Washington County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Northfield 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF NORTHFIELD.

   THE town of Northfield is located in the southern part of Washington County
and is bounded north by Berlin, east by Williamstown, south by Roxbury, and west
by Waitsfield. It lies ten miles southwest from Montpelier and thirty-five
southeast from Burlington. Its population according to the last census is 2,836.
The town was granted November 6, 1780, and chartered to Maj. Joel Matthews and
others August 10, 1781. The first land was cleared in the town by Hon. Elijah
Paine. The town was organized in 1794. Dr. Nathaniel Richardson was first town
clerk and Amos Robinson, Esq., was the first representative. Dog River runs
through the town in a northerly direction and affords abundant water-power for
mills and factories. The timber is hemlock, spruce, maple, beech, birch, fir,
pine, ash and butternut. The soil is good and in many places easily cultivated.
A range of argillaceous slate passes through the township from north to south.
The surface is uneven and a range of high land passes through the town from
north to south on both sides of the river.

   The village is an attractive one with broad streets lined with beautiful
shade trees, and contains handsome public buildings and some elegant private
residences. It has two banks and four churches, viz.: the Congregational,
Episcopal, Methodist and Universalist. There are two first-class hotels which
are well patronized at all times.

   The graded school system is in vogue here and this village is also the site
of the Norwich University.

   Manufacturing is engaged in to considerable extent; the river affording
sufficient water-power and the Central Vermont R. R. supplying excellent
transportation facilities. There are shops for the manufacture of brooms, doors,
sash and blinds, force pumps and hand drills, creameries and churns, fork
handles and chair stock, flour and feed, mattresses and spring beds, slates,
marble and granite monuments, carriages, shingles and chairs.

   The village is supplied with water by the Northfield Aqueduct Co., and the
Emerson Aqueduct Co., at reasonable rates. The fire department is efficiently
organized and is always ready for service. The Northfield News, a weekly paper,
is published here and has a wide circulation.

   Of the leading industries and the men who are prosecuting them, the following
sketches will give an excellent idea.


   A. A. MINOTT, Dentist, over Dr. Nichol's Drug Store.—Dr. Minott is a native
of Middlesex, this state, and was for a number of years with the celebrated Dr.
Hunt, D.D.S., of Montpelier, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the
profession in all its details. He came to this place in 1884 arid purchased this
establishment from Dr. C. W. Locklin, who had founded it some years previously,
and at once met with very successful results, while his business is increasing
annually, extending as it does throughout Washington county and vicinity. He
occupies a very finely appointed suite of rooms, comprising a handsomely
furnished reception parlor and office, operating room and laboratory, in which
will be found in active operation all the very latest improved mechanical and
scientific appliances and devices known to the profession. The use of vitalized
air, anaesthetics and cocaine for the painless extraction of teeth have proved
very successful in his hands and results have always been satisfactory. Teeth
are filled with gold, silver or reliable composition in the very best manner,
especially crown filling. A specialty is the manufacture of artificial teeth
either singly or in sets, on gold, platinum, vulcanized rubber or other bases,
and particularly of the bridging process, and all work done here is guaranteed
to give satisfaction. Dr. Minott is a very intelligent, refined and courteous
gentleman, and a thorough master of his profession.

   L. L. MONTANA, Bakery and Restaurant.—A representative establishment of this
type in Northfield is the recently opened bakery and restaurant presided over by
Mr. L. L. Montana. He engaged in the business here during the past year, yet
despite a somewhat recent establishment, he already enjoys a large and well
deserved share of the public recognition and patronage. His spacious and well
ordered establishment is fitted up in a style appropriate to the business, the
productions of the house embracing bread, made from the finest manufactured
flour, cakes, pies, pastry and confectionery, green and dried fruits, cigars
.and tobacco being likewise dealt in. In its particular line, the restaurant
department presents equally advantageous recommendations, Mr. Montana's daily
bill of fare comprising all the delicacies of the season the markets afford,
served up in excellent style, and charged for on an extremely moderate basis.
The patronage of the house, both as regards the counter and restaurant trade is
rapidly growing in volume and value, and the establishment bids fair under
existing favorable auspices, to rival and excel any similar enterprise of its
type in this section. Mr. Montana is a native of New York state, and perhaps his
phenomenal success in Northfield may be attributed to his uniform courtesy to
his customers, and the fact that his experience in this branch of business
covers a period of over a quarter of a century.

   JOHN M. TEMPLE, Fine Teas, Coffees, and Groceries, Crockery, China,
Glassware, Etc.—This flourishing and widely known establishment was founded a
number of years ago by Mr. H. L. Kenyon, who was succeeded by the present
proprietor in 1884. This gentleman had been with Cobb, Bates & Yerxa, of Boston,
and understands the grocery business in every detail. Under his able management
and direction the trade has reached its present volume and importance. The
premises utilized are spacious, commodious and very appropriately fitted up with
every convenience for the successful prosecution of the business. A full and
complete stock is constantly carried, which embraces none but absolutely pure
and fresh, fancy and staple groceries, the best brands of hermetically sealed
goods in tin and glass, choice family flour, select dairy and fancy creamery
butter and cheese, fresh eggs, farm and garden products, bakers' and laundry
supplies, etc. His stock of crockery, china and glassware includes all kinds of
foreign and domestic, plain and highly ornamented sets and single pieces, the
very latest novelties in lamps and their fittings, fancy articles and novelties
for use and ornament, etc. These goods are all of the very latest styles and are
of the very best quality and prices are extremely reasonable. The store is a
model of neatness and cleanliness, polite service is accorded to patrons, and
goods are delivered at residences in the village free of charge. Mr. Temple is a
native of Greenfield, Mass., and has been a highly respected resident here for
many years.

   DAVIS & PHILLIPS, Fine Monumental Work.—The enterprising firm of Messrs.
Davis & Phillips, manufacturers of and dealers in fine monumental work, have
attained prominence in this line; and the extensive trade now at their command
makes their ultimate position in the foremost ranks of the business, fully
assured. Orders now reach the firm from all parts of the United States; and In
order to cope with the heavy demand made upon their resources, a staff of
fifteen competent workers is regularly engaged. Inasmuch as the undertaking was
initiated as recently as 1890, this liberal measure of patronage and support
cannot but he regarded as a flattering and at the same time a substantial
testimony of the firm's thorough skill in the preparation of monumental work of
all kinds; which, be it said, are of the most artistic description and
characterized in a marked degree by their high finish and by the excellence of
the material employed. This consists, for the most part, of light and dark Barre
granite, which with the whole of the work executed, is guaranteed to be strictly
first class in every respect. A large shed and polishing mill are here
maintained; every convenience, such as tools and appliances incidental to the
trade, being at hand. Every detail of the undertaking is conducted under the
close personal care and attention of the two able and experienced principals,
Mr. F. J. Davis and Mr. H. D. Phillips, who are natives of New Brunswick.

   C. E. REED, Clothing.—One of Northfield's leading merchants is Mr. C. E.
Reed. For the finest qualities of ready-made clothing, as well as for hats, caps
and gentlemen's furnishing goods, this house has few equals in this section of
the county, while it yields precedence to none, either in regard to 'the quality
of its goods or the complete and comprehensive stock always carried. The
business was initiated by the present proprietor, Mr. C. E. Reed, in 1882, since
which time it has steadily grown with each succeeding year, in patronage and
support, until the trade now at its command extends to all sections of
Northfield and to the contiguous country for miles round. The premises occupied
consist of a spacious store, 20 x 60 feet in superficial area; elegantly fitted
and well appointed to meet the exigencies of the business, and to display to due
advantage the handsome assortment of goods always on hand. This includes
gentlemen's youths' and boys' suits, in English, French, German and domestic
fabrics, of the latest style and fashion and highest finish, overcoats and
ulsters in various cloths, pants, dress suits, etc., hats. and caps, suitable
for all wearers, at closely cut prices, and a full line of men's furnishing
goods. Mr. Reed is a native of Williamstown, Vt.

   J. K. EGERTON, Insurance Agent.—The reliance placed upon the services of Mr.
J. K. Egerton, in his capacity as an insurance agent, finds easy explanation in
the record of the transactions in which he has been concerned since the
establishment of his business in 1878. The thirteen years of professional
trading having given him a most clear and detailed insight into aH matters
connected with the insurance world, whether fire, marine or life, and brought to
his firm great credit, for the adjustment of all legitimate claims promptly on
fair and equitable terms. He occupies an unassailable vantage ground in being
able to place risks with the oldest and soundest companies. Well in the fore
front of these is the Insurance Company of North America, whose headquarters are
in Philadelphia, a company founded as long ago as 1792; the Phoenix Company, of
Hartford Conn.; the Phoenix Company, of London, Eng.; the New England Company,
of Rutland, Vt.; Liberty, of New York: the Vermont Mutual of Montpelier, Vt.;
and the Union Mutual, and National Life Insurance Companies, both of-the last
named city. He has won the confidence and respect of the companies he
represents, by the perspicuity of his judgment in accepting risks, while giving
entire satisfaction to every bona fide insurer. He is, personally, very
prominent in connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being Grand
High Priest of the Grand Encampment of Vermont, and a representative to the
Grand Lodge. Mr. J. K. Egerton is a native of Northfield, and for four years was
its respected town clerk, and is also vice-president of the Montpelier Board of
Underwriters.

   O. D. EDGERTON, Dry Goods, Groceries and Carpets.—The house of Mr. O. D.
Edgerton, dealer in dry goods, groceries, carpets paints, furniture, oil cloths,
paper, notions, etc., is regarded, unanimously, as the leading establishment in
Northfield, for the various lines of goods handled, but more especially in
regard to dry goods, groceries and furniture, which for prices and quality,
place the house beyond competition. The business was initiated by the firm of
Edgerton Bros, in 1860; then in 1888, O. D. Edgerton purchased the business, and
the many facilities at the command of the house for obtaining the many goods
dealt in, direct from manufacturers and importers of the highest repute are
essentially peculiar to itself. The building occupied, which Mr. Edgerton
purchased in 1888, consists of two spacious stores and basement, well fitted in
every way to meet the exigencies of the extensive trade carried on, and
containing a heavy and comprehensive stock. This stock is complete and
self-contained in each department, and embraces all kinds of furniture suitable
for the mansion and the cottage alike, carpets and oil cloths of every
description, a full line of staple and fancy goods in great variety, a complete
assortment of paints, oils, wall paper, and painters' supplies, etc., whilst the
celebrated, pure mixed paints of Messrs. Longman & Martinez are also
conspicuous, the firm controlling the sole agency for these. Mr. Edgerton is a
native of Potsdam. New York, and is vice-president of the Northfield Savings
Bank, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

   CROSS BROTHERS, Manufacturers of All Kinds of Barre Granite Monuments.—One of
the newer Industrial enterprises of this place is that of Messrs. Cross Brothers
as granite workers. It was founded in 1889 as Cross & Co., the three brothers
who now have the proprietorship being at that time in partnership with R. A.
Davis and F. J. Davis, and it was upon the retirement of the last-named
gentlemen- in 1890, that the present trading title was adopted. This
enterprising firm undertakes the production of really fine Barre granite
monuments, and makes a specialty of artistic drapery, of handsome carved work,
lettering, and polishing; and its •work has become so widely and favorably known
that it has patrons in and sends its goods to all parts of the United States.
For the purposes of the business a shed is occupied which is 40 x 150 feet in
amplitude, in addition to a separate polishing mill, and from twenty-five to
thirty skilled craftsmen, masons and sculptors are regularly employed, under the
immediate direction of the principals, who are themselves accomplished exponents
of the higher branches of the art. The energetic and distinctly progressive
proprietors are Mr. M. W., Mr. G. A., and Mr. L. T. Cross, and it is only doing
them bare justice to say that they have played an important part in rendering
Northfield famous in their line of industry. They are all young men of Canadian
birth.

   A. F. SPAULDING, Machinist, and Manufacturer of Force Pumps, Angle, Ratchet
and Upright Drills, etc.—For the purchase of" all descriptions of machinery, and
for the manufacture of special machinery, the establishment of Mr. A. F.
Spaulding provides the industrial section of the community at Northfield, and
for a long distance round its borders, with all that can be desired in this
line. Force pumps, angle, rachet, and upright drills, are among the staple
productions of the firm, which has introduced a combination bench and breast
drill, which is a piece of machinery unique in its character, of a high order of
usefulness, and one which no tinsmith or stove dealer should be without, since,
while it will drill up to a three eighth inch hole as a bench drill, and only
weighs about eight pounds, it may with the greatest simplicity be converted into
a breast drill at will. Another specialty of the house is a ratchet wrench which
will, work equally well either right or left, by the simple movement of a key in
either direction, obviating the necessity of turning it over, or even of taking
it off when once in place. A recommendation of these mechanical devices
additional to their great utility is their comparatively nominal cost, the price
charged being $3.50 and $1.00 respectively. All sorts of larger or smaller
articles, tools, or machinery is manufactured at the establishment to order, and
considerable business is done as dealers in iron pipes and fittings, and rubber
hose and fittings, the spacious shop occupied on Main Street, containing a very
full and complete line in each department. The enterprise had its inception in
1877 at the hands of its present able, practical, and business-like proprietor,
who is a native of New Hampshire. Mr. A. F. Spaulding is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and is commander of Johnson Post.

   F. L. HOWE & CO., Manufacturers of and Dealers in Marble and Granite, South
of News Block.—The very important mouumenttal works of Messrs. F. L. Howe & Co.
are the source of supply for -high-class work in its line, not for Northfield
alone, or even for Vermont, but for a large number of patrons also in the west,
who can appreciate sculptured and carved art. The firm's shop south of News
block is just what one would expect in the case of a concern with so enviable a
connection, and the very large stock of monuments, tablets, urns, etc., always
on hand, are equally in keeping with its wide fame. The work of the house is
principally to order, and the goods shown are chiefly designed as samples of the
excellence of its labors. Judged from this standpoint the firm of F. L. Howe &
Co. is entitled to its high rank, the monumental work which has left its shop
during the past decade being such as any establishment might be proud of. Scotch
and American granite monuments, headstones, borders, posts, etc., come within
its scope, and have the very best and most artistic representation, the four
monumental workers employed being craftsmen of great skill. The partners are Mr.
F. L. Howe, who was born in Northfield, and holds the responsible position of
clerk of the village, and his father, Mr. E. W. Howe, who was born at Winhall,
Vt., who has been for forty years in the same line of business, and who is
sheriff of Washington County.


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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