The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

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.