Birth of an Industry - Norwich Pharmacal Company
Dr. Reuben Jeffery - written in 1916
Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935
Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935
Continuation of posting of June 23, 2016
Norwich Pharmacal Company as it appeared in 1917
"In 1916, Dr. Reuben Jeffery wrote an historical sketch of the company -- this article is prized very highly by the executives of the company....it is..., with a great deal of pleasure, that we reprint Dr. Jeffery's article in this historical issue of the Percolate."
Dr. LeRoy J. Brooks who, for many years held the distinction of being Chenango county's most prominent physician, died during the early part of December, 1900. During the first year or so of the life of the original company, Bell and I often sought his valued advice. I do not remember when he first invested in the company, but am of the impression that he was elected a member of the first board of directors and gave his services until his death.
Mr. Frank Carruth was one of the early salesmen. I believe he first started out with his grip in 1890.
I do not recall just when Mr. Briggs of Boonton, N.J., became a stockholder, but it was in the early days. He was willing to help out his old friends Bell and Norris and I doubt if he ever regretted it.
Richard C. Stofer was the first official chemist of the company. I believe his connection dates from 1892. Little was thought then that he would succeed Mr. Bell as President. Then came Robert D. Eaton, the ever sagacious "Bob" whose true business instincts and wise counsels have done so much to put the business on the high place it is today.
Dr. J.B. Drake appeared on the scene during the early part of the second ten years of the company's history. Mr. J.B. Turner's entry was the year following Mr. Bell's death. The acquisition of Mr Turner has proven most fortunate. He has demonstrated that his business eye can penetrate far into the possibilities of the future.
The four men above mentioned are certainly a wonderful quartet. For a number of years they have held the helm of the old ark and have always kept it in the channel. May it reach safely the Arcadian Harbor!
It was only my intention to write the first part of chapter one of the company's history, a chapter than should be called "Ten Years of Struggle." There are those now living who can far better, take up my pen where I left off and it is for them to complete chapter and write chapter two, "Ten Years of Existence." Then, while events are still fresh, let chapter three be written, "Ten Years of Prosperity." Have it ready, though filed away, so that on March 15, 1946, the historian of the future can take it and write chapter four. May it be entitled "A Generation of Opulence."
My task is finished. Personally I deserve no plaudits for the company's success. All through its history I have had a box seat; it is true that for many years it had a hard wooden bottom, but the company has been kind to me and they have had it upholstered time and again, but somehow I love it.
As a father watches his child, so have I watched the Norwich Pharmacal company. From the cradle to the mighty giant of commerce; from the days when Bell guided its tottering foot steps, to the present when its counsels are solicited to aid in conducting the pharmaceutical commerce of the world. It is not what man thinks of himself that counts, it is the thoughtful opinion of others that tell the tale. Consequently, I have sought to know what others said. The commercial agencies, somehow, seem able to talk the loudest and year after year I have watched to see what they thought of "My Growing Baby." I have not watched in vain. "Nothing, 1886. One million and over, 1916"
I am satisfied, I say to myself, Jeffery, go and join your old friend Bell and be content as you two together ramble over the hills and through the vales of eternity. To Bell, Eaton, Stofer, and Turner, be the glory, you have the satisfaction of realizing that you builded better than you knew. Little does the present generation, as it sees the massive structures, the towering chimneys, the lofty water-towers, the hundreds of employees, realize their struggles in the early days.
There is one man to whom much credit is due. The little one room on the third floor of the Burr block on Mitchell Street, no money, no credit. But this one man never gave up. When most men would have sunk, he bobbed up serenely. He was the pilot of the little bark which, when tossed on the mighty waves of adversity, conducted her safely into the harbor of prosperity. The rays from the sun of his life will never die in Norwich; the Norwich Pharmacal company is his monument. The great God had other work for him and called him to His own at Jacksonville, Fla., in February, 1908.
All Honor to Oscar Gains Bell.
The End
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