Winslow Bros. &Smith Co.

In 1843 John Smith turned over control of his tannery in South Dedham (later Norwood), Mass., to his son Lyman and to George Winslow, his son-in-law. This partnership lasted 10 years, dissolving in 1853. At this point, Lyman Smith built a new tannery near Norwood and continued doing business. His sons, John and Charles Smith, joined him and in 1856 their company became Lyman Smith's Sons. Lyman Smith died in 1883 and in 1890 the company incorporated under the name Lyman Smith's Sons Company, Inc. After the 1853 dissolution, George Winslow retained control of the original tannery and his sons joined him in the business which became known as George Winslow & Sons and then Winslow Bros. (After Winslow's death in 1877). In 1895, George Willett, who had married Edith Winslow, granddaughter of George Winslow, gained controlling interest in the Winslow tannery. He also gained control of the Lyman Smith's Sons tannery in 1897 and the two businesses were again consolidated in 1901 under the name Winslow Bros. & Smith Co. The business continued to grow until it became the largest handler of sheepskins in the world. In 1928 Winslow Bros. & Smith was merged with Eastern Leather Co. A 1938 strike hurt the company and it continued to decline after World War II. In 1952 the Norwood plants were sold and the Smith plant demolished by early 1970s.