Windsor County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of White River Junction 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF WHITE RIVER JUNCTION.

   WHITE RIVER JUNCTION is a growing village in the town of Hartford, Windsor
county; and bounded on the north by Norwich, east by Connecticut River, which
separates it from Lebanon, N. H., south by Hartland and west by Pomfret. Its
population according to the last census was 2,955. The town obtained its charter
July 4, 1761 and contains about 46 square miles. The first settlers were Elijah,
Solomon, and Benjamin Strong, who emigrated from Connecticut in 1764. The town
was organized Marsh 8, 1768, and Elijah Strong was the first town clerk. Joseph
Marsh, a prominent man in the early history of Vermont was a resident of
Hartford. He was a native of Lebanon, Conn., and came to this town in 1772. In
1775 he was chosen a delegate to the convention of the province of New York on
matters relating to the Revolution, much of the eastern part of Vermont, at this
period, acknowledging the authority of that province. He was a member of the
convention which formed the first constitution of Vermont in 1777 and was the
first Lieutenant-Governor of the state. This town was the birthplace of the Rev.
James Marsh; a grandson of Joseph Marsh, who was at one time Professor in the
University of Vermont.

   In this township are six villages, viz.: White River Junction, Hartford and
West Hartford on the Central Vermont R. R., Dewey's Mills and Quechee on the
Woodstock R. R. and Alcott, on the Passumpsic R. R. The largest and principal
village is White River Junction, which was incorporated by the Legislature of
1890. It possesses excellent railroad facilities, being located at the junction
of the Central Vermont and the Passumpsic railroads. It has one first-class
hotel, and one of the best depot restaurants in the state. It has two banks, one
National and a Savings Bank. The public schools are of the best,' being
carefully graded and under the direction of superior teachers. The public
library is large when the number of the population is considered, and excellent
apartments are devoted to it.

   The Episcopal; Methodist, Roman Catholic and Universalist societies are
represented here and all have substantial church edifices. The town is lighted
by electricity, and abundantly supplied with water by the Hartford Water Co.,
which was incorporated by the legislature of 1890.

   White River Junction has a fertile, agricultural district tributary to it,
and possessing as it does abundant water-power, its manufactories are notable.
The confectionery and crackers manufactured here have a wide reputation. Granite
monuments and curbing and marble monuments are extensively produced here. In
Quechee, another village of the township, are woolen and lumber mills; in Olcott
a pulp and paper mill and lumber mill. The Hartford Woolen Co. is located at
Hartford village, and here are also manufactories of carriages and sleighs,
harness and agricultural implements.

   GEORGE W. SMITH, Baker and Confectioner.—One of the marked instances of
succesful business development in Vermont, is that afforded by the career of Mr.
Geo. W. Smith, the well-known baker and confectioner in this village, who has
built up a trade of great and growing magnitude by reason of the manifest purity
and superiority of his productions. The business so successfully conducted by
him was founded in 1815, at Hanover, N. H. In 1869, the firm of E. K. Smith &
Son was organized, by the admission of Mr. Geo. W. Smith to partnership, and in
1871 the business was removed to White River Junction. In 1877 the honored
senior partner and founder of the business died, after a long, honorable and
successful business career, and the present proprietor succeeded to the sole
control. The spacious bakery and confectionery are equipped with every modern
improvement and facility for insuring rapid and perfect production, and the
business is constantly on the increase. The "Hanover crackers," the specialty of
this enterprising house, have proved a gratifying revelation to the trade and
public, and have sprung into wide popularity and growing demand. They are found
in every first-class grocery store in the state, and wherever once introduced
are preferred by dealers to all other makes, on account of their great
salability and unequalled merits. As a confectioner, Mr. Smith has shown marked
enterprise in widening the field of his styles and novelties in flavors and
combinations, and confectioners handling his goods can meet every taste and
fancy in pure and wholesale confectionery. Mr. Smith believes in giving the
public the best only. He consequently uses only the finest flour, the choicest
sugars, flavors, extracts and vegetable colors, ail manipulated by his own
processes, with the result that purchasers accept the goods bearing his name as
proof of quality and demand them preferentially to any other. Mr. Smith Is still
in the active prime of life, and a gentleman of great natural ability, coupled
with sterling qualities of head and heart that are duly appreciated by a wide
circle of friends. He is a large owner of real estate in town, is president of
the National Bank of White River Junction, president of the White River Paper
Company, president of the Connecticut River Valley Fair Association, president
of the Fair Ground Railroad Company, and prominent in every movement for the
upbuilding and promotion of the prosperity of the community. He has long been a
leader of the democracy of the state, has been the candidate of the party for
member of Congress and for lieutenant-governor, and is equally esteemed in
political, social and business circles.

   NATIONAL BANK OF WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Geo. W. Smith, President; E. Morris,
Vice-president; J. L. Bacon, Cashier.—There is no more unfailing barometer of
the spirit of progress prevailing in any community than the bank, sustaining as
it does such close, important relations to all interests, mercantile industrial
and agricultural, as well as financial. The National Bank of White River
Junction was incorporated in 1886, with a capital of $100,000 and is officered
as follows, viz: president, Geo. W. Smith; vice-president, Ephraim Morris;
cashier, J. L. Bacon; directors, Geo. W. Smith, Ephraim Morris, Wyman Pattee, J.
C. Parker, J. L. Bacon. It is a bank of issue, deposit and discount, negotiating
loans, making collections, handling first-class commercial paper and engaging in
all transactions that are a legitimate part of its character. A valuable and
increasing list of patrons is drawn to its counters, the ability of the
management and the high standing of its officers and directors giving every
guarantee of the intelligent conservation of all interests committed to its
care. Although founded upon a rock, it has each twelve months been raised above
the level of the year before, and on the first of July, 1890, it had a surplus
and profits of $8,736.74, with deposits amounting to $136,818.42. Its principal
characteristics are those which tend to inspire and maintain success, to wit:
ample capital, good connections, unlimited backing, the respect and confidence
of all in commercial circles and the highest standing in the financial world. It
is not pervaded with "old fogyism," but has in every particular kept abreast of
the times, its management being marked by that spirit of cautious enterprise and
vigorous conservatism which marks out uew paths and follows them safely. These
are among the great factors that produce a sound and healthy bank. Commercial
and industrial enterprises find in this bank a staunch friend and supporter, all
its influence being exerted in favor of their extension. Its executive officers
are gentlemen with whom it is a pleasure to do business. Prompt, obliging and
efficient in their dealings with the public, they are naturally popular and
uphold the credit of the bank in their own individuality, in both financial,
commercial and social life. The president, Mr. Smith, is a native of New
Hampshire, and is widely known in business circles in connection with the
manufacture of the justly celebrated "Hanover crackers," being proprietor of the
leading bakery and confectionery in this section of the country. He is the owner
of Smith Block in which the bank is located, and a large amount of other real
estate, is president of the White River Paper Company, the Connecticut River
Valley Fair Association, and the Fair Ground Railroad Company, and has been the
candidate of the Democratic party for member of congress and for
lieutenant-governor of the state. Mr. Morris, the vice-president, was born in
Hartford, and is president of the Hartford Wool Company, treasurer of another
wool company, and managing director in both. The cashier, Mr. Bacon, is a native
of Chelsea, Vt., was cashier for three years of the First National Bank of which
his father is president, and has been trained in banking and finance from his
youth up; and is a young man of wide acquaintance and eminent popularity in
social and business circles, and a member of the F. and A. M. and of the I. O.
O. F., and treasurer of the town of Hartford.

   BOGLE BROTHERS, Successors to T. F.and M. J. Bogle Jobbers of Fine Gold and
Plated Jewelry, American and Foreign Watches, Clocks, Gold and Silver Cases,
Optical Goods, Etc.—A leading and reliable jewelry firm at White River Junction,
firmly established and with every promise of continued prosperity is that
conducted by Bogle Brothers. There is a Tale of Two Cities involved in the house
as it was originally opened at Brattleboro, Vt., with T. F. and M. J. Bogle as
proprietors, and C. C. Bogle as manager. This was in 1880 and after eleven years
of prosperous business in that city, a new co-partnership was formed by C. C.
Bogle and B. L. Bogle, who constitute the present firm. Mr. C. C. Bogle was
engaged in business with Messrs. Cheney & Clapp of Brattleboro, Vt., from 1872
to 1875. In 1875 he started in the jewelry business under the firm name of T. F.
& M. J. Bogle in which he prosperously contintinued till 1880, when he succeeded
to the business in partnership with his brother B. L. Bogle. For reasons
satisfactory to these gentlemen, their business was removed to this city and the
success met with from the outset has precluded any possibility of regret for the
change made. They have won popular favor because of the fairness and good faith
with which they have dealt, the high quality of their goods and the reasonable
terms upon which they are sold. They are jobbers of fine solid gold and plated
jewelry, American and foreign watches, clocks, gold and silver watch cases,
optical goods, silver plated ware, tools and materials. They were admirably
located in Smith's handsome new block near the depot, occupying two floors, each
20 x40 feet, but their business has increased to such an extent that it
necessitated more commodious quarters and the Arm have just moved to their
commodious and elegantly fitted up store in the Gates Block, which has
dimensions of 60 x 30 feet with basement, and where every facility is enjoyed
for the convenience of the large and i magnificent stock carried at all times,
and which is now displayed to good advantage. They employ competent and
courteous travelling salesmen, doing an extensive wholesale business in Vermont,
New Hampshire, Maine and New York, where the reputation of the house and its
goods are well established in the good esteem of the trade. Their stock is a
large one and selected with that regard for the wants of patrons that can only
be insured through experience and a thorough knowledge of the business. Every
department is complete and constantly kept so under the watchful supervision of
the proprietors. Utility and elegance are alike consulted and the range of
prices tally with a line of goods that run in price from the cheapest consistent
with a good and reliable article to the most costly and elaborate that the hands
of skilled artisans or the most delicate and accurate machinery can produce.
Both are practical men, C. C. Bogle having as manager for T. F. & M. J. Bogle
practically commenced the business alone in 1880, by driving with one horse and
Concord wagon, and carrying a small stock of goods with him, delivering them
direct to the retail merchants. As the business increased Mr. B. L. Bogle, now
the junior partner, was called to assist. He soon took charge of the books and
general detail work of the concern and by his system and correct business
methods brought this part of the work up to a high standard of excellence. The
office force now consists of book-keeper, entry clerk, stenographer, typewriter,
shipping clerk, order clerk and head of material department and watchmaker. Mr.
B. L. Bogle is a member of I. O. O. F. and both partners combine to form a firm
of influence, and solid worth.

   JUNCTION HOUSE, Leading Hotel of the City, N. S. Eddy, Proprietor.—If it be
true that the man who can successfully run a hotel could rule a nation, N. S.
Eddy, proprietor of the Junction House, is right in the line of political
advancement. It was over forty years ago that Asea Borran established this
famous hostelry and many who were then among the country's dignitaries, enjoyed
his old-fashioned hospitality. After Mr. Borran had enacted the role of mine
host for twenty five years, N. S. Spaulding became the proprietor and in 1887
was in turn succeeded by Mr. Eddy. This popular house, located near the depot,
has accommodations for 150 guests, has strictly first-class furnishings
throughout, beds and bedding being new and of the best quality, the rooms fitted
up in the best taste, and the offices, reading room, dining-room and other
adjuncts to a first-class hotel, being in harmony with the admirable equipments
of the entire establishment. It is heated by steam, lighted by gas and fitted up
with all modern improvements. Mr. Eddy is no novice in his calling but has made
hotel keeping a study under the practical advantages of a clerk as which he
served for several years. The comfort of his guests is his first consideration
and nothing to that end is overlooked. As a caterer he is a perfect genius, and
no better table is set in White River Junction than that enjoyed by the guests
of Mr. Eddy. He has twenty-five well trained, attentive and efficient employes,
all acting directly under his supervision. The traveling public who visit this
city will consult solid enjoyment and be assured of the most hospitable
entertainment by stopping with Mr. Eddy. He is a native Vermonter, a genial,
whole-souled gentleman whom it a pleasure to meet, was originally cut out for a
successful hotel proprietor, and is meeting with the success he so richly
deserves. He is a favorite member of the F. and A. M. order, has an extended
circle of warm friends and is as widely popular as the house he runs and the
reasonable rates he charges.

   F. T. WILLIAMS, Picture Frames, Mouldings, Artists' Materials, Etc.—Very few
branches of industrial art have had so marked an effect on contributing to
domestic refinement as that which is engaged in the production of artistic
picture frames, and its kindred branches. A progressive, prosperous and
extensively patronized house devoted to this line of business in White River
Junction, and maintaining a well merited reputation for first-class productions
and liberal, straightforward dealings is that of Mr. F. T. Williams,
manufacturer of and dealer in picture frames, moldings, pictures, artists'
materials, etc. This enterprising, popular establishment was founded originally
in 1887 by Mr. Williams, and from the start its record has been one of unbroken
success and a very large and influential trade both wholesale and retail has
been developed, extending throughout the surrounding country. The premises
utilized are of ample dimensions, commodious, compactly arranged and provided
with every convenience to meet all the requirements of the trade. The stock
carried embraces a full and complete line of moldings of all descriptions for
picture and looking glass frames, also ready-made frames of all sizes and styles
in gold, silver and bronze, wood, oak and other woods: besides a fine assortment
of wire picture cords, moldings for interior decorations, mats in all shapes and
sizes. Picture frames are made to order at the shortest notice, promptly and in
any desired style, while lowest rates are quoted to the trade. Mr. Williams is a
native of Connecticut and has been a resident here for some years. He is an
enterprising, industrious, pleasant and courteous gentleman, reliable in his
dealings and is an active member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.

   HARRY A. HOLTON, American Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, Solid Silver and Plated
Ware, Junction House Block.—There is nothing manufactured for personal adornment
so much sought after and in which there is so great and charming a variety as
rich and beautiful jewelry and to obtain these goods from a responsible and
reliable house is a matter of serious consideration to purchasers. A prosperous,
well patronized and honestly conducted establishment engaged in this trade in
White River Junction, well worthy of more than passing mention in these pages in
consequence of its superior stock of goods and straightforward business method
is that of Mr. Harry A. Holton, located in the Junction House Block. This
enterprising and popular gentleman, is a Vermonter by birth and was reared in
this business since childhood and obtained a thorough knowledge of the trade
under the tuition of his father, and from 1876 to 1889 was a member of the firm
of Messrs. H. Holton & Son in Wells River, this state, and in 1889 he came to
this place and purchased his present establishment from Mr. S. C. Scantlebury,
and during the intervening period its trade has been greatly increased. His
store is of ample dimensions, appropriately fitted up and provided with every
convenience for the advantageous display of his fine and valuable assortment of
goods and the reception of patrons. The stock carried embraces a fine line of
gold and silver American watches of the very best quality; elegant diamonds,
pearls, rubies and other precious gems mounted in the most exquisite and unique
styles; wedding, engagement and souvenir finger rings, ear rings, pendants,
bracelets, bangles, brooches, necklaces, watch chains, chatelains, charms,
lockets, etc.; French and American clocks, solid silver and plated wares, art
novelties, eye glasses, spectacles, lenses and other optical goods, etc. These
are all of the very best quality, carefully selected to meet the wants of a
first-class trade, guaranteed to be as represented and are sold at lowest
prices. A specialty is the repairing and adjustment of fine watches, to which
the proprietor devotes his personal attention, and all work done here is
warranted to give satisfaction. Mr. Holton is a very courteous, affable and
popular merchant, prompt, honorable and attentive to his customers' wants. He is
a very active and prominent member of the Odd Fellows Order, is a Past Grand and
a member of the Grand Lodge of the state.

   O. A. RANDALL, Livery, Feed and Sale Stable, Telephone from Trask & Co.'s
Drug Store, and from Baggage Room at Depot. —This popular enterprise was founded
originally in 1875 by Mr. O. H. Wolfe, who was succeeded by Mr. C. Sanborn, who
carried it on quite successfully until 1889, when it passed into the control of
the present proprietor. Mr. Randall is a Vermont man by birth, and has been a
highly respected resident of this place for several years, and has had many
years' experience in this line of business in other portions of the state, and
under his able management and direction, the patronage of his present concern is
constantly increasing in volume and importance. His stables are spacious and
commodious, thoroughly equipped with every requisite, well ventilated, properly
lighted and in thorough sanitary conditions and none but competent hands are
employed. Ample accommodations for a large number of horses are provided, and a
large trade is carried on in boarding horses by the day, week or month, and all
animals placed in his charge receive most careful attention at the hands of
experienced grooms, while the provender is of the choicest quality and is
provided bounteously. From ten to fifteen finely groomed and stylish horses
including those suitable for ladies' and invalids' use as well as those noted
for speed and staying qualities, and a number, of first-class carriages, coupes,
coaches, top and open buggies, sleighs and cutters are kept for livery purposes,
and can be obtained at all hours of the day or night, with or without drivers
upon the most reasonable terms. Special terms are made for funerals, weddings,
receptions, balls, parties, excursions, depot calls, sleighing parties, etc.,
while the service is always A 1. Orders by telephone from Trask & Co.'s Drug
Store or the baggage room at the depot receive prompt response. Mr. Randall also
makes a specialty of buying and selling horses, and all business of this
character is conducted upon the highest standard of honor and integrity. He is
an energetic, popular and reliable gentleman, highly esteemed in the community,
and is an active and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Odd
Fellows' Order.

   E. H. BAGLEY, General Hardware, Coal, Etc.—E. H. Bagley, successor to Bagley
& Martin as dealers in a general line of hardware, tin, stoves arid kindred
articles of merchandise, has long maintained a reputation, not only for handling
the best goods obtainable in his important line of business, but for square
dealing, sterling ability and good citizenship. The house over which he presides
was established in 1872, and passed two years later to the exclusive ownership
and control of Mr. Bagley, under whose direction the trade has grown, and still
continues to grow with that certainty which marks the wisest management. He
occupies a spacious, well lighted, two story block 25 x 100, with a basement of
the same area for the storage of the heavier line of goods. His stock of shelf
hardware comprises all the supplies for carpenters, house furnishers^ carriage
trimmers and all others who are in need of anything which the best houses keep
in this important and diversified department. The cutlery includes the best
foreign and domestic makes, while in stoves, ranges, tinware, paints and oils
every demand of customers is fully anticipated. The full stock has an average
invoice of $10,000 and the immense trade justifies this investment. In
connection with this large retail business, Mr. Bagley supplies coal to a large
patronage, 15,000 tons of this commodity being disposed of each year. This
branch deserves the same commendatory mention, and is equally reliable with the
others referred to. Mr. Bagley is a leading member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and is now serving as justice of the peace.

   JOHN HARDING, Manufacturer of Marble and Granite Cemetery Work, Monuments,
Tablets, Gravestones.—An ably conducted house engaged in this line of industry
in White River Junction, is that of Mr. John Harding, manufacturer of marble and
granite cemetery work, etc. Mr. Harding is a native of Hartland. this state, and
at an early age acquired a thorough knowledge of this trade in all its branches,
and established himself in business originally in 1855 in his native place, and
in 1878 moved to his present location. His business premises are of ample
dimensions, commodious and provided with all the modern facilities required for
executing first-class work. Many of his productions are manufactured at West
Rutland, Quincy and other places. Original designs are furnished by skilled and
experienced draughtsmen; drawing, specifications and estimates are made and
contracts of any magnitude are entered into for all kinds of marble and granite
cemetery work, monuments, tablets, gravestones, memorials, vaults, mausoleums,
tombs, etc., and executed promptly and satisfactorily on the most reasonable
terms. A specialty is the mating of Quincy granite monuments to order, while
special terms are made for soldiers' and sailors' cemetery work, and in his
warerooms will be found at all times a fine assortment of monuments, memorials,
tablets, etc., all embodying the highest conceptions of artistic skill and of
his superior production.

   WHITE RIVER FURNITURE COMPANY, Dealers in Furniture of all Kinds, Mattresses,
Carpets, Baby Carriages, Coffins. Caskets and Robes.—The White River Furniture
Company was established in 1882 by Lavene & Dunn, who were succeeded by C. H.
Pierce in 1888. The latter died January, 1890, and three months later a stock
company, incorporated under the state law, purchased the business and wisely
intrusted Mrs. A. M. Pierce, wife of the former proprietor, with the triple
duties of secretary, manager and treasurer. The result has fully vindicated
their good judgment as the business has shown that steady and healthy growth
which is the guarantee of continued prosperity. The stock of furniture carried
is chosen with critical judgment, and a nice appreciation of what the trade at
White River Junction demands. In the better and more expensive goods, there is
that symmetry, elegant richness of adornment and fine selection of material that
grows in favor and beauty the longer it is used, while the less costly grades
are far superior in desirable qualities to those formerly supplied at a like
cost. Nothing that a first-class establishment of this kind should carry is
wanting here, and the appreciation of the community appears in the liberal
patronage bestowed' upon the company. In addition to a complete supply of the
best household and office furniture, the company has a splendid stock of
mattresses, carpets, baby carriages, coffins, caskets, and robes, all being such
as only the finest and most responsible houses offer their patrons. Upholstering
and repairing are promptly done by the most competent workmen.

   W. H. LAIRD & CO., Dry and Fancy Goods and Ladies' Shoes.—The business of W.
H. Laird & Co., was inaugurated in 1884, and has been prosecuted with such vigor
and success that a large trade has been developed throughout this community. The
store occupied covers an area of 30 x 40 feet in dimensions, and is most
admirably appointed throughout, and provided with every convenience for the
manipulation of trade, and the display of goods and comfort of patrons. The
stock embraces every description of staple and fancy dry goods, notions, fancy
goods, furnishing goods, and ladies' shoes in every variety, style and size. All
the newest styles and fashionable novelties are displayed, and the stock is kept
up to the highest standard of efficiency. From one to two active clerks are
employed. Prices are as low as is consistent with superior goods and fair
dealings. Mr. Laird is a native of this state, a member of a number of different
social organizations, and a man of vim, enterprise and business worth, whose
future success and prosperity is well assured.

   A. H. WOLFE, Fresh Fruit, Nuts, Cigars, Tobacco, Temperance Drinks,
Etc.—Among the well conducted houses in this town will be .found that of Mr. A.
H. Wolfe, dealer in fresh fruits, nuts, cigars, etc. A most desirable stock of
foreign and domestic fruits, nuts, confectionery of all kinds, cigars, tobacco,
temperance drinks, etc., is constantly handled, and the stock is frequently
replenished. In the restaurant department is found the most wholesome and
excellently prepared food, including every delicacy of the season, and
refreshments are offered to the large number of regular boarders, and transient
patrons at exceedingly reasonable prices. A competent assistant is employed, and
all the departments of this house receive the close personal supervision of the
proprietor. Mr. Wolfe is a native of this state, who established this enterprise
in 1884, and fully merits his popularly bestowed distinction of a representative
merchant. He was a member of Company B, fourteenth regiment of New Hampshire,
and served in many engagements in our late war.


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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