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The Ricca
Manufacturing Company (sometimes referred to as the
Ricca Musical Instrument Company) was one of the original "Big
Four" factories that located themselves in New Orange in the
last years of the nineteenth century. Ricca was actually the
first of the Big Four to move to New Orange.
Ricca, a manufacturer of musical instruments
(especially noted for their mandolins), was originally located
in New York City. Frank W. Holland, General Manager of Ricca,
decided to move to New Orange at the enticements of the New
Orange Industrial Association. Once an agreement was made the
association was quick to publicize about the first factory
locating in New Orange. It was reported that, "Ricca
Manufacturing . . . now employing upward of two hundred men.
The building is completed and a force of men are at work
putting in the plumbing, electrical equipments, engines,
boilers, etc. The Ricca Company . . . is one of the largest
producers of musical instruments in the country. It recently
sold to one jobber 10,000 mandolins." These figures were more
than likely grossly overstated, in an attempt to entice more
business concerns to locate in New Orange. The drawing of the
factory building, when compared to the photograph of Ricca, is
grossly overexaggerated, not to mention the
fictitious two track mainline of the NY&NO! In
reality, the factory building measured 100 ft. x 50 ft. and
was three stories tall, with an additional cellar floor.
Ricca never was a big account for the New
Orange Railroads (NY&NO and NOFJ). In 1902 it was reported
that Ricca only moved about 300 tons of freight, the least of
any of the shippers reported that year. For this reason all
freight handled for Ricca was classified as 1-1/2 times first
class, to compensate for the light output. Ricca in addition
to churning out musical instruments for shipment also brought
in an occasional load of lumber or coal.
By 1902 the Ricca Manufacturing Company
had vacated their plant in New Orange. Whether they went out
of business or relocated is unknown. Their plant in New Orange
was subsequently occupied by American
Veneer
Co. |
