In 2013 I bought 8 unused plaster and cement trowels and floats made by Nicholls Manufacturing Co. of Ottumwa, Iowa, USA. I have been unable to learn when Nicholls went out of business, but it was still advertising in "Popular Mechanics" in 1956. In the 1930 US Census, the occupation of Fred Hardsocg (1882-1967) was manager, square factory. In 1940 his occupation was manager, mining equipment.
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| Nicholls Mfg. Co. employees (photo credit Jana Hardie) |
"The following is from the book 'Ottumwa: Yesterday and Today' published in 1923.
"The Nicholls Manufacturing Company, 401 to 405 West Main Street [elevated street and vacant lots], with an annual production of 55,000 framing and carpenters' squares, is one of five factories in the United States which makes squares and the only one west of New England according to Fred Hardsocg, owner and manager.
"In 1901 four men formed a partnership for manufacture of a framing square on which Moses Nicholls, a carpenter, had secured a patent. The four men were Mr. Nicholls, Martin Hardsocg, T.F. Norfolk, and A. Wheeler. Martin Hardsocg purchased first the share of Mr. Wheeler and later that of Mr. Nicholls, and Fred Hardsocg, his son, purchased the interests of Mr. Norfolk. Later he bought the remainder of the holdings from his father and has been managing the business for about ten years.
"The plant is operating at capacity and is unable to meet the demand. In addition to squares the Nicholls Manufacturing Company produces floor scrapers, wood pullers, and grass hooks. When the company was established it was a real pioneer in the West and in order to obtain the expert workmanship desired Joseph Miller, an Eastern mechanic, was employed to come here. He made the first square and is still with the firm."
"The Nicholls Manufacturing Company, 401 to 405 West Main Street [elevated street and vacant lots], with an annual production of 55,000 framing and carpenters' squares, is one of five factories in the United States which makes squares and the only one west of New England according to Fred Hardsocg, owner and manager.
"In 1901 four men formed a partnership for manufacture of a framing square on which Moses Nicholls, a carpenter, had secured a patent. The four men were Mr. Nicholls, Martin Hardsocg, T.F. Norfolk, and A. Wheeler. Martin Hardsocg purchased first the share of Mr. Wheeler and later that of Mr. Nicholls, and Fred Hardsocg, his son, purchased the interests of Mr. Norfolk. Later he bought the remainder of the holdings from his father and has been managing the business for about ten years.
"The plant is operating at capacity and is unable to meet the demand. In addition to squares the Nicholls Manufacturing Company produces floor scrapers, wood pullers, and grass hooks. When the company was established it was a real pioneer in the West and in order to obtain the expert workmanship desired Joseph Miller, an Eastern mechanic, was employed to come here. He made the first square and is still with the firm."
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Great summary on Nichols Tools. I will visit the site again, found it while researching Nichols info. on a 1901 take-down square. Great work, hang in there
ReplyDeleteI have a Nicholas take down square with a leather jacket. If been trying to find info on it and what it might be worth.
DeleteIf you have some could you if you don't mind email me at bkccustom@yahoo.com.
Thank you.
Bob caron
I just purchased at a sale, which I believe to be a paint scraper. In the metal it has 56* Mfg. By Nicholas Mfg. Co. Ottumwa, Iowa. On the other side of metal the is a stamp which I believe says LakeSide.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me share.
C. Farlow
I have a Nichols #100-r pat da 1901 on one side and hardened corner process pat date Nov 11 1911 paid $3. Excellent and square
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