The Pontiac Dailey Press – Dec 21, 1901

On March 15, 1861, Pontiac was incorporated as a city. Within its boundaries, which were the same as at they are at the present, there were a mere 3000 people. By the stranger who happened this way, Pontiac was looked upon as a pretty. Little place., Healthful in scenic, but from a business standpoint, as a place to be kept away from. There was practically nothing here which commercial itself. On the wide-awake business model. This again. The peaceful channel wound its way unchecked through the heart of the city. Its only obstruction being a dam and a mill pond. Which then was, and ever since has been an eyesore to 9 tenths of the people of Pontiac. In this river there was possibility of power, but years before, all advantages in this respect have been gobbled up, And there was nothing left for the newcomer. Then, and for some years to come. There was nothing in Pontiac to characterize it as different from A 1000. Other places of its size. The streets were unpaved, here and there was a stretch of plank sidewalk. The streets, stores and houses were lighted by candles and kerosene. Or fluid lamps. Farming was the principal occupation in this vicinity, And chiefly. Upon the farming community. Pontiac businessmen depended for trade. There were the usual number of flower and feed meals, blacksmith shops, machine shops, planning mill, and a brewery.

Knitting Industry

For some years this condition prevailed and Pontiac grew, but slowly at best. Within the next few years, Charles E. Wakeman became. Embedded with the idea that there was money in manufacture of knit goods. He determined to give this idea a trial, and purchased a kneading machine. This one, he operated himself with varying success. For some time, until he had convinced himself that his idea was a good one. A second machine was secured and an operator engaged. A little later, the one room occupied by Mister Wakeman was inadequate, and larger quarters were engaged. This was the beginning of the knitting business in Pontiac. It grew rapidly, and within a comparatively short space of time from its beginning, He became an enterprise of great importance. Mr Wakeman acquired the property, now owned by the Pontiac Knitting Works Company. And on April 7th, 1881, the firm of C. E. Wakeman and Company was organized. The stockholders were C. E. Wakeman. and P. A. Hitchcock. With J. D. Norton as a special partner. The object of the company was set forth in its articles of incorporation, Was the purchase of wool in its manufacture in the yarn, socks, mittens, stockings, Gloves, etc. The Pontiac Knit Boot Company, For the manufacture and sale of wool boots was capitalized at $10,000., an, Incorporated January 5th, 1885. The incorporators were J D Norton, H P, Hitchcock. And P A Hitchcock. The Pontiac Needing Works was organized January 14th, 1892. To succeed C. E. Wakeman and Company. The Wakeman Knitting Company. With a capital stock of $25,000 was organized later, And continued in business till January 1st of 1898. William J., Julia Wakeman, C E Wakeman and Daniel S Howard were the stockholders. This company occupied the building erect for them by William H Osman., on South Saginaw Street, along with the airline tracks. Subsequently, Mr Wakeman. Who was the moving spirit of various knitting concerns, returned to Pontiac Knitting Works Company, In the location at present occupied. For a period of years in eating, business proved a boon to Pontiac. It furnished employment to the girls and women which they had. But unable to obtain. If they could not find employment in the mill, they were given fleecing, Which they were permitted to do at their own homes, And the result was revenue to many a home. Which would otherwise not have received it. During the vastitudes through which the knitting businesses passed, there was growth in other directions. Various other enterprises were launched, and Pontiac began to grow. From a country village, it emerged into a period of growth and development. Which at first was so slow. As to be barely perceivable. The spirit of improvement took root in places. And here and there are signs of changes became apparent. Few, if any, realized at the time the future That was in store for Pontiac. Today, Pontiac is recognized as the center of the vehicle industry of this country.

Vehicle Industry

The growth of the vehicle business in Pontiac is almost entirely of recent years, but its beginnings date back to about 15 years ago. The position which Pontiac now holds in the vehicle manufacturing world, Makes the history of this city a chapter of. Of more than passing importance in vehicle annals. In years past, the vehicle manufacturers were. Entirely located in the east, Amesbury, MA was formerly regarded as the center. Of the carriage business. New York State had many factories, and a little later, the two states stood about. On a par in this respect. The growth of the country has been West, SW and Northwest. There is a bigger demand for vehicles in the new country. Then in the old one. And thoroughly established and settled one. It was therefore but natural. That the vehicle center should move westward, Cincinnati had a number of big vehicle institutions. And still has, for that matter. But as Michigan became slowly into the vehicle field. The center changed. Michigan has been the center for several years, and is still regarded as such. Those who have given. The matter considerable study and attention state that Michigan is destined to remain the vehicle center of the United States for a long period. At this prediction is correct. Time alone will tell. As regards Michigan, Pontiac has more than held its own in the carriage business. Other cities have been in the field longer, but all the time Pontiac has been climbing to the front. At present, Flint claims to have. The precedent, but careful estimates show that Pontiac is ahead of Flint in several respects, And every indication is that it will continue in its onward growth. Until none can declare that the vehicle industry of the United States Is centered anywhere else than in Pontiac.

Robert D Scott and Martin Halfpenny, both of whom are still in the vehicle business, were The Pioneers in this line in Pontiac until 1886., Is practically the history of the carriage business here. In 1886 C. V. Taylor entered the field on what was then considered a large scale. Success Was the incentive to others. Today Pontiac contains 22 manufacturing establishments Whose output is either vehicles or goods, accessories, to the vehicle business. By trade, RD. Scott is a wagon maker. He served in all the positions required. To acquire a thorough knowledge of the vocation in which he has chosen, And on November 22nd, 1865, he landed in Pontiac. His first duty was to secure. A position at his chosen calling. This he did was soon found. That there was more remuneration for men in business for himself, then in working for others. It was in March, of 1860, that Mr Scott owned a repair shop. His business was not pretentious. And located on South Saginaw Street., about were Toynton’s livery. Barn now stands. For a number of years, Fortune was indifferent to Mr Scott. He changed locations four or five times, But in 1878 he took possession of the property on West Lawrence Street, Now occupied by PW, Hayward, Has a repair and manufacturing shop. By that time. There was a demand For custom made vehicles And to this trade, Mr Scott catered Aside from doing repair business It was necessary to employ several men And the repair business was unsteady Mr Scott took up manufacture of spring wagons and top buggies in order to keep his men employed All the work was done by hand Some 13 or 14 years ago there was a change in the taste of vehicles, using public And the road cart came to be, a very popular vehicle. Hitherto open and top buggies, spring and platform wagons. Had been leading styles, but the road cart, commended itself. To a big percent of those who use vehicles. It was light, cheap and durable., A road cart could be bought for $20, And on this account, it became wonderfully popular. Until 1888, there were but two styles of R. D. carts manufactured. Mr Scott continued the idea of improvement along this line, and with that end in view, purchased the two styles, one made Owosso and one made in Ohio, And set them up in his shop as objects for study. From these samples, Mr Scott designed a. That embodied the good features of both, did away with some of the undesirable features and had added points of its own. The Scott cart was patented, and its manufacturer, on an extensive scale began. The quarter then occupied by Mr Scott, was By far too small, and he removed the business to the building at the corner of Wayne and Lawrence Street., which is now occupied by the Imperial Buggy Company.

Scott Road Cart

The success of the Scott Road cart was phenomenal. From the first, and still more room was required. In 1891, Mr Scott purchased. The Lord Elevator property, where Artie Scott and company are now located. The manufacturer of road carts, was continued until the demand for them dropped off, And there was return to the other styles as well as a demand for new styles of vehicles. It was but a short time until the manufacturer of the road cars became a secondary consideration, Notwithstanding this fact, the business continued to grow and thrive, And additions to the factory were made, from time to time. In March of 1899, the firm of R. D. Scott and company was organized. The stockholders being R. D. Scott, W. R. Scott, John Gunner. And E. S. Todd.

Pontiac Wagon

It was in 1879, that the inventive genius of Martin Halfpenny, first asserted itself. During the years that he had been engaged in blacksmithing and wagon works, He had acquired ideas of his own. The result was a benefit, to the public in the form of a platform wagon, that embraced features hitherto unknown in platform wagons. The invention of Mr Halfpenny was styled the Pontiac Platform Wagon And everywhere it was exhibited, found favor Shortly after its invention, the wagon was panted and a company organized to manufacture and sell it. Edward Emmons, Byron G. Stout, Wilbur F. Stout N. Martin Halfpenny were the stockholders of the company. The first year of its existence, the company declared a dividend of 17%, And with this showing, it was not difficult to perfect. The organization of a bigger company with more capital the second year. For one year, Colonel John P Foster acted as manager, for the company, and stockholders numbering about 30. The success of the first year was not repeated, however. And the company lost money. This was due in part to unfavorable weather and general hard times. Added to this, the company lost on bad accounts. At that time, the business was confined to Michigan. At the end of the year, A. S. King was made manager for a period of six months, it began decided that carriage making in Pontiac was bad business. Mr King completed the work. That was in progress. And at the expiration of his term of office, the stockholders decided to close up business. And get out of it what they could. C. V. Taylor here made his debut in the vehicle world. He was employed by the insolvent company to Close up its affairs. It was in 1868 that Martin Halfpenny came to Pontiac from Detroit. Like Mr Scott, he sought employment at this trade, that of a blacksmith. Mr Halfpenny always realized the importance. Strong, good material in the manufacture of vehicles, and as illustrated this fact, the Eastern Michigan Asylum still has a service wagon that was built by Mr Halfpenny, the first year he came to Pontiac. The wagon in question was built to be used as a bus in carrying people between Clarkston Village and Clarkston Station. Mr Halfpenny (?avers?) That not more than five dollars has ever been expended. In repairs for this wagon. In 1882, Mr Halfpenny built the first speeding cart manufactured in Michigan. E. S. King and C. V. Taylor. Associate themselves with Mr Halfpenny. In the Enterprise for manufacturing speeding carts, And this was conducted on West Lawrence Street. For a number of years. During his residence in Pontiac, Mr Halfpenny has been associated in a number of carriage manufacturing deals. His first. After the discontinuance of the platform wagon and speeding cart enterprises, was in 1890, When M. D. Sly, H. M. Linabury and W. F. Stout. He organized a carriage company. In 1893, Mr Halfpenny, with F. W. Birch and A. G. Hadsell, organized the Pontiac Salkey Company, Manufacturing, speeding, and driving salkies. January 1st, 1895, Martin Halfpenny and company was organized, And February first 1899, This firm was succeeded by the Martin Halfpenny Vehicle Company. Later came the Halfpenny and Guile’s company, which was succeeded by the ACME Vehicle Company. R. J. Lounsberry. And Sylvester Cole were associated with the Acme Company, When it was organized. Some little time ago Mr Cole purchased the interest of his partners, and is now sole proprietor of the ACME., which is now, flourishing under his direction.

C. V. Taylor

It was in the early 80s that C. V. Taylor was engaged to close up the affairs of the Pontiac Wagon Company. His experience and his capacity convinced him that the vehicle business was a lucrative field of Labor. When he affairs the company were wound up, Mr Taylor decided to tackle carriage making on his own responsibility. He began with the intention of manufacturing exactly 220 jobs, well before those were complete, more stock was purchased, and an expansion of the business was planned. Mr Taylor occupied the building at the corner of Wayne and Lawrence Street, But like others who have started. Business in the same building, He soon found it was insufficient for his wants. The Lord Elevator property, Now the location of the R. D. Scott and Company, was rented, And here Mr Taylor remained until 1888, When he formed a partnership with E. M. Murphy, The form being C. V. Taylor and Company. That year, the city, was interested in the enterprise of wagon making, And through Mr Taylor Pontiac's were made to see the prospects of the carriage business. With that end in view, the main building of the Taylor plant, of the vehicle business here. Once started, the business has never been allowed to lag or fall behind. Each year has been an increase in the number of men employed. In the industry. After the successful launching. Of R. D.. Scott and C.V.. Taylor, It seemed but natural that others should follow the steps. One of the first things learned in the carriage business was that there was a demand for Pontiac vehicles in other places than Michigan. Wherever Pontiac goods were shipped, there was immediate demand. For more Pontiac goods. Within a very short time, the big vehicle jobbing houses. Began to turn toward Pontiac. They sent representatives here. The representatives. were warmly received, and each manufacturer showed them every courtesy. It was possible to extend. There was that local Carriagemen have worked so well together, And have done so much for the common good of all., Who are engaged in the vehicle industry here, It is a large measure accountable to the success of Pontiac as the vehicle center. If a representative of a big wholesale house comes here and goes to anyone. Of the factories, he has shown all the lines manufactured by their concern. It is not all likely That anyone factory manufacturers. All the styles of vehicles he desires, And the representative is promptly sent to another Pontiac factory, where his wants will be supplied. This spirit of helping one another is recognized By every vehicle from here, and certainly has done a great deal toward marketing Pontiac vehicles.

Pontiac Buggy Company

The Pontiac Buggy Company, with capital stock of $25,000., was organized in 1893, With E. M. Murphy, president, F. A. Emmendorfer, Vice President; S.E. beach, secretary and treasurer. As with the other factories here, business prospered. Within a short time, there was a bigger demand than the buggy company and medium-priced work, that was put up in stylish form, And since its organization, there has not been a year, but has shown a decided increase in business over the year previous.

The Pontiac Phaeton Company

The Pontiac Phaeton Company, of which Henry M. Linabury is President, and Abram Parker, secretary and treasurer, was organized in 1894. It was first devoted its energy to the manufacture of high-grade Phaetons. Other lines were soon taken up, and at present the concern is turning out. High grade Phaetons, rubber, tired runabouts and stanhopes. Like the others, The Phaeton Company is cramped for room, and is at present making preparations to double its capacity.

Dunlap Vehicle Company

The Dunlap Vehicle Company began its existence July 18th 1898 with F. A. Emmendorfer, E. M. Murphy, L. L. Dunlap and S. E. Beach as stockholders and a capital stock of $25,000. The success of the Dunlap Company is the same as that of the others.

Crescent Carriage Company

One of the newest organizations is a Crescent Carriage Company, with E. M. Murphy, S. E. Beach, M. J. Halliman, J. S. Stockwell Junior, and L. L. Dunlop and F. A. Emmendorfer, stockholders. This company was organized August 30th of this year and at present engaged in the erection of a handsome four story brick factory adjoining the P O & J N tracks and the C. V. Taylor factory. While the Pontiac Buggy Company, the Dunlap Vehicle Company and the Crescent Carriage Company are separate enterprises, misters Murphy, Beach and Emmendorfer are stockholders in each company. The factories of the three companies are joining each, the P O and N Track, separating the Crescent from the two older factories. The Pontiac buggy was the first of the three to be organized and had not the other two companies followed, It is very probable that the buggy company would now have an even more buildings and more business then at present, enjoys.

Standard Vehicle Company

The Standard Vehicle Company is another one of the new factory enterprises. The company was organized August 12th of this year, The stockholders are F. L. Perry, L. W. Nichols M. E. Pierce, H. C. Kibler, J. A. Linabury, G. A. Brown, J. A. Brogle, J. B. Draper, H. C. Kudner and J. A. Tilson, Meyers, Pierce and Nichols Are the active buggy men in the Enterprise, both having spent several years in the vehicle business in Pont and elsewhere the Standard has a handsome brick factory completed on Osmun Street, along the tracks of the Air Line, and getting fairly under way. H. C. Kudner is President of their concern, and states that they already have orders Enough booked for nearly a whole year’s business.

Hodges Vehicle Company

The Hodges vehicle company occupies the building which was created for the Wakeman Knitting Company. George S. Hodges was formerly associated with Martin Halfpenny and the manufacture of high grade runabouts, stanhopes, surries and drawing wagons. He acquired Mr Halfpenny’s interest in the business and a short time ago D. S. Morland was taken in as a partner, The work manufactured by this concern differs from that of most other Pontiac factories, and that it is of a better grade and more expensive quality.

Imperial Buggy Company

The Imperial Buggy Company, located in West Lawrence Street, is a successor to the Wolverine Carriage Company. The Wolverine Company was organized by W. F. Stout, F. G. Jacobs and C. V. Taylor. Its output was a general line of medium priced vehicles and cutters. Mr Stout withdrew from the firm and some months ago, and recently the name was changed to Imperial Buggy Company. H. B. C. Graves acquiring an interest. The firm has decided to make only certain lines instead of the general line formerly manufactured. Preparations are being made for a considerable increase in the business along with special lines mapped out.

Spring and Wagon Works

One of the largest industries of the city is that of the Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works Company which occupies two large brick buildings on the Air Line tracks on Franklin Street. The Spring and Wagon Works is the successor of the Pontiac Spring Works, formerly located on Patterson Street, where the brewery now stands. The business was built by E. G. North, H. G. Hamilton coming in as a partner several years ago. On July 10th 1899 the firm’s plant on Patterson Street was entirely destroyed by the most disastrous fire Pontiac has ever seen. Within 24 hours the time of the fire, plans had been made for the reorganization of the company and beginning business anew on a larger scale than before. The stockholders of new concern were A C North and Harry Hamilton, who subscribed half of the $50,000 stock, W. H. Dawson, A. Parker, F. G. Jacobs, C. C. Freeman, J. H. Patterson, F. R. Boyd, H. Coleman, Erin Perry Kate C. Owen, Kerry Richmond, F. A. Carr and Mrs H. G. sweet. The reorganization of this company was one of the phenomenal facts concerning its history of the vehicle industry and Pontiac. With the erection of the new factory more energy was put into the business with the result that during the present year the capital stock was increased to $100,000 and the capacity to factory by the erection of a second building as large as the first period the manufacturer of milk grocery and delivery wagons has been gone into extensively by the spring and wagon works, with very gratifying results.

Union Buggy Company

The Union Buggy Company is the name of a concern in Pontiac which is built up a very extensive business in a sale of vehicles of all descriptions and makes. The business is what is known as the meal order trade, sales being made through advertising and by the sending out of circulars and literatures description of goods offered for sale. The company was organized April 26th 1900 with H. L. Jacobs, F. G. Jacobs, J. H. Patterson, Abram Parker and Harriet I. Harger as stockholders. The manufacture of vehicles today is vastly different thing of that of years ago. The carriage factory that turns out jobs by the thousands did not pretend to manufacture from the raw the various parts of the vehicle. A carriage manufacture might more properly be styled a shop where vehicles are assembled, various parts being purchased from the other factories, which manufactured these parts from the raw materials. It is this fact that has helped swell the list of industries in Pontiac. Where carriages are made on a large scale there must of necessity to be a big demand for bodies for springs, wheels, axels and in fact all the individual parts which goes toward making a complete vehicle.

Body Works

The carriage industry in Pontiac led to the establishment of two body works, an axle factory, a wheel works and a spring works. O. J. Baudette and Company whose factory was destroyed by fire a short time ago, succeeded W. F. Stewart in the manufacture of bodies, aside from supplying the local factories with bodies, a great many are shipped. This business involves the handling of thousands of feet of lumber yearly and is one of the most important accessories to the vehicle industry. In the busy season the factory is run night and day as high as 250 men are given employment.

Wheel Company

Pontiac Wheel Company is one of the industry that was fostered and organized by Pontiac Carriage Men. It was organized in 1898, a number of local capitalists taking stock besides the carriage men. The outside stockholders in a concern are John F. Foley, of Jackson, and William K Pruden, of Lansing. The wheel A success under the management of Superintendent Foley and Secretary Albe Lull The stock of the wheel company was $20,000.

Axel Works

The Pontiac Axle Company was organized June 19 1899 the shareholders all being gentle interested in the vehicle business in Pontiac. The capital was $50,000, half of which was paid in. It was to escape the necessity of purchasing a of the trust that the axle company was organized. Those interested in the enterprise realizing that axles can be manufactured here almost as cheaply as anywhere else, and if there was any profit in your manufacturer, that profit may just as well be gained by the factories that use the axles. Since the axle company was organized there have been offers made by the Axle Trust, organized in the east for the Pontiac Plant. The Pontiac Body Manufacturing Company was organized January one of this year with F. J. Baumgarner and I. F. Monroe as stockholders. Mr Monroe is the manager and took up the business formally conduct by A. M. Baumgardner. The factory is located on Osmun Street and its output is bodies and scats. The businesses showed a considerable increase since Mr Monroe assumed control.

Spring Works

The Vehicle and Implement Spring Company was incorporated August 17th 1900 The capital stock is $40,000 and its output is vehicles and implement springs, as the name indicates. M. D. Hubbard of St John’s, is manager of the company And a number of Pontiac people are interested as shareholders. The business was begun at St John’s but Pontiac being a carriage it was decided to move here when the would be located nearer to its customers.

Specialty Companies

Two enterprises which the vehicle business have made possible are the Pontiac Leather Specialty Company and the Palmer Carriage Supply Company The former is located on West Lawrence Street and the latter on East Heron Street. The soul alluded these two concerns is the little straps and leathers used on thills and whiffletree on vehicles of all descriptions. The capital stock of The Palmer Company is $5000, W. A. Palmer is president and F. L. Perry, Secretary and treasurer Mr Palmer was in the harness business for five years previous to 1900, when he began the manufacture of the little straps. He continued to make those straps for almost A year and at the beginning of the present year the company was organized. G. E. Linabury is President, C. Linabury, secretary, treasurer, and Carl S. manager of the leather specialty company. Both of these firms have built up a successful and lucrative business. Aside from supplying Pontiac factories with straps their output is shipped to other states. Waste leather from various factories that manufacture leather goods is used in the manufacture of carriage straps.

Howland Manufacturing Company

In December of 1899 the Holland Manufacturing Company was organized This is one of the factories that is not allied in some manner or another to the vehicle industry. Its output is agricultural implements. The organization of this company here was the result of a division of the Wells Cultivator Company at Milford. The stockholders of the Holland Manufacturing Company are E. Howland, Charles Howland, L. G. Holser, C. A. Fisher, F. L. perry Comm CF Steinbaugh, N. A. Wright and R. S. Wells. The company Erected a commodious brick factory on West Pike Street adjoining the tracks of the D. G. H. and M. Railroad and since it began business has been entirely successful. The Canon Metal Works capitalized at $300,000, one third of which is paid in, will be the most pretentious industry in Pontiac next year if the plans of the promoters of the company are fulfilled. The organization of this company was completed November 12th of this year the stockholders being, F. G. Jacobs, M. W. Gray, E. H. Halsey, and Martin Halfpenny of this city and Joseph M. Tuttle, Clinton D. Cannon, and Thomas M. Little of Battle Creek. This company purposes to manufacture wire and metal wheels covered by patents of Mr Cannon. In addition, they will also manufacture a custom and solid rubber tire wheel for carriages which was painted by Mister Halfpenny. The company has secured a 20 acre factory site on the W. J. Fisher farm just south of the city on the Detroit Road where it is proposed to build in the spring. Prior to the erection of the new building, the company will carry on their business in the building occupied by Mr Halfpenny on South Saginaw Street.

The Brewery

The Pontiac Brewing is the owner of the only brewery in Oakland County. The company was organized March 8th 1900, with twelve shareholders. A brewery was erected on Patterson Street, on the site of the old Pontiac Spring Company’s plant and the manufacture of beer begun. The product of the Pontiac Brewery is pronounced first class and of superior quality by the judges of Beer.

Gem Wire Fence Company

The Gem Wire Fence Company Comm of which E. B. Stowell and George W. Terry are the stockholders, Occupy one of the Jackson buildings on East Lauren St. Several years ago Mr Terry panted a machine for weaving fence. The machine is known as the Little Gem and the fence company sells the machine. The little junk fence is known all over this country and in Canada, and has found favor wherever introduced. Last year Mr Terry invented an adjustable nut for vehicle axles. The nut is also constructed that it takes up the play in the axles caused by the wear and tear. The sail of the adjustable nut is carried on with the fence business by Messrs Terry and Stowell. While it is still a new invention the adjustable nut has made remarkable progress.

Bottling Works

The Pontiac Bottling Works, conducted by J. J. Oliver, is the successor of the L. D. Van Kleek. Its business is in the manufacture and sale of soft drinks, within the past two or three years has succeeded in extending its trade considerably.

Bacon Manufacturing Company

The Bacon Manufacturing Company of West Lawrence Street, is another concern devoted to the manufacturer of implements, that may be classed as agricultural devices. The business was started in 1892 by H. A. and H. K. Bacon Comm under the name of Beacon Brothers. April 29th 1896, The Bacon Manufacturing Company was incorporated Comm EF Bacon, of Detroit, acquiring an interest with the Bacon brothers. This concern manufacturers a line bean and seed sorting machinery, garden drills and cultivators. Beginning with a crude machine for hand picking beans, they have developed a variety of pickers to meet the various requirements of bean and seed sorting, that has revolutionized the business. In developing the picking machinery, the possibility of an improved garden seed drill was suggested. The suggestion was acted upon and the result was a line of drills that is fast being Adopted by the big jobbers in this line, all over the country. The increase of business has rendered the present quarters of the bacon company inadequate, Next year a location will be secure in which permit the doubling of the output of the factory.

The Canning Company

The Cooperative canning company is one of the new industries of Pontiac and is at its present engaged in the erection of a factory on Osmun Street, Along the Air Line tracks. They proposed to utilize a large quantity of small fruit that is grown in Oakland County Comm And will operate the factory on the cooperative plan, as its name implies. The company will be ready to begin business next season.

The White Cross Company

The White Cross Medical Company was organized here a few weeks ago. The object of the company is to manufacture and sell the preparations of A. H. Burton, inventor of the White Cross Eczema and Dandruff cure. The promoters of the company are A. H. Burton, A. Pack, A. G. Griggs and H. D. Glenn. The company is offering preferred stock For sale and proposes to establish itself in permanent quarters within the near future.

Bending Works

Another factory which is proposed here and will be an accessory to the vehicle industry is the Bending Works. The company is not yet organized, but will be in a factory erected in time for the spring business. It is expected for that first year, at least, the Pontiac Wheel works will consume all or nearly all the output of the bending factory.

Mackey Engine Company

The Mackey Engine Company is the name of a concern organized here two years ago. R. D. Scott and J. Mackey are the shareholders of the company Its output is Mackey Gas and Gasoline Engines. Mr Mackey has devoted years to the study of these engines, and has patents on a number of devices used in gas and gasoline engines. Within the past few years there has been a growing demand for engines of this class, owing to the Che with which they can be operated Field and supplying this demand.

Tobacco Industry

In enumerating the industries of Pontiac, the tobacco business of Henry C. ward should be included. To Mr Ward is due the credit for bringing before the public, the fact that Michigan grown tobacco is as good or even better than any of the domestic tobaccos. It was three years ago that Mr Ward began the growing of tobacco. When the tobacco was raised, the thought suggested itself to him as to whether he would not make out of his crop by manufacturing it into cigars, than selling it to tobacco factories. The experiment was tried and the result was the big cigar factory which Mr Ward now operates. The gold mine was the first cigar manufactured by Mr Ward, and did not fail to find fever with cigar smokers. Other brands have since been introduced and the word cigar and tobacco factory is now a permanent thing in Pontiac. A big warehouse and a factory was erected on the Ward farm last year, and here the tobacco is cured, as well as cigars manufactured. Another of the cigar industries in Pontiac is that of the Mascotte Cigar Company on West Lawrence Street. The company came here from Oxford some years ago, and has been rewarded with the business that has grown steadily from year to year. R. J. Corr is manager of the company, whose success is due to his efforts. A cigar makers union was established by the Mascotte employees some months ago. The popular brands other Mascotte are the Senator Kay, Copperfield and Brewster. W. A. Palmer, Manufacturer of the Wipe Cigar, has been and maintained in extensive business on this brand of weed. The Whip is one of the few cigars that is always the same and found once a man is a whip smoker is always one. Fred W. Bailey of the has built a big business and jobbing cigars not only in Pontiac, but all over Michigan Perhaps the Thelma is the most popular cigar which Mr Bailey handles, but one of the newest placed on the is the Bailey.

Flour Mills

A meal without bread in some form or another would be scant meal and upon the making of flour, bread depends. Pontiac has three meals Comm which continue to do thriving business. The Pontiac milling company purchased by the Dawson Mill on the Orchard Lake Road and have one for themselves considerable fame by the manufacturer of “Pontiac Chief” flour. H. C. Dutton and whose mill is located on the West Alley adjoining the jail, came here from Port Huron. The city originated the popular BL known as “Pontiac’s Choice”. Mr Dutton was formerly a resident of the city and has a wide acquaintance here. Pontiac’s 3rd mill is the old Paddock Mill on Mount Clemens Street, formerly owned by J. W. Hart and Company.

Planning Mill

John Bell & Sons are proprietors of the planning mill and the lumber business for so many years conducted by Hurbert, Heitsch & Sons at the corner of Water and Perry Streets. By reason of the large amount of the building that has been done in Pontiac during the past few years Bell planning has Ben and still is one of the busiest places in the city.

Osmun's Enterprise

A large portion of the growth in the southern portion of Pontiac, lying near the airline railway tracks, is due almost entirely to the efforts of William H Osmun Junior, who has always been associated in various manufacturing enterprises and Pontiac. Their section of the city has been built almost entirely within the past three to four years. Mr Osmun makes his statement that more substantial brick buildings have been erected within one fourth of a mile of the bookstore which has just been completed on Osmun Street then in all the rest of Pontiac.

Pontiac's Future

Now, more than before, does the future of Pontiac as an industrial center appear bright. All the industries located here are enjoying prosperity which seems to acquire an ever-increasing momentum. Industries are like people; they go with the crowd. It therefore seems a prediction which is every promise of being fulfilled, that Pontiac will double in size within a few years at the most. Some of those who are more sanguine Of Pontiac’s success believe three years we will see the city of 20,000. One of the enterprises now under way, In all probability, will help Pontiac more than any one thing yet proposed. It is the proposed Belt Line railway. The line will encircle the city, making almost every number of factory site. The desirability of a factory site on would be that the factory so located would have all the advantages of the best shipping facilities, because by means of the way the output of the factory could be shipped over any road desired. Promoters of the Belt Line have met with some hindrance in their plans, which they now have every hope of overcoming. The reason for such a line being of great benefit to Pontiac is in the fact that it would not be constructed unless a sufficient number of manufacturing enterprises Could be induced to locate on the to give the needed patronage for its success as a business proposition. Pontiac has grown, it is growing, and will continue to grow. Few things grow that are not a Success Pontiac is a success, and for that reason every citizen can boom it with a clear conscience.