The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1872-11-05
For THE RECORD.
E.4ATBERTYTLLE INDUSTRIES.
NO IE-
EMPIRE SPOKE WORKS.

EMPIRE SPOKE WORKS.
While on the subject of spokes, we thought
it would be good plan to finish up that bust
ness before taking up any other, and SO we
paid visit to the Empire Spoke Works, stu
ated along the canal, between Fridge and
Coryell streets. The building is of brick, two
stories, about 36 by 80 feet. Although small
er than the Lambertville Spoke Manufacture
ing Co., quite a large amount of business is
transacted during the year. The works are
under the superintendent of A. l.. Mc0mber,
formerly of Fort Edward, Washington county,
N. Y, where he was engaged extensively in
the manufacture of spokes, hubs, wheels and
wagon bodies. Mr.. McOmber was the first
man in New York State to start the manufac-
ture of hubs, working at that time in Glen's
Falls, Saratoga county. He is thoroughly
conversant with the manufacture of spokes,
and the Empire Works, under his manage
ment, is sending out first-class work. The
same process is used in turning and finishing
spokes as by the L. S. M. Co. There are two
lathes running constantly, with three finishing
machines, employing from eight to ten men.
The trade is mostly limited to the United
States, and we found Mr.. Mcomber busy fill
ing an order to go within about thirty miles of
the Canada line.
Beside the main building there are num-
Der of frame buildings, used for storing spokes
in the rough. Much care is bestowed in Sc
lecting stock, as it is impossible to turn out
good work unless you have good material to
make it from. An eighteen horse power en-
CINE furnishes the power for running the fac
tory, and the boiler is heated with the waste
shavings and chips. There is fine chance
for a man with small capital to engage in
the manufacture of hubs and wheels. Mr..
McOmber having had about twenty years ex-
perience in that business, would make a suit
able partner We found business good every
one connected with the establishment busy,
trying to fill the orders on book. There is no
reason why the Empire Works should not in
crease in business two-fold.
Bidding them "Good-afternoon, we start
for the lower part of the city, determined to
finish up the spoke business by visiting the
NEW JERSEY SPOKE WORKS,
situated on Main street. adjoining Capt Birds
sash, blind and door factory. On entering, we
found Mr.. Jonas Thatcher, the proprietor, busy
labelling lot of spokes to be shipped the next
day. After stating cur business, he kindly
volunteered to show us through the buildings,
and give us all the information wanted. The
buildings are frame, 50by 30, two stories. At
present they are using 'but one lathe, with
al,
long to increase their business, as it is impos-
sible to supply the demand, although making
fifteen hours per day. most of the time Six
to eight workmen are employed. Mr.. VIM.
Thatcher, brother of the proprietor, acts as
Superintendent He was formerly proprietor
of the works now owned by the L. S. NJ Co.
Like the other manufacturers of this city, they
are careful in the selection of timber, and by
proper management turn out good work.
which, combined with the other factories, gives
the Lambertville spoke trade a name through
out the United States for neatness of finish
and durability, which are the prominent char
acterstics of good spoke. The power for
running the machinery is by water, and is OBJ
tanned from the large turbine wheel which
runs Capt. Birds factory, of which we shall
speak hereafter.
Thus, you see, that the spoke trade is no
mean business for city to boast of, giving
employment to about one hundred men, which
at an average of $40 per week, makes the sum
paid yearly for labor alone about $78, 900. We
shall show, before we are through that the
amount of business transacted in our city will
surprise even those who think they know all
about it. CLAUDE.