Snippets of Information Regarding the Gorham Company

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Gorham Mfg. Co. Gives Sixth Annual Dinner to Heads of Factory Departments

Providence, R. I ., Feb. 11.—The sixth dinner to the heads of departments, overseers and foremen was given by the Gorham Mfg. Co., at the Gorham Casino last evening. Successes of past years were repeated and the evening was an enjoyable one in every respect. The Casino was ablaze with light and floral decorations had been employed to good effect, the large assembly hall being banked with palms and other greens. Silver candelabra, brilliantly shaded, adorned the five long tables set apart for the guests. About 100 were present and from the opening overture to the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” good fellowship and good cheer reigned.

The head table was occupied by Secretary J. F. P. Lawton, Superintendent F. C. Lawton and some of the oldest employes of the concern. Toastmaster W. H. Whipp, who filled the duties of his office in a pleasing fashion, was among those at this table. During the dinner the Gorham Orchestra, C. Poyton, director, rendered the following programme: March, “True to the Flag,” Bion; Waltz, “Italian Nights,” Tobani; selection from “Carmen,” Bizet; “Hearts and Flowers,” Tobani; overture, “Sounds From Sunny South,” Isenmann. Warren L. Turner acted as accompanist.

When the company sat down at the tables they found a noteworthy menu provided for their delectation, and when this had been enjoyed, the post-prandial exercises in charge of Toastmaster Whipp followed. These consisted of : Remarks, Superintendent F. C. Lawton; solo. Robert Pollard ; remarks, Secretary J. F. P. Lawton ; solo, Dale Westland; ’cello solo, “Romance,” Joseph Bowering; solo, “The Wolf.” William Hughes ; reading, “Chariot Race,” Albert S. Price; solo, “Sing Me to Sleep,” with violin obligato, F. B. Greely; banjo selection, William E. Jordan.

In his remarks, Superintendent Lawton commended the employes for standing so faithfully by and co-operating with the company during a season that had in many respects been unusually trying, this largely being due to the almost unprecedented amount of overtime work. “Some achieve fame at a bound,” he continued, “but the majority of us have to work long and hard for it. But you may rest assured that if you are making good records in your departments, it will be known and appreciated. This is an age of progress ; we cannot stand still. It is the age of specialization. A superintendent of a large concern nowadays cannot have the actual knowledge necessary for each branch. The time was when he could, but now he must depend on the specialists he places at the head of each department. You are our specialists and the company depends upon your cooperation for its business success.”

Secretary J. F. P. Lawton said that he had something to say about spoons: “Every person loves a spoon,” he remarked. “It is one of the first things wanted when we come into the world and one of the last we part with ere we go out. It is the companion of childhood, manhood and old age. The glass, too, often destroys domestic ties; the spoon revives the one and strengthens the other. Many a knife has committed murder and forks have been guilty of felony; but what bad thing has the spoon ever done? Like the sun shining on the wicked and the good, this servant of man has been among all nations, kindreds and tongues, a practical teacher of the Golden Rule. No implement Has done more for man. Almost all others have been turned against him, but the spoon—never.”

After devoting further attention to the good points of the spoon, the speaker concluded:

“Although science supersedes many things and the progress of the arts renders old machines useless, neither science, arts nor fashion can ever banish spoons from the earth. While men’s mouths are not placed at the ends of flexible trunks, manufacturers will find work; and the last spoons will differ little from ours. If people in Venus and Mars eat like us. and they probably do, a deputation from each at one of our public dinners would be at no loss in applying these table utensils.”

The singing of “Auld Lang Syne’’ brought the dinner to an appropriate end.

Covers were laid at the tables for the following, the number after each name signifying the year that the person entered the
company’s employ : Head table—J. F. P. Lawton, ’59; F. C. Lawton, ’81; Mr. Day, ’80; J. Salt, ’62; Mr. Jordan, ’60; Mr. Whipp. ’63; Mr. Codman, ’91; Mr. Aldrich, ’65; W. Codman, ’87; Mr. Peck, ’58; Mr. Wing, ’01; Mr. Webster, ’71; Mr. Miller, ’68; Mr. Burt, ’66; Mr. Burgess, ’65; Mr. Hughes, ’65; Mr. Hughes, ’65; Mr. Thurber, ’72; Mr. Tucker, ’64; Mr. Baker, Jr., ’65; Mr. Straker, ’65; Mr. Darling, ’68; Mr. Seagrave, ’69; Mr. Phillips, '71.

At the other tables were:

Mr. Angilly, '71; Mr. Robinson, '72; G. Wightman, *77; Mr. Crocker, ’78; Mr. Weeks, '79: Mr. Crawford, ’82; Mr. Hall, '84; Mr. Rhodes, *85; E. White, '85; Mr. Westfield, '81; Mr. Belcher, '95; Mr. Rees, '72; W. Smith, '73; Mr. Fulford, '76; Mr. Crook, '80; Mr. Gardiner, '80; Mr. Brown. '84; Mr. Davenport, '85; Mr. Pender. '86; Mr. Pick, '92; Mr. Winslow, '91; Mr. Ritman, '86; R. W. Higgins, '91; Mr. Allen, '86; Mr. Peters, '89; Mr. Tickell, '91; Mr. Allebaugh, '91; Mr. Jackson, '90; G. H. Wightman, '91; Mr. Dimond, '93; Mr. Johnson, '93; Mr. Boyle, '86; W Higgins, '91; Mr. Truelove, '90; Mr. McIntosh, *86; Mr. Harty, ’86; Mr. Reeves, '91; Mr. Browning, '91; V. Smith, '91; Mr. Swain, '92; Mr Needham, '97; Mr. Clissold, '88; Mr. Sherwood, '89; Mr. Cordery, '89; C. Lawton, '90; Mr. Turner, '94; Mr. Graham, '95; Mr. Merrill, '95; Mr. Richter, '95; Mr. Reach, '02; Mr. Norman, '02; J. White, '02; Mr. Sherman, '91; Mr. Harley, '89; Mr. Erickson, '90; Mr. Adshead, '97; Mr. Blanchard, '94; Mr. Sylvia, '95; Mr. Briggs. '95; F. Mason, '02; Mr. Achurch, '02; Mr. Woodward, '03; M. Mueller, '03; W. E. Gould, '01; Mr. Fenwick, '02; Mr. Greeley, '03; C. A. Gould, '02; Mr. Gordan, '05.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 15th February 1905

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Willard E. Braman, for the past 12 years an employe of the Gorham Mfg. Co., in the office of that concern, died Wednesday at the East Side Hospital, where he had undergone an operation for appendicitis. He was at one time a member of the Elmwood Club, was an ex-president of St. Andrew Chapter, Guild of All Saints’ Church, was a member of the Edgewood Yacht Club and the Wankituck Canoe Club. His death was a shock to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 15th February 1905

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The motion for a new trial of John Nelson, Providence, R. I., who was convicted last spring of receiving property stolen from the Gorham Mfg. Co., was argued before the Appellate Division of the Massachusetts Supreme Court early last week. Nelson was convicted April 9 of receiving 30 ounces of stolen silver, and motion for arrest of judgment was made on the ground that there was a variance in the indictment. Briefs were submitted and the decision was reserved.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st March 1905

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Gorham Mfg. Co. - New York - 1891

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WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION

There is some complaint in the trade, and it is understood the Gorham Mfg. Co. have withdrawn their application for space by reason of lack of time for preparation, but the officials in charge are putting forth their best endeavors, and censure for delay should rest where it belongs : On the Congress of the United Stales.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 10th August 1892

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Gorham Mfg. Co. - New York - 1891

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Wm. L. Stone, who was formerly in the downtown store as city representative of he Gorham Co., but more recently with he Baldwin Steel Co., has just been made the manager of the factory and umbrella department of the Gorham uptown store.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 12th February 1908

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The Gorham Mfg. Co., last week, won its suit against the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co., the jury bringing in a verdict, Saturday morning, for the plaintiff company for $20,000. The company sued to recover the value of certain icehouses which it owned and which were destroyed by fire, May 23, 1899. It was claimed that a spark from a passing locomotive was responsible for the blaze.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th May 1904

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Henry A. Balcom, foreman for J. F. Sturdys Sons Co., left last week, for Portland, Me., where he attended the wedding of his nephew. Raymond Shepard, who is one of the members of the traveling staff of the Gorham Mfg. Co.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th August 1909

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The annual convention of the salesmen, heads of departments and others, together with the officers and directors of the Gorham Mfg. Co., was held in this city this week and was productive of beneficial results to all concerned. The various working departments of the extensive plant at Elmwood were inspected, plans for future work were discussed and the, general conditions of the various sections of the country as regards trade and similar questions were considered. Edward Holbrook, New York, president of the corporation, as well as John S. Holbrook, vice-president; John F. P. Lawton, secretary-treasurer, and Fred C. Lawton, superintendent, were present at the business meeting of the convention, which was held at the company’s works, Wednesday morning. At that time the following statement was made, which indicates a very prosperous year. “Our fiscal year commences Feb. 1, and the present year, up to date, shows a larger volume of sales than the corresponding months of 1906, which was our largest year. We are operating at full capacity, and the number of our employes is now nearly as large as it ever was, and is about 20 per cent, larger than last year, but about the same as two years ago. A feature of this year’s business is the considerable volume of booked orders for delivery this fall. This feature is in sharp contrast to the conditions exhibited both in 1907 and 1908, and it indicates a willingness on the part of dealers to maintain their stocks at an average condition. This condition applies to almost every section of the country, as the volume of our sales both at Chicago and San Francisco have maintained about the relative increase to those of our home offices. This is evidence to us of an increased demand on our customers, and we do not believe it indicates any tendency to speculate on the part of dealers. We look for a constantly increasing volume during the remainder of the year.’’ In the afternoon the entire party took special electric cars to Narragansett Pier, where they were the guests of the corporation.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th August 1909

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W. V. Ghislin, manager of the Chicago office of the Gorham Co., is making a visit to the factory at Providence, R. I., and to eastern points.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th August 1909

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About 60 of the employes in the stamping and preparatory departments of the Gorham Co. had an outing at Emery Park last Saturday. They boarded a special electric car immediately after the closing of the works at noon, and upon arrival at the grounds a lunch was served, consisting of chowder and fritters. Owing to the inclemency of the weather it was necessary to eliminate many of the athletic sports that had been arranged for and for which prizes had been donated by the Gorham Co. These, 11 in number, however, were competed for indoors and were awarded as follows ; 100-yard dash for men over 40, George Moore, William Prospect and J. Murdock ; best looking man, William Cook ; 200-yard dash, George Stringer, Stephen Flanagan and George Lewis; broad jump, E. H. Whitaker, Michael Veaset and H. Mitchell; hop, step and jump, Harry Mitchell, Stephen Flanagan and E. H. Whitaker. After the games a clambake was partaken of and vocal and instrumental music and whist furnished enjoyment until dark.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 9th June 1909

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Gorham Mfg. Co. Presents Handsome Trophy to Winning Team of Gorham Baseball League

Providence, R. I., Nov. 5.—The Casino at the Gorham Mfg. Co. was the scene at noon to-day of one of those pleasant events which go to brighten the daily life of the hundreds of employes of this large concern. It was the occasion of the presentation of the championship trophy to the successful team in the Gorham Baseball League, and the social house was crowded by those who desired to express by their presence their interest in athletic sports.

The Gorham Mfg. Co. has been among the first and foremost in the practical solution of sociological and economical consideration of its employes. It has interested itself in various matters for the betterment of the conditions of the employes, and has always been ready to lend its support and assistance to every worthy object. As an encouragement to the baseball league the company had designed and made the trophy that was presented to the winning club today. It is valued at several hundred dollars and said to be one of the most artistic and valuable pieces of silversmithing of its kind ever produced at the works.

As soon as the employes had finished their lunches they began to gather at the Casino, where piano selections by William Proffitt, Jr., of the engraving department, were enjoyed, the men whistling or singing the choruses. At 12 :30 o’clock William Gorham Lawton, son of Secretary John F. P. Lawton, an employe in the chasing department and president of the Gorham Baseball League, entered the Casino, followed by Misses Annie Rowe, Nora Conroy, Olga Johnson, Lena Hatch, Lena Fitzpatrick, Ann Schobel, Lena Heffernan, Isabelle Martin, Gertrude Sorenson and Gertrude Heath. Each of the young women wore corsage bouquets of white chysanthemums and carried yellow ’mums in their hands.

As the party entered the Casino they were received with rounds of applause by the assembled fans and others, and at the same time the members of the champion team, headed by Messrs. Crocker and Townsend, heads of the spinning and spoon departments of the works, which the winners represented, drew up in line and stood at salute as President Lawton stepped forward and presented the trophy in a well-worded speech. After the presentation each of the young women stepped forward and each presented to one of the victorious nine a yellow chrysanthemum, while to Messrs. Crocker and Townsend a pink chrysanthemum was given.

The trophy is made from a single piece of metal, 16 inches in diameter, and stands 18 inches in height. It is of copper finish. It will be on exhibition in the Gorham library. As there are 75 departments in the plant and much interest is being manifested in baseball at present, it is expected that next season there will be a larger league than there was this year.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 10th November 1909

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Bids have been opened at the Navy Department for furnishing silver plated ware for the Olympia. There were only two bids entered : the Gorham Mfg. Co., New York, whose total bid was $1,103.29; and Wilcox Silver Plate Co., Meriden, Conn., $1,046.93.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th May 1894

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Orders discontinuing the attachments and suits brought in the Supreme Court by the Gorham Mfg. Co. and the Alvin Mfg. Co. against J. H. Johnston & Co. were signed by Judge Lawrence and were entered Friday.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 6th October 1897

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Frederick Young, who had been with the Gorham Mfg. Co. for nearly half a century, died, Saturday, at his home on Lilian Ave., as the result of a stroke of apoplexy. Mr. Young had been in the employ of the company for 48 years and for many years had been the foreman of one of the departments. By his strict attention to duty and his general manly character, he had won the respect and esteem of both his employers and those immediately under him. Mr. Young was a man who took but little interest in social or fraternal organizations, preferring rather the quiet of his home. He leaves a widow and one son, Frederick R. Young, and two daughters, Mrs. A. D. Sawin and Mrs. E. A. Corbett.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 18th May 1904

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Gorham Mfg. Company - Providence, R.I. - 1916

Note the inclusion in this advertisement to the short-lived works at Birmingham, England.

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Bruce Bonny, of the Gorham Mfg. Co., arrived from Europe last week on the Teutonic.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 8th May 1895

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The package of silverware consigned by the Gorham Manufacturing Company to Joseph Wineburgh & Sons. Utica, N. Y., and which was supposed to have been lost or stolen on the occasion of the wreck in the Central-Hudson yards, last Saturday, has been received by the firm to whom it was sent. After the accident occurred broken packages were gathered and sent to Albany tor inspection and classification and this was the cause of the delay.

Source: The Jewelers Review - 24th May 1899

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Hiram A. Bliss’s tenth anniversary as manager of the Maiden Lane branch of the Gorham Mfg. Co. was fittingly celebrated by the employes Thursday. When Mr. Bliss arrived at his office he was surprised to find the vicinity of his desk decorated with silk flags and smilax, and upon the desk between two large bouquets, a silver mounted cigar chest containing 100 cigars. The cigar case was tastefully inscribed as follows; “ Presented to Hiram A. Bliss as a Token of Respect and Esteem, by the Employes of the Gorham Mfg. Co., June 20, 1895.”

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 26th June 1895

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