The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-30
PATERsoNs LAST CALAMITY.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WATSON coMPANY's
woRKs-sIx HUNDRED HANDS THROWN OUT
OF EMPLOYMENT.
The HERALD yesterday gave a brief account OF q
IRE that broke out at midnight on Monday IN the
works OF the watson Manufacturing Company In
Railroad avenue, near the Erie Railway depot In
Paterson, N. J. In October 1872 these works
were completely burned out, but were at once
rebuilt on larger scale than ever. A few weeks
since an attempt was made 10 burn them
again, but the fire was extinguished after
few wooden buildings mad been destroyed.
The watson Bridge Works occupied nearly the en-
tire block bounded By Railroad aud Dale ave-
nues and Grand and Slater streets; also mum
Der OF buildings on the southeast corner of Grand
and Dale avenues. The central buIlding was OF
BRICK very substantially built, about 5oxoo, four
stories high, the roof surmounted by a wooden
eupola From this extended southerly on Rail
road avenue great foundry separated from the
central building by thick wall without apertures.
Otner wooden buildings occupied the rest or the
block. The thick partition wall mentioned pre-
vented the ire from spreading In that direction.
In the rear OF the centre was the BLACKSMITH
shop, extending to Dale avenue; this stood en-
trey alone and was uninjured. To the north Of
the main building, and separated from 1t by
stout brick wall with iron doors, extended an OF
avenue and 5lxl4s feet on Grand street. The hrst
door OF the centre building and the extension was
occupied by heavy machinery; the second door OF
the centre for the ONCE, drawing rooms, &c,
aud OF the extension Tor finishing, and mar
the Grand street corner for tool shop; the
third door TO Grand street was devoted TO
lignt work, the pattern shop occupylng most OF
the extension on Railroad avenue while the same
floor on Grand street was occupied oy Il. J. Vat
son Co., SILK manufacturer. Tue fourth door OF
the centre building was occupied by John Single
ton, VINO was manufacturing SILK Tor Charles n.
Martin, oil New York
Tue night hands we're at their lunches, when
the DANES were discovered near . Partition on
the top door That separated the pattern shop from
the six factory. There was no doubt that the
strongly attached to one OF the WORK.
men, Charles whdey, that ne was ar.
a lew minutes before the fire broke out he was
seen TO go up the elevator 10 The top story, where
the tle started. and where he mad no business 10
be. The fremen were promptly on hand, but
great difficulty was experienced in consequence
this, the nremen were badly directed and supplied
with hose, and the puolic feeling Is so excited
That IL viii perhaps cause the disDandment OK the
Volunteer Department
The only part OF the structure shlt was saved
was the foundry Eaugat but the walls OF the
other buildings remain. Fortunately the ONCE.
books, papers, &c., OF the Watsons were saved to-
Retner with the movable effects OF Singleton's
the Watson Manufacturing Company lose rom
$4,000 20 $4,000 on buildings, machinery and
stock; insured for $4,000 In all.
f. J. Watson & Co., six manufacturers, lose
about $4,000 on machinery ana STOCK; insured Tor
S33 000
Mr.. Singleton owns hair the machinery and
Mr.. Martin the rest Their insurance Is $4,000,
which VIII PROBABLY cover their loSs
Regarding the contracts now under way by the
Watson Manufacturing Company, that OF the
Portage Bridge VIII NOS De injured IN the least as
they expect TO begin work on IL bY Tomorrow.
The Messrs. watson Immediately decided JESTER
day evening 10 90 on win their business, anc
soon loo men were set TO work
Mr. James watson went 70 New York ana
brought up some OF the insurance agents by noon
ana partial arrangements were made for the pay
meat OF the insurance. The buildings VIII be re-
duced 70 TWO stories in height all round, aud by
next week the work Of reconstruction will be
well under way.
PEOPLE OUT or EMPLOYMENT.
The WafSons mao about $50 hands employed, In
cludlng day and night gangs T. J. watson 4 Co.
had 100 hands, many OF them men, silk weavers.
Mr. singleton had about thirty hands. There are
aOOut COO hands thrown out OF work anu about
500, 900 worth OF property destroyed.