"Local Industry Gets Global Attention" - Historically Speaking by Dr. Scott Geise

Uncovering Historic Lockport’s Mill Race

Article 11 – “Local Industry Gets Global Attention”

Lockport was more than just a stop along the canal - it was becoming a destination!

Holly’s genius had dignitaries visiting from all over the world, and they were all walking the streets of Lockport. Indoor running water had already existed, but Holly’s system was a massive improvement, and ensured that there was a consistent pressure whenever water was needed. Our nation was expanding, and growing townships all across the United States were now looking to implement the same modern conveniences for their own people, so their representatives were coming here by any means they could find. This timely attention was beginning to benefit all of the businesses in Lockport.

One of Lockport’s most notable businesses, Merchant’s Gargling Oil, was already popular, but with the added traffic to Holly’s Manufacturing Company, this celebrated liniment was about to go global.

George W. Merchant, a reputable druggist in the village, founded the business back in 1833. Horse owners used Merchant’s Gargling Oil as a remedy for a number of equestrian problems. The name would lead some to believe that it was a remedy for afflictions of the throat, but it was not. The gargling oil was an embrocation compounded of essential oils, gums, some chemicals not to be named, and a large proportion of turpentine, so certainly not to be taken internally.

The steady flow of horses and mules along the Erie Canal, and the grueling pressures placed on these animals, created a gold mine for Mr. Merchant. The ointment was intended for surface wounds and skin ailments only, and for certain horse diseases, Merchant’s product was celebrated as the “sure cure.” In 1853, Mr. Merchant retired, and sold his business to M.H. Tucker, Dr. B.L. Delano, and H. Walbridge.

At that time, Mr. Merchant owned a parcel of property next to where the Bewley Building now stands, and just above the meandering Mill Race. It was there that he began to build his factory, and scale up production.

In 1858, M.H. Tucker & Company was incorporated, and they hired on a teenager by the name of John Hodge. Hodge’s career aspirations would be confirmed when he married one of Tucker’s daughters, and gained control of the company in 1865 when Tucker died.

In 1871, Hodge would greatly increase their sales market by developing a new remedy for human ailments as well. Mr. Hodge set a new precedence for the company by giving back to the community. The fame and fortune of Merchant’s led Hodge to construct an entire block of buildings adjoining the factory. He created a breathtaking façade by using gray limestone from the Onondaga quarries, and spent over $150,000 on the project. The ground floor was divided into two areas, one half being devoted to individual shops, and the other half to a post office and a telegraph office. The upper part of the building was to become the new center for entertainment, the Hodge Opera House, and this space would accommodate 2000 spectators. Hodge became noted for his generosity to all of the people of Lockport, and his Opera House was an incredible landmark for all visitors to enjoy.

“Whether for use on man or beast, Merchant’s Gargling Oil will be found an invaluable Liniment, and worthy of use by every resident in the land. We know of no proprietary medicine or article now used in the United States which shares the good-will of the people to a greater decree than this. Yellow wrapper for animal and white for human flesh.”- New York Independent

By the end of the 19th century the company would become one of Lockport’s main industries, and their products would be sold worldwide, with patrons including the Sultan of Turkey. Actually, one of the partners in the company, Morris Tucker, cleverly sent a dozen bottles, in a satin lined oak box to the Sultan of Turkey as a gift. As a publicity stunt, Tucker announced it to the American press, and they ran with the story. Sales went through the roof - even though the Sultan never acknowledged ever receiving the gift!

The Mill Race was the lifeblood for a number of businesses already. Benjamin Moore’s Grist Mill took waters from the Mill Race first, at the bend next to the Pine Street Bridge. The waters then flowed into an arched door on the 4th floor of Spalding’s Mill, and then exited on the opposite side. It was at this location, in 1866, that another young businessman decided to stake his claim in Lockport’s industrial complex.

More on that next time,

Dr. Scott Geise