Amesbury Carriage Makers

Hub October 1897 pages 420-430.

Taken from the website of
The Carriage Makers of America

The carriage industry of Amesbury, Massachusetts, for a period of twenty five years, is virtually a record of its business interests, which have been the leading power in creating prosperity and wealth. The town has grown whenever this trade has prospered. Its inhabitants have suffered from the depression incident to unsuccessful seasons equally with the members of the firms engaged in the carriage trade. Whenever an era of advance along the carriage lines of trade visited the town, prosperity followed in all other departments.

In 1850 there were twenty six firms manufacturing carriages. In the fall of 1888 the great fire occurred on "Carriage hill," which destroyed the business plants of sixteen of these firms. Yet, undismayed by this disaster, new and elegant brick establishments replaced those burned. While a few were cast down, none were destroyed, and, today, there are as many carriage firms doing business as prior to that date.

The changes in the trade have been no more frequent than in any other largely prosecuted industry in its business progress. Individual firm names formerly well known to the trade have dropped out to give place to others who are striving to attain success, and are bravely steming the tide which has been setting so strongly against all the business developments of the country during the last few years. A conservative feeling has governed the trade so far with mutual safety to all, and with the promised dawn of better times in the near future, the carriage firms are hoping to obtain benefits from the trade winds of commercial business prosperity.

Having visited nearly all the firms we find the members hopeful. Many of them report a fair business season, and with an increasing trade over the previous year. The intervening years from 1883 to 1892 are considered to have been the most prosperous years for the carriage trade in Amesbury. In fact, no period of ten years since the beginning of carriage building in the town in 1853 has witnessed such continued activity. The tide of prosperity increased until hundreds of workmen were employed in all departments, several of the large firms employing as many as fifty blacksmiths, running from twenty to thirty forge fires. Wages were at the highest price, the best mechanics earning from three dollars to four dollars per day, while the force of skilled workmen employed in all departments led to the building of newer styles and better finished work, until Amesbury carriage firms began to employ skilled designers to create new and more beautiful forms of riding vehicles.

Ralph Clarkson made the first perspective drawings of carriages in Amesbury in 1878. This gentleman studied art in Paris, and is now a leading artist in Chicago., Illinois. Later F. A. Sands was employed in like work. In 1889 Mr. Svanberg came from Germany to the town, and since that date has done nearly all the carriage drafting.

Every variety of vehicle known to the trade is manufactured in Amesbury from the expensive brougham to the modest road wagon, from the less expensive "two wheelers," up to all the varied grades and styles, including every form and feature of a fancy carriage with its bicycle wheels, or common wheels with rubber tires. Each yearly "carriage opening" discloses some new design and pleasing style.

It is claimed that more patents have been obtained by Amesbury carriage mechanics for different appliances in rendering ease and convenience to riding vehicles than in any other carriage section of the country. These patents not only include various changes by which a two seat vehicle can be transformed almost instantly into a stylish single seat, but to patent wheels and springs. In fact, much of the machinery by which the manufacturer has been able to enlarge and carry forward his business, and its improvement, is the invention of the mechanics here employed.

The above statements are introduced, not in any sense as "puffs" to an industry which has long sustained its reputation and standing, but as true and worthy of mention. In the carriage trade, as in all other departments of industry, there come periods when the business boom pushes business to its highest point of development. This has been seen in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods in the United States; in the iron trade, and many other departments of labor. Then follow years of depression; of losses and failures. Similar results mark the course of the carriage industry. Many firms in this country whose standing was considered beyond the possibility of financial disaster, have been compelled to suffer great loss. The Amesbury manufacturer has suffered in common with the trade, but to such an extent as to involve only a few individual firms. Today the condition of the trade will compare most favorably with any carriage in the country, as to present and prospective business ventures. The following brief sketch of the industry may prove interesting: The founder of the carriage industry in Amesbury was Jacob R. Huntington, who begun business in 1853. In 1875 he retired from active business with a competency, and now makes his home in the town which he did so much to build up.

The Briggs Carriage Co. was organized in 1859. It has been an important factor in the carriage industry under the management of J. W. and Richard Briggs. They built their own plant on the margin of Clark's Pond, consisting of one large four story wooden building, and three additional brick factories added in later years. So successful was the firm that they cleared a large section of land near their works and erected thirty five dwellings for the accommodation of the mechanics employed by them. The two brothers have each passed "over the river." James, the elder, died in 1891. Richard, the active business partner, died in the full tide of prosperity in 1894, loved and honored in the trade and in the community. The business established by them remains a lasting monument of their skill and financial ability, and is continued by the sons of J. W. Briggs.

To Richard Briggs is due the added industry in 1889 of the manufacture of electric cars, which has been quite successfully prosecuted under the present management of his nephews and his namesake, Richard.
Among the early established firms continuing to push its business is the "Hume Carriage Co." The foundation of this firm dates from the purchase in 1857 by James Hume, of the business of J. R. Huntington, the pioneer manufacturer of the town. Under Mr. Hume's management the firm became known all over the country for the style and variety of its work. In 1884 Mr. Hume retired from active labor, and during the last ten years the business has been continued by William H. Hume, a brother of John, and George Walker.

In justice to Mr. Hume it may be said there is no one in the trade today who is more interested in the success of the carriage industry he labored to establish. His capital to the extent of thousands of dollars has been loaned at common rates of interest to aid and help others in the line of trade which made fortunes for him.

From Mr. Charles F. Robinson, the financial agent, we learn that the business of the present year has been much more encouraging than the preceding year, and the outlook for the immediate future is good.
The Biddle, Smart Carriage Co. dates its organized capital in 1878. Up to within two years it was the largest firm in number of carriages manufactured. During its busiest years it kept in operation thirty forge fires, manufacturing its own wheels and wood work. At the present writing this extensive business plant is comparatively idle. The firm has ample capital and ready means at command to recommence business at any moment when changing prospects warrant, or the conservative members of the firm consider it wise so to do.

The firm was composed of William E. Biddle, William W. Smart, M. D. F. Steeve. William W. Smart's connection with the firm was dissolved by his death in November, 1895. Mr. Smart had been educated in all the mechanical details of the trade, and his death was a great loss to the company and the community. In 1876 7, Mr. Smart was established in business for himself and sold out to become a member of the larger firm.

George W. Osgood commenced business in 1870, at Amesbury Ferry, in a small plant, studying the best methods for continued success. Finding it inconvenient to increase his trade away from the carriage center, he erected quite an extensive plant on Powow st., and removed his works thereto, which has been several times enlarged. In 1882 he purchased the old buildings of F. A. Babcock, on Carriage Hill, and fitted them up as carriage repositories, with an office, where his sons receive the customers of the firm.

Lambert Hollander commenced business in 1886, building general light work, which he sold on the road. In 1888 commenced to build as a specialty the "Hollander Rockaway." In this line of work has been very successful. He is the owner of a valuable brick carriage plant on Carriage ave., bought of A. N. Parry. Mr. Hollander was among the firms burned out in 1888. From this disaster he has fully recovered, and reports trade prosperous. The carriage business in Amesbury he believes to be in a more favorable condition to take advantage of the promised increasing trade than for many months, notwithstanding the general depression throughout the country.

The firm of Hassett & Hodge is composed of James and John Hassett, brothers, and George C. Hodge. Mr. James Hassett, senior member, embraked in the carriage business in 1887. In 1890 associated George E. Hodge as a partner. In 1893 John Hassett was admitted to the firm. They manufacture a varied line of pleasure carriages, and notwithstanding the great depression in the business world, during the last four years, report a continual yearly increase of sales.

From the present business outlook this firm anticipates a large increase in their business for 1898.
The Currier, Cameron Co. commenced its business on Friend st., in shops owned by F. D. Parry, in 1880, for the purpose of manufacturing carriage bodies and gears. It employed eighteen hands and the firm was made up of Colin D. Cameron and Daniel Trefetheren. In 1881 James Drummond bought out the interest of Trefetheren and the firm changed to Cameron & Drummond. In 1882 Charles Goss and John Currier were admitted to the firm and the name changed to Goss, Drummond & Co. The business was moved to the Colchester Mill building on Elm st. In 1887 the firm name was again changed by the retirement of Goss and Drummond, H. J. Batchelder, of Merrimac, connecting himself with the business. The firm continued under the name of Currier, Cameron & Co. until 1895, when C. D. Cameron, originator of the business, retired, leaving the present members, John Currier and Horace J. Batchelder, sole owners and managers. The firm occupy a large business plan, and have all the improved facilities for the prosecution of their trade, employing in busy times eighty five mechanics.

Among the early manufacturers who aided in building up the industry, and whose sign continues to swing in the breeze, is E. S. Feltch. He entered business in 1859 and pushed his way to financial success until 1883, when F. W. Nelson, a son in law, who served as Treasurer of the Board of Trade, was admitted as a member in the firm. Charles F. Stone and B. F. Sargent, sons in law, were associated in the trade at one time. The firm is doing but a small business at present as compared to more prosperous years. The business plant, which covers nearly an acre, of ground on Market st., commenced to curtail operations several years ago, and is waiting for a better business outlook for a renewal of its former activity.

The firm known as the Connor Carriage Co. was organized in 1887. The firm reports its business as quite prosperous during the last year. Its special work is depot wagons, traps, carts, victoria standard.
Herbert F. Chase commenced business in 1888. He makes a general line of carriage work of light and medium weights. Mr. Chase reports trade better the present year than the preceding one. Sales in July 40 per cent. better than in the corresponding month of 1896.

The firm of Folger & Drummond dates from 1887. It was organized by David J. Folger several years prior to this date. The new firm erected a spacious brick factory, 175 by 55, five stories, with an annex 45 by 67 feet, and, three stories. Mr. Folger was financially successful before the new firm was instituted. Mr. Drummond had been connected with the firm of Goss, Drummond & Co., and therefore brought a good mechanical experience to the partnership. About one year ago Mr. Folger sold his interest to Mr. James Drummond, who continues the business, only waiting trade developments to again push business with old time vigor.

Eben M. Currier is the senior member of the firm of the Currier Carriage Co., organized in 1888, as Eben M. & J. Woodbury Currier. They erected a convenient brick block on Carriage Hill and commenced business. In 1890 J. W. Currier retired from the firm, since which time it has been successfully conducted by E. M. Currier.

T. W. Lane entered business for himself as a carriage manufacturer in 1874. In 1890 his business had proved so far successful that from a tenant occupant of a small factory on Elm st., he became the owner of a fine business plant on Chestnut st., containing twenty five thousand feet of floor space, with a large carriage repository in the rear of his dwelling on Elm st. His two sons, Fred W. and F.. Lewis Lane, attend to all the details of the trade.

John H. Clark & Co. was organized as a carriage firm in 1884 and has so continued. In the great fire of 1888 their business plant was entirely destroyed, but replaced by one of the finest carriage factories in the town. The firm, though cast down for a time, was not destroyed, and by a conservative business management has continued to prosper in the manufacture of a fine grade of general light work as a specialty.

N. J. Folger, who learned his trade as a carriage maker in Merrimac, came to Amesbury at the time that industry was starting into more active life, and engaged in business in 1880. His plant was among those destroyed by the great fire in 1888, but a new business plant was erected for his accommodation by James Hume, on the line of the B. &. M. R. R. His business was quite successfully prosecuted until the depression of three years ago, and only awaits the promised return of better times to again push onward.

Charles N. Dennett engaged in business in 1873, and has been a successful manufacturer, having invented several patent specialties, among them "Dennett's Jump Seat." His was among the unfortunate factories destroyed by fire in 1888. Mr. D. did not rebuild, but entered into business with Seth Clark, Jr., with whom he continued until the firm dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. D. then leased a business plant and took his sons into partnership.

J. T. Clarkson & Co. started in the carriage business for themselves in 1891, although both had been connected with it for ten years prior to this date. They put upon the market several new and improved designs in one and two seated (interchangeable seats) carriages, which were novel in construction and taking in style, and with the improvements yearly made continue to be quite popular. They have also made essential changes in two wheels. Several of their patented novelties are built in other localities.

S. R. Bailey, of S. R. Bailey & Co., was well known to the carriage trade as early as 1866, being connected with firms in Bath, Maine, and in Boston in 1878. In 1882 he came to Amesbury and established his business, and in 1887 admitted his son, E. W. M. Bailey, to partnership. For several years they made a specialty of carriage poles and high grade sleighs. A few years ago they added carriages of special make and design, and were the first to introduce the bicycle wheels. Their factory contains 30,000 feet of floor room, and is filled with machinery largely invented by Mr. Bailey for the prosecution of his varied work.

The business of S. Rowell & Son was established on Pond st., in 1873. In 1890 the senior member died and the junior partner became sole proprietor. In 1880 a large storehouse and factory was built near the depot of the B. & M. R. R. Three years ago Edward Rowell, was admitted to the firm. The establishment is one of the largest in the town.

Charles Rowell & Son have manufactured carriages on Friend st., Amesbury, for many years. Charles Rowell, the senior member, retired from the business twelve years ago, and built for himself a fine mansion on the banks of the Merrimac River at Pleasant Valley, and is the owner of a large farm adjoining. His son Jacob continues the business under the firm name and has been very successful.

The firm of Rand & Co., dates from 1870. Several changes have taken place. A few years after commencing business, Rand left the firm and went on the road selling carriages. The firm changed to Batchelder & Cowan. In 1890, to Brout & Co., for two years. Since this date the firm has been known as Rand & Batchelder W. H. Rand and Herbert Batchelder.

C. W. Long entered the business in 1872, and erected a plant on Clark st., where he continued for thirteen years. The remainder of the time he has conducted his trade near the railroad station.
The firm of J. H. Shiels & Co., six years ago, give place to new members, J. Woodbury Currier and George Collins becoming the active managers.

Among the older and successful carriage firms is that of Osgood Morrill. In 1870 he commenced the trimming of carriages as a distinct branch of employment on Elm st. In 1878 entered into partnership with Dudley E. Gale and did business in Front st. This firm was dissolved in 1893, and the business continued by Osgood Morrill, who erected extensive wooden buildings on Morrill st. In 1891 H. P. Wills, an inventor of several carriage specialities, became associated with him.

Neal & Bolser entered the trade in 1890, and have pushed their business quite successfully in the manufacture of fine pleasure carts of new and novel designs.

Of the thirty firms doing business in the town twenty five years ago, fourteen have either gone out of business entirely or sold out their plants to others, as follows: Seth Clark, Jr., William S. Eaton, F. C. Boardman, J. F. Easton, Dudley E. Gale, G. W. Marden, John Francis, F. D. Parry & Son, B. F. Lewis, Locke & Jewell, Amesbury Carriage Co., R. Drummond & Son., D. J. Folger, A. M. Huntington, Huntington & Ellis, Edwin Morrill.

The firm of Miller Bros. is composed of John Miller, Jr., Thomas C. Miller, Robert Miller, William Miller. They commenced the business of making carriages in the wood and iron, in 1889, on Market st. In 1895 removed to more extensive and convenient quarters on Carriage Hill, furnished them by Poyen & Co., where they gave employment to fifty mechanics. The business depression reduced the force to twenty hands, and during the last few months but little work has been turned out. They are making ready to forward their work and expect, with the turning tide of fortune, to ring out the anvil chorus with renewed vigor.

The death of William G. Ellis, of the firm of Ellis & Son, was a great loss to the trade. For eight years prior to 1875 he was a member of the firm of Huntington & Ellis, when it dissolved. In 1875 be commenced business on his own account, and erected an extensive plant near his residence on Friend st. In 1888, his two sons, David and William, were made members of the firm. William died in 1890, and James took his place and the business was mainly under their management. Mr. Ellis, senior, in January 1889, introduced into the town a new branch of industry the manufacture of electric cars. For several years he was quite successful, employing eighty first class mechanics. In 1895 the plant was destroyed by fire and such loss ensued that the business was abandoned. Mr. Ellis was born in Elgin, Scotland, in 1832. Come to Amesbury in 1863 as a common laborer, but with all the vigor, determination, and native skill of a true born Scotchman, he pushed his way up
ward and onward as a successful business man. He was stricken down in the strength of manhood by disease, and in his death the business he planted remains silent.