Windsor County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Springfield 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF SPRINGFIELD.

   SPRINGFIELD is a township in the southeast corner of Windsor County and is
bounded north by Weathersfield, east by Connecticut River, which separates it
from Charlestown N. H., south by Rockingham, and west by Chester and a small
part of Baltimore. It lies 70 miles southeast from Montpelier, and south from
Woodstock 25 miles. Its population according to the last census 3,145. It was
chartered August 20, 1761, containing 26,400 acres. Among the first settlers
were Mr. Simeon Stevens and the Hon. Lewis R. Morris.

   There are two villages in the town. The North village is four miles north of
the principal village and contains two churches, and several manufactories, one,
devoted to the manufacture of fancy boxes, one to lumber, and one to cheese,
also a mill for meal and feed. It has three merchants and one physician.

   The principal village of Springfield is located on Black River at the falls,
4 1/2 miles from its junction with the Connecticut.

   The scenery all about the village is highly .romantic and interesting. More
than forty years ago the production of silk received considerable attention here
and more than 1,000 lbs. of cocoons were produced in one year.

   Among the minerals found here may be mentioned granite suitable for building,
quartz suitable for making sand paper, limestone, mica slate, tremolite,
epidote, serpentine, titanium, scapolite, hornblende, garnet, aluminous slate,
and galena. The early inhabitants were extensively engaged in raising stock and
some of the finest horses and cattle in market were to be found in these farm
yards. They also produced great quantities of maple sugar. This village being
supplied with abundant water-power soon attracted the' attention of capitalists,
and manufactories began to spring up on the banks of this rapid river that had
for years been considered of ___ little importance except for turning the wheels
of the grist and saw mills of the town.

   In the Springfield of to-day we find a population of 3,145. A National Bank
and a Savings Bank, eight churches, viz: Congregational, Episcopal, Independent
Methodist, Methodist, Roman Catholic and two Universalist.

   No town of its size has better public schools. At the head of the list stands
the High School with its more advanced course of study.

MANUFACTURES.

   Ever since this town began to make real growth the .people have been prompt
to encourage every legitimate enterprise that has been undertaken. Among the
articles manufactured here may be mentioned, adjustable carriage tops,
agricultural implements, bobbins, boots and shoes, carriages and sleighs, cabs,
sleds and toys, children's barouches, wheel-barrows, sleighs, etc., churns and
thermometers, clothes-pins and jointed dolls, cotton warps and yarn, channeling
machines, and mechanics' tools, shearing and brushing machines. Butter is
extensively made by the Springfield Creamery Co. The enterprise of its business
men and the multiplication of manufacturing establishments have greatly
increased the general trade.

   Springfield has many attractions from a manufacturing and commercial point of
view, and also as a place of residence. The village is desirably located and its
eligibility as a place of residence has exerted a powerful influence in the
development of its natural resources.

   The people are generally occupied in some useful sphere of labor, and the
homes of all classes have an air of comfort and respectability about them. The
climate is a very healthy one.

   The leading houses in the various avenues of trade are noticed in detail in
subsequent pages.

   RANNEY & PERKINS, Dealers in Dry and Fancy Goods, Carpets and Oil Cloths,
Corner Store.—A prosperous and popular establishment in Springfield is that of
Messrs. Ranney & Perkins, dealers in dry and fancy goods, carpets and oil
cloths, etc. This popular concern was founded some years ago by Messrs. H. H.
Fletcher & Co., and was conducted by them with excellent success until 1889,
when they were succeeded by the present firm of Messrs. Ranney & Perkins. The
members of the firm are Mr. T. T. Ranney, who had formerly resided in Indian
Territory and coming east acquired a wide range of experience in this line as a
clerk in New Hampshire and in Montpelier, this state; and Mr. C. D. Perkins, a
native of New Hampshire, also formerly a clerk in this line and a traveling
salesman in the small wares business, and under this enterprising management And
direction their patronage is steadily increasing in volume and influence. Their
store is of ample dimensions, commodious and very neatly fitted up, while every
convenience is provided for the successful prosecution of the business. The
stock is large and complete and embraces every variety of dry and fancy goods,
including fine foreign and domestic cloths and cassimeres, silks, velvets,
satins, plushes, cashmeres, merinos, mohairs, and other fine imported dress
fabrics, linens, flannels, woolens, bedding materials, ginghams, plaids,
wool-3ns, prints, muslins and wash fabrics of all kinds, also shawls, cloaks,
sacques, jackets, jerseys, wraps, etc. In the fancy goods department will be
found silk, satin and velvet ribbons, laces, edgings, embroideries, braids,
fringes, besides notions and small wares in endless profusion. Their assortment
of carpets embraces fine body Brussels, Wiltons, Moquettes, tapestries, two and
three plies, also oil cloths in all patterns and widths, curtains and their
fittings, etc. This stock has been most carefully selected, and includes all the
very latest styles, patterns and shades, while prices are very reasonable.
Messrs. Ranney & Perkins are energetic, popular and industrious merchants,
honorable and reliable, and are highly esteemed by all with whom they have any
dealings. Both are prominent and active members of the Odd Fellows Order.

   C. H. MOORE, Retailer of Men's, Youths' and Boys' Clothing, Blue Store,
Woolson's Block.—A representative clothing establishment in Springfield is that
of Mr. C. H. Moore, who became successor to Mr. O. M. Doubleday in 1887 at this
eligible location, which has been occupied as a clothing store for many years
past. Mr. Moore brings vast practical experience to bear on this enterprise,
having been formerly employed as a clerk in a clothing store before branching
out for himself. He possesses a cultivated taste in the selection of all his
first-class and stylish goods, and is therefore able to offer to his patrons at
all times the latest novelties in men's, boys', youths' and children's
outfitting goods of every description, and merits the inspection of all classes
of the public. The store occupied has a width of 25 feet and a depth of 80 feet,
and is most perfect in its fittings and appointments, while the arrangement is
such as to secure every convenience to customers, who find displayed here an
endless assortment of ready-made clothing, suited to the wants of all classes,
being of the finest and most durable material, the best workmanship and correct
in fit and style. A full and complete line of fine furnishing goods of every
description, including underwear, shirts, hosiery, suspenders, neckwear, etc.,
also a fine assortment of trunks, bags, satchels, etc., is constantly handled. A
leading specialty of this house is gentlemen's fur coats, and the prices asked
are as low as is consistent with first-class goods. Mr. Moore is a native of
this state, and has developed a flourishing and permanent trade in this town and
its environments. From one to three affable and obliging clerks are in constant
attendance in the salesroom.

   G. B. PERRIN, Photographer.—Mr. G. B. Perrin is an artist of ripe experience,
rare skill and judgment, and a thorough master of all the different methods and
new processes that have recently been introduced in the art of photography. In
fine portraiture and in making pictures he omits nothing, not even the most
trifling detail, and the result is likenesses of artistic finish and superior
excellence. A general photographic business is conducted, and orders for oils,
ink, pastels, crayons and water colors are promptly executed with commendable
skill in the highest style of the art. The premises occupied consist of two
rooms on the second floor, most conveniently and handsomely arranged for the
reception of patrons, while the operating room is provided with the latest and
best appliances, including scenic backgrounds and other necessary auxiliaries.
The original founder of this business was Mr. W. H. Swans in 1875, and not until
1883 did the present proprietor assume entire control, under whose able and
efficient management this studio is most liberally patronized. Mr. Perrin is a
young man, a native of Massachusetts.

   C. A. LELAND & SON, Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes, Crockery, Etc.—A very old and
influential house here is that of C. A. & G. F. Leland, known as C. A. Leland &
Son, dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, crockery, etc. This
business was established in 1865, by Coff & Dartt; succeeded by Hayward & Coff,
then by Coff & Durbey; and in 1882 by Leland & Son. They occupy a fine two-story
building and basement, 44 x 50 feet, the store being double, with two entrances.
They have given especial attention to the careful arrangement of their place,
everything in it being of the first quality, while the place is tidy and
attractive. They employ from four to six persons and have a patronage from the
best families of Springfield. Messrs. Leland & Son deal in dress goods, satins,
Bilks, velvets, cloths, cottons, calicos, cambrics, linens, muslins, flannels,
woolens, ladies' underwear, chemises, drawers, skirts, hose, corsets, fancy
goods, laces, ribbons, gloves, trimmings, threads, twists, yarns, crochet work,
embroidery, jewelry, belts, ornaments, boots, shoes, gaiters, over-gaiters,
rubbers, men's, women's and children's shoes; all kinds of crockery and
glassware, groceries, sugar, tea, coffee, spices, canned goods, confections,
tobacco, cigars, vegetables, butter, flour, eggs, cheese, jellies, extracts,
etc. The value of their stock is about $18,000 which at once endorses its
reliability and quality. Mr. C. A. Leland is a native of Vermont, and has held
the office of selectman and other public positions. G. F. Leland is a native of
Vermont, and a member of the F. and A. M. and is a K. T.

   ORRIN E. NOYES, Merchant Tailor, Dealer in Sewing Machines, Etc.—This popular
house was founded originally many years ago by Mr. James Kidder, and was
conducted by him with excellent success until 1878, when he was succeeded by the
present proprietor, who is a native of this state and for many years a resident
of Springfield. Mr. Noyes is a thoroughly experienced and practical man in all
branches of this trade, and under his able direction his trade has increased to
its present widespread proportions and influences, numbering among his regular
patrons many who reside in other portions of the state and some in the city of
Boston. The premises utilized for the business comprise a large well furnished
store with workshop attached, and employment is given to a full force of skilled
and experienced hands whose operations are conducted under his immediate
personal supervision. The salesroom contains a splendid assortment of English,
French, German and domestic cloths, beavers, cassimeres, meltons, cheviots,
woolens, worsted, etc., for overcoats, suitings, trouserings, vestings, etc., in
all the very latest, correct and most fashionable patterns and styles. Measures
are taken and fittings are made after the most scientific and approved methods,
and orders are executed promptly while satisfaction is guaranteed as to fit,
elegance in style, durability and •workmanship. His stock of furnishings
embraces fine dress and flannel negligee shirts, collars, cuffs, underwear in
all grades and styles, latest novelties in neckwear, hosiery, gloves,
suspenders, collar and cuff buttons, scarf pins and studs; canes, umbrellas,
while his assortment of headwear includes the most fashionable styles in high
silk, cassimere, Derby and soft hats, straw, fur and cloth hats and caps in
their season. He also carries a fine assortment of the celebrated Domestic,
Wheeler and Wilson, New Home and Standard sewing machines together with all
their fittings and supplies. He is also an active and prominent member of the
Iron Hall.

   A. O. COBURN, Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, Lead Pipe, Belting, Farming Tools,
Churns, House Furnishing Goods, Etc.—One must go back in mind for a half century
to discover the date of the establishment of the business now carried on in
Springfield by A. O. Coburn, dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware, lead pipe,
belting, farming tools, churns, house furnishing goods, etc. The founder of this
house was B. F. Wheldon, somewhere about 1840. He was succeeded by E. Ingham;
he, by Hayward Bros.; they by J. Martin & Co., then came Harlow & Coburn, next,
Harlow & Kirke, then Putnam & Pulsipher, followed by W. H. H. Putnam; and in
1886 by A. O. Coburn. He has an elegant store, consisting of two floors, 25 x 85
feet, besides three storerooms. He employs from three to Ave persons, and
carries a very rich stock of goods. He manufactures and repairs tin and sheet
iron, does plumbing, gas and steam fitting, and sells shelf and heavy hardware,
spades, shovels, rakes, hoes, nails, carpenters', builders', carriage makers'
and smiths' tools, sand paper, tinware, kettles, basins, cups, dippers, sieves,
pans, kitchen stove furniture, ranges, base burners, furnaces, grates,
wooden-ware, drain pipes, etc. Mr. Coburn is a practical tin worker. He has been
in the hardware business for years and a member of various firms. He was sole
proprietor of a store in Rutland. He is a native of Vermont, and a member of the
F. and A. M. and the G. A. R. He gallantly served his country a year in Company
C, 4th Vt. Regiment.

   LEVI BOUFFARD, Baker and Dealer in Fruits, Spices, Etc. —Mr. Levi Bouffard,
first established this business in Lebanon, N. H., in 1877, and afterwards
removed to Springfield four years later where he has since conducted a most
prosperous enterprise. The premises occupied are completely equipped in every
respect with the most improved appliances and appurtenances, while two expert
and experienced hands are employed. .All kinds of bread, cakes, pies, pastry,
cookies, etc., are manufactured here, from the freshest, purest and and most
superior class of goods, all of which toothsome edibles are sold at the lowest
market prices, and the stock is replenished daily. In addition to "the staff of
life " and kindred products, Mr. Bouffard deals extensively in all kinds of
foreign and domestic fruits, spices, and hermetically sealed canned goods of
every description. All orders receive prompt and careful attention, and goods
are delivered to any part of the town free of charge. Mr. Bouffard is a native
of Canada.

   M. LA FOUNTAIN, Tailor.—A representative and expert merchant tailor of long
experience is M. La Fountain, who first established himself in business in 1847,
and after conducting it most successfully for twenty years, his health having
failed, he retired until this present year, when he re-established this
enterprise in the present eligible location. Mr. La Fountain occupies a
commodious and handsomely fitted up store, and displays one of the finest
assortments of imported and domestic suitings, vestings, trousering, cassimeres,
overcoatings, etc., to be met with this side of the metropolis. The work done by
this house is invariably of the highest degree of artistic and mechanical
excellence, and all patrons are guaranteed perfect satisfaction as to fit,
style, finish and durability. The patronage of this house is drawn from the best
custom of the town and suburban districts, and all orders for garments represent
decided bargains, being the greatest value ever offered for the money in this
market. Mr. La Fountain is a native of Canada, but haa resided in this vicinity
since he was a child.


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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