Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/329

Rh idea can be formed of the amount and complication of the business they do, which could better be realized by a personal visit to the manufactory, an outside representation of which appears above. The organization of the various departments is such that they all proceed with the greatest regularity and order. Many expert workmen are employed, and the most reliable goods are manufactured.

Mr. Durgin is a public-spirited citizen, and has always entered heartily into every project for the improvement of the city. His standing as a citizen and a financier is very high.

George F. Durgin is following in the footsteps of his father, and is developing business and executive ability of the highest order.

Hon. Charles H. Amsden has an extensive furniture manufacturing establishment at Penacook. His residence is on the Boscawen side of the line.

At West Concord the principal industry is the manufacturing of flannels by Hon. Daniel Holden. Indeed, the prosperity of the village for many years has depended upon Mr. Holden and his late brother, B. F. Holden. He operates in his two mills eight sets of machinery, four in each, and employs about a hundred and forty operatives, using one thousand pounds of scoured wool every day. He ships twenty-two cases every week, each containing eight hundred and sixty yards.

Mr. Holden learned the business of making cloth in Lowell, and settled in Concord in 1847, three years after his brother.

When the water-works were built, the city so injured the water-power, that it became necessary to use steam-engines in connection with his works.

E. B. Hutchinson, contractor and builder, has been in business in Concord, continuously, since 1858. Many of the finest blocks and residences of the city have been constructed by him.

At East Concord is the establishment of Samuel Eastman & Co. for manufacturing the famous Standard leather hose. Cyrus R. Robinson is the manager; and he succeeds in making a very superior article, popular with firemen and insurance companies from Maine to Texas. It has carried off many a palm in competitive trials, and well deserves its title of "Standard."

The selection of fire-hose is a matter of vital importance to every community, and nothing but the best should ever receive the slightest consideration. Fire-hose may be called upon for service at any moment, or it may lie unused for a long time; but public security demands that it be always reliable. In this respect, leather stands pre-eminent over all other flexible substances. It always retains nearly all of its original strength, and has been selected for years as the only reliable material where the safety of life and limb were imperilled.

Their factory is near the railroad-station, and may readily be recognized at a long distance by the lofty tower used for drying hose. They manufacture direct from the rough stock, currying the leather themselves. The utmost care is exercised in every branch of the work; for every single foot of hose must be as near perfect as it is possible to make it, on account of the severe service hose is put to. They make over fifty thousand feet annually, and their "Standard Oak Leather Hose" is a favorite in the market. It is noted for its durability, reliability, and economy. The firm also manufacture a superior article of oak-tanned belting.