Category: Business

Milton Gets the Telephone

By Muriel Bristol | November 19, 2018

The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company (NET&T) “placed” a telephone switchboard in Milton Mills, NH, in 1896. Milton Mills got its first four telephones in that year.Early-porcelain-sign

  • Milton had no telephones in 1896; Milton Mills had 4 telephones.

During the year 1896, the NET&T Co. erected 696 telephone poles on its Milton-Sanbornville line, “for the extension and reconstruction of the toll line system.”

  • Milton had no telephones in 1897; Milton Mills had 4 telephones.
  • Milton had 10 telephones in 1898; Milton Mills had 6 telephones.

NET&T Co. opened an exchange in Milton, NH, in 1898. Milton got its first telephones in that same year, two years after Milton Mills. One of its first ten telephones was the “public telephone” in Charles D. Jones’ store. He also offered there gents’ furnishings, sporting goods, cigars, tobacco, and drugs.

  • Milton had 17 telephones in 1899; Milton Mills had 10 telephones.
  • Milton had 17 telephones in 1900; Milton Mills had 8 telephones.

Milton had 17 telephones and 346 households in 1900; 4.9% of its households had telephones. Milton Mills had 8 telephones and 93 households; 8.6% of its households had telephones.

  • Milton had 26 telephones in 1901; Milton Mills had 8 telephones.
  • Milton had 26 telephones in 1902; Milton Mills had 11 telephones.
  • Milton had 27 telephones in 1903; Milton Mills had 11 telephones.

New switchboards were “placed” at Milton and Milton Mills, NH, in 1904.

  • Milton had 32 telephones in 1904; Milton Mills had 17 telephones.
  • Milton had 65 telephones in 1905; Milton Mills had 25 telephones.
  • Milton had 75 telephones in 1906; Milton Mills had 35 telephones.
  • Milton had 72 telephones in 1907; Milton Mills had 44 telephones

NET&T Co.”placed” a new switchboard at Milton, NH, in 1907. In that same year, A.A. Fox, funeral director, advertised his “long-distance telephone connection at residence” in Milton Mills; and the Mills Drug Company (E.W. Emerson) advertised its telephone connection also.

  • Milton had 65 telephones in 1908; Milton Mills had 42 telephones.
  • Milton had 68 telephones in 1909; Milton Mills had 40 telephones.
  • Milton had 85 telephones in 1910; Milton Mills had 45 telephones.

Milton had 85 telephones and 282 households in 1910; 30.1% of its households had telephones. Milton Mills had 45 telephones and 97 households; 46.4% of its households had telephones.

Eglantine (Miller) Young, of Milton 3-Ponds, aged thirty-four years, worked as a telephone operator for the NE Telephone Co. in April 1910.

  • Milton had 94 telephones in 1911; Milton Mills had 89 telephones.
  • Milton had 96 telephones in 1912; Milton Mills had 94 telephones.
  • Milton had 98 telephones in 1915; Milton Mills had 95 telephones.
  • Milton had 101 telephones in 1916; Milton Mills had 94 telephones.
  • Milton had 113 telephones in 1917; Milton Mills had 91 telephones.

Alice J. Downing, of Silver Street, in Milton, aged twenty-one years, worked as a telephone operator in 1920. Doris M. Page, also of Silver Street, but a different household, aged twenty-five years, was also a telephone operator for the NE Telephone Co. Gladys H. Ayer, of School Street, in Milton, aged twenty-two years, worked the telephone exchange. She was said to have done so in her “home.”

In the face of all these very important developments, most subscribers still answer a call with, “Hello!” – just as was done thirty years ago [1880]. This answer necessarily calls for the introduction of a question, such as, “Who is this?” or “Is this the Jones company?” and a reply to one of these or other questions before the two connected parties overcome the customary preliminary formalities of a telephone conversation thus losing much time (McMeal, 1910).

References:

McMeal. Harry B. (1910). Telephony. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Jv7mAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA305

NE Tel. & Tel. (1898). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=TL4pAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA11-PA23

NE Tel. & Tel. (1900). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=CNMpAAAAYAAJ

NE Tel. & Tel. (1902). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=XyYwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA24

Milton Businesses in 1894

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 16, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the N.H. Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1894.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop 1,640. N.E. fr. C., 40 m.; N.W. fr. Dover, 20 m. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] – Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

OFFICERS – Clerk, C.D. Jones; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, G. Lyman, G.H. Plummer, C.W. Lowe; Board of Education, Ira A. Cook, Frank Healey, E.F. Fox. 

Postmaster – N.G. Pinkham. 

Justices [of the Peace] – J.U. Simes, B.B. Plummer, E.W. Fox, M.V.B. Cook, C.C. Hayes, C.H. Looney, Luther Hayes, Geo. Lyman, B.F. Avery, E.F. Fox, F.L. Mason, State; Ira Miller, Joseph Plummer, G.I. Lowe, G.H. Goodwin. 

Churches – Chris., D.B. Goodwin, Cong., Myron Dickey, F. Bap. J.S. Manter

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – John E. Fox. 

Hotels – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Phenix House, F.M. Chamberlin; Milton Hotel, E.M. Bodwell. Summer Boarding Houses – S.W. Wallingford, J.L. Twombly, J. LeGallee.

Livery Stables – F.M. Chamberlain, C.H. Thurston.

Literary Institution – Nute Free High School and Library. 

Manufacturers – Blacksmiths, I.W. Duntley, N.B. Varney; boots and shoes, Burley & Usher Co., N.B. Thayer & Co. [Dam No, 14]; builders, Webber Bros., F.B. Roberts; excelsior, S.M. Bragdon; leatherboard mill, Milton Leatherboard Co. [Dam No. 13]; lumber, L. Hayes, L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union; mowing machines, horse rakes &c., B.B. Plummer, C.A. Jones; oars, Shaw & Son; paper, Milton Manufacturing Co. [Dam No. 12]; soap, C.M. Wallingford; carriage and sign painter, Frank P. Twombly; tonsorial artist, W.F. Hargraves.

Merchants – E.C. Hodge, J.D. Willey, A.M. Roberts, L. Lucas; boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; groceries, W.T. Wallace; gents furnishing and sporting goods, cigars and tobacco, C.D. Jones; drugs, B.B. Sloan, C.D. Jones; ice, Boston Ice Co., Lynn Ice Co. Union Ice Co.; jewelry, F.A. Marks; provisions, G.E. Wentworth, C.A. Horne; fish, L.S. Nutter.

Physician – M.A.A.H. Hart. 

Milton Mills – Postmaster – Elijah T. Libbey. 

Churches – Adv., Joseph Spinney; Cong., I.E. Stuart; F. Bap., Eben. Fernald; Meth., ___ Collen.

Ex. Agent – Charles Stearns. 

Hotels – Central House, C. &. [C.D.] Fox.

Livery Stables – C.D. Fox, J.D. Hanson.

Manufacturers – Blacksmiths, J.E. Wentworth, S.F. Rines; builders, A.B. Shaw, A.A. Fox, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes; doors, sash and blinds, A.B. Shaw; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co. [Dam No. 17]; felt cloth, Riverside Mfg. Co.; harnesses, A. Sanborn; picture frames, E. Deardin; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend [Dam No. 16]. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, Ira Miller; boots and shoes, E.R. Campbell; confectionery, C.E. Ellis, E.T. Libbey, F.S. Marsh; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, Harry Wentworth; groceries, H.A. Pettengell & Co.; fish, C.S. Lowd; furniture, E.F. Fox; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, Harry Wentworth; millinery and fancy goods, Lizzie L. Hart; provisions, C.S. Lowd; stoves and tinware, Murray Bros; soda fountain and periodicals, E.T. Libbey, F.L. Marsh. 

Miscellaneous – Conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; job printer, E.T. Libbey; undertaker, A.A. Fox. 

Physicians – C.W. Gross, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds. 

Summer Boarding Houses – Chas. A. Reynolds, C.S. Lowd, Cyrus Miller, J.D. Willey, C.H. Prescott, Benj. Hoyle.

Although not listed as running a livery stable, confectioner Forrest L. Marsh offered to board horses over the winter of 1893-94.

HORSES, CARRIAGES, ETC. WINTER BOARD for horses, best of care; terms reasonable. F.L. MARSH, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, October 26, 1893).

By 1900, he was an attorney in Milton Mills.

New Hampshire. A safe in the postoffice in Murray Brothers’ store at Milton Mills was blown open Wednesday morning of last week. Three men were seen leaving the store, but the robbers made good their escape. They secured about $400 in money and stamps. It is thought to be the work of the same gang that has been operating in New Hampshire and Maine for several months past and has blown safes in 12 or 15 postoffices (Bellows Falls Times, May 24, 1894).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1892; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1898.

References:

Home Publishing Company. (1893). N.H. Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1894. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ie4WAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA131

Milton Businesses in 1892

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 14, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the Strafford County Business Directory section of the Dover, Great Falls, and Strafford County Directory, 1892-93.

MILTON.

Twenty miles N.W. of Dover. R.R. station at Milton on Ports., Gt. Falls & Con. RR. Four miles from Union, stage twice daily. It was originally a part of Rochester. Incorporated June 11, 1802. Farming and manufacturing are the principal employments. Area 25,000 acres. Population 1,640. Valuation, $857,367. Polls 450.

Apothecaries. Jones, Charles D.; Mason, Frank L.

Bands. Milton Mills Brass Band

Blacksmiths. Duntley, Ira W.; Grant, Roscoe E., Milton Mills; Varney, Bartlett; Wentworth, John E., Milton Mills

Boot and Shoe Dealers. East Lake Shoe Co., Milton Mills; Pinkham, Nathaniel G.

Boot and Shoe Mnfrs. Burley & Usher; Thayer, N.B. & Co.

Box Mnfr. Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills.

Carpenters and Builders. Giles, Jesse, Milton Mills; Webber, Royal K.

Clothing Dealer. Albee, Benjamin F., Milton Mills.

Confectionary and Fruit. Ellis, Charles E., Milton Mills; Lucas, Levi M.; Marsh, Forest L., Milton Mills

Contractor and Builder. Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills

Dentist. Reynolds, Everett G., Milton Mills

Dressmakers. Ricker, A.M. Miss; Wentworth, Cora E., Milton Mills

Dry and Fancy Goods. Lucas, Levi M.

Excelsior Mnfr. Bragdon, S.M.

Fancy Goods. Fox, Laura E., Milton Mills; Mason, F.L. Mrs.

Fish Dealer. Nutter, L. Sidney

General Stores. Fox, Ira [Asa] & Son, Milton Mills; Pettingell, H.A. & Co., Milton Mills; Willey, Joseph D.

Grocers. Miller, Ira, Milton Mills; Roberts, Amos M.; Wallace, William T.

Hairdressers. Ellis, Charles E., Milton Mills; Hall, Fred; Hargraves, William F.

Hardware Dealers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton

Harness Maker and Dealer. Sanborn, Abraham, Milton Mills

Hotels. Horace Drew, Hotel Phœnix, E. Edgerly, prop., Main; Hotel Prescott, C.H. Prescott, proprietor, Main, Milton Mills; River Side House, C.H. Downs, prop., West Lebanon road

Ice Dealers. Boston Ice Co.; Marblehead Ice Co.

Jewelry and Watches. E.T. Libby, Main, Milton Mills

Leather Board Mnfr. Carrecabe, John M.

Meat Market. Grant, Walter B.

Milk Dealer. Hayes, Rufus C.

Milliner. Fox, Laura E., Milton Mills

Painters. Hodgdon, George F.; Mills, William F., Milton Mills; Twombly, Frank P.

Paper Hanger. Hodgdon, George F.

Paper Mnfrs. Milton Mnfr. Co.

Physicians. Gross, Charles W.; Hart, M.A.H., Milton Mills; Jones, Charles D.; Mason, Frank L. 

Plumbers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton Mills

Roofers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton Mills

Saw Mills. Hayes, Luther, South M.; Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills

Stables. Chamberlin, Fred M.; Nutter James W.

Stage Line. Milton Mills to Union Village

Station Agent. Fox, John E.

Stationer. Pinkham, Nathaniel G.

Tailor. Albee, Benjamin F., Milton Mills

Variety Stores. Kimball, Rolfe M.; Lucas, Levi M.

Wooden Ware Manufacturer. Atkinson, Sullivan H., Milton Mills

Woolen Goods Manufacturers. Townsend, John, Waumbeck Co., Amasa Clark, agt.

The following advertisements for cloth workers appeared in the Boston Globe near the end of 1892 (and beginning of 1893).

MALE HELP WANTED. A RELIABLE MAN who thoroughly understands the business of piece dyeing to dye dress goods, flannels, etc. A man of this stamp may address JOHN A. BUGUEY, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, November 27, 1892).

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED. A good experienced man to run a Parks & Woolson six-quarter shear. Write at once or come to JOHN A. BUGUEY, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, November 29, 1892). 

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED. Boss weaver on Davis & Furber looms, must be a good manager of help, competent, steady and reliable. Man with family preferred. Address JOHN A. BUGNEY, supt., Milton Mills, N.H. (January 26, 1893).

John A. Buguey was then superintendent for the Waumbeck Company. His wife Mary E. (Keating) Buguey died in Milton Mills, NH, April 22, 1896. He and his children resided in Concord, MA, in 1900, where he was a weaving instructor at the Massachusetts State Prison there.

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1889; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1894.

References:

Littlefield Directory Publishing Company. (1892). Dover, Great Falls, and Strafford County Directory, 1892-93. Boston, MA: Littlefield Directory Publishing Company, 12 Post Office Square

Milton and the Rusticators

By Muriel Bristol | November 12, 2018

Some few tourists may have come to Milton with the railroad in the mid 1850s. They likely stayed in one of Milton’s hotels or boarding houses. Other seacoast and mountain communities began to experience an increase in tourism with the generally increasing productivity and incomes of the 1870s. Some Milton farm families and others saw the same opportunity and began to advertise for Summer boarders around 1874. Milton and East Milton did advertise their Summer opportunities, but Milton Mills seems to have become especially active in this.

It began to become quite a cottage industry around this time – the B&B of its time.

One may gain some idea of what the tourist of those days, then known as a “rusticator,” sought in a Summer holiday. The advertisers pitched elevated ridgeline situations with scenery, views, shade, dry air and breezes. Dining would feature good farm food, including eggs, fresh milk, fruit, and berries.

These settings and amenities seem to have been considered especially “healthful” for children and invalids.

OUR FOLKS AND OTHER FOLKS. Mrs. Adelaide L. Nichols of 112 New Boston road is boarding in Milton, N.H., hoping to improve her health (Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, MA), August 19, 1907).

For the more active visitor, driving carriages on country roads seems to have been a popular activity. The rusticator had little interest in swimming or beaches; and many may not have even known how to swim. But boating, fishing, and hunting (or “gunning”) were mentioned often as attractions.

For those unable to make a complete break from their city lives, some situations emphasized their proximity to train stations, telegraphs, post offices, and newspapers. Churches too.

Summer Resorts and Hotels. In New Hampshire. BOARD – A few Summer boarders can find a pleasant home in a private family, convenient to churches, railroad, telegraph and Post Office, in a quiet and healthy little village, situated between mountain and pond. For particulars, address Box 30, Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 7, 1874).

Hotels & Summer Resorts. CENTENNIAL HOUSE, Situated in the pleasant village of Milton Mills, N.H., is now open for boarders. Good board and rooms, gunning and fishing, pleasant drives and pure air. Terms satisfactory. Address JOHN W. PRESCOTT, Milton Mills (Boston Globe, June 27, 1876).

BG760627-Centennial

Summer Board. SUMMER BOARDERS wanted by a Christian family; pleasantly situated, high grounds, and a good farmer’s table; terms for adults, $5; children under seven, $2.50. Address box 329, East Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 16, 1877).

SUMMER BOARDERS for the season at $4 per week. Boat on Lovell’s Lake, close by, and carriage to and from depot free. Unequalled facilities for driving, boating and fishing. Address JOHN F. GARLAND, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 24, 1879).

SUMMER BOARD. MILTON, N.H. – A child or invalid can find a pleasant home with kindest care; best references; terms reasonable. Address Box 9 (Boston Globe, August 6, 1882).

SUMMER BOARD. – At a farm house, near a splendid lake, mountain scenery, fine drives, etc.; terms to suit the times. Address Box 262, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 27, 1884).

SUMMER BOARDERS can have first-class accommodations at Tamaline Heights Cottage, Milton Mills, N.H. Pleasant situation; splendid views; fine drives; pure air, trout, bass and other fishing near; three minutes’ walk to post office, churches, stores, etc.; house newly refinished and furnished; no pains will be spared to make it comfortable and attractive; reference Elbridge W. Fox, P.M., Milton Mills, N.H. Apply through box 113, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 3, 1884).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARDERS. – Can have first-class accommodations at Tamaline Heights Cottage. Pleasant situation; splendid views; fine drives; pure air; near post office, churches, stores, etc.; no pains spared for comfort and ease. Apply through box 113, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 25, 1885).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD at a pleasant farm house within 10 minutes’ walk of post office; nice shade grove; good rooms and table; terms reasonable. Address Box 146, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 2, 1886).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER board – Large farm house, near Lovell’s lake; highest land in Strafford county; oak and maple shade trees; splendid mountain scenery; fine drives and fishing; good rooms and table; ladies $4, gents $5 per week; teams to and from depot free. CHARLES E. LOWD, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 4, 1886).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD – At a farmhouse near a splendid lake, mountain scenery, fine drives, etc., terms to suit times. Box 235, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 10, 1887).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD, at pleasant farmhouse, ½ mile from post office and village; cool, shady, fine drives, pleasant scenery, good rooms, plenty of meats, eggs, milk, vegetables; terms reasonable. Box 146, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 12, 1887).

SUMMER RESORTS. BOARD – Farm board on high ridge; dry air and plenty of shade; fruit, berries, milk, etc.; daily mail and papers; terms, ladies $4, gents $5 per week. Box 221, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 12, 1888).

SUMMER RESORTS. HOTEL PRESCOTT – Pleasantly situated in a beautiful village in New Hampshire, close to 3 churches and post office; 2 mails a day from Boston; a desirable home for those seeking health, comfort and pleasure; good fishing and gunning; nice drives; good livery connected with the house. C.H. Prescott, proprietor, Milton Mills, N.H (Boston Globe, July 28, 1889).

BG890728-Hotel Prescott

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD for ladies or gentlemen can be obtained in a beautiful village in New Hampshire; home comforts, close to 3 churches and post office, organ, Boston papers, good livery, etc.; board $4 to $7 per week. Address C.H. PRESCOTT, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 16, 1890).

SUMMER RESORTS. BOARD. – Farm board on high ridge; dry air and plenty of shade, fruit, berries, and milk, etc.; daily mail and papers; terms ladies $4, gents. $5 per week. Box 221, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 9, 1891). 

SUMMER RESORTS. WANTED. – Summer boarders at Sunset cottage; good farm board, high land, healthful climate; parties seeking rest write for full particulars. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 9, 1891).

Summer Resorts. NEW HAMPSHIRE. BOARDERS wanted, Sunset cottage, on a farm, high land, beautiful scenery, healthy climate, plenty fresh eggs, milk, vegetables, etc., daily mail, reasonable. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 21, 1895).

SUMMER RESORTS. NEW HAMPSHIRE. BOARDERS wanted at Sunset cottage; high land, healthy climate, scenery unsurpassed, shade, pleasant walks, drives, milk, eggs, berries, vegetables. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 2, 1896).

Summer Resorts. FARM BOARD at Mountain View farm, location elevated and healthy, scenery fine, table supplied with fresh milk, berries and vegetables; testimonials given. Box 63, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 13, 1897).

The business directories first took notice of this Summer boarding phenomenon in their 1889 issue, which included four Summer boarding houses situated at Milton Mills:

Summer Boarding Houses – Charles A. Reynolds, John Lewis, C.S. Lowd, J.D. Willey.

At some point, some Summer visitors began to buy their own Summer properties in Milton.

Milton Businesses in 1887

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 8, 2018

Here is extracted the Milton (including Milton Mills) entry from the New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, 1887.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop. 1,516, N.E. fr. C. 40; N.W. fr. Dover, 20. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] – Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

Officers – Clerk, C.H. Looney; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, [Charles] A. Jones, Charles T. Haines, Chas. Hayes; Board of Education, John Simes, Luther Hayes, Martin V.B. Cook

Postmasters – N.G. Pinkham; West, T.F. Canney

Justices [of the Peace], J.U. Sims, E.W. Fox, J.S. Hersey, M.V.B. Cook, C.C. Hayes, B.F. Avery, Luther Hayes, B.B. Plummer, E.F. Fox, C.H. Looney, State; Ira Miller, Joseph Plummer

Churches – Chris. D.B. Goodwin; Cong. Frank Haley; F. Bap. C.E. Mason

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – William T. Wallace.

Hotels & Livery Stables – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Phenix House, J.G. Garland

Literary Institution – Milton Classical Institute, Mrs. E.E. Cowell

Manufacturers – blacksmith, I.W. Duntley; builder, E.H. Hursome; boots & shoes, Burley & Usher; clothing, Horne Bros.; excelsior, S.M. Bragdon; flour & meal, J.H. Avery; Leather Board Mills, John Carricabe; lumber, Luther Hayes, Scates & Lyman, Wentworth & Plummer, L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union; mowing machines, horse rakes &c, B.B. Plummer; oars, Shaw & Son; paper, Milton Manuf’g Co.; soap, C.M. Wallingford; woolens and blankets, I.W. Springfield & Son.

Merchants – J.F. Hart, J.D. Willey, Looney & Downes, Wm. O. Shattuck, J.Q.A. Tappan: boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; fancy goods, Mrs. Ira S. Knox, Mrs. J.F. Hart; ice, Granite State Ice Company, Lynn Ice Co., Boston Union Ice Co.; millinery, Alta Knox; provisions, W.B. Grant.

Physician – W.F. Wallace

Milton Mills – Postmaster – B.F. Albee. Exp. Agt. – O.T. Fox

Churches – Adv. Joseph Spinney; Cong. S.H. Atkins; F. Bap. C.M. Anderson; Meth. H.E. Allen.

Hotels & Livery Stables – Central House, C. Remick; Centennial House, Benj. Hoyle.

Manufacturers – builders, A.B. Shaw, A.A. Fox, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes; carriages, J.W. Brierly, A.O. Prescott; clothing, J.W. Brierly, C.S. Stevens & Bros.; doors, sash and blinds, A.B. Shaw; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co.; felt, cloth, table and piano covers, D.H. Buffum’s Sons; harnesses, A. Sanborn; hosiery, Riverside M’fg. Co.; picture frames, E. Deardin; plows, W.F. Cutts; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, J.U. Simes, Ira Miller; carriages, J.F. & G.E. Hart; confectionary, J. McGibbon, W.F. Hargraves; boots and shoes, J.W. Hanson; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, F. Roberts; drugs and medicines, W.F. Fassett; fancy goods, Miss M.A. Berry, Louis Marxshon; fish, J.F. Archibald, E. Trefethen; furniture, Wormwood & Shaw; groceries, F.H. Lowd, J. Lewis, E.J. Brierley, O.H. Hussey; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, B.F. Albee; millinery, Augusta Berry; millinery and fancy goods, Mrs. J.W. Prescott; periodicals, E.W. Fox, J. McGibbon; provisions, C.S. Lowd, J.E. Hayes; stoves and tin ware, Murray Bros.

Miscellaneous – conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; job printer, E.T. Libbey; machinist, E. Osgood; nurseryman, John Copp

Physicians – C.W. Gross, M.K. Cowell, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds.

The Milton Mills merchant tailor Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Albee listed above posted the following advertisement in the Boston Globe in this year.

FEMALE HELP WANTED. TAILORESS. A first-class tailoress and custom coatmaker. B.F. ALLBEE, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, April 23, 1887).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1884; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1889.

References:

Tower, F.L. (1887). New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, 1887. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?lr=&id=lN8WAAAAIAAJ

Milton Water Power in 1885

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 7, 2018

The following 1885 description of water power on the Salmon Falls River is extracted from a larger report compiled for the entire country. It was created as a part of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. This extract begins at East Rochester and moves upstream to Milton Mills, with some consideration of the tributaries of the Salmon Fall River above Milton Mills.

At East Rochester is the next improved power on the river, that of the Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Company. The dam is of wood, 10½ feet high, founded on ledge, ponding the water only about 1,400 feet to the dam above. The fall used is 10½ feet at mill No. 3, situated at the dam, and using 50 horse-power, while at mills No. 1 and No. 2, to which the water is led by a canal 700 feet long and 20 feet wide, the fall is 16½ feet and the power some 150 (?) horse power. Full capacity can be secured at all times excepting sometimes on Saturday, when the Great Falls Company shut the reservoirs above, in which case mill No. 3 is run by steam. Water generally runs over the dam day and night.

At the head of the pond last mentioned is a second privilege owned by the same company, with a wooden dam 8 feet high, ponding the water 2 miles, and affording power for a saw- and grist-mill, with a fall of 8 feet. The further development of this power is talked of. 

A short distance above this privilege is the site of a woolen-mill, which was burned in 1882. The fall was 8 feet, with a canal a third of a mile long.

The next power is a saw- and grist-mill, 1½ mile below Milton, the fall being 11 feet with a dam 8 feet high. Between this power and the one below there is said to be a small fall once used, but now idle. It is probably of no importance.

Between the last power and Milton Three ponds is the largest fall on the river, amounting probably to not less than 120 feet in 1½ mile, and some 200 feet in 3 miles. (a) The fall is continuous, over ledges of solid rock, the banks being also very rocky and sometimes steep. This entire fall is controlled by the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, and is only utilized by a small mill at the outlet of the ponds. Of this large fall a considerable portion could be utilized, though it is impossible to say how much. As regards building dams, no difficulty would be experienced, but it might sometimes be difficult to find good locations for mills and canals, on account of the toughness of the banks. At the “flume” there is a fall of about 15 feet in 100 feet, the width of the stream being very small; and above it there is an equal fall in as short a distance. A short distance above, the Great Falls company has erected a dam and a mill, the dam being of wood about 16 feet high, and only about 30 or 40 feet long, between cliffs of rock. The mill has never been used, and no wheel has been put in. The fall is 16 feet. Above the dam there is a fall of 15 feet, or thereabout, to the foot of the dam at the outlet of the ponds, which is 16 feet high. The fall here is used by a small excelsior mill a short distance below the dam, using a fall of 14 feet when the ponds are full, with about 25 horse-power, and only running about ten months. 

Any estimate of the power available at this place is very uncertain, because it depends entirely upon the manner in which the reservoirs are operated by the Great Falls Company. To judge from the amount of power below, I should say that a power of 12 horse-power per foot fall could be depended upon at all times, if it could be all used during working hours. The reservoirs, however, are often closed on Saturday, so that they may partly fill up, and the supply is drawn from Mast Point pond during that day, the reservoirs being opened again on Monday morning. If mills should be located, therefore, on this fall, they might not be able to run on Saturday, while at other times the supply of water would be excessive. Similar disadvantages are always experienced by mills located near reservoirs which are controlled in the interest of mills situated far below. Not only would there probably be a lack of water on Saturday, but during other days there would always be a waste at night, for while the Ponds are open they are allowed to flow night and day; and as there are no facilities for storing water at night within the distance occupied by the fall referred to, there would be no possibility of concentrating the power into working hours. These or similar considerations have perhaps been those which have prevented the utilization of the power, which is favorably situated, within easy reach of the railroad, and with building materials close at hand.

The next power above Milton Three ponds is at Milton mills, where there are several dams, and above which the fall is rapid all the way to the source of the river. The lowest dam is owned by the Waumbeck Manufacturing Company, and the power is leased, being used by a woolen-mill and a felt-mill, one with a fall of 8 feet and 36 horsepower, and the other with a fall of 10 feet and 60 horse power. Full capacity can only be obtained during out nine or ten months, as the water is drawn from Great East pond in such a way as to cause a lack of water during a few months. The next dam is that supplying the woolen-mill of the Waumbeck Company. It is 14 feet high, the fall is 14 feet, and the power 75 horse-power, steam-power being in reserve. The next dam is of stone, 15 feet high, with flash-boards and supplies Buffum’s felt-mill, the fall being 15 feet and the power being 60 horse-power, steam-power being in reserve to the same extent. Above this is a reservoir belonging to the Waumbeck Company, the dam (called the Hooper dam) being of stone and from 15 to 18 feet high. The reservoir holds about one day’s supply. The next above is an unutilized privilege, called the “Jewett” privilege, once used by a small mill. The fall was about 12 feet, but it is said that 18 feet or more could be obtained. Above it is a second reservoir of the Waumbeck Company, the dam being of stone, 8 feet high, and the pond (known as Roe pond) holding about twenty-four hours’ storage. Above it are some saw mills, one at the dam at the outlet of Horn pond. There is no fall not utilized on this part of the stream, excepting that at the Jewett privilege. The mills, however, are obliged to have steam-power in reserve, on account of the intermittent flow from the reservoirs. 

The tributaries of the Salmon Falls river are not of much consequence. Of those from New Hampshire the only one to be mentioned is Branch river, which rises in Cook’s pond and empties into Three Ponds. At Union Village there are four mills on this stream running all the year. Of the tributaries from Maine the only one to be mentioned is Great Works river, which empties just below South Berwick, at the head of tide-water. It is a small stream, draining only about 92 square miles, and its flow is not very constant. It has one artificial reservoir, known as Bonny Bigg pond, covering about 500 acres – according to Wells, 1,600 acres – from which 8 or 10 feet may be drawn. At the mouth of the river is a saw- and grist-mill, with a dam 12 feet high, using a fall of 14 feet. The power available is probably about 65 horse-power net at its minimum during eleven hours. Less than a mile above this site there was formerly a dam, with a fall of about 18 feet, the privilege being now idle. It belongs to the Newichawanick Company, which owns the mills just above, and it would probably afford a power of 80 horse-power net during working hours, when the flow is at its minimum, and considerably more during the greater part of the year. Just above, or about a mile above the mouth of the stream, at Newichawanick falls, are the two dams of the Newichawanick Company, one 22 feet high, affording a fall of 29 feet, with 90 horse-power all the time, and the other 13 feet high, affording a fall of 17 feet, with 80 horse-power. These powers are excellent in almost every respect, and are in close proximity to several railroads. The gross power available during the low season of dry years is probably not less than 7 or 8 horse-power per foot fall, and during ordinary years 10 or over. During nine months probably twice as much could be utilized. Above this there are no powers worth describing.

The following tables give the power utilized on the coast streams of New Hampshire, compiled from the returns, and the drainage areas of the principal streams:

Table of drainage areas of the coast streams of New Hampshire

  • Exeter river [Stream; Tributary to] Great bay [Above what point] Exeter [Drainage area] 113 [Sq. miles]
  • Lamprey river [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Newmarket [Drainage area] 210 [Sq. miles]
  • Oyster river [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Mouth [Drainage area] 20 [Sq. miles]
  • Bellamy river [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] do [Drainage area] 30 [Sq. miles]
  • Cocheco river [Stream; Tributary to] Piscataqua river [Above what point] Dover [Drainage area] 183 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Gonic [Drainage area] 90 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Rochester [Drainage area] 72 [Sq. miles]
  • Salmon Falls river [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Berwick [Drainage area] 242 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Salmon Falls [Drainage area] 240 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Great Falls [Drainage area] 231 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] East Rochester [Drainage area] 140 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Milton Three ponds [Drainage area] 123 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] Milton mills [Drainage area] 34 [Sq. miles]
  • Little river [Stream; Tributary to] Salmon Falls river [Above what point] Mouth [Drainage area] 60 [Sq. miles]
  • Great Works river [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] do [Drainage area] 92 [Sq. miles]
  • Salmon Falls river [Stream; Tributary to] Piscataqua river [Above what point] Berwick [Drainage area] a123 [Sq. miles]
  • Do [Stream; Tributary to] do [Above what point] do [Drainage area] b119 [Sq. miles]

a In Maine; b in New Hampshire

Another interesting table follows – Table of powers utilized on the coast streams of New Hampshire – which is beyond my power to represent. You may find it in the source listed in the References below.

Compare with Milton Water Power in 1901

References:

Swain, George F. (1885). Reports of the Water-Power of the United States, Part I. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ob5NAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA67

Milton Businesses in 1884

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 5, 2018

Here is extracted the Milton (including Milton Mills) entry from the New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, for 1884.

In this year the number of ice merchants increased from one to three.

MILTON, STRAFFORD. Pop. 1,516. N.E. fr. С., 40; N.W. fr. Dover, 20. R.R.S. [Railroad Station], Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 т., connects twice daily by stage.

OFFICERS – Clerk, C.H. Looney; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, Geo. Lyman, J.U. Simes, W.H.H. Pinkham; Supts., Miss Lizzie Lyman, W.E. Pillsbury.

Postmasters – C.H. Looney; West, T.F. Canney. 

Justices [of the Peace] – E.W. Fox, M.V.В. Cook, C.С. Hayes, В.F. Avery, Luther Hayes, В.В. Plummer, State; J.S. Hersey, Ira Miller, Jon. Plummer. 

Churches – Chris. D.В. Goodwin; Cong. Geo. Sterling; F. Bap. ___Waldron.

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – Daniel Cockery. 

Hotels & Livery Stables – Riverside House, C.H. Downs, Phenix House, H.G. Wentworth.

Literary Institution – Milton Classical Institute, Fred A. Chase.

Manufacturers – blacksmiths, I.W. Duntley; builder, E.H. Hursome; excelsior, S.M. Bragdon; lumber, Luther Hayes, Scates & Lyman, Wentworth & Plummer; L. Plummer, p.о. ad., Union; woolens and blankets, I.W. Springfield & Son. 

Merchants – J.F. Hart, J.D. Willey, Looney & Downes; fancy goods, Mrs. Ira S. Knox, Mrs. J.F. Hart; ice, Granite State Ice Company, Lynn Ice Co., Boston Union Ice Co.; millinery, Alta Knox.

Physician – ___ Wallace.

Milton Mills – Postmaster & Ex. Agent, E.W. Fox. 

Churches – Adv., Joseph Spinney; Cong., G.S. Butler; F. Bap., F. Mansur; Meth., J.T. Davis. 

Hotels & Livery Stables – Central House, С. Remick; Centennial House, J.W. Prescott. 

Manufacturers – builders, A.B. Shaw, A.A. Fox, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes; carriages, John Brackett, A.О. Prescott; clothing, F.E. Stevens & Bros; coffins and caskets, A.A. Fox; doors, sash and blinds, Wormwood & Shaw; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co.; felt cloth, piano and table covers, D.H. Buffum & Co.; harnesses, A. Sanborn; picture frames, E. Deardin; plows, W.F. Cutts; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend; washing powder, O.T. Fox. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, A.A. Fox & Co., J.U. Simes, Ira Miller; carriages, J.F. & G.E. Hart; confectionery, J. McGibbon, W.F. Hargraves; boots and shoes, J.W. Hanson; coffins and caskets, J. Brackett; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, F. Roberts; drugs and medicines, W.H. Fassett; fancy goods, Miss M.A. Berry, Louis Marxshon; fish, J.F. Archibald, E. Trefethen; furniture, Wormwood & Shaw; flour, grain, lumber, etc., S.H. Atkins; groceries, F.H. Lowd, J. Lewis, E.J. Brierley, O.H. Hussey; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, B.F. Albee; millinery, Augusta Berry; millinery and fancy goods, Mrs. J.W. Prescott; periodicals, E.W. Fox, J. McGibbon; provisions, С.S. Lowd, J.E. Hayes; stoves and tin ware, Murray Bros. 

Miscellaneous – conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; nurseryman, John Copp; machinist, E. Osgood; job printer, E.T. Libbey. 

Physicians – J.С Buck, C.W. Gross, M.K. Cowell, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds.

The Boston Globe reported the failure, i.e. bankruptcy, of Henry H. Townsend’s woolen goods mill this year:

Business Embarrassments. H.H. Townsend, blanket manufacturer, Milton, N.H., has failed (Boston Globe, August 29, 1884).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1882; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1887.

References:

White River Paper Co. (1884). New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, for 1884. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rZUBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA115

Milton Mills Shoe Strike of 1889

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 1, 2018

A Boston Globe news article about the commencement of the Milton Mills shoe industry strike of November 18, 1889.

The older spelling of employé or employe instead of the modern employee is not an error. Note too the practice of breaking a sentence in the middle to make a part of it a heading.

Milton Mills had a good water-power source, but it was four or five miles by wagon from the railhead at Union. That would have meant a rather high additional transport cost for both raw materials and finished goods. Note that the wealthier residents of Milton purchased an existing factory in 1888 and gave it to the Varney & Lane company free of charge. A majority of the town residents voted to exempt the firm from all taxation for a period of ten years. These would seem to have been rather substantial levels of “encouragement.”

SOLES MADE FROM SOULS

Stories of Cheap Work at Milton Mills, N.H.

Big Meeting of Malcontents Opened by Fervent Prayer.

Knights of Labor Endorse Henry George’s Land Theories in Substance.

MILTON MILLS, N.H., Nov. 18 – Seldom, if ever, has any meeting of a trade union in the United States, called to inaugurate a strike, been opened with a prayer by a minister of the gospel. Such was the case with the public meeting of the local union of the Boot and Shoeworkers’ International Union last evening in Fox’s Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to ascertain how much support the citizens of the town would render the union members employed at Varney & Lane’s shoe factory in case there should be any trouble. This firm when it came there, was furnished a factory free of rent and exempted from taxation for 10 years.

One of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of the town, Freeman Stevens, acted as chairman and introduced Rev. Charles Atkins, who offered a prayer for the success of the movement.

Harry C. Moulton of the executive board of the international organization, who

Organized the Union

a month ago, was the principal speaker. He stated that “the shoe workers of Milton Mills were receiving the very lowest prices for shoemaking in the United States. Even convicts in the Lawrence jail received more. Either Milton Mills prices must be advanced or else prices in other sections of New England must be lowered.”

Mr. Stevens, the chairman, said that he hoped the union would be successful in the attempt to get an advance in wages. If this firm would not pay as much as it competitors on the same grade of work then he would give as much money to help the firm move out of town as he subscribed to get it to come here.

Mr. Brierly, a woolen manufacturer and formerly part-owner of the factory occupied by Varney & Lane said that he would rather see the factory empty then have the young people continue at work in the factory at such low wages. Many of the latter have given from four to six weeks’ labor to this firm for nothing.

The difference in wages between this firm and those paid in other towns was ascertained by the citizens and employes writing to shoe manufacturers and employes in other places and finding out the prices paid. When they began to compare prices paid by this firm’s competitors with those paid in this town the indignation began to grow until it resulted in this meeting. There is now some talk of reconsidering the vote of the town by which the firm was granted exemption from taxation.

The union at a business meeting after the public meeting, instructed Mr. Moulton to present a new price list to the firm, which means an advance of from 10 to CO [SIC] per cent. In case the firm refused to grant it he was authorized to order a strike. Every employe is a member of the union, and all will walk out if the advance is not granted.

Mr. Moulton told the writer today that this case is of national importance. Every shoe firm in the United States is

More or Less Interested.

This firm made 3000 cases of shoes this year and sold its product from $3.60 to $10 a case less than any other firm, thus demoralizing the market. Whenever any manufacturer in New England running country shops was asked to increase the wages of his employes he always pointed to Milton Mills and asked why that firm was not called on to increase wages first, as they were so much lower.

“The prices here are way down to bed rock,” said Mr. Moulton. “Now that this firm is coming up there is some prospect of other firms in New England also increasing wages. We think we have at last solved the problem of country shops by rounding up on the very lowest scale of wages paid for shoemaking in New England. The firms of Morgan & Dore of Richmond, Me., Kimball Brothers of Gardiner, Me., C.B. Lancaster & Co. of Pittsfield, N.H., Hollis & Co. of Bumstead [Barnstead], N.H., Bartlett Shoe Co. of Laconia, N.H., and Cropley & Munroe of Wolfeboro, N.H., as well as other firms in other localities, will cease to be sufferers from the underselling made possible by the extremely low wages formerly paid for labor by this firm. In fact the whole shoe trade of New England will be benefited by the rise in wages which is sure to come.”

The feeling of the people of this place is such that if the firm attempts to fight the union and bring in outside shoemakers the latter will not be able to get board, food, or any other of the necessaries of life. Nearly everyone who subscribed money to buy the factory, to present rent free to the firm, is willing to subscribe as much to help the union members in this struggle. The young men and women employed are farmers sons and daughters living at home. They are thus well provided with the necessaries of life and comfortable homes, and so are in a condition to stand a long siege (Boston Globe, November 19, 1889).

Eighty Shoe Workers on Strike

Milton Mills, N.H., November 21. – As a result of the demand of the Shoeworkers’ Union for more wages and the refusal of the firm of Varney & Lane to grant the increase, the employes struck today. About 80 men and women are out, and the factory is deserted except by two boys and a few girls in the stitching room. When Harry C. Moulton of the general executive board of the Boot and Shoe Workers’ International Union, acting in the capacity of agent of the local union, presented the price list to the firm at its office in Lynn, he was informed by Mr. Lane that his firm could not pay the prices and would remove their business to Lynn. A soon as the union was informed of this they quit work.

The citizens of the place are generally much excited over this affair (Boston Globe, November 22, 1889).

They Want Fair Treatment

Concerning the labor troubles at Milton Mills, N.H., E.J. Brierly writes to THE GLOBE: “The strike has been precipitated by the change of superintendents, but the underlying cause is the ridiculously low prices paid by Messrs’ Varney & Lane, which are not as high as in other country shops for the same kind of work. Nothing is known of any threats against Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell. The statement that “such a sentiment has been developed as to compel the firm to remove from town” is wrong. They have the support of the majority of the citizens when they located at Milton Mills $3000 was subscribed for them and they were aided in many ways. The citizens are now ready to meet with the principals and if it can be shown that the wages they have paid are as stated it will be found that the citizens will rally to their support. All that is asked is simple justice by the people who contributed both their saving and labor in starting the shop (Boston Globe, November 22, 1889).

C.W. VARNEY & CO.’S RETURN. Explanation by the Firm and Action of the Lynn Boot and Shoe Council. Lynn, Mass., Nov. 22. C.W. Varney & Co., shoe manufacturers, who have for nearly a year been conducting business in Milton Mills, N.H., have decided to bring their work back to Lynn, and will, in connection with the brick block on Broad street, occupy the wooden factory on Box place, formerly occupied by M.F. Donovan. One of the firm says: “In comparing our prices paid at Milton Mills, N.H., with those of Lynn, we have only to say we went into the country to manufacture a cheap grade of shoes, in order to offer to our trade a line such as is made in Maine and New Hampshire by our competitors. Realizing how long it takes to overcome and live down a prejudice, we have firmly decided to remove our country business to Lynn, without the slightest idea of ever attempting to manufacture again in the country. Our factory plant, one of the finest in New Hampshire, is for sale.” The Lynn Boot and Shoe Council held its meeting last evening, and the matter of C.W. Varney & Co. bringing its work back to Lynn from Milton Mills, N.H., was discussed, and it was decided to give to the members of the council and the general public the position of the council on matters of this kind, while the council, representing the different shoe organizations of Lynn attached to N.S.A., 216, are heartily in accord with any legitimate endeavor to bring back to Lynn any of the works that left here, they are not in accord with the desire of any manufacturer to bring his work here temporarily in order to defeat the ends of organized labor in the county shops (Boston Globe, November 22, 1889).

STAY THERE AFTER ALL

Strike Settling Down – Union and K. of L. Appreciate Each Other

MILTON MILLS, N.H., Nov. 22. It is more than possible that in the next 24 hours the strike in Varney & Lane’s factory will be settled. Negotiations looking to that end are now in progress between representatives of the union and the firm. Much satisfaction is expressed over the action of the Lynn Boot and Shoe Council, which is composed principally of Knights of Labor, in stating to the manufacturers that they did not believe in any manufacturer removing his work to Lynn temporarily in order to defeat organized labor in country shoe shops.

These two organizations, the K. of L. and union shoemakers, were formally not in perfect harmony, but the union men express warm approval of this square dealing (Boston Globe, November 23, 1889).

Varney & Lane and its striking employees came to an agreement on Monday, December 23, 1889.

Settled Their Difficulties. Dover, N.H., Dec. 24. – The trouble between Varney & Lane, shoe manufacturers, of Milton, N.H., and their employes was settled Monday, and an agreement signed to remain in force until Jan. 23, 1891. It reinstates the old help and increases prices from 20 to 25 per cent. The event was celebrated with a band, parade, speeches and a banquet ((Decatur, IL) Morning Review. December 25, 1889).

An Advance for the Lasters. DOVER, N.H., Dec. 21. The difficulty in the shoe shop at Milton Mills has been adjusted. The lasters have been granted an advance of 15 per cent, and have returned to work. This will be followed by a proportionate advance of prices in other departments (Pike County Dispatch, December 26, 1889).

Moulton’s Side

In a lengthy article of a month later regarding strikes in Portland and Freeport, ME, the union organizer, Harry C. Moulton, was asked “What success did you have in settling the labor trouble at Milton mills?”

To which Moulton replied:

All settled and signed until June. The strike was on for five weeks and resulted in a complete victory for the union. Last evening the town was ablaze with excitement. We had a flag raising, a meeting with speeches from prominent citizens, and a banquet followed by a dance (Boston Globe, December 24, 1889).

Epilogue

Prior to the June expiration of the December settlement Varney & Lane put the Milton Mills factory, along with its tax privilege, up for sale:

BUSINESS CHANCES. FOR SALE. Large shoe factory, at Milton Mills, N.H., with or without machinery; the finest plant in the state, at a shoe centre; capacity 75 cases per day; excellent water power; 65-horse power engine; automatic sprinklers, summer and winter boilers, steam heat, elevator, and all modern improvements; with the above are 10 tenements and 15 acres land; business exempt from taxation for a period of years; will sell all the above property at a low price. Apply to SILSBEE & GEER, 10 Andrew st., Lynn, Mass. (Boston Globe, April 30, 1890).

References:

Boston Globe. (1889, November 19). Soles Made from Souls. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Boston Globe. (1889, November 21). Eighty Shoe Workers on Strike. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Boston Globe. (1889, November 21). They Want Fair Treatment. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Boston Globe. (1889, November 23). Strike Settling Down. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Boston Globe. (1889, December 24). Moulton’s Side. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Boston Globe. (1890, April 30). Business Chances. Boston, MA: Boston Globe.

Milton Businesses in 1882

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 3, 2018

Here is extracted the Milton (including Milton Mills) entry from the New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, for 1882.

MILTON, STRAFFORD. Pop. 1,516. N.E. fr. C., 40; N.W. fr. Dover, 20. R.R.S.[Railroad Station], Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway, R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage. 

OFFICERS – Clerk, C.H. Looney; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, H.B. Scates, D. Wallingford, Elbridge W. Fox; Supts., J.U. Simes, H.P. Pitcher.

Postmasters – C.H. Looney; West, T.F. Canney. 

Justices [of the Peace] – Luther Hayes, C.H. Looney, E.W. Fox, M.V.B. Cook, B.F. Avery, C.C. Hayes, State; J.U. Sims, Joseph Plummer, B.B. Plummer, J.H. Hersey, Ira Miller, Geo. Lyman, J.F. Hart.

Churches – Chris., D.B. Goodwin; Cong., __ __; F. Bap., C.L. Plumer.

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – Daniel Cockery. 

Physician – H.F. Pitcher. 

Hotels & Livery Stables – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Glen House, H.G. Wentworth.

Literary Institution – Milton Classical Institute, A.E. Cowell.

Manufacturers – boots and shoes, Wilson & Morgan; excelsior, J.H. Avery & Co.; shoe boxes, Chas. H. Hayes; shoe knives, J.H. Duntley; lumber, Luther Hayes, Scates & Lyman, Wentworth & Plummer, H.V. Wentworth & Son; L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union. 

Mechanics – blacksmiths, H. Duntly & Son, N.B. Varney; carpenters, Joseph Mathes, E.H. Hersom, I.W. Jones, D.R. Fall, G.A. Swasey; hair dresser, ___Watson; masons, Clark Foss, Wm. F. Wentworth, G.P. Otis; painters, G.F. Hodgdon, Timothy Remick, J.Q.A. Soppin; shoemaker, George Tasker; wheelwrights, Joseph Mathes, Daniel Jenness. 

Merchants – J.F. Hart, Dan. Cockery, J.D. Willey, Looney & Downes; fancy goods, Mrs. Ira S. Knox, Mrs. J.F. Hart; ice, Granite State Ice Company; millinery, Mrs. C.M. Roberts. 

Milton Mills – Postmaster & Ex. Agent – E.W. Fox. 

Churches – Adv., C.S. Shattuck, Joseph Spinney; Cong., C.F. Goldsmith; F. Bap., H.P. Mansur; Meth., W.C. Bartlett.

Hotel & Livery Stables – Central House, C. Remick; Centennial House, J.W. Prescott.

Lawyer & Ins. Ag’t – E.F. Cloutman.

Manufacturers – carriages and wheelwrights, John Brackett, A.O. Prescott; clothing, Asa Jewett; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co.; felt cloth piano and table covers, D.H. Buffum & Co.; picture frames, E.A. Hargraves; plows, W.F. Cutts; saddle housings, L.B. Roberts; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; rubber linings, table and piano covers, Townsend & Co.; washing powder, E.J. Brierley. 

Mechanics – blacksmiths, Ebenezer Osgood, Nathaniel Rines, S.F. Rines, S.R. Runnells, John W. Brierley; carpenters, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes, A.A. Fox, S. Hooper, A.B. Shaw, H. Wentworth, O. Wentworth, G.E. Simes, O.T. Fox; dress makers, Cora Lord, Mrs. Jewett; dyer, J.H. Whiteside; hair dresser, E.A. Hargraves; hair worker, Mrs. E.W. Balentine; harness makers, A. Sanborn & Son, Wm. H. Jones; masons, J.G. Rines, Wm. Miller; (stone) E. Richards; painters, E.C. Abbott, C.E. Drew, J.R. Butler; photographer, F.R. Baker; plummer and roofer, J.D. Villars; printer, E.T. Libbey; shoemakers, G.W. Merrill, W. Otterway, J.H. Charnley, John W. Hanson; tailor, B.F. Allbee; undertaker, J. Brackett. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, A.A. Fox & Co., J.U. Simes, Ira Miller; carriages, J.F. & G.E. Hart; clothing, A. Jewett & Co.; confectionery, A.E. Hargraves, W.F. Hargraves; coffins, and caskets, J. Brackett; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, F. Roberts; drugs and medicines, A.W. Low; fancy goods, Miss M.A. Berry; fish, J.F. Archibald, E. Trefethen; groceries, F.H. Lowd, J. Lewis, E.J. Brierley; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; millinery, Augusta Berry; millinery and fancy goods, Mrs. J.W. Prescott; periodicals, E.W. Fox, E.A. Hargraves; provisions, C.S. Lowd, J.E. Hayes; stoves and tin ware, Murray Bros. 

Miscellaneous – conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; nurseryman, John Copp.

Physicians – J.C. Buck, C.W. Gross, M.K. Cowell, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds.

The Boston Globe reported the tragic death of Mrs. Susan A. Foss in a Milton snow storm on Wednesday, December 13, 1882.

HER LAST SHOPPING. A Woman Frozen to Death in a Snow Storm Near Milton, N.H. MILTON, N.H., December 16. Mrs. Moses W. Foss walked about two miles to this place to do some trading Wednesday afternoon in a snow storm. She attempted to return in a deep and blinding storm, and had nearly reached there, when, overcome by exhaustion, she fell down and perished. She leaves three small children. Her husband was out of town (Boston Globe, December 16, 1882).

Moses W. Foss married in Wakefield, NH, November 13, 1878, Susan A. (Sanborn) Goodwin. She was born in Wakefield, NH, circa 1855-56, daughter of Goodwin and Hannah Sanborn.

Moses W. Foss, a laborer, aged thirty-seven years (born NH) headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan A. Foss, keeping house, aged twenty-five years (born ME), his son-in-law [step-son], Charles W. Goodwin, at home, aged six years (born NH), and James H. Foss, at home, aged one year (born NH).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1881; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1884.

References:

White River Paper Co. (1882). New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, for 1882. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rOsWAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA124

Grand Opening of Ray’s Marina

By Muriel Bristol | November 1, 2018

The Portsmouth Herald of April 26, 1963 had an advertisement for Ray’s Sunoco & Sport Shop, which was situated on NH Route 16 [899 Central Avenue] in Dover, NH, “Next to DAN’S Super Market.” The advertisement also mentioned the Grand Opening May 1 of Ray’s Marina, Rte. 16, Milton Three Ponds, Milton, N.H.

Ray’s Sunoco Service Station appeared in an April 1956 advertisement of Leading Merchants that gave Top Value Stamps as a part of their transactions. A sufficient number of stamps might be redeemed for various consumer products.

Ray’s Sunoco put on a three-day boat show at the Dover Armory, March 31-April 2, 1961. It advertised boats at the service station in April 1962.

It can be inferred that Ray had originally a Sunoco service station, then a Sunoco service station and sports shop, in Dover, NH, which he then transferred or expanded to the site of the Milton railroad station in Milton, NH. (The railroad station ceased taking passengers as of June 1, 1958).

The following advertisement for an All Family Boat Show appeared in the Portsmouth Herald of May 5, 1963. Apparently, this represented an extended part of the previously advertised Grand Opening of May 1, 1963.

PH830505-Ray's Marina

Top Value Stamps included Ray’s Sunoco, Central Avenue, Dover, N.H, among their Leading Merchants in an advertisement of June 10, 1964, but apparently not thereafter.

Ray’s Marina & RV remained active on White Mountain Highway in Milton, NH, for nearly fifty years, closing its doors in 2012.

References:

Portsmouth Herald. (1956, April 2). The Leading Merchants Listed Below Give Top Value Stamps. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth Herald.

Portsmouth Herald. (1961, March 30). Ray’s Sunoco Boat Show at Dover Armory. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth Herald.

Portsmouth Herald. (1963, April 26). Ray’s Sunoco & Sport Shop. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth Herald

Portsmouth Herald. (1963, May 5). All Family Boat Show at Ray’s Marina. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth Herald

Portsmouth Herald. (1964, June 10). 100 Extra Top Value Stamps. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth Herald.