This establishment is among the largest factories of its class in the western country. Although but a short time has elapsed since the manufacture of furniture by machinery was adopted in this part of the country, this factory has come to supply the wants of a great part of the West. In factories of this sort the manufacture of the most elegant classes of furniture is not attempted; attention being directed only to the staples of the trade, in the production of which machinery can be used to advantage. This machinery beautiful in its adaptation, and perfect in its application, is well worthy of notice. There are comparatively few of the operations of this establishment to which the machinery does not apply. All the separate parts of each piece of furniture are got out by machinery and cleaned up, veneered, and put together by hand workmen. Mr. C. thoroughly comprehends the business which he pursues, and has entirely the confidence of those with whom he has commercial relations. Large quantities of lumber are kept upon the premises, so that all the wood used in manufacture, is thoroughly seasoned; the workmen employed in the factory are mechanics of the best order, and the establishment has a high reputation for honesty and fair dealing, not only in the quality of work but in the equality of prices. Mr. C. has a regular printed price current by which he is governed, and according to which all dealers are equally served. His trade extends over a great part of the West and South, embracing the States of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi; Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri. As will readily be seen, a manufactory of this kind, so useful in its interests, and so large in its extent, is of great importance to the city; bringing, as it does, large amounts of money from other and distant points, and disbursing them at home; as well as offering inducements to the immigration hither, (which are and have been eagerly embraced,) of a valuable class of citizens.
The manufacture of furniture in large quantities and with the aid of machinery has but lately been introduced into the western country, and however it may have reduced the prices or extended the sale of the articles so manufactured, it has by no means destroyed or even interfered with the sale of articles manufactured by hand. Of the finer class of furniture, of all those articles which are used merely as luxuries, as well as of such as are required to stand the test of severe use, those manufactured by hand are yet preferred; and the growing desire in the West for the best articles of furniture has rendered the class of manufactures under consideration of great value and importance. Louisville contains a very large number of establishments for the manufacture of fine as well as of durable and substantial common furniture. The largest of these and the one best calculated to display this branch of business is the well-known establishment of John M. Stokes, now in the 22d year of its existence. There is scarcely a finely furnished parlor in Louisville or its vicinity, scarcely an elegant steamer in the southern trade, that does not show the capacity of this firm to rival any similar establishment in the country. And while in some other branches of manufacture, Louisville may be exceeded by other western cities, it is only fair to say, that a visit to the immense establishment of Mr. Stokes will readily convince any one that in this department of trade, Louisville cannot be exceeded either in quality of work or in its price. Mr. S. has now in process of erection a large four story building, where he purposes to add very considerably to his already large manufacture.
This is the largest Paper Mill in the Western country, and fully equal in point of capacity and advantages with any in the Union. It was established in 1846, and passed into the hands of its present proprietor in 1848. The mill is furnished with every desirable improvement in the machinery used for paper making; the building is very commodious and well arranged, and is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Kellogg, a gentleman in every way qualified for his office. It is in constant operation, night and day, being lighted up by gas, which is also manufactured on the premises. This mill has advantages over most western mills in the fact that an abundant supply of rags is furnished in this market, that it is situated in a fine hemp growing region, where this article can readily be procured, bleached and reduced to the finest texture for strengthening paper; that this is an admirable location for making shipments of the manufactured article, and that the most excellent water is brought from wells on the premises in any quantity which may be desired. A very large amount of capital is invested in this establishment, and no expense has been spared in effecting every improvement known to the paper maker, and the results of this outlay of capital, and of the sagacity and enterprise of its proprietor are now evident. Not only does this paper find a ready market, but orders have so multiplied upon the factory that, even with the immense product, they have been unable until lately to complete their contracts for delivery. The stack for the furnace of this mill is 140 feet high, and can be seen from all the avenues of approach to the city.
But a few years have elapsed since all the hats sold in this market were the produce of eastern factories; and this department was not considered of sufficient value to be detached from other branches of trade. In latter years however, it has reached a position which makes it equal in importance to most other branches. Western merchants are fully aware of the value of Louisville as a market for hats, and even where many other articles are purchased elsewhere, this market is always selected and preferred by the buyer for his bill of hats.
Few firms have as rapidly grown into the favor and confidence of the community as the one referred to above. They possess an enviable reputation throughout the South and West, both as elegant manufacturers, and as prompt and efficient men of business. Neither Beebe of New York, nor Rousto of Paris, are better known or more prized as hatters by the residents in the valley of the Mississippi. This is proven in the fact that their sales at wholesale reach the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, while their retail trade adds to this the sum of fifty thousand dollars more. Their manufacture is chiefly confined to the finest quality of hats. They employ from twenty-five to thirty hands.
This house also deals largely in furs, their purchases in this article amount to about thirty-five thousand dollars annually. Their market for these furs is found in London and Leipsie.
