Internet Horology Club 185
Eds’ private label A.L. Haman & Co., St. Paul, Minn.
November 16, 2013, 19:15
Richard RomeroEds’ private label A.L. Haman & Co., St. Paul, Minn.
This morning Ed Parsons posted his Illinois private label Grade 179 watch here:
Illinois Watch Co. Grade 179 I find private label watches interesting and started researching A.L. Haman & Co., St. Paul, Minn. At first nothing came up but being persistent I was able to find some information.
One of the last things I found was out of
The Dual City Blue Book by R.L. Polk & Company, 1899, and it was what I was looking for at first, an advertisement.
November 16, 2013, 19:21
Richard RomeroAs can be seen in the advertisement above Mr. Haman dealt with top shelf watches. The business also was an agent for the Webb C. Ball as can be seen below.
Advertisement courtesy of
Google BooksNovember 16, 2013, 19:26
Richard RomeroWhile searching the web I stumbled across what looked like A.L. Haman & Co., 295 Endicott Building. That lead to searching for the building:
Pioneer and Endicott BuildingsHere is a link to a PDF with recent history and information about the buildings:
Pioneer and Endicott Buildings On the bottom of the
Wikipedia article it shows a link to photos and that's where the image below is from. I like this because it is around when Eds' watch was made and as you can see the form of transportation is horse and buggy.
Image courtesy of
Minnesota Historical Society Circa 1900
November 16, 2013, 19:33
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.Good job Richard, so a A.L. Haman-marked Ball-Hamilton 999 is a possibilty. That would be a nice partner for my Gr 179!
Best Regards,
Ed
November 16, 2013, 19:37
Richard RomeroEd,
That would be great if you could find a matching private label Ball-Hamilton 999.
There's more to come.
It's kind of confusing how the Endicott and Pioneer buildings are connected and looking more into it I found the photo that ties some facts together. What really fascinates me is I think it's possible that your watch may have been purchased from the exact place in the picture below.
Photo courtesy
Minnesota Historical Society Circa 1929
November 16, 2013, 19:45
Richard RomeroHere is the street view of
350 Robert Street which is the same view of the building shown above.
Image courtesy of
Google MapsNovember 16, 2013, 19:51
Richard RomeroI didn’t find anything in particular about Mr. Haman but did find an article which included the picture below that may include Mr. Haman.
A.L. Haman & Co, St. Paul, MinnPerhaps Tom Brown can dig up some information about Mr. Haman.
That's a great looking watch Ed.
Enjoy,
RR
Photo courtesy of
Google BooksNovember 16, 2013, 23:32
Tom BrownIt appears he was Albert L. Haman, he was born about April 1859 in Illinois.
November 17, 2013, 11:13
Richard RomeroThank you Tom,
RR
November 17, 2013, 11:22
Lorne WasylishenNice work Richard.
November 17, 2013, 12:20
Ray HallenbeckGreat history lesson Richard, this is what draws me to private label watches as well. It's nice when the buildings are still standing and still looking much like they did in their day. Since this is on the national historic registry it's not likely to change. Much like Eds watch, History Preserved.
November 19, 2013, 14:31
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.One would hope so Ray, so we're preserving the watch, plus also on the private label aspects, provide a window on the people that sold it and serviced it.
Best Regards,
Ed
November 19, 2013, 21:29
Tom BrownWhen I got back to St. Paul in January I will have to look up the place.
Tom
November 19, 2013, 23:51
Lou Copasquote:
Albert L. Haman a little more history
off the 1900 Federal Census...
Name: Albert L Haman
Age: 47
Birth Date: Apr 1859
Birthplace: Illinois
Home in 1900: St Paul Ward 11, Ramsey, Minnesota
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Katherine Haman
Marriage Year: 1889
Years Married: 11
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Occupation: Jeweler
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Albert L Haman 47
Katherine Haman 31
Truell Haman 3
Lillie Herhold 26
November 22, 2013, 13:14
Larry BuchanI found this photo of F.W. Kinnoin, he either worked for A.L. Haman, or he was a partner in his store.
November 22, 2013, 14:38
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.Putting it all together, how about this? A fully restored jeweler's store, complete with watchmakers, sales displays, watches, tools, etc. A touring exhibit perhaps, so visitors could see what it was like to get their watches serviced back in the day. What do you think?
Best Regards,
Ed