Providence Dye Works, a.k.a. Firth Brothers, a.k.a Firth & Foster Bros., a.k.a. Hart & Foster, circa 1867-1953
John Foster was born about 1830, his brother Thomas about 1847. They were English immigrants, coming to America as young men and initially set up their dye works business about 1867 in the Spring Garden District.
Firth & Brother, also known as Providence Dye Works, was a dying business, first listed at 2201 Shamokin (near 22nd & Callowhill). They remained at this address thru 1875 before moving to Kensington in the late 1870s.
After moving to Kensington the brothers became partners with Joseph R. and John H. Foster, and went under the name of Firth & Foster Brothers. Thomas Firth moved to Norris Square, living in a big townhouse at 135 W. Susquehanna Avenue. John R. Foster lived two doors away at 131.
The firm of Firth & Brother was initially located on the half block bordered by the east side of Emerald Street between Adams (Hagert) and Taylor (Boston) Streets. It began operations at this location about the year 1875, on a site of a former woolen mill. The firm dyed, dried, and finished cotton, woolen and worsted yarns, warps and wool, as well as piece goods
There were five Hexamer Insurance Surveys conducted between the years 1877 and 1889 [see links below] of the Providence Dye Works in Kensington, that show the development of this company during this twelve-year period. The company went from 25 dye workers in 1879 to employing 240 hands in 1889.
The survey of 1877 shows the initial building complex located between Boston and Hagert, along the east side of Emerald Street, stretching back 150 feet towards the Arrott Mill. All of the brick structures at this time were recently built, with the wooden structures having been built five years previously.
During the years 1880-1881, the company demolished the old wooden frame dwelling houses along Emerald Street between Boston and Hagert, and expanded to the west side of Emerald Street, where they built new one and two story brick dye houses.
At some point during the next two years the company began going under the name of Firth & Foster Bros., after the two families created a partnership.
By 1889 the company had expanded across Boston Street and down to York Street and now covered the west side of Emerald Street, from Hagert to York. These new additions between Boston and York were added in 1886 and 1888.
As the company grew it opened offices in downtown Philadelphia at 125 Chestnut Street, as well as New York City. It became one of the leading dye houses in Philadelphia.
John Firth died in 1892, living at 2516 N. 5th Street in West Kensington. The principles of the company then became Thomas Firth, Joseph R. Foster, and John H. Foster. Thomas Firth died in 1900. Other family was brought in to help run the company. A directory of company officers compiled in 1905 shows John Henry Foster listed as President and Director. Charles Edward Firth was listed as Vice-President and Director. Albert Foster and Harry Foster were both listed as Directors
In 1912, three story brick buildings were built at the northwest corner of Emerald & York Streets as the company continued to expand. In 1916, they employed 367 people and by 1922 they employed 391 workers. The Great Depression shrunk employment to 125 in 1935. However, as the economy picked up the employment numbers again rose to the point where in 1943, when the company, now known as Hart & Foster, began employing over 300 workers.
By 1947, employment peaked at 428. As the American economy began to change with many textile firms moving overseas or down South, the Providence Dye Works also declined. The last year for employment figures showed the company employing 212 workers in 1953. It appears that the company went out of business soon after.
After Providence Dye Works closed, smaller companies occupied the complex. Only portions of this large dye works still remained in 1990 when an industrial history survey was conducted.
In the year 2000, a four-alarm fire took place followed by a series of five more fires thereafter. In 2001, WHYY Radio interviewed a local resident who stated that the complex of buildings were occupied by various businesses, including a cabinet maker, upholsterer, and someone making “statues.”
Due to the devastation and fire hazards, the city finally demolished the remaining buildings in 2001 and the empty lots still sit there today.
Hexamer Surveys for Providence Dye Works:
Plate No. 1046, dated circa 1876, Firth & Brother, N. 22nd St, Shamokin St, and Lin Street.
Plate No. 1202, dated 1877, Firth & Brother, Emerald St., Taylor (Boston) Street, and Admas (Hagert) Street.
Plate No. 1363, dated 1879, Firth, Brothers & Co., Emerald St., Taylor (Boston) Street, and Admas (Hagert) Street.
Plate No.1594, dated 1881, Firth Brothers & Co., Emerald St., Taylor (Boston) Street, and Admas (Hagert) Street.
Plate No. 1857, dated 1884, Firth & Foster Bros., 2220-2224 Emerald Street, Taylor (Boston) Street, Adams (Hagert) Street,
Plate No. 2295, dated 1889, Firth (Thomas) and Foster (Joseph R. and John H.) Bros., 2424-2432 Emerald Street, Adams (Hagert) Street, and E. York Street.