Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-16

III
printing there were certain times IN
49, vaar--narticularly when Congress was in
session-when the establishment could not 90
ALI the work required and largely as result
of this new private establishments were ADDED
tn those already in existence with Speclai
equipment for governmental work.
Many of these firms became househoio Woros
and are still recalled by the old resident;
namely: Gibson Brothers, McGil & Witherow'
Gideon 81 Pearson and few years later X. q.
polkinhorn. Judd & Detweiler and others.
Gibson Brothers. as near as the writer can
tell entered the printing field in 1864; at least
he does know that their four-colored advertise
ment announcing that they did "calorlc power
printing appears in the city directory for 1868,
and that they were then over Schneider's hard
ware store at 101O-1012 Pennsylvania avenue
northwest where they remained until some time
between 1880 and 1888, when they removed to
the southeast corner of Pennsylvania avenue
and Thirteenth street
At first the firm consisted only OF John ana
George Gibson but later william was taken INTO
the partnership. AL three have long since
passed away, but they left behind, as we al
know. a reputation for honesty and fair deal
ing-both to the public and to their employees
which one might well be proud Of even today.
John the senior member of the f1rm, Joined the
Columbia Typographical Society In Feofuary,
1852 Though the writer is not fully informed
as 10 the descendants of these men, yet he does
know that there are some living in Washington,
among whom are two delightful women whom
he frequently meets. Mrs. Bertha @. Hudson
and Miss Flora Gibson, daughters OF George
Gibson.
McGiu g. Witherow, like Gibson Brothers and
the other big printing offices, always employed
a big force Of printers, pressmen, bookbinders,
feeders and folders. At first they were located
at Eleventh street and Pennsylvania avenue,
but later, and for many years, conducted their
establishment at 1l07 e street northwest. The
records show that Thomas McGill became
member Of the union In August, 1913, and his
partner James NJ Witherow, in June, 1852.
Thomas McGrl & Co., and later McGin q
wallace became the successors Of the old frm,
which was originally started by Thomas McGh.
GIDEON 81 PEARSON had their printing
~ Office at the southwest corner of d and
Ninth streets, in the building In which the
Grand Lodge of MasonS and several Suborolnate
Masonic lodges met prior to moving to Ninth
and streets George S. Gideon, the senior
member of the company, as was mentioned In a
former article, was the son Of Jacob Gideon, r-,
the son Of Jacob Gideon, ST., all Of whom were
identified with the printing business in Wash
ing4on for many years. and were honored menu
beers Of the "art preservative Of all arts. The
junior member of the firm, Joseph l.. Pearson,
SUCECcOCU
membered by the younger generation as having
conducted his printing ONCE at the old stand,
in the neighborhood of which the Gideons-
Jacob, jr., and George S.-had conducted
similar business many years before.
James L. Pearson was admitted to member
ship in the old Columbia Society in February,
1858.
Many an old resident will recall Polkinhorn's
printing ONCE the south side of D street
between Sixth and Seventh streets northwest,
conducted for many years by r. o. Polkinhorn,
who in his time probably employed more help
than any other employing printer in Washing
ton. The old building is still standing and APP
parently in good condition, and no doubt
brings to many an old printer flood of recol-
1ections as he passes that way.
Mr.. Polkinhorn learned his trade with his
uncle Henry one of Washingtons pioneer print
tiers. who was admitted into the Typographical
Eociety In November, 1887, and in 1886 is
recorded as living in the block on Seventh