Partners: network

Auguste Pottier, William Pierre Stymus Sr.

Active 1859-1888

Firm Notes

Founded just before the Civil War, Pottier and Stymus developed a large clientele for their luxury furniture designs, and, by 1871, had a production facility on Lexington Avenue in New York that occupied an entire city block. In 1875, they employed 750 in their salesroom and factory. Pottier and Stymus also produced lines of less-costly furniture by 1876.

In 02/1888, the Pottier and Stymus Manufacturing Company dissolved, to be replaced by a reorganized, cooperative company, Pottier and Stymus Company, controlled by a group of 12 men. In this latter firm, Auguste Pottier's nephew, Adrian, held the title of president, with Auguste serving as vice-president, and Frank Pentz, treasurer. Frank P. Stymus, Sr., and his son, Frank, Jr., were also directors of the new firm. The new firm's giant factory on the northeast corner of Lexington Avenue and 41st Street burned in 03/1888, but was rebuilt at 377 Lexington Avenue. In 1889, the New York City Directory indicated that William P. Stymus, Sr., was the Secretary of the Pottier and Stymus Company, and William P. Stymus, Jr., was its Vice-President. (See New York City Directory, 1889, p. 1944.)

PCAD id: 5451