Dated 1894, it comes from a publication called Montreal Illustrated 1894, published by the Consolidated Illustrating Co. I find it a rather spartan building, especially for the time period. I'd love to know if it still stands.
I think this is text from the same publication.
It's not easy to read online, so I'll transcribe the significant parts.
"This is the house conducted by Messrs. Wm. Rutherford & Sons, manufacturers of sashes, blinds, stair-work, and general mill-work, and hardwood finish of every description, occupying the site, No. 85 to 95 Atwater avenue. This flourishing concern was originally established by the present head of the firm, Mr. William Rutherford, some forty years ago. His operations were primarily of a comparatively modest character: year after year, however, widening the scope of his endeavors until to-day the house ranks as one of the leading industrial establishments of its type in the province of Quebec. Mr. Rutherford's first efforts were restricted to the business of contractor and lumber merchant: in 1880 the trading title became William Rutherford & Co., and in 1887, being joined by his sons, Messrs. Thomas J., William Rutherford Jr., and Andrew Rutherford, the present firm style was assumed. The spacious premises occupied (which, by the way, are about to be enlarged in the spring of 1894, in order to meet the demands of an increasing trade connection) cover a ground area of 338 x130 feet, with lumber yards on the canal bank, having dimensions of 800 x120 feet. The working plant consists of mills, drying kilns and storage sheds. The mills for sawing, planing and general wood working are abundantly supplied with the newest and best machinery in use, operated by a steam engine of one hundred horse power. The kilns have a holding capacity of 60,000 feet of lumber, and a force of from ninety to one hundred skilled workmen is employed in the various departments of the business. The range of manufacture embraces an extended range of wood work, including, as it does, sashes, doors and blinds, stair-work and turning, prepared lumber of all descriptions, packing cases and boxes, besides many specialties in hardwood finish and interior work peculiar to this house. These are produced in great quantity and variety....Noted for its enterprise, probity and business integrity, the firm of Messrs. William Rutherford and Sons possesses most deservedly the confidence of Montreal's leading commercial and financial circles in the highest degree."
The article also mentions that William Rutherford Sr. was a member and ex-president of the Mechanics' Institute of Montreal.
To the best of my knowledge the building no longer stands. The lumber yard stood just of east of the present Atwater Market and a Super C sits on the the site.
ReplyDeleteI believe an essentially bankrupt Rutherford Lumber was sold/merger with Shearer Lumber in the late 60's about the time or shortly after my great-uncle death.
While cleaning papers, there was a note that my grandfather - Andrew Scott Rutherford - had assigned his shares in the company to his older brother for what appeared to be nil value.