It's amazing how many times the Thayer names pop up in old photos or old annual reports. From 1958-1961 I worked for the Thayers, Walter, Phil, and Bill. Tricnit employed 400 people, half from New Ipswich and half from surrounding towns. They made a significant contribution to the town's economy. Walter, in his younger years was a Selectman and served on many committees. Phil also did to a lesser extent. I assume Bill did also but I was living in Burlington Vt by 1967 and probably missed what Bill did for the town. I know he became president of Tricnit and expanded it to include woman's apparel.
By 1975 Tricnit was bankrupt and Bill went into the firewood business which his son Phil now operates.
I think that the New Ipswich Historical Society should compile a history of New Ipswich's businesses. A chapter on Tricnit, another on Warwick Mills, another on the Walker mill, the Wilder Chair company, etc. I have questions now that I didn't have 65 years ago. For example, how does a business man (Walter) go from making cigars to making men's socks? He became president of Tricnit in 1941 at the age of 68 with his son as CEO and occupied the 2nd fl of the Derby hardware store in Greenville. After the WWII they moved to New Ipswich. Did Walter own the Derby building at that time? Did Mr. Thibault (whose son became my brother-in-law) buy the hardware store from Walter? Questions like these occupy my idle mind these days. It might be worthwhile to interview Phil (Bill's son) on what he knows.
We have spoken many times about how we need to collect information about the various businesses in town. The town's history didn't stop in 1911. I'll bring this up again as a priority. I believe Carl Toko is our point person with Phil Thayer. Thanks for the comment.
It's amazing how many times the Thayer names pop up in old photos or old annual reports. From 1958-1961 I worked for the Thayers, Walter, Phil, and Bill. Tricnit employed 400 people, half from New Ipswich and half from surrounding towns. They made a significant contribution to the town's economy. Walter, in his younger years was a Selectman and served on many committees. Phil also did to a lesser extent. I assume Bill did also but I was living in Burlington Vt by 1967 and probably missed what Bill did for the town. I know he became president of Tricnit and expanded it to include woman's apparel.
By 1975 Tricnit was bankrupt and Bill went into the firewood business which his son Phil now operates.
I think that the New Ipswich Historical Society should compile a history of New Ipswich's businesses. A chapter on Tricnit, another on Warwick Mills, another on the Walker mill, the Wilder Chair company, etc. I have questions now that I didn't have 65 years ago. For example, how does a business man (Walter) go from making cigars to making men's socks? He became president of Tricnit in 1941 at the age of 68 with his son as CEO and occupied the 2nd fl of the Derby hardware store in Greenville. After the WWII they moved to New Ipswich. Did Walter own the Derby building at that time? Did Mr. Thibault (whose son became my brother-in-law) buy the hardware store from Walter? Questions like these occupy my idle mind these days. It might be worthwhile to interview Phil (Bill's son) on what he knows.
We have spoken many times about how we need to collect information about the various businesses in town. The town's history didn't stop in 1911. I'll bring this up again as a priority. I believe Carl Toko is our point person with Phil Thayer. Thanks for the comment.