1902 Mohawk Businesses
Source: Herkimer Democrat, Herkimer, NY, 15 Jan 1902; found and transcribed by Lisa Slaski.
Mohawk's Industries.
As Seen by a Special Democrat Reporter
J. L. Hastings, the Jeweler, located in Mohawk about four years ago, coming from Troy, Pa., where he was manager of a large Jewelry establishment in that city, but was never in business for himself previous to coming here. He has been in the Jewelry business for the past fifteen years, has been successful, energetic and has made for himself a business worthy of no little comment. He is a member of the Mohawk Falley Lodge, No. 276, F. &. A. M., also of the I. O. O. F., of that place. His store is certainly a credit to the village, being fitted in the latest modern plan, giving the public excellent service.
Mohawk Post Office is located in the Masonic Temple block, being fitted with the latest style case, convenient to the business portion of the village, and is a credit to the town. D. C. Ford is the Postmaster, and spares no pains to please all who have the occasion to visit the office.
The Mohawk Bank is one of the oldest banking houses in the state, is most reliable, and the strife of the officers has always been to build up a reputation that is faultless, to please the public, and the strenuous effort put forth has certainly been realized by all depositors as well as all who have had occasion to visit that institution. The officers are prominent business men of the village, and are as follows: President, James B. Rafter, vice president, R. M. Devendorf; cashier, H. M. Golden.
D. E. Allen, the popular furniture dealer, is an old established house, occupies a large floor space, and is favored with a large patronage; is the owner of much real estate in the village, a director in the Mohawk bank, also of the Mohawk Knitting Mills, is a member of Mohawk Valley Lodge, no. 276 F. & A. M., and is a highly respected citizen in every respect. Much credit is due to Mr. Allen for the effort put forth in striving to please customers.
Corcoran Bros.; the grocers, in the Weller block are winners for trade, are prosperous, popular and have won much favor from the public through straight forward business principles. An anticipated change in location is of demand owing to their increasing business that they may be better fitted to serve their customers.
John Adams & Co., are dealers in Hardward, do all branches of steam fitting, plumbing, and gas fitting, furnish a large number of men with employment, and are favored by a large patronage from the surrounding country and are hustling men for trade. Mr. Adams was for some time the town clerk of the town of German Flatts and is very popular in business and society circles. He is associated with many other paying industries and is a hustler.
J. B. Townsend carries a complete line of boots shoes and furnishings. His store is fitted to meet the demands of the public. He is a prominent member of the M. E. church, and was largely instrumental in the organization of the Men's Committee, which has furnished the public with many interesting and instructive lectures the past season.
The store occupied by Steele & Flanders is without exception the oldest established house carrying a complete line of flour, feed, salt etc., in the country. They are the successors of the old firm of Myers & Bellinger, who conducted the business successfully for many years. The agency for the National Express Co., is in the rear of their store.
The Insurance agency of S. E. Coe & Son is one of the oldest in the county. It is a busy establishment, and has won many friends and much favor through their straight forward methods. Both are members of Mohawk Valley Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M., and are prominent in society and business circles.
The Mohawk House, of which the genial Graham Bellinger is the proprietor, is thoroughly up to date in all its appointments, is supplied with a pool and billiard room, card tables, and all conducted on business principles. The house furnishings are of the latest style, and are complete in every respect. The patrons of Mohawk House speak in high favor of Mr. Bellinger, of which praise he is certainly deserving.
The Millinery store of M. E. Davis is deserving of no little mention, as it is always found to be in season in all styles, and the quick service and durability of the work to be had at the store is creditable to the town.
M. Schofield, the confectioner, is one of the hustling business men of Mohawk, and manufacturers of goods not wholly to supply local trade, but continually employs the services of one or more traveling salesmen. The famous Scofield Ice Cream is widely known and recognized.
The grocery and drug store of Geo. H. Tuttle is, without exception the best equipped store in this section of country. This establishment is favored with a large patronage and is deserving of much commendation. Mr. Tuttle is a member of the Mohawk Valley Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M., of which he is organist, is also a member of the M. E. choir, a stockholder and director in several paying industries and is very prominent in business and social circles.
Henry Crim, proprietor of the old established wholesale liquor house, is favored with a large patronage and conducts a thoroughly up to date business-like establishment. He is also prominent in business and social circles.
H. C. Iles, the tonsorial astist [sic], is thoroughly up to date, and his every effort is to fully meet the demands of his business. Too much cannot be said in favor of Mr. Iles methods of conducting business of this kind.
J. Warner's meat market is the best in town, so when your out shopping just call around, and purchase your daily wants at headquarters for all articles in the meat line. Mr. Warner is an extensive manufacturer of lard and sausages, which supplies the demands of many customers. He furnishes employment to six men, and the out-put of his daily produce is a marvel to one not accustomed to seeing the amount of meats used from only one market in this county. He carries a line of teas, coffees, spices etc., and his efforts to meet the demands of the public are awarded in the fullest extent. Mr. Warner is also a member of the Mohawk Valley Lodge, No. 276, F. & A. M.
The old established hardward house of J. G. Richardson, plumber, steam and gas fitter is deserving of mention. Mr. Richardson has always been prominent in municipal affairs, of which he has taken great interest, was for many years a member of the school board, and an incorporator of the Mohawk Valley Knitting Mills. He is a civil engineer and a surveyor and has served in this capacity much to the credit of all who have had occasion to come in contact with him.
The Glove Hotel, conducted by Wallace Arthur, furnishes its guests with the best to be had. The hotel is furnished to meet the demands of the commercial trade, and all patrons speak in high praise of Mr. Arthur. He is the poormaster of the town German Flats, is an incessant worker in democratic politics and is the owner and admirer of several fine horses.
The Mohawk branch store of Chas. T. Gloo, dealer in boots, shoes and Gent's furnishings is up to date in every respect. Mr. Gloo, who is prominent in business and social circles, is a popular and well liked business man. Too high praises cannot be sounded in Mr. Gloo's favor and his methods of conducting business. He is ably assisted in the Mohawk branch by Charles Sprague.
The harness shop of Wm. Petrie, also dealer in all goods usually carried in that line, trunks, bags, etc., will be remembered by our oldest in this section. Mr. Petrie has been in business in Mohawk for many years and is a highly respected citizen.
Henry Bellinger, who occupies a part of the store of Wm. Petrie, is an old and highly respected citizen and has for many years been in the service of many Old Line Insurance companies for which he has been able to write a large amount of business. He is also an extensive dealer in flour, feed, conducts a news paper agency, handles a high grade of magazines etc.
R. M. Devendorf, vice president of the Mohawk Valley Bank, conducts a dry goods store in Mohawk, and his business ability and fair dealings have won for him a wide reputation. His stock of goods is complete in every respect, and any visitor at this store is treated with the kindest regard. Mr. Devendorf is always active in town and village affairs, always promoting every industry that will benefit the town, is the proud owner of much real estate, a member of the Board of Alms of the town of German Flats, and several other well established and enterprising industries. He is a member of the Mohawk Valley Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M., in which he is active, although at present holds no office.
The branch store of LaDue & Avery, is conducted in accordance with the principals laid down by the enterprising partners, and their line of goods and the effort put forth by the managers of the branch store is credited by the large patronage they receive. Too much cannot be said of the great effort put forth by these enterprising men to fully supply the demands of the customers.
The Cafe, billiard and pool rooms, and a first class restaurant conducted by F. McKimm, is up to date in its calling. Mr. McKimm handles a full line of tobacco and cigars, and his efforts to please the public are rewarded by the large patronage he enjoys.
Christman & Debee, occupying the main floor in the Howell block, conduct a first class meat market in every respect, are winning the confidence of the public. Both are popular business men, and their business principles have won for them many friends.
In the hall over the meat market of Christman & Debee, are the rooms of the Democratic Club. These rooms are fitted up in elaborate style, and is a benefit to all who visit the rooms, which are opened for social and political purposes. The officers of the club are all prominent business men in the town and rake active part in the enjoyment to be derived from the rooms, and are: Pres., Charles W. Brown, H. M. Golden, Treas., and S. M. Dubois, Sec.
L. D. Ballard, who conducts a hardware store in the village is in the race for trade, and spares no pains to please all. His line of goods includes steam and gas fittings, etc., and is also plumbing Mohawk in a creditable manner. His aim is to please.
Hotel Lovejoy, conducted by H. A. Lovejoy, is where the commercial men love to be, and joy at the privledge of so hospitable a hotel. Mr. Lovejoy is a first class hotel man exerts his every effort to please the public.
The Otsego Hotel is by no means behind the times. Clark Cristman, the proprietor is a genial man, always striving to make the Otsego Hotel the best and ever attentive to the comfort and pleasure of the public. His accommodations are the best to be had.
The Bremmen grocery and general store which is conducted by Mrs. Bremmen, meets the demand of the publics every need. Her line of goods is complete in all respects, and all are cordially received and their every want can be supplied at her store.
The Montana Hotel, conducted by Mrs. Montana, is worthy of no little mention. Mrs. Montana has been in the hotel business a long time, and is thoroughly versed in its every need to make it a pleasure for all who take up their abode with her.
Space and words fail to describe the many energetic and successful professional men in Mohawk, but there is without doubt one of the best corps of attorneys and physicians to be found in the valley. All strive to serve the public in an able manner, which end is accomplished by their strenuous efforts. They are, J. B. & J. E. Rafter, attorneys, Drs. J. I. Casey, Wm. Landt, J. E. Casey, B. F. Casey, Geo. Rasbach, D. B. VanCourt, J. B. Fitch, A. B. Ingalls, Veterinery Surgeon; O. G. Yules, L. A. Howell, the latter two being Dentists.
Mohawk is the headquarters for commercial men, there being fully fifteen, either living in the village, or who have their headquarters here. The commercial men are all hale fellows well met, and their desire to be residents of so beautiful a village, does honor to the place, and gives the outside world a good impression of Mohawk.
Chas. Fox, station agent for the N. Y. W. S. & B., who has of late taken up his duties in Mohawk, is termed as the right man for the right place. Mr. Fox spares no pains to make the depot a place the public cannot be well pleased with, and does an honor to his employers. He is popular, has won many friends through his ceaseless effort to serve the public.
Orrin Taylor ranks among the leaders of the artists in tonsorial work. He has a nicely furnished shop and enjoy a large patronage.
W. H. H. Steele is the popular Town Clerk of the town of German Flats and has his office in the Weller block.
The village board which meets every Wednesday night in the office over Steele & Flanders store is an active body for the town's best interest. This board acts in capacity of the Town Board Cemetery Commissioners, water and light commissioners, etc., and comprise the following distinguished and prominent men: President, James E. Rafter; treasurer, Jas. Rossman; assessors, William Rockerfeller, Geo. J. Shepard, John Morrell and Fred E. Coe, as clerk.
The board of Health consists of Daniel Ford, Delavan Ford and Benjamin Franklin who acts as clerk to the board.
The fire protection of Mohawk is adequate and equal to any in the valley owing to the high pressure of water. The department is composed of the Alexander Hose Co., of about 50 members, are equipped with carts, ladders, hooks, steamer, rubber coats, masks, boots, etc; have handsomely furnished parlors and club rooms, all of which are in the department building, and provided by the village. The department officers are: Wm Lamb, chief; Frank DuBois, treasurer; the foreman of the company is Wm. Lamb, and J. Warner, treasurer.
The Mohawk Valley Knitting Mfg. Co. and Paragon Knitting Co., of which W. P. Brayton is Superintendent, furnishes employment to fully five hundred people, and with that force of experienced workmen, it is useless to say that an immense business is the result. The Paragon mill, of which B. A. Stone is president and James B. Rafter is secretary and treasurer, is a four story brick structure, and is situated on the trolley line, which carries immense numbers of workmen to and from the mill every day. The Mohawk Mill of which James B. Rafter is president and treasurer, and Charles Devendorf is secretary, is situated in the west part of the town and is also a large building, and the village of Mohawk is certainly very proud of these industries.
The Mohawk Milling and Malting Co., of which Chas. Young is Superintendent, is situated on the Erie Canal, is fitted with the latest improved machinery with which to serve public demands, and the number of employees is large. The Milling and Malting Co., are favored with the patronage of a large surrounding country, of which their every effort put forth to faithfully serve, is deserving of the highest commendation.
The Methodist Episcopal church, which was built in 1871, and at present has a membership of 132 and 6 probationers, is in the form of a large brick structure, situated on Main street, and is a structure the people of the vicinity may be proud. Previous to the erection of the church meetings were held in the old school house and through the efforts of many desirous of having a place of worship succeeded in the construction of the present building. The first pastor to serve in the church was Rev. O. C. Weightman, who is at the present time an active business man in the village, his occupation being that of Life Insurance. The church has undergone needed repairs, and as the result new carpet replace the old ones, new seats of oak, bearing a handsome appearance, new frescoing and all the improved modern repairs have been made. Nearly $1,000 have been spent in repairing the property, which debt is paid all but a small sum, and that provided for. The pastor, Rev. Daniel M. Lewis, has spared no effort to build up the church and its cause since his pastorage, and has greatly increased the membership. The societies of the church, include the Men's Committee, Queen Esther Girls No. 1 and 2, all of which are ceaseless toilers.
Grace Church, of which Rev. Henry Blacklock is rector, is worthy of much mention, and the effort put forth by Mr. Blacklock to build up the church have been rewarded as it is in a prosperous condition and the membership largely increased. Through the kindness of an intimate friend of Mr. Blacklock, the Shaul property and residences have been deeded to the church, and one of their residences fitted up for a parish house, where all societies meet and all business of the church is transacted. A debt of $22a on the church was raised last Easter, through the effort of Mr. Blacklock. The rectory which has undergone many needed repairs presents a most handsome appearance, there being added a large library, additional chambers, and the thorough repairing of the old part, and is located next to the church, in the most beautiful part of the village. Previous to the building of the church which was in 1883, worship was held in cottages and at the time the old Halpner residence was burned the idea of building a church was conceived, the property was purchased and the church built on the old foundation, and among the largest subscribers were the late Mr. Alexander, A. W. Hazlehurst and E. C. Elwood. Among the former rectors of Grace Church were Rev. Charles E. Freeman, no Chaplain of St. Luckes Hospital, New York city, Geo. H. Sterling of Mt. Morris, N. Y., and G. H. Trickett, who served four years. The membership has been increased since last September from 43 to 68 families, which sounds loud praises for the untiring effort of Mr. Blacklock.
The Baptist church has also undergone many needed repairs, and is now in a prosperous condition, and the repairs which the church has undergone are in correspondence with the two previously mentioned. Rev. C. B. Smith of Herkimer supplies the charge in his able manner and his discourses, which are in the afternoon, are of a pleasing and instructive nature. The membership of the church is steadily increasing and under the charge of Mr. Smith will be one of the strongest.
The Catholic Church, which is at present being built, will when completed, be one of the most handsome in the valley. The toilers are sparing no amount of pains and money to make it the best. Rev. John V. Quinn of Ilion will supply the charge when services begin. The church is being built of brick, in a most substantial manner, and will present a beautiful appearance, and is expected to be completed by Easter Sunday and will cost $10,000. The lot was purchased last April and is in the most beautiful part of the town. The worshippers attend at Ilion.
Much respect is due Mr. Conkling who conducts the St. Julian Cafe, for the orderly, clean up to date stock of goods handled.
The Masonic Temple, the most beautiful and attractive of all, is a threes story building, of brick, and is one of the most substantial in town. The ground floor, as states, is occupied by the post office department, and the second by the Masonic Club. The club rooms are furnished with pool and billiard tables, card tables, and games of all kinds, all the modern conveniences, gas and electric lights, hot and cold water, closets, and many pleasant hours are daily spent in the rooms, which are open to members only, and holds the same membership as the lodge. On the third floor of the building, we find the Lodge rooms, the best equipped and furnished Blue Lodge rooms in the United States without exception. The Meetings are held the 2nd and fourth Fridays of each month, and the membership numbers about 120. This floor of the building consists of a large assembly hall; banquet hall, ante rooms, all of which are furnished with the best money can buy, lighted by gas and electricity, fitted with closets, hot and cold water and all modern conveniences. The officers of the lodge, lately installed for the ensuing year, appear in another column. Each and every member acts as a committee of one to increase the membership and the officers spare no end of time and pains to sustain the good name of Mohawk Valley Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M.
I. O. O. F. No. 586 is also a Fraternity in high standing, has a membership of fully 100 members all of which are active occupy the third floor of the Fitch block, and have elegantly furnished rooms, with all modern conveniences, and the high standard of name usually held by the Odd Fellows is retained in this worthy organization. Too much commendation cannot be given the officers and members whose untiring efforts are united to make the Odd Fellows Lodge a leader in fraternal circles Wm. Fletcher, Noble Grand; Wm. Rockfeller, Secretary, and G. J. Shepard, Treasurer. Meetings are held every Monday night.
Dr. J. D. Fitch, entered upon what has proven to be a successful career in Mohawk about 12 years ago, succeeding Dr. Eli Fox. About one year ago Mr. Fitch built a three story brick block the first floor of which is occupied by the pharmacy store of which he is proprietor. The second floor is a suite of living rooms and the third is occupied by I. O. O. F. No. 586. Mr. Fitch is a highly esteemed citizen, a past Master of Mohawk Valley Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M. and is at present E. H. P. of Iroquois Chapter No. 236 of Ilion.
Michael Bellinger and Willard F. Kaple, while both are separate firms conduct first class liveries, both have a fully equipped livery, and both try to faithfully serve the public in an able manner, which end is accomplished to a high standard.
The Herkimer, Mohawk, Ilion & Frankfort Electric railroad would, if space and words could be used, occupy a large space, and many words to enumerate the many benefits to be derived of this corporation and the efforts put forth by its many obliging employees to faithfully serve the public. The power house and car barn is situated in the west end of the village, is built of brick and is a building fully equipped to meet the demand of the road and the convenience of its employees, a large number of which are residents of the village. Mr. James Stewart, the genial superintendent has been a prominent factor in the success of the road.
John C. Rannon the up town coal dealer is popular and enterprising man, genial, and with a desire to serve the public, has accomplished this one.
Beckwith & Quackenbush, contractors and builders, who are the oldest firm of government contractors, have their home office in this village. John B. Quackenbush is the oldest citizen in Mohawk, the most extensive real estate dealer and is a member of the Mohawk Valley Lodge, No. 276, F. & A. M. Col. Beckwith is a resident of Herkimer, and is well known throughout the county.
Isaac & John Cristman conduct a Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, and are always up to date in all branches of their work, giving good satisfaction and their untiring efforts to please are rewarded by the large patronage they enjoy.
J. M. Bellinger's box factory is a busy establishment. He employs a large number of experienced hands and manufactures nearly all the boxes used in the Herkimer and Mohawk mills. Mr. Bellinger is a hustler in the business, and turns out only the best quality of goods.
J. D. Laird, embalmer and funeral director is an expert in the business, enjoys a patronage covering an extended territory and is a popular business man.
Harry L. Lake, tonsorial artist is in line with the latest in the barber line, is progressive, popular and conducts a first class shop.
Louis Shermer, coal dealer invites public inspection of the grades and quality of coal he deals in. No end of pains are taken to faithfully serve the public. Mr. Schermer resides in Herkimer, is a prosperous business man and a good citizen.
Geo. McGrath is a popular and prosperous barber in our town, always strives to please, and the end he seeks is accomplished in every way.
Chas. L. Grover, is an extensive dealer in all kinds of electrical supplies, does wiring and is up to date in all branches of the business, is popular, progressive and enjoys a large patronage.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Public Library of the village of Mohawk, is situated in the High School building, is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Its trustees are J. G. Richardson, President, E. M. Turner, and E. M. Plastridge, and Miss Grace L. Davis acts as librarian. The library contains a well selected collection of over 400 volumes and is open to the public three days in the week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 3:45 to 4:45 p. m. This library is free to the public for lending and free to the public for reference. About 100 volumes are added each year, and it has an annual circulation of from 4,500 to 6,000 volumes. The best books of standard literature, of modern fiction, Biography, History, Travel, Poetry, Reference books, State papers, and general literature are on its shelves.
The library is supported by taxation, and state aid, and the amount expended each year is duplicated by the State. A large number in Mohawk enjoy the privledges of this library. Printed regulations governing the use of books may be found at the library. The library is inspected each year by the Regents inspector.
HIGH SCHOOL
The Mohawk High School has a total registration of from 375 to 400 pupils each year and a non-resident attendance of from 15 to 25 pupils each year. The Board of Education consists of J. G. Richardson, Pres., E. M. Turner Sec'y., and E. M. Plastridge, all men of high standing and integrity and aim to attain the highest standard any school can hold. The school has a faculty of ten teachers including its principal, Prof. S. A. Watson, a teacher of long and successful career, and his work in the Mohawk High School thoroughly demonstrates his sincerity in the welfare of the school. The work of the school covers all grades from the first year up to the 12th year in the high school and students are prepared in the High School for entrances into the Normal Schools or Colleges, or into business life. Students earn upon graduation a Regents Academic diploma, certifying to the completion of a four years course in the High School. Regents advanced academic diplomas are occasionally earned by students at graduation. Students are also prepared for entering the Law, Medical and Dental Colleges under the requirements of the Regents of the University of the State of New York Courses of instruction in music and drawing are furnished under the direction of special teachers. The class of 1901 numbered seven, the largest in the history of the school. The class of 1902 contains twelve members for graduation. The school has an Alumni Association of fifty members and holds an annual banquet and reception, in Commencement week. Graduating exercises are held each year on Tuesday evening of Commencement week. In June, 1901, the plan of having a Baccalureate sermon preached to the class was introduced. A musical Society known as the "Mohawk High School Musical Society" has been organized having a membership of 42 pupils, with an object to encourage a special interest in this directions.
The Society have Class Pins. Rhetoricals are held every two weeks through the School year and the Mandolin and Glee Club furnish music for these exercises. The school is chartered under the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Besides having a good equipment of school apparatus etc., it possesses a school library of over 600 volumes, consisting of Supplementary Reading, Reference Books on subjects taught, dictionaries and the latest Encyclopedias, books on Pedagogy etc. The school is inspected annually by the state Inspector.
In view of the above facts, it is useless to attempt any statement to place the Mohawk high School in a higher estimation of the public sentiment than is held at the present time. The maintenance of the standing the school has can only be retained by the support of the entire community.
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