State Street Factory: Prosperity and Scandal

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This is a photograph of the Gibb and Wesley Shoe Factory, which was built in the summer of 1886. The structure currently exists as two buildings, which stand side-by-side at what is now 27-29 State Street and 31-33 State Street. 

Contractor Charles Johnson built the factory for the Gibbs and Wesley Shoe Manufacturer of Philadelphia. Historian Edward H. Walton states that shoes were in high demand, and many business owners sought their products. Solomon H. Stanger, the owner of Stanger General Store, purchased Gibbs and Wesley's first batch of shoes.

The Gibbs and Wesley Shoe Factory initially employed 20 people; however, that number rose to over 60 people due to rapid growth. Less than one month after the factory's opening, they were producing 100 pairs of shoes per day. By February, five months later, the shoe factory produced about 1,500 pairs of shoes every week. The factory was immensely successful within a very short time. 

In May 1887 (eight months are opening) the factory abruptly closed, and it was announced that the two owners, Gibb and Westley, fled with the company's money and two of the women employed at their factory. They abandoned their wives and children.

The sheriff of Glassboro was brought in to settle claims related to the shoe business, and eventually, resident Jesse Reeves bought the building and most of the machinery. In August of 1887, Reeves rented the shoe factory to Joseph Bird. Walton states, "The shoe factory was doing a bang-up business with 24 employees. However, in 1889 the business came to a close." 

It is believed that in 1889 a steam laundry opened in the space but closed shortly after. 

In 1891, the building was used by Thomas Whitney and Thomas Synottas to manufacture a new product, paper bottles. Walton says, "It was said, at the time, that this was the only paper bottle works in America." The company was very successful; however, it eventually moved to Vineland, NJ, likely to be closer to farming and food manufacturing factories. We are not sure if Whitney and Synotta purchased this building.

The last business in the building was a hosiery and knitting mill. During the spring of 1897, this factory opened with twenty new machines. The factory did well and even gave their employees a week of paid vacation, which was very rare.

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