E. Miller & Co. - Blacksmith Shop, 1889
MakerMade by
H. Wales Lines Company
American, 1864 - 1983
Date1889
MediumPhotography; albumen on paper in cardboard album covers
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 7 1/4 x 9 1/4in. (18.4 x 23.5cm)
Other (overall height x width): 8 1/4 x 11 1/2in. (21 x 29.2cm)
Other (overall height x width): 8 1/4 x 11 1/2in. (21 x 29.2cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
DescriptionPhotograph of an Edward Miller and Company one story brick building, located in Meriden, Connecticut, with a chimney and two cupolas. A wheelbarrow and metal scraps are sitting outside or against the building. Two towers behind the building in the distance.
Object number2015.149.1.15
InscribedRecto, handwritten in black ink: "E. Miller & Co. - Blacksmith Shop, 1889"Recto, handwritten in pencil: "E. Miller Blacksmith Shop"NotesFrom: www.edwardmillerkeroseneoillamps.com
Edward Miller started his business in Meriden, Connecticut, in the 1840s making and selling camphene and burning fluid burners.
"Miller's business effectively began in 1844 when Horatio N. Howard opened a small shop in Meriden, Conn. that made screws, candle holders, candle stick springs, as well as lamps that burned whale oil and a variety of burning fluids. In 1845, Edward Miller took over Howard's business. He faced a number of initial obstacles: poor facilities, lack of raw materials and primitive manufacturing methods. Miller overcame these challenges and eventually moved into better quarters, introduced steam power into the plant, and increased production. In 1857, fire destroyed the shop. It was quickly rebuilt, and business continued to expand and prosper.
In 1866, Miller formed a Joint Stock Company and reorganized under the name of Edward Miller & Co. In 1868, Miller constructed a brass rolling mill to keep up with his company's demand for brass. The Miller Rolling Mill would become a major division of the corporation.
As gas became a viable fuel source for cooking, heating and illumination, Miller entered into the manufacture of gas lighting fixtures and stoves. Miller improved upon Thomas Edison's carbon filiment lamp by designing a tungsten filiment lamp. Miller pioneered mercury vapor and fluorescent lighting systems in the late 1930s, as well.
Edward Miller died in 1909 at the age of 82. The Miller Company continued to produce its wares to his high standards and is still in existence today.
From December 4, 1860 to May 12, 1942, the company gained the rights to at least 139 lighting-related patents. These include lamps, lanterns, burners, lampfillers, bicycle lamps, hanging lamp components of all descriptions, and metal spinning processes."
The City of Meriden Plan of Conservation & Development Update, Community Character and Historic Resources (2007) lists the Edward W. Miller & Co. on the Historic Properties Inventory as located on Center Street.
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