Addison County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Vergennes 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF VERGENNES.

   THE town of Vergennes was organized March 12, 1789, and the city of Vergennes
was-chartered July 1, 1794. The territory embraced in the city is 480 x 400
rods. The location is seven miles from Lake Champlain. Otter Creek, which passes
through the city was formerly navigable for large vessels, and a regular line of
boats was run between this place and Buffalo and New York, while the facilities
for ship-building were at one time as good as any in the State. Here was fitted
up the flotilla which the victorious McDonough commanded in Plattsburgh Bay,
September 11, 1814. The Falls of Vergennes represent Nature as a handmaid to
Industry; her strong and beautiful forces being tributary to the useful. During
the non-intercourse and war with England, the active blast furnance, air
furnace, rolling, grist, saw and fulling mill, wire factory, and busy forges
clustered fast around this vast reservoir of water-power which has a descent of
37 feet, divided into three distinct sets by two islands, at their head dividing
the channel into three parts, and not less than 177 tons of shot for the war of
the Revolution were cast at this point. Since the renewal of a friendly
intercourse with England, and the opening of the Rutland and Burlington
railroad, business has declined; still, upon the bridge that spans the Otter, a
continued hum of machinery, modulated by the grand water-chorus from three
distinct sets of falls, blends pleasantly upon the ear.

   The city is handsomely laid out, and has five churches, two national banks,
two hotels, a fine graded school building, a parochial school, a horse-nail
factory, shade-roller factory, furniture factory, planing mill, road machine
works, fertilizer works, granite works; a hub factory, leather works, a
newspaper, publishing house, etc. The city has an excellent water supply, the
water works having been erected at a cost of sixty thousand dollars. The
administration of municipal affairs is vested in a mayor, a board of four
aldermen and a common council of three members. The following is a list of
officers for the year ending March 1891: Mayor, J. G. Hindes; Aldermen, Wm. H.
Patten, Spencer W. Hinds, D. Renaud, Harvey Ketchum, Common Council, M. J.
Graves, C. E. M. Caisse, M. T. Bristol; Clerk of City Court, J. D. Smith.

   Vergennes is the natural receiving and distributing station for a large
amount of produce of all kinds that is raised in the fertile, agricultural
country tributary to it, and the handling of this is a large factor in its
business.

VERMONT REFORM SCHOOL.

   This State Institution was established in this city in 1865. The farm and U.
S. Arsenal property, containing altogether 132 acres of land, were purchased for
the school at a cost of $18,772.00. The old buildings, formerly known as the
Champlain arsenal, were found admirably adapted for this purpose—the old
officers' quarters' serving for the girls department, and the arsenal building
as a school and workshop for the boys. Since the school was started here, the
place has been greatly improved by the erection of new buildings and the
embellishment of the grounds. Here, one hundred and fifty unfortunate boys and
girls find a home and by judicious training are reclaimed from an ultimate
prison-home—or worse—and made respectable citizens. The school is well managed
and is officered as follows: Mr. S. A. Andrews, Superintendent; Mr. H. C. Fisk,
Morrisville; Mr. F. H. Stranahan, St. Albans; Mr. Charles H. Lane, Trustees.

   THE NATIONAL BANK OF VERGENNES.—The oldest and strongest banking institution
in this city is the National Bank of Vergennes, which was originally
incorporated in 1826, and reorganized under the national banking laws in 1865.
It has a capital of $150,000, and is officered as follows, viz.: president, C.
T. Stevens; vice-president, Thos. S. Drake; cashier, Andrew Koss; assistant
cashier, C. H. Strong. The banking rooms of the institution are centrally
located on Main Street, and are spacious in size, provided with improved safes
and vaults, and possessing every convenience for facilitating the business in
hand. A general banking business is transacted, including the receiving of
deposits, the discounting of approved commercial paper, the collection of
drafts, and the dealing in first-class securities of all kinds. From its
inception this bank has retained the confidence of the public in a marked
degree. Its founders were men who had the rare foresight to recognize the
possibilities of such an institution, and who laid, the foundations sufficiently
strong and deep to bear any superstructure that time, experience and wealth
might rear. They builded well, and their successors have been eminently worthy
of the succession. Under its present wise and conservative management, this bank
is doing a large and safe business, all its movements being marked by prudence,
caution and honorable business methods, and it is generally recognized as one of
those solid, ably-conducted institutions, that reflect credit alike upon their
officers and the community in which their influence is felt. Its investments and
operations have been so satisfactory that a snug surplus of $30,000 has been
accumulated. Its executive officers are gentlemen with whom it is always a
pleasure to do business. Prompt, obliging and efficient in all their dealings
with the public, they are naturally popular, and uphold the credit of the bank
in financial, commercial and social life. The president, Mr. Stevens, is a
prominent citizen of Vergennes, has served as mayor of the city and in other
positions of honor and trust, and is closely identified with the commercial
growth and financial prosperity of this communnity. The vice-president, Mr.
Drake, is a leading business man of Bristol. The cashier, Mr. Ross, is an expert
financier, and a gentleman of wide acquaintance and high repute in the business
world.

   M. J. GRAVES, Hardware, Etc., Green Street.—In viewing the rarious business
industries of this city we observe that there are many houses justly entitled to
be termed representative in their special lines. One of these is the
establishment conducted by Mr. M. J. Graves, dealer in hardware, stoves, ranges
and house furnishing goods. This enterprise was founded by Mr. J. W. Hawley in
1845, and he was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1865. Mr. Graves
continued in the business until 1875, when he sold his interest to Fred.
Blanchard, who afterward sold to Messrs. Steward & Baldwin. In 1881, Mr. J. W.
Hawley again assumed control, and was again succeeded by the present proprietor
in 1886, who has since conducted the business with marked success. The premises
occupied are spacious and commodious, finely appointed and fitted up in the best
possible manner and thoroughly equipped with everything required in the
business. The stock of goods is large and comprehensive, embracing a carefully
selected assortment of builders' materials, and general hardware of every
description. A complete line of office, parlor, and cooking stoves, ranges and
furnaces in all the latest improved patterns from the best manufacturers in the
country together with a fine display of house furnishing goods such as tin,
copper, sheet-iron, wood and willow ware, all of which are offered at the lowest
possible prices and cannot fall to please purchasers. The workshop is equipped
with the most modern, mechanical appliances in use by plumbers, and sanitary
plumbing and gas fitting is executed in a highly satisfactory manner. Mr. Graves
has been president of the board of common council of the city for two years and
chief engineer of the Fire Department, is a member of the F. and A. M., and is a
native of Waterbury, Vt. He is well-known and highly respected in business
circles, and the prosperity of this house is a notable example of business
integrity and skillful management.

   J. S. HICKOK & SON, General Insurance Agents.—Vergennes' leading and popular
insurance agency is that which Mr. J. S. Hickok established in 1867. This
gentleman was largely interested in Vergennes' business interests, and was
regarded as one of the foremost citizens of the town. He was born in New Haven,
and began his business career in a drug store. Later he was coal agent for the
city from 1870 till 1880, then was manager of the telegraph office here. In the
meantime he was actively engaged in the insurance business, and had established
a flourishing office at Burlington under the firm name of Hickok & Bailey. In
1883, Mr. Hickok admitted his son H. H. Hickok to co-partnership in this office,
and the firm style above noted was adopted. In 1889, Mr. Hickok retired, leaving
the younger gentleman in sole possession. The house transacts every description
of insurance, and commands a most extensive and flourishing patronage all
through this section. The companies represented are among the leading and most
wealthy insurance corporations of the world. In fire, the office represents the
following: AEtna, Continental, Commercial Union, German-American, Insurance
Company of North America; Liverpool and London and Globe of Liverpool; Niagara,
Phoenix, Springfield, and Vermont Mutual; in life and accident; Mutual Life,
Northwestern Mutual, Travelers' and Fidelity and Casualty Company. Policies are
written, and risks placed with any of these sound companies at lowest premium
rates, and an admirable feature of this office is the prompt and satisfactory
manner in which losses are adjusted. Mr. H. H. Hickok is a young man of
enterprise and push, and is rapidly following the footsteps of his father in
augmenting and increasing the business and reputation of this office. He was
born in Vergennes.

   ISLAND MILLS, N. G. Norton & Sons, Proprietors.—The popular and reliable
establishment of Messrs. N. G. Norton & Sons, manufacturers of flour, meal, feed
and dealers in all kinds of grain and Nova Scotia plaster, also all kinds of
lumber, shingles and lath, was established by B. J. Bradbury in 1830; and after
several changes in intervening years, the present firm was established in 1890,
N. G. Norton being in trade here in 1867. The mill is spacious, has three run of
stone and four water wheels, and is operated by the best water-power in the
state, and has a capacity for grinding 1,500 bushels per day. They have ample
room for the storage of 10,000 bushels of grain. They also have a large store on
Main Street devoted to retailing grain and feed and here they have established a
large and constantly increasing trade. Two delivery teams are kept constantly
employed, and a force of hands sufficiently large to carry on the business
promptly and satisfactorily are also employed. Messrs. Norton & Sons are highly
esteemed in trade circles for their enterprise, and energy. Mr. N. G. Norton,
the senior member of the firm is a native of Vermont, has been a member of the
common council for four years and street commissioner five years. Mr. John
Norton is a native of Burlington and is the present postmaster of Vergennes.
Messrs. Eugene and A. W. Norton are both natives of Burlington.

   HUSTED & BARTLEY, Merchant Tailors, No. 69 Main Street.—The merchant tailors
of this day may well lay claim to tho credit for having led men to believe in
the necessity of being properly and richly clothed. For it cannot be longer
doubted that dress is one of the most essential factors in a man's success. The
merchant tailor has thus highly benefitted his race, two of these gentlemen who
have proven themselves enterprising and hard workers being Messrs. J. B. Husted
and J. F. Bartley, merchant tailors, No. 69 Main Street, Vergennes. These
gentlemen now command a trade from the best dressed men in town. Their business
is a very old one, having been established by Mr. J. B. Husted in 1845. The
partnership was formed in 1890. Their present location has been occupied since
1867. The gentlemen occupy two well equipped rooms on the second floor, where
they employ eight of the most experienced and skillful tailors, designers,
cutters, fitters and trimmers to be found. Their trade, a great share of it
custom trade, extends throughout this city and the vicinity. They make suits,,
coats, trousers. waistcoats, top coats, great coats and take pride in their
fits. Entire confidence in their abilities lies with their customers, while they
have proven themselves loyal, upright and truthful business men. Mr. Husted, a
native of Vermont, born in 1817, came to this city in 1836 and has hewed his
fortune out of the hard rocks. Mr. Bartley, who is a native of this city, born
in 1868. is noted among the active and rising young gentlemen of town. He is
popular in business and social circles and a member of the S. of V. Mr. Bartley
has not failed to profit by the conservative policy laid down by Mr. Husted, and
their combined efforts since their establishment, has been to work out a
successful end upon the principle of commercial veracity. The quality of their
wares is always the best and their styles the latest.

   THE FARMERS' NATIONAL BANK.-The history of the Farmers' National Bank of
Vergennes verifies the well-established fact that a great financial institution,
having men of conservative characteristics at the helm, must surely become
successful and prosperous. It was incorporated in April, 1880, with a capital of
$50,000, which was increased to $75,000 in 1885, and its officers and directors
comprise the following well-known gentlemen, viz.: president, Walter Scranton;
vice-president, M. F. Allen; cashier, D. H. Lewis; directors, Walter Scranton,
New York City; M. F. Allen, North Ferrisburgh; N. F. Dunshee, Bristol; C. W.
Read, Addison; H. W. Le Roy, New York City; D. H. Lewis, Vergennes. This
institution does a regular, legitimate banking business in deposits, loans,
collections and exchange; receives the accounts of banks, bankers,
manufacturers, merchants and others on the most favorable terms; remits
collections at lowest rates, and renders thorough satisfaction to all its
customers. Its watchwords have been prudence and economy— prudence in
investments, economy in expenses of handling business, and from these two walls
of strength has sprung a solid arch of prosperity and profit. Its principal
characteristics are those which tend to inspire and maintain success, to wit:
ample capital, good connections, unlimited backing, the confidence of commercial
circles, and the highest standing in the financial world. Although founded upon
a rock it has each twelve months been raised above the level of the year before;
and it has already accumulated a surplus of $5,000, with undivided profits of
$1,000. It is not pervaded with "old fogyism," but has in every particular kept
abreast of the times. Its management has ever been noted for that spirit of
cautious enterprise and vigorous conservatism which marks out new paths and
follows them safely. These are among the great factors that produce a sound and
healthy bank. The president, Mr. Scranton, was for some years a resident of
Vergennes, representing the city in the State Legislature during two terms, but
is now actively engaged in business in the city of New York. The vice-president,
Mr. Allen, is a prominent and wealthy citizen of the neighboring town of
Ferrisburgh. The cashier, Mr. Lewis, is an experienced financier, whose opinions
are of weight in banking circles, and who is also secretary and treasurer of the
National Horse Nail Company of this city.

   W. H. SIPPERLY, Photographer, Green Street.—Mr. Sipperly is a rarely
accomplished and successful photographer, who for the past thirty-five years or
so has devoted his native talent and energy to the uninterrupted study and
pursuit of his profession in all its higher branches, the result being the
achievement of a reputation second to that of no artist legitimately engaged in
photography in this section. Mr. Sipperly was born in New York in 1835. He began
business at first in Schuylerville, that state, and remained there for ten
years; then for two years he was located at Congress Park, Saratoga; leaving
there, he went to Mechanicsville, N. Y. and bought him a house and gallery and
for the following fifteen years he actively followed this vocation; after that,
he conducted a gallery in Bennington for eight years. Selling his rooms to M. E.
Watson he came to Vergennes and purchased this gallery in 1888. The enterprise
he is conducting was originally established in 1880 by a Mr. Brown, and its
subsequent proprietors up to the time Mr. Sipperly took charge were Messrs.
Liberty, Hale and McLaughlin. The gallery and studio occupies the third floor of
the building, and they are models of neatness and convenience. The operating and
finishing rooms are finely equipped with all the latest improved apparatus
designed for photography, and a corps of competent assistants are employed.
Every description of fine photographic work is done, and the leading specialties
of this gallery are first-class cabinets, views, and portraits in ink, crayon or
water colors; the most skillful and talented artists only are employed, and Mr.
Sipperly exercises close personal supervision over every department of the
business. He receives a large and steadily increasing patronage from the best
class of custom in this locality.

   F. E. DEAN, Grocer.—This house is one of the best known grocery houses in
this vicinity. It was only established in June of last year, but the trade that
has been developed in that time has given the house the reputation of being one
of the most prosperous and thriving in this section. The premises occupied
comprise the ground floor of the building on Main Street, with two rooms on the
second floor. Two clerks are employed. The house carries in stock a fine stock
of fancy and staple groceries, together with an assortment of glassware and lamp
goods. Mr. Dean makes a specialty of the manufacture and sale of Dean's
Medicated Coffee, for which there is a large demand. Mr. Dean is a native of
Vergennes, and in his life-time has seen considerable of the world, and four
years prior to embarking in this business was manager of the shipping department
of the Troy Malleable Iron Works of Troy, N. Y. He is well known all through
this region.

   S. D. MINER, Boots and Shoes.—The growth which has attended the house of this
firm is illustrative in no small degree of that general development which has
characterized the commerce and trade of Vergennes. The business was first
established in 1866 by S. D. and J. L. Miner, who jointly conducted it until the
death of the junior partner in April last, when S. D. became sole proprietor.
The business has been rapidly developed in recent years, and to-day the house
enjoys a large, prosperous trade, extending throughout a wide section of the
country, and distributed among all classes of people. In 1887,"an additional
salesroom was opened up and completely stocked and the premises to-day are of a
very spacious and complete character. The original quarters occupied were in
Foster's Block on Main Street; in 1870,the firm removed to Gaines' Block, and
since 1887 they have occupied their present magnificent quarters in Jones'
Block. There is carried here in stock a fine and complete assortment of boots,
shoes, slippers and rubbers of all styles and makes, in fine, medium and cheaper
grades and designed for the wear of both sexes, adults and minors. Fine custom
work to order is a feature of this business and is done by experienced
workmen-This firm also carry in stock a varied line of leather and shoe findings
and supply the trade throughout this region with goods in this respect. Mr. S.
D. Miner is a native of Canada, and is very highly esteemed in trade and social
circles of this vicinity. He is chairman of the Water Board, having held the
office the past seven years.

   W. B. RICH, Dentist.—Dr. W. B. Rich, the well and favorably known dentist has
maintained a position in the front rank of his profession. The doctor not only
had the advantage of a thorough course of study when he branched out for
himself, but also a valuable experience gained in some of the famous dental
offices of this country. He spent two and a half years in a large office at
Sheldon Falls, and one year and a half in an office at Troy. In the early part
of 1890 he came to this city and bought the office and practice of th©
enterprise he is now conducting. This is one of the oldest established dental
offices in this section. It was founded in 1860 by Dr. F. W. Coe, who sold out
to Dr. F. F. Pierce hi 1883; in 1887, Dr. J. B. Powers obtained possession and
conducted the business until Dr. Rich succeeded him May 1890. The doctor
occupies neatly appointed and completely equipped quarters, consisting of three
spacious rooms, having in service all the latest improved dental appliances and
general appurtenances and is prepared to attend to everything comprehended in
modern dentistry in the most reliable and excellent manner. Teeth are extracted,
filled and adjusted with judgment and skill at reasonable prices, while plates
are inserted and artificial work of every description executed in the best form
of the art. Dr. Rich was born in Massachusetts, and is a member of the S. of V.
order, and is very highly esteemed here.

   CITY DRUG STORE, C. M. Soule, Manager.—A well ordered and excellent drug
store is the City Drug Store, C. M. Soule, manager. Physicians' prescriptions
and family recipes are here prepared in the most careful and accurate manner, in
every instance from absolutely pure and fresh ingredients and at bed-rock
prices, the manager devoting close personal attention to the prescription
department. In their own laboratory the house puts up for the trade a few
important and very excellent remedies of their own compounding. This business
was originally established by W. G. Sprague, in 1860. He was succeeded by J.
Hickox in 1871; then in 1885, Dennison and Hopkins assumed charge and remained
proprietors until the following year when Mr. Smith became the owner, and
installed Mr. Soule as manager. The premises occupied comprise a ground floor
and basement, each 25 x 75 feet in size. Mr. Smith, who was born in this state,
is an attorney-at-law in St. Albans and enjoys a large practice. Both he and Mr.
Soule are highly esteemed through this section.

   N. J. BENAUD, Confectionery, Etc., Green Street.—This gentleman came from
Canada, his native place, a number of years ago, .and in 1875, established this
store. His present location, however, he has occupied since 1885. He owns the
entire building on Green Street, 26 x 34 feet, and occupies the first floor to
conduct his trade. He is a thorough and practical merchant, dealing in
newspapers, periodicals, magazines, stationery, music, confections, sweets,
bonbons, caramels, fancy and plain candies of all sorts, pipes, tobacco, cigars,
smokers' necessities, picture frames and Yankee notions of all sorts. His is
also the headquarters for Standard Neura-Cura, birch and tonic beer, orange
cider, ginger and soda ale, sarsaparilla and champagne-cider. Mr. Renaud's store
is neatly and attractively fitted with all of the modern improvements and his
stock enticingly .arranged. He had received a thorough commercial training prior
to his present business venture in 1875, having given a considerable time to
duties in a furniture store and one year to the business of a general news
agent. His present standing proves that he has not mistaken his vocation. He is
regarded as an upright man of affairs and a credit to his calling.

   SMITH & KETCHUM, Furniture.—This is an old as well as solid and ably
conducted business. The manufacturing department was established by J. N. Hawley
in 1840, he was succeeded by Holland & Mansfield and they were succeeded by
Holland, Mansfield & Parker in 1869. In 1871 the building occupied was burned
and rebuilt •the same year and in 1876 the present firm was organized. The large
factory at the falls at the foot of Main Street is a three story building with
abundant water-power, and employment is furnished to a large corps of workmen.
The partners are pushing business men, experienced and exercising superior
executive, abilities. They have an accurate knowledge of the wants of the trade
and making quality their first consideration, are enabled to retain old
customers while constantly making new ones. A glance at their facilities and
extent of establishment will indicate the importance of this concern to
Vermont's commerce. Besides the large factory, they occupy a large salesroom on
Green Street where they retail all kinds of furniture, curtain fixtures and
household furnishings, also a full line of undertaking goods. They have a large
wholesale trade in Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode
Island. They employ several traveling salesmen and their trade is constantly
increasing. They have permantly maintained the lead as to prices and quality and
their connections include the leading retail furniture dealers in all places
where their goods have been introduced. Mr. I. H. Smith, the senior member of
the firm, is a native of Vergennes, Mr. H. Ketchum is a native of Whiting, Vt.,
and is now city alderman. He is an authority in the furniture trade, and both
partners are valued members of commercial circles.

 J. H. DONNELLY, Tailor, No. 7 Green Street.—The most popular, fashionable
tailor of Vergennes is Mr. J. H. Donnelly, who is considered the leading
authority on gentlemen's attire. The business so successfully conducted by him,
was originally established by Messrs. Welcome & Son in 1875, and in 1878 the
present proprietor succeeded to the control. His business premises comprise two
floors, 25 x 70 feet in dimensions, elegantly furnished, ably managed in all
departments, and by all odds the establishment is par excellence of its kind in
the state. All the choicest fabrics of home and foreign manufacture are here to
select from so that the most fastidious can be suited from his magnificent
stock. Fashionable tailoring is executed on correct principles, all the niceties
of gentlemen's attire are given strict attention, while the styles are
absolutely faultless and the work of the cutter and fitter of the most skilled
and perfect character. Each figure is made a study and treated according to its
needs. A corps of skilled workmen contribute to the successful operations of the
house, and the proprietor is driven with orders from all parts of the country.
His sales in New York city amount to $1,500 per year. To those who appreciate
the importance of perfect fitting garments from the best imported goods, we
strongly recommend this old and popular house. Mr. Donnelly travels and sells
his own goods; he is a member of the board of common council, was delegate to
the Democratic National Convention in 1888 and is a native of New York. He is
eminently popular as the leading connoisseur in gentlemen's dress in the city.
Mr. Donnelly does business in every city in this state.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF THE PRINCIPAL POINTS IN VERMONT,
BEING
BURLINGTON, WINOOSKI, RUTLAND, WEST RUTLAND, BRANDON, FAIR HAVEN, POULTNEY,
CASTLETON, ST. ALBANS, SWANTON, ENOSBURG FALLS, BRATTLEBORO, BELLOWS FALLS,
MONTPELIER, BARRE, WATERBURY, ST. JOHNSBURY, LYNDONVILLE, LYNDON, HARDWICK,
BENNINGTON, SPRINGFIELD, WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VERGENNES, MIDDLEBURY, NORTHFIELD
AND MORRISVILLE.

1891.

PUBLISHED BY
AMERICAN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING CO.,
(ELEVATORS.)
Nos. 149 AND 151 CHURCH STREET, NEW YORK.


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