1875 | Heman Allen Benedict, formerly of Skaneateles, is manufacturing billiard tables in Syracuse, NY |
1876 | H. A. Benedict advertises new and second-hand tables, private tables a specialty |
1877 | H. A. Benedict advertises the "Syracuse Standard Billiard Table" |
1877 | New factory location on Gifford Street damaged by nearby fire |
1879 | Thomas William Meachem, formerly of Auburn, NY, buys the Benedict Billiard Table Mfg Company, H. A. Benedict remains as superintendent |
1882 | Heman Benedict leaves to manage Syracuse billiard table dealership of J. M. Brunswick & Balke |
1885 | Heman Benedict leaves the billiard industry, Brunswick, Balke & Collender closes their Syracuse ware-rooms |
1889 | First advertisement showing the Benedict and the Brunswick, Balke & Collender (BBC) billiard companies at same address |
1896 | The Benedict company has exclusive territory for BBC tables in 31 New York counties, manufacturing seems limited to cue racks and carom plugs |
1900 | The Benedict Billiard Table Co. is incorporated in New York |
1903 | T. W. Meachem sells Benedict Billiard Table Co. to Brunswick, Balke & Collender Co. |
1913 | The Benedict Billiard Table Co. is dissolved |
The Victorian-era billiard business is an interesting chapter in the industrial history of Syracuse and New York State. I'm researching the billiard table makers – the artists and craftsmen who were also entrepreneurs and innovators, manufacturing a unique product that was both ornamental and functional. This blog will support research for a book manuscript.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Benedict Timeline
The Benedict Billiard Table Co. produced highly inlaid, elaborately ornamented tables, and in the antique pool table community, Benedict is still the best-known of the old Syracuse makers. This is thanks not only to the artistry of founder H. A. Benedict, but also to the business acumen of the well-connected second owner, T. W. Meachem.
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