The following is a transcription of the above articles published in the New Holland Clarion newspaper.
New Holland, Lan. Co., Pa., Saturday, May 30, 1896 – 8 Pages. No. 22
READY FOR WORK.
New Holland Boiler Works and Machine Shop Equipped.
A. M. Zimmerman, who started in last fall to establish a boiler works and machine shop in this borough, has now progressed so far in his venture that he is ready for all classes of work in his line, and of course will be glad to secure orders.
Mr. Zimmerman’s shops are located on the north side of the borough along the Hinkletown road, named Luther avenue in the borough limits. The main structure is 30 by 40 feet, and an addition is now being made 30 by 36 feet.
A twelve horse power upright boiler, has just been completed, which Mr. Zimmerman built entirely in his shops. It is very complete boiler and was so well joined that it had not the slightest leak, when tested. An improved device furnishes the steam to the engine in the driest condition attainable, so that there is no burden or waste of water through the engine.
Mr. Zimmerman will manufacture boilers, water tanks, troughs, etc. An improved well drill will also be made, and all kinds of repair work in boilers, engines and machinery in general will receive careful attention.
Mr. Zimmerman is a practical machinist and has had considerable experience in his work, and besides has an inventive turn of mind so that what-ever is undertaken will be done right.
This establishment will be quite a convenience in this section and it is to be hoped that there may soon be such a demand for new work as to keep a good force of workman employed all the time.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Lanc. Co., Pa., Saturday, March 21, 1903 – 8 Pages. No. 18
New Holland Machine Works.
The Movement to Enlarge and Incorporate the Plant Progressing Favorably.
The movement started about a month ago to enlarge and incorporate the New Holland Machine Works, of this borough, of which A. M. Zimmerman is proprietor, is progressing very favorably, and the indications are that the whole amount of stock will be raised in a few days.
It is proposed to organize with a capital of $50,000 divided into 500 shares of stock at $100 each. Mr. Zimmerman takes a large block of the stock himself which is an evidence that it is not his aim to unload on others but that he has full faith in the value of his rapidly growing plant, his only object being to secure a larger capital so as to be able to meet the pressing demands for mills and engines.
At first there was some hesitancy about taking hold of the matter as cautious investors never rush into any enterprise, but since the matter is better understood, our people in town especially have taken a lively interest in the project, and its success is now assured.
Of the 500 shares of stock 378 were taken yesterday morning and all these, except a very few, were taken in New Holland, and there are yet others in town, who intend taking some stock.
As there are quite a number in the surrounding sections who have expressed a readiness to take some shares, they should now hesitate no longer as to how many shares they intend to subscribe for, or the opportunity to take any may be lost.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Lanc. Co., Pa., Saturday, May 2, 1903 – 8 Pages. No. 18
New Holland Machine Company.
Charter Granted – Land Purchased and Ground Broken – Substantial Buildings to be Erected.
The charter for the New Holland Machine Company was granted by the state department at Harrisburg, on Monday, and has been received at the recorder’s office. The capital stock is $50,000, divided into 500 shares, and the first year’s directors are: A. M. Zimmerman, David M. Wenger, treasurer; John Metzler, Eli M. Martin, New Holland, and H. K. Landis, Mount Joy.
A lot of ground containing a little over two acres, located along the Downingtown & Lancaster railroad, west the cattle chute, has been purchased from T. M. Storb on which the buildings are to be erected. The lot fronts on Franklin street about 700 feet and has also about the same front on the railroad.
Ground was broken on Tuesday and the buildings are to be erected as speedily as possible. They are to be built of brick in a substantial manner. The main building will be 40x210 feet in size; and the foundry 40x50 feet. There will also be several other buildings, as a boiler house, warehouse, etc., the size of which has not yet been determined. Steam power is to be used to run the machinery, and a 25-horse power engine and 40-horse power boiler will be used. Considerable machinery, all of the latest improved character, will be added to that now in use in the works.
It is expected to have the new works ready for occupancy by fall.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Lanc. Co., Pa., Saturday, April 22, 1911. No. 16.
New Holland Machine Company.
Local Company Doing More Business than Ever
The New Holland Machine Company, One of New Holland’s Foremost Industries Reports the Best Year’s Business Since Its Establishment
The annual meeting of the stock-holders of the New Holland Machine Company will be held early in May. The management of the company will then present its annual report which to say the least will be a very gratifying one.
During the year the company under the efficient management of A. M. Zimmerman, the founder of the same, has manufactured several new pieces of machinery which as on all former products, required the best mechanical skill to perfect. Among the newcomers are the ½ H. P., the 2 H. P., and the 5 h. p., gasoline engine, improved wood saw, and a stone crusher. A number of these machines have been sold and in all cases they have given universal satisfaction. The demand has really exceeded expectations of the company.
At present this concern is giving employment to 117 hands. At times during the year the number of hands ran even higher. During the three months preceding new year the company was obliged to run a night force in some of the departments in order to fill orders promptly. In all their employment the company has given preference to men from New Holland and the adjacent community. Only a few of the men now employed come from a distance and in most instances these are mechanics which could not be secured here. Many of the young men who have come in from the town or farm are now earning “good money” and are being pushed to the front as fast as their mechanical ability will permit.
If a man enters the employ of this company and applies himself to his work the company always stands ready to uphold and to promote him.
The plant has been hampered for room for some time and it is expected that there will be some additions made before long in order that the products can be gotten out more quickly. Under present conditions a goodly amount of labor-saving machinery has been added and while this has greatly facilitated the work considerable more room is needed. A stock room which will give place for storage of finished and unfinished parts is needed and it is expected that this department will be enlarged at an early date.
The year from May 1910 to May 1911 has proved to be the best since the company was incorporated eight years ago.
The amount of business done at the end of the company’s fiscal year will exceed $200,000. Very good, indeed for a town the size of New Holland. The business of the company during the year above mentioned has increased twenty-five per cent.
In all the departments the best of fellowship prevails between the management and its employes.
Ever since the company was organized experiments and tests were made pans and machinery for the manufacture of their products had to be developed as well as the perfecting of the products themselves. It may truly be said that thus far the plant of the Company was only in the stage of development. Now, since this has been accomplished they are ready to turn out their products quickly in a well equipped, modern plant, with trained employes in the various departments. The outlook for the ensuing year is very bright.
May this valuable industry to the town’s welfare continue its good work and prosper.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Lanc. Co., Pa., Saturday, February 24, 1912. No. 8.
The Development of New Holland’s Greatest Industry Employing Men
From a Small Beginning With But One Employe Seventeen Years Ago the New Holland Machine Works is Now a Corporation Giving Employment to a Hundred and Fifty Men. – Helps to a Steady Growth of the Town. – A Few Words From the Founder of the Enterprise.
In order that the growth of this industrial establishment may be more readily notices by the casual reader and that they careful study thereof may be simplified, the writer fives this extended synopsis on an annual basis. No effort for flowery composition has been made, but the facts as gleaned from the records now in possession of the company are produced from year to year in order that the readers of this paper may learn how such a large industrial establishment was developed from a small beginning.
1895-1896
The origin of the New Holland Machine Company dates back to 1895, when A/ M/ Zimmerman erected a general repair shop on Luther avenue, about a square north of Main street. With many shops of a similar character in Lancaster, the county seat, only fourteen miles away and with several shops within a few miles of New Holland, the venture was looked upon by some as ahead of its time and the more incredulous looked upon it as a failure.
Some tools were made and a number of second-hand tools and machines were purchased. This meagre beginning was a necessity, as the proprietor’s capital was limited. The people of the town and surrounding community soon found the shop to be a great convenience in their midst. Repair work was neatly and promptly done, and here Mr. Zimmerman slowly but surely laid the foundation of business which today is the pride of the town and which stands as a living monument to his genius, skill and thrift.
Realizing that farmers had a desire to grind their corn at home experiments were made and a twelve-inch horizontal sandstone mill in a wood frame was gotten out. This was designed as a farmer’s mill and was run by sweep horse-power.
During this year only one man was employed.
1896-97.
This year a twelve-inch vertical sandstone mill in an iron frame was built. The Turkey Hill sandstone was used exclusively. It was considered the best; preferred in a number of respects to the French burr. Iron tanks and troughs were made; wood saws were built and attention was given to repairing all kinds of machinery.
1897-98.
A sixteen-inch vertical mill in an iron frame was added to the list of products. These were equipped to run with steam or water power – an improvement on the former types. They gave good satisfaction. The shop was well equipped to repair steam engines. Considerable work was done in this line and this in connection with the general growth of the business, necessitated the employment of more workmen. During the year the working force consisted of five men.
1898-99.
This year found the New Holland Machines Works in a new departure, the management not being slow to grasp an opportunity even before it presented itself as an immediate money-making proposition. This was the introduction of the gasoline engine which later sprang into popular favor as a necessity.
Second-hand gasoline engines were purchased, repaired, rebuilt and their mechanism thoroughly studied. The agency for the Columbus gasoline engine was secured and a few were sold principally among the farmers. It was readily seen that a portable engine was more desirable for use on the farm than the stationary type, hence a steel wheel truck was devised which is almost in universal use at the present time.
Sandstone mills were built but their sale was impeded on account of not being fitted with a suitable cob breaker. Those on the market were intended for grist mills and were too cumbersome and expensive for farm use. None could be found to answer the purpose of the farmer. This condition suggested an idea. Here was an open sesame for the enlargement of business, provided the necessary “missing link” could be found. Brains were racked, hours, days and weeks were spent devising plans and experiments were made.
1899-1900.
Early in 1899 it looked as tho wind was the coming power. Patterns were made and a wind mill or air motor was built, but until this was accomplished, gasoline engines were attracting so much attention that the wind mill proposition was cast to the “winds” and time was devoted to the sale of engines and to perfecting the cob breaker.
As the powers mostly in use were sweep and wind it was necessary to get out a breaker which would take the least possible amount of power for its operation.
To build a cob breaker suitable for this power, the lugs which break the ear corn were placed as near as possible to the middle of the shaft and on the same shaft a large pulley was placed. This principle gave a long leverage and a short fulcrum from the breaking lugs to the ear corn. This is why New Holland feed mills run so easily. It is the principle employed in New Holland mills today and has been copied by manufactures throughout the United States.
The power of a wind mill was often weak and irregular. If the cob breaker ran hard as those did which were in use, it almost required a storm to start it. Consequently the breaker stood idle and the farmer waited for a high wind to do his grinding.
The New Holland breaking lugs were arranged in a spiral form around the shaft so that not more than one or two could catch the ears at the same time. The spiral was adjusted to work the broken ears to one end where they were made to pass between a pair of plates. These plates further reduced the product and made it more uniform. The one plate was secured to the shaft and is known as the runner. The other is the stationery and is provided with an opening which is controlled by and adjustable slide which regulars the feed to the slides. This was the first application of an opening in a grinding plate controlled by an adjustable slide or slides, and upon which a patent was obtained.
Experiments were continued, patterns were made and in the fall of 1899, New Holland cob mills were placed on the market. They gave excellent satisfaction. Their easy running was a surprise to all who put them to test. Calls soon were made for plates to grind the cob and corn finer. These were promptly made and worked satisfactorily. With this mill, ear corn could be ground fine in one operation and the New Holland feed mill was born. They at once met with popular favor and at the close of the season seventy-five had been sold.
The sales of Columbus engines increased. Plunger pumps were made and attached to the engines for circulating the cooling water when engines were mounted on trucks.
1900-01.
This year a larger, stronger mill was built. Patterned after the first or No. 1. This addition was designated the No. 2. The first year’s mill product was sold in Lancaster county. During the second mill year a half-inch advertisement was used in one farm paper, and this, combined with the exceptional advantages of the mill over others, sold the entire output of the shop – 150 mills.
The sale of Columbus engines was rather slow, but repairing and rebuilding commanded attention in connection with general repair work, in and outside the shop.
1901-02.
The increasing demand for the mills was most encouraging. It was readily seen that they were a good thing. A little more advertising was done and the production of mills was doubled – 300 mills. A worm grinder was added to the row of grinders in the hopper; the frame and hopper were made larger.
The sales of Columbus engines increased. A clutch pulley was devised and built for it, which was very satisfactory and is in use on the Columbus today. A steel portable truck was also built for these engines.
Under the competent instruction of the proprietor most of the men in his employ became skilled mechanics. In repairing and rebuilding the carious makes of engines they studied their mechanism closely and sought means for improvements. As a result a 1 ½ horse power engine was built which was far superior in many of its features than any of the engines which had been in the shop prior to this time.
1902-03.
A No. 3 mill a size larger than the No. 2, was placed on the market. The improvement on this mill was an open end which allowed the renewal of plates without removing the hopper or disturbing the row of grinders on the shaft. So well did this new arrangement suit every one that is was applied to Nos. 1 and 2 mills and they were designated Nos. 10 and 12, respectively.
Improvements were made to the New Holland 1 ½ horse power engine. It was mounted on a two-wheeled truck which was especially designed for it. Many Columbus engines were
Continued on Page 2, Column 1.
New Holland’s Greatest Industry. Continued from Page 1.
sold; nearly all mounted on New Holland trucks.
Plans were undertaken to organize a stock company. Subscriptions for stock were solicited and application was made for a charter. A plot of ground along the railroad between the railroad station and the milk station was secured from Mr. T. M. Storb.
1903-04.
First Year of the Incorporated New Holland Machine Company.
The charter having been granted, stock subscribed and other preliminary details attended to the New Holland Machine Company, Incorporated, capital, $50,000, commenced business in May 1903.
Conditions for manufacturing and developing were not favorable in the beginning on account of the building of the new shops. A main building, 40x210 feet, a foundry, 40x40 feet, all brick, were erected, also a frame barn and shedding. The moving of machinery and business to the new shops retarded the work of the forty employees to a considerable extent.
Some time, however, was devoted to developing, and a valuable addition to the Nos. 10 and 12 mills was brought out when they were fitted with ball bearings in the thrust boxes. A four-wheeled truck was also made for the 1 ½ horse power engine. Wood saws were made in three sizes and became a popular seller. Only a slight increase is noticed in the sale of mills due to not being able to make them rapidly. The increase on the sales of engines was very good.
1904-05.
There was a heavy increase in the business of the company the second year of its incorporation. The increase running more than 100 per cent.
Among the improvements and additions for this year the following are mentioned: An elevator and bagger for the Nos. 10 and 12 mills; a vertical pump jack and other parts of pumping outfits, added to the horizontal pump jack and other parts of pumping outfits, added to the horizontal pump jack gotten out several years before; the plunger pump on the Columbus engines was replaced by a centrifugal circulating pump. This eliminates all trouble of bursting cylinders and breaks caused by freezing. This pump is self-draining and the cylinder of the engine is drained automatically of all water the minute the engine is stopped. It is the best contrivance is use today for this purpose of circulating water through a closed engine jacket. A patent has been secured on this pump
1905-06.
A change was made to the feed mills in the method of fastening the pulley and fly wheel. A pin clutch was substituted for the set screw. This was a decided improvement because both these pieces held more tightly when in use and were more easily taken off than by the former method.
The sale of products kept on the increase. Sales of saws almost doubled; sales of mills more than doubled; sales of Columbus engines made a slight increase, but the sales of New Holland engines increased forty per cent.
In December an agreement was made with Fairbanks, Morse & Co., of Chicago, by which that firm secured the exclusive sale of the New Holland feed mills, but restricted the local company to the sale of New Holland gasoline engines only. This agreement went into effect April 1, 1906.
1906-07.
Upon the contract of the Chicago firm going into effect as above stated, the local company was relieved of the sales of the mills and devoted their time, as follows: Making mills for their exclusive sales agent; making and selling 1 ½ horse power engines and wood saws, the agency for the Columbus having been transferred to Landis Bros., of Rheems (Pa. - west of Lancaster City).
The Fairbanks, Morse Company gave New Holland feed mills a wonderful impetus and the sales increased nearly 100 per cent, while the sale of engines showed an increase of only 2 per cent and wood saws dropped 5 per cent.
The increase in sales of mills showed that the foundry of the plant was too small to handle it properly and arrangements were made to build a new one of ample proportions. The Fairbanks-Morse concern’s contract was renewed for the following year.
1907-08.
A business panic prevailed during this year and the Fairbanks, Morse Company sales decreased 33 per cent. From the previous year. The local sales of engines decreased 10 per cent., and the saw sales showed an increase of 5 per cent.
During the year the No. 6 mill was added. A quick release devise was made and applied to mills for the coming year. A brick building 85x100 feet, was erected to be used as a foundry, but was not occupied when finished.
The contract with Fairbanks, Morse & Co., was not renewed.
1908-09.
At the beginning of this year – the spring of 1908, there was plenty of work on hand for the management, office force and sales. The contract with the Chicago firm of sales agents not having been renewed it was up to the local company to secure district agents, assign territory, educate agents, increase the office force, establish a follow-up system, advertise extensively, and probably a dozen or two things, all of which required time in order that the business lost the preceding year might be regained and new business established. As a consequence the sale of mills for the year showed a decrease of 25 per cent. From the preceding year.
A four horse power New Holland gasoline engine was put on the market and found ready favor. Its sales added to those of the 1 ½ horse power made the engine output 50 per cent. Higher than the year before. Three and four-wheeled trucks were also built for the four horse engine. The trade in wood saws increased 6 per cent.
Mr. Zimmerman made experiments with portable stone crushers. From all indications it was destined to be a success and four were sold.
1909-10.
The mills having been well established in the farming world, the panicky condition having been passed the trade in mills increased to a wonderful extent during this year – 54 per cent. Over the preceding year’s output. The trade in gasoline engines was even better – 64 per cent. Over the previous year. This was an encouraging increase and one which demonstrated by the actual sales to many customers who became well satisfied users that the New Holland engine was a decided success and was made to stay on the market and give the best of service to its owner. The increase in sales of saws amounted to 14 per cent.
Preparations were made to put a 5 horse power engine on the market. This entailed a great deal of time and labor. Several difficulties were encountered but by the perseverance and skill of the expert mechanics employed these were all overcome and the 5 horse engine became a reality.
During this year considerable experimenting was done with stone crushers. The weak points in the crushers of the previous year were eliminated and some of the parts were strengthened, not in weight alone, but in strength and quality of material used. This fact, as well as many others, shows that the company will not keep any machine on the market upon which there is any possible chance for improvement, although to change the patterns, models, molds, designs and the like on anyone of their products, often costs hundreds and in some instances thousand of dollars.
In the autumn of 1909 the new foundry building which was built in 1907 was occupied. The demand for the goods was here and more moulders were employed in the new building than could be accommodated int the old.
1910-11.
The business of the company continued to improve and all lines showed great gains. The gains over the preceding year were as follows: Mills 34 per cent.; engines, 57 per cent.; saws, 34 per cet.; stone crushers, 148 per cent. The latter was indeed unexpected, but very gratifying indeed, because the crushers were the company’s newest product in the market.
A combination truck was made for the purpose of mounting an engine on one end of the sills and a saw frame or mill on the other end, either connected with the engine and run by the same belt. The mill was provided with a bagger holding two bags. This outfit could always be kept set up and could be used on a barn floor, ground floor or at a crib out in the open. The mill could easily be lifted off and the saw frame substituted in a moment. The saw blade was so arranged that an emery wheel could be substituted in a moment for sharpening plow shares, cultivator shovels, cutting tools and the like.
The five horse power engine was added to the list and placed on the market. A few engines of half-horse power capacity were also made and tried out.
The record-breaking sales of stone crushers give that industry an impetus. With renewed zeal and energy efforts were made to make them even better than before and this was accomplished. The field was open for a good crusher at a medium price. Farmers began macadamizing and concreting and needed crushed stone. Roadmasters and contractors found them practicable and profitable, as well, because being mounted on trucks they were easily moved to their work instead of the stones being hauled to the crusher.
The No. 2, a larger size than the first built, was placed on the market.
1911-12.
This is the ninth year of the incorporation of the company and the business has grown to such proportions that more room was needed. A storing and shipping building, were erected. A long, narrow attachment was made to the foundry, one part thereof is used for cleaning castings by machinery and the other for the coke ovens and core-making which were taken out of the foundry to make more room for moulders. The several frame additions to the old foundry were razed and a two-story brick building 48x48 feet, with basement, was erected on the site. This is intended for the woodworking department which will be moved from the main building. The building formerly used as a foundry is now used as the stone crusher department.
A heavy steel truck was built for the No. 2 crusher. This was styled No. 4 truck. A number of these were sold and orders have been placed for spring delivery.
The same frame on the combination truck had a sliding table on rollers in place of the swinging table. A light steel frame was attached to this frame making a very neat and strong saw frame.
Engines were changed to comply with the rules of the Underwriters.
A decided improvement was made in the mill plates and cob crushers.
The greatest improvement was made in the foundry in placing moulding machines, greatly reducing the cost of moulding, besides increasing the capacity of the foundry.
Turret lathes had also been introduced in the machine shop which greatly increased the output and lowered the cost of production. The machines in foundry and machine shops have a great effect in lowering the cost of manufacturing besides giving the shops greater capacity. The shops are today in excellent condition to turn out large quantities of work at a minimum cost.
Percentage of Total Sales of Each Year Over the First Year of Business of the New Holland Machine Co.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1905, over the first year, 123 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1906, over the first year, 189 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1907, over the first year, 103 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1908, over the first year, 47 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1909, over the first year, 63 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1910, over the first year, 139 per cent.
Increase of sales for year ending April 1, 1911, over the first year, 253 per cent.
Increase of sales for 9 months of the present year to January 1, 1912, over first 9 months of 1904 is, 420 per cent.
The total sales for the New Holland Machine Company for the year ending April 1, 1904, amounting to practically the same as the last year’s business of Mr. A. M. Zimmerman, year ending April 1, 1903.
Number of Employees.
New Holland Machine Works was started October, 1895.
December, 1895, 1 man employed.
December, 1896, 3 men employed.
December, 1897, 5 men employed.
December, 1898, 6 men employed.
December, 1899, 8 men employed.
December, 1900, 10 men employed.
December, 1901, 17 men employed.
December, 1902, 25 men employed.
New Holland Machine Company, incorporated 1903.
December, 1903, 40 men employed.
December, 1904, 68 men employed.
December, 1905, 74 men employed.
December, 1906, 69 men employed.
December, 1907, 62 men employed.
December, 1908, 75 men employed.
December, 1909, 103 men employed.
December, 1910, 135 men employed.
December, 1911, 150 men employed.
The Outlook.
The outlook of the company for the future was never brighter, all the machines which they have thus far placed on the market have been tried and successfully established. The management of the company is of the best. At present 150 hands are employed and all are kept busy. Good wages are paid and the best of spirit prevails between employer and employee.
The Company.
The following are the officers of the company: President and general manager, A. M. Zimmerman; vice president, Weaver Musselman; secretary and treasurer, Paul B. Hess. These officers, with the following, constitute the Board of Directors: Eli M. Martin, E. L. Sutton, David M. Wenger, H. K. Landis.
Good for the Town.
As will be noticed from the above brief synopsis from a mechanical standpoint, the development of the New Holland Machine Works has been very little short of Phenomenal. It is due to the development of this company and one other, namely, the silk mill of Storb, Snader & Co., incorporated, that the boro of New Holland has been aroused from its lethargy and has taken on a new least of life. New Holland has enjoyed many good things within recent years; her population has increased; her homes are more beautiful and many new ones have been built; her schools have grown in efficiency; her churches have gained in membership; retail stored have grown in size, appointment and efficiency of service; her streets are better, and many other benefits have accrued which tend to the upbuilding of the town and her people.
And all this is due to the men whose beginnings were small, but who had faith in their undertakings and who, with indomitable courage, persevered until their efforts were crowned with success and they can now feel assured that they have been and are the benefactors of mankind.
A Personal Statement.
In connection with the above article the Clarion asked Mr. Zimmerman for a personal statement regarding his training for, and the development of his undertaking, He did not deem this absolutely necessary and replied that machinery, and not writing, was his chosen line of work. Rather reluctantly he consented and here is his reply to the Clarion’s request:
Dear Editor:
The following may be of some interest to some of your readers of those concerned with this plant and may be of some benefit to younger folks starting out to make a success of life.
While I was working on a farm up to the age of fourteen I got considerable knowledge of farm machinery after which time for five years most of my time was spent in running steam traction engines, threshing machinery, crushing rock, heavy hauling and scraping roads with traction, and drill-wells. At the age of nineteen after having considerable experience on repairing and rebuilding various kinds of machinery and working at different trades, I started in with Ezra F. Lindis’ Steam Pump and Machine Works, Lancaster, to serve three years at the machinist’s trade at $.50 per day for the first year, which was the very best we could get in any of the shops applied, regardless of former experience. However, we wanted the trade and started in watching and practicing day by day to get the trade and studying and seeking night after night for all the knowledge we could get out of literature then available, looking forward toward prosperity.
With amazement in our younger days we looked upon small manufacturers and repair shops wondering why they did not get busy and increase to help supply the enormous demand for all kinds of machinery. My ambition and courage would have failed in my early days had I known how much strenuous effort and the difficulties required and connected when starting and increasing a new manufacturing plant or a new product to a scale where it afforded modern machinery and competent men in each department. This question has been solved only since we had our experience and privilege to accomplish such an undertaking. We feel very grateful towards all employes and those assisting the New Holland Machine Works and the Company which made it possible to show up what this Company has today. We feel as though manufacturing would be easy sailing from now on as the necessary attention required for improvements is very small towards looking up a new line of product, the required drawings, patterns, special tools and trade for same. On the other hand we see increasing competition staring in our eyes and as we look back in the past we see a number of manufactures compelled to get out of business on account of poor management or not having sufficient capital to run their business on a scale to compete in price and quality with their competitors. We feel confident that only large manufacturing concerns with modernly equipped plants and whose heads are willing to improve their product as the demand requires it, will be the only ones to meet with success in the future.
We also have noticed that incorporated companies controlled by many stockholders as a rule meet with better success than individual manufacturers or partnership companies as the individual or partner owners will hold on to their business personally and if not on good paying basis will manage it themselves, regardless of their inability, rather than employ competent men; whereas, an incorporated company run by the stockholder will not allow business to go down on account of individuality.
We see the time is not far off when all such establishments will be run for the benefit of the emplyes and the customers supplied, and not for reaping gains for the owner above a reasonable profit.
Yours respectfully, A. M. Zimmerman.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Pa., Saturday, January 3, 1914. No. 1.
Local Industry Remembers Employes
Social Gathering Precedes Presentation of Gifts at the New Holland Machine Works
Pursuant to the call of A. M. Zimmerman, president and general manager of the New Holland Machine Company, the 100 employes of the company gathered in the spacious shipping room the day before Christmas at 3:30 o’clock.
One of the office force, who the manager had selected to serve as spokesman, stated that the little meeting was called to cement the ties of fellowship which exists between the company and its employes and to give the company an opportunity to express its appreciation to the employes for the faithful performance of their respective duties.
A quartet composed of D. R. Kendig, William Lockard, J. M. Smith and Newton Weaver, rendered an appropriate song, the audience joining in the last stanza.
P. B. Hess, secretary and treasurer, reviewed the work of the year and expressed himself as well pleased with what had been accomplished, and looked forward for even better thins during the coming year. In behalf of the company he presented each employee with a beautiful leather purse containing a dollar bill as a Christmas gift.
J. M. Smith, superintendent of the foundry department was next introduced. Briefly he reviewed the work in his department and commended his workmen for their faithfulness. He referred to Christmas and to the Babe of Bethlehem and admonished all to celebrate the yuletide with due respect to Him who doeth all things well. In behalf of this department he presented Mr. Zimmerman with a pair of handsome gold cuff links as a token of their esteem to which Mr. Z. responded with a feeling of deepest appreciation. Mr. Smith was the recipient of a heavy all wool sweater as a gift from the men in his department.
John F. Glowner, superintendent of the painting department, was next called upon. He began by citing the difficulties Mr. Zimmerman encountered in establishing his small shop on Luther avenue eighteen years ago, and step by step led his bearers down to the large plant of the present day, and in glowing terns told how the New Holland lime has become famous, not only within the confines of our native land, but wherever civilization holds sway. “The hardest worker in the whole affair, the man to whom all honor and credit is due for putting New Holland on the map and giving this town such an industry that would be a credit to any town of large size, is none other but our loyal manager, Mr. A. M. Zimmerman,” said Johnny, and the hearty applause he was accorded was sufficient evidence that his fellow co-workers were of the same opinion.
After a selection by the quartet Mr. Zimmerman was introduced. He spoke in an optimistic strain. What many would class as trials, difficulties and failure he charged to his own inability. He was glad, however, that the company has accomplished so much and is prospering. All this prosperity he credited to the faithfulness of its employes. He was glad to be affiliated with a concern where equality of man prevails. To his idea all are wage-earners and the laborer and the apprentice when in the proper performance of their duty, play just as important a part in the promotion of the company’s interest as those who labor in an official or executive capacity. Exceedingly well was he pleased that the company has been able to give its men steady and even extra employment in this time of financial and commercial unrest while many firms engaged in the same line of manufacture have laid off men and others are working short hours. He hoped for better things and better conditions for the employes who have materially assisted the company in its successful career. After giving wholesome council as to the proper way of living and preparing for the life to come he thanked all for helping to make his pathway a pleasant one, and for the handsome stuffed goatskin rocker which the employes had given him the day previous as a Christmas gift.
The last speaker was A. R. Ebersol, one of the salesmen. His address was a masterpiece in thought and language. He finds pleasure in representing a company that makes such a high-grade of machinery and that stands up to every promise or claim made. He gave results of a competitive feed mill test made at Weaverland and a similar test on engines made in Cumberland County. In both tests the New Holland machines were the winders by considerable margins. The victories were possible only because every workman who made any part of these machines, made that part well. It is up to the employes to maintain the standard of the New Holland Line.
Mr. Zimmerman concluded the exercise in a brief speech in which as a personal gift he presented each employee with a handsome silk umbrella.
The meeting, although hastily arranged, was a success and accomplished its purpose. The little army of workmen as they wended their way homeward with their purses, dollar bills and umbrellas, did so with sprightly step, and with the expression on each face that radiated happiness.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Pa., Saturday, May 16, 1914. No. 20.
Stockholder’s Meeting
New Holland Machine Co’s. Annual Statement Shows a 20 Per Cent. Increase.
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the New Holland machine Company was held in the office of the company last Saturday afternoon.
The annual statement showed an increase in the volume of business for the year ending April 1, 1914, of twenty per cent. Over the preceding year.
The following were re-elected directors to server three years: Weaver Musselman, H. K. Landis, P. B. Hess. E. C. Diller was also re-elected auditor for a three year term. The other auditors are A. W. Snader and Jason D. Bair.
Immediately after the Stockholders’ meeting the Board of Directors, which consists of those re-elected and A. M. Zimmerman, Rev. J. G. Noss, H. K. Storb and D. M. Wenger held a meeting and affected the following organization: President and general manager, A. M. Zimmerman, vice president, Weaver Musselman, secretary and treasurer, P. B. Hess.
The annual statement is the best the company has ever been able to issue and was highly gratifying to the directors and stockholders, Despite the fact that many of the manufacturers along similar and other lines have been obliged to curtail their output owing to the lack of orders, the local company has been fortunate in keeping the plant running on full time with 135 employes which is just about normal for this season of the year.
The output since April 1, compares very favorably with the output for the corresponding period of last year and the outlook for the future is encouraging.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Pa., Saturday, July 20, 1934
New Lawn Mower Being Made by Local Machine Co.
The New Holland Machine Company is manufacturing a new type of electric lawn mower, known as the Cloud Electric Lawn Mower. The machine was patented in 1932 by Orville Cloud, of Kemblesville, Chester county, and a demonstration proves it very efficient regardless of the height of the grass.
Driven by a quarter horsepower motor set on a frame supported by four small iron wheels, with horizontal two-edged blades attached to the shaft of the motor, the mower cuts as close as desired, as it is adjustable. Persons who have tried the mower marvel at the low cost and the clean cut swath it cuts. One hundred feet of cord is a part of the equipment.
Some of the machines are in use in cemeteries and on estates where electricity is available.
New Holland Clarion.
New Holland, Pa., Saturday, February 4, 1944
Abraham M. Zimmerman
Abraham M. Zimmerman, seventy-five, of Williamsburg, Va., died at this home at 1 p.m., January 24, of pneumonia, after a brief illness. He was the founder of the New Holland Machine Company in 1895, and served as its president over a period of years. He was a member of the Jehovah Witness denomination. His parents were the late Martin and Anna Zimmerman, of Martindale.
Besides his widow, who was Elizabeth W. Martin, he is survived by one daughter, Anna, at home, and a son, Ivan, of Meadeville, Pa., and five brothers, Moses and Adam Zimmerman, of Martindale; Martin, of Ephrata; Aaron, of Blue Ball, and George, of Lincoln.
Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., in Williamsburg.
New Holland Clarion Newspaper Articles and Transcription
The following are New Holland Clarion Newspaper articles concerning New Holland Machine Company for the date and page indicated. The articles are in chronological order. Click on an image and it will enlarge and you can scroll through the other images (Left and Right arrows on the sides of the image). The Clarion Newspaper served the New Holland area of Lancaster County, Pa.
The next section on this page is a transcription of these newspaper images.
New Holland Hit and Miss Engines