Allen County, Ohio - Chapter 10: The Manufactures and Commerce of Lima, 1906

Chapter 10: The Manufactures and Commerce of Lima

During the last 15 years Lima has rapidly advanced to the front as a manufacturing center, and to-day much of her prosperity is due to her manufacturing interests. The city's natural advantages aid in decreasing expenses and facilitates the distribution of its manufactured products. Its factories are prosperous and of a diversified character and many new industries are continually springing up.

In her earlier days there were no manufacturing establishments of importance. In 1842 we find that "Joshua Hoover ran a small foundry ; and aside from two or three blacksmiths, one or two tailors and about the same number of shoe shops there was nothing in the form of manufacturing. Thomas K. Jacobs was tailor and county treasurer, keeping his shop and treasurer's office in the same room. He was a most faithful officer, highly appreciated by the voters who continued him in office many consecutive terms."

Early Manufacturing Establishments

Lima's business was not conducted on the Square, and that "Water street is one of the streets of Lima." Forthwith follows an inventory of the establishments on that street which we give below : "Commencing at the west end is the new steam mill of Hamilton & Mahon. This is one of the best mills in the State, and the proprietors, with Uncle "Sam" as flour manager, are gentlemen of the first water. Next in order is Parker's wagon shop. Mr. Parker is an honest, industrious citizen, always on hand to do work in the best order. The next establishment is rather hard to describe; there is a little of everything, all kinds of buggies, straw-cutters, etc. This is something new in the world and the inventors deserve and will surely receive a good run with their new machine. Well, we'll kite along to the crockery store of Uncle John. - This establishment is rather antiquated, yet it is useful in its way. The proprietor has recently opened a bank in connection with his former business. This bank pays out all the time and does not receive deposits. Hard by is the blacksmith-shop of Lytle & Company, where work in their line is pounded out to order. Everybody knows where Jo Smith's extensive iron foundry is. He makes stoves, plows and everything in his line, from a bootjack to an anchor. Next in order is Davis' double-rigged circular sawmill. They cut up logs in doublequick time. Compton's carding machine and fulling mill is an institution of great service in this community ; remember it is not Lecompton. Next in the line of travel is a heterogeneous establishment, kept by Dan Musser, et al. It is - well go and see it, then you can tell what it is. There is steam, rake teeth, men wheels, boards, saws, and - go and see it, I tell you. Now last but not least is Lee's institution. Mr. Lee is not a liar and he has lots of lye ; he does not keep a doggery, yet he uses dog power ; he is not the sage of Ashland, but lias lots of ashes and wants more. The fact is he has an extensive ashery. Now let's round to and come back to town or we will run against the R. R. bridge."

The following facts and figures are taken from the Allen County Republican of Friday, March 14, 1879, Lima at the time having a population of about 7,000.

Lima is situated in Allen County, on the Ottawa River in the midst of an excellent agricultural district, at the crossing of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago, and the Dayton & Michigan and the Lake Erie & Louisville railroads. All of these roads have shops for repairs, etc., here. The D. & M. shops cover some eight acres and employ from 200 to 300 men.

Our city offers many advantages (extra facilities for transportation, cheap living, etc.) for manufacturing establishments and is fast becoming a noted manufacturing point.

The streets are wide and the city is beautifully laid out and improved, containing many fine homes and residences ; it is fast becoming the most prominent point in Northwestern Ohio.

Mills (-flour), East & Lewis, 7 to 10 hands; D. & M. Machine Shops, 200 to 300 hands ; I. M. Townsend & Company, furniture factory, 10 to 25 hands; Philip Kiel, furniture factory, 7 hands; Lima Paper Mills, B. C. Faurot, president and general manager, J. N. Harrington, secretary and superintendent, 70 hands ; Lima Machine Shops, John Carnes, Fred Agerter, J. M. Coe, G. W. Disman and Ira P. Carnes, 50 to 60 hands ; Lima Wheel Company, office on D. & M. road, south of Market street ; Lima Carriage Bent Works, King & Boop & Company, 12 hands; Smith, Dunan & Company, sash, door, blind and molding manufactory and lumber-yard; Reichelderfer & Brewer, planing mill, 10 hands; Ottawa Mills (flour), W. B. Gorton; Feeman & Sons , stirrup factory, 12 to 18 hands; Frank Roush, stirrup and whip factory, 10 to 18 hands; Weot & Fisher, buggies, carriages, spring wagons, etc. ; Fullerton Brothers, buggies and spring wagons ; James Grove, wagon-maker ; J. C. Davis, wagon-maker; Blocher & Berryman, wagons, buggies, etc, ; James Irvine & Company, hub and spoke factory, 35 to 50 hands; E. Lannay, iron force pumps (pat. Aug. 14, 1:877 ) ; J. D. Halter, mangles.

president; S. W. Moore, cashier, and C. M. Hughes, Jr., assistant cashier; City Bank, Baxter Brothers & Company; Bank of Lima, Dague & Selfridge.

Grocers - A. Bowsher, Frederick & Son, Tom Fitz, McComb & Davis, Moore Brothers (wholesale and retail), S. J. Mowen, J. Langan, John Wheeler, R. T. Hughes, Fred Holland and William Stoup.

Lima possesses nearly 100 classified industries, each of which constitutes a bona fide manufacturing establishment This number will be materially augmented in the next year. On the following pages are given short sketches of some of the best known concerns in the industrial and commercial world of Lima.

The Lima Locomotive & Machine Company is one of the oldest industries in the city, commencing business in i860. They started in a small way with a comparatively small plant under adverse circumstances, but they have steadily advanced until to-day the sterling reputation of the products of these big works is known throughout the entire country. The plant of this company, a view of which is shown on another page of this work, covers 15 acres of ground and is situated in the southern part of the city on a site lying between the C. H. & D., L. E. & W. and C. & E. railroads. Connecting tracks, built to each of the three roads, afford convenient shipping facilities. The buildings are all connected by a system of yard tracks so that material can be transported from one department to another. The entire plant has complete sewerage, fuel gas and water systems, the different buildings are heated by hot air and all the buildings and yards lighted by electricity. This is a complete locomotive plant and one that can be extended with facility, as each building is so arranged that it can be enlarged without encroaching upon another. The principal product is the "Shay" locomotive of which they build alF sizes from 10 tons to 150 tons weight. It is a geared engine especially designed for service on heavy grades and sharp curves. They also make direct-connected locomotives of all types and sizes, which are built complete from specifications and drawings. The plant was designed with the view of competing with the largest locomotive works in the country and is not only one of the substantial concerns of the city, but is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The officers of the company are : A. L. White, president and general manager; Ira P. Carnes, vice-president; and W. T. Agerter, secretary and treasurer.

The Star Iron Works, conducted by George S. Vicary, take high rank among the industries of Lima. In an ideal location for such a plant, these works are located at the crossing of Eureka street over the C. H. & D. and L. E. & W. railway tracks. All kinds of boilers and engines, fishing tools, oil-well supplies, pumping jacks, saw mills, tile mills and machinery of all classes are manufactured. Every part of an engine, boiler or oil-well tool is kept constantly in stock and supplied on a moment's notice. They remodel, repair and rebuild gas-engines and handle oil and gasengine supplies.

The East Iron & Machine Company occupies the old site of the Lima Locomotive & Machine Works on East Market street. The company was organized and incorporated in 1903 and is already one of the largest manufacturing plants in the city. The concern makes a specialty of structural and ornamental iron work, and during last season placed in the heart of the iron manufacturing districts many thousand dollars worth of this class of goods. Iron railings, stairways, fire-escapes, illuminated sidewalk lights, jail constructions, gray iron and brass castings, building special machinery and the construction of bridges are specialties of this company. The officers are : President, William S. East; vice-president, A. D. Neuman; secretary and treasurer, J. L. Simpson.

1 he Bessemer Gas Engine Company. - The "Bessemer" gas-engine is manufactured at Grove City, Pennsylvania, but a branch establishment, incorporated under the laws of Ohio, and in which local capital is interested, was established in Lima in 1899 on East Elm street. In 1903 the company built a commodious factory building and office quarters on East Wayne street adjacent to the L. E. & W. freight house. The local plant, real estate and machine equipment is valued at $30,000 and is under the management of H. B. Willower.

The "Bessemer" engine, on account of its seady running and great power is extremely useful for driving dynamos for the manufacture of current for electric lighting and for all similar - manufacturing purposes where cheap and reliable power is desired. They are built in many sizes, from five horsepower up.

In addition to manufacturing this engine, the company makes a specialty of converting steam-engines into gas-engines by the substitution of a gas cylinder for the conventional steam cylinder. This gas cylinder is original with the Bessemer people and is so effective that more than 5,000 of the regular style of oil field steam-engines have been converted into gas-engines by them. This company also makes the famous "Bessemer" oil-well rollerbearing pumping power, which does more work and consumes less engine power than any other rig on the market.

The Lima Gas Engine Company, makers of the "Swan" gas-engine and one of the large manufacturing concerns of Lima, was incorporated in 1901 with a capital of $50,000. The plant, which is located at the corner of Greenlawn avenue and the C. & E. Railroad, covers four acres. The buildings are all comparatively new and in excellent shape. The "Swan" engine is now shipped to all parts of the United States. It is an engine especially designed for close regulation, making electric light equal to any steam-engine. The officers of the company are : President, J. O. Hover ; vice-president, J. O. Orr; secretary and treasurer, E. Christen ; general manager, John W. Swan.

The Sinclair & Morrison Company, manufacturers of drilling and fishing tools for oil. gas and artesian wells, was established in 1SS6 and incorporated in 18S9, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers are as follows: J. R.

Sinclair, president; T. C. Morrison, vice-president; E. A. Dean, secretary and treasurer; E. E. Sinclair, assistant treasurer and manager of the branch shop at Montpelier, Indiana. They were the first to open up a shop in Lima soon after oil was found in this section, and their tools are known all over the oil fields, from Pennsylvania to California.

The National Roofing Tile Company are manufacturers of the celebrated "Klay" patent tile. The company was incorporated about three years ago for $100,000. The plant is modern in every respect and was built especially for the manufacture of roofing tile. The very best of machinery is used in turning out the best finished tile on the market. The tiles are burned in the best burning kilns known in the business to-day; and the clay is taken from 45 acres of the best clay ground in the country. The most skilled workmen are employed and some excellent designs and pieces of clay work are turned out. The tile is rain and snow-proof, is exceedingly dense, straight and true and is sold in all parts of the country. The plant is located east of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railway and north of the Chicago & Erie Railroad, south of East Kibby street. It occupies 40 acres of ground and turns out daily 50 squares, or 7,500 pieces of tile. The officers are : J. R. Sinclair, president ; J, L.

The Hall & Woods Company owns and operates the Model Mills, one of the best flour mills in the country. Its value to Lima is of the greatest importance, bringing indirectly to the city a great amount of business. It offers a ready market for the wheat of the surrounding farmers, who in turn leave their money with Lima merchants. The firm was established in the fall of 1894 and incorporated November 1, 1899. Its "Pride of Lima" flour has no superior on the market. The company manufactures high-grade flour, meal and feed and the mills have a capacity of 200 barrels a day. The offices and mills are located along the C. H. & D. and L. E. & W. tracks at the east end of Spring street. The raw grain and the products are brought and shipped directly to and from the establishment. The officers are: Hirm A. Holdridge, president;

Schultheis Brothers are manufacturers of oak harness leather, which they sell exclusively to jobbers and whole sale manufacturers. This is one of the oldest established concerns of Lima and has been all these years in the same location at the corner of Water and Elizabeth streets. W. Schultheis conducted the business from 1863 to 1891 when it was transferred to his sons, Charles and John Schultheis. From a small beginning with horse power and a small tannery, the business has grown to enormous proportions and the goods are sold in almost every State in the Union. The main building has a frontage of 90 feet, a depth of 200 feet and is three stories high. The plant includes a tanyard, finishing and blacking rooms, stuffing and dry rooms, leach house, bark shed and boiler rooms. There are 62,700 feet of floor space. The hides are purchased chiefly of the Chicago packers. A specialty is made of the widely known "Solar" oak harness leather. The leather manufactured is adaptable for all kinds and grades of harness goods.

This concern is one of Lima's big manufacturing industries and under the management of the younger generation of the Schultheis family promises to maintain the high standard already set and to still further extend a business that has already become known from one end of the country to the other for fair dealing and high grade goods.

The Deisel-Wemmer Company. - The leading factor in the growth and development of any community is not only the number of its business enterprises, but largely their character and this depends upon the energy, capacity and commercial integrity of those who direct their policies and regulate their expansion. The city of Lima is justly noted as a manufacturing center and one of its largest and most successful industries is the immense concern founded, owned and operated by The Deiser-Wemmer Company, manufacturers of the "San Felice" and "General Stark" cigars.

This business has had a remarkable development. In 1891, with practical experience in cigarmaking and, through close observance, with very definite ideas as to the public taste and demand, those cigar manufacturers - Henry Deisel, Henry G. Wemmer and William J. Wemmer, of Lima - conceived the project of entering upon the manufacture of a cigar not then found upon the market, which could be profitably produced through a careful combination of tobaccos and which could be given to the public at a price formerly asked for a very inferior article.

A partnership resulted and a factory was started in rather restricted quarters at No. 316 North Main street, Lima, where Mr. Deisel had conducted business in previous years, with a force of 35 cigarmakers. The output met with a ready welcome, encouragement came from every quarter and by 1895 it became necessary to greatly enlarge the facilities for manufacture, which resulted in the leasing of a three-story brick building on West Wayne street. At the time even the ambitious proprietors were disposed to think the new quarters would eventually become theirs as there would probably be no farther need of enlargement. No conception of the immense growth their business would make in the next decade had come to them.

By 1900 the company was employing more than 400 workmen and still could not keep up with the popular demand and it was recognized that a suitable building would have to be secured or they could expand no farther. The members of the firm were excellent business men and could not consider any such restraint as this and by the spring of 1901 they had not only secured the plat at the northwest corner of Main street and the Pennsylvania Railroad, but work was started on the foundation for the present immense factory, and in the following June the company was able to take possession, having at command 30,000 feet of floor space. The main factory with its four stories and basement was considered adequate until 1905 when an addition was erected which doubled the space and the consequent capacity of the plant. The new addition, with four floors and basement, adjoins the former building on the rear and has a frontage of 65 feet, with a depth of 200 feet. In every modern equipment, both for business purposes and as the temporary home of an army of officials and workmen, this factory excels any other of any kind in the United States. There are no dark, unventilated apartments where dust can gather on the material used for the manufacture of the cigars, nor un-hygienic housing of ill-paid workmen. On the other hand the factory stands in the midst of its own grounds with light and air on all sides. Its interior fittings are those of a modern home, each floor having cloak rooms, lavatories and toilet rooms, and in the new building a commodious dining room lias been constructed. This innovation is the result of the humanitarian ideas of the members of the company who have, from the very beginning, given the greatest consideration to the comfort and well-being of tbeir employees. High wages, commensurate with good work, have always been the rule with the company and it is a matter of note that the employees are among the most prosperous, people of the city, many owning property.

In describing this great factory, mention should be made of the new spiral fire escape which has made danger from conflagations a matter of little or no moment. It is perfect in construction and so erected that it is ascessible to every employee. In addition to this provision for safety, the company has installed automatic fire extinguishers, fire hose and hand grenades. An immense fire and water-proof stock room is a feature of the new factory building, with a capacity for the storing of 8,000,000 cigars.

The products of this great concern are, as stated, two brands of cigars, which have won on their own merits until there is probably no section of the United States where- the smoker cannot find, on demand, a "San Felice" or "General Stark." While the price is an object, a smoker demands quality also and it is the quality which has caused the sale to run up within 14 years to the almost unprecedented number of 200,000,000 per annum. The "San Felice," the five-cent cigar, was brought out about 1895 an<^ tw0 years later the firm brought out the "General Stark," which retails for 10 cents. The trade territory at first was confined to the State of Ohio, but it now covers a large part of the United States. No cheap material is used in the manufacture of the goods turned out by this company. Much of the raw material is bought, through fortunate trade connections at Amsterdam, Holland, some from New York and other large tobacco centers of the world, while a very large proportion is procured direct from Havana. Sumatra and Havana wrapping leaf is bought in bond and the company keeps constantly on hand great quantities of this material, its curing and handling being an important part of their business.

The Deisel-Wemmer Company is the second largest house in the world engaged in manufacturing and selling direct to the retail trade. Their jobbing trade is carried on with other brands of cigars than the "San Felice" and "General Stark," all their product being of such uniform excellence that the demand continues wherever they are introduced.

In 1902 the business was incorporated and the officers now are : Henry Deisel, president; William J. Wemmer, vice-president; Henry G. Wemmer, general manager; and Robert J. Plate, secretary and treasurer. It has been the policy of the company to sell stock to some of its oldest and most reliable employees, but it does not figure in the market.

Although this business is not hoary with age, its beginning being easily within the memory of the majority of Lima's business citizens, its importance is not to be considered by years. Like many of the other great enterprises which have reached success, its origin was humble in comparison with its present prominence, and all who view the mammoth piles of brick and mortar which represent comfortable living and possible independence to the 1 500 employees and those dependent upon them, numbering in all some 3,000 or 4,00a residents of Lima, must acknowledge the enterprise, the business ability and executive force of those who have changed conditions to such an extent. As a growth particularly belonging to Lima, it commands great, civic pride. Its management is an exemplar of perfected mechanical ideas, modern industrial methods and of the success of broad-minded,, liberal and humanitarian policies.

The American Cigar Company's factory, four stories in height with a basement, is located at the northwest corner of Main and Elm streets. The basement is devoted to the storage and handling of the raw material - the leaf tobacco - and here is stored, ready for use, filler and wrapper stock.

This factory is supplied with excellent light and ventilation, while the effect of the action of the air-suction machine is to take up and carry off all the dust and impure air of the work room, thus clearing and purifying the atmosphere.

This plant was opened for work on the morning of April 17, 1903, with S. Kleinberger as the local manager. In the beginning only the famous "Cremo" brand was made but the plant soon added to its line and before long a number of brands were being made, among which are the "Benefactor," and the "General Braddock."

The Eagle Stave Company is one of the city's representative and growing industries. The concern came to Lima from Cridersville and Minster in the early part of 1903 and took up its quarters in the old Monroe factory on the corner of Central avenue and the C. & E. Railroad. There are also large branch factories at Gilberts, Ohio; Lindsay, Ohio, and Livermore, Kentucky. This company has a very extensive lumber-yard and makes a specialty of supplying contractors and builders with lumber, lath, shingles or whatever is needed in the building trades. Cooperage material of every class is manufactured and the firm exports much of its product, shipping mainly to Liverpool, England, as well as, to many points in the United States. The company has its plant equipped with highgrade machinery and the manufacturing portion of its business is very large. Lima was exceedingly fortunate in being able to secure this establishment as it promises to prove of lasting benefit to the community, giving as it -does employment to many men with a liberal ;pay-roll, the money finding its way next into the coffers of the business men of the city. At the same time the general volume of business receives quite an addition, the transportation companies being especially benefited by the large amount of material that is shipped, both in and out. The rapid growth of the company is largely due to the capable executive management of D. C. Dunn.

Dim a Pork Packing Company. This ^company was incorporated on October 1, 1901, .with a capital stock of $60,000. The first year 'the firm was located in a small building, 'which stood where the electric light plant now ^stands. There the firm occupied but one room and employed only eight men. At present it is located on South Central avenue just south ;of the Model Mills. In contrast with the one room, it has now two buildings, each two high. The pay-roll now shows 35 men employed, including three traveling salesmen. The annual volume of business aggregates $300,000. The company buys and slaughters all of its own live stock, practically all of which comes from the surrounding country, and manufactures all kinds of packing house products. Its equipment includes unsurpassed cold storage facilities. The officers are: B. F. Thomas, president; Ira P.

The Lima Creamery & Cold Storage Company's plant is located at 223-235 South Central avenue and is equipped throughout with the most modern machinery and appliances. This company is a wholesale as well as a retail concern, having a heavy traffic which daily arrives and departs from the factory. The firm is now placing a hand separator with all farmers within a radius of 40 miles, enabling them to ship pure cream direct to the factory. Pure creamery butter is now manufactured in enormous quantities and the product of this great plant may be found in the markets of every town for miles around. The pasteurized milk and cream of this company is the finest of dairy productions. The officers are : M. Thomas, president ; C. E.

The Dairy Implement Company is located at No. 220 East Pearl street and manufactures dairy implements and dumbwaiters. The business was established in 1897 and was incorporated in 1901. W. T. Agerter is president; R. C. Eastman, vicepresident and J. D. Agerter, secretary and manager.

the oldest firms in Lima. Since 1872 the firm has been doing business in the city making shirts and underwear. In January, 1893, Hensler & Schlupp bought Out J. H. Knisely, Jr., but the old firm name is retained.

The John Cramer Manufacturing Company, located at East Market street and the C., H. & D. Railway, is Lima's latest industry, and one which promises to become one of the leading manufacturing establishments of the city. The company is composed of John Cramer, the patentee, and Theodore Feist. Finding their original quarters in the Stamets Block on North Union street too small for the growing business, the promoters erected the substantial frame building which they now occupy. The company manufactures a combination adjustable window shade and curtain pole hanger. This article, which is the product of the inventive genius of Mr. Cramer, possesses unquestioned merit, and already it is in great demand. Mr. Cramer, after securing letters patent upon his invention, secured the financial support of Mr. Feist. In connection with the factory is a modern and thoroughly equipped electro-plating plant. Electro-plating of gold, silver, brass, copper and nickel is done in accordance with the most approved methods. This plant is up-to-date in every respect, and is the first of the kind to be established in the city, all work of this character having formerly been sent elsewhere.

The building interests and the allied trades connected with the production and handling of lumber, brick, stone, cement and other building material constitute a group of industries representing a large aggregate investment, and giving employment to the efforts of some of the foremost business firms of Lima. First in order, mention will be made of the architects of the city.

J. A. Chapin has contributed in a large measure to the architecture of the city. Among the buildings that Mr. Chapin has designed ire Lima and the surrounding towns during the last 25 years are the Lima House, Holland Block, Black Building, Lima Straw-Board Company's plant and Children's Home. As associate architect with Mr. Packard, of Columbus, Ohio, he aided in designing the new High School Building. Mr. Chapin occupies a handsome suite of offices in the Holland Block.

Dawson & McLaughlin is a new firm among the architects of Lima. On January 1, 1905, Mr. Dawson took as a partner Thomas D. McLaughlin, of this city.

Charles Wilmot Dawson is an architect who has received a thorough professional education at Haverford College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After finishing his course at the latter institution he spent a year as a student under the late Henry Van Brunt, ex-president of the American Institute of Architects. Since then he has spent 17 years in the practice of his profession in various parts of the country. Mr. Dawson has been in Lima about five years and has a large number of prominent commercial buildings and residences to his credit. Prominent among these are the Deisel-Wemmer factory, The Moore Brothers Company's warehouse, the Central Building, Renz Block and the residences of J. D. S. Neely, G. E. Bluem, W. K. Boone, E. T. Cuthbert, W. J. Wemmer and Henry G. Wemmer. Mr. Dawson has built up an enviable reputation for intelligent design, thoroughness and honesty, besides

Thomas D. McLaughlin came to Lima when a child, and has grown up with the city. He studied three years at Lima College, and three at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, preparing for a technical course in architecture. On finishing at Hamilton he entered the architectural department of Columbia University, New York City, and took a three-years' course in architecture. For the past six months Mr. McLaughlin has been superintendent of construction for the Buckeye Pipe Line Company at the Cygnet pump station.

Leech & Leech. This firm of architects is composed of Charles M. and Frank Leech with offices on the third floor of the Badeau Block. Their success has been phenomenal, their business increasing daily until they at present are compelled to employ a large number of assistants to keep pace with their orders. Their business is not confined to Lima, but extends throughout the State and into adjoining States. Leech & Leech rank with the best in the State in their profession and this proud position has been won by hard work and close application to business. They are prepared to execute plans, furnish estimates and supervise structural work of all kinds anywhere. In their home city they rank high in their profession and many buildings in Lima stand as monuments to their architectural skill.

B. F. Matthews, the well-known architect of Lima, ranks with the leading exponents of his profession in the State. Mr. Matthews possesses a thorough education and wide experience, coupled with natural talent for the sphere of activity which he so successfully occupies. He is prepared to execute plans, furnish estimates and supervise structural work of every description. Many of Lima's finest dwellings are the result of his skill.

Mowen Brothers arc one of the leading firms of building contractors in this section of the State. As early as 1865 J. R. Mowen was the leading contractor of Allen County, later forming a partnership with his sons with the firm name of J. R. Mowen & Sons. Later still, Mr. Mowen retired and the two sons, Ed. S. and O. L. Mowen, have since carried on the business. This firm has gained a greater reputation for good work completed in good time than any other in this part of the State and some of the finest structures in the city and county are monuments to this reputation. Among these in Lima are the new High School Building, the shops of the Lima Locomotive & Machine Company, the American Strawboard Company's plant, the Times-Democrat Block, The Moore Brothers Company's wholesale grocery building, Lima College, Pine street and West Spring street ward buildings, the Harper Block, Donze's four business blocks, the Applas Building, Manhattan Hotel and numerous others. In addition to these local structures, there are many big buildings in the surrounding towns, which have been erected under their supervision.

Smith & Sherrick are one of the largest contracting firms in Lima. Their planing mill and office are located at Nos. 330-332 South Union street. There has been a rapid growth of the business of this house from year to year since its establishment in 1899, when they began with a small shop 18 by 20 feet, in dimensions. In the year following the business greatly exceeded the expectations of the firm, and the capacity of their quarters being insufficient the mill was enlarged to 40 by 40 feet. In the spring of 1903, all previous records being out-stripped, it again became evident that a still greater capacity was required to handle the business. A large new twostory building, 60 by 64 feet, was then erected which the firm now occupies. At the time of their organization this firm employed only four men. Their business now requires the continual employment of twenty-five. This steady grow'th has been maintained by reliable business methods of the firm. The establishment is especially equipped to do all grades and styles of interior finish and office work.

A. Simons. Among the leading manufacturers of brick in Lima, none rank higher or have had the confidence and the trade of the public in a greater degree than A. Simons.

His yard and brick kilns are located on the Spencerville road, within easy access, and he is a most agreeable person with whom to have business dealings.

Snyder & Kontz, the brick manufacturers, have long been noted for the manufacture of the most excellent quality of brick ever manufactured in Northwestern Ohio. The plant is located at the corner of Grand avenue and Metcalf street. Its present capacity is 25,000 brick per day. Their brick have been very largely used in the construction of Lima's handsome hotels, business blocks, factories, residences; etc., which is a convincing proof of the high opinion- in which their product is held.

F. P. Rusher Lumber Company. This company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, in 1903, succeeding the Rusher & Rossfeld Lumber Company. The company transacts a general lumber business at wholesale and retail, dealing in lumber of every description, including sash, doors, blinds, building material, finish, interior trim, moldings, etc. Their trade is not confined merely to Lima, but extends throughout this section of the State. The offices and yards are situated in an ideal location at Union street and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The company operates its own private tracks, and in extent and equipment its plant is foremost among the lumber dealers of the city. The yards embrace a ground area of 200 by 268 feet, and an immense stock of lumber is constantly on hand. The annual volume of business transacted aggregates $75,000 per year. The manager of the company is F. P. Rusher. Mr. Rusher is a native of Hardin County, and has resided in Lima for six years, during which time hehas gained prominence in business circles, and has won the confidence and esteem of the community. He is a practical lumber man, possesses a thorough knowledge of his business and under his management this company has become an important factor in the commercial life of the city and county.

and vicinity since 1901, when the firm of Laurens Hull & Company succeeded to the business of T. W. Dobbins & Son. In May, 1904, the company was incorporated with a capital of $150,000 paid in, and the style of firm changed to Laurens' Hull Lumber Company, by which it is to-day widely known. The local yards are of large area and are stocked with an immense amount of the choicest lumber of every description, and orders of the greatest magnitude are executed promptly and efficiently. Yards and offices are also maintained in Chicago, Illinois, and Tiffin, Ohio. The annual volume of business transacted aggregates $500,000. The officers of the company are : Gilbert B. Shaw, president ; Laurens Hull, vice-president. Mr. Hull has been a resident of this city since 1901, and is regarded as an excellent business man and representative citizen.

The South Side Lumber Yard. This is one of the most substantial firms of the city. It was incorporated in 1903 and in September, 1904, the business was bought by Joshua Raudabaugh. The grounds are 240 by 165 feet, located in Central avenue and First street adjoining the C. & E. Railroad. Mr. Raudabaugh handles the best grade of lumber of all kinds; also sash, doors and finished lumber. Everything is kept in perfect order, all under cover and so arranged that any particular kind of lumber can be found without a moment of time lost in searching for it.

Pugh Stone Company. Lima has long been noted for the production of a fine quality of building and crushed stone, and in this connection it may be said that the Pugh Stone Company stands without a rival in this section of the State. For many years this company has been an important factor in the business life of the city, and to-day it is better equipped and more solidly established than at any time in its long and successful career. The well known Pugh quarries are located in the eastern part of the city, with offices at No. 925 East North street. Their high-grade product has won great favor among the architects and building contractors throughout this part of Ohio, and their heavy wagons are a familiar sight on the streets of our city. The stone enters largely into all kinds of structural work, a specialty being made of stone for concrete purposes. No better concrete stone can be found anywhere. The members of the company are among our well-known and substantial citizens. Charles Pugh, the manager, is known as an energetic and reliable business man.

Consumers' Fuel, Building & Supply Company. This is one of the most active firms in the city and one which commands the full confidence of the public. They are extensive dealers, both at wholesale and retail, in all the best grades of hard and soft coal and wood, being one of the largest dealers in these commodities in the city. They carry at all times a full stock of the celebrated Lehigh Valley hard coal in all sizes, the best No. 2 vein Jackson, Hocking Valley, Massilon, West Virginia and Pocahontas soft coal and other brands. The company carries the best in fuel as well as builders' and contractors' supplies, such as lime, sand, cement, sewer-pipe, plaster, etc. The manager, J. W. Shanahan, is an enterprising business man and one of Lima's most valued citizens. The offices and yards are at the corner of Vine street and the C., H. & D. and L., E. & W. railroads. The officers are : Joel Spyker, president ; Charles C.

Shappell, president; W. S. Ayers, vice-president; William H. Duffield, treasurer; J. A. Dutton, secretary; W. B. Craig, manager. They carry 800 tons of coal in stock, and are exclusive agents for old Lee anthracite, besides handling the leading grades of soft coal. The capacity of their ice plant is 25 tons per day, the ice being made from distilled water.

Fidelity Coal & Supply Company. This company is one of the largest in Allen County, and handles annually a larger supply of coal than any other company in Lima. It is located on East High street, east of the C. H. & D. and L., E. & W. railroads. It was organized in 1899 by F. W. Holmes, W. L. McKenzie and E. C. McKenzie. The company handles, in addition to a large variety of coal, sewer-pipe, plaster, cement, fire-clay, and a full line of building material.

M. Thomas & Sons. One of the enterprises making Lima its home, and one which is known throughout the Eastern and Central States, equal to any similar firm in the country, is that of M. Thomas & Sons, shippers and commission merchants, who annually sell thousands of pounds of butter, millions of eggs and poultry in car-load lots to markets throughout the United States. This concern, established in 1866, one of the largest of its kind in the State, is located at Nos. 229-231 South Central avenue, while the eastern offices of the company are at Nos. 103-105 South Market street, Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to the main plant in this city, branch houses are located at Leipsic, Bluffton and Sidney, buyers for M. Thomas & Sons regularly covering the territory.

Bell Supply Company. Among the jobbing and wholesale houses of Lima which have gained renown in the past few years none has excelled the record made by the Bell Supply Company. The company is located in Rooms 200-201-202 Opera House Block. Established in February, 1900, it has enjoyed five years of uninterrupted prosperity and progression. They now cover a radius of 50 miles in supplying the trade in other cities and counties with photographers', jewelers', opticians' and dental supplies, in addition to doing a large local business. As retail dealers in cameras and photographic supplies, they are headquarters for the Eastman "Kodaks." In the staple lines the firm handles Harnmel, Riglander & Company's wares in jewelers' and opticians' supplies ; Johnson & Lund's dental supplies; Taprell, Loomis & Company's photographic cards. In caring for its large trade, in addition to its offices and sales rooms, the firm has two large stock rooms on the fifth floor of the Opera House Block.

S. A. Baxter & Sons. Dr. Samuel A. Baxter is one of the best known men in Lima - a typical type of the high-minded American, a gentleman, a scholar and a business man of worth. Dr. Baxter with his sons is now engaged in private banking, or investments, and as such counselors no firm in the city could be more highly regarded. Dr. Baxter would not advise an investment unless he knew it to be good, safe and deserving and his clientage speak of him in the highest praise. His sons have been raised as bankers and know all the ins and outs of the financial world. The offices of S. A. Baxter & Sons are located in Suite 406, Opera House Block.

Kemmer & Company is one of the oldest and best known insurance firms doing business in this section of the State. C. G. Kemmer was born in Lima 51 years ago, and has always resided in this city. He received a common-school education, and early in life was apprenticed to the machinist's trade, continuing in this occupation for 15 years. In 1882 he formed a partnership with his brother, the firm doing a general insurance business under the style of O. F. Kemmer & Company. This amalgamation was successfully continued until 1893 when O. F. Kemmer met death in a railroad accident at Grand Rapids, Michigan, while acting as general agent and adjuster for the Cooper Insurance Company, of Dayton. C. G. Kemmer then assumed the entire ownership of the business, which has since been known under its present title. Kemmer & Company represent 17 insurance companies, embracing fire, plate glass, accident, life and tornado, all of which are old-line American institutions. This agency, by reason of the permanency of its standing and its long and honorable career, may be regarded as one of the city's representative commercial enterprises.

Other insurance agencies are: E. D. Wallace & Son, O'Connor & Son, P. A. Kahle, James E. Lowery, William McComb, Jr., George W. Harrison, W. T. McHenry, J. O. Older, A. Young & Company, W. H. Stephens, Rogers & Eckhardt and J. H. Phillips.

Public Utility Corporations

The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company is a splendid example of a progressively and rightly managed public utility, and it furnishes to the people of Lima a service that is not excelled by any community in the country. The company has installed the first and only underground system of wires in Lima, as well as the latest type of lamp signals, multiple switchboard, and a full copper metallic system of wires, making it one of the most complete plants in the country. The equipment is of the most approved style and of a permanent nature, the purpose of the company being to conduct for all time the business of giving to this city the best possible system of telephone service. The number of subscribers of the directory aggregate 2,200. The company occupies the entire third floor of the Harper Block, and in connection with the United States Long Distance Telephone Company affords its patrons service with over 200,000 subscribers in more than 668 exchanges and nearly 1,500 toll stations in Ohio, also connecting with long distance lines in adjoining States. The officers of the company are : Davis J. Cable, president ; W. H. Duffield, treasurer; C. H. Cory, C. F. Stolzenbach, J. R. Sinclair, George W. Beers, J. B. and A. W. Hoge and Gustav Hirsch, directors, and George H. Metheany, secretary and general manager.

The Lima Gas Light Company and Lima Natural Gas Company. These companies are splendid examples of how private corporations can utilize those resources derived from the public and so manage and operate an industry as to not only hold the good will of the public but also give the service and. supply the goods at a most reasonable price. The Natural Gas Company has succeeded iru piping gas from the fields of Southeastern Ohio, especially Licking County, and thus; Lima is assured of a plentiful supply off this commodity for perhaps the next 20 years. For the past few years the supply has been wholly inadequate, and thus; the assurance that this inadequacy will give way to plentitude for many years to come has caused universal satisfaction. No large industry has played a more important part in the upbuilding of the city than The Lima Gas Light: Company. It has steadily kept pace with the growth of the community, extending its mains; promptly when occasion requires, and recognizing at all times that the interests of the: people are identical with its own. The officers are: J. Murdock, president; J. D. S.. Neely, vice-president ; S. E. Mulholland, secretary and treasurer ; Samuel T. Murdock,, general manager.

Lima's hotel accommodations compare favorably with those of any city in the Middle West. In addition to the several strictly firstclass commercial hostelries, there are numerous cafes and places of like character, which afford excellent service. This city is justly popular with the traveling public, a condition; largely attained through the superiority of itshotels. Sketches of our principal establishments in this branch of commercial activity are subjoined :

In the Lima House, this city possesses a>. hotel which ranks with the leading commercial hostelries of the great Middle West. Ably managed and conducted along modern lines, this house stands as a monument to the energy and ability of its managers, and as air architectural adornment to the city as well. The proprietors are J. P. King and R. S. Gray, both well-known business men. The building is of beautiful perspective, the scheme of interior arrangement and equipi. . D 3Viiy- i .!- ... - />

The Hotel Norval is capable of characterization as one of the finest hostelries in the State. It was built five years ago by J. C. Linneman, its construction and equipment $115,000. Mr. Linneman conducted the house until April, 1904, when he was succeeded by C. F. and J. J. Dow. On January 16, 1906, C. E. Dyer, formerly of the Wagner House, Sidney, Ohio, became proprietor. The

Norval, in many respects, has no peer in Ohio. It is absolutely fire-proof and contains 105 rooms, heated by steam, lighted by electricity, richly furnished, and equipped with telephones and hot and cold water. In connection is a first-class buffet.

Other hotels in Lima are : The Harrod House, The New Hoffman, The Manhattan, The Colonial, The Crescent, The Empire, The Werlin and Hotel French, all doing an excellent business.