The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-08-12
A FAMOUS FIRM.
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.
HISTORY OF THE HoUsE-MR. BIaELow-soME
OF THE woRKs-GREEK TYPE.
The New York Evening Post furnishes the
following account of the firm of WEIGH, Big
Glow It Co., of the University press: There
are 'ery few readers of American books who
are not familiar with the imprint of the
"University Press" for it is borne upon the
title leaves of large proportion of the finest
books published by the leading houses in
this country. But there are fewer still,
probably. who understand the private char
scter of this so widely known insit-
tuition. Many people, knowing that
its home is in, Cambridge, Mass
have an indistinct notion that it is q part OF
Harvard University. Those who know the
situation of the establishment with refer
ence to the college grounds are doubtless
confirmed in this error. For error il is, no
enterprise being more independent, and few
SURPRISING il in prosperity. From a small
beginning it has become one of the most
respectable and extensive book making es-
Establishments in the country. The visitors to
Harvard College can not tail to notice its
outward FORM" for it is an imposing build
ing, within easy sight and almost within q
stones throw of the college lawn, on the
street which leads to Mt.Auburn Cemetery.
About theyear 1923 Messrs. William billiard
and Eliab w. Metcalf set up a small print
ing office on Holyoke- street, which runs
from the College Square towards the Charles
river. Mr.. billiard died soon afterwards,
and for several years Mr.. Metcalf carried on
the busint IS alone. In 1880 Mr.. Charles
Folsom, formerly librarian Of the Boston
Atheneum, became a partner of Mr.. Met
calf. Two three years thereafter Mr..
Metcslf retired, and Mr.. Folsom was
the sole proprietor until 1887.
Then Messrs- Wells Il Thurston
ment from Boston to Cambridge, and Joined
Mr.. Folsom, the firm becoming Folsom,
Wells & Thurston. The FIRST Adams print
ing press ever made was soon after sci upin
their room. A few years thereafter the firm
met with serious losses and failed. Their
effects were sold by auction, and purchased
by Metcalf, Keith IL Nichols. This firm con-
tinued the business for one year when Mr..
Keith retired. A new firm was then formed
under the style of Metcali d ca, which con-
timed until 1857. Although the same name
was retained until that date, many changes
in the
MEMBERSHIP oFF9zB FIRM
were made. Soon after that Mr.. Metcalf re-
tired from business, and Mr.. A. X. P.
Welch, Marshall t. Bigslow and Cephss P.
Thayer reorgsnized the house as Welch,
Bigelow & Co., which style has since been
retained, although Mr.. Thayer retired in
lew years after the firm. was formed, and
Mr.. WEIGH died in 1870 Mr.. WEIGH was a
remarkable man, and his associate, Mr..
Bigelow, was from boyhood familiar with ev-
cry department of the book business. Mr..
WeIch first entered the printing office OF
Metcalt N Co., as an e3gineer to run their,
steam engine. Very soon he showed such
an aptitude for improving machinery, and
such taste for printing that be was mad9
a member of the fra. He made several
improvements in the Adams press, and also
gave Messrs. Zoe Il Co. valuable suggestions
in relation to the rev stop cylinder press.
He invented an electrotype moulding press
and a shaving machine, both of which are
now IN use in many, establishments besides
the University Press. He was natrrsl
artist and ,.a anonG &c. other wo ak
sigasd and executed the head pieces sn6sshe
initials which introduce she chapters in
Ticknor's life oEaRreseott.~ Probably be
did more TO elevate the standard OF book
printing In this country than any other man
during bis time. Mr.. Bigslow came 70 the
ohsce in 1888, when only ten years of age, as
an apprentice to-Mr. Charles Folsom. He
entered the firm, OF Metealf IL Co. when he
YVES twenty onsy6aIs old, and from that
| tinle tOf many years his chief employment
was proof-reaAng, IA which occupation he
became famous among book men. In 1864
Harvard College conferred upon hirn the de-
gree CT NJ. A. From the time Of Mn. Welch's
deaifi, Mr.. Hgelow has been the sole propri-
etor and manager of the university
Prs 81 Early in 1865 the firm found their
bus mess crOwdiDg them and they purchased
the old Bratsle House building. Having
rel modelled it and fitted it up with every con-
! We nience for the business, thev removed to
| 1t in September. There the busine- 3 gre ~
| v cry rapidly, and another enlargement Was
'soon necessary. Besides, large fire proof
warehouse was erected upon the premises,
I which, with the spacious vaults for cleo 1ro
tN De plates, renders the larger part OF the
valuable property remarkably safe.
THE BUILDING
is arranged and furnished with great care.
1t contains fifteen Adams presses and five
Hoes stop cylinder presses for printing, and
three hydraulic presses for the printed
} sheets. The printing presses are supplies
! with steam power from two large boilers,
which also heat the building in winter
Nearly all of the printing is done NOW by
the electricity ping process, as a stepin adj
vance OF Stereotyping. IG is more expen
sive, but 10 other process can approach il
Tor fine work. The electrotyping depart
ment is one of great interest to the visitor
This establishment employs about
three hundred hands in busy
} times and large number O
the workmen have been in the employment
ofthe house for many years, Wehave seen