Hilton Glass Factroy Demolition
photo credit: Bill Daniels
All buildings of the large factory, together with equipment, power plants, etc., are to be dismantled. Four months will be required to finish the job. The lumber, masonry, etc., will be shipped away. The factory buildings and contents have been purchased by Abe Cooper, of Syracuse, N.Y. For some time past R. E. Burdik has been selling the splendid factory houses on Hilton avenue. Purchasers of these desirable properties are: Benton Petty, house and two lots; Walter Daniels, house and lot; Henry Fields, 2 houses and 2 lots; Mrs. O.J. Burdick, house and 2 lots; Felico Stravino, house and 2 lots; Elmer Kepler, house and lot; Ray Nichols, house and lot; Merie Criss house and lot; John Dragone, house and lot. Albin Anderson purchased the large combination office building and residence of the plant. The Smethport window glass factory was erected in 1900 by Hon. R. W. Hilton, and was later acquired by the Camp Interests. It was operated as a hand plant until 1908 was machines were installed. In 1919 the plant was almost entirely rebuilt and in 1920 was included in the big merger effected when the Interstate Window Glass corporation was formed. Soon after the Interstate company was formed a complete installation of new blowing machines was made. The factory seemed destined to become a permanent splendid industry, but efficiency experts of the Interstate company decided the plant was not large enough to be operated an a profit and the last run was made in 1925, when the plant was shut down for good. The factory gave employment to over 200 men. When the plant was originally built at a time when there was a proli- - supply of fine lumber at a low price, a number of fine houses were erected for employees and it would be extremely costly to duplicate any of the buildings today at the present cost of lumber. As soon as the factory buildings are removed the land will be graded and this portion of town made and attractive residential section. |