Angora Goats Coming

  ... goats for the time being occupying the limelight to the exclusion of grain cleaning machinery, lunch wagons, etc. etc.

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Aug 27, 1925

Do You Realize That Silver Creek is Growing

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A SHOCK OF SOME KIND WILL WAKE PEOPLE UP TO WHAT IS GOING ON ABOUT THE TOWN

  Old residents of the village will tell you the village was built in a pocket surrounded by hills, and many of the new comers will tell you the village so far as business is concerned is still in a pocket.  But they do not tell you that Silver Creek residential section has outgrown the pocket and spread out over the hills, east, south, and west.  And some industries have grown too large for the pocket, have gone up on the hills and over to the railroads to find room to expand.  Ward & Dickinson have erected a large and modern plant on the hill and have plenty of room for expansion.  ...

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Nov 12, 1925

Ward & Dickinson Plant Pride of Silver Creek

THE DOORS THROWN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR INSPECTION ON ARMISTICE DAY

  On the Banks of Silver Creek an industry destined to be an industrial leader in the community started operations.  Few have noticed the progress of this enterprising concern until within the last few months their product and plant have developed to such proportions and perfection that they are now looked upon as the "Pride of Silver Creek."
  With the selection of a master workman and contractor, plans for the first car were made about fifteen months ago and on a small plot of ground in the rear of Peter Kofoed's Case Good's Factory and in the open air, their first car was constructed.
  Success crowned their initial efforts and a second order was secured.  Several orders necessitated the construction of a building to house this fast growing business.  Now by virtue of several improvements and additions, the factory stands out as one of Silver Creek's leading industries.
   That the people of Silver Creek might familiarize themselves with the construction and possibilities of the Dining Car, the doors of the plant were thrown open to the public for inspection Armistice Day.
  Flag raising exercises together with an Armistice Day Program as conducted on the grounds by Don Martin Post, No. 147, American Legion. Dr. Dudley delivered a fine address.
  What is believed to be an unprecedented occasion in Silver Creek's Industrial Life occurred when the employees of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Company so grateful for their excellent treatment and working conditions feted their employers at the First Annual Banquet of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Company which was held at the Hotel Powers in the evening.
  The Dining Room was very appropriately decorated with the Stars & Stripes.  The Tables were beautifully decked with bouquets of poppies.  Miniature Dining Cars served as name cards.  Dainty Flags protruding out of red, white and blue favors added to the picturesque ness.  Covers were laid for 40 guests and a sumptuous three course Chicken dinner was served.  The Silver City Orchestra provided entertainment for the occasion.  Lester Colberg, Past Commander of Don Martin Post, acted as toastmaster.   The many fitting responses from the employees indicated the personal pride which the employees took in their work as well as their great respect and best feelings for their employees.
  The proprietors, C.A. Ward & L. F. Dickinson, were very pronounced in their efforts to provide a factory, working conditions and wages that their employees might support themselves and families and live as American people should live.
  A Theatre Party at Geitner's Theatre were the Ten Commandments were exhibited marked the close of an eventful day in the lives of the employees and all were unanimous in pronouncing that it was "a great party."

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Nov 12, 1925

LEE DICKINSON A MODERN CROESUS

Puts it all over the Floridians

  The Buffalo Times has just run a short article to the effect that our President, Lee Dickinson, finding a hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida full up, promptly bought the hotel and helped himself to the best accommodations.  Dickinson is likened to Coal Oil Johnny, who once bought a hotel and gave it away the next morning.  noot so Dick.  What he buys he holds unless he sels it at a profit or makes a good trade, and as we all know he would rather trade than sell any day.
  Endeavoring to confirm this story, a representative of the Times interviewed one of his representatives, as Dickinson (himself) with Carl Livermore were both out of town just as we went to press.  Said representative not only confirms the purchase of the hotel as alleged, but also says that Dickinson, in a hurry to get shaved at Sarasota and finding the barber shop full and a long line ahead of him, purchased the barber shop also and is now running it along with his various other businesses.
  For the information of the press in general, Leee Dickinson is the president of our very progressive village, he is partner in Ward & Dickinson, the lunch car manufacturers, whose business is pyramidiing by leaps and bounds, and he owns all kinds of farms, real estate, subdivisions, and gas and oil rights in this part off the country, as well as having extensive holdings in Florida and Texas.  Neither Coal Oil Johnny nor anyone else has a great deal on Lee at this writing.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Nov 25, 1925

Our Famous Zoo to be Abandoned

Anyone Want to Buy Some Nice Tame Alligators?

Silver Creek Zoo Going Out of Business. Was Nice Advertisement But Not An Olifactory Success.

   ...There has been considerable adverse criticism during the warm weather because of disagreeable odors from the zoo.  The location was unfortunate being between a meat market and a lunch stand. ...
...  The zoo attracted thousands of visitors to the village during the two years of its existance and has paid for itself in advertising the village.  But the unfortunate location on Main St., between a meat market and a lunch stand, caused much adverse criticism during the warm months.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Dec 17, 1925

  A Silver Creek industry which is making a name for itself throughout the country, is The Ward & Dickinson Dining Car business, which has already obtained very favorable recognition.  This firm manufacturers Dining Cars of the modern type, in demand today among the busy folks who must have quick service.  Cars of this type are now used more extensively than ever before, and in many instances take the place of the regulation restaurant, which formerly supplied the needs of the people.  The Ward & Dickinson plant is the premier factory in the making of Ward Dining Cars, where sanitation and attractiveness vie with conditions in many of the high class eating places.    This firm is equipped with the most modern machinery for turning out their product, and the cars made by them have earned a special rating for their convenient features and durability.  These cars are not only fine and sanitary in construction, but wherever you find them, you will find a clean wholesome reputation associated with their management.    That is one factor of the service that goes with them.  These manufacturers are not content with a quality reputation for their product, but sell only on the assurance that the character connected with each car will make it a pleasure for men and women of every class to patronize them.  Everything about the Ward & Dickinson plant indicates an efficiency in operations pointing to real executive ability at the source of things, and this accounts for the rapid progress and growth of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car business.   What is the cost of these Ward Dining Cars?  How many cars were manufactured here last year?

Answer:  cost $5,500.  and 50 cars built last year.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Jan 14, 1926

Chamber of Commerce gives its Annual Banquet

...  In the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Factory, 40 people are now employed as against 10 one year ago. having a weekly payroll of $1,750.00 ..
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Jan 21, 1926

  BOOSTING SILVER CREEK'S INDUSTRIES

  The Silver Creek Dry Goods Co., is to be commended for the public spirit it shows in turning one of its show windows each week over to a local industry.  Last week Ward & Dickinson, Lunch Car Manufacturers, has the center of the stage, and this week S. Howes Co., Inc., pioneer Manufacturers of Grain Cleaning Machinery are displaying.  The "Howes" windows is very interesting and none of our readers should fail to see it.
 
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Feb 4, 1926
 

A NEW POLICY

Ward & Dickinson Start Movement to Employ Only Silver Creek Labor.

  In years gone by many people have studied on plans to help build up the village of Silver Creek.  All kinds of plans have been tried out and some been of much benefit.
    While many different plans have been tried, no one has had the merve and construct ability to propose such a revolutionary one as that proposed by Ward & Dickinson.
  They propose to employ no one in their plant who does not live in the village of Silver Creek.  They have made their theories good by commencing the new year with a real new leaf.  They point out and with much force and justice that it is not fair to give employment to those who do not assist in paying the village tax and the local school burdens.  They recognize that ability and help they get from those who do not live in the village and they say to those who are so situated that they ought to sell their property, or otherwise arrange their interests so that they may become real tax payers of the village.
 
 
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Mar 25, 1926

Big Order for Dining Cars

  What is probably the largest order for dining cars ever placed in America or anywhere else has been received by Messrs. Ward & Dickinson.  This order is for 30 of the very latest type of Ward & Dickinson dining car, all to be delivered and used at Cleveland, Ohio.  Six of the cars, the first to go forward were loaded by the Pennsylvania Railroad this week.  The Pennsylvania Railroad, which it is rumored will shortly run a new set of double tracks through Silver Creek and on to Irving, was so interested in the shipment that a number of officials gave it their special personal attention, taking photographs and making special arrangements so that the very large number of these cars now leaving Silver Creek will be handled with the greatest expedition.
  Four cars for other destinations also have been loaded this week, two for New Jersey, one for Michigan and one for Meadville, PA.
  Lee Dickinson of the firm of Ward & Dickinson, has announced that the factory building on the hill will be exactly doubled in capacity at once.  Ground is to be broken for the addition next Monday.  This is certainly good news for Silver Creek.  At the rate the lunch wagon industry has increased in Silver Creek, it bids fair shortly to employ as many men at the large factory which we expect shortly to lose, and all of them at materially higher wages than the average which can be paid for the manufacture of grain-cleaning machinery.
  The thirty cars which will be shipped to Cleveland are all to be served by a central cooking station costing $15,000.
  The interior of these cars is wonderful, and every citizen should take advantage of Ward & Dickinson's offer to inspect before this record breaking shipment is completed. Johnson & Beebe have done all the electrical work for all these cars, and in addition they are furnishing Kelvinators to take care of the electric refrigeration.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Mar 11, 1926
 

  Ward & Dickinson to Build New Factory

BUSINESS WIZARDS OF SILVER CREEK ANNOUNCE SOME PLEASING PLANS TO THE PUBLIC.  THESE PLANS INCLUDE A FINE NEW FACTORY AND OTHER DESIRABLE FEATURES.

(Headline story)  The Silver Creek Times is informed by Ward & Dickinson that if their present plans are carried out, they will soon have a new factory in Silver Creek that will give employment to every one in Silver Creek.  They expect to employ at least 200 men at the start and will take on more men from time to time.
  This factory is to be a new factory building erected as modern factories are today and will be built large enough to give employment to hundreds of men.  The exact location of this factory has not been definately decided at this writing but will be announced later.
  The Times is informed by Ward & Dickinson that this factory will have no connection with their present dining car factory and that the output of the proposed plant will be something of an entirely different line, which information will be given out in the near future.
  We are also informed that their business at the dining car factory is steadily increasing and soon many more men will be put to work in that factory.
  The good news should be very encouraging to all citizens of the village who have welfare of their town at heart as firms of this kind make happy homes and better living conditions and every one should cooperate and assist in helping bring these plans to a success.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Mar 11, 1926

(Excerpt from) Lee Dickinson in Florida

Village President See and Learns Many Things While in The Sunny South.

...  In traveling through Florida, Mr Dickinson can not help but to note Ward & Dickinson lunch wagons in busy operation.  Deliveries have been made recently to both Miami and St. Petersburg, and it is the intention to place a chain of dining cars throughout Florida. ...
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: April 1, 1926

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR SILVER CREEK

  A force of men are now at work building the foundation for the addition to the factory of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Factory.  This new addition will be 36x140 and when completed will employ at least 30 more men.  As has been stated before the Dining Car Factory will have nothing to do with the new factory which they will build sometime in the future.  The new factory will be built on a much larger scale than the Dining Car Factory and the output of this factory will be of an entirely different nature.  This factory, being on a large scale and the product something that has never been manufactured in this country.  It will take some time for Ward & Dickinson to work out all the details and it will probably be some time yet before we will be able to give the public the full details of this new factory.
    We hope to be able to give the full details of this new factory to the public in the near future.
  Ten more men will be added to the already large force of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Factory Monday morning.  Orders are coming in for cars faster than they can be manufactured.

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: April 15, 1926

Ward & Dickinson to Remodel Office

  the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Co. have rented the entire upper floor of the Montgomery & Son building, and as soon as Mr. Hampton, the photographer, vacates, the rooms will be all remodeled over into an up to date office with all new office furniture.
  The work of building the large addition to their factory is progressive very rapidly and will be completed in a very short time.  As soon as this new structure is completed, many more men will be added to the force.  At present they are employing sixty men in the factory.
  A representative of the Times is informed by Mr. Dickinson that the preliminary work on the proposed new factory for Silver Creek is progressing very satisfactory but that it will take some time yet to work out all the details before he can give much information to the public.  Mr. Dickinson states that the manufactured article will be something never manufactured before in this country and it is a product that will be in great demand.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: April 29, 1926

(Excerpt of) Irving to Silver Creek

  ... a new gasoline station and lunch room will be erected on the Harrington lot at the corner of the Dike road and Jackson street, ...
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: May 20, 1926

WARD & DICKINSON BAND

  At a meeting of the Village Board held monday night, the Ward & Dickinson band were engaged to give twelve concerts in the park commencing the first week in June.  We feel it safe to say that Ward & Dickinson Band will be one of the best, if not the best band in Western New York.  This band is a combination of the three Silver Creek bands and will have the best musical talent selected from the three bands.  The first appearance of this band on the street will undoubtedly be on Saturday afternoon, May 29th, at which time out Village President has requested a half holiday for Silver Creek.  This will be the date of the first ball gamer in Silver Creek by the Ward & Dickinson ball team.   The team will be arrayed in their new suits presented by the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Co.  The band will also be dressed out in their new band uniforms presented by the same company.  In the third or fourth inning, a Ford coupe will be given away by the ball team to the holder of the lucky number.
  Everybody come out and encourage the boys.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: July 22, 1926

A Good Place to Eat

  The Park Restaurant which was recently opened by Angelo Scaltsas in connection with his Confectionary store...

...  The opening night, the Ward & Dickinson band serenaded the new Park Restaurant and were invited in and served with some of the good things that this restaurant knows how to serve.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: Dec 16, 1926

WARD & DICKINSON DINING CAR CO. HOLDS GRAND OPENING

Montgomery's store on the corner is much improved and while the Matheis Store is practically not altered, it matches up very well indeed with the rest of the building.
  The entire upper floor is devoted to the offics and storeroom of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Co.  These offices are the last word in convenience and elegance.  With Oak hardwood floors of the best quality throughout, rugs in all offices and mahogany and bronze fittings.  Ward & Dickinson are now housed in the best offices in Silver Creek and perhaps in all Western New York outside the very large cities.
  Mayor Dickinson's office is on the corner and Mr. Ward's private office, equally elegant, is located on the Central Avenue side of the building.  The sign painter who did the lettering within and without the building added in large letters, the word, Mayor, to the lettering on the door of Lee Dickinson's office.
  While there have been many improvements in the business section of Silver Creek in the last few years, some have been more conspicuous than this.  The building standing on the most prominent corner in the town being, with the Ward Hotel and the White Bank, the business center of Silver Creek.  The remodeled building would look good anywhere, but it is especially attractive in its exceptionally prominent location.
  The business of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Co,. has gone forward rapidly.  In two years, this concern has become one of the leading enterprises of Silver Creek; and with its increased plant facilities and its magnificent offices, it bids fair to show a further large increase.
  One hundred dining cars have already been completed with 96 in operation.
  The opening of the new offices was on Thursday of last week.  Several hundred visitors congratulated both members of the Company and many handsome floral tributes were contributed by friends and well wishers.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: April 7, 1927

BAD FIRE

CONFLAGRATION VISITS NEW  W&D BUILDING

Heart of Silver Creek Nearly Wiped Out by Fire

  About 11 o'clock Wednesday morning a silent alarm was turned in for the Ward & Dickinson building at Main and Central Ave.  The fire had been started by a painter named John Smith, who was employed by the Ward & Dickinson Company.  Smith was using an acetylene torch to burn off the paint between the two stores.  The flame went through a crack, igniting some of the dry timbers in the partition, and, due to the tremendous draft, went right up to the roof where most of the fire was.
  Ten minutes later, the fire whistle was blown and the pumper also went to the scene.  After considerable delay in getting the hose hooked up, the firemen did a noble job of battling the elusive flames.  Almost all the goods in Smith's Furnishing Store were saved.  The suits and overcoast were carried out and a great deal of other goods moved to the back of the store out of reach of the water.  Mr. Smith was in Buffalo at the time, and not notified of the fire until later.  His losses were covered by insurance.  Both the upstairs and down of his store are badly watersoaked.
  Montgomery's Grocery Store also suffered water damage.  The water from upstiars soaked down through the floor, damaging the groceries and other goods considerably.  The store was not damaged so much by fire as by water.
  The offices of Ward & Dickinson were badly damaged by both fire and water. Expensive rugs, desks, and other office furniture were completely ruined.  Probably Ward & Dickinson were the heaviest losers in the fire, as far as the contents of the building were concerned.  Most of the fire were in the old, dry roof over the W & D offices and Smith's Store.  This fire continued long after the fire was extinguished on other parts of the building; as it was very difficult to get water to the base of the flames on account of the solidity of the roofing material used.  The framework of the building was weakened considerably by the fire, it being even thought by some that a new building will have to be constructed.  The total damage is estimated at nearly $60,000, this including the building and all of its contents.  however these may seem like heavy losses to the community now, in time they are proven helps, as we have more and newer, more modern buildings.
  Following up their usual policy of service at all times, the Ward & Dickinson Company had erected an office building in the shape of a lunch car, on the site of the Masonic Temple at Howard Street and Central Ave.  This office was erected within four hours after the fire, and is a shining example of the industry and perseverance of the business men of Silver Creek.

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: August 30, 1928
 

Ward & Dickinson Incorporate

Step Dictated by Constantly Expanding Business.

  The lunch car business heretofore conducted by Mayor Lee. F. Dickinson, who is president of the new corporation, and formerly conducted by Messrs. Ward & Dickinson has recently been incorporated, and a considerable expansion of the business is contemplated.   The new corporation will be known as Ward & Dickinson Inc.
  This industry has been of the utmost value to Silver Creek during the recent business depression which now happily appears to be about over.  The business has been prosperous, yet, at the same time it has treated its employees and salesmen most liberally.  Net income for a period of years is reported as follows:
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1925 -- $60,258.84
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1926 -- $99,792.53
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1927 -- $78,832.89
  7 mo. ended July, 31. 1928 -- $68,791.63

  20,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock are offered the public, preferred as to dividends of $2 per share and also as to assets up to $3 per share, are offered the public a $28 per unit of one share preferred and 1/2 share of common stock.  There are 40,000 shares of common stock in the new corporation, both preferred and common being of no par value.
  The balance sheet as of July 31, 1928, after giving effect to the acquisition of the business as of that late, and after giving effect as of that date to the application of the proceeds of the suggested new financing as certified to by Messrs Ernst & Ernst, certified public accountants, showed current assets of $505,413.75 and current liabilities of $48,809.57, a current ratio of over ten to one.
  The management of the company will be in the hands of Mr. Lee F. Dickinson.  There will be a Board of Directors of five, consisting of Lee F. Dickinson, President, Allen J Diefendorf, of Silver Creek, NY, Philip H. Gerner, of the liberty Bond and Share Corporation, Lars S. Potter, of O'Brian, Potter & STafford and one other member to be chosen later.
  The new issur is offered by the Liberty Bond & Share Corporation of Buffalo, NY and O'Brian, Potter & Stafford, Members of the New York Stock Exchange, of Buffalo, NY.
  The Ward dining car, manufactured by this new corporation, has made for itself an enviable reputation in the trade, both as to the up-to-date equipment and fittings of the car, and the large volume of sales built up throughout the country.  This business has rapidly grown until it is now one of the larges and most important in Silver Creek.  It has the best wishes of all in this community for its continued success and prosperity.
 

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: March 28, 1929

What's to do, That's the question

...  This may not be practical because of being located so far from his dining car factory which needs his attention once a month. ...

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: August 9, 1929

Ward & Dickinson Make Sales Contract

  Announcement is made by Lee F. Dickinson, president of Ward & Dickinson, manufacturers of dining cars, that a sales conract has been signed with the Dining Car Sales corporation of New York City, for the distribution of the Ward & Dickinson diner in the metropolitan district.
  An agreement has also been signed, Mr. Dickinson said, with the Liberty Shares corporation to handle the financing of time payment sales for his company.  Earnings for the past year he said, have exceeded the dividend requirement on the preferred stock.

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: March 28, 1930

 HEAD OF WARD & DICKINSON COMPANY RESIGNS

  Announcement has been made by Lee F. Dickinson that he has resigned as President and Director of Ward & Dickinson, Inc., resignation to take effect April 15th.  His successor has not yet been appointed.
  Mr. Dickinson has recently opened a private office in the Montgomery Block where he will continue to manage his personal investments and various other enterprises with which he is connected.

Source: Silver Creek Times
Date: April 17, 1930

  The position of President of the Ward & Dickinson Company, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Lee F. Dickinson has been filled by Mr. Foster Parmelee of Buffalo.  Mr. Wm. Dickinson has remained with the organization as Vice President and Sales Manager, Mrs. Leon E. Chandler of Buffalo has been elected Treasurer and will reside in Silver Creek.  To succeed A. J. Diefendorf, Director, the Vice President of the Liberty Bank in Buffalo, Morris Perlstine, has been elected.  B. L. Kofoed remains as Superintendent of the factory, which is one of the thriving industries of the village.
 

Source: Buffalo Courier Express
Date: November 3, 1972
 

Bygone Era Was Covered with Roadside diners

 Earl B Richardson, of Westfield, came to Old Home Week in Silver Creek in 1908, and didn't return.  The little restaurant-on-wheels he had built and hauled into town was so popular, he stayed with the business.
  Many persons credit him with being the father of the roadside dining car that developed in the 20's and even flourished in the depression.
  The Westfielder's idea was to provide a lunch for workingmen who didn't have time to seek out a restaurant and wait for service.
  It was successful beyond expectation.  The little eating spots, built to suggest the railroad dining car with its swank and appeal, soon became a fixture in business and industrial neighborhoods across the country.
  Shops sprang up in Chautaugua County, turning out the portable diners.  The most notable was the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Mfg. Co., Silver Creek, which at the height of production employed more than 100 craftsmen and shipped its output by rail.
  Tourists passing through the community would stop at the rambling plant and look over the cars lined up in the yard, awaiting shipment.
 "Pretty soon they'd sign up for a diner," recalls Lyle Allen Myers, Sr., Silver Creek, who headed up the paint and trim department at Ward & Dickinson. "They'd decide to go into the lunch car business back home.  Everyone was making money at it."
  Nothing less than cabinetry went into the diners.  Because they would be moved to their site on a set of four wagon wheels, they were built to withstand stress.
  "The supporting framework of beams were laid in the form of an arch held by truss rods," he notes. "As the car was built, its weight flattened out the frame and every joint was fitted under tension."
  A Curved roofline, windows in a row and the lighting added from a cellerestory added to the dining car illusion.
  White enameled sheet metal sides emphasized this.  Windows were trimmed in green.
  The most popular model had 20 stools facing a counter, and a booth at each end.  "Battleship" linoleum, green, covered the floor.  Interiors were apple green.
  So completely were the diners equipped that all a restauranteur had to do was hook up water, electricity and gas.  The table service, pots and pans, knives and spatulas were part of F.O.B. Silver Creek.
  Myers remembers when 18 of the units were paraded through town, drawn by truck, and loaded two to a flatcar, for shipment to Cleveland.
  "A customer coming through the door of a diner would hang his hat on a hook, throw one leg over a stool and do it in fewer than three steps."  Myers says.  "At noon, it was elbow to elbow eating."
  "Men loved to close to everything feeling in the diner.  One could see the counterman ladle out the chili from the steam table. You could watch while he flipped pancakes on the grill."
  If you were going to a restaurant for dinner, you would dress up  ???. In the diner you wore overalls.
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