Arms Manufacturing Company

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

This building housed the Arms Manufacturing Company in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. It replaced an earlier building that burned in 1889. The Arms family owned two factories (the other was located in Malden, Massachusetts) and were one of the largest producers of wallets, pocketbooks (another form of wallet), and calling card cases. Leather wallets and pocketbooks were designed for and intended for use by men. Both men and women carried calling card cases that held the small cards people often presented when they went to pay visits, or “call” on someone. Dennis Arms began the business in 1845. Finished goods traveled by oxcart and boat from his workshop to Hartford, Connecticut, and from there to Boston and New York City. The business continued to expand under several generations of Arms owners until the factory closed in the early 20th century.

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Details

Item typePhotograph
Postcard
PhotographerThe Springfield News Company
Date1911
PlaceSouth Deerfield, Massachusetts
TopicIndustry, Occupation, Work
Commerce, Business, Trade, Consumerism
Architecture, Buildings
Social Activities, Entertainment, Recreation
EraProgressive Era, World War I, 1900–1928
MaterialPaper
Process/FormatPrinting
Catalog #1999.03.0023
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The Springfield News Company, photographer. Arms Manufacturing Company. Photograph. 1911. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1999-03-0023/. Accessed on December 6, 2024.

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