Pioneer Iron and Galvanizing Works, A. F. Bartlett & Co., Proprietors; Manufacturers of Steam Engines. Saw Mill and Salt Well Machinery, Etc.; 930 South Water street; East Saginaw.

From 1891 Lumbermans' Directory

Information Sources

• The 1881 book, History of Saginaw County, Michigan, by Damon Clarke.

  A. F. Bartlett & Co., proprietors of the pioneer iron and galvanizing works, established in 1854 by Warner & Eastman, are engaged in the manufacture of steam engines, machinery, iron and brass castings, lubricators, tubing, fittings for salt works, and other articles in iron. The growth of this industrial concern is similar to that of the city to which it belongs. The trade of the firm extends as far south as Georgia, and westward to Iowa. The amount of sales annually reaches the large sum of $1,500,000. Mr. Bartlett has been associated in the business with Messrs. Morris and Spindler since the purchase of the works from Morris & Hill.

• Industries of the Saginaws,by J. W. Leonard 1887 page 86.

  These works were originally established in 1854 by the firm of Warner & Eastman, from whom they were purchased by Mr. A. F. Bartlett, the firm afterward becoming Bartlett & Moore and then Bartlett & Spindler. Upon the death of Mr. Bartlett, which occurred some eight years ago, Mrs. Bartlett bought out Mr. Spendler's interest, and the firm assumed its present style, the business being owned by Mrs. A. F. Bartlett, who personally attends to the financial affairs of the works, while the practical management of the works is in the efficient and experienced hands of Mr. Alexander M. Lemke. The works, comprising the foundry, blacksmith shop, warerooms, machine shops, etc., cover over half a block. The machine shop is a handsome white brick building, erected in 1881, with two stories each 20 feet high, and covering an area of 150x60 feet. On the main floor is a 35 horse power engine; a large boring mill that will swing and turn a 10 foot pulley; twenty lathes of all sizes from those with a capacity for turning an 8-foot diameter down to the smallest; five drill presses, one of which, recently put in, is the latest improved drill, with boring attachment; four planers, one shaper, one slotting machine, two pipe machines, a new bolt cutter, and other machinery. Up stairs is the pattern shop, well stocked, and having a complete outfit of light machines, fine tools, etc.; the whole plant of the building making a model machine shop. In the blacksmith shop is a powerful steam hammer for heavy forgings and all the requisite plant, tools, etc.; and the other departments are equally well equipped. Large as the facilities are, however, the expansion of the business has been such that it is proposed to increase them by building a new foundry and galvanizing shops, and enlarging the machine shops. At the works a large business is carried on in the manufacture of galvanized iron pipes for salt wells, and about 500,000 feet of pipe are galvanized annually; in addition to which the works do a large business in the manufacture of steam engines, saw mill machinery, including the latest improved gang and circular mills, mammoth and medium sized steam feeds, salt well machinery, etc. They send saw mill engines as far west as Denver, and deck hoisting engines to all points South, and have an unequaled reputation for slide valve engines. The works are now engaged upon a contract from the street railroad for fifty tons of castings, including frogs, switches, frog plates, etc. Mr. Alexander M. Lemke, the manager, is a mechanical draughtsman of ability, and prior to coming here as draughtsman and superintendent of works in January last, was for seven years with E. P. Ellis & Co., of Milwaukee, builders of Corliss engines. Since his arrival the Corliss engine for the new Feige-Silsbee Furniture Co. was built at these works, and several more are on hand. Arrangements have also recently been made for the manufacture of C. Heme's patent tubing clamp for salt works. Mr. Lemke has been manager for about three mouths, and carefully supervises all the details of the business. Mrs. Bartlett'is a lady of great business ability, and aids greatly in the success which these works enjoy.

• 1889 edition of Polk's Michigan State Gazetteer and Business Directory: "Pioneer Iron and Galvanizing Works, A F Bartlett 8:. Co Proprs, cor S Water and Mason
• American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 27.
• A correspondent reports that his grandfather, Lester Joseph Skinner, registered in 1917 for the World War I draft; his draft card lists his employment as an iron moulder at A. F. Bartlett & Co.