THE ALDRIDGE FAMILY
Foreword
This book has to do -- primarily -- with the life of Thomas Aldridge and the community which he and his sons built in Duchess Junction.
The story is told as a tribute to him and his immediate family and to remind his grandchildren (some of them two or three times removed -- and others to come) of their heritage.
Other material has been added to indicate the distribution of other branches of the "Family" in other parts of the world.
And -- finally -- there is a "Tree" of the Thomas Aldridge branch, reconstructed, so far as possible to the Spring of
THE ABC BRICKYARD IN DUTCHESS JUNCTION AS IT LOOKED IN 1895
A showplace for many years -- starting in the 1870's
Famous for the quality of its product
Respected for the ability of its management
A relaxed and pleasant way of life
But finally -- a casualty to developments beyond control --
-- it was gone with the tide.
Gone -- but still proudly remembered.
April 1960.
THOMAS ALDRIDGE
In the active years
(An old photograph which says --
-- "Here's determination, courage and character.")
THE STORY
(Recounted by a third generationer who saw part of it)
In the late fall of 1853 -- a little more than 100 years ago -- Grandfather Aldridge bought part of a farm, about three miles south of the shopping center of Fishkill Landing, from John Van Vleet. He followed within a few weeks by buying adjoining land from Issac and other Brinkerhoofs. All of this land had been actively farmed by the families of these men since before the Revolution.
He had come from a place known as Middlehope, about 4 miles north of Newburgh, N.Y. Eighteen or twenty years before -- when he was about that many years old -- just as brick-making was starting to spread along the river -- he worked for awhile for a brick-maker named Benjamin Garner. While working for Mr. Garner he fell in love with the boss's daughter -- Sarah Ann Garner -- and married her. They gave her father's name to their firstborn.
The farms in which he was now interested leveled off at the foot of the mountain for about a half mile and then fell off sharply for a couple hundred feet, or so, to the recently laid roadbed of the Hudson River Railroad, which edged the river. Primitive rail service had been opened as far north as Fishkill Landing about four years before (1849). There was no station nearer than Fishkill Landing.
Under the surface soil of both farms there was a deep deposit of particularly fine blue clay, which would make brick of excellent quality. This was Grandfather's interest. He saw a ready market for brick made from the Brinkerhoof-Van Vleet deposit.
The land which he bought stretched about half way to the mountain and about the same distance along the river. It was open country and remote. A dirt road led up a steep hill from the river -- followed across a level stretch and then up another steep hill to the "River Road" which led through Fishkill Landing to Cold Spring and beyond -- about a midle altogether.
The problem of grading the land, getting the necessary materials and workmen to erect even a comparatively small brick-making plant were, under the circumstances, very great. But finally it was finished and several homes were built on the steep bank back of the yard.
Then with the plant beginning to function smoothly came a body-blow. In the spring of 1861 when it was about time to start the brick-making hyear, the Civil War was declared and building everywhere came to an almost complete stop -- and with it the demand for brick.
The crisis was met by Grandfather with a decision to keep on making brick even though they couldn't be sold. To stack them for sale when the war was over.
As serious as this business development was, an even more serious one for Grandfather was to come before the year was over.
On a lonely hill -- miles from civilization -- overlooking a brick-yard which was close for the winter -- with the wintry Hudson just beyond -- at Christmas time -- his wife, to whom he was deeply devoted -- died. It was a devastating blow -- one from which he never fully recovered.
In the Fishkill Rural Cemetery there is an aging blanket-type stone which reads:-
"And must this body die
This well wrought form decay
And must these active limbs of mine
Lie mouldering in the clay?"
"Yet again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life has fled
Then in Heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed."
But life had to go on. He had a family of eight children aged 2 to 20, endeared to him more than ever by the death of his wife, (Gertrude was 2 -- George 3 -- Alfaretta 6 -- Theresa 8 -- Aaron 10 -- Tom 14 -- William 18 and Ben 20).
The brick-yard, as it stood at that time, was not a good place to bring up children and so he moved them to a farm about as far north of Fishkill Landing as the brick-yard was below. It was a better environment. There were more neighbors and a school. Church affiliation would remain with the Trinity ME Church in Fishkill Landing.
In the meantime his aunt Catherine Edwards -- "Aunt Kate" Fallis - had helped so well in the emergency that she stayed for several years. The family loved her.
Grandfather -- a disciplinarian -- had very definite ideas as to how the children should be brought up. In the first place there should be a mark to be toed. In the second place responsibility should be given with no more supervision than necessary.
The farm was a large one, as such farms went, with something more than 300 acres. The opportunities which it presented persuaded him to give it his personal attention and put responsibility for the brick-yard on his sons -- first, on Ben and William, later on Aaron. The younger children went to school and as soon as they grew older helped around the farm.
In the meantime to help the business of "toeing the mark" he had the active, if unofficial, cooperation of a hard-working, conscientious housekeeper who also had strong disciplinarian inclinations. If she spent a lot of time getting out of the hair of the boys and girls she must, in the end, have gotten a deal of satisfaction in feeling that she had made a contribution to their development into God-fearing, self-respecting, able men and women. Her name was Maria Holtz.
* * * *
The early 1860's were years of stress and strain and Grandfather must have had hours of concern as to whether his decision to convert capital into brick had been a wise one. The war wasn't going as expected -- even the outcome was uncertain.
In 1864, the year before the war ended, Uncle Ben married Caroline Thompson.
During the same year Tom, a boy of 17, following in his father's interest in financial matters, no doubt, went to work for the Fishkill National Band. He started at the bottom of the Bank's organization and worked his way -- function by function -- to the position of the bank's Cashier, which position he held for many years -- until 1920, in fact, when he resigned because of failing eyesight, after more than 50 years of service.
Among Grandfather's neighbors in Low Point, where the farm was located, there was a family with a proud background named Budd. The family had a daughter named Amelia who, though quiet and retiring had found a way to be kind to his family -- and helpful. Soon he came to realize that her grace and dignity would make an excellent head to his home and so he asked her to marry him. She agreed and they were married in 1865.
This enabled "Aunt Kate" who had been of tremendous help to go to Brooklyn and help Aunt Theresa bring up the Hunt family. She stayed with them until she died in 1904.
Amelia Budd was a sympathetic companion for Grandfather and provided a happy home life for him for many years. She outlived him by nearly 20 years. There were no children. Many residents of Fishkill Landing of that time would remember a gracious, kindly old lady living on North Ave., who sedately sitting in her rocker might well have doubled for Whistler's Mother.
* * * *
In 1865 the long awaited end of the war came and with it a surge of building to make up for the years when there wasn't any of consequence. This created a heavy demand for brick at a handsome profit and Grandfather's foresight and courage paid off. The brick which had been stacked up were sent to market and fresh production was stepped up.
Up to this time only a small part of the property had been used. In planning increased facilities it was decided to build a new and much larger plant. It would occupy the center of the property which ran down a sharp hill to the railroad tracks with the river not far away on the other side. This would require a sizeable level surface for the mixing-and-pressing pits, drying yards and kilns. And locations had to be found for a considerable number of related buildings for efficient coordination with the operation of the plant.
It was determined that the level surfaces could be obtained more economically by getting a "Water Grant" from the state -- to fill and dock -- than to undertake to level the hill. Such a grant was obtained in 1869. The "related" buildings were located about halfway up the hill.
* * * *
For about 15 years Grandfather's property had no local address. It was simply an outlying district of Fishkill Landing but on April 22, 1870 the Dutchess and Columbia Railroad made contact with the Hudson River Railroad at a point which they called "Dutchess Junction". The station was more than a half mile north of the brick-yard. There was no town nor political nor police organization. It was, in fact, still an outlying part of Fishkill Landing. However, the name came into general use to locate a group of brick-yards (four on Grandfather's land and two or three belonging to others) and farm. To many "Dutchess Junction" meant the "ABC" yard. A time came when the railroad built a roundhouse and repair shop near the station, which was essentially a transfer point for the back country of Dutchess and Columbia counties. However by crossing tracks it could be used by local people. It was also a source of New York papers.
* * * *
In 1871 Grandfather was elected a Director of the Fishkill National Bank and remained a Directory until he died in 1892. For many years he was also a Trustee of the Mechanics Saving Bank and a Trustee and a source of strength in the Methodist Church in Fishkill Landing. He was also a generous contributor to the Church's welfare having, for instance, for instance, presented to the Church its attractive pipe organ.
* * * *
Having placed responsibility for the "ABC" yard on his sons, Grandfather concentrated on the development of his farm -- his finances and his charities.
To what extent he may have cooperated in, or supervised, the development and operation of the "ABC" (Aldridge Brothers & Co.) yard is lost in the trail of time. So far as is known the burden fell on Uncles Ben, Bill and Aaron, with some outside assistance.
In any event it was a classic accomplishment.
The plans were so complete and so well executed that the finished product was a "Natural". It was a difficult engineering operation completed with great skill.
There were duplex power-operated grinding and pressing pits of just the right size and placement to be worked on alternate days. There was a long power shaft which doubled back to power pits on the land side of the railroad tracks. Efficiently mounted and maintained and impressive to look at.
The power plant was big and powerful. A replica in reduced size of the biggest and best anywhere in the country. It was maintained in high polish and with loving care. It was breathtaking to the natives of that period.
The "ABC" yard was a large operation with a maximum capacity of 400,000 or 500,000 brick a day. If there were a hundred days in a given year when the weather was warm enough and dry enough to make brick this would work out to a capacity of 40,000,000 or 50,000,000 a year. The sheds laid out along the river on the filled "Water Grant" land had room for several kilns of 400,000 or 500,000 bricks and the fleet of barges which carried the brick from the Company's docks to New York by night tow down the river had a normal capacity of around 250,000 each.
Considering the underdeveloped condition of the land at the start -- the difficulties of getting deliveries of the required materials -- some large and heavy -- over rough country roads -- the erection of the plant must have been a major operation and a source of pride and satisfaction when it was completed.
Beyond the direct manufacturing facilities there was a well planned stable to house the husky horses which carted the clay from the bank, which incidentally, was handsomely maintained in tiers like a Roman amphitheater -- to the operating pits.
There was a centrally located and well managed store to provide for daily necessities. (Shopping for more permanent things would be done in Fishkill Landing or even New York). There was a blacksmith shop -- also wood-working and general maintenance shops. There was a religious chapel up on the hill with regular and special services. There were homes for the married year-round employees and barracks for the bachelor, summer transients.
There was a strong bond between the company and the men based on mutual confidence and the consideration shown by the management. The men and their families were proud of the company and loyal. It was their company.
The men in "key" jobs were jealous of their prerogatives. They got satisfaction from their work and they were good workmen. One such would be in charge of the kilns. The burning of brick took about a week and was a critical operation. Carelessness or lack of skill might ruin or seriously hurt the salability of a half-million brick. Another man would be in charge of plant maintenance. He took pride in avoiding breakdowns and in doing a good job of housekeeping. Still another was in charge of the welfare of the horses. Another in charge of the blacksmith shop and so it went. One man had charge of the office routine.
If you were to go to Dutchess Junction some time when the wind was just right you might hear the trees whisper the names of the Corneys -- the Freers -- DeGroats -- Maynards -- the Buchmullers -- and others. These men managed the jobs just described and made important contributions to the success of the "ABC" yard during an important period in its history.
These were relatively carefree and relaxed years for the men and to some extent for the management. After the plant was completed and running smoothly the most serious problem confronting the management for some years were the recurring recessions or panics. After the "Black Friday" panic of 1869 came the panic of 1873 which lasted to some extent for about six years and this was followed by the panic of 1884 which lasted a couple of years more. They all had a greater or lesser effect on building operations in New York and hence on the demand for Hudson River brick. In any event the Company prospered and the management was able to maintain a balance between good times and bad.
* * * *
The management -- Uncle Ben and Uncle Aaron -- built attractive adjoining homes on the top of the hill on the road just as it turned down to the plant. They were nicely landscaped and connected by a large figure-eight driveway back of a white picked fence. There was a gateway halfway between the houses which led directly to a jointly used barn in back or around the circles to the homes -- Uncle Ben on the left -- Uncle Aaron on the right.
The view of the plant shown in the previous section was painted by Theona Peck from a corner of Uncle Aaron's place. (However, at the time of the painting Uncle Aaron had moved to Fishkill Landing. His Dutchess Junction home was occupied by his brother George, who had previously lived in an Apartment over the Company store, which he had managed as a young man).
* * * *
For diversion in the winter there were events on the river, which normally froze over early and stayed frozen late. There were horse races on the ice and ice boating. Speed skating and skating by dubs. Some of the activities were sporting events -- others just fun.
When snow covered the ice, rinks would be cleared and sometimes torches would be set up around the rim for skating at night in a fairy-land of lights and shadows.
There would be straw rides in big box sleds with the inevitable intentional upset in a snow drift. There were single clipper sleds drawn by spirited horses complete with tingling sleigh-bells and big warm buffalo robes.
There were numerous activities connected with the church in Fishkill Landing -- fairs -- suppers -- special events. There were occasional outside events -- as college musical clubs and lectures by notable people. There was always something of a carnival in Dutchess Junction -- once a year -- when there was a round-up to cut ice on the river to fill the ice-house back of the store.
In the summer there was fishing and crabbing on the river -- some fishing on mountain lakes. There were Sunday School and many other excursions on the river -- clam bakes and camp meetings. The younger men would play baseball and swing in the river.
There were bicycles -- some with large wheels and small wheels -- later with wheels of the same size. There were ponies, goats and other pets. There was an occasional circus in Fishkill Landing or Newburgh -- complete with a "pee-rade" -- with calliope and everything.
For small Fry there was the excitement of watching waves from the Mary Powell and other large boats on the river come in and hit the shore -- and the great excitement (when it started) of watching the Empire State Express (Old 999) go through on its way to the far west (i.e. Buffalo).
Transportation was, of course, horse drawn. Uncle Aaron and his brother George were particularly proud of their stables.
There were two and three seated surreys ("Fringe" is not recalled) and of course the indispensable buggy -- at first with steel rimmed wheels -- later with rubber -- first hard -- later inflated. And "memory or memories" the buggy with snapped on curtains to keep out the weather. What a thrill to sit snugly inside comfortably protected from the rain while the horses hoofs clap-clapped on the country road and the rain bounced off of the curtains. Who wants an automobile anyway?
There were, in other words, many diversions in those days. Slow paced, perhaps, and now "dated" but thoroughly enjoyed by the people who lived in those days.
* * * *
Uncle Bill who had been an active factor in the original development of the "ABC" yard came to yearn for fresh worlds to conquer and left Duchess Junction to go into a retailing business in Fishkill Landing. This did not work out as anticipated and so he moved again, this time to repeat his original effort but this time for himself -- a short distance north of Fishkill Landing. He also bought a handsome English-type estate but died suddenly before he was able to get much good out of it. In reporting his death in 1897 the local paper said "He was a well-beloved man. Every poor person has lost a friend." He was a Director of the Matteawan National Bank and Vice President of the Mechanics Savings Bank in addition to many other affiliations. For a time he was a Trustee of the village of Fishkill Landing and subsequently its President. He was also a Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its affairs.
A time came when the family happily married -- with wives whose family connections and whose personalities made important contributions to the family stature -- with a third generation coming along -- gathered around at Thanksgiving for festivities at the "Farm" and to pay homage to Grandfather. (These reunions were always at Thanksgiving -- never at Christmas. That far-away Christmas was never forgotten). These parties were always looked forward to and they were in a sense occasions of state. (To a small boy from the country they were a bit scary but always prideful and pleasant.) It was good to see the old colonial house again with its closed-off "Sunday-parlor" -- the impressive country kitchen -- the long pantry which connected the dining room with the kitchen, the cookie jar (for the little people) -- high up in the pantry for kindly distribution, quietly, by Grandmother. It was good to look across the highway and the railroad below to the Hudson beyond. And, of course, there was the long heavily laden dining table with Grandfather presiding. Everyone was glad to see everyone else and everyone had a good time.
* * * *
These reunions went on for years as pleasant for Grandfather as they were for the family. But time finally ran out. There was no reunion in 1892. Grandfather had died in August.
Deeply mourned by his family and the host of people he had befriended an era had come to an end.
There was some consolation in the fact that he had seen his original dreams fulfilled and after a life of service to the church and charities that he had gone out when the tide was close to being in full flood.
Uncle Ben who had followed closely in his father's footsteps in his personal life, and who had been a tower of strength in the brick business -- the Methodist Church and the Chapel in Dutchess Junction had died the same year. The double loss was a staggering blow.
* * * *
Crops had been good in 1891 and general business was good in 1892 but times started to turn bad with the silver panic (16 to 1) of 1893 and the effects of this panic, which was not fully gone until close to the end of the centruy was one of the factors which made the 1890's a difficult time for the brick business.
* * * *
At Grandfather's death the property was organized into a corporation capitalized at $125,000 (but generally thought to be worth from $300,000 to $500,000 - a sizable sum for those days) with stock distributed pro-rata to the heirs. The company was named the "Thomas Aldridge Brick and Land Company" -- thus perpetuating the "ABC" label.
* * * *
At one time there were 50 brick buildings on the property -- not including the four well-equipped brick manufacturing plants. (There were at one time 800 people in "greater Dutchess Junction".)
One of the four plants -- by far the largest -- was operated by Grandfather's sons. The other three were leased to others on a royalty basis. The tenants provided the improvements with the guarantee that they would be taken over by the landlord at a fair appraisal if the tenant did not wish to renew and if a new tenant could not be found. The royalty was based on the volume of clay used in the brick which were sold. This was a routine type of lease at the time as it had been for many years and no risk was thought to be entailed as there had always been several bidders as leases expired.
Uncle Ben's death threw a heavy responsibility on Uncle Aaron. His brother George, a young man of 34, who had effectively managed the Company store was taken into partnership. This, at a particularly troublesome time for, in addition to the continuing bad times, the brick industry was faced with a specific and even more serious problem. The Portland cement business, an active competitor for the largest market for Hudson river brick was growing by leaps and bounds.
"Natural" cement was first made in England in 1796. The first "Portland" cement was also first made in England about twenty-five years later. Some "Portland" cement was shipped into the United States as ballast but it was not patented in the United States until 1871. The total production in the U.S. in 1880 was only 42,000 barrels. By 1890, as a result of the introduction of an improved kiln, it had grown to 335,500 barrels and from this point it grew very fast. By 1900 the total was an unbelievable 8,482,000 barrels for the year and this growth has continued to this day. In 1958 the production was 400,000,000 barrels with a dollar value of nearly $1,000,000,000.
As cement took over more and more of the market due to the economy and flexibility in its use, the operation of the brick business became an increasingly difficult problem.
Brick were over-produced. Repeated efforts were made to work out a fair and practical agreement between manufacturers along the river - to relate total production to the curtailed market, but nothing ever came of it. The resulting over-production became and increasingly burdensome problem. It became very difficult to show a profit. Constant vigilance and attention was required to get a reasonable share of the market. Whereas there had been a time when brick sold for $20.00 or $25.00 a thousand, it became difficult to get even $5.00 or $6.00.
For a while there seemed to be some hope that the situation might be improved by combining important yards along the river into one big company. But finally, after protracted negotiations, nothing came of it. The company would have been known as the American Brick Co.
* * * *
At the time for Uncle Ben's death he was building a new home "on the hill" close to the Brinkerhoof line. It was completed later and attracted attention because of its features for a home in the country -- like a bath room -- first floor lavatory -- running water -- etc. (These results, incidentally, were obtained by pumping water by hand into a tank in the attic). His family lived in the house for a while before they moved to Fishkill Landing -- across the street from Uncle Aaron and Uncle Tom. The Dutchess Junction home was occupied by brother George.
The homes in Fishkill Landing occupied three corners on an important intersection on North Ave. (the fourth corner belonged to the town). Uncle Bill's handsome, interim, brick home was located a few doors north on North Ave. They were all large, comfortable and hospitable and they were appointed with every wanted facility and convenience known at the time. Uncle Aaron's home, for instance, had an attractive Conservatory and billiard room. The family was proud of "The Corners" and the homes added to the family's prestige.
* * * *
On the surface, life in Dutchess Junction in the 1890's was normal and pleasant but the management was faced with increasing problems, due primarily to general business conditions and particularly to the rapidly increasing use of cement. Uncle Aaron, the senior member, and his brother George, made every effort to overcome the complications. Uncle Aaron made use of his long experience and friendly contacts to get as large a market as possible for the Company's products. Brother George devoted himself to improving conditions in the yard.
* * * *
Toward the end of the decade -- with the yard well organized and running smoothly -- brother George came to the conclusion that it might be to the best interest of all if he was to pull out and devote himself to a venture which he had in mind. This he did but the venture, did not develop as anticipated and he died (in the fall of 1901) before a solution to his problem could be found. A man with many friends -- much loved -- but an opportunity never developed, in his short life to enable him to make use of his native ability.
* * * *
After the turn of the Century the problem became one of working against constantly increasing odds. Finally, after valiant and protracted effort the attractive little world which had been started by Grandfather and developed by his songs came to an end in carrying out the terms of the leases to the independent yards.
* * * *
All of the "Open yards" along the river were, of course, faced with the same basic economic problem. As they dropped out the "Covered yards" got the advantage of reduced competition for the part of the market, particularly, where brick had an advantage over cement -- (Face brick, etc.)
However, "Open yards" were restrained from covering because of the great costs which were involved and the prospect that covering would lead to increased over-production of the remaining market.
* * * *
As a boy Uncle Aaron had seen the start of Grandfather's "dynasty" of which he was to become an important -- and for many years the dominant part. He had lived a full life -- respected for what he was and what he did. He fought a hard fight against impossible odds but in 1925 he died. The tide was getting low but it hadn't gone out.
Uncle Tom died in 1929 as the "dynasty" was drawing to a close. He was the last of Grandfather's sons to leave and he was survived only by Aunt Gert who lived until 1944. Aunt Theresa had died in 1892, and Aunt Alfretta in 1897. Uncle Tom was a man of marked dignity and personal charm. He was a very human and loveable man.
* * * *
With production on the brick-yard discontinued, the families who had lived happily on the property in Dutchess Junction during its heyday had moved away.
The meticulously maintained property became a jungle of wild growth but if you think of it as it is and fail to remember it as it was, you will never see the ghosts of many nice people as they wander through the tanglewood on moonlight nights.
* * * *
Notes
FISHKILL LANDING -- is now Beacon, N.Y.
LOW POINT -- is now Chelsea, N.Y.
DUTCHESS JUNCTION -- is now a memory.
Grandfather's Homestead on "the Farm" in Low Point
This attractive Hudson River farmhouse of a hundred years ago saw Grandfather's family grow up -- get married -- move away -- come back for occasional visits and a yearly reunion. It had many happy memories.
But the years came and went and a time came when part of the land was acquired by the New York Central in its 4-track expansion program and a little later the rest of the property was included in the Castle Point Hospital development. The old house -- with its memories -- yielded to progress.
But by then it was a long time since the lawn had had its customary grooming and a long time since the Captain's Chair had been on the front porch.
Acknowledgements
The research of the family's history which Lewis Browning Aldridge made years ago, as preserved by his sister Sarah Ann Budd Aldridge, and more recently by Katharine Wilson, has been incorporated in these pages.
Important contributions have also been made by Amelia Foster, Mabel Nichol, Lucy Aldridge, Alfaretta Bell, Nita Aldridge, Mary Aldridge, Theresa Falkin and Katharine Wilson.
THOMAS ALDRIDGE
In the passive years
(Reflecting the poise of accomplishment and good works.)