Letter, Kate Gleason to James Gleason
A letter from Kate Gleason to her brother, James Gleason. Kate informs Jim of an opportunity for the company to sell a lathe in Ithaca and tells him that she and their father want him to meet with the customer. Kate gives a detailed description of the machinery and provides advice on how to make the sale.
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William Gleason,
Manufacturer of Machinists Tools,
Office, Brown’s Race,
Rochester, N.Y., April 18th. 1889
Dear Jim,-
Here is a chance to distinguish yourself. The Empire
Well Auger Co. of Ithaca inquire this morning for a 30” taper at-
tachment lathe to turn 5 ft. 6” between centers. And we have written
them that our Mr. James Gleason is in their city and we have re-
quested him to call. Enclosed please find list price of lathes
about that size. We are quoting sharp up to list now because we
are so busy but as we are particularly anxious that you should take
the first order you go after same as I did, you are to quote them 5
per cent off this list and if you are crowded 7 & 1-2 per cent. Time
of delivery six weeks. Thought we are quoting ten weeks to three
months now but Father wants you to take this order badly, so do I.
If they say anything about Lodge-Davis’ lathe you might casually men-
tion that Kesselman & Co. of Butler, PA. has just put out a L.D. 30”
taper attachment lathe and put in one of ours but don’t say it unless
you have to because it is poor policy to run down other people’s
tools. We will make the 26” lathe swing 28” without extra cost and
the 30” swing 32”. I enclose circular giving dimensions, a photo
of the 30” lathe and a photo. of the new shafting lathe because it is
the only photo. we have yet showing the new arrangment for reversing
feed in the apron. You want to explain that to them and tell them
we are very anxious to have one of our latest improved lathes in the
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town. I have put the weights down on the same slip as the price
list and also the room that is taken up for head and foot stock so that
you can tell on how long a lathe to figure for the distance between
centers that they want. For a 25” lathe you can of course show them
the one in Williams Bros. shop.
Wear your best clothes and your sweet-
est smile and get that order if it’s to be got.
Yours Lovingly,
Kate.