The Doorknob Collector
Our
OurBusiness
BusinessMembers
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These
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arepaid
paidadvertisements.
advertisements.The
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assumesnonoresponsibility.
responsibility.For
Forfurther
furtherinformation
informationabout
aboutthese
thesebusinesses
businessessee
seethe
the
Resource
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sectionononour
ourwebsite:
website:www.AntiqueDoorknobs.org.
www.AntiqueDoorknobs.org.
Number
Number
174
174
AA
Publication
Publication
ofof
The
TheAntique
AntiqueDoorknob
DoorknobCollectors
Collectors
ofof
America
America
Number
174
July-August
2012
Materials
Materials
Unlimited
Unlimited
Owner:
Owner:
Reynold
Reynold
Lowe
Lowe
2 W.
2 W.
Michigan
Michigan
Ave.
Ave.
Ypsalanti,
Ypsalanti,
MIMI
49197
49197
Phone:
Phone:
800-299-9462
800-299-9462
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
MaterialsUnlimited.com
MaterialsUnlimited.com
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Antique
Antique
Door
Door
Hardware
Hardware
Collector
Collector
Owner:
Owner:
Tom
Tom
Iannucci
Iannucci
16624
16624
Frederick
Frederick
Rd.
Rd.
Mount
Mount
Airy,
Airy,
MD
MD
21771
21771
Phone:
Phone:
240-595-1115
240-595-1115
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
antiquedoorhardwarecollector.com
antiquedoorhardwarecollector.com
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Architectural
Architectural
Salvage,
Salvage,
Inc.
Inc.
Owner:
Owner:
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Werhane
Werhane
5001
5001
N.N.
Colorado
Colorado
Blvd.
Blvd.
Denver,
Denver,
CO
CO
80216
80216
Phone:
Phone:
(303)
(303)
321-0200
321-0200
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
savagelady.com/
savagelady.com/
Discovery
Architectural
Antiques
Discovery
Architectural
Antiques
Owner:
Suzanne
Kittel
Owner:
Suzanne
Kittel
409
Francis
409
St.St.
Francis
Gonzales,
TX78629
78629
Gonzales,
TX
Phone:
830-672-2428
Phone:
830-672-2428
Fax:
830-672-3701
Fax:
830-672-3701
Web
Site:
Discoverys.net
Web
Site:
Discoverys.net
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
The
Brass
Knob
The
Brass
Knob
Owners:
Donetta
George
Owners:
Donetta
George
2311
18th
N.W.
Washington,
DC
2311
18th
St.St.
N.W.
Washington,
DC
Phone:
202-332-3370
Phone:
202-332-3370
Fax:
202-332-5594
Fax:
202-332-5594
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
theBrassKnob.com
Web
Site:
theBrassKnob.com
Aurora
Mills
Architectural
Salvage
Aurora
Mills
Architectural
Salvage
Owner:
Mike
Byrnes
Owner:
Mike
Byrnes
14971
First
NE
14971
First
StSt
NE
Aurora,
OR97002
97002
Aurora,
OR
Phone:
503-678-6083
Phone:
503-678-6083
Fax:
503-678-3299
Fax:
503-678-3299
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
auroramills.com
Web
Site:
auroramills.com
American
Antique
Hardware
American
Antique
Hardware
Owner
Keith
and
Sarah
Chilcote
Owner
Keith
and
Sarah
Chilcote
Phone:
503-399-8009
Phone:
503-399-8009
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
americanantiquehardware.com
Web
Site:
americanantiquehardware.com
Albion
Doors
Windows
Albion
Doors
&&
Windows
Owner:
Larry
Sawyer
Owner:
Larry
Sawyer
PO
Box
220
PO
Box
220
Albion,
CA
95410
Albion,
CA
95410
Phone:
707-937-0078
Phone:
707-937-0078
Fax:
(call
first)
Fax:
(call
first)
707-937-0078
707-937-0078
Web
Site:
knobsession.com
Web
Site:
knobsession.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
A Nonprofit
A Nonprofit
Organization
Devoted
Devoted
to to
thethe
Study
Study
and
and
Preservation
Preservation
of of
Ornamental
Ornamental
Hardware
Hardware
A
Publication
of The
Antique
Doorknob
Collectors
of America
Number
174Organization
July-August
2012
A Nonprofit
Organization
Devoted
to the Study
and Preservation
of Ornamental
Hardware
A Publication
of The
Antique
Doorknob
Collectors
of America
A Nonprofit Organization Devoted to the Study and Preservation of Ornamental Hardware
Liz’s
Antique
Hardware
Liz’s
Antique
Hardware
Owner:
Liz
Gordon
Owner:
Liz
Gordon
453
South
Brea
453
South
LaLa
Brea
Los
Angeles,
CA
90036
Los
Angeles,
CA
90036
Phone:
323-939-4403
Phone:
323-939-4403
Fax:
323-939-4387
Fax:
323-939-4387
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
lahardware.com/
Web
Site:
lahardware.com/
House
Antique
Hardware
House
ofof
Antique
Hardware
Owner:
Roy
Prange
Owner:
Roy
Prange
3439
NE
Sandy
Blvd./PMB
106
3439
NE
Sandy
Blvd./PMB
106
Portland,
OR
97214
Portland,
OR
97214
Phone:
888-223-2545
Phone:
888-223-2545
Fax:
503-231-1312
Fax:
503-231-1312
Web
Site:
HouseofAntiqueHardware.com
Web
Site:
HouseofAntiqueHardware.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Bill’s
Key
Lock
Shop
Bill’s
Key
&&
Lock
Shop
Owner:
Andy
Streenz
Owner:
Andy
Streenz
127
Beaufort
127
E.E.
Beaufort
St.St.
Normal,
61761or
Normal,
ILIL
61761or
401
Main
401
N.N.
Main
St.St.
Bloomington,
61701
Bloomington,
ILIL
61701
Phone:
309-827-5522
Phone:
309-827-5522
Web
Site:
billskeyandlockshop.com
Web
Site:
billskeyandlockshop.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Antique
AntiqueDoorknob
DoorknobCollectors
CollectorsofofAmerica
America
Membership
MembershipOffice:
Office:Faye
FayeKennedy
Kennedy
ADCA
ADCA
PO
POBox
Box803
803
Hackettstown,
Hackettstown,NJ
NJ07840
07840
Email:
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone:
Phone:908-684-5253
908-684-5253
Web
WebSite:
Site:AntiqueDoorknobs.org
AntiqueDoorknobs.org
General
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[email protected]
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Officers
Officers
Email
EmailAddresses:
Addresses:
The
TheDoorknob
DoorknobCollector
CollectorEditor:
Editor:Allen
AllenJoslyn
Joslyn
Phone
Phone(973)
(973)783-9411
783-9411
Email:
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
President:
President:Steve
SteveRowe
Rowe
Vice
VicePresident:
President:Rhett
RhettButler
Butler
Secretary:
Secretary:Rich
RichKennedy
Kennedy
Treasurer:
Treasurer:Allen
AllenJoslyn
Joslyn
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
88
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
WW
ILLIAM
ILLIAMH.
H.DD
IBBLE
IBBLEAND
ANDHH
EMACITE
EMACITE
WILLIAM H. D
IBBLE
AND HEMACITE
ByBy
Steve
Steve
Hannum
Hannum
WILLIAM H. D
AND HEMACITE
By IBBLE
Steve Hannum
th th
The
Thelate
late1919
century
centurywas
wasananexciting
excitingtime
timeininthethedevelopment
developmentofofAmerican
Americantechnology
technologyand
andmanumanuth wereinventing,
By
Steve
Hannum
facturing.
facturing.
People
People
were
inventing,
creating
creating
new
new
things
things
and
and
new
new
manufacturing
manufacturing
companies
companies
were
were
being
being
The late 19 century was an exciting time in the development of American technology and manuformed.
formed.
William
William
H.
H.
Dibble
Dibble
was
was
one
one
of
of
those
those
people.
people.
Little
Little
is
is
known
known
of
of
his
his
early
early
years.
years.
He
He
was
was
born
born
onon
th
facturing.
People
were
inventing,
creating
new
things
and new manufacturing
companies
were
being
The
late
19
century
was
an
exciting
time
in
the
development
of
American
technology
and
manuSeptember
September
4,4,
1830
1830
inDibble
in
Danbury,
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
son
sonofof
Timothy
Timothy
and
andEsther
Esther
Dibble.
Dibble.
formed.
wasConnecticut,
one
of thosethe
people.
Little
known
of his
early companies
years. He was
on
facturing.William
People H.
were
inventing,
creating
new
things
andisnew
manufacturing
wereborn
being
September
4,
1830
in
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
son
of
Timothy
and
Esther
Dibble.
formed.
William
H.
Dibble
was in
one
of
those people. Little is known of his early years. He was born on
The
The1860
1860
census
census
has
has
him
himliving
living
inShrewsbury
Shrewsbury
September
4,
1830Jersey
in
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
Township,
Township,
New
New
Jersey
asa adentist,
dentist,
with
withhis
hisson of Timothy and Esther Dibble.
The
1860 census
has
himasliving
in Shrewsbury
wife
wifeAnna
Annain
inthetheJersey
home
homeofasofLew
Johnson.
Johnson.
I have
I his
have
Township,
New
aLew
dentist,
with
The
1860
census
has
him where
living
inhedid
Shrewsbury
not
not
been
been
able
able
to
to
discover
discover
where
he
did
his
his
dendenwife
Anna in
the Jersey
home ofasLew
Johnson.
I have
Township,
New
a
dentist,
with
his
tal
taltraining
training
oror
when
hehewas
wasmarried.
married.
ByOctoOctonot
been
able
towhen
discover
he didBy
his
denwife
Anna
inhe
the
home
ofwhere
Lew
Johnson.
Istate
have
ber
ber
of
of
1862
1862
he
had
had
moved
moved
across
across
the
the
state
toto
tal
training
or towhen
he was
married.
By
Octonot
been
able
discover
where
he
did
his
denBordentown
Bordentown
Township,
Township,
south
south
ofofTrenton,
Trenton,
and
and
ber
of 1862orhe
had moved
across
the
state
to
tal
training
when
he wasTax
married.
By
Octoset
set
up
up
his
his
dental
dental
practice.
practice.
Tax
records
records
indicate
indicate
Bordentown
Township,
south
of Trenton,
and
ber
ofpayment
1862 of
he
had
moved
across
the
state
to
his
hisup
payment
ofdentist
dentist
license
license
fees
feesin
in1862
1862and
and
set
his
dental
practice.
Tax
records
indicate
Bordentown
Township,
south
of
Trenton,
and
1865.
1865.
During
During
thistime
time
hehedemonstrated
demonstrated
hishis
in-inhis
payment
ofthis
dentist
license
in 1862
and
set
up
hisnature.
dental
practice.
Taxfees
records
indicate
ventive
ventive
nature.
He
He
obtained
obtained
two
two
patents
patents
for
1865.
Duringofthis
time license
he demonstrated
hisand
in-for
his
payment
dentist
fees
in
1862
dental
dentalapparatuses.
apparatuses.
The
Thefirst
firstwas
was#patents
#50,461
50,461
onon
ventive
nature.
Hetime
obtained
two
1865.
During
this
hethe
demonstrated
his for
inOctober
October
17,
17,
1865
1865
and
and
the
second
second
#
#
63,709
63,709
on
dental
apparatuses.
The
first was
#patents
50,461 for
onon
ventive
nature.
He
obtained
two
April
April9,9,1867.
1867.
October
17,
1865 and
second
63,709 on
dental apparatuses.
Thethe
first
was ## 50,461
on
April
9,
1867.
OctoberThe
17,
1865
and
the
second
#
63,709
on
The1870
1870census
censusshows
showsthat
thathehehad
hadmoved
movedinto
intoTrenton.
Trenton.And
AndthetheTrenton
TrentonCity
CityDirectory
Directoryshows
shows
April
9,The
1867.
William’s
William’s
younger
younger
brother,
brother,
Theodore
Theodore
Dibble,
Dibble,
living
living
with
with
the
the
family.
family.
Theodore
Theodore
was
was
a
travelling
a
travelling
salesman
salesman
1870 census shows that he had moved into Trenton. And the Trenton City Directory shows
for
forthetheJohn
John
A.A.Roeblings’
Roeblings’
Sons
SonsCompany.
Company.
Shortly
Shortly
after
after
this
this
heheseems
seems
totohave
have
moved
moved
again
againacross
acrossthethe
William’s
younger
brother,
Theodore
Dibble,
living
with
the
family.
Theodore
was
a travelling
salesman
The
1870
census
shows
that
he
had
moved
into
Trenton.
And
the
Trenton
City
Directory
shows
state
state
toto
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
This
Thisis isindicated
indicated
bybyhishiselection
election
asas
Treasurer
Treasurer
ininseems
1874,
1874,at
theFourth
Fourth
Annual
Annual
Meeting
ofof
for
the
John
A. Roeblings’
Sons Company.
Shortly
after
this
he
toatthe
have
moved
againMeeting
across
the
William’s
younger
brother,
Theodore
Dibble,
living
with
the
family.
Theodore
was
a
travelling
salesman
the
the
New
New
Jersey
Jersey
State
State
Dental
Dental
Society
Society
where
where
he
he
is
is
identified
identified
as
as
a
resident
a
resident
of
of
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
Patents
Patents
he
he
obtained
obtained
state
to John
Elizabeth.
This is indicated
by his election
as after
Treasurer
in seems
1874, at
Fourth
Annual
of
for
the
A.him
Roeblings’
Sons
Company.
Shortly
this he
to the
have
moved
againMeeting
across the
also
also
identify
identify
him
a
resident
a
resident
of
of
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
the
Jersey State
Dental
Societyby
where
he is identified
as a resident
obtained
stateNew
to Elizabeth.
This
is indicated
his election
as Treasurer
in 1874,ofatElizabeth.
the Fourth Patents
Annual he
Meeting
of
also
identify
him
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
the NewWhile
Jersey
State
Dental
Society
where
he
is
identified
as
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
Patents
he
obtained
WhileininElizabeth,
Elizabeth,Dibble’s
Dibble’sinventive
inventiveinterest
interestchanged
changedand
andheheobtained
obtainedtwo
twopatents.
patents.They
Theywere
were
also
identify
him
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
“Improvement
“Improvement
inin
Process
Processofof
Making
MakingComposition
Composition
Articles”,
Articles”,
#192,863
#192,863
onon
July
July
10,10,1877
1877
and
and“Improvement
“Improvement
While in
Elizabeth,
Dibble’s
inventive
interest
changed
and he
obtained
two
patents.
They were
in
in
Composition
Composition
for
for
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Molded
Molded
Articles”,
Articles”,
#202,636
#202,636
on
on
April
April
23,
23,
1878.
1878.
In
In
these
these
he
hedescribes
describes
“Improvement
in Elizabeth,
Process of Dibble’s
Making Composition
Articles”,
#192,863
onobtained
July 10, 1877
and “Improvement
While in
inventive interest
changed
and he
two patents.
They were
in
Compositioninfor
Manufacturing
Articles”,
#202,636
on April
23, 1878.
In and
these
he describes
“Improvement
Process
of MakingMolded
Composition
Articles”,
#192,863
on July
10, 1877
“Improvement
in Composition for Manufacturing Molded Articles”, #202,636 on April 23, 1878. In these he describes
Number
Number
174
174
Business
Business
Members
Members
.......................
.......................
88
Dale
Dale
Sponaugle............................
Sponaugle............................
Business Members ....................... 87 7
Club
Club
Information..........................
Information..........................
Dale
Sponaugle............................
78 8
Business Members ....................... 8
Club Information.......................... 8
Dale Sponaugle............................ 7
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
Club
Information..........................
8
Inside
Inside
Doorknob
Doorknob
Exchange
Exchange
....................
....................
44
Inside
Louisville
Louisville
Updated.......................
Updated.......................
6
Doorknob Exchange
.................... 4 6
Inside
Memory
Memory
Lane
Lane
with
with
Maud
Maud
............
............
Louisville Updated.......................
65 5
Doorknob Exchange .................... 4
Memory Lane with Maud ............ 5
Louisville Updated....................... 6
Memory Lane with Maud ............ 5
R&E:
R&E:
Contemporary
Contemporary
Account.............5
Account.............5
William
William
Dubble:
Dubble:
Hemacite
Hemacite
..............1-4
..............1-4
R&E: Contemporary Account.............5
Convention..........................................7
Convention..........................................7
William Dubble: Hemacite ..............1-4
R&E: Contemporary Account.............5
Convention..........................................7
William Dubble: Hemacite ..............1-4
Number
Number
174
174
Convention..........................................7
July-August 2012
Number 174
July-August 2012
Number 174
how to use animal blood as a binder for sawdust or other materials to make composition material and to use heat and
pressure to make articles.
DALE
DALE SPONAUGLE
SPONAUGLE
The use of blood as a binder to make decorative items was not new. Francois Lepage obtained a French patent in
1855. He called his product Bois Durci or “hardened wood”. According to secondary sources Brazilian Rosewood
sawdust was sieved, then mixed with 15% to 20%, by weight, of liquid blood. This was dried, ground to a powder
and molded under heat and pressure. Some of the sources speak of using whole blood, others of blood albumen. The
patents obtained by Dibble describe very similar processes. Query whether Dibble’s dental background gave him
the idea or if he saw something in print about it. Items made of Bois Durci were displayed at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London, and reports of the exhibition were widely circulated. Articles about Bois Durci and it
preparation appeared in The Scientific and Industrial Year -1863 and the Art Journal magazine in 1867, both published in France. It is not known how widely these articles were circulated in the US.
ADCA'S
ADCA'S TRIPLE
TRIPLE THREAT
THREAT CONVENTION
CONVENTION HOST!
HOST!
Bois Durci has a rich history. A company, La Société du Bois Durci, was formed that produced a large number
of items until the early 1900s. From pictures they appear to have a finer structure than Hemacite items. It could be
due to the fineness of the sawdust used. For those interested in more information on Bois Durci the website
www.mernick.org.uk/BDWeb/index.htm is a great source with pictures of many Bois Durci items. The English
translations of the articles mentioned above can be found there. There is also a book by Gaston Vermosen, “Bois
Durci Un Plastique Naturel, A Natural Plastic 1855-1927”. According to a review, the book, written in French and
English, was privately published in a small edition. Pictures from the book can be found on Flicker. It does not appear that the company made doorknobs.
By
ByVicky
VickyBerol
Berol
AAman
manofofmany
manytalents
talentsand
andinterests,
interests,Dale
Daleisisaaphysician,
physician,recipient
recipientofofnumerous
numerousawards,
awards,asaswell
wellasasVictorian
Victorian
hardware
hardwarecollector
collectorextraordinaire,
extraordinaire,and
andthe
theexceptional
exceptionalhost
hostofofthree
threeADCA
ADCAconventions.
conventions.
1993.
1993.Gaithersburg,
Gaithersburg,Maryland.
Maryland.
Trips
TripstotoWashington,
Washington,D.C.
D.C.included
includedaatour
tourofofThe
TheWhite
WhiteHouse
Houseand
andCapital,
Capital,with
withlunch
lunchininthe
theSenate
Senatecafeteria;
cafeteria;aa
visit
visittotothe
theVietnam
Vietnamand
andLincoln
LincolnMemorials,
Memorials,Bureau
BureauofofEngraving
Engravingand
andPrinting,
Printing,The
TheSmithsonian
Smithsonianand
andThe
TheNational
National
Building
BuildingMuseum.
Museum.There
Therewere
were83
83attendees.
attendees.This
Thisconvention
conventionholds
holdsthe
therecord
recordofof"most
"mostininattendance".
attendance".
2006.
2006.Buffalo,
Buffalo,New
NewYork.
York.
There
Therewas
wasaagreat
greatwalking
walkingtour
tourofofdowntown
downtownBuffalo
Buffalototoadmire
admirethe
thehandsome
handsomeand
andimportant
importantbuilding
buildingfacades
facades
designed
designedby
byLouis
LouisSullivan.
Sullivan.Then
Thenon
ontotoThe
TheDarwin
DarwinMartin
MartinComplex,
Complex,aahome
homedesigned
designedand
andfurnished
furnishedby
byFrank
Frank
Lloyd
LloydWright.
Wright. Although
Althoughunder
underextensive
extensiverestoration,
restoration,we
wewere
weretreated
treatedtotoaatour
tourand
andan
anon-site
on-sitelunch.
lunch.
At this point it appears the Dibble family connection to the John A. Roebling’s Sons’ Company comes into play.
John A. Roebling was a Prussian engineer who immigrated to the United States in 1831. He developed a process for
making wire rope for use in the construction of bridges. He designed and supervised the construction of some of the
earliest suspension bridges. The Cincinnati-Covington Bridge, later named
the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, was the world's longest suspension
bridge at the time it was finished. While working on what became the BrookThe Doorknob Collector©
lyn Bridge he was injured, developed tetanus and died.
2012.
2012.Buffalo,
Buffalo,New
NewYork.
York.
More
MoreFrank
FrankLloyd
LloydWright.
Wright.Another
Anothervisit
visittotothe
thenow
nowcompleted
completedDarwin
DarwinMartin
MartinComplex,
Complex,also
also"Graycliff",
"Graycliff",the
the
summer
summer\residence
\residencefor
forthe
theMartin
Martinfamily,
family,aavisit
visittotoThe
TheRoycroft
RoycroftCampus,
Campus,and
andlunch
lunchatatone
oneofofthe
therestaurants
restaurantsfamous
famous
for
for"Buffalo
"BuffaloWings".
Wings".WOW!
WOW! And
Andofofcourse,
course,the
theall-important
all-important“Buy,
“Buy,Sell
Selland
andTrade”.
Trade”.
To supply wire for bridges, Roebling built a complex for the manufacture
of wire rope in Trenton. After his death, his son, Washington Roebling, and
his daughter-in-law, Emily Warren Roebling, continued his work on the
Brooklyn Bridge. His son, Ferdinand, took over and expanded his wire rope
business. Another son, Charles, founded Roebling, New Jersey and developed
other parts of the business.
Dale
Daleattended
attendedhis
hisfirst
firstconvention
conventioninin1990,
1990,atatE.
E.WinWindsor,
dsor, CT.
CT. Recognizing
Recognizing his
his leadership
leadership qualities,
qualities, Dale
Dale was
was
elected
elected toto the
the Board
Board inin 1991
1991 and
and from
from 1995
1995 -- 1997,
1997, he
he
served
servedasasVice
VicePresident.
President.Known
Knownnationwide
nationwideasasan
animporimportant
tantcollector,
collector,Dale
Dalehas
hasamassed
amassedamazing
amazingexamples
examplesofofanantique
tiquebuilders’
builders’hardware.
hardware.At
Atthe
the2006
2006convention,
convention,attendees
attendees
were
weretreated
treatednot
notonly
onlytotohis
hishospitality,
hospitality,but
buttotosee
seehis
hishardhardware.
ware.ItItwas
waslike
likevisiting
visitingaamuseum.
museum.
According to an 1883 Trenton Times article, by September after the
award of the July 10, 1877 patent, Dr. Dibble was meeting with several wellknown residents of Trenton about manufacturing door knobs. On December
6, 1877 the Dibble Manufacturing Company was formed with a capital stock
of $15,000 with William H. Dibble as president, Ferdinand W. Roebling as
treasurer and Theodore H. Dibble as secretary and manager. The article goes
on to state that a former pork processing plant property was obtained and specialized equipment designed and built. The company also obtained the rights
to the patents and to the registered trademark, “Hemacite”, from Dr. Dibble.
The manufacturing process is described in one of the patents as follows.
“The machinery employed in the process of manufacture is of the
most powerful and accurate character and works automatically with
clock-like precision, consequently the product is mathematically and uniformly correct in every particular. In addition to the machinery referred to
the industry is supplied with various other machinery for finishing purposes usually employed in the manufacture of door knobs and house
trimmings. The material is carefully prepared by the aid of machinery
built for the purpose, and is reduced to a powdered form before it is transformed into Hemacite, which properly speaking is result of hydraulic
pressure, applied to transform the powdered material into the various artiJuly-August 2012
2
Published six times a year by
Antique Doorknob Collectors of America,
Inc.
P.O. Box 803,
Hackettstown, NJ
07840
Annual Membership in US $25.00
age 18 or younger US$10.00
Foreign rates on request.
Founded Sept 1981, the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America is a non-profit
501 (c)(3) organization devoted to the study
and preservation of ornamental hardware.
The opinions expressed in this publication
are those of the individual writer and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors of ADCA or the editors.
Any reproduction of material contained in
The Doorknob Collector without permission
of the Antique Doorknob Collectors of
America is prohibited. All material submitted for publication becomes the property of
the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance
in writing. Material quoted in The Doorknob
Collector from other sources is subject to the
requirements of the originator.
Number 174
Dale
Dalereally
reallyknows
knowshow
howtotoput
puttogether
togetheraafabulous
fabulousconconvention,
vention,so
so--get
getout
outyour
yourcheckbook,
checkbook,make
makethose
thoseconvenconvention
tion and
and airline
airline reservations
reservations and
and pack
pack your
your suitcase.
suitcase. Be
Be
ready
ready toto be
be treated
treated toto aa great
great time.
time. You
You won't
won't be
be disapdisappointed.
pointed.
See
Seeyou
youininBuffalo.
Buffalo.
2012
2012ADCA
ADCACONVENTION!
CONVENTION!
BuffaloAmherst
Amherstin
inAmherst,
Amherst,New
NewYork,
York,September
September12-15.
12-15.
Buffalo
Theme:
Theme:“Flora
“Floraand
andFauna”
Fauna”and
and“Lesser
“LesserKnown
KnownHardware
HardwareCompanies”
Companies”
See
Seeyour
yourconvention
conventionpacket
packetororcall
callFaye
FayeKennedy
Kennedyatat908-684-5253
908-684-5253
July-August
July-August2012
2012
77
Number
Number174
174
Another
Another
early
early
buyer
buyer
was
was
none
none
other
other
than
than
Rich
Rich
Kennedy
Kennedy
(the
(the
order
order
dated
dated
October
October
Another
early
buyer
was
none
other
than
Rich
Kennedy
(the
order
dated
October
5th
5th
1976).
1976).
His
His
contact?
contact?
Art
Art
Smith
Smith
of
of
Seattle.
Seattle.
5th 1976). His contact? Art Smith of Seattle.
When
When
my
my
publisher's
publisher's
agent
agent
initially
initially
came
came
for
for
an
interview,
interview,
he
asked
asked
who
who
IIwas
Iwas
was
When
my
publisher's
agent
initially
came
for
anan
interview,
hehe
asked
who
writing
writing
the
the
book
book
for.
for.
My
My
answer:
answer:
"Who?
"Who?
I
guess
I
guess
for
for
me,
me,
but
but
I
have
I
have
enough
enough
relatives
relatives
writing the book for. My answer: "Who? I guess for me, but I have enough relatives
who
who
will
will
make
make
ititworthwhile."
itworthwhile."
worthwhile."
All
All
IIknew
I knew
was
was
that
that
Dave
Dave
Masterson
Masterson
in
California
California
had
had
who
will
make
All
knew
was
that
Dave
Masterson
inin
California
had
been
beenamassing
amassing
material
materialto
writesuch
suchaa book,
abook,
book,had
hadeventually
eventually
given
givenhis
hismaterial
materialto
been
amassing
material
totowrite
write
such
had
eventually
given
his
material
toto
Len
Len
Blumin,
Blumin,
who
who
developed
developed
the
the
material
material
further
further
to
to
eventually
eventually
self-publish
self-publish
the
the
indisindisLen Blumin, who developed the material further to eventually self-publish the indispensible
pensible
VICTORIAN
VICTORIAN
DECORATIVE
DECORATIVE
ART,
ART,
all
the
the
while
while
encouraging
encouraging
my
my
efforts.
efforts.
pensible
VICTORIAN
DECORATIVE
ART,
allall
the
while
encouraging
my
efforts.
cles
cles
comprising
comprising
thethe
productions
productions
of of
thethe
industry.
industry.
In In
itsits
powdered
powdered
state
state
thethe
material
material
bears
bears
a strong
a strong
resemblance
resemblance
to to
brown
brown
snuff,
snuff,
and
and
thethe
natural
natural
color
color
of of
Hemacite
Hemacite
is is
ebony
ebony
black,
black,
butbut
it is
it is
capable
capable
of of
taking
taking
allall
sorts
sorts
of of
colors
colors
and
and
shades,
shades,
which
which
areare
in in
nowise
nowise
effected
effected
byby
thethe
hydraulic
hydraulic
pressure.”
pressure.”
William
William
Dibble
Dibble
died
died
onon
October
October
2, 2,
1885
1885
in in
Shrewsbury,
Shrewsbury,
Monmouth,
Monmouth,
New
New
Jersey.
Jersey.In In
October,
October,
1886
1886
thethe
Trenton
Trenton
Times
Times
reported
reported
a fire
a fire
occurred
occurred
at at
thethe
Dibble
Dibble
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Company
Company
that
that
destroyed
destroyed
everything.
everything.
It reported,
It reported,
“The
“The
firm
firm
will
will
resume
resume
business
business
soon
soon
again,
again,
butbut
notnot
in in
thethe
same
same
location,
location,
as as
there
there
have
have
been
been
many
many
complaints
complaints
of of
thethe
disdisagreeable
agreeable
odor
odor
arising
arising
from
from
thethe
works.”
works.”It appears
It appears
thethe
name
name
of of
thethe
company
company
was
was
changed
changed
to to
Hemacite
Hemacite
ManufacturManufacturinging
Company
Company
about
about
that
that
time.
time.It kept
It kept
that
that
name
name
until
until
at at
least
least
1897
1897
butbut
was
was
eventually
eventually
absorbed
absorbed
into
into
another
another
RoeRoebling
bling
company,
company,
Trenton
Trenton
Brass
Brass
and
and
Machine
Machine
Company.
Company.
Delivery
of
my
first
book
Delivery
my
first
book
Delivery
ofof
my
first
book
LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLEUPDATED
UPDATED
LOUISVILLE
UPDATED
While
While
thethe
company
company
existed,
existed,
Hemacite
Hemacite
products
products
had
had
a wide
a wide
distribution
distribution
with
with
over
over
two
two
hundred
hundred
jobbers
jobbers
in in
thethe
United
United
States
States
and
and
Canada.
Canada.
Dibble
Dibble
advertised
advertised
widely
widely
and
and
hemacite
hemacite
knobs
knobs
were
were
included
included
in in
articles
articles
in in
The
The
American
American
Architect
Architect
and
and
Building
Building
News,
News,
The
The
Builder
Builder
and
and
Woodworker,
Woodworker,
and
and
Carpentry
Carpentry
and
and
Building.
Building.AnAn
advertisement
advertisement
from
from
thethe
December
December
1882
1882
issue
issue
of of
Carpentry
Carpentry
and
and
Building
Building
(see
(see
pg.pg.
1) 1)
shows
shows
thethe
Eastlake
Eastlake
design
design
with
with
a bronze
a bronze
inlay
inlay
and
and
bronze
bronze
rose.
rose.
Several
Several
hardware
hardware
manufacturers
manufacturers
carried
carried
hemacite
hemacite
doorknobs
doorknobs
and
and
roses
roses
and
and
thethe
Nashua
Nashua
Lock
Lock
Company
Company
had
had
a 14
a 14
page
page
section
section
in in
their
their
1879
1879
catalog
catalog
offering
offering
Hemacite
Hemacite
doorknobs
doorknobs
with
with
a variety
a variety
of of
their
their
own
own
roses.
roses.
They
They
also
also
showed
showed
hemacite
hemacite
plate
plate
and
and
drop
drop
escutcheons
escutcheons
and
and
drawer
drawer
and
and
shutter
shutter
knobs.
knobs.
One
One
small
small
Dibble
Dibble
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Company
Company
catalog
catalog
from
from
about
about
1885
1885
exists
exists
at at
Columbia
Columbia
University
University
and
and
is part
is part
of of
thethe
Avery
Avery
Collection
Collection
of of
catalogs
catalogs
available
available
onon
microfiche.
microfiche.
This
This
catalog
catalog
shows
shows
five
five
different
different
designs.
designs.
The
The
colors
colors
of-offered
fered
were
were
Ebony,
Ebony,
Seal
Seal
Brown,
Brown,
Leather
Leather
and
and
Terra
Terra
Cotta.
Cotta.
Today
Today
thethe
most
most
commonly
commonly
found
found
knob
knob
was
was
called
called
Eastlake
Eastlake
in in
that
that
catalog.
catalog.
The
The
color
color
of of
most
most
would
would
bebe
what
what
I would
I would
call
call
black
black
or or
Ebony.
Ebony.
But
But
I have
I have
seen
seen
a knob
a knob
of of
a more
a more
brown
brown
color,
color,
which
which
may
may
correspond
correspond
to to
Seal
Seal
Brown.
Brown.
I have
I have
never
never
seen
seen
any
any
Hemacite
Hemacite
knob
knob
of of
a lighter
a lighter
color,
color,
which
which
might
might
bebe
thethe
Leather
Leather
or or
Terra
Terra
Cotta
Cotta
color.
color.
Other
Other
designs
designs
were
were
called
called
Star,
Star,
Japanese,
Japanese,
Saxon
Saxon
Shield
Shield
and
and
anan
Eastlake
Eastlake
design
design
with
with
a real
a real
bronze
bronze
inlay.
inlay.The
The
Nashua
Nashua
catalog
catalog
had
had
anan
additional
additional
knob
knob
called
called
Westlake.
Westlake.
That
That
catalog
catalog
hashas
thethe
best
best
illustrations
illustrations
of of
Hemacite
Hemacite
items.
items.
They
They
areare
shown
shown
below.
below.
The
The
catalog
catalog
also
also
listed
listed
other
other
Hemacite
Hemacite
hardware
hardware
items
items
such
such
as as
plate
plate
and
and
drop
drop
escutcheons,
escutcheons,
and
and
drawer
drawer
and
and
shutshutterter
knobs.
knobs.
Some
Some
of of
these
these
areare
shown
shown
onon
thethe
page
page
4. 4.
Further
Further
to
the
the
article
article
in
the
the
last
last
issue,
issue,
we
we
have
have
received
received
permission
permission
to
use
use
the
the
picture
picture
of
Further
toto
the
article
inin
the
last
issue,
we
have
received
permission
toto
use
the
picture
ofof
the
the
Louisville
Louisville
City
City
Hall
Hall
taken
taken
by
by
Brent
Brent
Moore,
Moore,
shown
shown
above.
above.
For
For
comparison
comparison
purposes
purposes
ananthe Louisville City Hall taken by Brent Moore, shown above. For comparison purposes another
other
picture
picture
of
of
the
the
knob
knob
is
is
also
also
shown.
shown.
other picture of the knob is also shown.
Finally
Finally
we
we
also
also
obtained
obtained
aa a
Finally
we
also
obtained
copy
copy
of
of
Louis
Louis
V.
V.
Hebel’s
Hebel’s
article,
article,
copy of Louis V. Hebel’s article,
"Louisville's
"Louisville's
Official
Official
Signature"
Signature"
in
"Louisville's
Official
Signature"
inin
Louisville
Louisville
17
(August
(August
20,
20,
1966),
1966),
Louisville
1717
(August
20,
1966),
pp.
pp.
14-15,
14-15,
which
which
includes
includes
pictures
pictures
pp. 14-15, which includes pictures
of
all
four
four
of
Louisville’s
Louisville’s
official
official
ofof
allall
four
ofof
Louisville’s
official
City
City
Seals.
Seals.
The
The
first
first
Seal
Seal
(1828(1828City Seals. The first Seal (18281855)
1855)
shows
shows
a
steam
a
steam
boat,
boat,
the
the
secsec1855) shows a steam boat, the
second
ond
(1855-1910)
(1855-1910)
shows
shows
a
locomotive
a
locomotive
with
the
the
word
word
“Pro“Proond (1855-1910) shows a locomotivewith
with
the
word
“Progress”,
gress”,
but
but
not
not
emerging
emerging
from
from
aatunnel.
atunnel.
tunnel.(Picture
(Picture
courtesy
courtesy
of
gress”,
but
not
emerging
from
(Picture
courtesy
ofof
Brent
Brent
Moore,
Moore,
all
all
rights
rights
reserved
reserved
by
by
SeeMidTN.com).
SeeMidTN.com).
Brent Moore, all rights reserved by SeeMidTN.com).
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
July-August
2012
66 6
Number
Number
174
174
Number
174
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
3 3
Number
Number
174174
RUSSELL & ERWIN
A CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT
(PART 3); CONTINUED FROM TDC 173
..
FROM THE COMMERCIAL PATHFINDER, NOVEMBER, 1869
The
Thecompany
companyproduced
producedaavariety
varietyof
ofother
otheritems.
items.These
Theseincluded
includedhouse
housetiles
tilesfor
forhalls
hallsand
andother
otherarticles
articlesfor
forhouse
house
decoration.
They
reportedly
had
a
contract
to
produce
a
back
for
hair
bushes
and
hand
mirrors.
Wheels
for
decoration. They reportedly had a contract to produce a back for hair bushes and hand mirrors. Wheels forthe
thethen
then
new
fad
of
roller
skates
were
produced.
They
were
more
expensive
but
they
did
not
develop
the
flat
spots
which
new fad of roller skates were produced. They were more expensive but they did not develop the flat spots which
boxwood
boxwoodwheels
wheelsdid.
did.Advertisements
Advertisementsfor
forroller
rollerskates
skateswith
withHemacite
Hemacitewheels
wheelsappeared
appearedas
aslate
lateas
as1910.
1910.IIrecently
recentlyobobtained
a
set
of
furniture
wheels
made
of
Hemacite
which
are
marked
as
Hemacite
but
unfortunately
other
tained a set of furniture wheels made of Hemacite which are marked as Hemacite but unfortunately otherhardware
hardware
items
itemsare
arenot.
not.IIdo
donot
notknow
knowififnon-hardware
non-hardwareitems
itemswere
weremarked.
marked.
IIhave
havesamples
samplesof
ofall
allthe
theHemacite
Hemaciteknobs
knobspictured.
pictured. IIwould
wouldbe
beinterested
interestedin
ingetting
gettingother
otherHemacite
Hemaciteitems.
items.IIam
am
especially
interested
in
the
bronze
rose
pictured
in
the
Hemacite
ad.
especially interested in the bronze rose pictured in the Hemacite ad.
Special
Specialthanks
thanksshould
shouldbe
begiven
givento
toMatt
MattMetcalf
Metcalfand
andthe
theother
otherpeople
peopleatatthe
theTrenton,
Trenton,New
NewJersey
JerseyLibrary
Libraryas
aswell
well
as
our
own
Rhett
Butler
for
sending
me
a
copy
of
pages
from
the
1879
Nashua
Lock
Company
catalog.
as our own Rhett Butler for sending me a copy of pages from the 1879 Nashua Lock Company catalog.
References
References
“Hemacite”,
“Hemacite”,Carpentry
Carpentryand
andBuilding,
Building,April
April1879,
1879,page
page75
75
Hemacite
ad
from
Carpentry
and
Building,
December
Hemacite ad from Carpentry and Building, December1882,
1882,page
pageiviv
Blood-Made
Door
Knobs,
Trenton
Times,
September
20,
1883
Blood-Made Door Knobs, Trenton Times, September 20, 1883
AAFactory
FactoryBurned,
Burned,Trenton
TrentonEvening
EveningTimes,
Times,October
October11,
11,1886
1886
Door
Knobs,
etc
from
Blood
and
Sawdust,
The
Manufacturer
Door Knobs, etc from Blood and Sawdust, The Manufacturerand
andBuilder,
Builder,January
January1892,
1892,page
page99
Leftovers/
At
Death’s
Doorknob
by
Paul
Collins,
Cabinet
Magazine,
Issue
9
Childhood
Winter
Leftovers/ At Death’s Doorknob by Paul Collins, Cabinet Magazine, Issue 9 Childhood Winter2002/03
2002/03found
foundatat
www.carbinetmagazine.org
www.carbinetmagazine.org
Great
www.mernick.org.ukand
andwww.plastiquarian.com
www.plastiquarian.com
GreatBois
BoisDurci
Durci&&other
otherplastics
plasticssites:
sites:www.mernick.org.uk
Review
of
Vermosen
book:
www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v11n36a04.htm
Review of Vermosen book: www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v11n36a04.htm
The
TheTechnologist
TechnologistVolume
Volume3,3,1863
1863page
page260
260(Peter
(PeterSimmonds,
Simmonds,Ed.),
Ed.),Published
Publishedby
byKent
Kent&&Co.
Co.Paternsoter
PaternsoterRow,
Row,London
London(Avail(Available
through
Google
Books;
original
in
New
York
Public
Library)
able through Google Books; original in New York Public Library)
The
The Doorknob
Doorknob
Exchange
Exchange
Members
Members are
are reminded
reminded that
that your
your dues
dues entitle
entitle you
you to
to advertise
advertise items
items
for
sale,
trade,
or
wanted
at
no
charge.
ADCA
is
not
responsible
for sale, trade, or wanted at no charge. ADCA is not responsible for
for
any
transaction
or
the
condition
of
the
items
advertised.
any transaction or the condition of the items advertised.
44
“The stock includes every description of American Hardware, from the smallest to the largest articles. It is exclusively American, the greater proportion being manufactured by this company, while the balance is in a great
measure obtained for their own production, and thus they are enabled to sell merchandise at manufacturers’ lowest
rates.
“Their specialties comprise everything pertaining to the hardware furnishing of a building, such as every variety
of Rim and Mortise Door Locks; Padlocks of Brass and Iron; Hand-plated Lava, Porcelain and Mineral Knobs;
Hand-plated Butts, and Door Trimmings of all kinds; also every variety of Window Springs, Cupboard Catches, and
Brass an Iron Bolts; Door and House Bells, Sash Fasteners, Buttons on Plates; Axle, Frame and Screw Pulleys;
Drawer Handles, Shutter Screws; Shutter Lifts, Stubs and Plates; Wardrobe, Coat and Hat Hooks; Polished Fire
Sets, Brass and Iron Head Shovels, Tongs and Pokers; Hale’s Patent Meat-Cutters; Waterman’s Patent Cast-Iron
Bake Pans, etc.
“Among the important recent improvements introduced by this company are their Bronze Door Knobs, Butts
and Trimmings, and light and beautiful Steel Keys as a substitute for the ungainly heavy iron and brass keys heretofore in universal use. (To be continued)
Down Memory Lane with Maud
By Maud
Maud Eastwood
Eastwood
By
The passing of member, Dean Campbell, made me reminisce. Meeting and interacting
with Dean occupies a special part in my memory bank. He was the first buyer of my first
book.
The Antique Doorknob was published in 1976. The order was delivered by the publisher
to my door in late July. I have a photo of the agent unloading in the driveway. The Tillamook County Fair was to open Aug. 10th. Then came an inspiration, why not reserve a
sellers table in the name of my beauty shop, and include some of the books in the display? I
had as yet no plans formulated for the book's sale.
Wanted:
Wanted:five
fivecast
castiron
ironhand
handrail
railbrackets
bracketsmade
madeby
bySargent
Sargent&
&Co.
Co.in
inthe
thespider
spider
web
pattern
with
a
ball
tip.
See
illustration.
These
are
4
½”
tall
and
web pattern with a ball tip. See illustration. These are 4 ½” tall and project
project
from
from the
the wall
wall 33 7/8”.
7/8”. Contact
Contact Vicky
Vicky Berol,
Berol, 415-771-9899,
415-771-9899,
[email protected].
[email protected].
July-August
July-August2012
2012
The chief warehouse of the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Co. at 45 and 47 Chambers street and 23 and 25
Reade Street, in this city, is a double store, comprising seven floors in all, 151 feet in length by 50 feet in breadth,
with a total floor space of 52,850 square feet. This is of course independent of the shelf room throughout the building, and it is a noteworthy fact that in November, 1868, when the firm first moved into it, they devoted no less than
80,000 feet of lumber to supply shelves for the several flores [sic]. There is no business which requires so much
shelf-room as the hardware business, and there is no store in the United States which contains such an amount of it
than this, a careful estimate having elicited the fact that this warehouse contains five miles of shelving. As a further
instance of the great increase in the business of the house we may mention that in 1841, when the company first established a salesroom in this city at 92 John street, its business at first was performed there by John K. Bowden and
James B. Ogden; and after Mr. Bowden sold out his interest, and his place was taken by Isaac D. Russell, the latter
and Mr. Ogden continued for a considerable period to transact the business alone, entirely without clerks or other assistants; while the traffic of the firm is now so vast that it requires 80 persons in the various departments of this
warehouse alone.
Dean and Edith Campbell were among the many tourists attending this well known and
highly advertised fair. I recall them stopping by my table, picking up a book, thumbing
through it and asking if it was for sale, as they knew a party who would be interested. The
sale was made but not until much later. Following phone calls and personal visits to my
home, I was to learn that the book was intended as a gift for Edith's father, Earl Antrim.
Number
Number174
174
July-August 2012
2012
July-August
55
Dean’s knob table
Number 174
174
Number
RUSSELL & ERWIN
A CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT
(PART 3); CONTINUED FROM TDC 173
..
FROM THE COMMERCIAL PATHFINDER, NOVEMBER, 1869
The
Thecompany
companyproduced
producedaavariety
varietyof
ofother
otheritems.
items.These
Theseincluded
includedhouse
housetiles
tilesfor
forhalls
hallsand
andother
otherarticles
articlesfor
forhouse
house
decoration.
They
reportedly
had
a
contract
to
produce
a
back
for
hair
bushes
and
hand
mirrors.
Wheels
for
decoration. They reportedly had a contract to produce a back for hair bushes and hand mirrors. Wheels forthe
thethen
then
new
fad
of
roller
skates
were
produced.
They
were
more
expensive
but
they
did
not
develop
the
flat
spots
which
new fad of roller skates were produced. They were more expensive but they did not develop the flat spots which
boxwood
boxwoodwheels
wheelsdid.
did.Advertisements
Advertisementsfor
forroller
rollerskates
skateswith
withHemacite
Hemacitewheels
wheelsappeared
appearedas
aslate
lateas
as1910.
1910.IIrecently
recentlyobobtained
a
set
of
furniture
wheels
made
of
Hemacite
which
are
marked
as
Hemacite
but
unfortunately
other
tained a set of furniture wheels made of Hemacite which are marked as Hemacite but unfortunately otherhardware
hardware
items
itemsare
arenot.
not.IIdo
donot
notknow
knowififnon-hardware
non-hardwareitems
itemswere
weremarked.
marked.
IIhave
havesamples
samplesof
ofall
allthe
theHemacite
Hemaciteknobs
knobspictured.
pictured. IIwould
wouldbe
beinterested
interestedin
ingetting
gettingother
otherHemacite
Hemaciteitems.
items.IIam
am
especially
interested
in
the
bronze
rose
pictured
in
the
Hemacite
ad.
especially interested in the bronze rose pictured in the Hemacite ad.
Special
Specialthanks
thanksshould
shouldbe
begiven
givento
toMatt
MattMetcalf
Metcalfand
andthe
theother
otherpeople
peopleatatthe
theTrenton,
Trenton,New
NewJersey
JerseyLibrary
Libraryas
aswell
well
as
our
own
Rhett
Butler
for
sending
me
a
copy
of
pages
from
the
1879
Nashua
Lock
Company
catalog.
as our own Rhett Butler for sending me a copy of pages from the 1879 Nashua Lock Company catalog.
References
References
“Hemacite”,
“Hemacite”,Carpentry
Carpentryand
andBuilding,
Building,April
April1879,
1879,page
page75
75
Hemacite
ad
from
Carpentry
and
Building,
December
Hemacite ad from Carpentry and Building, December1882,
1882,page
pageiviv
Blood-Made
Door
Knobs,
Trenton
Times,
September
20,
1883
Blood-Made Door Knobs, Trenton Times, September 20, 1883
AAFactory
FactoryBurned,
Burned,Trenton
TrentonEvening
EveningTimes,
Times,October
October11,
11,1886
1886
Door
Knobs,
etc
from
Blood
and
Sawdust,
The
Manufacturer
Door Knobs, etc from Blood and Sawdust, The Manufacturerand
andBuilder,
Builder,January
January1892,
1892,page
page99
Leftovers/
At
Death’s
Doorknob
by
Paul
Collins,
Cabinet
Magazine,
Issue
9
Childhood
Winter
Leftovers/ At Death’s Doorknob by Paul Collins, Cabinet Magazine, Issue 9 Childhood Winter2002/03
2002/03found
foundatat
www.carbinetmagazine.org
www.carbinetmagazine.org
Great
www.mernick.org.ukand
andwww.plastiquarian.com
www.plastiquarian.com
GreatBois
BoisDurci
Durci&&other
otherplastics
plasticssites:
sites:www.mernick.org.uk
Review
of
Vermosen
book:
www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v11n36a04.htm
Review of Vermosen book: www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v11n36a04.htm
The
TheTechnologist
TechnologistVolume
Volume3,3,1863
1863page
page260
260(Peter
(PeterSimmonds,
Simmonds,Ed.),
Ed.),Published
Publishedby
byKent
Kent&&Co.
Co.Paternsoter
PaternsoterRow,
Row,London
London(Avail(Available
through
Google
Books;
original
in
New
York
Public
Library)
able through Google Books; original in New York Public Library)
The
The Doorknob
Doorknob
Exchange
Exchange
Members
Members are
are reminded
reminded that
that your
your dues
dues entitle
entitle you
you to
to advertise
advertise items
items
for
sale,
trade,
or
wanted
at
no
charge.
ADCA
is
not
responsible
for sale, trade, or wanted at no charge. ADCA is not responsible for
for
any
transaction
or
the
condition
of
the
items
advertised.
any transaction or the condition of the items advertised.
44
“The stock includes every description of American Hardware, from the smallest to the largest articles. It is exclusively American, the greater proportion being manufactured by this company, while the balance is in a great
measure obtained for their own production, and thus they are enabled to sell merchandise at manufacturers’ lowest
rates.
“Their specialties comprise everything pertaining to the hardware furnishing of a building, such as every variety
of Rim and Mortise Door Locks; Padlocks of Brass and Iron; Hand-plated Lava, Porcelain and Mineral Knobs;
Hand-plated Butts, and Door Trimmings of all kinds; also every variety of Window Springs, Cupboard Catches, and
Brass an Iron Bolts; Door and House Bells, Sash Fasteners, Buttons on Plates; Axle, Frame and Screw Pulleys;
Drawer Handles, Shutter Screws; Shutter Lifts, Stubs and Plates; Wardrobe, Coat and Hat Hooks; Polished Fire
Sets, Brass and Iron Head Shovels, Tongs and Pokers; Hale’s Patent Meat-Cutters; Waterman’s Patent Cast-Iron
Bake Pans, etc.
“Among the important recent improvements introduced by this company are their Bronze Door Knobs, Butts
and Trimmings, and light and beautiful Steel Keys as a substitute for the ungainly heavy iron and brass keys heretofore in universal use. (To be continued)
Down Memory Lane with Maud
By Maud
Maud Eastwood
Eastwood
By
The passing of member, Dean Campbell, made me reminisce. Meeting and interacting
with Dean occupies a special part in my memory bank. He was the first buyer of my first
book.
The Antique Doorknob was published in 1976. The order was delivered by the publisher
to my door in late July. I have a photo of the agent unloading in the driveway. The Tillamook County Fair was to open Aug. 10th. Then came an inspiration, why not reserve a
sellers table in the name of my beauty shop, and include some of the books in the display? I
had as yet no plans formulated for the book's sale.
Wanted:
Wanted:five
fivecast
castiron
ironhand
handrail
railbrackets
bracketsmade
madeby
bySargent
Sargent&
&Co.
Co.in
inthe
thespider
spider
web
pattern
with
a
ball
tip.
See
illustration.
These
are
4
½”
tall
and
web pattern with a ball tip. See illustration. These are 4 ½” tall and project
project
from
from the
the wall
wall 33 7/8”.
7/8”. Contact
Contact Vicky
Vicky Berol,
Berol, 415-771-9899,
415-771-9899,
[email protected].
[email protected].
July-August
July-August2012
2012
The chief warehouse of the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Co. at 45 and 47 Chambers street and 23 and 25
Reade Street, in this city, is a double store, comprising seven floors in all, 151 feet in length by 50 feet in breadth,
with a total floor space of 52,850 square feet. This is of course independent of the shelf room throughout the building, and it is a noteworthy fact that in November, 1868, when the firm first moved into it, they devoted no less than
80,000 feet of lumber to supply shelves for the several flores [sic]. There is no business which requires so much
shelf-room as the hardware business, and there is no store in the United States which contains such an amount of it
than this, a careful estimate having elicited the fact that this warehouse contains five miles of shelving. As a further
instance of the great increase in the business of the house we may mention that in 1841, when the company first established a salesroom in this city at 92 John street, its business at first was performed there by John K. Bowden and
James B. Ogden; and after Mr. Bowden sold out his interest, and his place was taken by Isaac D. Russell, the latter
and Mr. Ogden continued for a considerable period to transact the business alone, entirely without clerks or other assistants; while the traffic of the firm is now so vast that it requires 80 persons in the various departments of this
warehouse alone.
Dean and Edith Campbell were among the many tourists attending this well known and
highly advertised fair. I recall them stopping by my table, picking up a book, thumbing
through it and asking if it was for sale, as they knew a party who would be interested. The
sale was made but not until much later. Following phone calls and personal visits to my
home, I was to learn that the book was intended as a gift for Edith's father, Earl Antrim.
Number
Number174
174
July-August 2012
2012
July-August
55
Dean’s knob table
Number 174
174
Number
Another
Another
early
early
buyer
buyer
was
was
none
none
other
other
than
than
Rich
Rich
Kennedy
Kennedy
(the
(the
order
order
dated
dated
October
October
Another
early
buyer
was
none
other
than
Rich
Kennedy
(the
order
dated
October
5th
5th
1976).
1976).
His
His
contact?
contact?
Art
Art
Smith
Smith
of
of
Seattle.
Seattle.
5th 1976). His contact? Art Smith of Seattle.
When
When
my
my
publisher's
publisher's
agent
agent
initially
initially
came
came
for
for
an
interview,
interview,
he
asked
asked
who
who
IIwas
Iwas
was
When
my
publisher's
agent
initially
came
for
anan
interview,
hehe
asked
who
writing
writing
the
the
book
book
for.
for.
My
My
answer:
answer:
"Who?
"Who?
I
guess
I
guess
for
for
me,
me,
but
but
I
have
I
have
enough
enough
relatives
relatives
writing the book for. My answer: "Who? I guess for me, but I have enough relatives
who
who
will
will
make
make
ititworthwhile."
itworthwhile."
worthwhile."
All
All
IIknew
I knew
was
was
that
that
Dave
Dave
Masterson
Masterson
in
California
California
had
had
who
will
make
All
knew
was
that
Dave
Masterson
inin
California
had
been
beenamassing
amassing
material
materialto
writesuch
suchaa book,
abook,
book,had
hadeventually
eventually
given
givenhis
hismaterial
materialto
been
amassing
material
totowrite
write
such
had
eventually
given
his
material
toto
Len
Len
Blumin,
Blumin,
who
who
developed
developed
the
the
material
material
further
further
to
to
eventually
eventually
self-publish
self-publish
the
the
indisindisLen Blumin, who developed the material further to eventually self-publish the indispensible
pensible
VICTORIAN
VICTORIAN
DECORATIVE
DECORATIVE
ART,
ART,
all
the
the
while
while
encouraging
encouraging
my
my
efforts.
efforts.
pensible
VICTORIAN
DECORATIVE
ART,
allall
the
while
encouraging
my
efforts.
cles
cles
comprising
comprising
thethe
productions
productions
of of
thethe
industry.
industry.
In In
itsits
powdered
powdered
state
state
thethe
material
material
bears
bears
a strong
a strong
resemblance
resemblance
to to
brown
brown
snuff,
snuff,
and
and
thethe
natural
natural
color
color
of of
Hemacite
Hemacite
is is
ebony
ebony
black,
black,
butbut
it is
it is
capable
capable
of of
taking
taking
allall
sorts
sorts
of of
colors
colors
and
and
shades,
shades,
which
which
areare
in in
nowise
nowise
effected
effected
byby
thethe
hydraulic
hydraulic
pressure.”
pressure.”
William
William
Dibble
Dibble
died
died
onon
October
October
2, 2,
1885
1885
in in
Shrewsbury,
Shrewsbury,
Monmouth,
Monmouth,
New
New
Jersey.
Jersey.In In
October,
October,
1886
1886
thethe
Trenton
Trenton
Times
Times
reported
reported
a fire
a fire
occurred
occurred
at at
thethe
Dibble
Dibble
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Company
Company
that
that
destroyed
destroyed
everything.
everything.
It reported,
It reported,
“The
“The
firm
firm
will
will
resume
resume
business
business
soon
soon
again,
again,
butbut
notnot
in in
thethe
same
same
location,
location,
as as
there
there
have
have
been
been
many
many
complaints
complaints
of of
thethe
disdisagreeable
agreeable
odor
odor
arising
arising
from
from
thethe
works.”
works.”It appears
It appears
thethe
name
name
of of
thethe
company
company
was
was
changed
changed
to to
Hemacite
Hemacite
ManufacturManufacturinging
Company
Company
about
about
that
that
time.
time.It kept
It kept
that
that
name
name
until
until
at at
least
least
1897
1897
butbut
was
was
eventually
eventually
absorbed
absorbed
into
into
another
another
RoeRoebling
bling
company,
company,
Trenton
Trenton
Brass
Brass
and
and
Machine
Machine
Company.
Company.
Delivery
of
my
first
book
Delivery
my
first
book
Delivery
ofof
my
first
book
LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLEUPDATED
UPDATED
LOUISVILLE
UPDATED
While
While
thethe
company
company
existed,
existed,
Hemacite
Hemacite
products
products
had
had
a wide
a wide
distribution
distribution
with
with
over
over
two
two
hundred
hundred
jobbers
jobbers
in in
thethe
United
United
States
States
and
and
Canada.
Canada.
Dibble
Dibble
advertised
advertised
widely
widely
and
and
hemacite
hemacite
knobs
knobs
were
were
included
included
in in
articles
articles
in in
The
The
American
American
Architect
Architect
and
and
Building
Building
News,
News,
The
The
Builder
Builder
and
and
Woodworker,
Woodworker,
and
and
Carpentry
Carpentry
and
and
Building.
Building.AnAn
advertisement
advertisement
from
from
thethe
December
December
1882
1882
issue
issue
of of
Carpentry
Carpentry
and
and
Building
Building
(see
(see
pg.pg.
1) 1)
shows
shows
thethe
Eastlake
Eastlake
design
design
with
with
a bronze
a bronze
inlay
inlay
and
and
bronze
bronze
rose.
rose.
Several
Several
hardware
hardware
manufacturers
manufacturers
carried
carried
hemacite
hemacite
doorknobs
doorknobs
and
and
roses
roses
and
and
thethe
Nashua
Nashua
Lock
Lock
Company
Company
had
had
a 14
a 14
page
page
section
section
in in
their
their
1879
1879
catalog
catalog
offering
offering
Hemacite
Hemacite
doorknobs
doorknobs
with
with
a variety
a variety
of of
their
their
own
own
roses.
roses.
They
They
also
also
showed
showed
hemacite
hemacite
plate
plate
and
and
drop
drop
escutcheons
escutcheons
and
and
drawer
drawer
and
and
shutter
shutter
knobs.
knobs.
One
One
small
small
Dibble
Dibble
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Company
Company
catalog
catalog
from
from
about
about
1885
1885
exists
exists
at at
Columbia
Columbia
University
University
and
and
is part
is part
of of
thethe
Avery
Avery
Collection
Collection
of of
catalogs
catalogs
available
available
onon
microfiche.
microfiche.
This
This
catalog
catalog
shows
shows
five
five
different
different
designs.
designs.
The
The
colors
colors
of-offered
fered
were
were
Ebony,
Ebony,
Seal
Seal
Brown,
Brown,
Leather
Leather
and
and
Terra
Terra
Cotta.
Cotta.
Today
Today
thethe
most
most
commonly
commonly
found
found
knob
knob
was
was
called
called
Eastlake
Eastlake
in in
that
that
catalog.
catalog.
The
The
color
color
of of
most
most
would
would
bebe
what
what
I would
I would
call
call
black
black
or or
Ebony.
Ebony.
But
But
I have
I have
seen
seen
a knob
a knob
of of
a more
a more
brown
brown
color,
color,
which
which
may
may
correspond
correspond
to to
Seal
Seal
Brown.
Brown.
I have
I have
never
never
seen
seen
any
any
Hemacite
Hemacite
knob
knob
of of
a lighter
a lighter
color,
color,
which
which
might
might
bebe
thethe
Leather
Leather
or or
Terra
Terra
Cotta
Cotta
color.
color.
Other
Other
designs
designs
were
were
called
called
Star,
Star,
Japanese,
Japanese,
Saxon
Saxon
Shield
Shield
and
and
anan
Eastlake
Eastlake
design
design
with
with
a real
a real
bronze
bronze
inlay.
inlay.The
The
Nashua
Nashua
catalog
catalog
had
had
anan
additional
additional
knob
knob
called
called
Westlake.
Westlake.
That
That
catalog
catalog
hashas
thethe
best
best
illustrations
illustrations
of of
Hemacite
Hemacite
items.
items.
They
They
areare
shown
shown
below.
below.
The
The
catalog
catalog
also
also
listed
listed
other
other
Hemacite
Hemacite
hardware
hardware
items
items
such
such
as as
plate
plate
and
and
drop
drop
escutcheons,
escutcheons,
and
and
drawer
drawer
and
and
shutshutterter
knobs.
knobs.
Some
Some
of of
these
these
areare
shown
shown
onon
thethe
page
page
4. 4.
Further
Further
to
the
the
article
article
in
the
the
last
last
issue,
issue,
we
we
have
have
received
received
permission
permission
to
use
use
the
the
picture
picture
of
Further
toto
the
article
inin
the
last
issue,
we
have
received
permission
toto
use
the
picture
ofof
the
the
Louisville
Louisville
City
City
Hall
Hall
taken
taken
by
by
Brent
Brent
Moore,
Moore,
shown
shown
above.
above.
For
For
comparison
comparison
purposes
purposes
ananthe Louisville City Hall taken by Brent Moore, shown above. For comparison purposes another
other
picture
picture
of
of
the
the
knob
knob
is
is
also
also
shown.
shown.
other picture of the knob is also shown.
Finally
Finally
we
we
also
also
obtained
obtained
aa a
Finally
we
also
obtained
copy
copy
of
of
Louis
Louis
V.
V.
Hebel’s
Hebel’s
article,
article,
copy of Louis V. Hebel’s article,
"Louisville's
"Louisville's
Official
Official
Signature"
Signature"
in
"Louisville's
Official
Signature"
inin
Louisville
Louisville
17
(August
(August
20,
20,
1966),
1966),
Louisville
1717
(August
20,
1966),
pp.
pp.
14-15,
14-15,
which
which
includes
includes
pictures
pictures
pp. 14-15, which includes pictures
of
all
four
four
of
Louisville’s
Louisville’s
official
official
ofof
allall
four
ofof
Louisville’s
official
City
City
Seals.
Seals.
The
The
first
first
Seal
Seal
(1828(1828City Seals. The first Seal (18281855)
1855)
shows
shows
a
steam
a
steam
boat,
boat,
the
the
secsec1855) shows a steam boat, the
second
ond
(1855-1910)
(1855-1910)
shows
shows
a
locomotive
a
locomotive
with
the
the
word
word
“Pro“Proond (1855-1910) shows a locomotivewith
with
the
word
“Progress”,
gress”,
but
but
not
not
emerging
emerging
from
from
aatunnel.
atunnel.
tunnel.(Picture
(Picture
courtesy
courtesy
of
gress”,
but
not
emerging
from
(Picture
courtesy
ofof
Brent
Brent
Moore,
Moore,
all
all
rights
rights
reserved
reserved
by
by
SeeMidTN.com).
SeeMidTN.com).
Brent Moore, all rights reserved by SeeMidTN.com).
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
July-August
2012
66 6
Number
Number
174
174
Number
174
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
3 3
Number
Number
174174
how to use animal blood as a binder for sawdust or other materials to make composition material and to use heat and
pressure to make articles.
DALE
DALE SPONAUGLE
SPONAUGLE
The use of blood as a binder to make decorative items was not new. Francois Lepage obtained a French patent in
1855. He called his product Bois Durci or “hardened wood”. According to secondary sources Brazilian Rosewood
sawdust was sieved, then mixed with 15% to 20%, by weight, of liquid blood. This was dried, ground to a powder
and molded under heat and pressure. Some of the sources speak of using whole blood, others of blood albumen. The
patents obtained by Dibble describe very similar processes. Query whether Dibble’s dental background gave him
the idea or if he saw something in print about it. Items made of Bois Durci were displayed at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London, and reports of the exhibition were widely circulated. Articles about Bois Durci and it
preparation appeared in The Scientific and Industrial Year -1863 and the Art Journal magazine in 1867, both published in France. It is not known how widely these articles were circulated in the US.
ADCA'S
ADCA'S TRIPLE
TRIPLE THREAT
THREAT CONVENTION
CONVENTION HOST!
HOST!
Bois Durci has a rich history. A company, La Société du Bois Durci, was formed that produced a large number
of items until the early 1900s. From pictures they appear to have a finer structure than Hemacite items. It could be
due to the fineness of the sawdust used. For those interested in more information on Bois Durci the website
www.mernick.org.uk/BDWeb/index.htm is a great source with pictures of many Bois Durci items. The English
translations of the articles mentioned above can be found there. There is also a book by Gaston Vermosen, “Bois
Durci Un Plastique Naturel, A Natural Plastic 1855-1927”. According to a review, the book, written in French and
English, was privately published in a small edition. Pictures from the book can be found on Flicker. It does not appear that the company made doorknobs.
By
ByVicky
VickyBerol
Berol
AAman
manofofmany
manytalents
talentsand
andinterests,
interests,Dale
Daleisisaaphysician,
physician,recipient
recipientofofnumerous
numerousawards,
awards,asaswell
wellasasVictorian
Victorian
hardware
hardwarecollector
collectorextraordinaire,
extraordinaire,and
andthe
theexceptional
exceptionalhost
hostofofthree
threeADCA
ADCAconventions.
conventions.
1993.
1993.Gaithersburg,
Gaithersburg,Maryland.
Maryland.
Trips
TripstotoWashington,
Washington,D.C.
D.C.included
includedaatour
tourofofThe
TheWhite
WhiteHouse
Houseand
andCapital,
Capital,with
withlunch
lunchininthe
theSenate
Senatecafeteria;
cafeteria;aa
visit
visittotothe
theVietnam
Vietnamand
andLincoln
LincolnMemorials,
Memorials,Bureau
BureauofofEngraving
Engravingand
andPrinting,
Printing,The
TheSmithsonian
Smithsonianand
andThe
TheNational
National
Building
BuildingMuseum.
Museum.There
Therewere
were83
83attendees.
attendees.This
Thisconvention
conventionholds
holdsthe
therecord
recordofof"most
"mostininattendance".
attendance".
2006.
2006.Buffalo,
Buffalo,New
NewYork.
York.
There
Therewas
wasaagreat
greatwalking
walkingtour
tourofofdowntown
downtownBuffalo
Buffalototoadmire
admirethe
thehandsome
handsomeand
andimportant
importantbuilding
buildingfacades
facades
designed
designedby
byLouis
LouisSullivan.
Sullivan.Then
Thenon
ontotoThe
TheDarwin
DarwinMartin
MartinComplex,
Complex,aahome
homedesigned
designedand
andfurnished
furnishedby
byFrank
Frank
Lloyd
LloydWright.
Wright. Although
Althoughunder
underextensive
extensiverestoration,
restoration,we
wewere
weretreated
treatedtotoaatour
tourand
andan
anon-site
on-sitelunch.
lunch.
At this point it appears the Dibble family connection to the John A. Roebling’s Sons’ Company comes into play.
John A. Roebling was a Prussian engineer who immigrated to the United States in 1831. He developed a process for
making wire rope for use in the construction of bridges. He designed and supervised the construction of some of the
earliest suspension bridges. The Cincinnati-Covington Bridge, later named
the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, was the world's longest suspension
bridge at the time it was finished. While working on what became the BrookThe Doorknob Collector©
lyn Bridge he was injured, developed tetanus and died.
2012.
2012.Buffalo,
Buffalo,New
NewYork.
York.
More
MoreFrank
FrankLloyd
LloydWright.
Wright.Another
Anothervisit
visittotothe
thenow
nowcompleted
completedDarwin
DarwinMartin
MartinComplex,
Complex,also
also"Graycliff",
"Graycliff",the
the
summer
summer\residence
\residencefor
forthe
theMartin
Martinfamily,
family,aavisit
visittotoThe
TheRoycroft
RoycroftCampus,
Campus,and
andlunch
lunchatatone
oneofofthe
therestaurants
restaurantsfamous
famous
for
for"Buffalo
"BuffaloWings".
Wings".WOW!
WOW! And
Andofofcourse,
course,the
theall-important
all-important“Buy,
“Buy,Sell
Selland
andTrade”.
Trade”.
To supply wire for bridges, Roebling built a complex for the manufacture
of wire rope in Trenton. After his death, his son, Washington Roebling, and
his daughter-in-law, Emily Warren Roebling, continued his work on the
Brooklyn Bridge. His son, Ferdinand, took over and expanded his wire rope
business. Another son, Charles, founded Roebling, New Jersey and developed
other parts of the business.
Dale
Daleattended
attendedhis
hisfirst
firstconvention
conventioninin1990,
1990,atatE.
E.WinWindsor,
dsor, CT.
CT. Recognizing
Recognizing his
his leadership
leadership qualities,
qualities, Dale
Dale was
was
elected
elected toto the
the Board
Board inin 1991
1991 and
and from
from 1995
1995 -- 1997,
1997, he
he
served
servedasasVice
VicePresident.
President.Known
Knownnationwide
nationwideasasan
animporimportant
tantcollector,
collector,Dale
Dalehas
hasamassed
amassedamazing
amazingexamples
examplesofofanantique
tiquebuilders’
builders’hardware.
hardware.At
Atthe
the2006
2006convention,
convention,attendees
attendees
were
weretreated
treatednot
notonly
onlytotohis
hishospitality,
hospitality,but
buttotosee
seehis
hishardhardware.
ware.ItItwas
waslike
likevisiting
visitingaamuseum.
museum.
According to an 1883 Trenton Times article, by September after the
award of the July 10, 1877 patent, Dr. Dibble was meeting with several wellknown residents of Trenton about manufacturing door knobs. On December
6, 1877 the Dibble Manufacturing Company was formed with a capital stock
of $15,000 with William H. Dibble as president, Ferdinand W. Roebling as
treasurer and Theodore H. Dibble as secretary and manager. The article goes
on to state that a former pork processing plant property was obtained and specialized equipment designed and built. The company also obtained the rights
to the patents and to the registered trademark, “Hemacite”, from Dr. Dibble.
The manufacturing process is described in one of the patents as follows.
“The machinery employed in the process of manufacture is of the
most powerful and accurate character and works automatically with
clock-like precision, consequently the product is mathematically and uniformly correct in every particular. In addition to the machinery referred to
the industry is supplied with various other machinery for finishing purposes usually employed in the manufacture of door knobs and house
trimmings. The material is carefully prepared by the aid of machinery
built for the purpose, and is reduced to a powdered form before it is transformed into Hemacite, which properly speaking is result of hydraulic
pressure, applied to transform the powdered material into the various artiJuly-August 2012
2
Published six times a year by
Antique Doorknob Collectors of America,
Inc.
P.O. Box 803,
Hackettstown, NJ
07840
Annual Membership in US $25.00
age 18 or younger US$10.00
Foreign rates on request.
Founded Sept 1981, the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America is a non-profit
501 (c)(3) organization devoted to the study
and preservation of ornamental hardware.
The opinions expressed in this publication
are those of the individual writer and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors of ADCA or the editors.
Any reproduction of material contained in
The Doorknob Collector without permission
of the Antique Doorknob Collectors of
America is prohibited. All material submitted for publication becomes the property of
the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance
in writing. Material quoted in The Doorknob
Collector from other sources is subject to the
requirements of the originator.
Number 174
Dale
Dalereally
reallyknows
knowshow
howtotoput
puttogether
togetheraafabulous
fabulousconconvention,
vention,so
so--get
getout
outyour
yourcheckbook,
checkbook,make
makethose
thoseconvenconvention
tion and
and airline
airline reservations
reservations and
and pack
pack your
your suitcase.
suitcase. Be
Be
ready
ready toto be
be treated
treated toto aa great
great time.
time. You
You won't
won't be
be disapdisappointed.
pointed.
See
Seeyou
youininBuffalo.
Buffalo.
2012
2012ADCA
ADCACONVENTION!
CONVENTION!
BuffaloAmherst
Amherstin
inAmherst,
Amherst,New
NewYork,
York,September
September12-15.
12-15.
Buffalo
Theme:
Theme:“Flora
“Floraand
andFauna”
Fauna”and
and“Lesser
“LesserKnown
KnownHardware
HardwareCompanies”
Companies”
See
Seeyour
yourconvention
conventionpacket
packetororcall
callFaye
FayeKennedy
Kennedyatat908-684-5253
908-684-5253
July-August
July-August2012
2012
77
Number
Number174
174
The Doorknob Collector
Our
OurBusiness
BusinessMembers
Members
These
Theseare
arepaid
paidadvertisements.
advertisements.The
TheADCA
ADCAassumes
assumesnonoresponsibility.
responsibility.For
Forfurther
furtherinformation
informationabout
aboutthese
thesebusinesses
businessessee
seethe
the
Resource
Resourcesection
sectionononour
ourwebsite:
website:www.AntiqueDoorknobs.org.
www.AntiqueDoorknobs.org.
Number
Number
174
174
AA
Publication
Publication
ofof
The
TheAntique
AntiqueDoorknob
DoorknobCollectors
Collectors
ofof
America
America
Number
174
July-August
2012
Materials
Materials
Unlimited
Unlimited
Owner:
Owner:
Reynold
Reynold
Lowe
Lowe
2 W.
2 W.
Michigan
Michigan
Ave.
Ave.
Ypsalanti,
Ypsalanti,
MIMI
49197
49197
Phone:
Phone:
800-299-9462
800-299-9462
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
MaterialsUnlimited.com
MaterialsUnlimited.com
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Antique
Antique
Door
Door
Hardware
Hardware
Collector
Collector
Owner:
Owner:
Tom
Tom
Iannucci
Iannucci
16624
16624
Frederick
Frederick
Rd.
Rd.
Mount
Mount
Airy,
Airy,
MD
MD
21771
21771
Phone:
Phone:
240-595-1115
240-595-1115
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
antiquedoorhardwarecollector.com
antiquedoorhardwarecollector.com
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Architectural
Architectural
Salvage,
Salvage,
Inc.
Inc.
Owner:
Owner:
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Werhane
Werhane
5001
5001
N.N.
Colorado
Colorado
Blvd.
Blvd.
Denver,
Denver,
CO
CO
80216
80216
Phone:
Phone:
(303)
(303)
321-0200
321-0200
Web
Web
Site:
Site:
savagelady.com/
savagelady.com/
Discovery
Architectural
Antiques
Discovery
Architectural
Antiques
Owner:
Suzanne
Kittel
Owner:
Suzanne
Kittel
409
Francis
409
St.St.
Francis
Gonzales,
TX78629
78629
Gonzales,
TX
Phone:
830-672-2428
Phone:
830-672-2428
Fax:
830-672-3701
Fax:
830-672-3701
Web
Site:
Discoverys.net
Web
Site:
Discoverys.net
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
The
Brass
Knob
The
Brass
Knob
Owners:
Donetta
George
Owners:
Donetta
George
2311
18th
N.W.
Washington,
DC
2311
18th
St.St.
N.W.
Washington,
DC
Phone:
202-332-3370
Phone:
202-332-3370
Fax:
202-332-5594
Fax:
202-332-5594
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
theBrassKnob.com
Web
Site:
theBrassKnob.com
Aurora
Mills
Architectural
Salvage
Aurora
Mills
Architectural
Salvage
Owner:
Mike
Byrnes
Owner:
Mike
Byrnes
14971
First
NE
14971
First
StSt
NE
Aurora,
OR97002
97002
Aurora,
OR
Phone:
503-678-6083
Phone:
503-678-6083
Fax:
503-678-3299
Fax:
503-678-3299
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
auroramills.com
Web
Site:
auroramills.com
American
Antique
Hardware
American
Antique
Hardware
Owner
Keith
and
Sarah
Chilcote
Owner
Keith
and
Sarah
Chilcote
Phone:
503-399-8009
Phone:
503-399-8009
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
americanantiquehardware.com
Web
Site:
americanantiquehardware.com
Albion
Doors
Windows
Albion
Doors
&&
Windows
Owner:
Larry
Sawyer
Owner:
Larry
Sawyer
PO
Box
220
PO
Box
220
Albion,
CA
95410
Albion,
CA
95410
Phone:
707-937-0078
Phone:
707-937-0078
Fax:
(call
first)
Fax:
(call
first)
707-937-0078
707-937-0078
Web
Site:
knobsession.com
Web
Site:
knobsession.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
A Nonprofit
A Nonprofit
Organization
Devoted
Devoted
to to
thethe
Study
Study
and
and
Preservation
Preservation
of of
Ornamental
Ornamental
Hardware
Hardware
A
Publication
of The
Antique
Doorknob
Collectors
of America
Number
174Organization
July-August
2012
A Nonprofit
Organization
Devoted
to the Study
and Preservation
of Ornamental
Hardware
A Publication
of The
Antique
Doorknob
Collectors
of America
A Nonprofit Organization Devoted to the Study and Preservation of Ornamental Hardware
Liz’s
Antique
Hardware
Liz’s
Antique
Hardware
Owner:
Liz
Gordon
Owner:
Liz
Gordon
453
South
Brea
453
South
LaLa
Brea
Los
Angeles,
CA
90036
Los
Angeles,
CA
90036
Phone:
323-939-4403
Phone:
323-939-4403
Fax:
323-939-4387
Fax:
323-939-4387
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Web
Site:
lahardware.com/
Web
Site:
lahardware.com/
House
Antique
Hardware
House
ofof
Antique
Hardware
Owner:
Roy
Prange
Owner:
Roy
Prange
3439
NE
Sandy
Blvd./PMB
106
3439
NE
Sandy
Blvd./PMB
106
Portland,
OR
97214
Portland,
OR
97214
Phone:
888-223-2545
Phone:
888-223-2545
Fax:
503-231-1312
Fax:
503-231-1312
Web
Site:
HouseofAntiqueHardware.com
Web
Site:
HouseofAntiqueHardware.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Bill’s
Key
Lock
Shop
Bill’s
Key
&&
Lock
Shop
Owner:
Andy
Streenz
Owner:
Andy
Streenz
127
Beaufort
127
E.E.
Beaufort
St.St.
Normal,
61761or
Normal,
ILIL
61761or
401
Main
401
N.N.
Main
St.St.
Bloomington,
61701
Bloomington,
ILIL
61701
Phone:
309-827-5522
Phone:
309-827-5522
Web
Site:
billskeyandlockshop.com
Web
Site:
billskeyandlockshop.com
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Antique
AntiqueDoorknob
DoorknobCollectors
CollectorsofofAmerica
America
Membership
MembershipOffice:
Office:Faye
FayeKennedy
Kennedy
ADCA
ADCA
PO
POBox
Box803
803
Hackettstown,
Hackettstown,NJ
NJ07840
07840
Email:
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone:
Phone:908-684-5253
908-684-5253
Web
WebSite:
Site:AntiqueDoorknobs.org
AntiqueDoorknobs.org
General
GeneralQuestions
Questions
[email protected]
[email protected]
Officers
Officers
Email
EmailAddresses:
Addresses:
The
TheDoorknob
DoorknobCollector
CollectorEditor:
Editor:Allen
AllenJoslyn
Joslyn
Phone
Phone(973)
(973)783-9411
783-9411
Email:
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
President:
President:Steve
SteveRowe
Rowe
Vice
VicePresident:
President:Rhett
RhettButler
Butler
Secretary:
Secretary:Rich
RichKennedy
Kennedy
Treasurer:
Treasurer:Allen
AllenJoslyn
Joslyn
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
88
July-August
July-August
2012
2012
WW
ILLIAM
ILLIAMH.
H.DD
IBBLE
IBBLEAND
ANDHH
EMACITE
EMACITE
WILLIAM H. D
IBBLE
AND HEMACITE
ByBy
Steve
Steve
Hannum
Hannum
WILLIAM H. D
AND HEMACITE
By IBBLE
Steve Hannum
th th
The
Thelate
late1919
century
centurywas
wasananexciting
excitingtime
timeininthethedevelopment
developmentofofAmerican
Americantechnology
technologyand
andmanumanuth wereinventing,
By
Steve
Hannum
facturing.
facturing.
People
People
were
inventing,
creating
creating
new
new
things
things
and
and
new
new
manufacturing
manufacturing
companies
companies
were
were
being
being
The late 19 century was an exciting time in the development of American technology and manuformed.
formed.
William
William
H.
H.
Dibble
Dibble
was
was
one
one
of
of
those
those
people.
people.
Little
Little
is
is
known
known
of
of
his
his
early
early
years.
years.
He
He
was
was
born
born
onon
th
facturing.
People
were
inventing,
creating
new
things
and new manufacturing
companies
were
being
The
late
19
century
was
an
exciting
time
in
the
development
of
American
technology
and
manuSeptember
September
4,4,
1830
1830
inDibble
in
Danbury,
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
son
sonofof
Timothy
Timothy
and
andEsther
Esther
Dibble.
Dibble.
formed.
wasConnecticut,
one
of thosethe
people.
Little
known
of his
early companies
years. He was
on
facturing.William
People H.
were
inventing,
creating
new
things
andisnew
manufacturing
wereborn
being
September
4,
1830
in
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
son
of
Timothy
and
Esther
Dibble.
formed.
William
H.
Dibble
was in
one
of
those people. Little is known of his early years. He was born on
The
The1860
1860
census
census
has
has
him
himliving
living
inShrewsbury
Shrewsbury
September
4,
1830Jersey
in
Danbury,
Connecticut,
the
Township,
Township,
New
New
Jersey
asa adentist,
dentist,
with
withhis
hisson of Timothy and Esther Dibble.
The
1860 census
has
himasliving
in Shrewsbury
wife
wifeAnna
Annain
inthetheJersey
home
homeofasofLew
Johnson.
Johnson.
I have
I his
have
Township,
New
aLew
dentist,
with
The
1860
census
has
him where
living
inhedid
Shrewsbury
not
not
been
been
able
able
to
to
discover
discover
where
he
did
his
his
dendenwife
Anna in
the Jersey
home ofasLew
Johnson.
I have
Township,
New
a
dentist,
with
his
tal
taltraining
training
oror
when
hehewas
wasmarried.
married.
ByOctoOctonot
been
able
towhen
discover
he didBy
his
denwife
Anna
inhe
the
home
ofwhere
Lew
Johnson.
Istate
have
ber
ber
of
of
1862
1862
he
had
had
moved
moved
across
across
the
the
state
toto
tal
training
or towhen
he was
married.
By
Octonot
been
able
discover
where
he
did
his
denBordentown
Bordentown
Township,
Township,
south
south
ofofTrenton,
Trenton,
and
and
ber
of 1862orhe
had moved
across
the
state
to
tal
training
when
he wasTax
married.
By
Octoset
set
up
up
his
his
dental
dental
practice.
practice.
Tax
records
records
indicate
indicate
Bordentown
Township,
south
of Trenton,
and
ber
ofpayment
1862 of
he
had
moved
across
the
state
to
his
hisup
payment
ofdentist
dentist
license
license
fees
feesin
in1862
1862and
and
set
his
dental
practice.
Tax
records
indicate
Bordentown
Township,
south
of
Trenton,
and
1865.
1865.
During
During
thistime
time
hehedemonstrated
demonstrated
hishis
in-inhis
payment
ofthis
dentist
license
in 1862
and
set
up
hisnature.
dental
practice.
Taxfees
records
indicate
ventive
ventive
nature.
He
He
obtained
obtained
two
two
patents
patents
for
1865.
Duringofthis
time license
he demonstrated
hisand
in-for
his
payment
dentist
fees
in
1862
dental
dentalapparatuses.
apparatuses.
The
Thefirst
firstwas
was#patents
#50,461
50,461
onon
ventive
nature.
Hetime
obtained
two
1865.
During
this
hethe
demonstrated
his for
inOctober
October
17,
17,
1865
1865
and
and
the
second
second
#
#
63,709
63,709
on
dental
apparatuses.
The
first was
#patents
50,461 for
onon
ventive
nature.
He
obtained
two
April
April9,9,1867.
1867.
October
17,
1865 and
second
63,709 on
dental apparatuses.
Thethe
first
was ## 50,461
on
April
9,
1867.
OctoberThe
17,
1865
and
the
second
#
63,709
on
The1870
1870census
censusshows
showsthat
thathehehad
hadmoved
movedinto
intoTrenton.
Trenton.And
AndthetheTrenton
TrentonCity
CityDirectory
Directoryshows
shows
April
9,The
1867.
William’s
William’s
younger
younger
brother,
brother,
Theodore
Theodore
Dibble,
Dibble,
living
living
with
with
the
the
family.
family.
Theodore
Theodore
was
was
a
travelling
a
travelling
salesman
salesman
1870 census shows that he had moved into Trenton. And the Trenton City Directory shows
for
forthetheJohn
John
A.A.Roeblings’
Roeblings’
Sons
SonsCompany.
Company.
Shortly
Shortly
after
after
this
this
heheseems
seems
totohave
have
moved
moved
again
againacross
acrossthethe
William’s
younger
brother,
Theodore
Dibble,
living
with
the
family.
Theodore
was
a travelling
salesman
The
1870
census
shows
that
he
had
moved
into
Trenton.
And
the
Trenton
City
Directory
shows
state
state
toto
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
This
Thisis isindicated
indicated
bybyhishiselection
election
asas
Treasurer
Treasurer
ininseems
1874,
1874,at
theFourth
Fourth
Annual
Annual
Meeting
ofof
for
the
John
A. Roeblings’
Sons Company.
Shortly
after
this
he
toatthe
have
moved
againMeeting
across
the
William’s
younger
brother,
Theodore
Dibble,
living
with
the
family.
Theodore
was
a
travelling
salesman
the
the
New
New
Jersey
Jersey
State
State
Dental
Dental
Society
Society
where
where
he
he
is
is
identified
identified
as
as
a
resident
a
resident
of
of
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
Patents
Patents
he
he
obtained
obtained
state
to John
Elizabeth.
This is indicated
by his election
as after
Treasurer
in seems
1874, at
Fourth
Annual
of
for
the
A.him
Roeblings’
Sons
Company.
Shortly
this he
to the
have
moved
againMeeting
across the
also
also
identify
identify
him
a
resident
a
resident
of
of
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
the
Jersey State
Dental
Societyby
where
he is identified
as a resident
obtained
stateNew
to Elizabeth.
This
is indicated
his election
as Treasurer
in 1874,ofatElizabeth.
the Fourth Patents
Annual he
Meeting
of
also
identify
him
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
the NewWhile
Jersey
State
Dental
Society
where
he
is
identified
as
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
Patents
he
obtained
WhileininElizabeth,
Elizabeth,Dibble’s
Dibble’sinventive
inventiveinterest
interestchanged
changedand
andheheobtained
obtainedtwo
twopatents.
patents.They
Theywere
were
also
identify
him
a
resident
of
Elizabeth.
“Improvement
“Improvement
inin
Process
Processofof
Making
MakingComposition
Composition
Articles”,
Articles”,
#192,863
#192,863
onon
July
July
10,10,1877
1877
and
and“Improvement
“Improvement
While in
Elizabeth,
Dibble’s
inventive
interest
changed
and he
obtained
two
patents.
They were
in
in
Composition
Composition
for
for
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Molded
Molded
Articles”,
Articles”,
#202,636
#202,636
on
on
April
April
23,
23,
1878.
1878.
In
In
these
these
he
hedescribes
describes
“Improvement
in Elizabeth,
Process of Dibble’s
Making Composition
Articles”,
#192,863
onobtained
July 10, 1877
and “Improvement
While in
inventive interest
changed
and he
two patents.
They were
in
Compositioninfor
Manufacturing
Articles”,
#202,636
on April
23, 1878.
In and
these
he describes
“Improvement
Process
of MakingMolded
Composition
Articles”,
#192,863
on July
10, 1877
“Improvement
in Composition for Manufacturing Molded Articles”, #202,636 on April 23, 1878. In these he describes
Number
Number
174
174
Business
Business
Members
Members
.......................
.......................
88
Dale
Dale
Sponaugle............................
Sponaugle............................
Business Members ....................... 87 7
Club
Club
Information..........................
Information..........................
Dale
Sponaugle............................
78 8
Business Members ....................... 8
Club Information.......................... 8
Dale Sponaugle............................ 7
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2012
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8
Inside
Inside
Doorknob
Doorknob
Exchange
Exchange
....................
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44
Inside
Louisville
Louisville
Updated.......................
Updated.......................
6
Doorknob Exchange
.................... 4 6
Inside
Memory
Memory
Lane
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with
with
Maud
Maud
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Louisville Updated.......................
65 5
Doorknob Exchange .................... 4
Memory Lane with Maud ............ 5
Louisville Updated....................... 6
Memory Lane with Maud ............ 5
R&E:
R&E:
Contemporary
Contemporary
Account.............5
Account.............5
William
William
Dubble:
Dubble:
Hemacite
Hemacite
..............1-4
..............1-4
R&E: Contemporary Account.............5
Convention..........................................7
Convention..........................................7
William Dubble: Hemacite ..............1-4
R&E: Contemporary Account.............5
Convention..........................................7
William Dubble: Hemacite ..............1-4
Number
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174
174
Convention..........................................7
July-August 2012
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July-August 2012
Number 174