I would like to open this thread as a depository of information about dip pens, pencils and fountain pens in Philadelphia.
May I suggest that we dont include Esterbrook here, not because he does not have a Phila connection but is too big by itself to deserve a
separate thread(s).
I have several pieces of info which I will eventually post here. I start today with information from "Philadelphia and Its Manufactures", By Edwin Troxell Freedley, Published 1858
"Gold and Silver Pencil and Pen Cases are made largely in Philadelphia, but, as we are informed, only by one firm—Messrs.
GEORGE W. SIMONS & BROTHER, Sansom Street Hall. This firm claim to have been first to use steam advantageously in this
branch ; and their present machinery, which is new, costing upward of $25,000, is of the first class, and embodies all the latest
improvements. Messrs. Simons & Brother had the misfortune to lose their entire stock of tools in the great fire which consumed
the Artisan Buildings in Ranstead Place, on April 1st, 1856, not a single appliance of manufacture remaining available ; but in six
weeks from that time, as we are informed—with a steam engine, much heavy shafting, and other machinery, and all the peculiar
tools of the art to be constructed anew—their factory was again in good running order in its present location ; and ever since they
have been occupied in perfecting and simplifying its details, till now it is confessedly a model in its appointments. " (p. 345)
Amazingly, the company exists today, see http://www.simonsbrothers.com/home.htm
