Mull & Fromer, Masons and Builders
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Construction, Masonry |
| Founded | 1877 |
| Founder | DeWitt Mull, Gottleib Fromer, Adrian Mull |
| Defunct | 1892 |
| Headquarters | Catskill , United States |
Key people | DeWitt Mull, Gottleib Fromer, Adrian Mull, Edwin Lampman (collaborator) |
| Products | Masonry and general contracting services |
Mull & Fromer
Mull & Fromer operated as a construction firm headquartered in Catskill, New York, functioning approximately from 1877 until 1892. The enterprise was established by DeWitt Mull, Gottleib Fromer, and Adrian Mull, who was DeWitt's son. Their core expertise lay in masonry and general contracting services. DeWitt Mull brought substantial experience to the company, having served as the chief mason for L.S. & William Smith and contributing to major undertakings such as the expansion of the Grant House Hotel.
The firm rapidly gained recognition for delivering high-quality work, exemplified by their completion of the West Catskill schoolhouse in 1878. Collaboration with carpenter Edwin Lampman, a former employee of L.S. & William Smith, further strengthened their construction proficiency.
Among their notable commissions were several important buildings, including two that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Stuyvesant Railroad Station (1880) and the Hop-O-Nose Knitting Mill (1881). Their most distinguished project was the Greene County Office Building located in Cairo, New York—originally constructed as the Greene County Alms House in 1883 in partnership with architect John B. Halcott. This structure presently serves as the home for the Greene County Department of Mental Health.
Mull & Fromer expanded their reach into New York City, New York, where they erected at least six structures encompassing both residential and commercial properties on Washington Avenue, Willis Avenue near Third Avenue, and multiple locations at 103rd Street and Park Avenue.
By 1892, following DeWitt Mull’s retirement and his sale of a New York City residence on Washington Avenue (an area later incorporated into the Bronx), the company appears to have discontinued its operations.
The business model emphasized specialized masonry skills combined with general contracting within local markets, which contributed to its competitive positioning in construction during the late 19th century. Under DeWitt Mull’s leadership and through key partnerships, the firm experienced consistent growth until its eventual closure.