Commercial Industrial and Progressive Edition - 1916
In 1916 a number of communities in northern Wellington County worked together and published a booklet promoting the various businesses and industries in the area. At the time many manufacturers and communities were aggressively seeking out lucrative war contracts from the Canadian Government. While it's not exactly known who within Palmerston received a war contract it has been suggested that the former Wooldridge Factory (likely Henry Wise Woodenware) manufactured crates for artillery shells. No newspapers or direct accounts exist from the time period and some details to not match up to timelines so whether or not this was true is still in debate. A copy of the original pamphlet is located in the archives at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Below is a brief description of 19 different businesses and industries that were located within Palmerston:
Below is a brief description of 19 different businesses and industries that were located within Palmerston:
A.K. Dillane
I.X.L. Furniture and Undertaking Parlors
Among the experienced and competent furniture dealers, undertakes and embalmers in Palmerston and surrounding country we find A. K. Dillane, whose store and warerooms are located on Main street, Phone 22. He established himself in business here 25 years ago and has by strict attention coupled with a straightforward system of dealing built up a large and permanent patronage. The premises occupied for sales and warerooms comprise three floors of large dimensions, stocked with a comprehensive assortment of furniture, brass and iron bedsteads, mattresses, upholstered foods, etc., from the leading manufacturers. The motto of the house is furniture or household goods of elaborate taste at moderate prices and entire satisfaction assured. A leading feature is made of undertaking and embalming. Mr. A. K . Dillane is a licensed embalmer and thoroughly qualified in this line. He employs the most approved modern processes in embalming and takes full charge of all the arrangements for funerals, furnishing everything desired in the best and most satisfactory manner. In stock is carried a full supply of metallic, cloth covered and wood caskets, and everything pertaining to the business. Prompt attention is paid to all calls day or night. Picture framing, upholstering and repair work is promptly attended to. Marriage licenses are also issued here. The business is under sole management of Mr. A. K. Dillane. During his business career here he has become very popular and obliging he has gained the respect of the entire community.
Among the experienced and competent furniture dealers, undertakes and embalmers in Palmerston and surrounding country we find A. K. Dillane, whose store and warerooms are located on Main street, Phone 22. He established himself in business here 25 years ago and has by strict attention coupled with a straightforward system of dealing built up a large and permanent patronage. The premises occupied for sales and warerooms comprise three floors of large dimensions, stocked with a comprehensive assortment of furniture, brass and iron bedsteads, mattresses, upholstered foods, etc., from the leading manufacturers. The motto of the house is furniture or household goods of elaborate taste at moderate prices and entire satisfaction assured. A leading feature is made of undertaking and embalming. Mr. A. K . Dillane is a licensed embalmer and thoroughly qualified in this line. He employs the most approved modern processes in embalming and takes full charge of all the arrangements for funerals, furnishing everything desired in the best and most satisfactory manner. In stock is carried a full supply of metallic, cloth covered and wood caskets, and everything pertaining to the business. Prompt attention is paid to all calls day or night. Picture framing, upholstering and repair work is promptly attended to. Marriage licenses are also issued here. The business is under sole management of Mr. A. K. Dillane. During his business career here he has become very popular and obliging he has gained the respect of the entire community.
A. S. Greenwood
A deservedly popular pharmacentical and optical establishment in Palmerston enjoying a large business with the best families and physicians is the one under the above title. Mr. A. S. Greenwood assumed control of this old established business eleven years ago. By close application he has built up a large trade that extends all over the town and country. The store occupied on Main street is on e of the best in the town and carries a large stock. It is nicely fitted up and presents a very attractive appearance. Besides dispensing pure, fresh drugs, chemicals and family remedies, a large number of high grade pharmacentical compounds, emulsions and other proprietary articles are put up on the premises. Mr. Greenwood runs a thoroughly up-to-date drug store, and includes such lines as Ansco photo supplies, optical goods, fine chocolates, etc., and every care is taken in order to select only the most dependable goods in each department. The house receives the recommendation of medical men on account of the scrupulous care that is exercises in the preparation of physicians’ prescriptions. In stock is also carried a large assortment of toilet articles, fine stationery, druggists’ sundries, etc. Special attention is given to optical work by Mr. Greenwood. People for many miles around come to this establishment for their glasses. The proprietor, Mr. A. S. Greenwood, has had many years’ experience and gives his personal attention to all details of this establishment. He is a substantial business man and commands and retains the respect and regard of all who have dealings with him
Bank of Hamilton
In the year 1872 the Bank of Hamilton was incorporated with head office in Hamilton. Ever since that time this bank has been steadily growing in importance and financial influence. In 1899 a branch office was opened in Palmerston and during the 17 years this branch has become one of the most important in this section of Ontario. The capital, paid up, is $3,000,000, reserve fund and surplus profit $3,475,821, deposits amount to over $40,000,000, and the total assets $51,375,021. The banks funds are well employed, as its statement shows, and the proportion of high-grade held, in the form of loans to municipalities, government bonds and debentures, as well as cash on hand and in banks, is noticeably high. It has on its Board of Directors such strong men as Sir John S. Hendrie, K.C.M.G., President; Cryus A. Dirge, Vice-President; C. C. Dalton, Robert Hobson, George Rutherford, J. Turnbull, W. A. Wood. Mr. J. P. Bell is the general manager and J. S. Gordon assistant general manager. The Palmerston branch is in charge of Mr. F. M .Haines, a gentleman who has spent the whole of his business life in banking. With branches extending throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, this bank is fully equipped to minister to the wants of the banking community of this section. The Bank of Hamilton has always been one of the financial bulwarks of Palmerston and has always contributed its full share of the prosperity and growth of the town and her industries, placing its resources at the service of those worthy of credit. Branches are located in adjoining places including Listowel, Moorefield and Atwood.
C. B. Simms
Palmerston’s popular clothing store under the above title is well known to all citizens. This old established business has been carried on by Mr. Simms since May, 1916. This house enjoys a wide reputation for fair dealing and honest endeavor. The store occupied for business purposes is centrally located on Main street, and the stock comprises a large, choice and select line of men’s, boys and children’s clothing, hats, caps and furnishings, also an endless variety of fashionable staples coincident to the clothing and men’s wear trade. Nowhere in town can buyers obtain greater advantages or inducements. All clothing sold here is manufactured from good materials, is carefully made up, trimmed and designed in the latest prevailing fashions. Mr. C. B. Simms, the proprietor and manager of this establishment , buys his goods in large quantities, mostly for cash, thereby saving the discount which advantage he turns over to his customers by quoting exceptionally low prices. He will be found an experienced merchant and progressive business man. This enterprise is an important addition to the trade resources of Palmerston. A branch store is also conducted by him at Embro.
Chalmer Bros.
A representative and growing business in Palmerston extensively engaged in stoves, tinware, housefurnishings, etc., is the one conducted by Mr. J. Chalmer. He established himself in business here thirteen years ago, and has conducted it in an eminently successful manner, and built up a constantly increasing patronage. The premises occupied for business purposes, located on Main street, comprise a store of large dimensions, well systematized and splendidly adapted for the display of the stock carried which includes hardware, stoves, tinware, housefurnishings, paints, oils, varnishes, roofing materials, etc. Tinsmithing, metal roofing and jobbing work of all kinds is promptly attended to. In season a number of experienced workmen are employed and estimates are furnished on application. The trade extends all over Palmerston and surrounding country. It is not necessary to dwell at length regarding the superior lines carried as they represent the leading manufacturers in the country, and are emphatically the best procurable. Mr. Chalmer is also the sole agent for Palmerston, Harriston, Clifford and surrounding country for the Chevrolet cars and automobile supplies. The Chevrolet is admitted by all to be the best car in the market to-day for the price it is sold at. This business is conducted under the personal supervision of Mr. J. Chalmer. He is highly regarded in trade circles for his skill, energy and ability.
D. Zurbrigg
The art of photography has made wonderful advances these past few years, until it would now seem that the productions of the present day would admit of no further improvement. A well known and popular studio in Palmerston which embraces all the modern improvements is the one conducted by D. Zurbrigg. This studio, locate on Main street, is nicely arranged and possesses all the modern conveniences. He is an experienced and practical artist who gives his personal attention to every department of the business and allows no work to leave his establishment that does not come up to the highest standard of excellence. The photographs turned out from his studio cannot be surpassed anywhere, and those who require really meritorious work should give a call here before leaving their orders elsewhere. Notwithstanding the high quality of these pictures the prices are moderate and promptness in the fulfillment of all orders is a distinguishing feature of the business. Family groups and children’s photos given careful attention. Portrait enlarging in crayon, india ink, water colour, sepia, pastel and bromide, etc., as well as finishing for amateurs promptly attended to. Mr. Zurbrigg assumed control of this old established business here 17 years ago. He possesses every knowledge and experience that can be attained by an active operation of the profession.
Davenport Bros.
Among the various mercantile houses of prominence in Palmerston, dealing in agricultural implements is the one conducted by Mr. H. Davenport, located on William street. This business was established here two years ago. Its steady growth has been interesting and in every way creditable. The premises occupied comprise a wareroom of large area and contains every facility and advantage for the successful carrying on of the business. Mr. Davenport is the agent here for Massy-Harris farm implements, Wm. Grey & Sons buggies, cutters, sleighs, wagons, repair accessories, as well as litter carriers, stanchions and stalls, wind mills, gasoline engines etc., which are sold at most reasonable prices and on very convenient terms. He is also the sole agent here for the Corona Steel Ranges. This establishment has built up an enviable reputation for offering the widest variety of goods handled to be found anywhere in this vicinity. The proprietor Mr. H. Davenport, has had many years experience in this line and is well known all over this and surrounding counties. He is a wide awake and progressive business man and deserves the esteem and confidence of all having dealings with him.
Ford Melvin
This business which is an old established one, has been conducted by Mr. Ford Melvin, its present proprietor, for the past three years. He has met with good success practically from the moment he began business operations here. The store located on Main street, telephone 29, is run along the most up-to-date substantial and progressive lines and is always found to be stocked up with a comprehensive representation of the choicest family groceries and provisions, canned goods, etc. Extra fine value is given in teas. A specialty is made of fruits in season. Everything in an about the store is a model of cleanliness, while the attention paid to customers secures for him a rapid service. Special carefulness is observed to all orders, while deliveries are made with the utmost promptitude. Courteous and polite assistants are employed in the general conduct of the business. The trade of the house is constantly growing and includes a number of the best families in the town. The business is under the management of Mr. Ford Melvin. This establishment cannot be beaten in Palmerston for supplying the highest grade of goods at the most conservative prices.
G. G. Lawrence
Figuring conspicuously as a representative house and prominent in its line is the one mentioned above. This business was established by Mr. G. G. Lawrence 23 years ago. It has constantly and continuously been identified with the growth and development of this section’s commercial interests. By his success Mr. Lawrence has become an example of what may be accomplished by push, energy and ability. That he has been successful in the highest degree a glance at his large and excellent stock will at once show. He is a dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, sugar , cured hams, bologna, etc. A specialty is made of home-made sausage. Mr. Lawrence is a heavy purchaser for cash, and on this account he is able to offer the lowest prices. The premises occupied on Main street, Phone 31, will always be found neat and clean. Goods are delivered to any part of the town. Mr. Lawrence has always taken an active interest in the progress and advancement of Palmerston. He served as a councilor for a number of years, and was a member of the light and water commission for six years, and held the office of Reeve for three years, Mayor for two terms, 1905 and 1906. Personally he is highly esteemed by all who know him, while in commercial circles he is regarded as a man of pronounced integrity, honorable and fair in all transactions.
J. B. Skelton
This is one of the oldest hardware establishments in Palmerston. It has been conducted under its present title for the past fourteen years. Its management has bee signalized by ability and uninterrupted success. The premises occupied for business purposes, located on Main street, comprise a store of large dimensions. Mr. Skelton is a dealer in hardware, tinware, ranges, paints, oils, etc. Galvanized iron roofing, tin, sheet iron and copper work of all kinds promptly attended to. Here is always carried a large and complete stock of the goods mentioned, all bought from the most noted manufacturers. In prices and quality of goods this house successfully meets all competition. The trade extends all over the town and surrounding territory. Mr. J. B. Skelton, the proprietor has had many years experience in this line, and will be found an active business man and enterprising citizen, who takes an interest in all measures to advance his patrons welfare. He enjoys the esteem of all having dealings with him.
Palm Creamery - Treleaven & Ranton
Pure dairy products are the greatest assets of a community’s food supply, and the facilities for obtaining them are next in importance. It has remained for Messrs. Treleaven & Ranton to solve the problem and in the solving give to Palmerston and surrounding country extending many miles around the town an industry that stands alone for its benefits and advantages. This firm conducts one of the most complete, most sanitary and most thoroughly conducted creameries of its kind in this section of the country. Messrs. Treleaven & Ranton began business operations here five years ago, since which time it has grown by leaps and bounds. A fair idea of the business done by this firm may be seen that in 1915 upwards of 450,000 pounds of butter has been manufactured. This is a splendid record for the past year. This creamery is operated in winter and summer, and better prices are paid for cream than in the larger cities. As a illustration of the encouragement and profit derived by the farmers and dairymen, every month shows an increase of many shippers to the firm’s plant. It has served not only to give Palmerston one of its pay roll industries, but has served to develop a source of revenue to every business in the town through its distribution of money among the farmers. The premises occupied for business purposes, located on Norman street, comprise a building of large dimensions, fully equipped with modern machinery and appliances for conducting the successful prosecution of the business. A cold storage and refrigerator plant for manufacturing ice is operated in connection. It is only necessary for the products of this firm to reach a market to hold it. All their butter is made from pasteurized cream. A large trade is also done in ice cream. Insist on butter and ice cream turned out at this creamery. It is both good and healthful. The business is conducted by Messrs. R. A. Treleaven and S. T. Ranton. Under their progressive system of business that is winning wider fields daily and placing Palmerston to the forefront as a dairying centre.
Seth Mathers
Of the practical jewelers, watchmakers and opticians in Palmerston there is no establishment which bears a higher character among the people for honest fair dealing and first-class workmanship than the subject of this sketch, Mr. Seth Mathers located on William street. He has had 35 years experience and established business in Palmerston 20 years ago. He is thoroughly reliable and practical and understands the business from the rudiments up. Every article sold or piece warranted to give satisfaction. A nice line of watches, clocks, jewelry, rings, silverware, souvenir specialties, optical goods is carried and sold at rock bottom prices. All kinds of watch, clock and jewelry repairing is promptly attended to and everything guaranteed. Mr. Mathers is a graduate optician and pays special attention to fitting eyes with glasses and optical work in general. Mr. Mathers personally is a wide awake business man, well known by the entire community. He is serving the citizens of Palmerston as Mayor for 1916 and has had the honor of being elected by acclamation for three successive terms for this office. He is also the C. P. R. Telegraph agent here.
The Henry Wise Woodenware Co.
No review of the progress and resources of Palmerston would be complete without due prominence being assigned to the establishment of the Henry Wise Woodenware Co. This business was originally established in Toronto over 30 years ago. It was removed to Palmerston in 1912. After this period of active endeavor, the company has been constantly increasing its output, owing to the results attending an enterprising and able management, and an illustration of honorable business methods. They are manufacturers and exporters of woodenware, such as children’s wagons and sleighs, kindergarten sets, wash boards, ironing and pastry boards, etc. Special orders are also filled for ammunition shell boxes. The premises occupied for factory purposes are of large dimensions fully equipped with modern tools and appliances. This company has every facility that long experience could dictate as being necessary to the economical running of their plant and the rapid and satisfactory manufacture of the articles mentioned. In all the work done by this firm, only the best materials are used, and from 60 to 75 skilled workmen are employed, the result being the very highest quality of products. The business is carried on under the management of Mr. L. E. C. Thorne. He is popular and respected in trade circles and fully merits the liberal patronage secured in the steadily growing industry.
The Queens Hotel
Any one who has occasion to visit The Queen’s Hotel in Palmerston will remember with satisfaction the accommodation offered. It is located opposite the G.T. R. Station and occupies a three story building fitted with modern conveniences. The house contains 25 guest rooms which are comfortable, light and airy. The parlors are cosily furnished and the dining room is inviting, attractively arranged and the menu excellent. The office and reading room is large and commodious and neatly arranged for the comfort of the travelling public. First-class commercial sample rooms will be found in connection. This is an old established house. It has been conducted by Mr. T. Morris, its present manager, since February, 1913. He has many excellent ideas concerning hotel arrangement and service and has had The Queen’s Hotel entirely remodeled and furnished throughout. Transient guests fill the house to its capacity each night, and both its patronage and service grow and improve with the growth of Palmerston.
Victoria Mills
One of the most prominent industries carried on in Palmerston and ranking with the most staple products in the manufacture of all kinds of mill feed is that conducted under the above title by Mr. E. S. Watt. This mill is one of the landmarks of the town. The business has been conducted by Mr. E. S. Watt, its present proprietor, since 1902. A large wholesale and retail business is carried on in all kinds of mill products, flour, feed, grain, wheat, etc. A specialty is made of chopping, as well as grain and oat crushing for horses, cattle etc. The mill is a three story building of large dimensions equipped with modern machinery. When running its full capacity the output is 75 barrels daily. A large local trade is enjoyed which extends all over this an surrounding country, covering a radius of 50 miles. The business is under the sold management of Mr. E. S. Watt. He is a man of first-class ability and is eminently adapted to conduct the affairs of this establishment with success, and by his way of doing business he has won the confidence and esteem of all having dealings with him.
William Denis
Merchant, Tailor and Furnisher
Mr. William Dennis, who has had many years experience in the tailoring trade, established himself in business in Palmerston four years ago. The store occupied on William street is neatly fitted up and a nice line of imported and domestic goods, samples, etc., as well as gentlemen’s furnishing goods are carried. A special feature is made of cleaning, pressing, repairing and altering, gentlemen’s clothing made to look like new. All work turned out here is done by hand, combined with high class journeymen tailor work. Orders left here are got out on short notice and satisfaction is guaranteed alike as to reliable nature of the work and the extremely moderate prices charged. Suits and overcoats are made to you order. Patrons receive the benefit of good workmanship and a nice assortment of patterns to select from. Mr. Dennis gives his strict personal attention to all work turned out here and will be found an honorable and trustworthy gentleman whose success is well merited.
Mr. William Dennis, who has had many years experience in the tailoring trade, established himself in business in Palmerston four years ago. The store occupied on William street is neatly fitted up and a nice line of imported and domestic goods, samples, etc., as well as gentlemen’s furnishing goods are carried. A special feature is made of cleaning, pressing, repairing and altering, gentlemen’s clothing made to look like new. All work turned out here is done by hand, combined with high class journeymen tailor work. Orders left here are got out on short notice and satisfaction is guaranteed alike as to reliable nature of the work and the extremely moderate prices charged. Suits and overcoats are made to you order. Patrons receive the benefit of good workmanship and a nice assortment of patterns to select from. Mr. Dennis gives his strict personal attention to all work turned out here and will be found an honorable and trustworthy gentleman whose success is well merited.
W. J. Smith - The Palmerston Harness Emporium
This old established business has been conducted by Mr. W. J. Smith for the past three years, since which time he has succeeded in building up a large town and country custom. His store and workshop is located on Main street, where he has every facility at hand for the successful prosecution of the business. Mr. Smith manufactures to order harness of all kinds of the best material, in the best manner and fully warrants all his work. He keeps in stock a full assortment of hand-made light and heavy harness, saddles, bridles, blankets, robes, collars and horse clothing generally, as well as trunks, bags and suit cases. A specialty is made of new harness. Mr. Smith is very moderate in his prices, and is always ready and willing to attend to patrons and render the best of satisfaction.
William Robertson
There are no articles of wearing apparel of more importance than boots and shoes, and the great advances that have been made towards cheapening their production during recent years have placed them within the reach of rich and poor alike. An establishment devoted to this line of business in Palmerston which has won a foremost position among its contemporaries in consequence of the high character of its goods is that of the above named concern. The business was established by Mr. Wm. Robertson its present proprietor, 35 years ago. The house has since secured an enduring hold on public favor resulting in the foundation of a very liberal and substantial trade that is constantly increasing. The store, located on Main street, is of large dimensions very nicely appointed throughout. The stock is full and complete and comprises everything in the line of fine and medium grades of hand and machine made boots, shoes, slippers and rubbers for men, youths and boys, also everything that is new, stylish and seasonable for ladies, misses and children. A full line of trunks and valises is also carried in connection. These goods are warranted and are unsurpassed in style, quality of material and workmanship. The business is under the personal supervision of Mr. Wm. Robertson. He is a business man of enterprise and is highly respected in social and commercial circles.