posted 11-23-2017 10:37 AM            

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The Casino of the Gorham Mfg. Co. Completed.

Providence. R. I., The new Casino in conjunction with the works of the Gorham Mfg. Co. at Elmwood is now completed and was opened for inspection to-day. The illustration here presented is from the finest photograph of the building and grounds yet taken.

The new casino is two stories high, built of brick with a slated sloping roof, in the Colonial style of architecture. The ground plan is in the shape of a T, the main section being 78 feet long by do feet wide, while the rear section which runs out from the middle of the main building is 43 feet long and 30 feet wide. The front entrance leads into the main hall or dining room. 59 by 32 feet. This room extends in height to the roof of the building and is therefore light and airy. Leading out from this on the left is the women’s dining room, 14 by 15. On the same side is the President’s dining room, 15 by 13. On the right of the main hall is the library, 32 by 15. which will be supplied with the daily and trade papers, magazines and periodicals. In the rear of the main hall are the kitchen and pantry.

The rooms on the second floor are reached from a balcony, five feet wide, which overlooks the main hall. These rooms are sleeping rooms for President Holbrook and Vice-President Robinson on the right and spare rooms for the traveling salesmen or guests of the company. On this floor also are two finely fitted bathrooms of ample size.

A cycle room with a capacity for 400 bicycles is situated in the basement. All of the floors are of selected maple and all with the exception of the dining room will be waxed. The ceilings and sides of the main hall above the second story are of hard pine, varnished. The walls up to the roof are painted a light pearl gray. The building is fitted for both gas and electric lighting and will be heated by steam brought in underground pipes from the factory.

The intention is to serve hot lunches at noon for the cost to prepare them, and it is believed that about 25 per cent of the 1,100 or more employees of the works will avail themselves of the opportunity. The privileges of the casino, which will be open at all times, will be free to all the employees and the running expenses will be borne by the company.

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posted 11-23-2017 11:49 AM            

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Members of Gorham Quarter Century Club Hold Midwinter Reunion at Elmwood Plant

Providence, R. I., The Gorham Quarter Century Club held its mid-Winter reunion at the Casino at the Elmwood plant of the Gorham Manufacturing Company, last evening. There were upwards of 200 in attendance including many of the older employees of the concern, as well as a number of former workmen now on the retired list. The corporation was represented by Secretary William S. Stone, in the absence of the President, Franklin Taylor, who is on a business trip in Europe; and of Treasurer Alfred K. Potter and Manager Frank M. Graham who were in New York.

Heading the assemblage was genial "Jim" Major, the dean of the force, who has been with the Gorham's since March 12, 1866. In fact, as the name implies, the Quarter Century Club is composed of men who have been employed by the Gorham Company for 25 years or more and it is very interesting and significant that while all who are qualified to affiliate with the club have not done so, the active membership of the association is about 275.

Last night's affair was designated as a "Cherro-Joy-Fest" and such it proved to be in every sense. From the initial greeting of welcome by Vice President Raymond I. Blanchard just as the clock was striking 8, until the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by the crowd three hours later, there was action all the time. It was a get-together meeting that augers well for the future.

An 18-piece orchestra composed entirely of Gorham employees with Richard E, Walker as leader, played an excellent and diversified repertoire of overtures and marches as well as classical and popular selections; William L. Hughes and "Cris" W. Clissold sang songs; Mr. Hughes led in group and chorus singing and five reels of comedy movies kept everyone in good humor. Then the "eats"—chowder, crullers, cheese and coffee—in great abundance, concluded a successful social evening.

The club has a series of smokers and other events scheduled for the Winter, which, it is believed are destined to furnish an unusually enjoyable season. The opening entertainment was in charge of a committee consisting of Christopher W. Clissold, chair man, Walter I. Abbott and Albert E. Carignan. The officers of the Quarter Century Club are as follows : Honorary President, James Major, by virtue of being the oldest employee with the concern; Vice President, Raymond I. Blanchard; Secretary, Raymond I. Blanchard; Secretary, Edward B. Turner; Treasurer, Chester M. Sylvia.

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posted 11-23-2017 12:30 PM            

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Silversmiths Have a Banquet

The Many Heads of Departments of the Gorham Mfg. Co. Hold an Enjoyable Session.

Providence, R. I., A most enjoyable affair was held in the Casino at the works of the Gorham Mfg. Co., Elmwood, last night. It was a banquet of the heads of the various departments at the Gorham works and was tendered by the company' to those who have so long been in their employ, and who have won for themselves recognition in the departments over which they preside. There were over 60 persons in attendance.

The Casino was handsomely decorated for the occasion, flags, potted plants, cut flowers and tropical greens predominating in the decorations, while four long tables were required for the accommodation of the guests. These tables were lighted by candelabra and beautified by floral pieces of unique design. So far as was possible, those present were seated according to the length of time that they had been in the employ of the firm. For instance, the head table was occupied by the men who “became associated with the concern some time during the ’60’s or before, while at the other three tables were the ’70’s, ’80’s and '90's.

J. F. P. Lawton, secretary and assistant treasurer of the company, was to have occupied the position of honor at the head of the first table, but owing to illness was unable to be present. Seated at this table were the following, the date when they began their work for the firm being given:

F. C. Lawton, 1881; Mr. Codman, 1891; J. Baker, Jr., 1865; Mr. Jordan, 1860; Mr. Young, 1859; Mr. Aldrich, 1865; Mr. Bushnell, 1850; Mr. Dean, 1850; Mr. Salt, 1862; Mr. Bogle, 1869; W. Whipp, 1868; Mr. Burt, 1866; Mr. Peck, 1865; Mr. Shurrocks, 1863; VY. Hughes, 1865; Mr. Burgess, 1865; Mr. Thurber, 1872; Mr. Darling, 1868; Mr. Lee, 1865; Mr. Tucker, 1864; Mr. Pike, 1866; Mr. Stevens, 1860.

At the first table at the right of the table of honor were: Mr. Straker, 1874; Mr. Rees, 1872; Mr. Robinson, 1875; Mr. Wightman, 1877; W. Smith, 1873; Mr. Seagrave, 1869; Mr. Anthony, 1880; Mr. Gardiner, 1880; Mr. Webster, 1871; Mr. Fulford, 1876; Mr. Mason, 1874; Mr. Phillips, 1871.

At the table in the center were: Mr. Day, 1880; Mr. Brown, 1884; Mr. Lyman, 188S: Mr. Davenport, 1885; Mr. Pender, 1886; T. Hughes, 1884; T. Whipp, 1888; G. Baker, 1882; Mr. Miller, 1890; Mr. Nock. 1885; Mr. Rhodes, 1885; Mr. Peters, 1889; V. Smith, 1891; Mr. Swain, 1892; Mr. Allebaugh, 1891.

At the third table were: Mr. Hansen. 1896 ; Mr. Weatherhead, 1895; Mr. Curley, 1892; Mr. Johnson, 1891; Mr. Champney, 1898; Mr. Crawford, 1899; Mr. Richter, 1895; Mr. Sylvia, 1895; R. W. Higgins, 1895; Mr. Huntington, 1899; Mr. Needham, 1897; Mr. Briggs, 1895.

Dinner was served by Tillinghast, the discussion of an elaborate menu being made additionally pleasurable by selections by harpist Frank Raia and by Joseph E. Pettine, mandolinist. Then came the post-prandial exercises. over which superintendent F. C. Lawton presided in a happy manner. He presented Henry C. Bushnell, who gate a brief sketch of the first efforts at spoonmaking. Mr. Bushnell spoke of the early days at the old factory of Gorham, Webster & Price, on Steeple St., contrasting it with the present modern plant of the Gorham company. He alluded to the fact that at that time the term “horse power" was used advisedly, for the machinery in the factory found its motive power in a single horse, which operated a turnstile and kept the wheels in the shop moving.

Joseph Baker, Jr., gave some interesting reminiscences of the apprenticeship days of 1865 and 1866. and was followed by master mechanic J. M. Bogle. Mr. Bogle spoke of the contrast between the Steeple St. plant and the present one in Elmwood, giving some facts and figures that were of interest to all present. Designer W. C. Codman spoke of the pleasure he felt at being present and referred briefly to the work of the company. Superintendent F. C. Lawton told of the organization of the executive force and alluded to the good derived from gatherings of this nature since they assisted materially in increasing the pleasant relations which should exist between the heads of the various departments and with those in authority.

At the conclusion of the banquet flowers were sent to J. F. P. Lawton, to Joseph Baker, a retired foreman; to Mr. Pender, who was unable to be present, and to president Edward Holbrook, who happened to be in the city, as an evidence that they were remembered, though absent. The entire affair was a pronounced social success.

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posted 11-23-2017 12:32 PM            

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Loss On Gorham Manufacturing Company

It is now estimated that the loss by fire, which occurred, September 2, in the plant of the Gorham Manufacturing Company at Elmwood, R. I., will be about 2 to 3 per cent. on the use and occupancy insurance, and probably less than five per cent. on the building. There is insurance of $2,000,000 covering on the first item and $3,025,000 on the plant itself. ...

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Casino Destroyed at New London

The Casino, a clubhouse in the Pequot section of New London, Conn., was destroyed by fire last Monday, the loss being estimated at $70,000. The fire is supposed to have started in the upper part of the building, from an unknown cause. All of the rooms were occupied, but the occupants escaped without injury.

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