Joseph Fahys & Co.
Joseph Fahys & Co. (alternate: Fahys Watch Case Company) was a watch case manufacturer, located in the Fahys Building, on 54 Maiden Lane, New York City, US. In the early 20th century, it was the largest manufacturer of watch cases and one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the United States.[1]
The company was established in 1857 by Joseph Fahys,[2] who emigrated from France as a young man.[3] Fahys incorporated in 1881 when he took into partnership his son-in-law, Henry Francis Cook, at which time he incorporated his watch plant under the style of the Fahys Watch Case Co. and moved it from Carlstadt, New Jersey to Sag Harbor, Long Island, the firm in New York remaining Joseph Fahys & Co.[4] The Sag Harbor factory was of Gradgrind architecture.[5] It had a social hall with billiards room and card tables, as well as a library.[6] Fahys hired more than 100 Hungarian and Polish Jews, all expert engravers.
The corporation absorbed the Brooklyn Watch Case Company, of Brooklyn, and the Alvln Manufacturing Company, of New Jersey.[7] Fahys owned three-fifths of the stock of the Montauk Steamboat Company, which was purchased by the Long Island Rail Road Company.[8] Joseph Fahys & Co., which consisted of Fahys and Cook in its early years, was augmented by George Ernest Fahys (son of Joseph) in 1886 and remained the selling agents of the three concerns, the Fahys Watch Case Co., the Brooklyn Watch Case Co. and the Alvin Manufacturing Co.[4]
Later years
In 1925, much of the Sag Harbor factory was destroyed after a fire. By 1931, Fahys closed because of the Great Depression.[6] In 1937, Bulova took a ten-year lease on the building, and later bought it.[9] Bulova operated the factory until after World War II.[10]
Offices
While the factories of all the concerns were in Sag Harbor, the offices were always in New York, first on Nassau Street, then at 9 Maiden Lane, then at 38 Maiden Lane, then at 41 Maiden Lane, and since approximately 1896, when the Fahys building at 54 Maiden Lane, running through to Liberty Street was built, the offices and salesrooms were all concentrated in this structure, with that of the Alvin Manufacturing Co. taking the first floor.[4] The Fahys Building on 52-54 Maiden Lane, built 1894-96, was designed by Clinton and Russell.[11] The 12 story building was 158.36 feet (48.27 m) in height.[12]
References
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