoys the consideration
of his fellow-citizens, and has amply demonstrated his ability in every
position to which he has been elected.
JAMES G. WHITEHOUSE, Enamel Manufacturer, Office, No. 9 Custom House
Street. -- One of the representative industries of Providence is that conducted
so successfully by Mr. James G. Whitehouse, as an enamel manufacturer,
at No. 9 Custom House Street. Mr. Whitehouse established his business
here in 1869, and has continued it with marked ability and steadily increasing
success down to the present time. He occupies commodious and well-equipped
quarters and possesses every modern facility for insuring rapid and perfect
production and for conducting all operations under the most favorable conditions
and upon the largest scale. The enamel manufactured by him is of
various colors, and is used by jewelers and monogram manufacturers, and
in the making of advertisements on windows; also for use on gold, silver
and metal. The greatest care is exercised in all processes of manufacture
to improve the quality and enhance the value of the output, without increasing
its cost, and the results have been extremely gratifying. The product
is widely preferred by jewelers, sign-painters and others, to all similar
goods, by reason of its uniform excellence and perfect merits, and the
trade is brisk and lively at all seasons. Orders are filled with
great promptness and care, and prices are placed at the lowest point of
moderation. Mr. Whitehouse is a native of Rhode Island, in the active
prime of life, and an expert authority in his special branch of industry.
He was the founder of the Royal Society of Good Fellows, and was made Premier
in 1882, and on September 25, 1891, was made Supreme Treasurer for the
United States. He is also a member of the Elmwood Club, the Knights
of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, the order of Knights and Ladies of Honor,
the New England Order of Protection, the American Legion of Honor, the
Royal Arcanum, the Royal Arch Chapter and Calvary Commandery Knights Templar.
Mr. Whitehouse was also a member of the City Council for five years, during
which time he was chairman of the Committee on Highways for three years
and other important committees, among which may be mentioned the special
committee which reported upon the adoption of the present plans for the
sewerage of Providence, and has also been sent as a delegate to State and
municipal conventions many times and is honored and esteemed by his fellow-men
in all the various relations of life.
GEO. L. CLAFLIN & CO., Wholesale Druggists, Nos. 56 to 66 South
Main Street. -- The oldest, largest and best-patronized wholesale drug
house in Rhode Island is that of Geo. L. Claflin & Co., located at
Nos. 56 to 66 South Main Street. This veteran establishment was founded
in 1817, by Mr. J. Balch, and in 1872, Mr. Geo. L. Claflin and two other
gentlemen became the proprietors and jointly conducted the business for
two years, when Geo. L. Claflin became the sole owner and proprietor.
In 1885, his son, A. W. Claflin, was admitted and in 1891, W. L. Claflin,
another son, became a partner. Geo. L. Claflin died in 1886, but
the business has been conducted to the present under his name as a firm-title.
The main building is five stories high, 50 x 60 feet in dimensions, and
comprising not only a large wholesale house, but also one of the finest
retail drugstores in the city, while a large storehouse is also occupied
for surplus stock. The firm put up a general line of pharmaceutical
compounds, made tinctures and give special attention to the production
of fluid extracts; while they handle all domestic and foreign drugs and
chemicals, essential oils and essences, full lines of patent medicines
and many valuable pharmaceutical specialties, and a general assortment
of druggists' sundries, toilet articles and fancy goods, together with
a large line of surgical instruments, trusses, crutches, etc. The
stock is selected with sound judgment and the utmost care, and is always
choice and comprehensive, including the rarest drugs and chemicals, and
meets the wants and requirements of first-class druggists all through New
England. The proprietors are possessed of a wide range of experience
and a thorough knowledge of the trade and have rendered theirs a model
house, one where all orders to the largest can be promptly filled, and
where purity, strength and accuracy are in all cases guaranteed.
The Messrs. Claflin are natives of Rhode Island, trained in this business
from early youth, and young men of large business experience.
MERCANTILE TRUST COMPANY, Capital, $500,000, No. 28 Market Square. --
During the last few years a class of institutions has sprung up in the
United States intended to meet the requirements of holders of property,
for the better protection of such property during life and its more certain
and speedy transmission to heirs at death. These trust companies
not only undertake the execution of trusts of all kinds but also do a general
banking business. Being corporations, they never die. In this
connection special reference is made to the Mercantile Trust Company, whose
banking-rooms are located at No. 28 Market Square. This company was
incorporated in 1888, with a capital of $500,000, and is officered as follows,
viz.: President, Fred B. Evans; treasurer, Robert L. Keach; secretary,
John W. Angell; directors, James S. Phetteplace, Benjamin W. Persons, John
W. Angell, John Austin, Edwin Barrows, Arthur E. Austin, Hezekiah W. Church,
J. Howard Manchester, Edwin A. Burgess, John D. Lewis, Frank M. Burrough,
Geo. W. Holt, Michael Fitzgerald, Lincoln T. Seagrave, Chas. R. King, Ezra
Dixon, Fred B. Evans. The company's cash department is a thoroughly
organized banking institution, affording every facility to patrons.
Deposits are received subject to check at sight, and interest is allowed
thereon; loans are made on approved collateral, and collections of drafts,
notes, coupons and interest are made on the most favorable terms.
The company attends carefully to the execution of all manner of trusts,
the management and settlement of estates as executor, administrator, assignee,
receiver, trustee, guardian, agent or attorney. It acts as agent
for the transfer and registering or countersigning of certificates of stocks,
bonds or other obligations of any corporation, association, State, or public
authority. It undertakes the execution of trusts in any State of the
Union, all trust funds being kept separate from the assets of the company
and invested in the names of the parties for whose benefit they are held.
A thorough system of organisation pervades the whole of the departments
and the prompt and efficient manner in which this extensive business is
transacted is in the highest degree creditable to the management.
The president, Mr. Evans, is a prominent business man, highly esteemed
for his executive ability, enterprise and public spirit. The treasurer,
Mr. Keach, is an expert and talented bank official, eminently fitted as
the custodian of the company's funds and the active manager of the business.
The secretary, Mr. Angell, is the well-known cashier of the Lime Rock National
Bank; while the Board of Trustees comprises much of the business talent
and financial solidity of this community.
HAZARD & CHAPIN, Cotton Merchants, No. 11 Market Square. -- One
of the largest and most representative houses in Providence engaged in
the cotton industry is that of Hazard & Chapin, No. 11 Market Square.
This business was established in 1874 by Jeffrey Hazard and A. Duncan Chapin,
both of whom have a wide range of practical experience in the industry,
coupled with an intimate knowledge of the wants of manufacturers and dealers,
while they have always been noted in the trade for carrying one of the
largest and most desireable stocks in the market. Their facilities
for handing all kinds of cotttons are perfect, while their connections
are of a most influential character, representing as they do, a number
of desirable accounts. They are represented all over the the cotton-growing
South, are general dealers and brokers, and buy on their own account, as
well as on order. All goods sold by them are of the best grades and
purchasers can always rely upon the ability of the partners to make such
selections as the best of judgment would recommend. Mr. Hazard is
an ex-president of the Board of Trade, a commissioner of the World's Fair,
and director of the Manufacturers National Bank. Mr. Chapin is a
member of the Board of Trade, as is also his partner and a director of
the National Bank of North America.
HENRY CLEWS & CO., Bankers. Stocks, Bonds, Grain, Provisions,
and Petroleum Bought and Sold, Strictly on Commission, for Cash or on Margin;
Manager, Arthur G. Webster, No. 62 Westminster Street. -- The New
York Stock Exchange is to-day what its leading members have made it, and
all honor is due to those bankers and brokers who have reared it upon such
an impregnable basis of honor and integrity. Prominent among the
members to whom deserved credit attaches in this connection, is Mr. Henry
Clews, the popular representative banker, who has been closely identified
with the growth of that organization for the past quarter of a century.
To-day, as of old, no one stands higher, either on 'Change in New York
or in financial circles throughout the country, than Henry Clews.
The present firm of Henry Clews & Co. established an office in Providence,
in 1886, which is located at No. 62 Westminster Street, and which for the
past four years has been managed by Mr. Arthur G. Webster, with consummate
ability and skill. Here is offered to the public every possible facility
in the stock, produce and petroleum markets, while this office is noted
for receiving the earliest, as well as the most reliable, information concerning
the stock, grain and oil markets that reaches this city. Stocks,
bonds, grain, provisions and petroleum are bought and sold, strictly on
commission, for cash or on margin; interest is allowed on daily balances,
and a specialty is made of investment securities. Mr. Webster has
had an extended and varied experience in financial affairs, and his career
has been marked by that display of tact, energy and appreciation of opportunity
so essential to permanent success in the 'city'. He keeps a keen
eye upon the market, and is considered a reliable authority upon values
of securities, while his extended and influential connection enables him
to secure much inside information of mutual benefit to his large clientele,
and the firm he so well represents. This office has direct connections
with the principal cities of the Union, is open daily from 9 to 4, and
is the favored resort for leading capitalists and investors in this city
and throughout the State. Mr. Webster is a native of Providence, and a
young man of large business experience, wide acquaintance and sterling
personal worth, eminently deserving of every confidence.
PRESTON & BROWN, Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables,
Nos. 89 and 116 Dyer Street. -- The trade in general produce is undoubtedly
one of the most important in Providence, and the city is well represented
in this respect by a large number of responsible and reliable houses devoted
to this branch of commerce. Among this number Messrs. Preston &
Brown rank high for sterling integrity of purpose and their chief aim has
ever been to give their patrons the best goods at the lowest prices consistent
with quantity and quality. Their business is located at No. 89 Dyer
Street, where they have a number of stores, basements and storage houses
of immense proportions. On Water Street they have a storage house
situated right on the water, where their produce, which is consigned from
the South, West and adjoining States, can be loaded and unloaded.
Messrs. Preston & Brown are heavy receivers of all kinds of fruits,
vegetables, nuts, etc., but are known by all as the largest handlers of
apples in this section of the country. They have handled as many
as 12,000 barrels a year. They sell carloads of apples and vegetables
each day, which they are in a very central location to do by the natural
advantages at their command and the promptness with which their heavy stock
enables them to fill orders with. They are active and the only members
in Providence of the Boston Fruit Exchange and thus give customers the
benefit of the widest range on the market. The firm, which was originally
Preston Bros., commenced business on North Main Street in 1858, and changed
the firm-name twice, until four years ago when the present members formed
this co-partnership. Mr. A. H. Preston is a native of Connecticut
and has lived in Providence for the last thirty-four years, having been
in business here since 1853.
C. F. WILCOX, Architect, Atlantic Building. -- Among the leading architects
of this city there is not one who is more widely or more favorably known
than C. F. Wilcox, whose offices are located in the Atlantic Building (elevator,
No. 6 Exchange Street). He has been for years at the head of his
profession, and many notable structures throughout New England attest his
skill. Mr. Wilcox, who is a gentleman of middle-age, active and energetic,
was born in Georgia, but has resided in Providence since infancy.
He comes of sturdy Puritan stock, and traces his American ancestry back
to the earliest settlement of this place, being a descendant of a branch
of the Roger Williams family who settled here in 1636. Mr. Wilcox
is a man of stamp, as well as exceptional skill in his art, of which he
is a thorough master, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
He has been established since 1873, occupying the present quarters about
fourteen years, and has an extensive patronage. Mr. Wilcox occupies
a commodious and handsome suite of offices, and employs an efficient staff
of draughtsmen. He is prepared to make plans for all classes of buildings,
furnishing designs, specifications, etc., at short notice, and guarantees
satisfaction in every instance. Special attention is given to churches,
suburban villas and high-class residences generally, while construction
is personally supervised; and all work undertaken by this gentleman is
certain to be performed in the most expeditious as well as most competent
and trustworthy manner. Among the more noteworthy pieces of
architecture to which Mr. Wilcox may point with pardonable pride as evidence
of his ability, can be named the Union Baptist Church, South Baptist Church,
Providence; the Baptist Church, at East Greenwich, R.I., and the residence
of Hezekiah Conant; the Congregational Church at Dudley, Mass.; the residences
of Wm. A. Chapman and Roscoe S. Washburn, Providence; residence of Mr.
J. C. Hartshorn, at Newton Centre, Mass.; the residence of Mrs. R. S. Burrough,
Pomfret, Conn., and a great number of other structures equally worthy of
mention all over New England.
RHODE ISLAND GAS SAVING COMPANY, No. 345 Westminster Street. -- To obtain
the greatest light from the smallest amount of gas is one of the problems
of the age, and has engaged the attention of experts and scientists ever
since its introduction. When gas rushes from the burner under high
pressure a great quantity is wasted while the atmosphere becomes vitiated
by the incomplete combustion. The best solution of the problem yet
introduced is the National Automatic Gas Saving Governor, for sale in Providence
by the Rhode Island Gas Saving Company, whose office and show-room are
eligibly located at No. 345 Westminster Street. This governor equalizes
the pressure at the meter to five-tenths, whether street pressure is ten-tenths
or thirty-tenths, or whether one or one hundred burners are lighted.
The automatic action of valve cuts off street pressure, when lights are
extinguished, thus preventing all wastage and bad odors from leaky pipes;
insuring greater brilliancy, steadier flame, security against fire, no
blowing or smoking burners, no broken globes, while insurance risks are
greatly reduced; and there are no poisonous vapors from unconsumed gases,
no vitiated atmosphere and no smoked up walls, paintings or drapery.
These governors are simple in construction, perfect in operation and with
proper care will last a lifetime. Over eight thousand are now in
successful use and patrons are guaranteed a reduction of fifteen to forty
per cent in gas bills. In a word, this invention is the acme of simplicity,
efficiency and durability. They have recently been introduced here
by Mr. C. H. Burt, who has purchased the right for Rhode Island, and has
organized the Rhode Island Gas Saving Company for the purposes of the business.
Mr. Burt is a native of Rhode Island and has been a well-known business
man in this city and State for the past thirty years. He served during
the war in the Tenth and Eleventh Rhode Island Regiments, is a member of
Prescott Post, No. 1, G. A. R., and the I. O. O. F., and of excellent
repute and standing in the business world.
GEORGE H. BURNHAM, Real Estate, No. 3 Custom House Street. --
Of the many solid citizens of Providence engaged in real estate and kindred
operations, there is not one who is better known or stands higher in public
esteem than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has a
well-appointed office on the second floor of No. 3 Custom House Street,
and employs several clerks, giving close personal attention himself to
every detail of the business. Mr. Burham, who is a qualified notary,
is a general real estate broker, auctioneer and agent, buying, selling
and exchanging city and country realty of every description, both improved
and unimproved. He does a very large business, his transactions extending
throughout the entire State, and numbers in his clientage some of the wealthiest
property owners in the community, and investments are desirably placed,
also. Special attention is given to auction sales of realty, and
appraisements are made for intending purchasers, likewise. He is
a director in the Roger Williams Savings Fund and Loan Association, the
first cooperative bank in the State and the largest in the country save
two, and has been from the beginning the chairman of its Security Committee.
Mr. Burnham is an excellent judge of the present and prospective values
of property in and around Providence. Attests, affidavits and other legal
papers are carefully and accurately drawn up in like manner, and loans
and mortgages are negotiated on most favorable terms. Mr. Burnham
is a gentleman of middle-age, active and energetic, and was born in New
Hampshire, but has been a respected resident of this city since 1858.
He is a man of entire probity of character as well as of energy and sagacity,
thoroughly conversant with every feature and detail pertaining to the purchase,
sale, transfer and management of real estate, and is deservedly esteemed
in business circles and in public life. He served in the City Council for
five years, being president of that body for a year; was an alderman for
seven years, and is at present commissioner of licenses (saloon).
This old and well-known real estate agency was established in 1841 by A.
B. Dike, who was succeeded in 1860 by Doyle & Joslin, and in 1870 came
into control of Mr. Burnham, under whose efficient managment the business
has since been conducted with eminent success, moving from the Washington
Building, where the office was formerly located, to the present place about
seventeen years ago. Mr. Burnham has been somewhat prominently identified
with the Masonic Fraternity, having been Master of the Ancient Lodge of
Saint John, which was organized in 1757, Grand Secretary of Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Rhode Island, Commander of Saint John's Commandery Knight's
Templar and Grand Commander of that order in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
He is President of the Freemasons' Hall Co., which is owner of the fine
block wherein are all the Masonic headquarters of the city and State, accommodating
all the Masonic organizations of the city.
GRANITE STATE PROVIDENT ASSOCIATION, Manchester, N. H., Assets, $500,000.
J. C. Moore, President, H. F. Morse, Secretary, H. D. Upton, Treasurer,
No. 65 Westminster Street. -- No corporation of its kind in the country
has a more favorable record than the Granite State Provident Association,
the largest building and loan association in New England. Its headquarters
are at Manchester, N. H., and it is represented in Providence, by Mr. Thomas
Barker, as manager for Rhode Island, with office at No. 65 Westminster
Street. It was chartered by a special act of the Legislature in 1881,
and has authority under its charter 'to acquire by purchase, lease, mortgage
or otherwise, and hold absolutely and unconditionally lands, real estate
and personal property, and to sell, alienate, transfer, mortgage, lease,
convey or in any way dispose of the same and otherwise act as a building
association, enabling its members to purchase or build their own homes.'
It is conducted entirely upon the mutual plan, each member having one vote
and no member being personally liable for the debts of the association,
and is operated upon new and particularly attractive plans. It has
always strongly enlisted public confidence and its steady growth and wonderful
success is rapidly placing it among the leading financial institutions
of New England. January 1, 1888, its assets were nothing. Four years
from that date they amounted to over $620,000. As regards prudence
and ability of management we know of no corporations so highly to be congratulated
as the Granite State. Its officers and directors are as follows, viz.:
president, Hon. J. C. Moore; secretary, H. F. Morse; treasurer, Hon. H.
D. Upton; directors, Hon. Joseph C. Moore, president, People's Fire Insurance
Company, Manchester, N. H.; Hon. Hiram D. Upton, president New Hampshire
Trust Company, Manchester, N. H.; H. Frank Morse, secretary, Manchester,
N. H.; Hon. Eli V. Brewster, vice-president Dover National Bank and president
Dover Gas Light Company, Dover, N. H.; Hon. S. M. Bernard, attorney-at-law,
Sup. Solicitor Knights of the Golden Rule, Louisville, Ky.; G. Loring Pierce,
M. D., New York; Hon. D. M. Shapleigh, town clerk, Kittery, Me.; Philip
Carpenter, cousellor-at-law, Potter Building, N. Y.; Geo. M. Stearns, Springfield,
Mass.; Frank S. Streeter of the firm of Chase & Streeter, Concord,
N. H.; Hon. Frank C. Churchill, manufacturer, Lebanon, N. H. The
manager for Rhode Island, Mr. Barker, is a native of England and accepted
his present position here in January, 1892. He is a member of the
Amoskeag Veterans, of Manchester, N. H., and a gentleman of wide acquaintance
and high repute in his native State. He has been identified with
this association nearly four years, and under his vigorous management this
branch has become one of the most prolific in new business of any in the
country. The association is winning friends throughout the city and
State, and is a solid financial bulwark to all who seek through it to provide
a home for themselves and those dependent upon them. Mr. Barker is
a member of the Knights of Pythias.
J. M. ALPAUGH & CO., Wholesale Dealers in Paper Hangings, Window-Shades,
Shade Rollers, Brass and Nickel Shade Trimmings, Hollands and Upholsterers'
Hardware, No. 30 Exchange Place. -- Art in paper hangings and mural decorations
is as surely present to-day as it was during the palmiest days of ancient
Athens, and the highest degree of artistic taste and practical skill is
called into requisition by the manufacturers of wall-paper to secure complete
effects. This statement is clearly verified by an inspection of the
goods to be found at the various establishments engaged in their sale.
The largest and leading house, in this line in Providence, is that of Messrs.
J. M. Alpaugh & Co., located at No. 30 Exchange Place. This firm
are wholesale dealers in paper hangings, window-shades, shade rollers,
brass and nickel shade trimmings, Hollands and upholsterers' hardware,
and established their business here in July, 1890, bringing to bear large
practical experience, widespread and influential connections, and a thorough
knowledge of the wants and requirements of the trade. The house at
once met with popular favor among the trade, resulting in a very large
and active business all through New England, such as is not often accorded
to much older houses in the same line of trade, and which is steadily increasing
in proportions and influence. The business premises are spacious
in size, suitably arranged for inspection and sale, and stocked to repletion
in all departments with new, choice and reliable goods. The assortments
embrace all grades of foreign and domestic paper hangings, gold and silver
and highly colored and tinted parlor and drawing-room papers; special designs
for libraries, dining-rooms and halls; Lincrusta Walton, plain and embossed
flocks, with beautiful dadoes, friezes, centerpieces, moldings and borders,
while extremely fine effects are noticeable among the less expensive varieties.
This house also leads the trade in plain and fancy window-shades, fixtures
of all descriptions, fringes and upholsterers' hardware. The connections
of the firm with manufacturers of the highest repute both at home and abroad
are such that they are enabled to offer unsurpassed inducements to dealers
in both quality and prices, while the superiority of their goods and stock
is conceded by all. They are now handling half a million rolls of
wall-paper per year, and enjoy a large and influential trade throughout
all the New England States. The individual members of the firm are
Messrs. J. M. Alpaugh, W. J. Bicknell and Geo. F. Harding. Mr. Alpaugh
was born in Hunterdon Country, N. J., and had been engaged in this line
of business in Connecticut for upwards of thirty years previous to settling
here. Mr. Bicknell is a Providence man by birth and has been trained
in this business from his youth up, being twenty-five years in the house
of Armstrong & Burlingame. Mr. Harding is a native of Maine,
formerly with Cushman Bros. & Co., Boston, and has the management of
the shade department. These gentlemen devote their entire attention
to the promotion of the best interests of their patrons, by securing the
very latest and most approved novelties and offering the same on the most
liberal terms.
WM. SMITH & CO., Manufacturers of Gold and Silver Chains, Jewelry,
etc., Manufactory, No. 61 Peck Street; Office, Nos. 5 and 7 Malden Lane,
New York. -- Prominent among the representative and enterprising members
of the jewelry trade in Providence is the firm of Messrs. Wm. Smith &
Co., of No. 61 Peck Street. The business is very old established,
having been founded some forty years since by Mr. Wm. Smith under the same
firm name. This gentleman enjoyed the very highest reputation for
sterling honesty of purpose, and by his close attention to the smaller
details of the business placed this house on a firm basis. Mr. Smith
died three years ago, and was succeeded by his sons William, Jr., and David
N., active, energetic young business men, who followed in their father's
footsteps and still further increased the business. Both as regards
experience, perfected facilities and character they stand at the
head of their line in Providence. They have occupied for the past
eighteen years their present quarters, having removed here from Dorrance
Street. An average force of one hundred skilled hands are employed
by them in the manufacture of gold and silver chains and other styles of
jewelry of every description. The Messrs. Smith exercise the greatest
care in the selection of all materials, and maintain the highest standard
of excellence for workmanship and finish, and are justly celebrated for
the originality and artistic beauty of their new syles. Their goods
compare favorably with any others in this line made in Providence.
The jobbers throughout New England handle their goods and speak highly
of them. The firm have a branch office at Nos. 5 and 7 Malden Lane, New
York. Messrs. Smith are members of the Providence Board of Trade, and have
developed an industrial and commercial interest of the first magnitude
and one creditable to their ability and enterprise.
THE LADD WATCH CASE COMPANY, Manufacturers of the Ladd Patent Standard
Stiffened Gold Watch Cases; New Factory and Salesroom, No. 70 Richmond
Street; Branch Office, No. 11 Malden Lane, New York. -- Providence has
long been a leading centre of the jewelry manufacturing industry, while
in the Ladd Watch Case Company it has a powerful competitor in the watch-case
trade of the world. This company is deservedly prominent as manufacturer
of the Ladd Patent Standard Stiffened Gold Watch Cases, with new factory
and salesroom at No. 70 Richmond Street. The business was originally
established in 1866 by J. A. Brown & Co., and in 1883 the present company
was incorporated, with a capital stock of $200,000. They are the
oldest manufacturers of gold-filled watch cases in the United States.
On the first of January, 1892, they took possession of their new building,
which is six stories high, 40 x 131 feet in dimensions, and equipped in
the manufacturing department with the finest improved machinery, operated
by a 75-horse-power engine, and steady employment is given to one hundred
and seventy-five skilled hands. The capacity of the factory admits
of the production of four hundred watch cases per day. The output
comprises the finest gold filled watch cases on the market to-day, and
in the watch trade the stamp of this house is acknowledged to be the standard
of excellence. These cases have all the appearance of solid gold;
being in every respect carefully finished, and having various improvements
not to be found in the products of any other manufacturer. They include
beautifully engraved ornamental patterns, alike durable and adapted to
casing all the principal American and foreign movements. They are
in heavy and increasing demand not only in all parts of the United States,
but also in Canada and South America, and orders of whatever magnitude
are filled promptly on terms which are eminently fair and satisfactory.
A corps of talented salemen represent the interests of the house upon the
road, and a branch house is operated at No. 11 Malden Lane, New York.
The officers of this company are as follows: Frank Hail Brown, president;
Geo. S. Ladd, vice-president; Alfred Stone, treasurer; Wm. E. Peck, secretary.
The president, Mr. Brown, is also treasurer of the Cutler Manufacturing
Company of Warren, R. I., and was called to the head of this corporation
in April, 1892. The vice-president, Mr. Ladd, was superintendent
of the factory fourteen years, suceeding to his present position in October,
1891, on the death of his uncle, one of the honored founders of the house.
Mr. Peck was made secretary in 1889, and Mr. Stone became treasurer in
January, 1892. All are energetic men, whose operations are a lasting
source of credit to them and of the utmost value to the commerce of this
city.
J. A. GOWDEY & SON, Manufacturers of Reeds and Harnesses, and Dealers
in Mill Supplies, No. 40 Clifford Street. -- The veteran house of J. A.
Gowdey & Son, at No. 40 Clifford Street, holds a representative position
in the industrial world, as the oldest and largest in the manufacture of
reeds and harnesses, for woolen, silk and cotton mills, in the United States.
It was founded in 1834, by James Allen Gowdey, and in 1847 the son, Mr.
David Gowdey, succeeded to the control. He had been in the house
since 1842, working his way up from the bench, and long ago became noted
for his genius, energy and skill as a designer and manufacturer.
From small beginnings the business has grown at a rapid ratio, and is one
of the best illustrations of industrial progress in the State. The
business premises comprise a workshop, 50 x 125 feet in size, fully equipped
with new and improved machinery and ample steam-power, and every modern
facility is at hand for insuring rapid and perfect production. The
reeds manufactured here are the standard wherever introduced, and received
the only gold medal ever awarded for this class of products at the American
Institute, New York, in 1852. They are in preferential demand by the wool,
silk and cotton mills throughout the United States and Canada, and are
supplied on terms that are invariably satisfactory to buyers. Mr.
Gowdey is of Scotch descent, a resident of Providence since 1832, and one
of its representative manufacturers. He is the recognized authority
upon all matters connected with this branch of industry, and has exceptional
facilities at command for supplying the trade with both reeds, harnesses,
and mill supplies, in quantities to suit, at the shortest notice, and of
a quality which cannot be duplicated by rival concerns.
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