1900 Farmington News Article-Nute Factory Sold
Farmington News article detailing the sale of the Nute Factory to a syndicate of local buyers, comprised mainly of well known business people of the time. The article appears on Page 3 o Friday, January 19th, 1900 edition.
This is a digital file and does not exist in the physical museum collection.
FHS-Kyle Leach
PLEASE NOTE: This resource was created during the 19th or 20th century. It has biases stemming from those periods.
Farmington News
Farmington News
1900
1918 Farmington News Articles J.F. Cloutman Cloutman Shoe Company Fire & J.F. Cloutman Buys Curtis Factory
A 1918 Farmington News article exclusives discussing a vast fire at the Cloutman Shoe Company, putting 228 people out of work. It was billed as the biggest industrial fire Farmington had experienced. A second article in the same edition announces that Cloutman will buy the Curtis Factory. Both are from page 2 of the Farmington News published on Friday, February 22nd, 1918.
This item is a digital file and it does not exist in the physical museum collection.
FHS-Kyle Leach
PLEASE NOTE: This resource was created during the 19th or 20th century. It has biases stemming from those periods.
Farmington News
Farmington News
1918
Cloutman Shoe Factory Burns Farmington News, Page2, 1918-02-22
A farmington news article covering the fire at the Cloutman Shoe Factory in Farmington NH. Page2, 1918-02-22<br /><br />The article reads:<br /><br /><em>Cloutman Shoe Factory Burns<br />Two Hundred and Twenty-Eight People<br />Temporarily Out of Employment<br />The Biggest Industrial Fire Farmlngton Has Ever Experienced<br />CONCERN TO RESUME BUSINESS IN FARMINGTON<br /><br />The most damaging conflagration that<br />ever visited Farmlngton, reduced to<br />ruins the J. F. Cloutman Shoe Co's big<br />factory wbich occupied tbe site at the<br />junction of Maln, Garfield and Elm streets,<br />last Thursday nlgbt. In less than two<br />hours over a $300,000 loss had been incurred<br />to Messrs. Brown & Daley, owners<br />ot the plant, and although tbe property<br />was insured a big unprotected loss was<br />sustained, the figures of which have not<br />been set. Two hundred and twentyseven<br />hands were temporarily thrown<br />out of employment by tbe raging element,<br />but before the last timbers of the<br />factory fell word went abroad that the<br />structure and Industry would be replaced<br />with all possible speed. Before<br />ten o'clock tbe following morning, plans<br />were being formulated to start the business<br />in temporary quarters while the<br />new shop was being built and equipped<br />for occupancy. A new office of tbe<br />concern was organized in the rooms of<br />the farmington National and Savings<br />Banks and by noon of the following day<br />those out of employment were reassured<br />by the dispatch with which tbe emergency<br />was being handled. The fire<br />which destroyed tbe plant doomed the<br />property even before it was discovered<br />Members of the firm and office force<br />were at work io the office, a one story<br />structure, adjoining tbe sole leather and<br />packing departments, on tbe Main street<br />side, and were unaware of tbe presence<br />of the fire until about 9: 35 when some<br />ladles who occupy rooms in the Frank<br />McDuffee house, directly across the way,<br />noticed a lurid illumination through tbe<br />windows ot the factory and hastened to<br />apprise those in tbe office of the danger.<br />Michael Mack attempted to gain<br />entrance to tbe factory through a door<br />that connected with tbe sole leather<br />room and was driven back by tbe intense<br />smoke and blaze and it was at once seen<br />that it would be impossible to get inside<br />to operate the hose from tbe standpipe.<br />Therefore, a general alarm immediately<br />was sounded from box 45, corner Main<br />and Garfield streets. Moving pictures<br />and other places of amasement were<br />quickly emptied of their patrons and a<br />crowd of spectators were on hand before<br />tbe firemen reached the scene. However,<br />they arrived promptly and under the<br />direction of tbe fire chief, Gyros York,<br />streams ot water soon were turned on<br />the fire which then was ravaging the<br />main structure sections of the two lower<br />stories. Soon, eight lines of hose were<br />playing on the blazs but seemed to have<br />little effect as it was impossible for the<br />firemen to get inside owing to tbe intense<br />heat and smoke and danger from<br />falling machinery which by that time<br />was crashing through the burning floors.<br />Scorching flames burst from the windows<br />ana roof and in spite of the warm<br />and windless night, moving currents of<br />air sucked in through the seething structure<br />and sent tbe flames and sparks<br />mounting several hundred feet in the air<br />until the heat and falling cinders became<br />a menace to buildings within a wide area<br />and a constant watch was kept by citizens<br />and the boy scouts, while details of<br />firemen turned their attention to nearby<br />houses that were in imminent danger.<br /><br />Lines of hose played constantly on the<br />house owned by K. T. Willson and occupied<br />by Dr. Huntress, the garage at the<br />rear occupied by J E. Ricker, the J . F.<br />Cloutman house on Garfield street and<br />tbe McDuffee and W • Uley residences<br />on Main street. The McDuffee place being<br />nearest and in tbe greatest danger<br />suffered tbe worst, the paint being blistered<br />and some water damage sustained.<br />Here tbe boy scouts proved their value<br />as a heroic organization by removing the<br />furniture from the house and the live<br />stock from the stable.<br /><br />The illumination from tbe great blaze<br />lighted tbe sky for miles around and was<br />watched from points of vantage in surrounding<br />towns and cities from whence<br />came insistent calls for reports of news.<br />Tbe telephone line connecting this village<br />with Milton was early put out of<br />commission by tbe cable being burned<br />and wire broken, and much more damage<br />would have been done to the local<br />system bad it not been for the efficient<br />work ot the boy scouts, who, working in<br />well organized patrols, really commanded<br />the situation as regards the telephone<br />system. During tbe most exciting moments<br />ot tbe fire bugle blasts could be<br />heard calling tbe scouts to points where<br />their services were most needed,and too<br />much credit cannot be acoorded the boys<br />for what they accomplished and the cool<br />manner in which they did it. Not until<br />after midnight did tbe crowd begin to<br />diminish. It was an all ntght vigil for<br />the firemen who watcbed tbe flaming<br />mass of burning timbers and debris until<br />daylight. One feature of importance<br />and help in fighting the fire was tbe fact<br />that tbe reservoir was full and good water<br />pressure was available.<br /><br />The original structure of tbe plant destroyed<br />was built in 1873 by John<br />M. Berry and Daniel W. Kimball, both<br />prominent shoe manufacturers of the<br />town at that time. The old shop was a<br />four story building 72x30 feet and faced<br />on Garfield street. Here for a period of<br />years tbe owners did business under tbe<br />firm name of Berry & Kimball. Later,<br />Mr. Berry took over by purchase his<br />partner's interest and manufactured<br />shoes until 1800 when John F. Cloutman<br />Sr., bought tbe shop. During Mr. Clout<br />man's ownership a small addition was<br />built on Main street. At the death of<br />Mr. Cloutman, in December, 1905, his<br />only son, Jobn F. Clontman, Jr., succeeded<br />to the business which he carried<br />on with remarkable success until In May,<br />1917, he sold out to Joseph E. Daley and<br />Elmer J . Brown who incorporated tbe<br />business under tbe name of the J. F.<br />Clontman Shoe Co. During tbe younger<br />Mr. Cloutman's ownership three addi<br />tions were pnt on, two on Main street<br />extending the plant to Elm, and one on<br />Garfield street. During the present ad<br />ministration an addition was built on<br />Garfield,making tbe entire plant contain<br />50,000 square feet of floor space, with a<br />manufacturing capacity ot 250 dozen<br />shoes a day. The pay roll of the concern<br />when doing this amonnt of business<br />was $4,000 weekly,so that the temporary<br />loss of the industry to the town can be<br />estimated at a large sum.</em><br /><br /><br />This is a digital file and does not exist in the physical museum collection.<br /><br />FHS- Kyle Leach
Farmington News
Farmington News
2-22-1918
Farmington News, "Farmington Illustrated," Four Page Article & Photos 1903
December 11, 1903 article from the Farmington News, titled "Farmington Illustrated." It is a four page article written by Ned L. Parker.
The article includes photos of many Farmington buildings, but does not credit the photographer in the article. They my have been taken by the staff photographer at the Farmington News or provided by local residents.
The article contains a written history, from the 1790's to the early twentieth century. Details are provided about many notable figures in Farmington history, Other important subjects covered are government, business in Farmington, manufacturing, the Town block system, churches, schools, and the Opera House, which contained the town hall and library.
FHS- Kyle Leach
Farmington News, Ned L. Parker
Farmington News, Ned L. Parker
Farmington News
1790's - early 20th Century
George B. Leavitt Shoe Factory Main Street Color Postcard Circa 1910
Color postcard of the George B. Leavitt Shoe Factory, as it appeared circa 1910, as viewed from Main Street.
FHS-RKL
Roberts Drug Store
Roberts Drug Store
Circa 1910
J F Cloutman Shoe Co Work Resumed In New Factory Farmington News, Page2, 1918-12-13
A Farmington News article covering work being resumed at the J F Cloutman Shoe Co factory. Farmington News, Page2, 1918-12-13 <br /><br />The article reads:<br /><br /><em>The signal for the big business and <br />enterprise that is to contribute largely<br />to Farmington's future industrial career<br />was raised on Wednesday morning when<br />operations were commenced in the cutting<br />department at the new factory of<br />the J. F. Cloutman Shoe Company. The<br />new structure, which was completed on<br />December 2, has been an undertaking of<br />almost magic growth, that sprang from<br />tbe ashes of tbe burned factory that was<br />consumed ou tbe site in tbe big conflagration<br />of February 14, 1918. No sooner<br />was it obvious that tbe old building was<br />doomed tban it was announced that it<br />would be replaced with an _up-to date<br />plant. The fulfilment of tbe prophecy<br />was commenced early in May, as soon as<br />the ruins could be cleared away, and a<br />cement fouudation was laid for the<br />structure 200 feet long and 42 feet wide,<br />that would occupy the Main street front<br />on the area between Garfleld and Elm<br />streets. As soon as the foundation was<br />iu the building contract was placed in<br />the hands of Contractor Frank R. Copp,<br />and as is characteristic of Mr. Copp's<br />energy, no time was lost in erecting tbe<br />towering four-story frame that outlined<br />the proportious of tbe big shop. In the<br /><br />course of tbe next few weeks building<br />materials simply flew ioto place while<br />the frame was being enclosed, aod a new<br />contract was placed for laying the<br />matched hard wood floors. As soon as<br />his work was completed, the contract<br />for installing the steam fitting, piping<br />and automatic sprinkler system was put<br />into execution and it is expected that it<br />will be completed the coming week.<br />Plumbing was done by tbe local Read-<br />Esty concern and the wiring and electric<br />fixtures were Installed by the Cloutman<br />Electric Co. All the contract work has<br />been done in a thorough, efficient and<br />expeditious manner that reflects credit<br />on contractors and workmen alike.<br />While there are several small details yet<br />to be attended to on the lower floors, all<br />will be completed by tbe new year and<br />all departments should be running at<br />that time.<br />The plant covers 9,000 square feet of<br />ground, approximately. is four stories<br />high and contains nearly 40,000 square<br />feet of working floor space which is furnished<br />with natural light from 400 large<br />indows. The top story will be occupied<br />by the cutting and a part of the<br />stitching departments; the third floor by<br />the stitching and lasting departments<br /><br />the second by the making, finding and<br />treeing, and the ground floor by the sole<br />leather, packing and shipping, while tbe<br />150 feet concrete basement will be util<br />izid for stock storage purposes. When<br />in full operation, the plant will employ<br />about 300 hands and will be equipped<br />primarily to produce 200 dozen pairs of<br />shoes per day. Tbe big structure has an<br />imposing appearance and bears on the<br />front in large black letters the name,<br />"J. F. Cloutman Shoe Company." Although<br />the enterprise passed out of the<br />Cloutman bands some two years ago<br />and the plant now is owned by Joseph<br />E. Daly and K.J. Brown, both prominent<br />manufacturers and leather merchants of<br />Massachusetts, the Cloutman name is<br />still retained to identify the business as<br />the same that built up such a wonderful<br />reputation in the New England boot and<br />shoe trade durings a long and successful<br />history of manufacturing in Farmington.<br />The building was produced at an estimated<br />cost of $50,000 and does great<br />credit to the owners and organization<br />that have made it possible for the town<br />to be represented by such a concern. In<br />connection with the factory and directly<br />in the rear is located the steam beating<br /><br />and power plant with adequate facilities<br />for furnishing these requisite needs.<br />Tbe office is an attractive one story<br />adjunct connected with the street floor<br />of the main building and consists of<br />three departments, tbe clerical room,<br />superintendent's office, aud tbe private<br />suite, all of-which are equipped with the<br />most modern appliances. Including steel<br />vault and safes. No unsanitary or unsightly<br />conditions will be allowed about<br />the premises, as a complete lavatory system<br />furnishes all sanitary conveniences<br />in each department.<br />During the time that the new building<br />has been in progress of construction the<br />firm has been producing from 100 to 125<br />dozen pairs of shoes per day in temporary<br />quarters It has occupied in the Roberta<br />and Curtis factories on North Main<br />street.<br />The cutting department alone is in<br />operation at the present lime, but the<br />stitching machinery has been moved to<br />tbe new quarters and the other departments<br />are moving as fast as possible,and<br />it is expected that tbe New Year will see<br />tbe wheels well greased and turning<br />throughout tbe big factory that is one of<br />tbe objects of Farmington's civic pride.</em><br /><br /><br />This is a digital file and does not exist in the physical museum collection.<br /><br /><br />FHS- Kyle Leach
Farmington News
Farmington News
12-13-1918
Mill Fire Photo 1944 Old Nute Dole-Waldron Factory Corner North Main & East Grove Street
A black and White photograph of the front and side of downtown mill building where the the building has been gutted by fire. The fire happened in 1944 and is well documented. The roof, windows appear to be gone and the some of the floors compromised or caved in. The front doors are still standing and open. The building was known as the Old Nute Factory and the Dole-Waldron Factory. The building sits on the corner North Main & East Grove Street, which is now Civic Street, facing North Main. As of 2021 it is the site of the Cumberland Farms Store. Only the first two levels of brick work from the original building still exist as part of the building.
Unknown
1944
Donated by Joe Bloskey
Photograph Gutted Burtman-Rondeau Shoe Factory Facing Main Street
Downtown photograph of gutted Burtman-Rondeau Shoe Factory facing Main Street, between Elm and Garfield Streets. This was formerly the Leavitt Shoe Factory. This photograph has an watermark which appears to indicate the date March of 1992. This photograph has a duplicate. Size 3.5"x 5"
FHS-RKL
Unknown
Donated by Manny Krasner
Photograph-Star Diner, Factory, & Edgerly Home South Main Street
A digital photograph of the Star Diner & one of the shoe factories on South Main Street. The old Edgerly House can be seen to the far left, a home now known as the Meyer House.
This is a digital file and does not exist in the physical museum collection.
FHS-Kyle Leach
Unknown
Unknown
Shared by Karen Goodwin Johnson
Thayer and Osborne Shoe Factory Miniture Postcard
Miniature Thayer and Osborne Shoe Factory souvenir postcard. photo is taken toward the northwest corner of the mill building from the street. The building is four stories and has decorative brick work along the top of the building as trim and a front brick facade on the roof, decorative brick window work, and in front Gothic shaped brick doorway with what appear to be divided wooden doors.. An automobile and metal fire escapes can be seen in the foreground and side by the northwest corner. Information printed at the top list "Thayer and Osborne Shoe Factory, No 2, Farmington, NH." Non divided back.
Size 2.5" x 3.5"
FHS-Kyle Leach
W. J. Evans, C W Whitehouse, Frank W Swallow Postcard Company INC
W. J. Evans, C W Whitehouse, Frank W Swallow Postcard Company INC