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The firm was founded by Rufus Bliss in 1830 (Grieve) or in 1832 (Hall, p241).
Goodrich provides a charming picture of the early years:
Mr. Rufus Bliss started years ago by picking out choice pieces of hickory wood, carrying them to a convenient lathe, ... converting them into screws. After accumulating a little stock he would set out for Boston in a wagon, and sell them along the way. In this manner he formed an acquaintance with cabinet makers and pianoforte manufacturers, and learned from their workmen what kinds of screws and like articles were needed by them.
Blair Whitton presents further information:
[the company] began principally as a producer of wooden screws and clamps for piano and cabinet makers. Pioneers in the piano business, such as Jonas Chickering, were among his customers. Bliss personally delivered his products by horse and wagon to other New England cities as far away as Boston and, therefore, gained entrance to many factories where he observed production methods which he later incorporated into his own shop. Bliss modernized his factory and improved set-ups for tools and jigs. Over the years he invented a number of devices and advanced manufacturing techniques. One of his most important inventions was a machine for cutting wood screws more rapidly and accurately than by the old-fashioned hand method.
The family geneologist, in 1880, described Bliss as
a man of indomitable energy and perseverance, who has worked up a successful business in spite of all the obstacles thrown in his way by jealous and unrelenting rivalry.
In 1845, Rufus Bliss sold half his interest to his nephew, Albert N Bullock. The partnership thus formed took the title of R. Bliss and Co. In the course of a few years, in 1857, E.R. Clark and Alva C. Bullock became associated. Mr. Bliss retired in 1863 due to poor health.
Historical Sketches of Pawtucket (1876) has some details on activities: in 1845, a single room was occupied, but in '53, one story in D.D. Swett's old building was hired. Employment in '52 was ten, in average times in the '70s, sixty, using 500, 000 [board] feet of hard wood annually.
The present (as of 1876) building, at Main near Cemetery, was built in 1866.
At some point, the firm began the manufacture of toys, and later outdoor games. I have two bills of lading of Bliss and Co. The one dated 1855 describes the firm as "manufacturers of hand and bench screws, clamps, tool handles, &c." The one dated 1863 describes the firm as "manufacturers of hand and bench screws, wooden clamps, tool handles, toys, piano forte and bookbinders' presses, &c., &c." In 1869, Bliss produced wooden hand and bench screws, tool handles, and croquet sets.
The earliest ad for toys appeared in the New England Business Directory in 1871. They pioneered in development of lithographed paper on wooden toys including dolls' houses, boats, trains, and building blocks.
In 1873, the city directory described the firm as "wooden hand and bench screw manufacturers."
In 1874, the firm re-organized as a stock company, and took the name of R. Bliss Mfg. Co. Their address changed as Pawtucket renumbered its streets: 1875, 225 Main; 1876, 301 Main. In 1876, the firm printed a broadside describing themselves and their products.
In 1879, their products included archery. The Rhode Island Historical Society has a 1892 trade catalog for lawn tennis rackets, and croquet sets. In 1892, their address changed again, from 525 Main to 535 Main.
They were famous at the turn of the century for their children's toys.
In 1901, they were capitalized for 150, 000$, employed 350 hands, and were one of the most substantial manufacturing concerns in Rhode Island.
In the early years of the century, the firm experienced difficulties, and sought solutions in a series of associations. From 1904 to 1907, the Pawtucket City Directory listed the firm as a branch of National Novelty Corp.
A Note on the National Novelty Corp. of New Jersey (1903 -
1907)
This was a trust or consortium of over 30 leading manufacturers
of cast-iron and wood toys, formed to cut costs and stifle
competition. Poorly managed, the "Toy Trust" soon failed. A
number of toy makers reorganized under the aegis of Hardware
& Woodenware Manufacturing Co., but it, too, soon faded.
In 1907, they sold a portion of the toy business to Mason and Parker (1899-1966) of Winchendon MA, including that proven success, The Boy's Tool Chest.
From 1908 to 1912, they were a branch of Hardware and Woodenware Mfg. Co. This was a cooperative sales organization formed by many of the leading toy manufacturers of the day. According to the 1907 financial statement, Bliss had the highest sales record of the 16 member companies. Its gross of $203, 942. 13 made it one of the leading toy producers in the country.
In 1913, these alliances ceased. Their products were listed in the Pawtucket City Directory as wooden screws, toys, etc. There is no listing in the 1914 City Directory.
From 1915 through 1918, J. H. ONeil of Pawtucket Rhode Island advertised itself as the successor firm, with products "wood screws and wooden specialties".
In 1921, R. Bliss Mfg. Co reappeared in the City Directory, as manufacturers of screws and mill supplies. In 1925, they were manufacturers of screws and wooden hardware. In 1934, they listed themselves as screw, clamp, and woodwork manufacturers. The last entry in the City Directories was 1935.
Note that there were several periods of street re-numbering; changes in address may not signify changes in location.
Rufus Bliss was born in Rehobeth MA on 07 March 1802 to Colonel Abiah Bliss and Rebecca Kent, and died in 1879/1880. He was the son of a prosperous New England farmer, and showed an early dexterity with tools. By the time he finished school, he was intent upon entering the carpenter trade. His father did not share his son's interest, and he continued to work on the family farm.
Soon after his 21st birthday, he left home to become a carpenter's apprentice for two years. He moved to Pawtucket in 1825 and was employed by several machine and woodworking shops. By the time he was thirty, Bliss had accumulated the means to start his own business.
On 10 March 1831, he and Nancy R Potter of Warwick RI were married; they had two children Mary Smith and Nancy Potter. His wife, Nancy, died on 9 May 1840; on 9 May 1843, he and Lydia Emeline Ide of Attleboro MA were married; they had three children: Ellen Francis, Edward Rufus, and Frederick Abbott.
In 1869 he lived at Church, near George, with Edward R; in 1873, Ellen F., teacher, boarded there, too. Thereafter, Mrs. Rufus Bliss (Lydia E) (b 15 Jan. 1812, d 1903?), lived at 24 Church, with Miss Ellen F.
The firm came into existence in 1915, the successor of R. Bliss Mfg. Co., and it lasted until 1918.
Its address was Pawtucket, RI, using the facilities of its predecessor, and apparently making the same major products.
In 1921, the successor firm was R Bliss Mfg Co.
There is no personal history of J H ONeil, to my knowledge. He does not appear in the city directories of the area. I have not had the chance to check the Census Returns of 1910 or 1920.
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