CATASAUQUA

AN ACTIVE IRON MANUFACTURING TOWN, AND THE LOCATION OF THE FlRST FURNACE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR PRODUCING PIG IRON BY ANTHRACITE COAL A SKETCH OF HOKENDAUQUA, ONE MILE DISTANT.

Three miles distant from Allentown, on the east bank of the Lehigh river, is situated the borough of Catasauqua. The name, to many, is a very singular one, and was derived from a creek which empties Into the Lehigh at the southeast of the town. It is a compound word, meaning in the dialect of the Leni Lenape tribe of Indians who inhabited this section of the country, "dry ground." The creek aforesaid was "Catasauque" on some old maps, while on others it was called "Mill Creek," by reason of a mill which was erected upon its head-waters by Thomas Wilson, in 1736.

Its Settlement.

Catasauqus is comparatively a new settlement, in 1839 the site being nothing but a woodland, and on it were but two houses, one at each extreme end of the town plot. During that year a company of gentlemen from Philadelphia, consisting of Messrs. White, Hazard, Earp, Mitchell, McAllister, and several others, proposed the erection of an iron furnace for the purpose of making iron with anthracite coal, which had been accomplished in Wales a few years before, by Mr. George Crane. These gentlemen selected this location for the reason that the great iron and limestone beds of Lehigh County were in the immediate neighborhood, and as the Lehigh Canal passed directly through the grounds, it would afford them the necessary water power to drive their machinery, and could supply them with coal direct from the mines, as well as convey their product to market. Another object that probably exercised considerable influence in their selection of this site, was the offer made in 1838 by the Lehigh Coal and Navagation Company, giving to any parties who would lay out $30,000 in cash, and establish a furnace and run successfully on anthracite coal for three months, the valuable water privileges extending from the Hokendauqau dam to the Allentown darn, about four miles in length.

After securing from Wales Mr. David Thomas, who thoroughly understood the construction of iron furnace, the company commenced the erection, the ground being broken in July of that year.

THE FIRST ANTHRACITE FURNACE.

The first furnace was completed in 1840, and a large number of laborers' houses were erected, as well as a substantial residence for Mr. Thomas. The settlement was named Craneville, and the company "The Lehigh Crane Iron Company." The iron works were a success, and after firmly establishing the practicability of manufacturing iron with anthracite coal, erected another furnace in 1841. In 1846 the demand for their iron exceeded the facilities to produce, and furnace No. 3 was erected, and in 1850 two more were put in operation.

During the enlargement of the works the town made rapid growth, and on the 1st day of February 1853, it was incorporated by the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lehigh County. The first officers were David Thomas, Burgess; Owen Rice, Secretary; Joshua Hunt, Treasurer, Charles Sigler, High Constable, and James S. Reese, Solicitor.

With the many improvements made at the iron works, and the completion and opening of the Lehigh Valley Railroad in September 1855, through from Easton to Mauch Chunk, and completion of the Catasauqua and Foglesville Railroad in 1857, business at Catasauqua took a rapid start. In 1860 the town contained nearly 3,000 population, there were four hundred dwellings, and a number of industries of various kinds.

THE TOWN OF TO-DAY.

Catasauqns of today is an active and enterprising manufacturing town, and is regularly laid out, extending about a mile on the Lehigh River and canal, and eastward about a half mile to the Northampton county line. It has now a population of 4,000, and is steadily enlarging and filling up the vacant spots within its border limits. The splendid position which it occupies in the midst of a rich iron ore and limestone country, the facilities it possesses by railroad and canal for transporting its productions, and the constantly increasing trade which it commands, all tends to Impress one with the belief that it is destined to have a bright and prosperous future. The growth of the town has been rapid, considering its age. The sagacity end foresight of the men who first selected the site for a town upon which Catasauqua now stands is apparent in almost every particular. From the Lehigh, which flows along the entire front of the borough, it extends back on a gradual rise, affording an easy and gentle grade to the streets, carrying off all the accumulating filth and keeping the town free from the semblance of a muddy-pool. But few towns can boast of so perfect a drainage, and to it, probably, more than any other one thing can the continued healthfulness of the town be attributed.

The borough is divided into two wards and is governed by a council of six members. Since the incorporation the following gentlemen have served as Burgess: David Thomas, 1853; John Boyer, 1854; Uriah Brinner, 1855; David Thomas, 1856-7; William Getz, 1858-9; A. C. Lewis, 1860; John Williams, from 1861 to 1872, with the exceptions of 1870-1, when the office was filled by James C. Beitel; Melchior H. Horn, 1874; George Brown, 1875; William H. Glace, 1878; Henry Davis, 1877, who continued in office until 1881, when Philip Stern was elected.

The town is lighted and well supplied with a good quality of gas by the Catasauqua Gas Company, which was incorporated in 1856 with a capital of $13,000, but since considerably increased.

WATER AND TIRE DEPARTMENTS.

Catasauqua has no doubt one of the most complete and abundant water arrangements in the State, and at a very little cost to the citizens. They were erected by the Crane Iron Company, for the benefit of the town, in 1845. In 1880 they were considerably enlarged and the pipes extended. The present works consist of an engine and stand pipe at the river works, and the reservoir is located on the highest ground In the neighborhood, being situated on a plot of ground purchased by the Iron Company many years ago, at Fifth and Walnut streets. The capacity of the reservoir is 200,000 gallons, abundant for a town three times the present size of Catasauqua.

Few towns of its size have so efficient a fire department, and it is believed it is almost an exception in this respect. There are two companies, and they are composed of a fine class of able-bodied men.

The Phoenix Steam Fire Engine Company was organized on the 22nd of April. 1866, and has now a large roll of active members. They have in their possession one steamer and two hose carriages. The Southwark Fire Company's engine was formerly owned by a company of that name in the volunteer department of Philadelphia, but owing to the organization of a paid department, the engine and equipment were sold to the Crane Iron Company, who a few years ago erected a handsome two-story building for the Fire Company's use. This Company was organized February 4, 1873, and is also in excellent condition. In addition to these two companies, the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company have a large fire brigade organized from its employees, and own considerable hose.

CHURCHES AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The churches are neat and substantial edifices, and consisists of two Presbyterian, two Lutheran, one German Reformed, two Methodists, two Catholics and one Baptist. The school system of the borough will compare favorably with any in the Commonwealth. There are four school buildings, all large and substantial structures, and each divided into the different departments front primary to grammar and in charge of competent and efficient teachers. The number of children attending is about eight hundred, and great attention is given by the authorities to promote the perfection of the schools.

Catasauqua has a National Bank and two weekly newspapers, and has also a number of secret and social organizations. There is a Town Hall in which council meets, and is also in use for general purposes.

RAILROAD FACILITIES.

The railroad facilities of Catasauqna are excellent, embracing the Lehigh Valley upon the opposite side of the river; Catasauqua and Foglesville Railroad, running from the Lehigh river to the East Pennsylvania Railroad; and through the great iron ore region of Lehigh county, and the Lehigh and Susquehanna Division of the New Jersey Central Railroad on the Catasauqua Bide of the river. These three roads give access to the various iron and coal regions, and also make communication with the important markets of the country of the greatest convenience. Capitalists are contemplating a fourth railroad for the town, to run front there to the Bangor slate region, in the northeastern pert of Northampton county, by the way of Chapman's and the borough of Nazareth. The Canal of the Lchigh Coal and Navigation Company passes through the town.

The Lehigh River is crossed at Catasauqua by two wooden bridges. Where the first bridge now stands there was formerly a ferry known as Bienig's Ferry. In 1824 a chain bridge was erected here, part of which was carried away by the freshet of 1841. It was repaired and stood until 1863, when it was taken down, and the present structure, known as Bienig's Bridge, erected in its place. The Lehigh Crane Iron Company in 1847 erected a bridge just above their works, which is also used as a railroad bridge. On Catasauqua creek, not far from the town, George Taylor, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, formerly lived.

THE CRANE IRON COMPANY.

The Crane Iron Company have been instrumental in the success of the town, and when starting here where the first furnace in the country to burn anthracite coal. Their present works consist of six furnaces, which when all burning have a capacity of sixty-five thousand tons per year. These works are supplied with every modern appliance in use for the manufacture of pig-iron, and take rank with the leading concerns in the country.

The Catasauqua Manufacturing Company is also an important industry, as are the extensive firebrick works located here. Independent of these enterprises, the town contains a large planing mill, machine shops, foundries and a great variety of mercantile establishments.

GENERAL APPEARANCE.

The borough is well built, and there is an air of apparent comfort in the place, very unusual in an iron-manufacturing town. The dwellings of the workmen employed in the furnaces are not the inferior buildings too often found around such establishments, but, with a few exceptions, have an appearance of neatness and order which is pleasant to behold. There is also a large number of handsome cottages and private residences, on which are displayed considerable taste in architectural designs. There are perhaps few manufacturing towns where so much intelligence is displayed by the working classes. This condition of affairs is due in a very considerable extent to the efforts of Mr. David Thomas, who tried to instill in the minds of his workmen the great necessity of sobriety and self-culture. Mr. Thomas still lives in the town, and is much respected by all throughout the entire Lehigh Valley.

THE CATASAUQUA AND FOGLESVILLE RAILROAD.

In connection with the borough of Catasauqua, appears to be a very appropriate place to give a sbort sketch of the above mentioned railroad. This road was built in 1857, (at that time hut nine miles in length, at a cost of about $2,600,000,) by the Lehigh Crane and Thomas Iron Companies. At the present time the road extends from Catasauqua to Bethlehem Gap, a distance of twenty miles. The road was built for the purpose of reaching the great iron ore beds belonging to these companies, the ore from which had previously been carted to them by mule teams. About five miles from Catasauqua the road crosses the Jordan creek, on a splendid iron bridge, 1,165 feet its length and 85 feet above low water in the creek. When this was built, in 1857, it was the largest iron bridge in the United States, and attracted very general attention. The entire cost was about $77,000, a sum surprisingly low, in comparison to the cost of similar structures at the present time. The successful completion of the bridge turned the attention of railroad builders to iron as suitable for the construction of bridges of this nature, and there now is to be found many bridges that are more wonderful in the length of their spans and height, than even was this in its early day.

From Trexlertown to Lichty there is a branch road of five miles, making the whole length of the road twenty-five miles. The road is equipped with six locomotives, four passenger and baggage cars, and 577 freight and ore cars. The roadbed is of furnace cinder and broken stone, nineteen miles being of the former and six of the latter. The company employs sixty-one men, and during 1880 carried 10,374 passengers, and 433,948 tons of freight of all kinds, 232,115 tons being iron and other ores. The present officers are: President, Joshua Street; Secretary and Treasurer, John Williams; Chief Engineer and General Superintendent, O. W. Chapman. The office of the company is at Catasauqua.

HOCKENDAUQUA.

This pleasant village is located nearly one mile above Catasauqua, on the west bank of the river Lehigh. The town was laid out by the Thomas Iron Company in 1865, who at that time owned about thirty-five acres, and upon which they divided off building lots, 50 by 100 feet, with streets from sixty to ninety feet in width. Hockendauqua derives its name from a small creek which empties into the Lehigh on the eastern side, about a half a mile above the village. It is an Indian word. "Hoken," in the Delaware Indian language signifying "Land," and "docque," - "reaching for or seeking." The name in fact was not given to a stream of water, but was an exclamation used by the Indians at the time the first Irish settlers located there in 1730; It was probably made use of in speaking to the surveyors; a large portions of the streams were named in this manner by the surveyors.

The settlement and progress of Hokendauqua is owing entirely to the Thomas Iron Company, who are the only industry located here, and own and control a greater portion of the village. The present population is about 1,200 and the people are a very industrious class. The dwellings provided for their employees by the company are very much above average, they being surrounded with ample ground and upon wide streets that are well shaded. Notwithstanding the preponderance of this portion of the population, there are a number of very neat and attractive residences of other citizens. The handsome mansion of the Superintendent of the iron works occupies a commanding site to the west of the village, from which point a grand view is secured.

A very noticeable feature of the village is the general cleanliness that pervades it throughout, although there is no incorporation. The streets are provided with running water, and there is a pride to keep every atom of filth from the public thoroughfares. It is an independent school district, which has enabled the residents to provide a commodious building, and place the schools, which are divided into three departments, under the control of competent instructors.

The land upon which the village is built is high, affording excellent drainage, and making it an extremely healthy place of residence. The Thomas Iron Works are fully described in the pages that follow, as well as the two mercantile enterprises of the town.

The business houses that are appended represent the leading Industries, both manufacturing and mercantile, of Catasauqua, and the reader should carefully glean from the articles the advantages they offer from which to procure their specialties. The village of Hokeudauqua contains three enterprises, one producing and two mercantile, all three of which have been given place in this work.

CRANE IRON WORKS, Catasuaqua.

The Crane Iron Works may be termed the pioneer anthracite pig-iron works of the United States. The origination of the works were brought about in the following manner: In 1838 the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company offered to any parties who would establish a furnace and lay out $10,000 cash and run successfully on anthracite coal exclusively for three months, the valuable water privileges extending from Hokendauqua dam to the Allentown dam, about four miles in length. The same year Mr. Erskine Hazard went to Wales, and engaged Mr. David Thomas at the Yniscedwin Works of Mr. George Crane, where anthracite was being used successfully, and on his arrival in this country in 1839, the Company was organized, and In July Mr. Thomas broke ground for the first furnace, which was blown in July 4, 1840. As success crowned the enterprise, furnace No. 2 followed in a year, and in ten years from the start five furnaces stood there.

At the present time there are six furnaces, which, when all running have a capacity of about seventy-five thousand gross tons per year. To give the necessary supply of blast for these great works five large engines, ranging from eight hundred to fifteen hundred horsepower, stand ready for use in the large engine houses.

This Company have always been in the forefront of improvement in their business, as they aim to produce only the highest grade of foundry iron and replace the celebrated Scotch pig. Carrying out this aim, a few years ago they erected the first Whitwell hot-blast stove in the anthracite iron trade. Although the Whitwell stoves involve very much greater expenditure than the ordinary cast iron stove, yet the results in the form of soft and fluid iron justify the outlay. Mining its own ores from its numerous mines of hematite ore in Pennsylvania and of magnetic ore in New Jersey, the Company is able to insure their careful cleaning and preparation, and to obtain a steady supply of uniform character and to command the precise admixture necessary to give strength and toughness as well as softness and fluidity. In order to make the best use of its materials the Company has a well-equipped laboratory, in which a resident chemist is constantly employed in examining the stock used.

The Company employ about four hundred men at the works, and at the mines and in other capacities, about five hundred additional. The amount annually paid out for salaries is enormous, and to them the prosperity of not only Catasauqua but other points as well is due.

The Company's office is in Philadelphia, Mr. Samuel Dickson being the president, and George T. Barnes, secretary and treasurer. At the works in Catasauqua the officers are Joshua Hunt, superintendent; Joseph Hunt, assistant superintendent, and John Williams, cashier.

After a careful review of the works, there appears to be good foundation for the claim that the quality of the Crane Iron has steadily improved, and that the present product is more than worthy of the high reputation it has so long enjoyed, not only throughout the New England and Middle States, but also from Canada and California.

LEHIGH FIRE BRICK CO, Maunufacturers of Fire Bricks, on the Lehigh Canal

An important industry that is directly connected with the iron interests is that of the manufacture of firebrick, them being several of these enterprises located within the Valley. One of the leading firms engaged in the business is the Lehigh Fire Brick Co., whose extensive works are located at Catasauqua, where they were established in 1868 by Mr. David Thomas, the well known iron manufacturer, Oliver Ritter and Samuel McHose. In 1878 he associated his sons with him to the business, the firm name becoming as now known.

The works are located between Front Street and the Canal of the Lehigh Navigation Co., in the upper part of the town, and occupy a considerable plot of ground. The buildings are constructed under one roof, each are of two-stories, substantially erected of stone, with a front of 280 feet and a depth of 160 feet. There are also five kilns, with a capacity of 85,000 each, and the works are equipped with every modern appliance for the rapid manipulation of the clay. There are employed forty-eight hands, and the annual production is about two and a-half million brick, embracing every kind in use in furnaces and mills. The clay to the well-known Woodbridge clay, which is the best in the country, the brick manufactured there from being superior in every particular. The firm manufacture Fire Brick of every shape for Furnaces, Ovens, Arches, Linings, Jams, Bodies, Cupolas, etc., and when the stock on hand is not of the kind desired, they will make new patterns to order. Every facility from railroad and canal is conveniently afforded them for shipment, a siding of the Crane Iron Co. running into the works, and connecting with L. V. and C. R. R., and the Lehigh Canal along side.

The firm is composed of Mr. David Thomas, (the father of the Iron industries of the Valley), his son-in-law, Mr. Joshua Hunt, and his sons, Messrs. Samuel and John Thomas. The reputation of these gentlemen is such that nothing we could say would add to it. The works are under the immediate charge of Mr. David Hunt, a superintendent, a gentleman thoroughly conversant with the manufacture of Fire Brick.

UNION FOUNDRY AND MACHINE CO., Corner Front and Pine Streets.

These works were established about thirty-years ago and in 1869 were purchased by a company, and have since been kept in operation by them. They are situated on Front Street, at the corner of Pine, and are convenient to the Central Railroad or Lehigh Canal. The works occupy & considerable plot of ground, upon which are large and necessary buildings, together with ample yard room, the whole being supplied with much new and improved machinery fur producing the various specialties of manufacture. The Company are particularly engaged in manufacturing all kinds of rolling mill work, controlling in this branch of its work a large business from the many mills located in the Valley, possessing very superior facilities, they are enabled to compete in this work with any concern in the Valley; and their productions are known over a wide extent of country. All the buildings, including machine shop, foundry, blacksmith shop, pattern building, etc. are substantially erected, the whole forming an active centre of industry. In the various departments of the works there are employed thirty hands, and a twenty-horse power engine furnishes the motive power for running the machinery, much of which ingenious and particularly adapted for the specialty of work for which it is employed.

The Company is composed of several prominent gentlemen, the works being under the direct control of Mr. David Williams, the managing partner, who is thoroughly conversant with the business. The Union Foundry and Machine Company have a well-earned reputation for doing first class work and are rapidly building up & large trade. They exercise an important influence in the prosperity of the town.

J. SWARTZ & SONS, Dry Goods, Notions, Groceries, Etc., Front Street, above Bridge.

One of the largest, stores in the Borough of Catasauqua is that of the firm of J. Swartz & Sons, who are located In the central past of the town, and convenient to the trade from all portions. This well-known house is one of the oldest here, having been established in 1856, by I. & .J. N. Swartz, who continued to conduct it until the year 1878, when the junior, Mr. I. N. Swartz, retired, and the senior associated his two sons with him, under the name as now known.

The store 20 by 65 feet In dimensions, and well adapted in every way for the display and sale of every thing pertaining to this line of business. In the Dry Goods department there is an attractive assortment of Dress Goods, Muslins, and a general variety of ladies goods, including fancy and staple articles of all kinds. The Grocery stock comprises a full and complete line of Teas, Coffee, Sugars, Canned Goods, and an endless variety of commodities to be found in a well-regulated store of this kind. The store is arranged in a very neat manner and the goods displayed in an attractive style, evincing the enterprise and sagacity of the firm. Independent of the three members of the firm, two assistants are employed in filling orders and putting up goods to supply the demand which comes from all parts of the borough and surrounding country. The stock is large and valuable, and the annual sales aggregate a large sum.

The senior of the firm, Mr. Joseph Swartz, was born in Catasauqua in 1812, and is one of the oldest businessmen in the town. Few gentlemen are more highly esteemed and respected. The sons are Messrs. T. J. and Preston F. Swartz, both natives of the town, the former born in 1856 and the latter in 1859. They have been valuable aids to the success of the house during the past few years.

EDWARD D. BOYER, Wholesale and Retail Druggist, 231 Front Street.

This well-known establishment was originally started about eighteen years ago, and has been conducted by Mr. Boyer as sole proprietor since 1878. He deals in pure and fresh Drugs only, and keeps in stock an extensive variety of these goods, purchased of the leading wholesale houses of New York and Philadelphia. A complete line of toilet goods is always on hand, which comprises many handsome articles. Mr. Boyer gives his special supervision to the compounding of family and physician's prescriptions, the legitimate duties of a druggist.

Mr. Boyer is a native of Catasauqua, where be has always resided. He was brought up in the drug business, passed a successful examination, and graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in the class of 1857. He is a skilled and competent apothecary and pharmacist, and by strict attention to the details of the business has made his store popular with the citizens and medical fraternity. He is a young man and is conscientious and reliable in business, and well deserving the success he has attained.

HENRY J. SOUDERS, Stoves, Ranges, Tinware, Etc., 481 Front Street, between Bridge and Church Street

No branch of industry is more essential to our comfort than that of the stove trade. Justice to the business interests of Catasauqua prompts us to give a prominent position in the Stove and Hardware trade to Mr. Henry J. Souders.

In reviewing the history of the house it to found that it dates its origin about fifteen years ago, when the present proprietor began the business in a small way with a very limited amount of capital. By strict attention to the trade, and personally superintending all work, he rapidly secured a large patronage, and now occupies the position above accorded him. He keeps a full stock, and is a manufacturer and dealer in Parlor, Office and Cooking Stoves, Hot Air Furnaces and Cooking Ranges, House Furnishing Goods, etc. He is also extensively engaged in the Plumbing and Gas Fitting business, and as this department is thoroughly understood the house commands a very large part of the trade of the town.

Mr. Souders was born in Lancaster County, and was practically brought up to the present business. Occupying premises, 20x60 feet, and having fifteen yearn experience in this community, enables him not only to understand the wants of his customers, but to conduct his business with promptness and dispatch.

CATASAUQUA BREWERY, C. Stockburger, proprietor, second street.

It was some time before the American people took kindly to the favorite beverage of Gambrinus, but when they began to discover its many excellences and health-giving properties it was soon adopted, and it has to a great extent taken the place of the firey compound known as whisky. Good beer can be safely used by every one, and with many it serves as a gentle tonic, giving health and tone to the system. The popular brewer of Catasauqua, Mr. C. Stockburger, who has his brewery on Second Street, began brewing about sixteen years ago, and has since conducted the business without interruption. The brewery buildings are nearly new, substantially built of brick, and furnished throughout with all the necessary appliances, such as vats, tanks, elevators, etc., necessary in the business. In the brewery seven hands are employed, the capacity being about 2,500 barrels per annum.

The beer from the Catasauqua Brewery has achieved a high reputation, it being noted for its purity and healthful qualities, and is in many instances recommended by physicians. The sale is not confined to Catasauqua or its immediate vicinity, but is shipped to various points upon the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroads, and the demand is such that the brewery is run to full capacity. It is not only the oldest, but the largest of the two breweries located in the town.

Mr. Stockburger is a practical man in the brewery business, and thoroughly understands its every detail. He is courteous and gentlemanly, and is popular with his fellow citizens.

CATASAUQUA MILLS, William Younger, Prop'r., Race Street, Near Biery's Bridge.

This is one of the prominent industries of the thriving borough of Catasauqua. The original mill was built on this site about a hundred years ago and was the centre of a considerable trade, the residents of the surrounding country for many miles depending upon it for their supplies. The present handsome building was erected in 1869, and is five stories in height, with dimensions, forty by one hundred feet, making it one of the largest mills in the Valley. It has seven run of stone and all other appliances of the most approved sort, and has a capacity of over a hundred barrels per day. The flour manufactured here has a very extended reputation, the superior quality making for it a wide demand, necessitating the mill running to its fullest capacity. Great care is exercised in selecting the wheat, and the flour has therefor maintained its standard of purity and excellence. There are employed at the mill seven hands, the whole being under the immediate supervision of the proprietor.

Mr. Younger was born in Lehigh County in 1825 and removed to Catasauqua in 1856 when he became proprietor of these mills. He is a gentleman well and favorably known throughout the entire community, and is one of its leading businessmen.

HARRY H. WEBB, Diamonds, Watches, and Jewelry, 615 Front Street.

Among the Jewelry establishments of Catasauqua, none enjoy a higher reputation than that of Mr. Harry H. Webb, a young gentleman thoroughly understanding the business and the requirements of the trade. His store is of good size, and well adapted in every appointment for the Jewelry trade, possessing ample room and is neat and well lighted throughout. Mr. Webb makes a specialty of fine Diamonds and Jewelry of every description, including Watches of all makes and keeps an assortment that is well worthy of inspection. With all watches sold by him he gives a guarantee, warranting them to be as represented in every particular. He also keeps in stock an assortment of Clocks, Silver and Plated Ware, of all kinds, and if what is desired is not to be found among his variety, will gladly secure for his patrons the required article, having the illustrated catalogues of the leading manufactories to select from and thus offering a better opportunity to obtain exactly what is wanted, than could be made from any retail store. Special attention is given to repairing watches, his experience giving him unbounded facilities for the work.

Mr. Webb opened his establishment in 1880, and during the short career of the store it has secured a prominent place among the retail houses of the town. He is a young gentleman and a practical man in the watch-making business.

CHARLES CORWIN & BRO., General Store;, Corner Front and Church Streets.

The business carried on by this live, active firm, was started in 1861, by Mr. George S. Corwin, father of the members of the present firm, who continued the business alone until 1871, when the firm as now constituted succeeded. The house was established on a sound business basis, which has tided it well over the financial depressions that the country has experienced, and when many other houses were lost in the vortex, it was growing in volume of trade. The firm are the most enterprising of any in the retail business in Catasauqua, and annually do a larger trade than is transacted by any other house in the town. The store occupied by them is desirably situated, and in dimension is twenty by eighty-seven feet, ample in its proportions for the rapid disposal of the trade that centres here. It is equipped with the modern conveniences for transacting business, and is probably the beat furnished establishment in the borough.

The front of the store is devoted to the Dry Goods department, in which there is a very choice assortment of dress goods of all kinds, and the many other articles common to an establishment of this class. That portion of the house devoted to Groceries, contains a full and complete variety of staple and fancy goods, fresh and at the lowest market prices. A specialty is made of Hardware, the stock being the largest in the borough, and embracing every article that naturally belongs to this branch.

The firm employ seven assistants, and firmly adhere to the rule to promptly and satisfactorily attend to all who pay the establishment a visit.

The senior of the firm, Mr. Charles Corwin, was born in Orange County, New York State, and for many years has been a resident of Catasauqua. Mr. Henry B. Corwin was also born in the same county, and now resides in East Orange, New Jersey, and is connected with a house in Newark, in that State. The firm are enterprising and active.

CHARLES G. SCHNELLER, Stoves, Heaters, Tinware; Etc., Corner Front Street And Strawberry Alley.

The stove and tinware establishment of Mr. Schneller is the leading business place of the kind in Catasauqua. He first began business in 1848 in a modest way and has since continued to increase his stock and his patronage and ranks among the most important business houses in the borough. He manufactures all kinds of Tin, Japanned and Sheet Iron Ware, and deals in Stoves, Heaters, Ranges, Wood and Willow-ware, and tin toys, and conducts a large and influential trade derived from the best class of citizens. In the manufacturing and repairing department of his business several hands are employed, and a large amount of work is annually produced. The establishment has a front of twenty feet, the storeroom having a depth of sixty feet and the workshop thirty-four, and is one of the largest in the borough in dimensions. Particular attention is given to Plumbing and Gas Fitting and competent and experienced workmen are employed for this particular department.

Mr. Schneller was born in Bethlehem in 1821, and removed to Catasauqua in 1848, when he opened the present enterprise. For twenty-seven years he has been located at the present stand, and is the oldest businessman in the town, no other gentleman now engaged but who has started since he began. He has always taken an active interest in affairs pertaining to the borough, and is emphatically a self-made man, well entitled to the success he has attained.

OWEN RORMICH, Dry Goods and Groceries, No. 8 Front Street.

Among those in Catasauqua engaged in the Dry Goods and Grocery business is Mr. Owen Rormich, who occupies a large and convenient store, at No. 8 Front Street. It has a double front of twenty feet, with a depth of sixty feet, fitted with every convenience for the rapid transacting of business, and is stocked with a full and complete line of goods. In the Dry Goods department there will be found a choice assortment of desirable goods, including dress fabrics of Foreign and Domestic manufacture, Muslin, Linens, Calicoes, etc., and a very extensive variety of notions and fancy articles, a specialty being made of first-class goods The portion of the establishment devoted to groceries is supplied with fresh goods, the business being of such proportions as to call for frequent replenishing. Mr. Rormich employs four practical assistants and the trade under his management has rapidly assumed great value, and equals that of any other house in the borough.

Mr. Rormich is a native of Lehigh County, and in 1880 opened the present store, which be has conducted, with the assistance of his son, F. W. Rormich since that time. He is the proprietor of Rormich's flour mill, located in Whitehall township, running three run of stone and doing a general business, the products of the mill finding a ready sale in this section of the State; be is also engaged in farming. He is esteemed by all as an upright and honorable citizen and is in every respect entitled to the success which he has attained as a businessman.

JAMES C. BEITEL, Jeweler, Front Street.

Among the popular Jewelry stores in Catasauqua that of Mr. J. C. Beitel takes a leading rank. The store is arranged in a neat and attractive manner, in which he displays a complete line of new and fashionable Jewelry In rich, elegant and unique designs, together with watches of the finest Foreign and American makes, Mr. Beitel is a thorough watchmaker and jeweler, having served a regular apprenticeship at the business. He is a native of Catasauqua and established his present business nearly twenty years ago. He is a reliable and industrious business man, and being thoroughly practical In the business is prepared at all times to give satisfaction.

A specialty is made by him of repairing Clocks, Watches and Jewelry, in which branch his services are constantly in demand. His stock is well worthy of inspection and those residents of the borough who desire such goods should avail themselves of the reliable stock here offered.

SAMUEL WIRT, General Store, 142 Front Street.

One of the popular and enterprising stores in Catasauqua, carrying a neat and attractive assortment of goods, is that of Mr. Samuel Wirt, who occupies a fine building on Front street nearly opposite the National Bank.

A business reputation and experience of many years enjoyed by the proprietor, enables him to conduct the enterprise with success. A varied assortment of goods is kept constantly on hand, embracing a prominent line of Dry Goods, Groceries, Provision, Queensware. Wooden and Willow Ware, beside a stock of Notions. Since the inception of this prosperous enterprise, the business has constantly increased, and the trade now conducted with the resident citizens and surrounding farmers is very large. Goods are purchased for cash, securing for the house the choice of the market. The business as conducted by Mr. S. Wirt is a first-class one, and be is rated as an honorable and just man in all his dealings, prompt in the discharge of all business obligations, and a citizen who has always falter an active interest in the welfare of Catasauqua.

STINE & KRAMLICH, Rectifiers And Wholesale Liquor Dealers, 19 Church Street.

The wholesale liquor business is well represented in Catasauqua by this firm. The business established in 1872, is now well known over a large extent of country ands regarded as one of the most reliable houses in the Lehigh Valley. The store is located at No. 19 Church Street, and has a handsome front of 22 feet extending back 60 feet, and in its general appearance and arrangement is one of the model stores of the town. They also conduct a store at Shamokin where a large business is done. A very extensive stock of pure Liquors embracing several well known and popular brands of Whiskies, including the celebrated Dougherty, Mt. Konon Hannisville and Monticello and Brandies, Gin, Rum, and Foreign and Domestic Wines, are always on hand and are offered to the trade at prices that defy competition. This firm makes a specialty of fine goods and guarantees their stock to be strictly as represented.

For invalids' use and medicinal and family purposes a. supply of strictly pure goods can always be obtained here, the high reputation of the establishment being a sufficient guarantee for the truth of this statement. The firm is composed of R. F. Stine and A. C. Kramlich both well acquainted with the details of the trade.

We heartily commend this house to the community, confident that all who establish business relations with the firm will find them of the most satisfactory character.

MAX RElS, Clothing, Gents Furnishing Goods, Hats And Caps, 407 Front Street.

One of the attractive clothing houses of Catasauqua on the main thoroughfare, Front Street, is that of Mr. Max Reis. This business was established in 1877 by the present proprietor, who has made it one of the popular resorts for those in search of reliable clothing. The goods in stock comprises everything desirable for men's and boys' wear of the most fashionable style and seasonable goods, and well made with the most desirable trimmings. A stock of gent's Furnishing Goods of the newest and latest novelties can always be found here, besides stylish Hats and Caps, the best productions of the leading manufacturers, which are disposed of at prices as low as can be obtained either in Philadelphia or New York.

The store is of good size, conveniently arranged for the display and examination of the articles on sale, and affording every facility for conducting his growing trade.

Mr. Max Reis is an active, energetic man, fully posted in all details of the business, and one who combines the knack of pleasing all with an honorable and straightforward manner of conducting business.

CHARLES MUMMEY, Harness, Saddles and Satchels, 511 Front Street.

This is the leading dealer and manufacturer of harness in Catasauqua. He established the business about twelve years ago, and removed to his present stand in 1875. He carries a fine stock of light and heavy Harness, Collars, Bridles, Lines, Nets, Halters, Horse Clothing of all kinds, and a general variety of goods and articles needed by horsemen. A greater part of all harnesses kept by him is of his own manufacture, and is made in a workmanlike manner of the best leather. He also keeps a variety of Trunks, Traveling Bags, etc., and is well able to supply all demands from his well-assorted stock.

Mr. Mummey s a native of Northampton county and is a practical man in his business. He manufactures first-class stock, and has made a success of his work, as is demonstrated by his large custom. He is an upright citizen, and is esteemed In the community.

THOMAS IRON WORKS, Hokendauqua.

The traveler passing through the Valley if not thoroughly acquainted with the extent and number of industries, will find himself lost with the magnitude of the iron works that appear as be continues toward the coal regions.

The largest of them are located at Hokendauqua, and are familiarly known as the Thomas Iron Works. While not the first established in the Lehigh Valley, they have probably exercised a greater influence upon the prosperity of this section of the State than any other single industry. They are not only the largest in the Valley, but one of the most extensive in the United States, the amount of Pig Iron annually produced reaching as enormous amount.

The origin of the works dates with the putting in blast of Furnace No. 1, which occurred June 1, 1855, and were named after the now venerable David Thomas, who superintended the erection of the first anthracite furnace in the country in 1840, and is still living at Catasauqua, full of years and honor. The Thomas Iron Company, after its organization, purchased a large tract of land, upon which the village of Hokendauqua now stands, and where they have erected many convenient and comfortable houses for employees. The Company now have at their works six furnaces. No. 1 was the original one, and is sixty feet high, and eighteen feet bosh; No. 2 went in blast October 3, 1855, and is of the same dimensions; No. 3, July 18. 1862, fifty-five feet high, and eighteen feet bosh; No. 4, April 29, 1863, same dimensions; No. 5, September 15, 1873, sixty feet high, and the same bosh; and No. 6, January 19, 1874, same dimensions. Independent of these the Company are the owners of the works at Alburtus, on the East Penn Railroad, which has two furnaces.

The Hokendauqua works are the finest in the country, possessing every improvement for the manufacture of all kinds of Pig Iron, and are the most complete in every department of any now in operation. They are also equipped with superior machinery, consisting of three blowing engines, of sixty-six inch steam cylinders and ten foot stroke; two blowing engines of fifty-six inch steam cylinder and nine foot stroke, with blowing cylinder of seven foot six inches, and nine foot stroke. For yard purposes and the shifting of ore, slack and coal cars, the Company have eight ordinary gauge, and four narrow gauge engines, and a large number of cars of various kinds.

The Company have a capital of $2,000,000, and manufacture all kinds of Pig Iron, and when in full operation having an output of 100,000 tons per annum. At the works about four hundred hands are employed, and a large number, independent of these, are employed at the mines and in other capacities. They own extensive mines in various parts of the State, and in connection with the Crane Iron Company, own the Catasauqua and Fogelesvllle Railroad, which not only forms an important road for passenger traffic, but is the outlet of the many Iron mines in the interior of Lehigh county.

The officers of the Company are, Samuel Thomas, of Catasauqua, President; John T. Knight, of Easton, Secretary and Treasurer, and John Thomas of Hokendauqua, general Superintendent. These gentlemen are well known throughout the State, and the great success that has attended the works will attest the ability that has been exercised in their management. As to the quality of the production, it is so well known among iron men that no comment upon its superiority is deemed necessary.

J. S. CHRISTMAN, Day Goods And Groceries, Etc, Corner Second and Church Streets, Hockendauqua.

This is the oldest establishment of its kind in Hokendauqua, having been originally started in the year 1868 at the corner of Iron and Front streets, by the present proprietor and Wm. H. Bath, under the firm name of Christman & Bath, who conducted a successful business. Mr. Bath retired in 1876, when Mr. Cbristman became the sole proprietor. In 1878 the establishment was removed to its present location. The experience of thirty years in trade has well qualified Mr. Cbristman to conduct an enterprise of this kind, and it may be surmised that this establishment is pretty generally known to the entire community. It is younger to-day, however, than at any period of its history, for its stock was never before so varied or larger, and comprises Dry Goods, Notions, Trimmings, Hosiery, Gloves, Laces and an extensive variety of similar goods, specially sought by ladies, while another department comprises all kinds of Wood, China, Glass, Queensware and House Furnishing Goods. The Grocery department is replete, and fancy groceries of every description; Teas, Coffee, Spices and Canned goods constituting a specialty. The trade is large in Hokendauqua and among the families of the surrounding country.

Mr. Christman is a native of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, and has been a resident of Hokendauqua for fifteen years. He is a prudent, honorable, vigorous man of business, and influential in mercantile, social and public affairs.

R. A. MILLER, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Etc., 406 Front Street.

Prominent among the retail business houses of Catasauqua is that of Mr. R. A. Miller, whose store is located at No. 405 Front street, where he carries an extensive stock of Hats, Caps, Straw Goods, Boots and Shoes. The store was established several years ago, and has been in the hands of the present proprietor since 1875, who has during the six-years, very greatly increased his facilities for supplying the goods desired by his customers. His stock of Hats and Caps, comprise a full line of these goods, and including all the new and popular styles of Men's and Boys headwear, every effort is made to keep the assortment up to a standard of excellence, and his intentions in this direction has met with the popular approval of the general public.

Another department of the establishment is devoted to the sale of Boots and Shoes, where he has for the inspection of patrons an attractive variety of goods of this line in every style. A specialty is made of Ladies fine Shoes. Mr. Miller is an active end enterprising gentleman and deserving the success he has secured in giving to Catasauqua a first-class store of the kind.

GEORGE W. KEMERER, General Store, Corner Iron And Front Streets, Hokendauqua.

The popular and well-known store of Mr. G. W. Kemerer, dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, etc. has been established since 1869. In 1878 the present proprietor succeeded to the business, and is securing his full share of the patronage of the community. He carries a full stock, is closely attentive to business, and uniformly liberal in his dealing with his customers. Dry Goods form a prominent and very considerable proportion of the stock. These are always varied, seasonable and inviting, and includes the freshest novelties in the way of Notions, Gloves, Hosiery and ladies' furnishing goods.

The grocery department in the rear of the store is well stocked with the freshest goods, luxuries, as well as staples, being represented, together with provision of all kinds.

Mr. Kemerer to a native of Carbon county, and removed here three years ago. He is a pushing business man, and very popular with a large circle of customers in and around Hokendauqua. His store is the oldest stand in the village, and is well-known throughout the entire community.

JOSEPH TAYLOR, Dry Goods and Groceries, 173 Second Street

That Mr. Taylor knows how to cater to the manifold wants of the community is very evident from the varied and complete stock of goods be exposes for sale at his store. The store was established a number of years ago, and since Mr. Taylor's proprietorship has become very popular with a large class of the citizens of Catasauqua. He keeps a superior stock of goods, selling them at a small margin above cost, on the cash principle.

Dry Goods, Notions, House Furnishing Goods and housekeeping utensils, together with Groceries and Provisions, compose his stock. This he never allows to rundown or depreciate. He knows both how to buy and how to sell, be knows too, how to keep customers, and treats them with such fairness and liberality that they are constantly advertising his establishment. His store is desirably located on Second street, and convenient to trade from both town and country.

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Rev. July 2014