Stampcrow: Here's proof that some of that "mish-mash" can prove historically interesting:
The printed signature line of that Knights Templar letter from Cortland, NY has quite a history behind it. It seems that "N.H. Gillette" was Noah H. Gillette, who began the Gillette Skirt Company of Cortland, NY in 1896:
Quote:Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, November 18, 1896.A NEW ENTERPRISE.
The Gillette Skirt Co. Soon to Begin Work in Cortland.
In these days of dull times a new enterprise which promises employment of any one is hailed with joy, but Cortland is to have a new manufacturing establishment. It will be known as the Gillette Skirt Co. Its promoter and manager is Mr. N. H. Gillette, who has had twenty years' experience in this line of business, and who was last year with the McGraw Corset Co. at McGrawville, but formerly with the Warners of Bridgeport, Ct., and New York City.
This company is to manufacture the Paris skirt—a garment which promises to be very popular with ladies because of certain advantages which it possesses. It will be sold through agents and a number of traveling men who handle that style of goods have already expressed their approval of it and their desire to handle it.
The company will begin in a small way and hopes soon to enlarge. What is known as the McFarlan cabinet shop, in the rear of the house of Dr. H. P. Johnson on Port Watson-st. has been obtained. Ten Wheeler & Wilson and Singer sewing machines have been purchased and put in position. The shafting and belting is up. All that delays the beginning of operations is the failure to appear of the electric motor which is to furnish power. This will be connected with the electric plant of the Cortland and Homer Traction company. The motor is expected this week and it is likely that work will begin next week.
About a dozen people, mostly women, will be employed at first, and this force will very likely be increased at an early date.
Even more sensational is the fact that his nephew, Chester Gillette, was executed in the electric chair for the murder of Grace Brown, both of whom were employees of the Gillette Skirt Company. The infamous murder case was the basis for the novel and motion picture "
Posted 03/19/2014 12:35 pm
