davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

all-drop forged wrench, having also
hardened jaw and bar, making a
wrench that stands wear without be-
coming round enabling the user to
work without fear Of injury or skinning
the knuckles. The method of making
this drop-forged jaw, which is indeed
unique, has been patented by Mr.
Speirs, he being the only wrench man
ufacturer using it. Special dies are
made for special work, this concern be-
ing equipped to turn out any special
drop forging desired, from pattern or
from sample, and they are ready to
quote prices and undertake this class
Of work, no matter how large the con-
tract may be. The business was start
ed in 1890, Mr.. J. c. Speirs being the
sole proprietor. He has had many
years experience in this line, and the
excellence of his output is due to the
fact that he uses the best of materials
and employs none but experienced
workmen, whose work he personally
supervises, He numbers among his
customers some Of the largest shops
and factories in the country doing all
their drop forging for them, he also
shipping Wrenches to many foreign
countries. the export trade in these
steadily growing. The plant occupies a
main building, two floors, used for drop
forging, which is 1S0x40 feet, and an
other building, 65x35 feet, used as ma
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
TIE ROOF OF TIE STATE BUILDING LOOKING NORTH

buildings, sheds, etc, used for storins
the stock, which includes hard, soft and
klIn-drted lumber they handling a reg
uIdr line of building lumber, making.
however, a speciality of kiln-dried and
extra nice dressed lumber, choice hard
woods, including ell the finish woods.
mornings and sheathings. They receive
thelr lumber in the rough from all over
the country, dressing it themselves,
their trade covering the New England
states. The yards are equipped with
every Facility for handling the output.
The company have large box factory.
run IN conjunction with their lumber
business, where they make a specially
OF bex shocks, these being knocked
down boxes, tied in bundles, ready for
shipment. Here they employ so hands,
ana with the most improved machinery,
tney nave a capacity of producing two
cars of shocks a day loading directly
on the cars, they having track privi-
leges. They are working up the waste
OIL the box department into kfhdling
wood, sold at the remarkably low rate
of "A bushels for 81, delivered anywhere
IN the city. For this they have already
secured large demand, filing ali or
ders promptly as received. There are
IN all over 100 employees, the company
DONG business of very large propor-
tons, the trade showing a very decided
increase yearly They are enabled bv
reason Of their excellent facilities in ali
departments Of the trade to place upon
the market the best line of seasoned
lumber at price attainable by very
Few concerns in New England. They
are prepared to accept and fill orders Of
any size, guaranteeing complete salts
faction as to price and quality of ma
terial in every instance Mr. Charles
Baker, who, with William J. Baker,
were the orieinators of the business.
died in 1896, the present officers of the
company being: William ]. Baker
president; Charles Baker, treasurer
and Francis H. Staples, secretary
These gentlemen are practical men Of
the highest integrity, whose business
methods are Of unquestionable RELIABLE
ity-men Of twentieth century ideas
who are doing everything to promote
the growth of Worcester as a great in
dustrial and commercial centre.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

IaIly extending its scope from year to
year Inc business was started in 1886.
ana was then located at "a Hermon
street, but the increasing demand call
ing Tor enlarged facilities, Mr.. Robbins
pullt a large twO-story brick building
az ~ Lagrange street, which furnishes
nm with 10000 SO. #. OF floer space. 1t
IS Wen lghted and ventilated, the euufp-
lehl being fully modern in every re-
Spect, some of the machinery in use be-
ing OF special construction, designed
tor particular purposes. Dealing sole
~ with facts, no commentator of This
concern or Its product are necessary.
Enjoying the most improved facilities
ana giving active supervision to all the
Getalls or the business; puts Mr.. Roh
pms concern on the ground floor with
any Kindred establishment, both in re-
5ards 10 quality of output and Drice
lney are sold at. Employment is flr-
hlshed to from l6 to 25 skilled work
men, Mr.. Robbins himself being a prac-
tlca4 man Of 40 years actual experience
ana Is therefore thoroughly conpetant
10 meet any demands made upon him
guaranteeing every order to prove ner,
IecIly satisfactory. He is fully abreast
OF the times, alive TO the wants of tba
traae and the best means of slnnI,,ines
them. Under his careful MANAGEMENT
ne mas made a reputation among ms
chlne TOOL manufacturers second To
none, lie places his goods at the dis
posal OF the trade throughout the world
ana MS experience in the past is srt3
Gent guarantee of his ability to fuIf1l
duct '' PIo-
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
AUG. N. CURRIER & LINCOLN,
Fire Insurance. No. 4es Main St.

Every property owner wishes to OBJ
tain the best possible insurance at the
least cost. and the only way to OBJ
tain that desired result is to have the
insurance placed by thoroughly re-
liable agent who represents the best
companies and spares no pains to pro-
tect the interests Of his clients. Such
a one is the firm Of Aug n. Currier &
Lincoln, which was started in 1245 by
Aug. n. Currier, he admitting William
E. Lincoln as a partner in 1888. the
latter gentleman having had a large
agency in Warren, established in 1857,
which he still conducts, having
partner at that end Of the business In
1885, Mr.. Currier died since which time
Mr., Lincoln has been the sole MEN,
Der Of the firm, this agency now being
one Of the oldest and largest in the city,
enjoying a reputation for reliability ex-
celled by none. This is a general agen-
cy, representing some Of the largest
companies in the world. The placing
Of insurance is a very important act,
and yet it is much easier to attain sat
isfactory results in this than it is in
many other lines of business. for it is
simply in making choice Of a compe-
tent agent-one who not only issues
policies but adjusts and secures pay
ment Of losses as soon as they are
clearly SHOWN. This agency is pre-
pared to take risks to any amount
either fire, plate glass, employers liza
bility, surety, bonds or accident, and
with the most reliable companies, rep
resenting American Fire Insurance Co.,
Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co. and
the Insurance Co. of the State of Penn
sylvania, of Philadelphia; Caledonian
American Fire Insurance Co., Hanover
Fire Insurance Co, Commercial Insur-
ance Co, Fidelity and Casualty Co. of
New York, Plate Glass Insurance Co.,
and the German Alliance Insurance Co.
Of New York; Royal Insurance Co.,
London Assurance Corporation. Lon
don & Lancashire Fire Insurance Co..
and the Northern Assurance Co. of
England; Equitable Fire and Marine
Insurance Co. Of Providence, Manhat-
tan Fire Insurance Co. Of New York,
Lafayette Fire Insurance Co Of New
York, and the New Hampshire Fire
Insurance Co. of New Hampshire. In
all these Mr.. Lincoln writes policies at
the lowest rate of premiums. He makes
a speciality of issuing policies, covering
dwellings and their contents mercan-
tile buildings and merchandise The
field of operation covers the entire
state, having some business in all Sec
tions. Mr.. Lincoln has spent many
years Of his life in this fine, and is
thoroughly posted in regard to its
workings, such as adjusting, inspect
ing etc. He is a progressive man, one
of the men of affairs of the latter day
period.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

sizes and patterns for ladies, m iI5:'a.
nen and boys, ana they have taclil Tres
en9biir,g them 10 produce goods IN any
desired quantity. The factory occu-
Tias no O6g square feet Of floor space
he eouipnent being of the most I'M
moved tyue known in this line OF IN
dustrv. every new appliance looking 10
facilitating the production OF the ouLput
being Immediately secured, reSataless
OF expense. they in this manner Keep
ing their establishment not only up 70
The times. but far in advance Of them
Employment is furnished to from 50 10
- worIlmen. who are all skilled me
chanics. the firm keeping five or SIX
model makers constantly at work. Inc
business has from its inception peen
conducted on the line Of honest ana
STRAIGHTFORWARD methods, and as a con-
sequence, its growth has more than
kept pace with the city, in the widening
of whose influence and prosperity the
members of the firm have always taken
an active interest. Having had years
of experience in this line Of Industrial
activity. they possess a most complete
knowledge of the business and the best
means Of supplying its requirements,
and have therefore been remarkably
successful in placing their goods in
keen competition with those Of similar
concerns throughout the country, their
trade each year showing steady in
crease.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
L. ROBBINS,
Manufaoturer of Machine Tools. No. az
Lagrange Street.

The industries of Worcester present
a greater diversity in their character
than are exhibited in almost any CITY
III New England, Among such as espe-
clally Interested The Spy representa-
1--WE, IN his rounds gathering data. for
this edition, was that conducted bv Mr.
l.. Robbins at AZ Lagrange street. This
gentleman manufactures machine tools.
making, however, speciality of engine
laLhes, speed lathes and pattern max
ers lathes, producing these Of various
swings. These lathes are built under
ME- Robbins personal supervision from
improved designs, only the best mate
llals being used in their construction
the weight being distributed where
most required, making a tool built for
service They are all thoroughly test
ca before leaving the shop, and nothing
Imperfect IS sent out. Mr.. Robbins has
SHOWN marked ability in improving and
peI4ecIiIg ms productions as we know
tnem today, introducing many new fea-
lures which are great improvements
and time savers. Late improvements
ana reVisions of patterns have been
maze with such additions and modiffca-
lions as from intelligent suggestions
and careful study have been deemed
advisable in order TO attain the highest
degree Of mechanical skin, not only in
ease Of manipulation, but in superiority
OF workmanship executed by these
tools. Mr.. Robbins handles slide rests.
summers New MODEL drill chuck
Standard" drill chuck. Skinner Inde3
pendent lathe chuck, Skinner patent
lathe chucks, with patent reversible
jaws, and Universal and Combination
lathe chucl1s for other styles of Jaws.
The output finds sale in all parts of the
United States. the export trade grad
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
EARLE & FISHER,
Architects, No. $40 Main Street.


Some of The finest examples Of mod
ern buildings of all descriptions in Wor-
cester and vicinity were erected from
designs and plans prepared by Earle g
Fisher, architects of No. $40 Main
street. Mr.. Stephen c. Earle is one Of
the Oldest graduate architects in the
city, and has had a wide and varied ex-
perlenCe in almost every branch of the
architectural profession. MI. Earle has
been in business in this city for over
80 years, and in 1891 he was Joined by
Mr.. Clellan w. Fisher, these gentlemen
composing the present firm. The solid
ity and beauty of the newer Wcrees-
Ter is largely due to the wisdom and
rorethought of our architects who have
succeeded in Keeping IN favor the en-
during and subs -antial, and ruling out
the ephemeraI and ostentatious. This
firms designs are characterized by sim
puclty, elegance and at the same time
careful attention to sanitary and other
practical requirements. They have
erected many of the largest public and
commercial buildings and finest resi-
denees in the city, securing the commits
sions in competition with many com
petlJors. Among specimens of their
work can be mentioned the st. Mat
theW's and Union churches, Art Mu-
scum building Of Worcester, PolyteCh-
mic Institute, A. S. Lowell Co building,
Standish apartment house, St. Vim
cents Hospital, gymnasium and dwell
lngs Of the Normal School, Y w. c. A.
building, Public Library, Five Cents
Savings Bank building. and many Of
our finest churches and residences.
Their work is by no means confined to
Worcester, but much OF il may be seen
in churches school houses, libraries and
residences in many towns Of New Eng
land, also in the west and south of our
own country and in this connection
may be Notwithstanding for Hugue-
not College, South Africa. These are
but few Of the many buildings de-
signed by them, but serve full we'll to
show the excellent character OF the
work done by them. They have made
for themselves many friends among
real estate owners, builders and con-
tractors, and have attained an extended
reputation for designing buildings and
residences that are original and strik-
Ing and yet give not the slightest indi-
cation of that striving after effect,
which so seriously mars the appearance
Of many modern structures. They
have also been very successful in MAX
Ing accurate estimates of probable cost,
for their specifications are carefully
drawn UP and they keep thoroughly
well informed concerning the market
value of building materials and labor in
this section of the country thereby fur
nishing estimates of probable cost that
are within the stated amount.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
j. WILLIAM PATSTON.
Architect, Chase Building. a Trout

NAi""o building. Al Front st
The architects of Worcester certainly,
have good reason to feel proud of tba
modern buildings of the city, for. in
place of the remodeled residences or a
few years ago, which served for office
and store purposes, they can now poin+
to handsome buildings Of marble. stone
iron and steel On these new structures
our architects have lavished their most
splendid ideas, and the beauty and
utlilty, winch now go hand in hand.
make business pleasure where form
efly II was labor. More progress has
oeen made in architecture in America
during the past 20 years than was
maze during any half-century which
preceded that period, and in no depart
ment has more radical and valuable i'm
proVements been made than in school.
church, pubic and private building and
residence architecture. Compare what
may be called the average modern
American building with that of a score
Oh years or more ago, and you will find
tnat the modern structure is not only
more attractive in appearance but is
also more healthful, more convenient.
safer, very much better lighted. heated
ana ventilated. This has been due to
tlAS d0NdnCe MADE by the architects of
the country in the practice of their
profession, and to no single architect i'm
worcester are we more indebted for
the noticeable improvement made in
the appearance and comfort of our resi-
dences and buildings that have been
buiit or improved in recent years. than
to j. William Patston who has made
not only business but a study Of
architecture. The business was started
in 1856, Mr.. Patston, combining theo-
retical knowledge with practical ex-
perience having erected many large
buildings of all descriptions since start
ing. Among the largest of his late
commissions can be mentioned the
Woodland street school; Forrest build
ing, corner of Austin and Main streets;
Second Advent Church, on Piedmont
street; blocks on Main street, Water
street, Green street; double house on
Newton square for Wilson Tyler; two
school houses now building for the city;
power stations and car houses for the
Worcester and Webster street railway,
now building; buildings in Taunton
and Providence, residences in this city
and buildings and residences in all
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03

chine shop, polishing, plating, etc, the
entire plant being thoroughly equipped
with the most improved machinery,
among it being light drop hammers,
weighing from 500 to 1000 pounds each,
used for forging out the finished pro-
duct 1t has always been the aim Of
Mr.. Speirs to have his concern fully
up-to-date in every respect, so no eX-
pense is ever spared to secure any i'm
proVement promising to increase the
output or improve its quality, the re-
SUIT being that he places upon the mar
ket goods of such a quality that they
are readily recognized among the trade
as nigh grade and standard, superior in
nnlsh and freedom from flaws and Of
undlsputed superiority. Employment
IS furnished to 60 skilled workmen, who
are capable of producing an annual out
put reaching in value a very large to-
tai Mr.. Speirs is a practical man, thor
oughly Versed in his business, and it is
due to his mechanical and business
ability coupled with his honest,
straightforward manner of transacting
business that the present success of his
concern Is due He was until this wear
connected with the Speirs Manufacture
ing Company as manager. He takes an
active interest in the advancement of
the city's prosperity, aiding any enter
prise having in view its growth and fin
ture development.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
H. A. BOWMAN & CO..
Manufacturers of Awnings, Tents,
Flags, Canvas Covers, etc, II2 Front
Street.

Manufacturers of Awnings, Tents,
Flags, Canvas Covers, etc., 1Ia Front
Street.
The improvements made in machin-
cry, in fact, everything that forms a
part Of the commercial history of
America, are so great that without
them we would scarcely know how to
accomplish the results of our daily avo-
cations. Even in what formerly
seemed q very small item, that Of the
manufacture Of awnings tents, flags,
canvas covers, etc., the utmost mod
ern improvements are necessary to car
~ on the business with success. This
business has grown to be Of value and
Importance, requiring skill and judg-
ment to secure perfection The largest
and best Of the concerns devoted to-
this line Of industry in Worcester is
That OF II. A. Bowman & Co. which
mas done more to advance the inter-
rests OF the trade by the production
OF new IDEAS, finest materials and
Workmanship, than any Of its cem-
peutofs In this section Of the state.
This concern was started by Mr.. II. A
Bowman in 1892 he having since then
at different times had two or three
partners, at present however conduct
ing the business alone. Mr.. Bowman
IS manufacturer and dealer In avn
lngs, tents, flags, horse, wagon. and all
KINDS OF canvas covers, eanopies and
every description Of canvas goods. ev-
cry line being made Of the United
states Army and Navy standard water
proof duck. The output has gained a.
large and constantly increasing popu-
Iarity, secured and now held in the
race OF keen and active competition
solely upon the merit of the goods
tnelr quality and moderate price. En-
ployment is furnished to 20 workers.
VINO are experts, ably seconding Mn
BoWman's efforts to keep in advance OF
tne times. The trade extends all over
New England, middle states and the
west and is rapidly increasing in ex-
tent with the passing of the years. The
factory and its equipment is fully up
to-d%te, all work being done under Mr.
boWman's personal supervision. he be-
liis a thoroughly practical man. During
Lhe present rage Of patriotism. special
feature was made Of United States
bunting, flags, carrying a full line of
Hfst quality regulation sizes. made Of
poth bunting and silk, the latter haz-
ing gold or embroidered stars and LET
Lers, trimmed with yellow silk bullion
fringe and regulation silk cord and tas-
sells. School flags are a speciality. while
yaeht nags, jacks, burgess, streamers
ana nags Of all nations are made to Or
DER from any design desired Mr. Row
man IS a progressive ana enterprising
man, who has made his business a pro-
hounced success through his enterprise
and individual efforts.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
THE CHARLES BAKER co.,
Lumber, Packing Boxes and Box Shocks
Office, Sc Foster Street.

The trade in lumber has come to be
one Of the great interests Of the coun-
try, and millions of dollars in capital
are invested in this line of commercial
enterprise In this vicinity there are a
number of firms and corporations en-
gagged in the business, employing in the
aggregate q large amount Of capital
and furnishing work to many people
One Of the largest of these concerns is
that Of the Charles Baker Company.
whose yards are located on Manchester
street. the office being No. 81 Foster
The business was started by Charles
Baker in 1855, the present company be-
ing incorporated in 1894, having a capt.
tai Of $4,000. Since the establishment
Of the business it has been recognized
as one of the leading lumber and box
making concerns Of the city The
yards are very large, the dry houses
having a capacity of 200 600 feet, turn
ing their stock over so quickly that
they are not required to carry such a
large stock. There are number of
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-03
HOTEL RIALTO.
Matt Kennedy, Prop..257 and $50 Front
Street.

long experience, as well as consid-
eraple taste, ability and other natural
quallncations are essential 10 success
luly conduct a first class hotel and
WINE room. In these days Of refinement
the place Of this character which bas
ohly a Few rooms fitted up in poor styla
cannot hope to exist Nor win a few
bottles of one kind Of liquor do to con
quot the wine room. AS much care ,,,1,e+
now be expended upon the fitting Of a.
care as was formerly only expended
upon the finest Of establishments. fitted
especially for ladies' trade. And for
Hquld refreshments, the stool, is a q
carefully selected as that of a nbsr-
macy. No longer are aduIterated goods
Lolerated. only the best brands of the
nnest liquors whose reputation is estah-
Hsneo are now carried by first class re-
sorts. One Of the most up-to-date estab-
!ishments OF this kind in Worcester is
lne Hotel Rialto, at 257 and 259 Front
street, OF which Mr.. Matthew Kennedy is
the proprietor. This hoeel was started
py MIN IN May, 1894 and has 80 rooms.
heated by steam, lighted by gas ana
nicely furnished These rooms are la+
every night, Mr.. Kennedy conducting
q hotel exclusively for gentlemen.
There is also a cafe upstairs 1rbare
meals are served. The bar is one of the
best arranged in the city, the fittings
being entirely modern, and while no ef-
rect at snow has been made, everything
IS neat. In stock can be found the bast
brands of wines and liquors. Mr. Ken
nedy carrying all the leading WHISTLES.
and handling Bowler Bros beer. ale
and porter, Of which Mr.. Kennedy
makes a special feature the well known
excellence of the Bowler Bros goods
having secured for them a steady and
ever-increasing demand, SO no other
beer, ale or porter is handed. The
stock is indeed complete he buying his
goods in bond, allowing them to proper
~ age, keeping them always of a uni
form quality. Wines, brandies whis-
kies, cordials, gins, all kinds of import
ed beer and Bass ale, mixed drinks and
liquid refreshments Of every description
are neatly and courteously served. no
lite and competent attendants being
employed. The trade has grown stead
lily the patrons including citizens in all
walks or life, who take advantage of
the convenieRces offered to meet and
while away a few moments, while dis
posing Of some form Of liquid refresh
Jnent Mr.. Kennedy is a well known
and popular man. who has gradually
built up a very extensive business.