Several of Holyoke's garment producers documented in this blog had short life spans. One company that lasted more than a third of the 20th century was the Standard Corset Company, the story of today's entry.
The Standard Corset Company was incorporated in July 1919. The corporate officers included Harold Chosson of West Brookfield as President; Robert T. Allis of Springfield as Vice President; and Edward Houghton of West Brookfield as Treasurer. The officers and directors of the business had between 15 and 25 years of experience in the corset business. Mr. Houghton had 25 years of experience with the Olmstead Quaboag Corset Company in West Brookfield, one of the largest corset manufacturers in Massachusetts.
The business had leased space on the top floor of the Holyoke Valve and Hydrant Company building at 144 Race Street. The building was newly constructed in 1916, and the first two floors were occupied by Holyoke Valve and Hydrant, which had relocated from 118 Race Street.
The new machinery was set up in late July 1919, and the anticipated start date for business was planned for August 1919. Other businesses with space in the building included the Holyoke Braiding Company and the Northampton Silk Company.
Steiger's Department Store on High Street carried the company's products. Standard Corset Company's garment distribution expanded nationwide. During the Great Depression, the company continued to increase its workforce, and help-wanted advertisements sought experienced sewers to operate power sewing machines. The company employed over 100 workers in 1933.
In 1939, the company's business grew at 16% over the first half of the year, and company officials forecast another 10% to 25% increase in the fall. Fashion was moving towards a slim-waist look.
The company was concerned about the availability of materials during World War II. It was fortunately unaffected by the steel supply used in its garments in 1941. However, in the following year, the moratorium on securing rubber did have an impact. The company was able to use its existing supply and continued to operate. The industry itself was researching alternatives to rubber, including stretchable cloth.
In 1945, Edward Houghton, the company founder, was honored for celebrating 50 years of service to the corset industry, including 26 years at the Standard Corset Company.
In early July 1953, after 34 years in business at 144 Race Street, the company ceased operations and began liquidating its machinery and equipment.
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Press; publication dates and pages are shown.
Massachusetts Cultural Research Information System (MACRIS)
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