E. Butterick and Company produced standardized paper patterns for clothes. The firm was founded by Ebenezer Butterick, who began his career as a tailor and shirtmaker in Sterling, MA. Around 1859, either he or his wife, Ellen, developed a set of graded shirt patterns to reproduce garments in unlimited quantities. After experimentation, the first patterns, primarily for children's attire, were marketed in 1863. The patterns were instantly successful and the demand for them so widespread that later in the year, Butterick moved to a larger town, Fitchburg, in order to have better facilities for manufacture and distribution. In 1864, part of the operation moved to New York City.
Patterns were primarily sold through agents. One of those agents, J.W. Wilder, suggested that Butterick produce patterns for women's clothing. A major expansion in the business followed the introduction of patterns for ladies garments. In 1867, J.W. Wilder and A.W. Pollard joined with Butterick to form E. Butterick and Company. In 1869, the factory and the remainder of the business moved from Fitchburg to Brooklyn, NY. Wilder, an aggressive businessman, was the active and controlling member of the firm. He started a magazine, "Metropolitan," with fashion reports to increase sales; the magazine later became the "Delineator." By 1876, the company had branches in London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. The firm was reorganized in 1881 and renamed the Butterick Publishing Company, Ltd. Wilder was its president and Butterick its secretary. Butterick remained active in that capacity until 1894.
From the description of Fashion illustrations, 1870-1875. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84665628
