Business, Employment & Institutional Records - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Pilkington ( Glass Manufactors)

talk_tonite — 2013-04-18 13:05:40Z

Hi there,

My uncle, who I have very little contact with, once told me that my great-grandfather (Simeon, I think), a Russian-Jewish immigrant to Lancashire, had married one of the girls of the Pilkington family, who was then disowned by the family.
I have no idea if this could be true or not - but would be fascinated to find out more? I'm very new to all of this, so don't really know my way around at all.

Re: Pilkington ( Glass Manufactors)

2013-04-18 13:05:30Z

I have a Lionel George Pilkington who ended up in Yorkshire in the Snaith area in the late 1700s. It is a fairly unique family name. Do you have any idea if he came from the Lancashire Pilkingtons? Appreciate your help.

Cathy

Re: Pilkington ( Glass Manufactors)

LouisePhillips68 — 2013-04-17 20:05:16Z

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I was researching the Pilkingtons for a friend when I made that post in 2001 and we never really made any head way with the family - so I carnt help this time.

Good Luck
Louise.

Purpose of the New York Emigrants Savings Bank

janette1169 — 2013-04-11 16:13:10Z

Was the New York Emigrants Savings Bank, used for the sole purpose of sending money home to Ireland ?
I have found accounts for my 3x great uncle and his wife ( both Irish) however also found accounts for their 2 children, who were American by birth.
If the accounts were used to send money to Ireland, i'm puzzled as to why their children also had accounts .
I am trying to discover whether monies was sent home to my 4x great grandfather by his children

Regards Janette

Re: Purpose of the New York Emigrants Savings Bank

BobNY — 2013-04-02 15:14:13Z

It was called a savings bank because its main purpose was the deposit of funds for SAVINGS.

Re: Purpose of the New York Emigrants Savings Bank

DonnaMilano — 2013-03-27 16:12:56Z

It appears it was a "regular" bank. This was on Wikipedia:

"The bank was founded in 1850 by 18 members of the Irish Emigrant Society with the goal of serving the needs of the immigrant community in New York."

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

johngoodin72 — 2013-01-07 18:29:50Z

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Happy to help. Just contact me through my regular email jcgoodin@gmail.com and I'll be happy to send all I have your way.

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

natmarine — 2013-01-07 06:00:57Z

Dear Jennifer:

I hope your research is going well. Viavi was a patent medicine remedy -- or rather a family of remedies -- that were sold across the country and in many foreign countries as early as 1889. Most of their agents were women, although some husband and wife teams ran branch offices. The company called their remedies an "All-Natural System of Treatment" and described Viavi remedies, which contained derivatives of the goldenseal plant, as “food” for the nerves and tissues that allowed nature to work by increasing circulation and removing congestion and impurities. The most popular products were Viavi capsules and cerate, although there were others. Users inserted Viavi capsules into the vagina and rubbed Viavi cerate, or lotion, into the skin to ensure maximum absorption. The Viavi “system of treatment” also included a comprehensive hygienic regimen similar to that espoused by earlier health reform movements, such as hydropathy. It included douching, bathing, massage, the use of hot and cold compresses, and moderate exercise.

I'm writing about the company in my dissertation, so I have lots more info to share - esp about the company views on woman and motherhood. If you want to email me at njmarine@stanford.edu and tell me what family you are researching, I'd be happy to check to see if I have come across them. The question "were they a fraud"? is such an interesting question, and not a simple one to answer. I'd love to talk more about it with you. Also, look on Google Books for a copy of the Viavi Hygiene if you want to know more about the company -- it has been digitized or you can buy a copy on EBAY pretty easily for less than $20. Get one of the earlier versions -- 1908 or earlier.

Best wishes!

Natalie

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

natmarine — 2013-01-07 05:40:21Z

Dear John:

Thanks so much for the information about Mabel Thompson. I would be delighted to have any information about her. I'm compiling a database of the various branch offices and the women who sold Viavi, and I don't have any information about Harrisburg yet.

With sincere thanks!

Natalie Marine-Street

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

johngoodin72 — 2013-01-03 21:47:34Z

Hi, I have a Mabel Thompson who was a Mngr. for Viavi in Harrisburg Pa as early as 1920. She is collateral kin to me and not direct kin, so I do not have any personal stories handed down about her. Still, I have been able to glean quite a bit from newspapers, census and a few other sources. Happy to give you her family background if you so desire. John G

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

MarkFreeley — 2012-12-31 20:03:28Z

Also his brother John Freeley worked for SS Pierce from the 1920s to about 1960. I know it's only a small chance, but would appreciate a reply from anyone who knew him or any relevant info.
Thanks
Mark

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

MarkFreeley — 2012-12-28 16:07:27Z

My great uncle Austin Freeley worked for SS Pierce Co. as a driver for at least 25 years (1917-1942) and probably longer. If anyone has any info on him or the drivers in general I would love to hear about it.
Mark

Art dealer associations?

star50882 — 2012-12-07 21:14:37Z

I would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions on this.

I am searching for information on my grandmother - Catherine Goodman, born 1905, died 1978. All of the documents I have on her say that she was first an "art student" and then an "art dealer" (that's on her death certificate). She lived most of her life and died in NYC. I found only one art dealer association that was around back then and emailed them to see if they may have any information on members going that far back. Has anyone researched this or have any suggestions on who I could contact for more information (whether art associations or not)? I would appreciate any suggestions!

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

Wiebers9 — 2012-11-30 14:30:35Z

Hi! I am researching a family that was involved with viavi sales in Washington DC and even took it to Germany. What exactly was Viavi and was it a scam? It seems like people really believed in it, but it was expensive and the letters I have refer to saving up to buy more of it. I would appreciate your help greatly.

Thanks, Jennifer Wiebers

Re: nurse HARVEY & nurse HARVEY's gripe water

jburnholme — 2012-11-11 21:46:33Z

If Clare Oglesby is reading this 2 years later, can she please email me urgently. its john fletcher at j.burnholme@ntlworld.com, and her great grandfather helped my father when he was taken ill at a meeting of the york Photgraphic society. I'd love to get in touch with her. He was a great friend to my mother at the time as my father died in the hospital.

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

bernicewalsh — 2012-10-15 01:01:15Z

Hello everyone
My name is Bernice I am a nurse for Mr. Richard Pierce the grandson of Wallace Pierce. We came across this posting and Mr. Pierce got a kick out of it. Sharon Nina is the daughter of Mr. Seybolt. He was a friend of the family. If anyone has any questions for Mr. Pierce please ask away. We will check this site often. Mr. Pierce is pleased to see interest in his family.
Thank you,
Bernice

Re: American Historical Company

lak2332 — 2012-09-29 23:40:40Z

Mamie Eva Fairly Wilson is the author and the book is "Wilson, Fairly and allied families: a genealogical study with biographical notes". It was published in 1955 and the addenda was published in 1958.

Re: American Historical Company

eGENEee — 2012-09-29 13:27:04Z

I don't know whether this will help, but here's the owner's obituary:

Palm Beach Post, The (FL) - Monday, October 24, 1994
BRUCE M. LEWIS
Age 88, of Lost Tree Village, North Palm Beach, Florida died Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Manors at Hobe Sound. He was the former President and CEO of the Lewis Historical Publishing Co., The American Historical Publishing Co., and Who's Who Inc. of West Palm Beach, Fla. He was a Director of the Atlantic National Bank, and former Mayor of Palm Beach Shores. He was born in Brooklyn, New York the son of Marian L. and Mabel E. Lewis. He graduated from Dartmouth College and resided in Nutley, NJ until he decided to relocate his business from New York City to West Palm Beach in 1960.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma; a son, Ralph E. Lewis of Macungie PA; a daughter, Mary Virginia Cypher of Butler PA; 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at the WM. N. HOWARD FUNERAL HOME, 754 U.S. Hwy 1, North Palm Beach at 2 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Oceanview United Methodist Church, 701 Ocean Dr., Juno Beach FL 33408.

So in 1960 American Historical Publishing was based in West Palm Beach. Florida corporation records might have something...

Re: American Historical Company

eGENEee — 2012-09-28 22:52:00Z

from sunbiz.org (Florida Division of Corporations)

LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
Filing Information
Document Number 814561
FEI/EIN Number 000000000
Date Filed 07/14/1960
State FL
Status INACTIVE
Last Event WITHDRAWAL
Event Date Filed 06/21/1971
Event Effective Date NONE

Re: American Historical Company

eGENEee — 2012-09-28 22:41:45Z

There is also a book

The American Historical Company, Inc., founded 1877 : more than 75 years of historical publishing.
Author: American Historical Company.
Publisher: New York : American Historical Co., [1952]

that might give you clues as to what became of this firm -- i.e., who were the owners, did another publishing firm take over, etc.

See worldcat.org to see which libraries have it. You may be able to get it via InterLibrary Loan.

Re: American Historical Company

eGENEee — 2012-09-28 20:07:48Z

Actually, I looked at your tree and figured that out.

You probably already know this: The Library of Congress does not have a copy, all the top used booksellers do not have a copy, "Books we Own" does not list a copy, WorldCat doesn't either. I'm thinking that maybe only one book was printed?

Have you tried the historical societies, genealogical societies, libraries, museums, "ethnic" societies, women's societies, lineage societies -- all in the local towns, counties where she lived? or the schools she attended? She may have donated copies to them.

Otherwise, I think you're going to have to go to the Mississippi archives to see it or hire a genealogist.

Another thought -- Who was her heir? Could he/she claim they have a right to the original? (might not get anywhere, but worth a try...)

Re: American Historical Company

eGENEee — 2012-09-28 19:43:13Z

What is the title of her book? What is her name?

American Historical Company

lak2332 — 2012-09-28 18:56:30Z

My great grandmother published a book of our genealogy. The only copy I can find is in the Mississippi Archives, and they won't copy it without the publisher's approval. The problem is the publisher was American Historical Co: new York. I can find no current contact information. THey seem to have published lots of genealogies and biographies in the first half of the 20th century and are now no more. Any help would be much appreciated on how to avoid copyright infringement, but still get to see my great-grandmother's book.

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

akern2000 — 2012-08-19 15:30:00Z

Good suggestion. Thanks!

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

mi2early — 2012-08-16 17:53:24Z

Unless you provide more specific information it's unlikely anyone will be able to help.

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

mi2early — 2012-08-16 17:53:11Z

I think that would entirely depend upon the location (country, state/county) and date.

You might be more successful by trying to find the restaurant in a local address, business, or telephone directory.

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

AdrianBrisee — 2012-08-16 16:55:56Z

You would probably have to write the Nassau Co. Health Dept., they'd be the ones who would issue permits for restaurants. You could trying phoning first, but doubtful they'd of gone back and added 1940 era records to their computer system. That also makes it doubtful the records would be online. But at least a phone call would tell you if the records are onsite or transferred to their County Hall of Records. Then you'd know where to address your queury.

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

CoSullivan24 — 2012-08-01 15:45:59Z

Hi Courtney,
I am researching family history, and believe that my Great Aunt Lillian - married Robert Pierce Smith - who is somehow related to the S.S. Pierce family....would you know anything about him or them? I believe Robert was born late 1890's or so.
Thank you,
Colleen

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

akern2000 — 2012-06-18 16:12:12Z

The 1940 census lists Albert & Rose Smath (brother & sister) living on Brooklyn Avenue in Valley Stream, Nassau Co, NY. They are listed as owner of/cook at a restaurant. I tracked down the deed and this property is now the location of a modern office building. It is in a current business area and possibly could have been a restaurant location at one time.

Re: Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

akern2000 — 2012-06-18 00:53:39Z

I live out of state and have not been able to find any online directory or catalog listing for a directory in that time & place. Also not sure if the address I have is their home or place of business. Hoped that a license or the like would offer their names with the address of the business.

Are Business Records Permits/ Licenses Archived?

akern2000 — 2012-06-15 16:40:46Z

I'm looking to verify the date and location of a family member's restaurant. Does anyone know if municipal business records - like a License or Health Dept permit - might be archived and available? Thanks for any info.
Pat

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

sluggan1 — 2012-06-04 06:18:03Z

I don't have a direct connexion to this family, my family married into the Williams family, however in the 1891 Census RG12/4569 - 90 1 - 8, you will find Anna M Williams, the wife of the Vicar of Trallong, Breconshire calling herself a Representative of the British Viavi Company of London.

Cheers,

Don Cameron.

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

natmarine — 2012-04-04 12:59:09Z

Hello! I just saw your post. How exciting! Dora Smart Ramsdell was the manager of the Los Angeles office of the Viavi Company at the turn of the 20th century. I'm writing a dissertation about the company and am trying to get a better sense of who these early business women were. Below is some info from Who's Who in the Pacific Southwest on Dora and Cassius. Do these sound like your relatives?

Sincerely,

Natalie Marine-Street

RAMSDELL, Cassius Galispie.
Asst. mgr. Los Angeles office, Viavi Co.
Res. 1339 La Brea blvd.; office, 511
Bryson Bldg., Los Angeles, Cal. Born
in Rindge, N. H., Oct 30, 1945; son of
Col. James and Lucy Waters (Rice)
Ramsdell. Married to Dora B. Smart
in 1905. Attended grammar school,
Rindge, N. H.; Old Appleton Acad.,
New Ipswich, Conn. Acquired mechani-
cal education in his father's piano
sounding board factory. Employed with
Cummings & Carlyle, piano mfrs.,
Boston, Mass., 1865-66; moved to California
in 1867; with Florence Machine Co.,
1867-72; moved to Virginia City, Nev.,
1875; in sewing-machine business, 1875-
81; moved to Los Angeles, 1881, con-
tinuing sewing-machine business in
Pomona, Cal., 1881-1905. Member Los
Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
Episcopalian.

RAMSDELL, Dora B. Smart.
Mgr. Viavi Co. for So. Cal. Res. 1339
La Brea blvd.; office, 510-13 Bryson Bldg.,
Los Angeles, Cal. Born in Plattsburg,
Mo., Oct. 12, 1860; daughter of Josiah
Allen and Eliza (Jones) Scott. Married
to Cassius G. Ramsdell in 1905.
Attended public schools, Clinton Co., Mo.;
graduated from Polytechnic High School,
St. Louis, Mo., 1879; attended
McMinnville College, Ore. Traveled and
studied from 1886-90. Moved to Chicaryo,
Ill., where she remained until 1893.
Moved to California, 1893; county
mgr. Viavi Co., 1899; mgr. same com-
pany for So. Cal., 1904 to date.
Member Fraternal Brotherhood.
Episcopalian.

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

clrkminor — 2012-04-04 04:36:44Z

Yes, those were indeed my relatives. Mr. Ramsdell was her 3rd husband. I actually don't have details on her life, other than what I've gleaned from census and other records. The Who's Who info is new to me. So I'm not sure I have anything to offer you after all. But let me know if I can be of any help. Rather than communicate on this public board, I'd prefer you contact me through my webpage: clarkminor.com. Thanks.

Re: Hotel Central, Boston's West End, Early 1900's

hiwaydumass — 2012-03-24 17:16:14Z

Boston,Mass

Re: Rosenbaum Bank

bunnyhappy1 — 2012-03-07 01:15:40Z

I'd be happy to! They were from Balbierischkas (sp?) Lithuania which I've seen listed as being in the provinces of Kovno Lithuania and Suwalki Poland (due to border changes). They were originally of German ethnicity. Balbierischkas was a large Jewish area from everything I've found but my relatives were Lutheran. Because of the Rosenbaum records, I've wondered if they had Jewish friends that had also immigrated to Philadelphia who referred them to the bank (or i'm going to find out they were Jewish originally!). My g-grandmother's brother funded through the bank the passage for their mother, her and 2 of her siblings who then arrived in 1890. Their father and another brother had all come over together a couple of years earlier for work, I'm assuming. They moved to Brooklyn shortly thereafter for reasons unknown. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Best,

Janet

Hotel Central, Boston, Massachusetts, West End, Early 1900's

Philshe6701 — 2012-03-01 12:52:06Z

I'm seeking information regarding the Hotel Central which was located at 19-23-31 Green St. which was the entire block between Pitts St. and Hale St. in Boston's old West End. My wife's grandfather had a liquor business at the time and the address was listed as 25 Green St. so our assumption is it was either a bar or a liquor store located in the Hotel.

Re: Hotel Central, Boston's West End, Early 1900's

mi2early — 2012-02-29 14:48:53Z

ADMIN NOTE: Is this Boston, Massachusetts, or Boston, England?

Re: Rosenbaum Bank

mi2early — 2012-02-21 14:18:46Z

Admin note:
If you'll provide more information about the bank, such as where it was located, perhaps someone will be able to help.

Re: Rosenbaum Bank

nsm2855 — 2012-02-21 11:33:09Z

Thanks Bunny. Can you tell me more about your ancestors? Did they live in the Philadelphia area? What ethnicity were they? etc.

Re: Rosenbaum Bank

bunnyhappy1 — 2012-02-21 03:47:53Z

I also had Lutheran ancestors who had an account at Rosenbaum bank and questioned if my relatives had been Jewish as well! Knowing another person of Lutheran heritage has records in Rosenbaum leads me to believe there must have been some other ethnicities, perhaps friends of Jewish co-workers or neighbors, who used it for their relatives as well.

Re: Viavi Company founded abt 1889 in San Francisco

clrkminor — 2012-01-31 18:46:03Z

Dora Smart Ramsdell was my great grandmother. I did not know of her involvement in this business. Maybe I can help you.

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

Lori_eggert1 — 2012-01-04 13:26:27Z

I am researching Roxalana Adams (1883 -1966) a Waltham resident who was employed with the S.S. Pierce Co in Boston for twenty years according to her obituary. She was the daughter of George Henry Adams who worked for the Waltham Watch Factory. Are there employee records to be found?

Thanks very much for any leads....

Lori Eggert
Bedford, MA

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

tegeog01 — 2011-12-25 22:56:40Z

Hi Susan,
I realize your response was several years ago, but a Christmas present of a framed SS Pierce advertisement from 60 years ago got me looking for some information and I ran across your post. Both my grandfather and father worked for SSP. My grandfather in the warehouse and my father as a salesman. My wife's father also worked at Pierces, and she and i met when our fathers got us after school jobs in one of the SS Pierce stores (on Boylston St).

Re: S.S.Pierce Co.Boston,Ma.

ASteurer — 2011-11-12 19:31:37Z

Sharon,
I am completeing the genealogy of one of Mr. S.S. Pierce's great granddaughters for her family. She descends from his son Dr. Matthew V. Pierce, Wallace Lincoln Pierce's brother. Please contact me, I would be happy to share info.
Anne

Re: nurse HARVEY & nurse HARVEY's gripe water

clare_oglesby — 2011-09-25 15:14:32Z

Did you ever find your answer? It's just that my husband's family runs Harvey Scruton Ltd in York which still makes Nurse Harvey's. It was invented by my husband's great grandfather called Arthur Oglesby who was a pharmacist. He invented it after new mothers kept coming in complaining that their babies had colic. There's a mention of it on http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1139784/pdf/medh...
I have no idea who 'nurse harvey' was so will have to ask!
tks
Clare

Re: nurse HARVEY & nurse HARVEY's gripe water

shoebox341 — 2011-09-04 08:50:05Z

I have just read your message regarding your Aunt being "Nurse Harvey" I was wondering if you had any success in your research? I was told by my Mother yesterday that my brother was the baby in the advertisement pictured sitting in a high chair with Nurse Harvey. I have been trying to find an old advertisement with the picture on but so far no luck.

Re: CNR OR CPR Employees

richardb135 — 2011-04-03 20:40:36Z

Apparently the employees had a senority list of all workers. I was hoping that someone may be able to look him up an a senority list.
Don't know just going on what a previous query resulted in.

Re: CNR OR CPR Employees

O_Lorelei — 2011-04-03 14:58:56Z

unfortunately cnr does not keep any old records of
employees.
have you checked census records
l852=l90l-l9ll canadian census
www.automatedgenealogy.com

Toronto star - pages of the past
l894-2006
safe,cheap,used worldwide
http://thestarpagesofthepast.ca

CNR OR CPR Employees

richardb135 — 2011-04-03 11:20:15Z

CNR and/or CPR past employees: Could/would someone look up Charles Henry Gardner born: 1886
Worked for both rails.
Woud appreciate, if possible, time frames of when and where he was posted. I don't know what information is available. He lived in Toronto and was posted to London, Ont. for a time, but don't know when.