This incredible print of the East India Chemical Works Company is from the 19th century and is part of a larger advertisement booklet for a fertilizer company that was located on the shores of the Gowanus Canal.
The company was established in 1864 by H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. A brief history on their web site indicates that:
As the Civil War draws to a close, H.J. Baker & Bro., prepares to meet peacetime demands. The company purchases the facilities of the Gowanus Chemical Works on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal. Renaming it the East India Chemical Works, H.J. Baker begins producing America's early fertilizers. These early fertilizers were mostly low analysis organics, including specific analyses for potatoes, onions, corn and other crops.
The actual brochure is from 1906. A caption below the image reads:
The company was established in 1864 by H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. A brief history on their web site indicates that:
As the Civil War draws to a close, H.J. Baker & Bro., prepares to meet peacetime demands. The company purchases the facilities of the Gowanus Chemical Works on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal. Renaming it the East India Chemical Works, H.J. Baker begins producing America's early fertilizers. These early fertilizers were mostly low analysis organics, including specific analyses for potatoes, onions, corn and other crops.
Factory On Block Bounded By Smith Street, Huntington Street & Gowanus Canal Brooklyn
This would place it in the general vicinity of Public Place and the Abati warehouse at 455-458 Smith Street, which is in the process of being demolished.
The print comes courtesy of the Park Slope Gallery, which has been incredibly generous in letting me use some of their fabulous historic documents.
.JPG)
4 comments:
another PRP?
://www.bakerbro.com/about/leadership.html
As the Civil War draws to a close, H.J. Baker & Bro., prepares to meet peacetime demands. The company purchases the facilities of the Gowanus Chemical Works on Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal. Renaming it the East India Chemical Works, H.J. Baker begins producing America's early fertilizers. These early fertilizers were mostly low analysis organics, including specific analyses for potatoes, onions, corn and other crops.
Wow - I hadn't seen this post on your site! Fascinating history.
- Nate
I am one of the family that has owned and run HJ Baker since 1880, my son is part of the 5th generation. We were on 42nd street across from Grand Central in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Now we are in Connecticut
Very cool! Thanks for sharing
Post a Comment