from
History of the State of Rhode Island with Illustrations
Albert J. Wright, Printer
No. 79 Mille Street, corner of Federal, Boston.
Hong, Wade & Co., Philadelphia
1878.
pp. 224 - 252. (part 34)
"Spool-Cotton Manufacture, &c.
Prominent in this class of manufactures are the extensive works of the
Conant Thread Company. This company started in 1869, in the manufacture of
the celebrated J. & P. Coats six-cord thread. In the above year their
first mill was erected, to which they have added two others. They occupy
some twenty-five acres of land, upon which have been erected, in addition
to their spacious mills, a bleachery, box-factory, storehouses, and other
structures for the use and convenience of their business. They have in
operation one hundred thousand spindles, and employ about eighteen hundred
hands. Their motive power is obtained from several large engines, and
their protection against fire is unrivalled by any like institution. The
men employed are organized into a fire corps, and a powerful force-pump is
located in each mill, that can discharge, when necessity requires, a
thousand gallons of water per minute in each mill. Water is supplied from
the Blackstone River, by means of pipes laid from the works to the river, a
distance of nearly a mile, upon the bank of which is an engine used to
force the water through the pipes. In connection with this is a pond, near
by, from which the water can be pumped in case of fire. They also have
seven watchmen on duty, during all hours of the night, and a magnetic
telegraph connected the several buildings with the counting room or
office. This is one of the largest thread manufactories in the country,
their capital exceeding $2,000,000, and their products are sent into all
the various markets of the United States.
The Hope Thread Company. This company was incorporated in 1869, with a
capital of $100,000. Their special manufacture is that of three-cord
spool-thread. They also make hosiery, cop, and other yarns. Their
building is located on Division Street, and contains five thousand or more
spindles. They use twenty-five bales of cotton per week, and employ from
ninety to a hundred hands. Their weekly production is some eight thousand
five hundred pounds, and the value of their annual product is
$150,000. Messrs. Greene & Daniels are also quite extensively engaged in
the manufacture of spool-thread. In connection with their spool-cotton,
they also manufacture yarns for various purposes.
Mr. Parley Brown, located in the Pitcher mill, is also engaged in the
manufacture of spool-cotton, dressed and glazed thread. The machinery in
his rooms consists of thread-dressers, and spooling and winding
machines. He makes thread of all colors and numbers. Mr. Brown has
capacity for the employment of sixty to seventy hands, and his sales amount
to about $20,000 per year. He began business in Pawtucket in 1870,
occupying the Greene mill, but moved to his present commodious rooms in
1877. Mr. Brown is also agent of the braid-works, located in the same
building. They manufacture shoe and corset lacings, together with fancy
cords. They run three hundred and twenty-eight braiding-machines, and
employ twenty operatives."
continued in part 35.