R. Hoe & Company
| Company type | Defunct |
|---|---|
| Industry | Graphic Arts Equipment |
| Founded | New York City, United States, 1805 |
| Founders | Robert Hoe, Matthew Smith |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States |
R. Hoe & Company was a printing press manufacturer headquartered in New York City. Established in 1805 by Peter Smith, Matthew Smith, and the English immigrant Robert Hoe, the firm originally operated under the name Smith, Hoe & Company. Over time, it became a pioneering force in printing machinery innovation.
Early years
The enterprise started with the production of wooden hand-operated printing presses alongside saw-making activities, before transitioning by 1819 to crafting iron-framed presses and related printing apparatus. A significant milestone was the introduction of Peter Smith’s iron Acorn press in 1822, which represented a notable advancement in press design. Following Smith’s passing, Robert Hoe and his sons refined existing patents for wrought iron presses, thereby expanding and improving the company’s product offerings.
Leadership passed to Robert Hoe’s sons, Richard March Hoe and Robert Hoe (1839–1909), who propelled the firm forward through inventive developments such as patented mechanical sheet delivery systems and the rotary printing press. These innovations transformed newspaper production by enabling faster output at reduced costs. Their lithographic presses, available in 1855 at prices ranging from $165 to $375, included a six-cylinder model capable of printing 166,000 sixteen-page newspapers each hour.
An enduring testament to R. Hoe & Company’s manufacturing quality is the hand-operated iron Washington Press, which saw commercial use for over one hundred years in Newfoundland. Acquired secondhand in 1859 by William Squarey for the Harbor Grace Standard newspaper, this press remained operational until the mid-1930s and continued serving printing needs until Memorial University purchased it in 1962. Now preserved as the “Pitcher Plant Press” at Memorial University Library, it exemplifies the company's long-lasting industry impact.
Employee problems
By 1855, R. Hoe & Company employed approximately 400 workers. On May 4, 1886, a strike involving 700 employees sought to reduce their ten-hour workday to nine hours without a corresponding decrease in wages. After negotiations, management consented to shorten working hours but implemented proportional pay reductions. Another strike by machinists occurred in July 1898; on its seventh day, police intervened to disperse assembled workers.
In 1902, during Rabbi Jacob Joseph's funeral procession, some employees from the Hoe factory provoked a disturbance against mourners, resulting in police involvement that ultimately sided with the workers. By 1909, the company had expanded significantly, employing about 2,500 individuals in New York and an additional 800 in London.
Company growth
During the Second World War, R. Hoe & Company diversified its production to include components for weaponry. By the end of 1950, the company had founded a subsidiary known as the Hoe Export-Import Company. In 1954, it introduced the Printmaster press, designed specifically for newspapers with circulations ranging from 7,500 to 100,000 copies. This press was capable of printing up to 40,000 newspapers per hour, featuring four-color printing capabilities and advanced folding systems. It prioritized ink efficiency and straightforward maintenance procedures.
Decline and bankruptcy
Following the war, R. Hoe & Company experienced a downturn in financial results, reflected by a drop in its stock value. By 1969, the firm filed for bankruptcy protection. Throughout the 1970s, the production of printing presses was discontinued, and manufacturing facilities were gradually dismantled as the company’s leadership redirected efforts toward saw manufacturing. In 1984, Pacific Saw and Knife Company purchased R. Hoe & Company, creating Pacific/Hoe Saw and Knife Company, which continues operations today.
External links
- R. Hoe & Company Records at The Newberry Library
- R. Hoe and Company Records, 1824-1953 at Columbia University Rare Book & Manuscript Library
- R. Hoe & Company records at the Library of Congress
- Printing press manufacturers
- Manufacturing companies established in 1805
- 1805 establishments in New York (state)
- 1984 disestablishments in New York (state)
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in New York City
- American companies disestablished in 1984
- Manufacturing companies disestablished in 1984
- American companies established in 1805
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment