This post continues the theme of Holyoke business enterprises located away from the canals. The Affleck Ruling and Stationary Company operated in Holyoke for about 50 years. It manufactured pads, tablets, composition papers, and school supplies and could print billheads, letterheads, and statements. The business was known to produce high-quality school supply products respected in the industry.
This company's history began in 1900 at the Whiting Street Mill, 23 Main Street, in Holyoke. Over the years, this building has been the location of many Holyoke incubator businesses. John Henry Affleck and Sam Sutcliffe purchased the Whiting Street Ruling & Stationary Company. Mr. Affleck recently resigned as a foreman at the Gill Paper Company.
The business name was changed in 1901 to Affleck Ruling & Stationary Company. In 1907, the business grew and required more space. The property of the Shannon Manufacturing Company at 18 No. Bridge St. was available and purchased for $7,000. Mr Affleck intended to enlarge this acquisition to meet his growing business needs. John H. Affleck was the President and Treasurer, and sales was his forte.
The previous owner, Shannon Manufacturing Co., purchased the land from Holyoke Water Power Company in 1894 and built the factory. In 1898, a brick addition was constructed. This company produced similar products to Affleck, so machinery was in place for a turnkey operation.
In 1908, Mr. Affleck purchased the inventory and machinery of the Sinclair Manufacturing Company. He also owned several real estate holdings, including seven acres of land in South Hadley Center. In 1910, he purchased Albert Steiger's residence on Fairfield Ave. in Holyoke for $9,025.
In 1911, the company was awarded a contract to supply the City of Baltimore with a truckload of products. The Holyoke School system was also a valued customer for school supplies.
In 1913, J. H. Affleck purchased a 16-unit tenement at 27-29 Lyman Street, which adjoined his plant at 18 North Bridge Street. The newspaper reported that the initial plan was to expand the manufacturing plant; however, several ads were placed regarding available apartment rentals.
A deed conveying 16 No. Bridge St. to J. H. Affleck was recorded on September 20, 1919. On April 23, 1920, an auction was held to find a buyer to move the building off of 16 No. Bridge, as further business expansion was planned. The Shannon Manufacturing Company had previously used this building as a rooming house.
John H. Affleck died on January 25, 1923. The business continued under the leadership of his daughter, Minnie Gertrude (Affleck) Hastings, who was President, and her spouse, Charles H. Hastings, who was Treasurer.
Charles H. Hastings died on March 26, 1950. His obituary stated he was a "third-generation of a pioneer Holyoke family." His grandfather and father operated Hastings Farm, which covered both sides of Northampton Street near the Mt. Tom Golf Course and the Hastings Heights home development.
In early May 1950, Minnie Hastings sold the business to Jeremiah T. Downing, a member of the Holyoke Fire Commission and prominent in the New England paper supply business. The company was renamed Affleck-Downing Co. and sold again within a year and a half.
Source of news articles: Newspapers.com (paid subscription); Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript and Transcript-Telegram; Publication dates are shown.
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