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 37)
"Mr. Charles C. Holland, located in the old stone mill, is engaged in the
manufacture of yarn. He operates twenty-six hundred spindles, employs some
twenty-five hands, and the products of his manufacture amount to about four
thousand pounds of yarn per week. In the basement of this same building is
located the works of the 'Universal Package-Carrier Company'. This simple
yet useful instrument was invented in June, 1875, and the manufacture of it
commenced in 1876. This ingenious instrument is used for a
package-carrier, taking the place of the more cumbersome and costly
shawl-strap. It was invented by Mr. Isaac Lindsley, but its manufacture is
conducted by Messrs. Lindsley & Card. It can be purchased for the
exceedingly small price of one to five cents. They have met with
unexpected success thus far, and increasing orders have crowded the factory
to its utmost capacity.
C. D. Owen, on Mineral Spring Avenue, near the Moshassuck River, occupies a
mill for the manufacture of worsted goods and yarns. He also makes Italian
cloth and zephyr yarn. Has facilities for the employment of about three
hundred hands, and when in full operation scours three thousand pounds of
wool daily.
D. Goff & Son, are largely interested in the manufacture of worsted
braids. They have a fine, spacious mill, erected in 1872, having a
capacity of two hundred and seventy-five horse-power. Their braiding
machines number some six hundred and fifty, and are mostly of foreign
manufacture. They employ one hundred and seventy-five operatives, mostly
females. Some definite idea may be obtained of the magnitude of the
business carried on here, when we mention the fact of its consuming over
one thousand pounds of wool per day, and manufacturing one hundred thousand
yards of braid daily. Their goods bear an excellent reputation and find
ready sale in the various markets of the country."
continued in part 38.