Rutland County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Castleton 1891 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/vt/vtfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 May 26, 2008, 5:37 pm CASTLETON. THE charter of Castleton was granted to Samuel Brown, of Stockbridge, Mass., September 22, 1761, a year remarkable in the annals of Vermont. During this year the first permanent settlement on the west side of the Green Mountains, was effected at Bennington, and during the same year no less than twenty-seven townships were chartered in what now constitutes the counties of Bennington, Rutland and Addison. The reason for this sudden influx is found in the previously unsettled state of this region. During the colonial and Indian wars, the territory of Vermont being the great thoroughfare for military expeditions, was constantly exposed to the depredations of the French and Indians. On this account the settlement of the country was dangerous and impracticable. The conquest of Canada by the English in 1760 removed these obstacles, and the colonists already well acquainted with the fertility and value of the country, having often passed over it on military expeditions, hastened to secure possession. The township of Castleton is situated near the center of Rutland county. It contains thirty-six square miles. When the town received the name of Castleton is not known, but it is supposed that it was called after a man by the name of Castle, of whom Col. Bird purchased ninety-five original shares, showing that he was a large proprietor, and probably gave his name to the town. The grantees were seventy in number, and Col. Bird, though not mentioned as one of them, seems to have been one of the largest proprietors and the leading man at proprietors' meetings. Cols. Bird and Lee of Salisbury, Ct., arrived in Castleton in June, 1767, and during the season a log cabin was built on a bluff in the south-westerly part of the township on what was afterwards known as the Clark farm. Castleton is pleasantly located on the southern bank of Castleton River, on a level plain, elevated about thirty feet above the stream.' The surrounding country is diversified by hill, mountain, lake, river and rill, has a salubrious climate, pure water, beautiful scenery, and in fact, every attribute for making it one of the most delightful towns in the country. The village contains about one hunched and fifty buildings remarkable for a uniform neatness. In the village are four churches: Advent, Congregationalism Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic; a town hall, a dozen or more stores and several slate mills. JOHN HOWE, Insurance Agent.-The leading insurance agency in Castleton is that established by Mr. John Howe in 1880. He has had a long experience in his profession and has not only succeeded in gaining the confidence of a large clientele, but also the responsible companies he represents, which are the New England Fire Insurance Company and the Hartford Life and Annuity Company, having, as he does, absolute control of the business of these companies in this section, Mr. Howe is not only enabled to offer very superior inducements, but also to insure a sure and prompt adjustment of such losses as may occur. The facilities he possesses as a fire insurance agent has placed him among the foremost members of the underwriting fraternity in this section of the state, and entitle him to the extensive business which he enjoys, and which he knows so well how to foster and promote. Mr. Howe is prepared to promptly place the largest as well as smaller risks, distributing the former in the most judicious manner, quoting the lowest rates obtainable, and guaranteeing a prompt and liberal adjustment of all losses. Mr. Howe is deservedly popular in the community in which he lives, and controls the insuring of many of the choicest and most valuable business and residential properties in this section. Mr. Howe is a native of Vermont, a lawyer by profession, and is judge of the Rutland County Court. He was State's Attorney for four years, is the present town clerk, and is highly esteemed both in business and social circles. A. L. RANSOM, Dry and Fancy Goods. Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, Clothing, Groceries, etc.-This business was founded originally in 1870 by Messrs. Armstrong Bros., who were succeeded by Messrs. Armstrong & Sherman, when they in turn were followed by Mr. C. S. Sherman alone, who carried it on very successfully until 1883, when it passed into the control of its present proprietor, who is a native of Castleton, but was for five years a member of a mercantile firm in North Granville, N. Y., and afterwards for two years in business on his own account in Whitehall, N. Y., and afterwards returned to his native place and eventually assumed his present position among its most popular business men. His store is of ample dimensions, commodious and very neatly and attractively fitted up, and provided with every convenience for the successful prosecution of its large and constantly increasing trade. The stock carried is full and complete, embracing a splendid assortment of general merchandise, among which will be found fine cloths and cassimeres, the latest fashionable patterns and colors in silks, satins, velvets, etc., ladies' and gents' furnishings, hats and caps for men, youths, boys and children: boots, shoes and rubbers, wall paper, crockery, etc., besides an almost illimitable assortment of notions and small wares. His stock of groceries embraces the very purest of fresh new-crop teas, coffees and spices; best brands of canned goods, choice flour, fancy creamery butter, salt meats and fish, bakers' and laundry supplies, tobacco and cigars, etc. Taken altogether the stock carried is one of the most complete in this section of the state, while the quality is unsurpassed, and prices are the very lowest. Polite assistants attend to the wants of patrons promptly and spare no pains to please, while goods are delivered at residences free of charge. Mr. Ransom is an enterprising and popular man. He is also a prominent and active member of the Masonic order, and a consistent observer of its cardinal principles. BOMOSEEN HOUSE, Horace B. Ellis, Proprietor.-The Bomoseen House was erected some twenty years ago, by Mr. Wm. Batcheller, and became the property of the present proprietor, Mr. Horace B. Ellis, in 1869. He has for the past few years taken the management of the house himself, and has placed it upon a plane of efficiency and popularity before unknown in its history. The house is built of brick, three stories high, 40 x 100 feet in dimensions, with two ells, measuring 40 x 60 feet each, and has first-class accommodations for 100 guests. No luxury afforded in situation, surroundings modern conveniences and ability of management in any hotel in the state, Is lacking at the Bomoseen. It is located on the principal street in the village, within easy reach of the depot, and is convenient alike to the permanent patron, the commercial tourist and the transient guest. The rooms are elegantly furnished, every safety is provided in case of fire, while as regards sanitary arrangements, the Bomoseen House is unexcelled. A first-class livery, fine billiard and pool rooms, a bowling alley, bath rooms, sample rooms, telegraph and telephone connection, are among the necessities of modern hotel life provided for the use of guests. The cuisine of the house is worthy of special praise, being under the most experienced management, and kept up to the highest standard of excellence. Mr. Ellis is a liberal caterer, and supplies his table with fresh vegetables and dairy products from his own farm near the village. He also owns a large three-story house opposite the Bomoseen which he uses as an overflow house for summer boarders, as this is a noted summer resort, and both houses are filled during that season of the year with tourists and pleasure seekers from all parts of the country. Lake Bomoseen, a lovely sheet of water eight miles long and two miles wide, is within easy reach and affords fine boating facilities, while the surrounding country is distinguished for delightful drives and numerous places of interest. Mr. Ellis is a native Vermonter, a prominent real estate owner and is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Castleton. W. S. PRESTON, Jewelry, Etc.-This well-known and old-established house was founded originally by Mr. L. W. Preston, father of the present proprietor, in 1848, and was conducted by him most successfully until 1883, when he was succeeded by his son George L., who carried it on very ably and creditably until his deeply lamented death in 1885, when it passed into the present hands. The premises utilized for the business are commodious, comprising a very neatly and appropriately appointed store, with workshop in the rear. The store is provided with every facility for the transaction of business, and contains a very fine assortment of gold and silver, American and European watches and clocks; rare and precious gems set in the most unique and original styles, wedding, engagement, and souvenir rings, pendants, brooches, bracelets, etc., solid silver and plated ware, fine cutlery, eye-glasses, spectacles and optical goods, guns, rifles, revolvers, small musical Instruments and merchandise, fishing tackle, etc., etc. These goods are all of the very best quality, guaranteed to be as represented and offered at the very lowest prices. A specialty is the repairing of fine watches, clocks and jewelry, and all work is warranted to give satisfaction. F. E. MASCOTT & CO., Carriage Painters.-A prominent and progressive firm in this section of the state is that of F. E. Mascott & Co. The business of carriage and sign painting was established in 1878 and the manufacturing was added in 1886. The premises occupied comprise a two-story building, the first floor being devoted to manufacturing and the second floor to painting. They manufacture heavy wagons and purchase the light carriages in white and paint and trim them for market. Their trade in carriage and sign painting is large and constantly increasing. Five skilled workmen are constantly employed, and the trade extends throughout Rutland county. Being provided with all the necessary auxiliaries, employing only the most skilled workmen, he has succeeded in establishing a claim to a just share of public favor, and any one entrusting him with their orders may rely upon receiving prompt attention and good work. His success or the success of the firm is largely attributable to the fact that Mr. Mascott is himself a practical workman, and knowing as he does every detail of his business, he never leaves the execution of any order to subordinates, but personally supervises its completion. Mr. Mascott was employed as a painter in Castleton for three years and spent one year in Boston learning the trade. The firm deal in carriage paints and varnishes, oils, turpentine, Japan, shellac, hard drying oil, etc., also house paints, best brands of white or tinted lead, either in paste or liquid form, fire-proof and floor paint. This firm started February 1, 1891, In the undertaking business at the same location and already have a large business. They carry a first-class stock of caskets, coffins and undertakers' requisites of every description. Bodies are embalmed and funerals conducted in the best manner the duties at all times being performed satisfactorily. 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. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/vt/rutland/directories/business/1891/business137gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/vtfiles/ File size: 12.4 Kb