Industries and Wealth
of the Principal Points in Rhode Island, being the city of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Newport, Narragansett Pier, Bristol & Westerly.New York: A. F. Parsons Publishing Co., 1892
p. 95:GEO. A. LEETE & SON, Agents, Drafts on England, Ireland, Etc., General Transatlantic Steamship Agency, No. 72 Westminster Street. -- This is a sound, prosperous and conservatively conducted establishment, transacting a general brokerage and exchange business, and one that has always retained in the highest degree the confidence and patronage of the community at large. This business was founded originally in 1866 by Mr. Geo. A. Leete, and from the start has been the recipient of a very large and influential patronage. In 1867, a steamship agency was formed in connection with it, and in 1871 his son, George F., was admitted into the concern as a partner, and under their joint enterprise and direction the business grew to very large proportions, and connections were formed with leading financial concerns throughout the different cities in the United States and other parts of the world. On the death of the founder of the house, in 1884, his son succeeded as sole proprietor. He is a native of Rochester, New York, and was reared in New York City, but has been a resident here for many years, and is an able and experienced man in all branches of his business. The premises utilized are commodious, and appropriately fitted up and provided with every facility and convenience for the successful transaction of business and the comfort and information of patrons. He offers every advantage possessed by any other, and collections in all parts of the world receive prompt attention. He buys and sells government, state, county and city bonds, railroad and other securities on commission, and also issues travelers' and commercial letters of credit and effects cable transfers of funds. He is also the agent for the following transatlantic steamship lines, the Cunard, Guion, White Star, Inman, National, Anchor, Allan, North German Lloyd, Hamburg American, Red Star, Rotterdam and Italian, and is prepared to furnish first-class cabin, intermediate cabin and steerage tickets on any of their vessels at the lowest prices.
p. 95:WHAT CHEER SHIRT COMPANY, Holden & Welch, Managers, Practical Shirt-makers, No. 91 Westminster Street. -- The whole of the goods which leave the establishment of the What Cheer Shirt company, situated in this city at No. 91 Westminster Street, consist of the finest custom work to order to exact measure; and most of the success which has all along attended the enterprise, is attributable to the reliable and satisfactory manner in which all orders are executed; alike as to the materials used, perfect fit, fine work and fair prices. The undertaking was initated (sic) four years ago by the present proprietors and managers, Mr. R. C. Holden and Mr. J. M. Welch; the first-named having been formerly engaged with Mr. Welch when a partner in the firm of J. M. Welch & Co. Of the several kinds of fine custom goods turned out, the chief lines are shirts for dress, traveling, outing, business and evening wear, underwear, hosiery, collars, cuffs, white duck coats, aprons, and a full line of tailoring, including garments of all kinds; of which, however, a specialty is made of fine trousers. The trade controlled reaches among the better class of patrons throughout New England and over this area seven active agents are constantly out in the firm's interest. The office, workrooms, etc., 40 x 50 feet in size, are on the fourth floor at the location indicated, and every appliance and facility is at hand for ensuring the most satisfactory results; twenty skilled operatives being busily engaged on the spot on shirt work. Of the proprietors, who are both members of the Royal Arcanum and the Metropole Club, Mr. Holden, now thirty-three years of age, was born at Warwick, R.I., came to the city twelve years ago, and belongs to the American Protective League and Odd Fellows; while Mr. Welch, now twenty-nine years of age, is a native of Connecticut, reached Providence eight years ago, and is a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Iron Hall, the Protective League, and others.
p. 95:D. C. & H. S. FINK, Jewelers, Diamonds, Watches, Clocks, Etc., No. 200 Westminster Street. -- A prominent house devoted to this line of business in Providence, and well worthy of comment in these pages, is that of Messrs. D. C. & H. S. Fink. Mr. D. C. Fink is a native of Kingston, New York, and H. S. was born in Detroit, Michigan, and have been residents of this city since 1862, coming here when they were aged respectively seven and six years. The former commenced to learn this trade in the well-known house of Messrs. Tabor & Son, now out of existence, in 1867, and the latter began in the same concern two years afterward, and both have been in the business continuously ever since. They inaugurated this establishment on their own responsibility in 1885 at this address, and from the start it has been the center of a very large and influential trade that is constantly increasing and extending throughout this and adjoining States. The house has acquired such an immense trade, that larger quarters are needed, and in January, 1893, the firm will move into new quarters at No. 204, of the same building. These premises have been fitted up especially for this purpose and Messrs. Fink's store is decidedly one of the handsomest and most complete in this city. The present store is very handsomely furnished and provided with every facility for the transaction of business. The stock embraces a full line of fine American and European gold and silver watches and fine jewelry of every description, including a magnificent assortment of diamonds, rubies, pearls, emeralds, opals, and other rare and precious gems of unsurpassed brilliancy and beauty, while the matching, cutting and mounting of these gems find here the most accomplished experts. A full line of fine French, Swiss and American clocks, also most beautiful gold and silverware and jewelers' fancy goods is also carried. They give particular attention to eyeglasses and spectacles and optical goods, a specialty being the fitting of glasses for all kinds of vision as prescribed by oculists. A special feature is also made of repairing fine watches, clocks and jewelry.
p. 96:GEORGE F. YOUNG & BRO., Wholesale Dealers in Cigars, Tobacco, Pipes and Snuff, Smokers' Articles a Specialty, No. 27 Westminster Street. -- The principal establishment in Providence and the largest in New England engaged in the wholesale handling of cigars, tobaccos and smokers' goods in general, is that of Messrs. George F. Young & Bro., centrally located at Nos. 27 and 29 Westminster Street. This house has been in existence for a third of a century, and now commands a trade that extends to all sections of the United States. The enterprise was founded in 1858 by Mr. J. Curtis, who was succeeded by Mr. L. Kingsley. Later on the firm of Kingsley & Smith was organized and was followed in the order named by Smith & Young, Young & Olney, George F. Young & Co., and in 1876 by the present firm, the copartners being Messrs. George F. Young and Nicholas B. Young, both natives of this city and well known as progressive business men and public-spirited citizens. The business premises occupied comprise a store, basement and part of the second floor, the property having dimensions of 25 x 100 feet. The salesroom is tastefully and systematically arranged, and contains a heavy stock of the choicest cigars, tobaccos, pipes and snuff, and smokers' articles of every variety, both of foreign and domestic manufacture. The firm make leading specialties of the following brands of cigars, which retail at five cents: 'Rhode Island', 'Young's Bouquet', 'Adjuster', and in a fine grade of smoking tobacco, 'Rod and Reel', and in plug chewing tobacco, 'Bell Boy' and ' '91' are of particularly choice quality. A staff of ten assistants is employed here, while on the road the house is represented by three traveling salemen. The long-established, influential connections of the house are such that the firm is enabled to offer especial inducements in prices, and all orders are promptly filled in a manner guaranteed to ensure satisfaction.
p. 96:JOSIAH WALSHAM, Manufacturer of Artistic Articles in Metal, No. 27 Beverly Street. -- With every facility at his command for ensuring the best results, Mr. Josiah Walsham, manufacturer of artistic articles in metal, carrying on operations in this city at No. 27 Beverly Street, is enabled to turn out a line of goods which for high finish and novelty of design cannot be excelled by any other maker. The enterprise has been established under the skillful and experienced direction of the present proprietor for the past fifteen years, during which time it has steadily and continuously developed in both volume and scope, until the goods of the house are now in heavy and regular demand throughout the United States. The basis of operations consists in the manufacture of a general line of artistic novelties in various metals, which are supplied to manufacturing houses using metal ornaments of every description, such as silversmiths, jewelers, millinery ornaments and manufacturers of novelties, etc. The house is always keenly alive to any new patterns or styles that are introduced from time to time; and while a general line of artistic novelties in metal is turned out, those of any special design, from the plainest to the most chaste and elaborate, are manufactured to order and executed with a strict adherence to sketch, specification, drawing, etc., on short notice. The factory, 50 x 100 feet in size, at the location noted, is furnished with a complete modern equipment of machines, tools, appliances and facilities pertaining to the industry; steam-power being the motive force used, and a large number of busy workers regularly employed, all skilled in their respective departments. Mr. Josiah Walsham, who is thoroughly practical in this special branch of trade, is a native of England, and came to reside in this city fifteen years ago.
p. 96:WILLIAM H. MILLER & SONS, Blacksmiths, Machine and Tool Forgings of All Kinds, Building Work, Etc., Nos. 194, 196 and 200 Eddy Street. -- In the line of general blacksmithing, machine and tool forging, etc., none in the business in this city or State maintain a higher reputation for excellent work that William H. Miller & Sons, Nos. 194, 196 and 200 Eddy Street. They are prompt and thoroughly reliable, too, in executing orders, and have an extensive trade. This well-known firm are also manufacturers and patentees of Miller's carriage shaft or thill supporter, with iron socket at top, which takes the nut or bolt that passes through the whiffletree and cross-bar holding shafts or thills up when carriage is not in use, and which is conceded to be the most perfect, effective and altogether superior device for the purposes intended on the market. It is simple, neat, handy and notably cheap (25 cents each, or five for a dollar) and is rapidly growing in favor all over the country. The Messrs. Miller have a spacious and well-equipped shop, six fires, four trip-hammers, two milling machines, and two cutting off machines being in operation here that will cut from 1/4 inch diameter to 5 inches or 3 1/2 square, while they are prepared to cut by machine blanks of any desired length at short notice, eighteen skilled workmen being employed. Blacksmithing and jobbing of every description are executed, and machine and tool forgings are turned out at short notice, while all classes of building work in this line are attended to in the most expeditious and competent manner. The firm keep on hand always a large stock of picks, tongs, turning tools, dies, hubs, cutter-plates, jack-dies, plungers and holders, plumbers' and pipers' scoops, etc.; also Jessop's annealed tool steel, and all orders by telephone will receive immediate attention. All work done by them is guaranteed to be strictly first-class, and every article leaving their establishment is warranted, while their prices are of the most reasonable character. This business was established in May, 1866, by Crowell & Miller, who were succeeded by Miller & Sisson, and they by W. H. Miller & Co., and later came into sole control of William H. Miller, who, in 1887, took into partnership his sons, J. W. Miller and W. F. Miller. Mr. Miller, the elder, was born in Swansey, Mass., and has resided in Providence some forty years, his sons being natives of this city. All are men of thorough practical skill and are masters of their art in all its branches.
facing page: "Views in Roger William Park" photographs
1. Betsy Williams Cottage and Roger Williams monument
2. What Cheer Cottage
p. 98:MURRAY, SPINK & CO., Importers and Jobbers of Fancy Goods, Nos. 26, 28 and 30 Pine Street and No. 30 Hay Street. -- This immense business dates its inception back to 1852, when it was founded by Messrs. Burrington & Hutchins, who developed most important interests and far-reaching connections, which their successors have built upon to great advantage. They were succeeded by the firm of Hutchins & Murray and in 1878 the present firm was organized by Messrs. P. S. Murray, G. A. Spink, H. K. Blanchard and H. A. Young. A more competent body of business men are rarely combined in an organization of this nature. They brought to bear every qualification for the business and have ever retained the confidence and esteem of the commercial world. They are direct importers and leading jobbers of fancy goods, notions and novelties, handling watches and clocks gold and plated jewelry, ladies' and gents' furnishing goods, show cases and Yankee notions in great variety, and are also extensive manufacturers of cigars, being owners of the Standard Cigar Factory, and are agents for Young Brothers' paper boxes, used by jewelers. Their establishment is eligibly located, at Nos. 26, 28 and 30 Pine Street and No. 30 Hay Street, and comprises a splendid five-story building, 80 x 100 feet in dimensions, the internal arrangements of which are thoroughly perfect and complete, rendering the house a model emporium of its kind. This firm have the finest opportunities as buyers in the markets of both America and Europe. They take advantage of every fluctuation in prices, of all the great trade sales and forced offerings of mills and commission houses, and are, unquestionably, the best prepared of any house in this section of the country to offer the latest novelties and choicest goods at the most moderate prices. Their stock always includes the newest styles, shades and patterns in ladies' and gents' furnishings, such as ladies' silk hose, unbleached Balbriggan hosiery, opera hose, gentlemen's silk and cotton hosiery, merino half hose and bicycle hose; men's white shirts, silk outing shirts, night shirts, flannel and overshirts; gentlemen's linen collars and cuffs, waterproof celluloid collars and cuffs, gentlemen's silk scarfs in Tecks, puffs and four-in-hands; white silk and satin neckwear white lawn ties; suspenders and braces, garters and hose supporters; lawn tennis and yachting shirts, in English worsted and flannel; traveling bags and cases, wallets and pocketboods, and leather goods generally; fine quality neck ruche, ruffling and veilings, black and white laces; ladies' and gents' silk and linen hankerchiefs, Hamburg embroideries and nainsock edgings, lawn and Lonsdale aprons, embroidered piques and tuckings, lace tidies and pillow shams, toilet scarfs and covers, and satin pincushions; merino and woolen underwear, including the most desirable shapes and fabrics, of foreign and domestic makes; ladies' gauze vests, men's gauze underwear, bathing outfits, corsets, and notions in great profusion. The watch, clock and jewelry departments include all that is rich, rare, artistic and decorative, as well as serviceable in those lines, and the firm's stock of gold jewelry is unrivaled in the city and covers every possible form and device for personal adornment. The stock is noticeable for elegance of design and careful finish in every minute detail, and in sets, half and quarter sets and single articles, such as rings, lace and shawl pins, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, chains and ornaments, the requirements of all classes of buyers can be promptly gratified. In plated jewelry the assortments are equally extensive and desirable. The department devoted to watches in one of large size, containing hundreds of the finest imported and domestic movements in all desirable casings and including the most expensive chronometers and repeaters made. The styles embrace massive cases and smaller sizes, plain, etched, chased and decorated in scores of new designs. Here are also clocks in marble, bronze and ormulu; high-art glass from Vienna, decorated china wares, fancy porcelains and artistic pottery, bronze statues and ornaments, and a great array of fancy brass goods. Here are the most beautiful fans of ivory and other material, decorated with precious stones and richly mounted; and umbrellas in all the novel styles, easels and pedestals, and scores of foreign novelties, unique in design and ornamentation. The two upper floors of the building are devoted to the manufacture of cigars, where a force of eighty skilled hands is constantly employed. The cigars are all hand-made, in the most careful, cleanly manner, and the leading brands are, without exception, the most popular of any in the fine American trade. The firm are direct importers of the best growths of Havana leaf, and of Sumatra leaf for wrappers; allow no inferior tobacco in their factory, nor any but the most skillful cigarmakers, and, under vigilant supervision, the result is a perfect cigar, one that all lovers of the fragrant leaf enjoy and always call for. It is, therefore, a very judicious thing for tobacconists, hotels, restaurants and jobbers to keep the cigars in stock. Messrs. Murray, Spink & Co. send out a corps of expert salesmen on the road and sell to the trade throughout all the New England and Middle States. With their splendid facilities and connections they are in a position to guarantee the prompt and perfect fulfillment of all orders and to make their terms and prices invariably satisfactory to buyers in every line. We know of no firm more satisfactorily constituted for success in this business, and none, certainly, which more worthily stands betwixt the producers and dealers in this multifarious line of goods.
p. 98:JESSE ATHERTON, Manufacturer of Swed-iron Tacks and Nails, No. 16 Sabin Street. -- The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is manufacturer of swed-iron tacks and nails of all kinds. He turns out a very superior class of goods, and his productions are shipped to all parts of the United States. Mr. Atherton was born in Massachusetts. He has had twenty-seven years' practical experience in this line and has been established in business since 1886. The quarters occupied by him at No. 16 Sabin Street are ample and perfectly equipped, being provided with full steam-power, the latest improved machinery, etc., and a large force of help is employed. The output of tacks per week is about three tons, with a steady increase, and a big stock is constantly kept on hand to meet the requirements of an extensive and growing demand. Mr. Atherton is also one of the proprietors and the manager of the Atherton Spring Company, manufacturers of steel shanks, No. 33 Beverly Street (P. O. Box 1251). They produce 400 gross shanks a day, and their productions are in widespread and increasing demand throughout the entire country.
p. 99:ECONOMICAL CARD COMPANY, Manufacturers of and Dealers in Jewelers', Printers' and Photographers' Cards, Jewelers' Cards a Specialty, Artistic Job Printing, No. 107 Friendship Street. -- The only representative in Providence of the special industry in which it is engaged is the house of Messrs. John H. Collingwood and J. F. Borden, conducting operations under the title of the Economical Card Company, at No. 107 Friendship Street. The firm are manufacturers of and dealers in jewelers', printers' and photographers' cards, making a leading specialty of jewelers' cards, and they also execute artistic job printing in all its branches. The enterprise was founded five years ago by Mr. Borden, under the present name. Mr. Borden has had thirteen years' experience in this line of trade, and the business is carried on under his management. Mr. Collingwood conducts business at No. 107 Friendship Street, as an enameler, and has been established in this industry the past thirty years. The premises occupied comprise a floor, 25 x 60 feet in dimensions, equipped with steam-power machinery, job printing presses, punching and cutting presses, etc., and employment is furnished to a force of fifteen experienced hands. The establishment has a capacity for producing 125,000 cards a day, and a very extensive demand is supplied, the trade reaching throughout the entire country. All orders are filled at prices that challenge successful competition. Mr. Collingwood is a native of England, but has resided in Providence almost his entire life, having come here forty-two years ago when but ten years old. He is a thoroughly self-made and most successful business man, and enjoys the esteem of all his fellow-citizens for his enterprise and integrity of character. Mr. Border was born in this city. He is a young, progressive and able business man and is popularly known throughout the community.
p. 99:JAMES HILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, Manufacturers of Hill's Improved Patent Roving Cans, Can Bottoms, Tin Filling Boxes, and Galvanized Buckets, Corner Sprague and Fuller Streets. -- As the great center of the cotton and woolen industry, it is in the nature of things that Providence should contain some thriving concerns devoted to the manufacture of roving cans and kindred articles. The leading house in this line is that of the James Hill Manufacturing Co., located at the corner of Sprague and Fuller Streets. This company enjoy a national reputation as manufacturers of Hill's improved patent roving cans, also can bottoms, tin filling boxes, galvanized buckets, paint pails, lard pails, and all kinds of small tin pails. The business was originally established in 1854, by Mr. James Hill, the present style being adopted in 1885, with Messrs. John Law, James B. Law and Edward J. Law as proprietors. The factory covers an area of 80 x 200 feet, and is equipped with the latest improved stamping and tin-working machinery, consuming on an average 200 tons of tin-plate and 150 tons of sheet-iron per year. A force of thirty skilled hands contribute to the successful operation of the house, and the output is one of great magnitude and variety. The specialties of the house in the line of roving cans command the patronage of leading cotton and woolen mills throughout the United States, by their superior merits and uniform excellence, and the ample resources and fine facilities of the house enable them to guarantee the prompt and perfect fulfillment of all orders. The Messrs. Law are all natives of Connecticut, thoroughly experienced in this branch of manufacture, with a keen appreciation of the requirements of the trade, and eminently popular and successful in meeting all its demands.
p. 99:R. I. MILK COMPANY, Makers of Choice Cream Butter, and Dealers in Pure Milk and its Products, Fresh Eggs, Etc., Nos. 429 and 431 High Street. -- Among the various food products there are none that stand forward so preeminently as a nutritive agent as milk. This is the first food called for, and all through life it forms a staple article of diet, whether in health or illness. Its beneficial effects cannot easily be overestimated. The component elements of the lacteal fluid are such as meet all the requirements of the system. Milk is easily digested, and is a great promoter of health, life, and vitality. The leading establishment of the kind in Providence is that of the R. I. Milk Company, whose depot is at Nos. 429 and 431 High Street. This business was founded in 1887 as the R. I. Creamery. On June 12, 1891, Mr. Louis Windsor became proprietor, and changed that firm-name to the one now used. Under his energetic management the trade has rapidly increased, and he now requires the services of five assistants and several delivery teams in order to satisfactorily meet all demands made upon his resources. Two thousand quarts of milk are disposed of daily to hotels, restaurants, markets, ice-cream makers, and private consumers. The premises occupied comprise a store, 40 x 100 feet in dimensions. The rear portion is equipped with the most approved churning machinery, etc., for the manufacture of butter, and steam-power furnishes the driving force. Fifty to three hundred pounds of choice butter are made daily. The stock carried includes the best of milk, cream, skim milk, buttermilk, butter, cheese, and dairy products of all kinds, and orders are filled at lowest prices. In the summer of 1892 Mr. Windsor intends to manufacture ice-cream upon a large scale. Mr. Windsor is a native of Rhode Island, is popularly known to the public, and his success is fully merited.
p. 100:LANGELIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, Designers and Builders of Special Machinery and Tools, Nos. 67 and 69 Clifford Street. -- For thoroughly expert work in machine construction and repairs, or for promptness and reliability, none in the business in Providence maintain a higher reputation than the Langelier Manufacturing Company, Nos. 67 and 69 Clifford Street. They are designers and builders of machinery, and rank among the foremost in their line in Rhode Island. The company turn out a distinctly superior class of reducing and swedging machine, multiple drilling machine, sensitive drills, speed lathes, power presses, ball rolling hammering machine and solder cutters, and gives particular attention to accurate work of all kinds. They also manufacture automatic disc-feed and dial-feed presses and horizontal closing press, with automatic dial-feed, and their productions are in extensive and growing use throughout the United States, being not surpassed for general excellence, by anything of the kind on the market. The Langelier Manufacturing Company, of which A. T. Langelier is president, and A. J. Langelier, his son, superintendent and manager, was established about six years ago, and from the start the enterprise has been a positive and permanent success. The shop, which is 36 x 100 feet in dimensions, is equipped with ample steam-power, lathes, and all the latest improved appliances, the facilities being first-class in every respect, and fifteen skilled hands are employed. Light machinery generally is designed and built to order in the most skillful manner at short notice, and perfect satisfaction is assured in every instance. All light machinery is repaired at short notice, likewise, all orders receiving immediate attention, and all work executed is warranted, while the prices charged by the company are of the most reasonable character for first-class work. The Messrs. Langelier are natives of Canada, and have been in this city for a number of years. They are both men of thorough, practical skill and ingenuity, experts in their line, and are masters of the machinists' art in all its branches.
p. 100:ALBERT WALKER, Wholesale Dealer in Watches and Jewelry, No. 188 Westminster Street. -- The remarkable increase of material wealth among the American people during the past few decades has been the cause of developing many industrial arts, for whose products they were for many years dependent upon Europe. Prominent among these was the manufacture of fine watches and jewelry, but happily to-day the products of our own artists in these lines compared with those from abroad are the equals, if not superior in artistic elegance, originality of design and perfection of workmanship. A well-known, old-established and representative house devoted to this line of trade, well worthy of more than passing mention in this volume, is that of Mr. Albert Walker, wholesale dealer in watches and jewelry, whose headquarters are centrally located at No. 188 Westminster Street. This enterprising gentleman was born in Massachusetts in 1836, and when but fifteen years of age applied himself to acquiring a thorough and practical knowledge of this trade in the great manufacturing jewelry center, Attleboro, in that State, and after working at it for a number of years he took up his residence in this city in 1862, and established this enterprise, whose record from the start has been one of continued prosperity and success; and the trade, which is exclusively wholesale, extends throughout the New England States, requiring the constant services of traveling salesmen. The premises utilized are amply spacious, commodious, compactly and neatly arranged, and provided with every facility for the transaction of business and display of the fine assortment of goods constantly on hand. Here will be found a full and complete line of fine gold and silver watches, made in all the very latest styles by the most celebrated makers in Europe and America, and warranted to be perfect timekeepers. The stock of jewelry embraces elegant, pure diamonds, rubies, pearls, emeralds, opals, topazes, and other rare and precious gems, set in the most beautiful, unique and original designs, also bracelets, bangles, brooches, lace, scarf, bonnet and shawl pins, necklaces, watch chains, charms, chatelaines and lockets, engagement, wedding and souvenir finger rings, earrings, collar, cuff and sleeve buttons, besides a fine assortment of gold canes, opera-glasses, jewelers', plush, velvet, and fancy goods, novelties, etc., etc. These goods have been selected with the greatest care from among the best productions of the most celebrated makers, and cannot fail to meet the wants of the trade, as they are offered at the very lowest figures and guaranteed to be as represented. Mr. Walker is a very energetic, reliable and honorable business man, prominent in trade circles, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he has any dealings.
p. 100:J. WILLIAM BRADY, Mattress-maker and Upholsterer, Feathers, Bedding, Etc., Richmond Building, Nos. 270 and 272 Broad Street. -- The noteworthy establishment of J. William Brady, manufacturer of steam-curled hair mattresses, is, in all respects, one of the leading, largest and best-equipped concerns engaged in this line in the city. This flourishing enterprise was inaugurated in 1891 by the present proprietor, who was formerly a member of the firm of Brady Brothers for five years, and has been engaged in this business from his youth up to the present time. He is prepared to do all kinds of tapestry works, and upholstering in the best possible manner, and keeps a large stock of mattresses and bedding constantly on hand, which he sells at both wholesale and retail. The premises occupied comprise a store and basement, 30 x 120 feet in dimensions, containing a heavy stock. Employment is furnished to thirty-two experienced workmen and they turn out about four hundred mattresses per week. The trade of the house extends throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut and is constantly increasing. Mr. Brady is a native of England, but has been a resident of this city twelve years, and is highly esteemed for his ability and honorable business methods.
p. 101:RHODE ISLAND CEMENT DRAIN PIPE COMPANY, Manufacturers of Drain, Sewer, Well and Chimney Pipe, Lawn Vases, Etc., C. Goen, Agent, F. W. Burt, Treasurer, Office and Works, No. 30 Francis Street. -- The development of the industrial and commercial interests of Providence renders her now in every respect a metropolis of the first magnitude. Prominent among the interests referred to may be named those to the Rhode Island Cement Drain Pipe Company, whose office and works are located at No. 30 Francis Street. This company are extensive manufacturers of drain, sewer, well and chimney pipe, also lawn vases, horse-blocks and well curbs. The enterprise was inaugurated here in 1886, and has formed an important factor in the business activity of this community. The grounds cover an area of 200 x 240 feet, and the main building is 40 x 150 feet in size, every modern facility being at hand to insure prompt and perfect fulfillment of all orders. The managers of the company early gave the subject a thorough investigation, and, with the excellent facilities at their command, have produced a quality of cement pipe unsurpassed as regards strength, tight connections and low prices, and which is now extensively used for sewers, culverts, chimneys, wells, and all kinds of drains. For wells, these pipes have no equal, as they cost less and are far superior to stone or brick; while the sewer pipes are well adapted to use as sluices under highways, in place of small bridges; and for railroad culverts they are cheap and durable. Every care and attention is given to secure the perfection of these famous lines of pipe, and orders for wells and laying drains are promptly filled. Artificial stone chimney caps are also produced, either single, double or more flues. In color they resemble both granite and red sandstone. Unlike the old method of making them all in one piece, requiring the united efforts of two or three men to handle them, they are made in sections, securely anchored together with irons and are easily handled by one man, thereby greatly reducing the risk of breakage. These caps have been in use over fifteen years and are endorsed by architects and builders. The superiority of the artificial stone vases manufactured by this company consists in their being made of the best imported cement and clean white sand, which, being of a porous nature, obviates the principal objection hitherto made to all other vases. They are the color of light granite, requiring no painting, and are free from the objection of rust, while for cemeteries they are especially desirable, as they retain the moisture a long time, requiring less attention. A heavy and complete stock is constantly carried, to the end that no delay may be experienced in the filling of orders, and the patronage is large and influential throughout all the New England States. The officers of this company are C. Goen, agent; F. W. Burt, treasurer; the first a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Massachusetts. They give their close personal attention to the business, with such ability and success that the company is now regarded as the foremost manufacturers in their special field.
p. 101:A. C. J. LEARNED, Mill Building and Large Contracts a Specialty, No. 5 Charles Street. -- The leading contractor and builder in Providence is Mr. A. C. J. Learned, who is probably the best-known contractor in New England, having fulfilled the largest contracts and commissions for the construction of mills and factories that have been let in this section of the country during the past eighteen years, while he is undoubtedly doing at the present day the largest business of any builder in the New England States. His comprehensive and far-reaching knowledge of every detail of his profession, and the reliable and responsible character of his work, combined with his unequaled facilities for the manufacture of all kinds of woodwork used in his business, have long ago secured for him a widespread and influential patronage. His services are in constant and important requisition in this city and throughout New England. He furnished the woodwork for the Providence Worsted Mill and other mills under the same management, to the amount of $275,000 -- the largest job of the kind done in New England; while other important contracts have been executed for the Jenks' Manufacturing Company, Pawtucket, R.I.; Hopedale Elastic Fabric Company, Hopedale, R.I.; Fulton Worsted Mills, N. Y., costing $67,000; Kimball Mills; What Cheer Building, costing $44,000; American Ship Windlass Company, Fletcher Manufacturing Company, and others in Providence; also British Hosiery Mills, Thorton, R.I.; Taunton Worsted Mills, Taunton, Mass. There are many other fine specimens of Mr. Learned's work scattered throughout this and adjoining States, too numerous to mention here, all of which, with those above-named, have added materially to the name and fame of Mr. Learned as the leader in his line of enterprise. He gives employment to ninety skilled workmen, and a point is made of filling all contracts at the time agreed upon and in strict accordance with their terms. Mr. Learned is a native of New Hampshire, a resident of this city for the past thirty years, and a builder of thirty-five years' experience. He is ably assisted in the management of his extensive business by Mr. Charles Ward, as superintendent of the factory, and by his son, Mr. Frank F. Learned, as manager of the office. He is a member of the Mechanics' Exchange and the Pomham Club, and of the highest repute in business and social circles.
p. 102:A. T. CROSS, Inventor and Sole Manufacturer of the Cross Pen and Pencil Cases, Stylographic and Fountain Pens, Agent for the Shipman Automatic Steam-engines and Shipman Steam Launches, Office and Factory, No. 53 Warren Street. -- The Shipman Automatic Steam-engine is one of the most perfect pieces of mechanism on the face of the earth. They are manufactured by the Shipman Engine Export Company of Boston, and are sold in Providence by Mr. A. T. Cross, as agent for the State of Rhode Island, with headquarters at No. 53 Warren Street. These engines are made from 1 to 8 horse power, and are simple, efficient and economical. They are desirable above all other small power engines, because you can be your own engineer and fireman; they are economical in the use of fuel, automatic in their water and fuel supply, and consume only the amount of fuel required for the power taken. They put out their own fire and relight again when more power is required, and the moment the work is done the fuel expense stops. Its fuel has no dust, and the fire never has to be 'drawn'. If you have only one hour's work to do, you can get up a steam pressure of one hundred pounds, do the hour's work, put out the fire, and the consumption of fuel will not exceed one hour and seven or ten minutes, at a cost not to exceed three or five cents per horse power. They are designed especially to operate presses for printers and lithographers, air fans and ventilators for storekeepers and restaurateurs, pumps and churns for farmers, sewing machines for dressmakers, mixers and freezers for confectioners, folders and trimmers for bookbinders, washing and other machines for laundries, blowers and lathes for blacksmiths, dynamos for electricians, lathes and planers for mechanics and machinists, pumps and sprinklers for florists and gardners, coffee roasters and mills for grocers, and are especially adapted for boot and shoe makers, tailors, stationers, bakers, dentists, painters, plumbers, dyers, jewelers, brass-finishers, assayers, carpet-cleaners, carriage-builders, furniture-makers, boxmakers, boatmen and yachtsmen. The 'Little Giant' engine for rowboats and launches surpasses anything of the kind ever made. It is very rugged in construction, compactly built, and is proportioned for hard work and high duty. Piston has spring self-adjusting packing rings; steam and exhaust ports are ample in size to prevent wiredrawing of steam; ports are cut to template to ensure agreement, and cutoff is sharp and rapid in action. Steam chest being as long as cylinder the ports are short and straight, reducing clearance to practically nothing. Piston rod is steel, with solid butt fastened to crank box with turned bolts and profuse lubrication of the crank pin and bearing. This result is attained by turning a suitable groove in the outside of crank disc, a passage connects the groove with crank pin; and the oil that may drop from main bearing is collected by the groove and driven by centrifugal force to the crank pin bearing. The Shipman steam launches are designed and built to secure the greatest speed with safety. They are made of the best material and by skilled workmen. They are furnished with brass chocks, cleats, rowlocks and stem-bands, two oars, a boathook, two lockers, one on each side of boat or in the stern, with brass locks and hinges, anchor, steering-wheel, shoe, rudder, rudder-shaft and tiller complete. The last four articles are made of brass when boat is fitted for use in salt water, and they may be made of iron when boat is for use in fresh water. Mr. Cross, the agent for Rhode Island, is best known as the inventor and manufacturer of the Cross pen and pencil cases, stylographic and fountain pens. He has been engaged in that industry for a period of thirty years and his productions go to all parts of the world. The Cross stylographic pen is recognized the world over as the king of writing instruments, and are now sold by Messrs. Greenough, Hopkins & Cushing, at No. 168 Devonshire Street, Boston. Mr. Cross is a native of England, a resident of this city for forty years, and honored and esteemed for his genius as an inventor and his enterprise and reliability as a business man.
p. 102:CHARLES A. GLADDING, Registered Pharmacist, No. 223 Greenwich Street. -- The importance of obtaining drugs and medicines from a thoroughly reliable establishment whose management is such as to render mistakes absolutely impossible is apparent to every person of ordinary intelligence. Such a house is that of Mr. Charles A. Gladding. Mr. Gladding is a native of this city, and is a thoroughly practical and qualified pharmacist, having had an experience of over twenty-five years, and for several years was in the wholesale business of this trade. He established this enterprise in 1872, at this address, which is the oldest concern of the kind in this section of the city; and from the date of its inception has always been the recipient of a very large and influential patronage, much of it coming from some of our most eminent medical practitioners. The store is amply spacious and commodious, handsomely fitted up in modern style with every convenience for the comfort of patrons, while a special department is provided for the prompt and accurate compounding of physicians' prescriptions and family recipes at all hours of the day or night, and in which none but properly qualified assistants are employed. The stock carried embraces a full line of pure and fresh drugs and chemicals; extracts, tinctures and pharmaceutical compounds, many of which are of his own superior production; also all proprietary remedies of well-known merit and established reputation; the latest novelties and physicians' supplies, druggists' sundries and really, everything usually found in a first-class pharmacy. Patrons receive prompt attention from polite and courteous assistants, and prices are always just and reasonable. Mr. Gladding is a pleasant, courteous, middle-aged gentleman, energetic, reliable and exact, and enjoys the fullest confidence of all with whom he has any dealings. He is an active and prominent member of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association and takes a great interest in its welfare and success.
p. 103:PROVIDENCE STEAM ENGINE COMPANY, Sole Builders of the Improved Greene Engine. Stationary and Marine Boilers, Sheet-iron Work, Etc., Rathbone Gardner, President; Wm. B. Waterman, Treasurer; T. W. Phillips, Secretary and Gen'l Manager; Nos. 373 to 379 South Main Street. -- The steam-engine is, in this era, the most perfect piece of mechanism on the face of the earth. Skill and science have both been utilized to the utmost, and yet among the multitude of manufacturers it is well to pause and endeavor to weigh the comparative merits of the various styles and select upon a critical basis of merit. Some of the concerns engaged in this line, whose advertisements have been sown broadcast, have been unable to maintain the market their ambitions would fill. The reason is apparent, when their new-fangled engines break down, speedily need repairs, or prove inadequate to the work demanded of them. There are some old-established houses in this country that have achieved a solid reputation for the superiority of their engines, and fully live up to it. As an illustration in point right here in Providence, we would refer to the Providence Steam-engine Company, whose engines may be said to be hourly running to the extent of many thousand horse-power in every State in the Union. This is one of the largest and most important concerns of the kind in the country. It dates back to 1821, when it was founded by Mr. R. L. Thurston, and subsequently the firm became Thurston & Greene. The present company was incorporated in 1863, under the laws of the State of Rhode Island, with a capital of $300,000, and is now officered as follows, viz.: President, Rathbone Gardner; treasurer, Wm. B. Waterman; secretary, T. W. Phillips. The works cover 25,000 square feet, the equpment is perfect and complete, and steady employment is given to two hundred skilled hands. The company has 225 feet of wharfage on the river, adjacent to the works, with a derrick ninety feet high and all conveniences for unloading vessels and the prompt shipment of supplies. The specialty of this company is the improved Greene engine of which they are the sole builders. These engines have the automatic cutoff with flat slide valves, both steam and exhaust; steam closing mechanism, safety stop on regulator, and the only liberating valve gear without spring, catch or wedge, thus removing all strain upon the governor while tripping the valves. The best of material only is employed, and every part is fashioned and put together with the greatest accuracy and care. The management are close students of the progress made in mechanical and steam engineering and have included in these engines every improvement that conduces to economy in running and increased horsepower. Every engine is severely tested before shipment, and is guaranteed to give satisfaction; while the prices are at bed-rock, and quality considered, are the cheapest quoted by any engine-works in the land. Among users in Providence may be named the Richmond Paper Company, Arnold & McGowan, Horace A. Kimball, Valley Worsted Mills, Providence Worsted Mills, Wanskuck Mills, American Multiple Fabric Company, Callender, McAuslan & Troup Company, Ladd Watch Case Company, Bugbee & Brownell, Horace Remington & Sons, J. P. Campbell & Co., etc.; while they are in appreciative use in many of the most important concerns in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Louisville, Wilmington, Del., New Haven, Conn., Springfield, Mass., Troy, N.Y., Paterson, N. J., New London, Conn., Lynn, Mass., Washington D.C., Baltimore, Md., Richmond, Va., Charleston, S. C., Evansville, Ind., Bangor, Me., Rochester, N. Y., Lawrence, Mass., Pawtucket, R.I., and other industrial centers throughout the country. This company also manufacture bolt-forging machines, high-speed engines, stationary and marine boilers, machine tools, marine engine and boiler repairs. This company executed many heavy and important contracts for the government from 1861 to 1865, while the management have ever manifested a determination to maintain their splendid engines in the van of the market. The president, Mr. Gardner, is the present district attorney of Providence and a leading member of the Rhode Island Bar. The treasurer, Mr. Waterman, is also a director of the Staten Cotton Company and the First National Bank, and eminently fitted as the custodian of the company's finances; while the secretary, Mr. Phillips, is an accomplished and popular official, and the entire management is possessed of sterling enterprise and alert to meet the most exacting requirements of the public.
p. 103:S. B. BROWN, Gas Fixtures, Piano, Banquet and Rochester Table Lamps, Wood Mantels, Grates and Art Tiles of Every Manufacture, No. 263 Westminster Street. -- This house was established here in 1880, by Messrs. Kinnicutt & Brown, the present proprietor succeeding to the sole control in 1888. He occupies spacious and attractive quarters, finely fitted up for manufacturing and sales purposes, and has every possible facility at command, including his own staff of artists, designers and art metal-workers, who are engaged in producing the most ornate, elaborate and appropriate styles of gas and electric-light fixtures, gas and electric combination fixtures, wrought-iron hanging and standing lamps, brackets, fenders andirons and ornaments to be found anywhere. A full line is also carried of wood mantels, grates and art tiles of every manufacture, and the business in conducted at both wholesale and retail. The rise and progress of this establishment has been highly creditable to the management and its magnificent achievements are now available to the public, who can here secure gas fixtures, electric-light fixtures, chandeliers, lamps and kindred productions of a character worthy of the architectural developments of the age, and in keeping with the good taste manifest in every large center of population. This house now possesses facilities as regards designing and manufacture rarely found elsewhere. Many of the finest buildings in Providence have been fitted up by Mr. Brown, with mosaic tiles and other decorations, including Wilson Hall and the places of Thomas McMurphy, Jacob Worth, William Shindle and Booth & Hutchinson; also the Pacific National Bank, in Pawtucket. Mr. Brown is a native of Connecticut, and has resided in this city for the past twenty years. He is a member of the Good Fellows, the Iron Hall, the American Legion of Protection and other organizations.
p. 104:AMERICAN SHIP WINDLASS COMPANY, Frank S. Manton, Agent, Waterman and East River Streets. -- It is but natural that a business of the character of that conducted by the American Ship Windlass Company, in this important maritime center and upon a rigidly maintained code of honorable business principles, should be in a highly flouishing condition. This company are manufacturers upon a large scale, and the 'Providence' windlasses and capstans have a world-wide reputation as their productions. The business was founded in 1857, by James Emerson, and in 1880 the present company was incorporated, under the laws of the State of Rhode Island, with ample capital and under able management. The plant embraces two acres of ground, situated at Waterman and East River Streets, and the equipment includes all the latest improved machinery requisite for the business, operated by steam-power, and steady employment in given to a force of one hundred skilled workmen. The entire plant is well lighted by electricity, and there is an electric overhead crane capable of moving twenty tons in operation. The new style 'Providence' steam capstan windlass has many advantages over all other styles, being more simple in its construction, which the valves of the engines are driven by a straight simple eccentric, without rocker shafts or complications of any kind; it occupies less room both fore and aft and athwart ship, it has a solid center-bearing for the shaft close to the gearing, to prevent any springing of the shaft from the strain of applying power to the windlass, or from sudden strains on the chains; a direct attachment is made of power from the engines to the windlass without the intervention of any counter-shafts, beams, gears, bearings or clutches; the worm and the bevel gear for driving are larger, thus giving better leverage and greater strength in the windlass. An inquiry as to the number of these windlasses used in this country, as compared with all other makes, will show that about 95 per cent of all the steam windlasses now in use were made by this company. Scarcely an American steamship line on the Atlantic coast, or on the lakes, is without these windlasses. This company also manufacture the 'Providence' capstan windlass, with T. J. Southard's messenger chain attachment, which arrangement is the simplest and best yet devised for driving a capstan windlass by an endless chain from a donkey engine. The connection is made to a chain wheel in the additional base of the capstan. They are also prepared to furnish complete outfits for schooners, barges, etc., including boiler, engines, windlass, pumps, etc., and have recently fitted out several schooners and barges with them. They are giving perfect satisfaction; and masters, owners and builders when in want of a first-class outfit will do well to examine this arrangement. Other specialties of the company are the 'Providence' yacht centerboard winch, Winter's automatic lubricator, the 'Providence' steam capstan, the 'Providence' steam gypsy, the Pierce boat-lowering winch, the Emery & Cheney patent elastic chain stopper and surge reliever, Enos' sheet holder and slack gatherer, the Shaw & Spiegle steam towing machine, the Winter hawse-pipe stopper, the Winter wharf drop, Capt. Thomas Wilson's convertible anchor and freight holsting apparatus for vessels, Phinney's chain indicator, Rivers' chain indicator, etc. The company manufacture windlasses and capstans for all classes and kinds of vessels, for the smallest yacht, the most powerful man-of-war and the merchantman. Their works are expressly designed for manufacturing this kind of machinery, and as the largest in their line in the United States, their facilities for prompt and efficient service are unapproached and unapproachable. The officers of the company are as follows, viz.: Henry C. Cranston, president; Geo. Metcalf, treasurer; Frank S. Manton, agent and manager. The president, Mr. Cranston, is a well-known capitalist and banker, vice-president of the Armington & Sims Engine Company, and the Providence Telephone Company; while the treasurer, Mr. Metcalf, and the agent, Mr. Manton, give this company the benefit of large practical experience and close personal attention, and evince in their management a creditable example of that systematic precision so essentially the keynote to business prosperity.
p. 104:PHENIX IRON FOUNDRY, Heavy and Light Casings, Green and Dry Sand, also Loom Work, Propeller Wheels Made on Short Notice, Brass Castings, Rolls, Etc., Copper Singe Plates and Rolls, Eddy and Elm Streets. -- The Phenix Iron Foundry enjoys the honor of being the pioneer establishment in its line in Rhode Island. The concern has for sixty years borne an enviable reputation for the superiority of its productions, from designing of patterns up to casting and finish. The works cover two acres of ground and include a foundry with two cupolas, capable of turning out a fifty-ton casting; also a brass foundry supplied with the best heating furnaces and a machine-shop, splendidly equipped and ably managed; while steady employment is given to 150 skilled workmen. Heavy and light castings of all kinds are made at short notice, while special attention is given to furnishing dyeing and bleaching establishments with machinery, and all kinds of calendars, starch mangles, calendar rolls of paper, cotton and husk machinery, printing machines, shafting, pulleys, gearing hydraulic presses, tenter drying machines, cloth cutting machines, silk, lace and cotton finishing machinery are made to order; also loom work, propeller wheels, copper singe plates and rolls. Quality has ever been the first consideration with this old and honored house, only the best materials are used, and the utmost care is given to patterns, molding, melting and running into molds. As a result, the castings of this famous foundry are everywhere noted for superior excellence, freedom from air-holes and flaws and for fine finish. A most valuable trade connection has been built up, not only in all parts of the United States, but also in Canada, South America and many foreign ports. The officers of the Phenix Iron Foundry are Charles R. Earle, president and treasurer; Amos W. C. Arnold, agent; M. W. Gardiner, Jr., secretary. The president, Mr. Earle, is a member of the banking firm Mead & Earle, and one of our most influential citizens; while the agent, Mr. Arnold, and the secretary, Mr. Gardiner, are eminently fitted by experience and ability for the positions which they occupy.
p. 105:WM. REMINGTON, Real Estate and Insurance, Room No. 9, No. 98 Weybosset Street. -- Although established as a real estate and insurance broker but a few months, Mr. William Remington, located in this city at No. 98 Weybosset Street, possesses every facility for the transaction of a large business; and already his wide knowledge of the present and prospective values of property all over the city and suburbs, added to a naturally sound discretion and judgment, has brought him several transactions of note in purchase, sale and exchange of real estate in this section of Rhode Island. In addition to this branch of the profession, Mr. Remington undertakes the collection of rents and the letting and leasing of property in Providence and vicinity, as also the entire management of estates, including general repairs, etc.; while he is in an essentially good position to negotiate loans upon bond or mortgage, and to direct surplus funds into the safest channels of lucrative investment. Moreover, as an insurance broker, he is enabled to cover real and personal effects of every description against loss by fire, obtaining policies from any responsible corporation desired, at the lowest current rates of premium. Mr. Remington is of Providence County birth, now of middle age, and was engaged for two years as a carpenter and builder before embarking in his present successful venture.
p. 105:Monumental, Mantel and Building Works, Marble, Granite and Freestone, Monuments and Headstones, No. 795 North Main Street. -- The production of monumental and cemetery work is one of the most important branches of the stone-cutting business, and calls for the exercise of a specially high grade of skill. A leading representative of this important branch of trade in Providence is Mr. M. Dunn, whose monumental, mantel and building works, at No. 795 North Main Street, are among the largest and best equipped in this section. Mr. Dunn has had a long and practical experience in this line of business, having worked in it for the last thirty years, or since he entered on his apprenticeship, in 1862. He is a native of New York State, but has resided in New England since his infancy. He first started in business for himself in East Haddam, Conn., where he carried on a large and flourishing business for twenty years. Two years ago he came to Providence and established himself in business at the present address. His ability and energy soon procured for him some important orders, and he very soon showed that orders intrusted to him were executed in the most reliable and artistic manner. He has already put up two large monuments here, one in the North Burying Ground, and one in the Catholic Burying Ground, besides a large number of smaller monuments, many of which are of very beautiful design. He makes a specialty of fine sculpture work, and his models show a variety of appropriate designs. All his work is faithfully and carefully done - whether the order is for a $100 headstone or for a monument costing $5,000. His yards are commodious, and contain a large quantity of monumental stone, and all work is executed under this personal supervision. Monuments and headstones are carved from marble, granite or freestone, and all orders for lettering and refinishing old monuments and headstones, or for any variety of cemetery work, are promptly attended to. Mr. Dunn has made a wide acquaintance in Providence and is a prominent member of the Catholic Knights of America.
p. 105:LONG ISLAND BRICK COMPANY, Manufacturers and Dealers in First-class Pallet Building and Sewer Brick, L. B. Holmes, Agent, Office and Yard, No. 115 South Water Street. -- Much energy and enterprise has been employed of late years by manufacturers who have aimed to produce bricks that would possess every quality desirable and necessary to meet the requirements of modern architects. The progress of the last twenty-five years, which has revolutionized with improvements every branch of industry, and the activity of inventive genius, which has swept before it everything inferior, incomplete and fogyish, as a cyclone sweeps the dry leaves of a forest, could not pass over the fields of brickmakers without leaving the imprints of its handiwork. As a result, we have to-day such enterprising concerns as the Long Island Brick Company, whose office and yard are located at No. 115 South Water Street. This company are extensive manufacturers of and dealers in first-class pallet building and sewer brick, with a productive capacity of 18,000,000 bricks per year. Their works were established four years ago, and have grown up with surprising rapidity, being now looked upon as having a future of success excelling any other in the same line, not only in extent of product but in the superior quality of its output. It has already achieved national fame, and the business of the company is steadily on the increase. The office in this city was opened in April, 1891, and is under the management of Mr. L. B. Holmes, an experienced technicist and an expert in the clay manufacturing industry, who is agent for the company in New England. He carried a stock of some five cargo lots at this point, and his yard is situated on the wharf where vessels are unloaded and every convenience is at hand for rapid handling, proper storage and prompt delivery. The principal features for which these bricks are noted are that they are made of any color, are of great beauty, and their density and hardness are superior to granite. In finish of surfaces, edges and corners, they equal polished steel, while, being impervious to any liquid and practically impervious and non-porous, they are very valuable from a sanitary standpoint, making a perfectly dry wall. For submarine and sewer work they are unexcelled by any known material, assuring masonry that will last for centuries and be practically indestructible, while they have the enforcement of supreme judges of building materials, who appreciate their remarkable qualities, so valuable and necessary for elaborate architecture. Mr. Holmes is a native of New York, a member of the Mechanics Exchange, and a gentleman of experience and sound judgment, who will be found liberal and reliable in all his dealings.
p. 106:PROVIDENCE BOTTLING COMPANY, Sole Agent for Rhode Island for Lager Beers from the Celebrated Bartholomay Brewing Company and D. G. Yuengling, Jr. Brewing Company, Etc., John E. Good, Proprietor, Nos. 25 and 27 Peck Street. -- The consumption of liquors in this city has become so large that it needs a word or two from us, and the Providence Bottling Company being worthy representatives, we can not do better than take them as an illustration of the increase in the business. Mr. John E. Good, who is the sole owner and proprietor of the house, has also, besides his bottling place at Nos. 25 to 35 Peck Street, where he has a one-story building, 100 x 105 feet in area, a family liquor store at Nos. 339 to 341 High Street, which he has carried on for the past nine years. Mr. Good is the state agent for the celebrated Bartholomay Brewing Company of Rochester, N. Y., and D. G. Yuengling, Jr. Brewing Company of New York, and sells their products all over the State, in connection with the mineral waters which he bottles extensively, in fact in season he handles car loads of the latter. Sixteen persons are given constant employment on the premises and six wagons are used to deliver the goods in Providence and vicinity. Mr. Good is a Providence man and has a very influential standing both in business and social circles, and is also secretary and treasurer of the New American Brewing Company of Providence.
p. 106:AMERICAN CARD CLOTHING COMPANY of Worcester, Mass., Geo. A. Fuller, Manager of Providence Branch, John J. Hoey, Superintendent. -- One of those great manufacturing corporations that have manifested such a legitimate spirit of enterprise in the development of the industries and commerce of New England, is the American Card Clothing Company of Worcester, Mass., who operate factories at Lowell, Lawrence, Worcester, Leicester, North Andover, Walpole, Mass.; Providence, R.I., Manchester, N. H., and Philadelphia, Pa. The Providence house was originally operated by the Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Co., who started the business in 1856, and the present company succeeded to the control of the plant in 1890, with Geo. A. Fuller as manager; John J. Hoey, superintendent. The plant covers a ground-area of 120 x 200 feet, and comprises a three-story building, 50 x 200 feet in size, splendidly equipped with new and improved machinery and ample steam-power, and steady employment is given to forty skilled and expert hands. This company make a specialty of the Flexifort or patent warp foundation for making card clothing, specially recommended for fillet cylinders, doffers, workers, etc.; having no stretch combined with perfect elasticity. This new device was patented by Messrs. David Moseley & Sons, of Manchester, Eng., and by its use one or more layers of the cloth or felt is or are substituted by one or more layers of perfectly straight unwoven warp threads. As these threads are already in a straight line, no stretching of the foundation can arise from the straightening of the warp, the card is not distorted and will bed perfectly even on the cylinder, and the wire teeth of the cards when in work will have exactly the same pitch and form as when they leave the card-setting machine. The felted fabric which often forms part of the foundation is even more liable to stretch than the woven fabric, since its fibres are curled and disposed in every direction, while the stretching involves a loss of that property of elasticity for which the felt is used. In the new foundation, the stretching being prevented by the inextensible warp, no loss of elasticity can arise. The card clothing manufactured by this company is widely preferred by manufacturers and mill-owners throughout the entire United States, and is supplied to any amount required at the shortest notice and at terms and prices that are invariably satisfactory to the trade. The management of the Providence house is thoroughly able and progressive, and the interests of all patrons are carefully guarded and intelligently promoted. Manager Fuller is a Massachusetts man by birth, president of the Mechanical Fabric Company of this city, and an experienced and talented business man; while Mr. Hoey, the superintendent, possesses a foundation understanding of all the details of this industry and the requirements of the trade.
illustration on this page: unnamed mill building, 58 Warren Street, Providence, RI (probably the American Card Clothing Company)
p. 107:E. DE F. WILKINSON, Importer and Manufacturer of Engravers' and Calico Printers' Supplies, No. 26 Exchange Place. -- The pioneer house in the United States engaged in this line is that now conducted by Mr. E. De F. Wilkinson. The business of this widely-known establishment was originally founded in 1862 by Mr. Geo. Bridge, and was conducted by that gentleman up to the year of his death, which occurred ten years ago, when the enterprise was taken in hand by his estate, remaining in control of the executors up to June, 1891, when Mr. Wilkinson succeeded to the proprietorship. He has had thorough experience in this line of trade, and under his able management the business has been conducted with steadily increasing prosperity. Mr. Wilkinson is an importer of and general dealer in everything in the line of engravers' and calico printers' supplies, including machinery, and is prepared to meet all demands made upon his resources. His trade extends to all parts of the United States. Mr. Wilkinson is a native of this city, and in all transactions he aims to promote the best interests of his patrons.
p. 107:STAR CARPET-CLEANING WORKS, C. J. Finley, Proprietor, No. 25 Calender Street. -- The Star Carpet-Cleaning Works, were established in 1886, by Mr. C. J. Finley, the present proprietor, who has conducted the enterprise with marked ability and steadily increasing success, being ably assisted by Mr. F. T. Dodsworth as manager. The premises are spacious in size, fully equipped with improved machinery operated by steam-power, and have a capacity for cleaning 4,000 yards of carpeting per day. Thos. Ferry's Patent carpet-beating machine is in use, by means of which the most delicate and costly carpets are beaten and renovated without the least suspicion of injury, the colors, to the contrary, being given new brilliancy and effect. This house also has a process for washing carpets and rugs, which makes them look equal to new. Goods are called for and delivered in all parts of the city free of charge. Orders by telephone No. 1317-5, by telegraph or mail, receive prompt attention, and carpets are taken up, cut over and remade, naphthalized and relayed in A No. 1 shape. Only experienced and reliable hands are employed, and the greatest of care is exercised in order that the highest and most satisfactory results may be reached. The patronage comes from all parts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, as also from New York and other States. Mr. Finley, the proprietor, is thoroughly experienced in the wants of the public, and both he and Manager Dodsworth have made themselves and this house eminently popular with the general public.
p. 107:F. SHAFFORD, Manufacturer and Repairer of all Kinds of Carriages, Wagons, and Low Gears, Light and Heavy, Foot of Clifford Street, Junction of Dyer, Orange and Clifford Streets. -- Mr. Frank Shafford is the proprietor of one of the oldest-established and best-known carriage and wagon factories in Providence, located centrally at the junction of Clifford, Orange and Dyer Streets. The business was established in 1858 by Henry Allis, who conducted it until January, 1892, when Mr. Shafford, who had been in Allis' employ for eleven years, succeeded to the control. The factory and blacksmith-shop comprise a large two-story building, which is admirably arranged and thoroughly equipped for the conduct of the business. The operations of the house include the building of carriages, wagons, trucks and light and heavy vehicles of all descriptions, while special attention is given to repairing in all its branches, and forging work of all kinds is executed in a superior manner. All work is guaranteed to be strictly first-class and only the most moderate charges prevail. A force of skilled mechanics is employed and a large patronage is derived from the residents of Providence, the trade likewise extending to other portions of the state. Mr. Shafford was born at Bakersville, Vt., in 1836, came to Providence in 1845 and learned the blacksmithing and carpentry trades. For many years he followed the vocation of building contractor, a line of business which he still pursues, having three buildings now in course of erection. He is recognized as a thoroughly expert and reliable mechanic, while as a draughtsman and builder he enjoys a high reputation. He is an active member of the Odd Fellows and is well and favorably known.
p. 107:CHARLES PAY & CO., Blacksmiths and Wheelrights, Machine Forging and Shipwork, Etc., Nos. 107 and 108 and opposite No. 105 South Water Street. -- No firm in the line above indicated in this city have a higher reputation than Charles Pay & Co., Nos. 107 and 108 and opposite No. 105 South Water Street. They turn out a distinctly superior class of work and have a very large and growing patronage, their trade extending all over the United States. Both shops are commodious and well equipped and are provided with ample steam-power, improved machinery, tools, etc. The facilities are excellent and complete, and twenty-five skilled mechanics are employed. The firm are general blacksmiths and wheelwrights, and do machine forging and shipwright work of every description likewise. They are also builders of low gears, coal carts, and wagons, and are patentees and manufacturers of coal-hoisting buckets and apparatus, while jobbing of all kinds is promptly executed in like manner. All work done is warranted to be strictly first-class, satisfaction being assured in every instance, and all orders by telephone receive immediate attention. Mr. Charles Pay, who is the sole proprietor, is a gentleman in the full prime of life and was born in England, but has been a resident of Providence for a quarter of a century. He is a man of practical skill and many years' experience, and is thoroughly conversant with all branches of the business. Mr. Pay is a member of the F. and A. M., the I. O. O. F. and the Veteran Firemen's Association. He is ably assisted by Mr. Joseph Taylor, the efficient foreman of the concern, and an expert mechanic, who has been fifteen years with the firm.
p. 108:ARTHUR L. ALMY, Architect, No. 65 Westminster Street. -- Not one among the younger architects of this city sustains a higher reputation for skill and reliability, and none receive a more flattering measure of recognition, than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has, in fact, reached the fore-front rank in his profession, and enjoys a very fine patronage. Mr. Almy is a man in the prime of life, and was born in Providence. He is a thoroughly experienced draughtsman and competent general architect, and is, in a word, master of his art in all its branches. He has been established for the past six years, and has done a large amount of work all over the city and State. Mr. Almy occupies a well-appointed office on the third floor of No. 65 Westminster Street, and employs three efficient assistants. He is prepared to draw plans for all classes of buildings, giving special attention to dwellings, churches, schools and institutions, and all work intrusted to this gentleman is certain to be performed in the most prompt and superior manner. Among the more noteworthy structures attesting Mr. Almy's professional skill may be mentioned the Soldiers' Home, and buildings at the State House and school, and a number of handsome residences in and around Providence.
p. 108:JOS. A. LATHAM, Surveyor and Engineer, Swarts' Building, No. 87 Weybosset Street. -- Any one desirous of purchasing real estate in Rhode Island will find it profitable to pay a visit to Mr. Jos. A. Latham, surveyor and engineer, Swarts' Block, rooms Nos. 50 and 51, No. 87 Weybosset Street. He is a gentleman of middle-age, of thorough business-like manners, and brings a large and varied experience to bear upon all matters relating to engineering, surveying and the transfer of real estate. Mr. Latham was born in Providence, and possesses a large acquaintance with the leading business men of the State. Mr. Latham's business had been identified with all the great improvements connected with the enlargement of every branch of the business. A rapidly growing neighborhood is being formed along the Pawtuxet Valley and vicinity, where new mills and factories are started and doing a rushing trade. Here Mr. Latham's name is well known as the builder of the town bridges of Silver Hook, Pawtuxet and Thornton, the latter, one of the prettiest and most substantial of all the bridges in the State. The town of Cranston is looked upon as the best developed and most enterprising of the districts surrounding Providence. Its roads are wide and well laid, and, under the ten years' supervision of Mr. Latham as town surveyor, have given every satisfaction. These large improvements, made necessary by the increase of population, have been under his direct superintendence. Mr. Latham has been twelve years in business and had carried it on during the whole of that time at the same address, No. 45 Westminster Street, before removing to his present location in 'Swarts' Block'.
p. 108:F. COGGESHALL, Heating and Ventilating Engineer, No. 23 South Main Street, Providence, R.I. -- The constantly increasing extent to which heating by steam and hot water is being introduced renders the manufacture of apparatus intended for this purpose one of the vitally important industries of the day. The apparatus furnished by F. Coggeshall is constructed with special reference to obviate many disadvantages of other devices now before the public, and is specially designed for heating public buildings, private residences, churches, schoolhouses, greenhouses, and all places where artificial heating is required. The aim of Mr. Coggeshall has always been to supply apparatus which should be economical in consumption of fuel, efficient in operation, easy in management, compact and durable, never using apparatus which could in any way be regarded as dangerous to life or property, regarding the safe and best as the cheapest in the end. Modern improvements and the best of everything is sought after by his customers. He is ever glad to affirm that honest dealing and promptness, though not always the nearest, is the safest and best way to success, and it is safe to say that this end has been most satisfactorily attained. He has had fully fifty years' experience in heating and ventilation, and his house is the oldest and most successful in this line in the State. He employs from twenty to thirty assistants and is in a position to guarantee prompt and satisfactory service in all cases. Among the contracts and commissions executed by him in the line of steam, hot-water and hot-air heating may be named those of Jones' Building, Journal and Bulletin Building, Merchants' Bank Building, Rhode Island Hospital Out-Patient Building, Olneyville Free Library, Lonsdale Schoolhouse, Ladd Observatory, Hazard Memorial Building, Peacedale; Town Hall, in Warren; Union Car Company's depot, Harrington Building, passenger and freight depots, in Pawtucket; passenger depot, in Central Falls; passenger depot, in Valley Falls; Dyer's Opera House, in Olneyville; Plainfield St. Baptist Church in Johnston, and Butt's Building. His services are in constant and important requisition throughout Rhode Island and adjoining States and are highly appreciated everywhere. Estimates, plans and detail specifications are furnished on application, and all contracts entered into are carried through to satisfactory completion without delay. Mr. Coggeshall is a native of Rhode Island, in business here steadily since 1852, and enjoys the respect and esteem of the entire community for his promptness, reliability and skill.
illustration on page 108: Exeter Cast Iron Sectional Boiler.
p. 109:JOHN L. ROSS, Manufacturer of Sheetings, Print Cloths, Etc., No. 49 Weybosset Street. -- Among the representative Providence manufacturers in the line indicated, there are none more worthy of special mention in this review that John L. Ross, whose office is at No. 49 Weybosset Street, and who has four capacious mills located as follows: Dexter Mill, Lincoln, R.I.; Oakland Mill, Burrillville, R.I.; Harrison Steam Mill, Providence, R.I.; Chestnut-Hill Mill, East Killingly, Conn.; Eagleville Mill, Mansfield, Conn. He is one of the oldest and leading representatives of this branch of industry in the country, and his business career, extending over a period of forty-six years, has been an unbroken record of progress. He manufactures sheetings, print cloths, satins, fancy cottons, etc., of a superior character, and his goods command an immense sale throughout the United States. Mr. Ross, who is a gentleman somewhat past the meridian of life, but active and vigorous, was born at Coventry, R.I., and has resided in this city for many years. He is a self-made man in the best sense of the term, well endowed with the native characteristics, sagacity, energy and enterprise, and is widely and favorably known in the trade. He commenced business in a rather modest way in 1845, his first venture in manufacturing being in Pawtucket, where he resided for twenty-five years. Two years later he started the second mill at Burrillville, R.I., where he resided for twenty years, and in 1865 his business had become so enlarged that, in order to meet the requirements of the demand, he found it necessary to start the third at Eagleville, the Chestnut Hill plant being established in 1876. The various mills are perfectly equipped and are provided with all the latest improved machinery, appliances and appurtenances, as well as ample power. There are 25,000 spindles in operation and 404 looms, and several hundred hands are employed, the average consumption of cotton being over 18,000 pounds per week. Sheetings and print cloths of all kinds and grades are turned out, and the productions are handled by selling agents in New York, Philadelphia and the other principal cities of the country.
p. 109:RHODE ISLAND BEDDING COMPANY, M. Brady, Proprietor, No. 368 High Street and No. 7 Cranston Street. -- A very successful upholstering business in this city is that conducted by the Rhode Island Bedding Company, located at No. 368 High Street and No. 7 Cranston Street, whose work is freely recognized as strictly first-class, as also are the whole of the goods dealt in. The house is the center of a large trade reaching among the best regular patrons throughout Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut, and its volume furnishes regular employment on the premises for a large force of skilled hands. The company are mattress-makers, feather merchants and first-class upholsterers, and a specialty is made of hotel and boarding-house work; all kinds of mattresses are made over, feather beds are renovated, and a large business in conducted in the handling of brass and iron bedsteads, spring beds, etc. The enterprise was established in 1889 on North Main Street, by Messrs. Brady and Son; one and a-half years ago Messrs. Brady Brothers had control, and in August, 1891, they dissolved partnership and Mr. M. Brady initiated the Rhode Island Bedding Company. A store and basement, each 25 x 100 feet in area, are utilized and are well arranged and fully equipped for the due prosecution of the trade; a large and carefully selected stock is always carried and the capacity of the works is one hundred mattresses per day. Mr. M. Brady was brought up to this line of trade, in which his ancestors were previously engaged for several successful generations. He is a native of England, still a young man, and came to the United States nine years ago, immediately settling in this city.
p. 109:THE TAYLOR CARD AND PRINTING COMPANY, Manufacturers of Jewelers' Cards, Fine Job Printing, Etc., Telephone Connection, No. 4 Mathewson Street. -- No person of intelligence can fail to note the rapid and substantial progress that has been made toward perfection in the art of printing in the United States during the past quarter century, and which is one of the many evidences of the increase of refinement and culture among all classes of our people. A comparatively new concern engaged in this important and interesting branch of business in Providence and rapidly winning its way to a foremost position, in consequence of its high-class work, is The Taylor Card and Printing Company, whose headquarters are centrally located at No. 4 Mathewson Street. The gentlemen comprising this firm are Messrs. J. C. Taylor and L. E. Wilde. The former is a native of New York City, and has been a resident here since 1884, having formerly been engaged in mercantile life; while the latter was born in Massachusetts, and came to this city in 1882, and has been engaged in the printing business since 1885. Forming this company under the present title, they founded this establishment in January, 1892, and at once developed a very liberal and influential trade, which is constantly increasing and includes many of our prominent business and manufacturing firms as permanent patrons. The premises utilized are of ample dimensions, suitably arranged and appointed for business and printing purposes. The mechanical department is fully equipped with the latest improved job printing presses, driven by an electric motor, and other tools and appliances, besides a splendid assortment of all the very latest styles of plain and ornamental type, borders, and embellishments, and employment is given to a force of ten skilled and experienced hands. A large stock of fine flat and book papers, cardboards and other materials is kept constantly on hand and furnished at manufacturers' prices. The range of products embraces every kind of fine job printing, such as bill, letter, note and statement heads, business and visiting cards, postal and envelope printing; plain and illustrated catalogues, pamphlets, labels, shipping-tags, hotel and restaurant bills of fare, wedding, ball, party and other invitation cards, programmes, in fact all kinds of fine job printing; a specialty being made of jewelers' cards, which are gotten up in the most scientific manner and turned out by special machinery, while the prices throughout are very reasonable.
Continued
Transcribed 2000 by Beth Hurd
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