It is gratifying to note the deep interest manifested by the people of Norwood in welcoming her new industries. It is pleasant also to observe the harmony of purpose displayed by the businessmen and capitalists of Norwood in whatever is undertaken tending to promote the business and commercial interests of the town.
Another evidence of the appreciation of new enterprises locating in our midst, was seen in the demonstration which fittingly dedicated the Plimpton Press and Bindery last Wednesday evening. The attendance would have been much larger than it was had the conditions of the weather been more favorable. As it was some three hundred braved the threatening storm and put in an appearance.
The affair was in charge of the Business Association, the details being performed by an efficient corps of committees.
The building may be briefly described as being a four-story structure, the first story of brick, the remainder of wood, with a tower at the north end, and contains a little more than 40,000 feet of floor space. There is a predominance of windows, which afford abundant light. The building throughout is admirably adapted to the work for which it was designed, and for a wooden structure has few equals for strength. The press room will be on the ground floor, the binding machinery on the third and fourth floors, while the second floor will contain no machinery for the present. The power to be used will be taken from two Lundell electric dynamos from the Interior Conduit and Insulation Co. of New York. Huber presses will be used, to which electric motors are attached and are a part of the machine. By this method belting and shafting are dispensed with, and this is the only press room in New England that is so equipped, though at the University Press in Cambridge the presses are operated by a similar device. Light is also furnished from the dynamos, and will be both arc and incandescent. The building is also piped for gas, and is supplied with automatic sprinklers for fire purposes.
On Wednesday evening the building as illuminated showed off to fine advantage, though the management were greatly disappointed in not receiving the electric lights, which wore delayed in transportation. The floral decorations were furnished by W. A. Talbot and son and Rea Bros., and Mr. Fetting did himself credit in his work of adornment. The Norwood Band furnished music for dancing, which was kept up until midnight. Ice cream and cake were served during the evening.
The occasion will go on record as one of the most enjoyable of the kind, and the firm of H. M. & H. E. Plimpton should feel assured that the citizens of Norwood are in hearty accord with their enterprise and wish it every success.
(All articles originally appeared in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)