Washington County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Waterbury 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF WATERBURY.

   WATERBURY is one of the most attractive villages in the State. It is situated
on the Central Vermont Railroad, eight miles from Montpelier, and is made the
headquarters of summer tourists visiting Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump, the
highest of the Green Mountain peaks, which are within easy riding distance of
this village. It is the home of ex-Gov. Paul Dillingham and his son, ex-Gov. W.
P. Dillingham. The town was organized March 31, 1790. Hon. Ezra Butler was the
first town clerk and Dr. Daniel Bliss the first representative. In the year 1800
a great religious revival commenced in the town and about this time a
Congregational, a Baptist and a Methodist church were organized.

   The population of the town according to the last census was 2,297. It has
four churches, three hotels and is the site of the new State Asylum for the
Insane which is now in the process of completion.

   No better public schools are to be found in the State than those which the
people of Waterbury have provided for the education of their children. The
graded system is in vogue, and it is the aim of the school committee and
teachers to secure to the pupils a thorough and systematic course of practical
instruction.

   The town is separated from Duxbury by the Winooski River, and Waterbury River
runs through it from north to south. It is thus supplied with abundant water
power and excellent mill privileges.

   The manufactures and general business interests of Waterbury are valuable and
extensive for a place of its size. Conspicuous among the former are machine
shops devoted to the production of chimney tops, iron and brass castings, etc.,
also shops for the production of carriages and sleighs, clapboards, lumber,
leather, butter tubs and boots and shoes.

   The village has an efficiently organized Fire Department which is kept in
good working condition, ready for instant and zealous service. The village is
supplied with an excellent quality of water, abundant in quantity, and furnished
to the inhabitants at reasonable rates. This pleasant village is the center of a
highly productive farming district; its inhabitants are educated and refined.
The air is pure and bracing, and the whole vicinity is rich with the
characteristic scenery of Vermont. It is therefore a most desirable place in
which to build a summer home or permanent residence.

   WYMAN & WALLACE, Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Oil Cloths, Boots and
Shoes.—There is not probably among the various and multifarious mercantile
concerns that contribute to the sum of trade and commerce in any town, one to
which more interest or importance attaches than the well-ordered general dry
goods and ladies' wear emporium; and therefore it is that the excellent and
deservedly popular store of Messrs. Wyman & Wallace, dealers in dry goods,
clothing, carpets, oil cloths, boots and shoes, is the center of attraction to
the ladies of this community, there being here always displayed an exceedingly
fine assortment of everything comprehended in dry and fancy goods, at the lowest
prices consistent with first-class value and honorable dealing; while patrons
can at all times rely upon getting a superior article, prompt and polite
attention and satisfactory treatment in this well and favorably known
establishment. The history of this house since its inception some twenty-five
years ago, has been a record of steady and substantial progress which fully
sustains its hold on public favor and confidence. The business was established
by Mr. C. E. Wyman about 1866, and was very successfully conducted by him until
April, 1890, when Mr. B. E. Wallace was admitted as partner. The business
premises comprise two floors, 24 x 60 feet in dimensions, finely appointed and
tastefully arranged. A large, well-selected stock of goods is constantly
carried, embracing elegant dress trimming in great variety, silks, satins and
velvets, flue shawls, cloaks, wraps, gloves, hosiery, laces, embroidery, fancy
goods and small wares, corsets and undergarments of all kinds, parasols, fans,
ornaments and ladies' furnishings of every description. In the carpet department
a fine display is made, the goods representing the products of the most noted
American manufacturers and including all the latest novelties and most exquisite
designs it is possible to obtain. Mr. C. E. Wyman, the senior member of the
firm, is a native of Sandy Hill, N. Y., and Mr. B. E. Wallace is a native of
Waterbury: both gentlemen are prominent and respected in the community alike as
merchants and citizens, and are well deserving of the success attained. Their
popular establishment is the acknowledged leader in styles and regulator of low
prices.

   WATERBURY NATIONAL BANK.—The history of the Waterbury National Bank verifies
in a striking manner that well established fact that a great financial
Institution must have a man of conservative characteristics and a level and
comprehensive head at the helm in order to become successful and prosperous. The
bank was incorporated in 1854, with a capital stock of $100,000 and its
principal executive officers are as follows, viz.: W. P. Dillingham, president;
J. H. Hastings, vice-president; and Charles Wells, cashier. Directors, W. P.
Dillingham, J. H. Hastings, H. A. Hodges, W. H. Bingham, C. N. Arms, J. W.
Brock, J. W. Moody. The banking rooms of the institution are centrally located,
spacious in size, elegantly appointed, and afford every accommodation to the
public and for the transaction of the business in hand. A general banking
business is transacted, including the receiving of deposits, the discounting of
approved commercial paper and the collection of drafts. From its inception the
bank has retained the confidence of the public in a marked degree. Its principal
characteristics are those which tend to inspire and maintain success, ample
capital, good connections, unlimited backing and able management. This bank has
a capital of $100,000; a surplus fund of $30,000; undivided profits amounting to
$35,796.49; and individual deposits subject to check amounting to $50,283.04.
This institution has in every particular kept abreast with the times, while its
management has ever been characterized by that spirit of cautious enterprise and
vigorous conservatism which marks out new paths and follows them surely. The
Waterbury National Bank is generally recognized as one of those solid
institutions that reflect credit alike upon its officers and the public. Its
executive officers are gentlemen with whom it is always a pleasure to do
business. Prompt and obliging in all their dealings, they are naturally popular
and maintain the high standing of this bank in both financial and commercial
life. Hon. W. P. Dillingham, the president, is a native of Waterbury. He was
governor of Vermont in 1889-90, and is prominent and popular in legal, political
and financial circles. His father, ex-Governor Paul Dillingham was president of
this bank for many years, and still resides in Waterbury at the advanced age of
ninety-two years. He was a member of Congress from this state nearly fifty years
ago, was long noted as an advocate at the bar, and is honored and esteemed by
the people of the state as few of its citizens have ever been. Hon. J. H.
Hastings, the vice-president, is a well-known and highly respected citizen of
Waitsfield, and was at one time county judge of Washington County Court. Mr.
Charles Wells, the cashier, is a native of Waterbury, has been town treasurer,
and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. He volunteered in the Forty-first
Wisconsin Regiment during the war of the rebellion and is a financier of large
experience, wide acquaintance and marked ability, while the board of directors
comprise much of the solid business element of this section of the state. Hon.
W. H. H. Bingham is a leading citizen and lawyer of Stowe, and is prominent in
political life. C. N. Arms, Esq., is a retired merchant of this town; J. W.
Brock is a leading business man in Montpelier, and Messrs. H. A. Hodges,
Richmond and J. W. Moody are well-known citizens of Waterbury.

   H. E. BOYCE, Fresh and Salt Meats, Groceries of All Kinds, Flour, Etc.—The
provision trade has no more thoroughly representative exponent in this section
of the country than Mr. H. E. Boyce, who has been established in business here
since 1883, since which time he has built up a very extensive trade, which is
annually increasing at a gratifying and steady rate. He occupies a commodious
and handsomely equipped store, which is fitted up with every convenience for the
accommodation of patrons. He keeps in stock a large assortment of the choicest
cuts of beef, lamb, pork, veal, and mutton, and poultry and game in season,
besides a full line of salt and smoked meats, fresh, dried, smoked and pickled
fish of every description. He also keeps constantly on hand a full line of
choice family groceries, including the choicest and freshest teas, coffees and
spices; the best brands of flour and meal, canned goods in great variety,
bakers' and laundry supplies, fresh and dried fruit, butter, cheese, eggs,
vegetables and other country produce, and, in short everything usually found in
a first-class grocery establishment. Everything kept in stock is guaranteed to
be of the best quality, while the prices which prevail are moderate in the
extreme. Mr. Boyce is a native of Fayston, but has long been identified with the
interests of Waterbury, where he is regarded as one of her most public spirited
citizens and successful merchants.

BATCHELDER & ROBINSON, General Hardware, Stoves and Ranges.—The firm of
Batchelder & Robinson have an old and well established name, a pioneer in the
hardware line, enjoying a reputation and trade that represent the results of
over fifty years of honorable and successful effort. The establishment has
undergone various changes in its ownership, the present firm succeeding Mr. J.
E. Shepley. The premises occupied comprise three floors and a basement, each 40
x 90 feet in dimensions, the whole being arranged carefully and methodically.
The several departments are filled with an elaborate and diversified stock,
embracing general hardware, stoves, ranges, iron, steel, horseshoes, nails,
barbed wire, tinware, lead and iron pipe and fittings, carriage trimmings,
axles, etc. The supplies are received direct from the manufacturers, special
attention being given to the quality and character of the productions, the aim
being to not only meet every want, but to offer the best in every case that the
market affords. Significant advantages are afforded to customers in the matter
of prices. A large trade has been established which is both wholesale and
retail. Employing ample capital, and commanding advanced opportunities for the
procurement and disposition of goods, Messrs. Batchelder & Robinson may be
truthfully said to be a tower of strength in the field of commerce.

   R1CHARDSON & LUCE, Dry Goods, Clothing. Boots and Shoes.—The improvements
that have taken place in the dry goods industry have made establishments engaged
in that trade to become veritable bazaars, reflecting the manufacturing progress
of every nation. A leading headquarters in this line in Waterbury is the
establishment of Messrs. Richardson & Luce, which was founded by Mr. C.
Richardson in 1870, the present proprietor succeeding to the control in 1891.
The firm are extensive dealers in foreign and domestic dry goods, clothing,
boots and shoes. The store is very spacious and attractive in all its
appointments, and perfect in convenience of arrangement for inspection and sale.
The stock is complete and carefully selected in every line, displaying all the
materials that have been made popular by personal preference or the decrees of
fashion, and equal attention is given to every assortment. In the dress goods
department is shown a full line of black and colored silks, velvets, plushes,
Henriettas, dress flannels and fancy dress goods, while all the new fabrics and
shades are added as soon as they appear in the market. The stock of ready made
clothing and gents' furnishing goods is also well selected and complete,
comprising a fine assortment of new hosiery, plain, striped and fancy, from
cheap domestic to finest French goods, kid gloves of the best make, neckwear and
handkerchiefs, all in the latest styles and at reasonable prices. A large and
valuable assortment of boots, shoes, rubbers, arctic overshoes, and felt boots
and shoes are always to be found here. A large and influential trade has been
established in Waterbury and the surrounding towns. The individual members of
the firm, Messrs. C. W. Richardson and Fred. C. Luce, are both natives of Vermont.

   E. F. SAVAGE, Baker and Dealer in Nuts and Confectionery. —The leading baking
establishment in this section of the state is that of Mr. E. F. Savage, whose
splendidly equipped establishment is eligibly and centrally located in
Waterbury. Mr. Savage succeeded in 1889 to the business which had been
established many years before by Messrs. H. P. Riford & Co. Under his wise and
liberal management the former trade of the house has not only been retained but
has been largely extended, and he has now a very large, liberal and influential
patronage, derived from all classes in the community and extending throughout
Waterbury and the surrounding country. The premises occupied are spacious and
commodious, comprising two entire floors and a store 15 x 40 feet in dimensions,
the building being fitted up with the most approved machinery and appliances. A
specialty is made of fine bread, cakes, cookies, pies, etc., etc., only the best
and purest materials being used, and none but skilled workmen being employed.
Ice cream is made to order and kept constantly on hand during the summer season,
and a fine stock is carried of nuts and confectionery. The establishment is a
model one in every respect and its products have attained a wide and enviable
reputation for excellence. Mr. Savage is a native of New Waitsfield, Vt., but
has long been identified with the interests of Waterbury, where he is held in
the highest esteem by all classes of the community. He is a prominent and
popular member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders.

   C. C. WARREN, Manufacturer of the Celebrated "Lion" Harness Leather, Bridle,
Skirting, Loop and Horse-Boot Leather.— Prominent among the old established
houses of Waterbury may be mentioned that of Mr. C. C. Warren, manufacturer of
the celebrated "Lion" harness leather, also black, russet and stained rein,
bridle, skirting, loop and horse-boot leather. At this establishment can always
be found an extensive and elegant assortment of goods at the lowest prices
consistent with excellent values and upright dealing. Mr. Warren commenced
business as a tanner here about twenty years ago, and from a small beginning the
business has grown until now the establishment is known as the best in Vermont.
The mechanical equipments are the best that skill and capital can produce, and
employment is furnished to from forty or fifty hands. The works were burned in
1885 and rebuilt on an improved plan. Mr. Warren is always in a position to fill
orders with promptitude and his standing in the market is beyond question. Mr.
C. C. Warren, the enterprising and popular proprietor of this establishment, is
a native of Hartland, Vt., and to his energy and enterprise Waterbury owes much
of her present prosperity.

   ATKINS & HAINES, Groceries, Tobacco and Cigars.—The village of Waterbury, as
the center of a very important trade in staple groceries and food products, is
largely indebted to the wholesale grocery firm of Messrs. Atkins & Haines, which
was established here in 1875. The stock both as regards extent, variety and
quality, has no superior in this section of the state. This splendid and
spacious store is fully equipped with every modern improvement for the
convenient handling and perfect preservation of the immense and valuable stock
here carried. As regards domestic staple groceries the stock is thoroughly
comprehensive, covering the entire wide range and including everything in its
best quality. Such staples as teas, coffees and spices, sugars, syrups and
molasses are prominent specialties with this firm, and their trade in these
lines is alone enormous. In the canned goods department the firm handles only
those brands of fruit, meats and vegetables that experience and test have shown
to be perfect as regards both quality and method of preservation. They handle
full lines of the products of such houses as Crosse & Blackwell, of London, and
are also extensive dealers in the choicest foreign and domestic dried fruits;
French canned and preserved food products, such as peas, mushrooms, capers,
sardines, etc., and the best Havana cigars and tobaccos of all kinds. Their
leading specialty however is in flour and grain, in which they do an enormous
business. The trade is large, first class and influential throughout the state.
The house was originally established by Messrs. C. N. Arms and L. H, Haines, Mr.
Geo. W. Atkins taking the place of Mr. Arms about 1888. The members of the firm
are both natives of Vermont and are highly esteemed in the community.

   A. B. PHILLIPS, Meat Market.—A young but none the less flourishing and
popular house in the meat trade in Waterbury is that of Mr. A. B. Phillips, who,
although only established in business here for one year, has already developed a
very flourishing trade. The premises occupied comprise a commodious and well
appointed store, which is a model of neatness and cleanliness. Here is to be
found constantly on hand a large stock of the choicest cuts of beef, mutton,
lamb, pork and veal, besides game and poultry in season. Mr. Phillips kills and
dresses his own meat, and as he is a skilled butcher of large practical
experience, he is enabled at all times to guarantee the quality of the food
products he offers for sale. His prices are as moderate as consistent with
first-class meats, and he has a neat delivery cart which is constantly kept
busy. Mr. Phillips is a native of Waterbury.

   ROOT & GRANDFIELD, Meat Market.—The trade in fresh and salt meats of every
description is well represented in Waterbury by the enterpising young firm of
Root & Grandfield, which although only in business since last year has already
established a large and flourishing trade. They occupy a spacious and commodious
store which is a model of neatness and cleanliness, and where is kept constantly
on hand a large and choice assortment of fresh beef, mutton, lamb, pork and
veal, besides poultry and game in season. They also carry a large stock of salt,
pickled and smoked meats of all kinds, as well as fruits and vegetables in
season. Goods are delivered to any part of the town or vicinity, a neat delivery
cart being constantly kept busy. The proprietors are wide-awake, courteous and
enterprising business men, who fully understand catering to the wants of the
public.

   MRS. J. M. CAMERON, Millinery, Fancy Goods and Worsteds, Main Street.—A
popular and prominent shopping place of this town is Mrs. J. M. Cameron's
millinery and fancy goods establishment. The business was established in 1883
and has had a steady growth from the beginning and has for some time been the
chief source of supply in artistic millinery merchandise, viz.: fine French
flowers, ostrich plumes and tips, rich ribbons and laces, ornaments, straw and
silk goods, etc., for the fashionable ladies of Waterbury and vicinity. The
chief show window is noted for the great taste exhibited in arranging the goods,
and the dazzling display is criticised by crowds daily. As communities progress
in education, refinement and wealth, in like ratio does taste advance in the art
of millinery. Ladies are now extremely particular with their head dress and
prefer coining to an establishment where can be seen a great variety of
different shapes and styles at prices to suit all classes of customers. A large
and valuable stock of fancy goods and worsteds are kept constantly on hand, and
in quality and styles of new goods Mrs. Cameron successfully competes with any
house in the 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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