Central Falls, Rhode Island, USA
1878 - Central Falls

Central Falls.
This is a flourishing manufacturing village, and derives its name from the fact of its location, midway between Pawtucket and Valley Falls. In 1822, it contained bur four dwellings. The stone house, just north of the Stafford Mill, was used as a place of worship for many years. Elisha Waterman, George Wilkinson, and the Jenckes erected the old chocolate-mill, which was the first manufacturing establishment in operation here. In 1856, Central Falls had but a few dwellings, one of which is now occupied by Albert Frost as a box-factory. It stood on the site of the present Union Block. There was no street north of this house at the time it was built, about 1822. Central Street was laid out, but had no name. High Street stopped at Central, and Broad Street was called the Valley Pike.

Mr. Anthony Gage emigrated, with his family, in July, 1812, from Cape Cod to Central Falls. He made his debut with an ox-team and cart, laden with his household effects. He settled here and remained a citizen for many years. His wife was a very religious woman, and held meetings at the old stone house regularly for some years. Dr. David Benedict was accustomed to preach occasionally, and others aided in keeping up the interest in these meetings. Central Falls, in 1821, had but sixty inhabitants. The old chocolate-mill was torn down about the year 1824. It is said the only clock owned in the village, outside the mill, was owned by Mrs. Anthony Gage, and the overseer warned her that she would have to give up the old timepiece, or leave the tenement. This unjust demand she refused to obey, and immediately secured another tenement, which stood near where the Baptist Church now stands, on High Street, and made preparations to remove thither. Mr. Jenckes, seeing the loss that his mill would thus sustain, by the withdrawal of a number of hands, prevailed upon her to remain.

At this time, the overseer in these mills was accustomed to exercise almost unlimited power; and among his prerogatives, was the punishment of the children employed in the factories, and that were thus under his control. Severe and brutal chastisement was often inflicted upon these helpless children, for many frivolous, and not unfrequently imaginary offences. By the growth of population, and the influence of education in developing a better and higher state of civilization, these cruel and inhuman practices have ceased, and the system of government in these large manufactories, is to-day administered in a far more humane and Christian spirit. Every means is resorted to for the better accommodation and convenience of the army of operatives employed in these extensive establishments, and capital and labor feel a mutual interest in the prosperity and welfare of these vast manufacturing institutions.

The first post-office was established in 1867, and the first postmaster was G. F. Crowningshield, who still holds the office. Four mails a day are received and distributed. This is a money-order office, and its business equals that of any office in the State of equal size. Central Falls has no banking institution, and this branch of the post-office serves, in a great measure, as a substitute for the transmission and receiving of moneys. Ashton, Lime Rock, and Lonsdale, each has an office, and one at Lonsdale being also a money-order office, thus making two within the township.

The press of the town consists of a publication entitled the "Weekly Visitor". This paper was established in 1869, with E. L. Freeman & Co., owners and publishers. It is a sheet of thirty-six columns, Republican in politics, and is the only publication ever issued in the township. It has a large circulation, and bears an excellent reputation for the general information of its columns. In connection with the establishment, is a large job and book printing department. The manufacturing interest forms the most important branch of industry, and is the source of much of the material prosperity and wealth of the place.

The Central Falls Stockinet Factory is situated on Mill Street, near Central Street, and was established, in 1866, by Messrs. Cushman & Fuller. Employs some twelve or fifteen operatives, and manufactures knit underwear, &c.

The Stafford Manufacturing Company. The mill occupied by this company was built in 1825, by John Kennedy, for a cotton factory. Its original dimensions were small, with only about one-third the present capacity. It came into the possession of Almy & Brown about 1836. They enlarged the mill, and made other important improvements. In 1845, it was operated by John Gardiner & Co. About 1854, the property was sold to R. J. Stafford and H. B. Wood. In 1860, new additions were made; and in 1862 the company introduced the manufacture of thread and yarn. In 1863, Mr. Stafford died, when the present company purchased the property. Their charter bears date 1864, and the company consists of T. D. Bowen, Joseph Wood, J. A. Taft, F. H. Stafford, and J. A. Adams. Its officers are as follows: President, T. D. Bowen; Treasurer, J. Wood; Agent, J. A. Adams. The present company have added to the capacity, and now operates the mill in the manufacture of spool-cotton, yarns, warps, &c. They also own a one-half interest in the Dennis Mill, built by David Jenckes in 1823. The management is under the control of the above officers: Mr. Adams attending to the entire business. In the company's yard stands their warehouse, which occupies the site of the famous old duck-mill. It was built by the Jenckeses, and operated by William Borden, in 1831, on cotton-duck. It was removed in 1856, to give place to other improvements. This company have ample accommodation for the employment of 200 operatives; have about 13,000 spinning, and 4,000 twisting spindles, and turn out some 600,000 dozen spools of sewing-cotton, and 15,000 pounds of yarn per annum.

Thurber, Horton & Wood manufacture cotton goods. Their mill is located between Mill Street and the river, and was built, in 1824, by Uriah Benedict, B. Walker, William Allen, and Jabel Ingraham, for the purpose of manufacturing thread. This is said to be the first thread-mill in Central Falls. The property has passed through many hands, three-fourths of it being owned by Stephen Benedict at the time of his death, which occurred in 1868. One-quarter is owned by the heirs of Dudley Walker, and the First National Bank of Pawtucket. It is operated by the above company in the manufacture of thread, &c.

Paper-Box Manufactory. This establishment is located on Mill, near Central Street, and is occupied by Albert Frost, who began business on the opposite side of the street in 1868, but removed to the present location in 1870. He leases power and building of E. L. Freeman & Co., and has facilities for working about forty hands. He manufactures, as a specialty, jewelry and thread boxes, which find a ready sale in this village, and its neighbor, Pawtucket.

Pawtucket Hair-Cloth Company. The mill that early occupied the site of this extensive manufactory, was built by Stephen Jenckes & Sons previous to 1829. It was built of the timber of a church at Attleborough. It now forms a part of the Weatherhead & Thompson Tannery. Governor Lemuel Arnold, Ruel Richards, and James F. Simmons purchased the mill about 1830, and made some additions, and operated it as a print-mill until 1837, when it was leased to Avery, Gilmore & Co. Mr. Arnold sold to Charles Moies; and Mr. Richards dying in 1838, Mr. Moies took the entire charge of the business. About 1846, Joseph and Samuel Wood purchased it, and it was subsequently sold to the Pawtucket Hair-Cloth Company. The old mill was removed to make room for the present buildings of the above mentioned company. This hair-cloth manufacture belonged originally to Pawtucket. In 1856, the business was started in the old Slater Mill. David Ryder & Co. began the business.

In 1858, Olney Arnold purchased Mr. Baxter's (one of the original partners) interest, and about the same time Mr. Richard Ryder purchased an interest, and the company started up in this new branch of industry.. The partners were all inexperienced in the business, and most of them having other business to attend to, did not give their attention very closely to this branch, excepting David Ryder. He gave up all other interests, and resolved to make a success of this new manufacture, if possible. After overcoming numerous obstacles, which involved many discouragements and a considerable outlay of means, a stock company was formed in May, 1861, with a capital of $100,000. In January, 1863, it was increased to $300,000, and afterwards increased again to $500,000. Mr. Arnold had been the treasurer of the company, and was elected to the same office under the corporation. Mr. Ryder was president, and also business manager. The old quarters in Pawtucket soon became too small for the growing demands of the institution, and the company purchased the present site in Central Falls, and erected their present fine and commodious buildings in 1864. This is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the country, and, under its present management is doing a large, profitable, and safe business.

American Curled-Hair Company was organized in August, 1872. The Lewisohon Brothers, of 25 Park Place, New York, are proprietors. H. B. Metcalf and D. G. Littlefield are agents, and J. C. McCartney, superintendent. The buildings, grounds, sheds, &c., occupy about an acre of land. The business is that of curling the hair so extensively used in upholstering. The company have branch houses in London, Eng., and Hamburg, Ger. They also deal in brush-supplies, and color large quantities of hog's hair, which is chiefly consigned to the foreign houses. The establishment is finely located on the corner of High and Blackstone streets, near the river, and in close proximity to the Boston and Providence Railroad. It gives employment to about sixty operatives, and has a twenty horse-power engine as a motor. They are doing a large and profitable business in the class of goods manufactured.

United States Flax Manufacturing Company. This establishment is located at the corner of Foundry and Railroad streets, and was erected by Messrs. Fales, Jenckes & Sons in 1863. It was at first used by them as a machine-shop. Subsequently the A. & W. Sprague Manufacturing Company purchased it, and converted it into a flax factory. In 1869, it was converted into print-cloth works, the cloth being sent to the Cranston Works for printing. The buildings occupy about four acres of ground, and furnish employment for about five hundred operatives, and run 27,000 spindles. W. E. Phillips is superintendent. The company continue to retain the firm title of "United States Flax Manufacturing Company".

Central Falls Woollen Mill was erected in 1869-70 by Messrs. J. E. Phetteplace, G. A. Seagrave, and J. L. Pierce, and commenced the manufacture of woollen goods, for men's ware, in 1871. The above parties were chartered as the Central Falls Woollen Mill, formerly known as the "Granite Woollen Mill". The mill is located on Mill Street, near Cross Street, and is 50 x 150 feet, and five stories high; has nine sets, and a capacity of about 450,000 yards per annum. Gives employment to some one hundred and thirty-five operatives.

Fancy Wood-Turning Works are located in the rear of 242 High Street. This establishment is occupied by T. D. Rice & Co., and contains machinery for turning all kinds and descriptions of fancy articles in wood, buttons, jewelry, spools, &c. It employs about twenty-five operatives, has an eighty horse-power Corliss engine, and consumes some 200,000 feet of lumber per annum. The company have a branch establishment at Pawtucket for the purposes of enameling their goods.

Picture-Frame Manufacturers. In 1873, T. E. & A. A. Miller began the above business. In 1875, Mr. W. C. Manchester purchased the interest of A. A. Miller, and the new firm moved to a more commodious site, at the corner of High and Central streets. In 1876, Mr. Manchester purchased the interest of Mr. F. E. Miller, who removed to Woonsocket, and is now engaged in the same kind of business. Mr. Manchester is at present managing the entire business, and has added a stock of fancy goods, toys, &c. This is the only establishment of the kind in Central Falls. In connection with the business, is that of copying and enlarging pictures. Some fine specimens of this art can be seen at this establishment.

Top-Roll Covers. This establishment is located at 31 Railroad Street, and operated by Messrs. Bennett & Hathaway, successors to Samuel Boardman. Mr. Bennett has had an experience of sixteen years in the business in Fall River. The company employ eight operatives, and have an eight horse-power engine as a motor. This is the only establishment of the kind in Central Falls.

Brass Foundry. William Newell is located on High Street, near the railroad, and began the above business in 1847. He manufactures all kinds of brass and bronze goods, and usually furnishes employment to four hands. This is the only brass foundry in the village of Central Falls, and, indeed, it may be said, in this vicinity.

New American File Company was incorporated in May, 1876. Stephen A. Jenckes, President and Treasurer; H. S. Fairbanks, Resident Agent; Capital, $100,000. This extensive establishment is located on Dexter, Pine, Mowry, and Rand streets, and occupies three acres of land. The company manufacture all styles of files and rasps, and give employment to one hundred and forty hands. The capacity of the works is four hundred dozen files per day. The establishment is provided with forty-three cutting-machines of the Bernot patent, of which they have the exclusive right in the United States. Office, at the works, on Dexter Street.

Central Falls Machine Company was started by Charles E. Griffin, in the Union Block, about 1867. It passed through several different hands, and is now conducted by C. E. Hartwell, who, in 1873, moved from the old Chipatone Mill on Mill Street, to the present location, which is in the rear of 146 High Street, in Greene & Daniel's Building. The specialty is the manufacture of trimming mouldings, and scarfing machines, used in making belting.

Job Printing. At 369 Mill Street is the job-printing establishment of C. A. Wilkinson, who began in Central Falls in 1873, having, as a partner, Mr. William Evans, who retired from the business in 1874. The present printing establishment was purchased by Mr. Wilkinson of Nickerson & Perrin, of Pawtucket, in 1875, and was removed to Central Falls. He runs three presses, and all other necessary accompaniments of a first-class printing-office. The power is obtained from the adjoining thread-mill of the Stafford Manufacturing Company.

Tin and Sheet-Iron Workers. At 141 Dexter Street is the shop of Joseph Allenson, tin and sheet-iron worker, and manufacturer of the cylinders for mule and spinning frames. Mr. Allenson located here in 1876, and is a native of Lancashire, England, and located in Rhode Island in 1868. In 1858, Robert Plews, a native of Cheshire, Eng., located in the Union Block, in the lower story. In 1859, finding that his increasing business demanded better accommodations, he built the present building on Central Street, near the railroad, now occupied by George Gosling and Eastwood. The business is conducted by this firm, and consists in the manufacture of "Plews" Patent Tin Cylinders, Adjustable Card Screen, and all kinds of tin, sheet-iron, copper, and brass goods. In 1869, George Gosling and John Gosling, took an interest in the firm, and in 1871, purchased the entire business. Still another change was made in 1874, by John Gosling retiring from the firm, and Eastwood Eastwood taking an interest, he being a brother-in-law of Mr. Gosling. This is the first establishment of the kind in Central Falls. These goods find their way into nearly all the markets of the world.

The establishment of O. W. Wilmarth & Co., at 351 and 355 Mill Street, was established by O. W. Wilmarth, in 1871, as a stove-dealer and manufacturer of tin and sheet-iron ware. In 1875, J. W. Wilmarth took an interest, and the hardware business was added. They also do plumbing, and deal in masons' supplies. David Jenckes located in Central Falls about 1843, in the blacksmith business. Samuel Hildreth had a shop here, which was purchased in 1845 by Stephen Perry, who added the business of carriage-making. J. W. Perry purchased the establishment of his father, in 1874, and the business is now conducted by him. The shop is located at 306 Mill Street.

Manufacture of Jewelry. At 209 High Street is the establishment of H. D. Horton, who succeeded W. H. H. Barton in 1875, who began the manufacture of jewelry in 1872. Previous to this, however, Mr. George Gooding had been in the business. This forms quite an important branch of industry, and is at present conducted with no little degree of success.

Confectionery. Leot Smith, about 1832, began the above business in the old N. Venner building on Central Street. In 1833 he sold to Samuel Cash, who continued the business until about 1843, when he sold one-half interest to S. C. Pierce. The above company built a shop where the dwelling of S. L. Pendergrass now stands. Mr. Pierce subsequently purchased the entire business, which he continued until 1862, when he sold it to the present occupants, Messrs. Arnold & Horton, under the firm-style of M. B. Arnold & Co. This is the oldest established confectionery in Central Falls. About 1843, William Leonard began the business on Central Street, selling to Moran & Brother in 1865. They moved to their present location, 279 Mill Street, in 1867. They have introduced the wholesale cigar-trade in connection with their business. They employ eight hands, and run two double teams on the road, and are doing a business of about $40,000 per annum.

Gas Works. Dr. Charles F. Manchester began the manufacture of oil-gas near the river and in rear of the Spencer Building, at an early date. In the year 1850, the Pawtucket Gas Company was incorporated, and built the present extensive buildings on the corner of Elm and High streets. They supply Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Valley Falls with gas. The present officers are: William Newell, President; Thomas Moies, Treasurer; S. G. Stiness, Superintendent; William Newell, Gideon L. Spencer, H. Conant, D. Goff, J. G. Fales, R. S. Salisbury, Thomas Moies, G. L. Walker, L. B. Darling, Directors.

Boot and Shoe Factory. E. L. Slocum first began business in Pawtucket in 1864, in company with a Mr. Wright. Mr. Slocum purchased his partner's interest and soon afterward took another interest and conducted the business under the firm-title of Slocum & Pitcher. In 1867, Mr. Slocum took the business and removed it to Central Falls. In 1870, he opened a retail store, which he runs in connection with his manufactory. He has a capacity for the employment of twenty-five hands. The business is located at 45 Central Street, and is the first establishment of the kind in the State, and the only one in Central Falls.

Tanners. Weatherhead & Thompson established the business in 1858, adding the manufacture of thread spools in 1868. They are now engaged in the manufacture of thread spools, belts, and factory leather, for laces, &c.

Central Falls Lumber Company, located at 148 Broad Street. This establishment was founded by Henry B. Wood, in 1844, embracing lumber and builders' supplies. About 1855, Mr. Gideon C. Smith was admitted to the firm. In 1857, A. P. Wood became a member of the firm. In 1864, Mr. A. G. Wood became a partner. In 1866, Henry B. Wood and G. C. Smith retired from the firm. In 1872, A. G. Wood retired, and the whole business devolved upon A. P. Wood, who continues the business at present.

Contractors and Builders. On Elm Street is the establishment formerly known as Pratt & Rathbun. By recent changes and establishment has come into the possession of the Central Falls Lumber Company. The specialty is the manufacture of mouldings, packing-boxes, and scroll sawing.

Carriage Repository. This establishment is located at 172 Broad Street, and occupied by J. H. Fairbanks & Co., who commenced the above business in 1868. In 1870, A. S. Fairbanks took an interest in the business, formerly carried on on Mill Street, but removed to their present quarters in 1877. This is the oldest establishment of the kind in Central Falls. They keep all kinds of carriage furnishing goods, as well as all kinds of carriages, express wagons, &c.

Groceries. Among the early parties engaged in this branch of trade were Samuel Hawes and Sabin Allen. They were located nearly opposite the Stafford Mill, about 1825. Richard Smith opened a store in 1830, on the site of the machine-shop on Mill Street. Moses Morse began business near the site of the Central Falls Woollen Company's mill, in 1837. Isaac Babson also had an establishment on the site of the Hiscox Bakery, corner of Cross and High streets. Competition ran high, and others were induced to embark in this business. In 1857, A. Harding commenced the business, which he still continues, being located on Central Street, and keeps a full line of choice goods, and is doing a safe and profitable business. J. J. Fales commenced business about 1854, at the corner of High and Central streets. The establishment is now conducted by Joseph E. Fales & Brother. The store formerly occupied by J. B. Gooding was purchased by D. K. Newell & Co., in 1873, and was subsequently transferred to D. Hicks, who is now engaged in the business at the corner of Mill and Central streets. James Murphy, at 37 Central Street, has been engaged in the grocery trade for twelve years; commenced the business under the firm-style of Murphy & Cross. Mr. Murphy succeeded to the entire control of the business in 1876. He is also agent for emigration tickets, with seven of the most popular lines of steamers; and, in fact, is the only emigrant agent in Central Falls. D. K. Newell & Co. opened a new store at the corner of Cross and Mill streets, in the Perry Building, in 1877.

Moshassuck Bleachery.
This magnificent establishment is situated in the town of Lincoln, within two miles of the thriving town of Pawtucket, and but five miles from the city of Providence. It is one of the largest and best arranged bleacheries in the United States; and its location, upon the Moshassuck River, from which it derives its name, renders it of superior value, by virtue of the intrinsic properties of the water for bleaching purposes. Its facilities for transportation are unsurpassed, it having a railroad from Providence into and upon its own premises. The country surrounding it is picturesque and fascinating; and although in a great degree worthless for agricultural purposes, nevertheless its hills, valleys, and streams render it capable of almost endless improvement and ornamentation.

In 1848, M. W. F. Sayles commenced, without any previous knowledge of the business, and with a comparatively limited capital, the bleaching business in the hamlet of Moshassuck, the extent of his business reaching only about two and a half tons of bleached goods per day. In 1854, the business had increased to four tons per day, and soon became the leading establishment in the State, of its kind, and drew a greater part of all the finest goods therein manufactured. In 1854, the entire works were destroyed by fire; but the proprietor, with his usual energy and perseverance, immediately commenced their construction on a much larger scale, and in the fall of that year was completed an establishment that had a capacity for bleaching six tons of goods per day. The business still continuing to increase, under the judicious management of its enterprising proprietor, it was found necessary to make more improvements and add to its capacity. Consequently, in 1865, further enlargements were made, and from that time to the present, extensions have been constantly made, until its capacity has reached the enormous amount of forty tons per day, or more than three hundred thousand yards of goods. The buildings are mostly of brick, and are substantial in every respect, while the interior departments are all minutely arranged, and adapted to the cheapest and best method of bleaching the finest and most delicate cotton fibrics [sic]. In connection with the water-power, two beautiful Corliss engines have been added as a motive-power, while a planing-mill, -- fire-proof, and of ample dimensions, -- a machine-shop, and dry-houses, render this establishment perfect in all its details and requisites for carrying on the business in the most rapid and satisfactory manner. And to-day, the bleaching establishments of Messrs. W. F. & F. C. Sayles has a world-wide reputation; and its capacity, together with the excellence quality of goods manufactured, is unsurpassed by any like institution in New England.


History of the State of Rhode Island with Illustrations Albert J. Wright, Printer No. 79 Mille Street, corner of Federal, Boston. Hong, Wade & Co., Philadelphia 1878.
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