The
The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and
Printed Ephemera
Henry Francis du Pont
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur,
Delaware 19735
Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883
OVERVIEW OF
THE COLLECTION
Creator: Farr Alpaca Company
(Holyoke, Mass.)
Title: Correspondence and textile swatches
Dates: 1881-1905
Call No.: Col. 985
Acc. No.: 2017x148
Quantity: 52 letters
Location: 3 B 7 (in box with Col. 348)
BIOGRAPHICAL
STATEMENT
According to information found on the internet, the
Farr Alpaca Company was founded as the Randall Farr Company in Hespeler,
Ontario, in the late 1860s, by Herbert M. Farr and his two uncles, including
George Randall (or Ramsdell). It
produced knitted goods and alpaca worsteds.
In 1873, the company moved to Holyoke, Massachusetts, and incorporated
as the Farr Alpaca Company, with Herbert Farr, Jared Beebe, Joseph C. Parsons,
Andrews Allyn, Joseph Metcalf (brother-in-law of Herbert Farr), George Randall,
and Timothy Merrick named in the incorporation papers. As fashions in fabrics changed over the
years, the company’s output changed as well.
During World War I, it produced cloth for uniforms and airplanes. The company was known for its progressive
employee management, providing good working conditions, a wage dividend plan,
good wages, etc. However, by the late
1930s, the company had closed.
Herbert Marshall Farr (1841-1900) was the son of
Diana Randall (1816-1901) and Marshall Howard Farr (1817-1857). At some point, he moved to Hespeler, Ontario,
where he married Annie Hespeler (circa 1843-1915), the daughter of Jacob
Hespeler, who had founded woolen mills in the town which came to bear his
name. The Farrs moved to Holyoke,
Massachusetts, where both died. Further
information about the family and the company is filed with the collection.
SCOPE AND
CONTENT
Letters to the Farr Alpaca Company, 1881-1905,
chiefly about dyeing fabrics, with a number expressing dissatisfaction with the
colors of dyed fabrics produced for others.
Most of the letters came from Coffin, Altemus & Co. of New York
City, the commission merchant firm which handled distribution of the products
of the Farr Alpaca Company. Fabric,
thread, or ribbon swatches are attached to many of these letters, in some cases
an example of the color desired and in other cases showing how far the supplied
fabric was from the color desired. As
well, there are two letters pertaining to the analysis of thread or fabric, and
a couple of letters soliciting business from Farr Alpaca Co. A few letters also pertain to paper, as the
company apparently could also dye paper.
A letter from John S. Kenzel explains his Kenzel’s Boiler Composition, a
coating which could help reduce the formation of scale in boilers.
ORGANIZATION
The letters are in chronological order.
LANGUAGE OF
MATERIALS
The materials are in English.
RESTRICTIONS
ON ACCESS
Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.
PROVENANCE
Purchased
from Eclectibles.
ACCESS POINTS
Topics:
Coffin, Altemus & Co.
(New York, N.Y.)
Dye industry –
Massachusetts – Holyoke.
Paper – Dyeing.
Textile fabrics
– Dyes and dyeing.
Textile fabrics
– Specimens.
Textile industry
– Massachusetts – Holyoke.
Commercial
correspondence.
DETAILED
DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION
Location: 3 B 7 (in box with Col. 348)
All accession numbers begin with 2017x148.
All letters are addressed to Farr Alpaca Company,
unless otherwise indicated.
All letters on printed letterhead stationery, unless
otherwise noted.
.1 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, Sept. 16, 1881 (first page only). Discusses fabrics and other manufacturers
and their fabrics, especially E. D. Metcalf [who seemed to be in financial
straits].
Sample of black cloth
pinned to letter.
.2 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, Nov. 19, 1881 (first page only). The samples of coatings are not good enough;
encloses a sample of Folwell’s cloth; discusses other manufacturers and their
fabrics.
Sample of black and
brown cloth pinned to letter; this may be the sample from Folwell mentioned in
the letter.
.3 from Edwin Wilcock, wool broker,
Boston, Dec. 7, 1881, to H. M. Farr.
Still waiting to hear back from a seller. Coates Bros. in Philadelphia have a large
line of Australian wools.
Attached to letter: Memo
of bales of Australian wool. [not on letterhead stationery]
.4 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, Dec. 15, 1881 (memorandum). Stern & Bro. of Philadelphia returning
coatings because the fabric is too dark.
.5 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, Dec. 16, 1881 (memorandum). “Enclosed please find one color sheet.” [not present]
Sample of dark striped
cloth pinned to letter, with note that it is from Folwell Bro.
.6 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, Dec. 28, 1881 (memorandum). Samples of four blue ribbons with prices per
spool.
Samples of blue or blue
and white striped ribbons pinned to letter.
Three ribbons are noted as being silk.
On back: calculations,
dated April 1.
.7 from F. Brown, Lowell, Mass., Dec. 23,
1881. Offering heddles for sale;
encloses sample [no longer present].
Not on letterhead
stationery
.8 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, March 4, 1882 (memorandum). Order for cloth from D. McCarthy Sons,
Syracuse, N.Y.
Sample of
mustard-colored cloth attached.
.9 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry
goods commission merchants, New York, March 20, 1882 (memorandum). Order for Cornell & Ammerman[?].
Sample of blue cloth
attached.
.10 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, Sept. 27 1882 (memorandum). Request for dyeing a batch of cloth the
color of the enclosed sample.
Sample of red cloth
attached.
.11 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, Sept. 27, 1882 (memorandum). Send bill of lading for matelassé shipped to
M. Field & Co.
.12a-b from John S. Kenzel, Kenzel’s Boiler
Composition, New York, Jan. 27, 1883.
About a method to prevent scale from forming in boilers and to protect
iron from rusting. The method is a vegetable
preparation and is used by most of the steamers operating in Long Island Sound
and by the Fall River line.
Enclosed:
a sample of the compound spread on paper.
.13 from B. W. Horton, New York, June 19,
1883. Sends a bale of goods and encloses
sample of a different cloth. With added
note in blue pencil: “quality will do but must be 64 or 65 inch wide.”
Sample of loosely-woven
cloth attached.
.14 printed form letter from Barretts, Palmer
& Heal, dyeing establishment, New York, January 1884. Calls attention to their experience in dyeing
and finishing dress goods, jersey cloths, stockinettes, and worsted coatings.
Sample of textured black
cloth attached.
.15 from L. C. Tiel of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, June 23, 1886. “Please send all cards of dress goods for B
Altman[?] parties this month sure.”
.16 from W. M. Whiting of Coffin, Altemus
& Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, June 23, 1886. About different colors of tans in warps and
fillings of cloth, and which should be used in the recent order.
Samples of blue, tan,
and white cloths, no. 2072 and 2130.
.17 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, June 24, 1886.
Encloses samples of cotton dress goods; things the Farr’s Glasgow looms
could make these patterns.
Samples of six blue or
brown cotton fabrics attached.
.18 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, June [July was crossed out and June added in
pencil] 7, 1886 (memorandum). Discusses
two different kinds of fabric that want Farr to produce.
Sample of black fabric,
with tan pin stripes, attached.
.19 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, July 6, 1888.
Encloses samples of goods sent to Robertson & Co. showing
differences in dye lots. “Mr. R think we
certainly ought to strike it nearer than this.” Sends order for more cloth; be sure to get the
color like enclosed sample. [order and
sample not present]
Samples of two pieces of
brown cloth, of very different shades, attached.
.20 from A. Klipstein, chemicals and
dyestuffs, New York, July 12, 1888. Sends the firm a sample of a new red [dye]
which does not need a mordant. Signed in
blue pencil: Mr. Collingwood.
.21 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, July 30, 1888.
Discussion of sample cards [to use to sell goods] because two are
illuminated. With note about the cards
added in pencil by H.M.F.
Sample of brown cloth
attached.
.22 from John C. Meyer & Co., Boston,
Sept. 16, 1890. Encloses samples of
threads; “we can match any shade of thread or silk that you may desire.”
Samples of blue, yellow,
off-white, and several shades of brown thread attached.
Letterhead stationery
includes view of the firm’s building on Devonshire St.
.23 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, Oct. 27, 1890.
Lesher & Co. wants to cancel
some of its orders and get something else instead.
Sample of brown cloth
attached.
.24 from C. B. Rollins [or Robbins], of Tingue,
House & Co., New York, Dec. 6, 1890 (memorandum). Encloses sample of mohair yarn and solicits
orders.
Sample of yarns, with
tag bearing company’s name, attached.
.25 from Du Bois of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, Dec. 2, 1891 (memorandum). Mr. Blumgart not happy with dye lot, “so
you will have to put the lot dyed up in ‘off lots’.”
Sample of brown cloth
attached.
.26 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, Dec. 3, 1891.
About return of an order.
Samples of grey/taupe
fabric attached.
.27a-b from W. M. Whiting of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, Dec. 15, 1891. Cummer[?], Jones & Co. do not like the
dye lot; it is too pink. Please correct
the color in the next dye batch.
Sample of taupe/grey
cloth attached.
With attached note, T.
forwarding letter to J.C., Dec. 17, 1891.
.28 from Du Bois of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, May 5, 1892 (memorandum). Lesher & Co. needs special order filled
at once.
Sample of brown cloth
attached.
.29 from Cale of Coffin, Altemus & Co.,
dry goods commission merchants, New York, June 22, 1892 (memorandum). Mr. S. Rosenberg complains of color, does
not match sample. Wants the cloth to be
re-dyed.
Samples of brown cloth
attached.
.30 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., New York,
Dec. 24, 1891 (memorandum). Cummer
Jones & Co. returns pieces of serge because they do not match the color
requested. Please re-dye fabric to a
color that can be sold.
Samples of gray fabric attached.
.31 from Du Bois of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, July 19, 1892. Fabric dyed for N. Erlanger, B, Co. [N.
Erlanger, Blumgart & Co.] does not match requested color; Mr. B will try to
sell the wrong color fabric and if he cannot, he will return it.
Samples of gray fabric
attached, one much too purple.
.32 from Yale[?] of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., New York, July 20, 1892 (memorandum).
“Don’t fail to ship the right shade.”
Sample of dark fray
fabric attached.
.33 from Du Bois of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., dry goods commission merchants, New York, Sept. 17, 1892. About black cloth for M. & L.S.
Fuchheimer & Co.; want a first-rate black, not with a green cast.
Sample of black fabric
attached.
.34 from F. R. Walker & Son,
manufacturers of book and blank book papers & manila, New York, Jan.
1893. Encloses samples of dress goods
paper, with prices, and solicits order.
With two samples of
paper attached.
.35 from F. Gray, Worcester, May 26, 1893, to
Mr. Metcalf, Worcester. Encloses sample of fabric that he would like
to have matched. With two notes in
pencil (one on front, other on back of letter) that samples were sent.
Sample of black and
brown fabric attached.
[not letterhead
stationery]
.36 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., New York,
July 22, 1893 (memorandum). “Sample Y
for ‘7541’ Commer Jones & Co.”
Samples
of dark gray fabric attached.
.37 from S. Rosenberg & Co., New York,
Nov. 27, 1893, to Coffin, Altemus & Co.
Have sent serges to Farr Alpaca Co. to be pressed; must avoid having
them too highly finished.
With
large sample of dark brown fabric attached.
Letter
is typed.
.38 from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods
commission merchants, New York, Feb. 14, 1894.
Is Farr able to dye some fabric on a light warp? Encloses samples of what wanted.
Samples of gray fabric
attached.
.39 from Cale of Coffin, Altemus & Co.,
New York, Feb. 15, 1894 (memorandum).
About dyeing cloth, some of which is intended for P.O. [post office]
uniforms. Encloses samples [no longer
present].
.40 from Tiel of Coffin, Altemus & Co.,
New York, March 29, 1894 (memorandum).
Encloses samples of paper to used on goods of H. Herman Stombach[?]
& Co. Needs whichever color Farr can
match.
.41 from Cedar Cliff Silk Company, Paterson,
N.J., July 14, 1894. Ask for price
quotation on fine yarn like enclosed sample.
Samples of black thread
attached.
.42 from J. W. Hodge, treasurer, Riverton
Paper Co., manufacturer of manilla [sic] paper, Riverton, Conn., Feb. 26,
1895. Invites order for manila paper. With note added in pencil: “What is this?”
Samples
of manila paper attached.
.43 from Du Bois of Coffin, Altemus &
Co., New York, Jan. 7, 1896 (memorandum).
Paper sample for Wm. Marx & Co. is acceptable.
Sample of paper attached
to back of memorandum.
.44 from Tiel of Coffin, Altemus & Co.,
New York, Feb. 29, 1896 (memorandum).
Please match paper sample for M. Greene & Co.
Sample of paper attached
to back of memorandum.
.45a-b from Coffin, Altemus & Co., dry goods commission
merchants, New York, June 1, 1896.
Color of serge for D.H. Arnold & Co. is not acceptable.
Samples of taupe fabric
are pinned to a separate piece of paper.
.46a-c from Dr. Harwood Huntington, LL.B., applied
chemistry, consulting color chemist, [etc.], New York, Feb. 9, 1899. Gives analysis of two samples of myrabolams,
noting moisture, tannins, and dyeings.
Samples of dark brown
threads attached.
Typed letter.
.47a-c from Holden, Leonard & Co., manufacturers
of fine wool dress fabrics, Bennington, Vt., March 4, 1899. Makes offer on odd lot of fabric.
Attached to above:
letter of March 11, 1899. Sends sample
of color to dye the fine marinoes [sic].
Also
attached to March 4 letter: note: “offer accepted.”
Sample
of black fabric attached to letter of March 11.
Both
letters typed; note is not.
.48 from N. Erlanger, Blumgart & Co.,
importers, New York, Feb. 20, 1902.
Sending two samples of cotton Italian and request an analysis of them to
see if they are identical. Penciled
results at bottom of letter, compiled by Mr. Stearns, written in pencil.
Samples of black fabrics
attached.
Letter typed.
.49 from W.
R. Chandler, secretary, Standard Mill Supply Co., manufacturers and
dealers in general mill supplies, Providence, Rhode Island, Dec. 20, 1902. Requests sample of the pin which Farr wants
made.
Sample of a pin is
attached to the letter (which is typed).
The pin is much rusted now and is stuck to the paper. Holes in the paper indicate that other pins
were attached at one time.
.50 from G. A. Fischer, woolens, New York,
April 8, 1903. Requests price of a
certain weight of serge, sample attached.
Sample of black fabric
attached.
Memo is typed.
.51 from Might[?] & Graham, importers of
narrow fabrics, ribbons, tapes and bindings, New York, Dec. 12, 1903. Encloses sample of pink tape and quotes
price.
Sample of pink tape is
attached to a small envelope, the flap of which is stuck to the stationery and
covers up part of the name of the firm.
Typed letter.
.52 from Arthur E. Harriman & Co.,
manufacturers of spinning tapes, cotton belting and awning tapes, Lowell,
Mass., July 25, 1905. Can return the ¾”
tape if can’t use it; am weaving the 7/8” tape.
Sample
of 7/8 inch tape attached.
.531-c Three loose fabric samples: an off-white 46”
lapping cloth; a black and brown patterned fabric; and a mustard colored fabric
swatch.