LOUISVILLE ROLLING MILL COMPANY, MANUFACTURERS OF BOILER, BAR, AND SHEET IRON, (CHARCOAL AND PUDDLED.) Flue Plates; Railroad Axles, Chairs and Spikes, PLOW SLABS, WINGS, BOLTS, &C. Office and Store 640 Main street, corner Fifth. J. C. COLEMAN, President.
This establishment is one of the largest in the city and forms a very important branch of Louisville manufactures; not only in the way of affording employment and the means of living to a large number of persons, but also by attracting from every part of this Great Valley an important branch of its trade. The company is organized in the best possible manner; the mill contains all the scientific improvements in this description of manufacture, and the energetic President of the company possesses all the requisites which could tend to guarantee the success of the concern. The Iron made here has been fully tested all over the West and commands every market into which it is introduced. The company have testimonials of the most flattering character from all the iron-workers of Louisville, who pronounce it “fully equal if not superior to any Iron they have ever worked, and more uniform in its quality than any other Iron.” Similar testimonials have been received from the superintendents of the Louisville and Frankfort, the New Albany and Salem, the Jeffersonville, the Vicksburg and Jackson, and other Railroads, as well as from Col. Long, superintendent of the U. S. Marine Hospital. The following letter is a fair specimen of the favor with which the company’s Iron is everywhere regarded, and is only one of many such constantly received by them. It is dated
Cleveland, Ohio, May 1, 1852.
We are now using, and have, within the past year, used some fifty tons of the Louisville Rolling Mill Iron, for large Bolts for Railroad Bridges in Indiana. The Iron for this work must be of very superior quality, uniting great strength and tenacity. All the Iron we received of the Louisville Rolling Mill was of that character, and gave great satisfaction.
THATCHER, BURT & CO.,Railroad Bridge Contractors.
FULTON FOUNDRY. GLOVER, GAULT & CO. (SUCCESSORS TO INMAN, GAULT & CO.) MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM ENGINES For Marine and Land purposes, and MACHINE CASTINGS OR ALL DESCRIPTIONS, Main street, near corner of Ninth.
This is believed to be the oldest Foundry in Louisville, and one of the largest and most extensive in the Western country. Their engines have a wide-spread reputation in the West and South, and are well known and highly prized by Southern boat builders. Their fidelity in materials and workmanship, their promptness in the execution of orders, and their extensive assortment of the latest and most improved style of tools and patterns, combined with the well-known enterprise of the gentlemen who compose the firm, have all contributed to build up for this establishment a business and a reputation which reflects credit upon this branch of manufacture in the city. Steam engines are built by them in complete running order and ready for use, the purchaser not being required to go to any other factory for any of his order. Their business relations extend over a very large surface of country, and bring to the city much foreign trade. Besides their engines for boats, they also manufacture machinery of all kinds, Car wheels, Axles and Car castings of all descriptions, together with Iron and Brass castings and Wrought Iron work.
This foundry employs one hundred and twenty hands, and uses six hundred tons of pig iron annually, besides other materials in proportion.
UNION FOUNDRY. ROACH & LONG, MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM MACHINERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, SUGAR MILLS, COTTON GINS, &C., &C. Main street, near Ninth.
This concern, although not so old as many of its class is yet one deserving especial notice. The description of the business of this foundry differs very little, if at all, from some of those already noticed. The quality of work is in the highest degree creditable to the proprietors and profitable to this department of manufactures in the city. Both members of the firm are thorough practical workmen, having been regularly brought up to the business, and hence the work which proceeds from this foundry compares favorably, not only with any in the city, but with similar kinds of manufactures in any part of the country. Like most of our large machine foundries, the Union has extensive connection with the Southern markets.—They have frequently forwarded as many as seven cotton-gins within a fortnight, to different ports on the Mississippi river. Their Sugar Mills, wherever they have been used, are eminently successful in their operation. The casting of Chairs and Frogs for Railroads has also been extensively carried on at this foundry. In the great department of their business, the manufacture of Steam Engines for Boats, the Union Foundry enjoys a reputation which cannot be anywhere surpassed. They have built all sizes of engines, and are at present engaged upon a pair of engines with thirty inch cylinder and ten foot stroke. Indeed the heaviest castings of all sorts are constructed as readily and perfectly as the lightest, and are made to work with equal ease and precision.
The Union Foundry employs eighty-four hands the “year round,” and consumes six hundred tons of metal.
KENTUCKY BRASS FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP. LAWSON & FRANK. MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM AND FIRE ENGINES, BAGGING MACHINERY, &C. Main street, near Ninth.
This well known Brass Foundry, now in the fifteenth year of its existence, is another of those factories which are ornaments to the city. It has never attempted the heavy steamboat castings, rather choosing the lighter machinery; and the reputation of the establishment is derived chiefly from the excellent finish and completeness of the work turned out. The most complex machinery is carefully and accurately made and fitted together. All work requiring nicety of construction and careful attention to detail, is here manufactured, and in a manner which has always given entire satisfaction.
Every article is made under the immediate supervision of the proprietors, who are practical workmen and whose past reputation is a sure guarantee for the quality of every piece of work. The Fire Engines, and machinery for Hemp manufacture made at this establishment are deservedly celebrated.—
Some of the most effective fire engines of this city and vicinity, have been constructed at this foundry. The Brass work made there is also creditable.
From thirty-five to forty hands are employed constantly; the business, unlike that of most foundries, being equally good at all seasons of the year.
HYDRAULIC FOUNDRY. TEVIS & BARBAROUX, MANUFACTURERS OF CAST IRON SCREW PIPE, IRON RAILING, ORNAMENTAL CASTINGS, PATENT PUMPS, &C., &C. WASHINGTON ST. COR. FLOYD.
This foundry possesses many features which are peculiar to it alone. It is only here that Cast Iron Screw pipes are made; no other manufactory of this article exists in the Western States. The machinery used in this manufacture is beautiful in its construction, and perfectly adapted to the use for which it is intended. All the Gas pipes for the city, as well the main, as the smaller service pipes are made at this establishment. Many of these screw pipes are used in the Southern sugar houses, and their cheapness and durability, as well as the convenience with which they are put up, especially recommend them for that purpose. For supplying rail road stations, distilleries and tan yards they are also largely used. The demand for this article of so universal use is of course very great, and attracts much attention to Louisville manufacture. This foundry also manufactures a pump, well known to be the best forcing and lift pump in existence. Many hundreds of them are annually sold in New Orleans, and their reputation and sale all over the South is of the very first character. Tobacco Screws and Presses for Cotton, Tobacco and Hay as well as machinery generally, are also made here. Iron Railing is another large branch of their manufacture. The patterns for this railing are almost endless in variety, and few foundries in the country can offer so many inducements to the purchasers of all sorts of ornamental Castings as this. Their latest novelty is a Morticing machine, which is worthy of the special attention of mechanics. This establishment employs fifty hands, and is the only one of the kind in the city.
NOVELTY WORKS BEATTY & HAWLEY, MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM-MADE COCKS AND FAUCETS AND BRASS FOUNDERS, North side Main Street between Eighth and Ninth.
This factory, which has been but recently put into operation, is the deliberate result of several years consideration and study. Messrs. Beatty and Hawley, the former of whom has been long and well known in Louisville as a sagacious practical manufacturer and man of business, have finally completed all the arrangements which are necessary to the establishment of this foundry on thoroughly scientific principles, and have possessed themselves of all the advantages to be derived from a complete study of the business. The concern is by no means an ordinary brass foundry. The West has heretofore sadly needed an establishment of this kind, those already in operation being incompetent to the wants of the people. The factory is now thoroughly organized, the best workmen have been employed, the most recent and useful tools and machinery have been provided and everything has been done with reference to a permanent and valuable business. Cylinder, Pump, Guage and Oil Cocks, Oil Cups, Fawcetts, Couplings and all like requirements of the Steam Engine builder are made here and warranted fully equal to any made in the United States. The same may be said with reference to articles used by the house plummer. Their planing machines, lathes, &c., are of the very best quality, and their machines for screw-cutting and for punching nuts and washers are also very perfect. Bells, Steam-Whistles, and in fine every variety of article manufactured from brass or bell metal will be made at this foundry. Babbet metal and such other like compositions as are useful to the machinest or brass founder are also sold at this establishment.
MARKET STREET FOUNDRY. C. S. SNEAD, AGENT, MANUFACTURERS OF ALL KINDS OF ORNAMENTAL AND ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORK, Market Street, between Eighth and Ninth.
This Foundry directs its attention more particularly to a new branch of business, in which it also has been eminently successful. It adds yet a greater number to the already large variety of uses to which iron is applied. Mr. Snead is the pioneer of this business in Louisville, and his is the only establishment in the West where ornamental work is the chief business of the foundry. It is well known that Iron can be applied to almost all work of this description, and furnished at less price than any other kind of material. The city abounds with proofs of the taste displayed by this gentleman in his manufacture. His efforts have been constantly directed toward attaining the highest degree of excellence, both in design and execution, and he is constantly preparing novelties and adapting his pliant material to new and valuable uses. Among the latest of these novelties may be mentioned a cast-iron Pavement for the sidewalk, which is composed of nicely fitting plates of Iron, in various forms of mosaic work, ornamented with graceful designs. This pavement, which will soon be exhibited, will doubtless at once take the place of the present destructible and uncomfortable footways, as it is not only more beautiful but far more durable. Iron counters for fancy stores form another improvement proceeding from this foundry. Cast Girders for the builder is also a novel article. The patterns for this establishment, already greater than would readily be credited, are daily augmented by additional designs from competent and tasteful hands. Store-fronts, Porticos for churches and private dwellings, Corinthian, Ionic, Doric, Composite and Gothic columns, cast Lintels and Sills for windows and doors, Brackets and Trusses of the most ornamental designs, Flue Covers, Chimney Covers, Vault Gratings, Air Grates, Stair Plates, Bedsteads, Window Frames and Sash, Hat Racks, Caps and bases for columns of any order, and numerous other like articles, are made at this foundry. Spittoons, Grate-bars, Hollow-ware, Tea-Kettles, &c., also form a part of their work. The continued success of this foundry is a proof of the existence of a high order of taste in the city.
LOUISVILLE STOVE & GRATE FOUNDRY. D. & J. WRIGHT & Co. MANUFACTURERS OF STOVES, GRATES, COPPER, TIN, AND SHEET IRON WARE. NO. 432 MAIN STREET.
This immense establishment was organized by Messrs. Bridgeford & Holbrook as early as 1837, and was the first foundry for stoves in the city. The articles manufactured at this establishment, are well known as bearing a high reputation all over the West. The gentlemen who compose the firm are men of enterprise, and are always the first to present the latest novelties in patterns or workmanship. They manufacture a large part of the sheet iron steamboat stoves which are used on the western rivers, and have a deservedly great name among steamboat furnishers. The large and commodious building erected by them as a foundry, is a proof of the prosperity which has attended their endeavors. The work sent from this establishment, whether of the most ordinary kinds or of the finest and most elegant enamelled ware, will compare very favorably with that of any other establishment in the West. They consume annually in their foundry about twelve hundred tons of iron, and employ one hundred hands; while the tin and copper factory uses and vends three thousand boxes of tin plate, and from $15,000 to $20,000 worth of sheet copper, wire, block tin, sheet zinc, lead, lead pipe, &c. Two thousand bundles of sheet and rod iron are also annually employed. The establishment is one which reflects great credit upon its proprietors, and forms an important part of Louisville Manufactures.
EAGLE FOUNDRY. WALLACE, LITHGOW & CO. MANUFACTURERS OF STOVES, GRATES, HOLLOW WARE, COPPER, TIN, AND SHEET IRON WORK. NO. 536 MAIN STREET.
This foundry may be regarded as having been the first to introduce into the city the manufacture of the present extensive and complete variety of the finer sorts of stove work. The principals of the establishment, themselves practical workmen, have used much well-directed exertion to produce quite a revolution in the style of manufacture of the articles which come from their foundry. They have not only been early to introduce novelties from abroad, but have themselves patented many valuable articles. Among them the Eclipse Range, a cooking stove possessing numerous advantages over most of those now known, is deserving of especial mention. This range is in very common use all over the city, and is highly prized wherever it is known. They are also manufacturers of a great variety of elegant enamelled grates, garden vases and ornamental figures for gardens and yards. These latter articles have recently been introduced by these gentlemen, and they are being rapidly transferred from their warehouses to the many beautiful grounds of our wealthier citizens.
Their foundry and buildings cover about half a square of ground; they employ one hundred and twelve hands, and melt daily seven tons of iron. Their importation of tin plate reaches four thousand three hundred and fifty boxes. Copper, zinc, wire, sheet iron, &c., are also used in immense quantities. The latest novelty of this establishment is Chilson’s Air Warming and Ventilating Furnace for public and private buildings.
FALLS CITY Stove & Grate Foundry. McDERMOTT, McGRAIN & Co., MANUFACTURERS OF STOVES, GRATES AND CASTINGS, COPPER, TIN AND SHEET IRON WARE, No. 73 Fourth Street.
This foundry, begun by Meadows & McGrain, is another well known establishment. The castings made by these gentlemen bear an equally high reputation with those already noticed. The firm has since its commencement been constantly improving in the quantity of its manufactured articles, and has added many valuable improvements to the stock of the stove founder. Among these may be noticed three new styles of cooking stove, all of which have attained a deserved celebrity. These are called “The Stove,” “Durable Kentuckian,” and the “Queen Premium.” The first of these is suited to the wants of the city, being economical in the use of its fuel, and having attached to it a “summer arrangement,” which does away with the extreme heat of the ordinary cooking stove. The oven is also so arranged that both bread and meat may be baked at the same time without imparting the taste of the one to the other. The second stove, the Kentuckian, is particularly adapted to the wants of the farmers, being large, roomy, and of unusual weight and durability. All of these stoves have met the entire approbation of those who have used them. Large quantities of Hollow Ware, such as pots, kettles, skillets, ovens, odd lids, &c., are cast at this foundry, and sold as well to the city as to country dealers. The common stoves made at the Falls City Foundry, are of excellent patterns and unusual weight; it not being the custom of this establishment in any case to sacrifice utility to ornament. All the articles usually made by the tinner also form a branch of their manufactory. These gentlemen receive large quantities of job-work, which, as is well known, they execute in a superior manner.
HOPE FOUNDRY. GEO. MEADOWS, MANUFACTURER OF STOVES, GRATES, HOLLOW WARE, TEA KETTLES, SAD IRONS, ARCHITECTURAL AND OTHER CASTINGS. Foundry, Main Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth. Ware House, 367 Main Street.
This Foundry, although recently established, is under the charge of a gentleman who is well known as having been long connected with this business in the city, and as bearing a very high reputation as a master-workman. The details of this business differ little from those already noticed. The quality of the work which proceeds from the Hope Foundry is surpassed by none in any part of the country. The sole difference between this and the stove foundries, already noticed, is found in the fact that great attention is here paid to architectural and job-work. Mr. M’s skill in the operations of the foundry, and his constant presence and attention to all his work, recommend this establishment, in the highest manner, to all who desire to get up any novelty or to prepare any peculiar work. This foundry is as yet in its infancy, having been organized less than a year ago. It has already acquired an excellent business, and now finds ready sale for all the articles which can be produced. It is entirely safe to predict for it a speedy rise to great eminence. The factory is so arranged as to be readily extended to any capacity which may be desired, and the constantly increasing demand for this species of manufacture in the city, and its dependancies, will doubtless soon bring about this increase. It will be seen that Louisville is abundantly supplied with Foundries, and that the extent of work done in this line is of very great importance to her interests.
HAYS & COOPER, MANUFACTURERS OF WAGONS, PLOWS, CULTIVATORS, AND CASTINGS FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES, Corner Main and Hancock Streets.
This is the largest establishment of the kind in the western country, and is alike a credit to its proprietors and an honor to the city. The machinery used is of the most perfect order, and the concern is indebted to its own inventive powers for a great part of its completeness. The proprietors are both practical workmen, and they give their constant attention to all the details of their manufacture. The consequences of this care and attention are shown in the widely spread reputation of their manufactured articles. The chief market of these articles is found in the southern States and in Texas. It is greatly to the credit of this factory that their articles are so readily taken up by the planters, for it is well known that inferior agricultural machines and implements find no buyers among this class of consumers. In Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, the machines and implements of this firm are universally known, and possess an enviable reputation. Messrs. H. & C. have introduced machinery by which one man can produce as many iron axles in a day as can usually be made by thirty hands, and the article so made is far more perfect than the old and tediously constructed one. They have also a small and ingenious saw of their own invention, for cutting felloes, and for sawing crooked lines, which for rapidity and precision cannot be anywhere surpassed. They also manufacture on their premises every article and every part of every article, which they sell. Plows, wagons, carts, timber wheels, harrows, cultivators, and other articles are made entirely on the premises, from the raw material into the perfect and finished article. They employ thirty hands, and produce from eighty to one hundred thousand dollars worth of work annually. Beside this establishment there are four other plow manufacturers, and twenty-one other wagon makers.
BENJ. F. AVERY, MANUFACTURER OF PLOWS AND CULTIVATORS. Main St. bet. Floyd & Preston.
It is a proof of the prosperity of a city when manufactories of so exclusive a character as the one before us not only exist but are handsomely sustained. Some five years ago Messrs. B. F. & D. H. Avery commenced the manufacture of the since celebrated Livingston County Plow. It was with difficulty that the prejudices of the agricultural community in favor of other instruments were overcome, but by dint of industrious exertion the plow slowly gained the confidence of the community until it now holds, in several of the Southern and Western States, the very first rank as a plow. It is worthy of notice, as a proof of the enterprise of this firm, that each year since it was first introduced they have been obliged to double the number of plows made the preceding year. A few months since Messrs. B. F. & D. H. Avery dissolved their firm and Mr. B. F. Avery has now sole charge of the establishment. He has recently made some valuable improvements upon his plow, which will make its utility still more general. The new plow is found excellent for after-cultivation, and in connection with the old one makes his stock of plows fully adequate to every variety of American soil. Mr. B. F. Avery has spent some twenty-five years in this species of manufacture, and his experience is alone a proof of the value of his invention. His business, though already very large, is growing rapidly every year.
EDWARD HOLBROOK, MANUFACTURER OF CHEWING TOBACCO, CIGARS, &c. No. 474 MAIN STREET.
This extensive tobacco factory, established some twelve years ago, is one of the most important in the city. It was commenced at a time when Kentucky manufactured tobacco found very little market in the cities of the United States, but has grown with astonishing rapidity and vigor. Mr. Holbrook is an old dealer in tobacco, and has acquired great sagacity in the selection of the article suited to the various departments of manufacture. His skill as a manufacturer is also worthy of notice. For many years he has been employed in testing the value of the various methods of producing the finest qualities of Chewing Tobacco, and has added many valuable improvements to the ordinary methods of manufacturing the article. By the industry and enterprise of this gentleman and his fellow tobacconists, the Louisville-made article has driven entirely out of market all the medium and lower brands of Virginia tobacco, and readily competes with even the higher brands of this favorite manufacture. The business of this factory is extended over a large surface of country. From the Lakes at the North to New Orleans, this tobacco is not only rapidly bought up, but is eagerly inquired for. Barker & Co., of Detroit, Mich., write to Mr. H.: “We have ordersdaily, which we cannot fill for want of your tobacco.” Preston & Bros., of Evansville, write: “This tobacco gives good satisfaction.” Twitty & Smith, of New Orleans, say: “We doubt not, speedy satisfactory sales may be made of several hundred boxes by 1st of September.” Rawson, Wilby & Co., of Cincinnati, under date of June 7, 1852, write: “We have a market for all the tobacco you can manufacture.” Hundreds of similar letters could be shown from various points. These however will be sufficient to establish the character of the article.
UNION FACTORY. MUSSELMAN & CO. MANUFACTURERS OF CHEWING TOBACCO, Sixth Street, near Main.
This is the oldest tobacco factory in the city, and was the first which managed successfully to introduce this article. Previous to the establishment of this factory, all descriptions of chewing tobacco were brought from Virginia. Almost any other manufacturers would have sunk under the distrust and ill-will evinced by dealers of every class against this tobacco in the earliest years of its introduction. It was difficult at first to persuade the dealers even to receive the article on commission—and prodigious efforts were then required to overcome the prejudice against western made tobacco. The gentlemen who are at the head of the firm, however, fully persuaded of the value of their manufacture, and knowing it needed only to be known to be appreciated, continued their exertions, and finally succeeded in reaching the market. The results were great beyond their expectation. In 1832, the first iron tobacco press was brought by them to this city; ten years have elapsed, and nearly two hundred presses are now in full operation. The Union Factory merited and has received its full share of the benefit of this increase. The tobacco made by them competes with the best Virginia article, and has completely supplanted all the inferior qualities of that tobacco. The city dealers are almost entirely supplied by this factory, and hundreds of boxes are daily sent abroad. Their tobacco has found a market even in the distant California. Several hundred boxes were recently shipped to that point by the way of New York. A great revolution has been effected in this article by these gentlemen, thousands of dollars have been added to the trade of the city, and an entirely new market has been created by them. They have not only richly merited the success which has awaited them, but they also deserve much at the hands of the friends of the city for their sagacity and enterprise in this regard.
J. F. BAST, MANUFACTURER OF FINE CIGARS, SMOKING TOBACCOS AND SNUFFS, Main Street, between Second and Third.
This is an old and well established firm, and one of those which have risen to eminence from small beginnings. The manufacture of cigars, Mr. Bast shares in common with some hundreds of others, though his establishment is by far the largest in the city, but in the making of snuff he is without a rival. The attention of this factory is principally directed to the manufacture of the finer quality of cigars, though many common cigars are made here. Mr. B. is himself an accomplished workman, and his articles may be entirely depended upon. There are about three millions of cigars made and sold here annually. The smoking tobacco from this factory is eagerly sought for wherever it is known; its superior quality and cheapness making a ready market for it wherever introduced. Mr. B.’s manufacture of snuff also forms a large branch of this business. The peculiar quality of this article consists in its entire adaptation to every climate, and its capacity for withstanding the influences of time. It may be transported everywhere, and kept for any length of time without receiving injury. Mr. B.’s sales at wholesale are not confined merely to the usual country trade; many of his articles find their way in large quantities to the great cities, and many of his brands receive distinguished preference in these places. Beside his own manufactured articles Mr. B. imports choice pipes, snuff boxes, cigar cases, and similar fancy articles. As a retailer, his store is celebrated as the resort of all the connoisseurs in smoking, snuffing, and their various equipments.
CHRISTOPHER & STANCLIFF, MANUFACTURERS OF RAIL ROAD CARS, AND OF SASH, BLINDS, DOORS, &C. CORNER OE EIGHTH AND GREEN.
This factory was organized three years ago on a very extensive scale, with a view to supplying the demand for Sashes, Doors, and other like articles for the builder or the house carpenter. Since its commencement, however, it has constantly increased both in the amount and variety of work, until it has come to be one of the largest establishments in the city. Enormous buildings have been put up at great expense, new machinery of various kinds has been added to the original supply, experienced workmen have been brought from the older cities, and everything has been effected which could contribute to place the concern on an equality in point of capacity with any similar establishment in the country. The manufacture of railroad cars is a new department of the business; created by the growing necessity for procuring such work at home. The cars made by these gentlemen have all the new improvements known to the car builder, and are beautiful specimens of handicraft. In this immense factory, the painter, the turner, the blacksmith, the cabinet maker, the car builder, the upholsterer, and the carpenter, all find employment at their various trades. All the screws, nuts, &c., used in the factory, are made on the premises by machinery. The gentlemen who compose the firm, are entirely competent to the management of their diversified business, and great credit is due them for the promptness and excellence with which they execute all descriptions of their work.
J. N. BREEDEN & CO. MANUFACTURERS OF DOORS, BLINDS, SASH, FLOORING AND DRESSED PLANK, No. 622 MAIN STREET.
This large and well organized mill is well known to western builders. It is one of those conveniences which are found only in large cities, where the builder can find ready made to his hand all that is necessary for the interior and exterior wood work of his house. Boards are taken from the lumber yard, and by machinery planed and moulded into all the forms necessary for the house carpenter, thus saving all the tedious hand labor, and reducing the enormous expense which has attended the building of houses. The majority of planing mills have never attempted more than the preparation of work for cheap houses; but this establishment before us has specimens of its manufacture in some of the finest residences in and about the city. The proprietors of this mill are devoting much attention to the finer departments of work, and their success is at once complete and merited. The feeling which once existed against the work of the planing mill, is rapidly disappearing before the exertions of these gentlemen; they have supplied such large quantities of work of all sorts, and have so entirely the confidence of the community, that their work is eagerly sought after, and they are constantly full of orders. They employ about seventy-five hands, and have machines, which plane about twenty-three thousand feet of lumber per day. They also manufacture large quantities of Packing Boxes, which they furnish to the stores at small prices. This department of their business is of itself of considerable extent. Lumber in the rough is also sold in large quantities.
BEN. F. CAWTHON, MANUFACTURER OF FURNITURE AT WHOLESALE, Corner of Ninth, and Jefferson.
This establishment is among the largest factories of its class in the western country. Although but a short time has elapsed since the manufacture of furniture by machinery was adopted in this part of the country, this factory has come to supply the wants of a great part of the West. In factories of this sort the manufacture of the most elegant classes of furniture is not attempted; attention being directed only to the staples of the trade, in the production of which machinery can be used to advantage. This machinery beautiful in its adaptation, and perfect in its application, is well worthy of notice. There are comparatively few of the operations of this establishment to which the machinery does not apply. All the separate parts of each piece of furniture are got out by machinery and cleaned up, veneered, and put together by hand workmen. Mr. C. thoroughly comprehends the business which he pursues, and has entirely the confidence of those with whom he has commercial relations. Large quantities of lumber are kept upon the premises, so that all the wood used in manufacture, is thoroughly seasoned; the workmen employed in the factory are mechanics of the best order, and the establishment has a high reputation for honesty and fair dealing, not only in the quality of work but in the equality of prices. Mr. C. has a regular printed price current by which he is governed, and according to which all dealers are equally served. His trade extends over a great part of the West and South, embracing the States of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi; Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri. As will readily be seen, a manufactory of this kind, so useful in its interests, and so large in its extent, is of great importance to the city; bringing, as it does, large amounts of money from other and distant points, and disbursing them at home; as well as offering inducements to the immigration hither, (which are and have been eagerly embraced,) of a valuable class of citizens.
JOHN M. STOKES, MANUFACTURER OF ALL KINDS OF CABINET FURNITURE, 533 Main Street, between 2nd & 3rd.
The manufacture of furniture in large quantities and with the aid of machinery has but lately been introduced into the western country, and however it may have reduced the prices or extended the sale of the articles so manufactured, it has by no means destroyed or even interfered with the sale of articles manufactured by hand. Of the finer class of furniture, of all those articles which are used merely as luxuries, as well as of such as are required to stand the test of severe use, those manufactured by hand are yet preferred; and the growing desire in the West for the best articles of furniture has rendered the class of manufactures under consideration of great value and importance. Louisville contains a very large number of establishments for the manufacture of fine as well as of durable and substantial common furniture. The largest of these and the one best calculated to display this branch of business is the well-known establishment of John M. Stokes, now in the 22d year of its existence. There is scarcely a finely furnished parlor in Louisville or its vicinity, scarcely an elegant steamer in the southern trade, that does not show the capacity of this firm to rival any similar establishment in the country. And while in some other branches of manufacture, Louisville may be exceeded by other western cities, it is only fair to say, that a visit to the immense establishment of Mr. Stokes will readily convince any one that in this department of trade, Louisville cannot be exceeded either in quality of work or in its price. Mr. S. has now in process of erection a large four story building, where he purposes to add very considerably to his already large manufacture.
ISAAC CROMIE, MANUFACTURER OF PRINTING PAPER, NEWS, BOOK, AND COLORED, Mill, Main Street between Tenth and Eleventh, Store, No. 477 Main St.
This is the largest Paper Mill in the Western country, and fully equal in point of capacity and advantages with any in the Union. It was established in 1846, and passed into the hands of its present proprietor in 1848. The mill is furnished with every desirable improvement in the machinery used for paper making; the building is very commodious and well arranged, and is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Kellogg, a gentleman in every way qualified for his office. It is in constant operation, night and day, being lighted up by gas, which is also manufactured on the premises. This mill has advantages over most western mills in the fact that an abundant supply of rags is furnished in this market, that it is situated in a fine hemp growing region, where this article can readily be procured, bleached and reduced to the finest texture for strengthening paper; that this is an admirable location for making shipments of the manufactured article, and that the most excellent water is brought from wells on the premises in any quantity which may be desired. A very large amount of capital is invested in this establishment, and no expense has been spared in effecting every improvement known to the paper maker, and the results of this outlay of capital, and of the sagacity and enterprise of its proprietor are now evident. Not only does this paper find a ready market, but orders have so multiplied upon the factory that, even with the immense product, they have been unable until lately to complete their contracts for delivery. The stack for the furnace of this mill is 140 feet high, and can be seen from all the avenues of approach to the city.
HAYES, CRAIG & CO. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN HATS, CAPS, STRAW GOODS, FURS, &C. 485 Main Street.
But a few years have elapsed since all the hats sold in this market were the produce of eastern factories; and this department was not considered of sufficient value to be detached from other branches of trade. In latter years however, it has reached a position which makes it equal in importance to most other branches. Western merchants are fully aware of the value of Louisville as a market for hats, and even where many other articles are purchased elsewhere, this market is always selected and preferred by the buyer for his bill of hats.
Few firms have as rapidly grown into the favor and confidence of the community as the one referred to above. They possess an enviable reputation throughout the South and West, both as elegant manufacturers, and as prompt and efficient men of business. Neither Beebe of New York, nor Rousto of Paris, are better known or more prized as hatters by the residents in the valley of the Mississippi. This is proven in the fact that their sales at wholesale reach the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, while their retail trade adds to this the sum of fifty thousand dollars more. Their manufacture is chiefly confined to the finest quality of hats. They employ from twenty-five to thirty hands.
This house also deals largely in furs, their purchases in this article amount to about thirty-five thousand dollars annually. Their market for these furs is found in London and Leipsie.
POLLARD, PRATHER & SMITH, LATELY P. S. BARBER & CO. MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN HATS, CAPS, FURS, AND STRAW GOODS, No. 455 MAIN STREET.
This establishment, the oldest in the city, also commands a very prominent position in the western country. What has before been said with reference to the hat business, applies equally well to this establishment. The energy and promptness of this firm as manufacturers, the extended character of their business relations, and the high position which they occupy at home as well as abroad, have not only insured their own prosperity beyond any usual contingency but have added to the fame, the business and the resources of the city.
Some idea may be formed of the increase in this department of business, when it is asserted that the sales of this house alone now reaches an amount greatly beyond what five years ago were the entire sales of the city. Hats made in Louisville always find the preference with western and southern purchasers over those made elsewhere. Not only are the qualities greatly superior, but the styles are far preferable; and for a similar class of goods, the prices are equally as low as those of any other market. In these remarks, reference is of course had to the best quality of hats. There is no department of trade which has increased, and still promises to increase more rapidly than this.
The purchase and export of furs and peltries is also extensively carried on by this house.
The two examples of this business given in this volume will bear favorable comparison with any other hat houses in the West; if indeed they do not surpass all their compeers.
NEEDHAM’S MARBLE SHOP AND WARE ROOMS, Jefferson St. between 3rd & 4th, North Side.
This establishment has been in permanent and successful operation for the last seventeen years, and is, we believe, the oldest one of the kind in the city. The greater portion of the marble used; is imported directly from Italy in the block, via New Orleans. The foreign and domestic marble business has been a rapidly increasing one from the period of its first introduction, and our workmen have readily availed themselves of all the improved manufacturing processes. They are therefore prepared to furnish all articles in their line at as low a price, as the same articles can be furnished at any point in the West. Fine articles of manufactured marble are nowcheaper in the city of Louisville than in the city of London.
At Needham’s Marble Warerooms may be found a well arranged stock of marble Mantles, varying in price from twenty-five to one hundred and fifty dollars. They are made of Italian, Egyptian, Irish, and the Sienna marbles. He also makes to order the various descriptions of furniture marble work.
In the department of monuments, tombs, tablets, and general cemetery work, his stock and designs are said to be the largest in the West. All work sent from the city is carefully packed, and warranted free from breakage. The aim and object of the proprietor is to establish a permanent business by doing good work at moderate prices.