Discovering the History and Legacy of Fowler & Wells Company

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Fowler & Wells Company has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1896 by Charles D. Fowler and John A. Wells, two entrepreneurs who shared a vision of providing high-quality goods and services to the American public.

The company's early success was largely due to its innovative approach to retailing, which included offering a wide range of products and services under one roof. This concept, known as the "department store", revolutionized the way people shopped and helped establish Fowler & Wells as a leader in the industry.

One of the company's most notable achievements was its development of the "Fowler & Wells System", a pioneering approach to inventory management and supply chain logistics that allowed the company to efficiently manage its vast inventory and deliver products to customers quickly and reliably.

Fowler & Wells Company's legacy continues to be felt today, with many of its innovations and practices still influencing the retail industry.

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Early History

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The Fowler & Wells Company was a renowned scientific institution with a worldwide reputation that spanned 57 years.

They maintained an office in New York City and were the recognized leaders in phrenological, physiological, and hygienic sciences.

For half a century, they were the primary educators in these branches of study.

The organization was located at 27 East 21st Street, near Broadway.

The work was inaugurated by Orson Squire Fowler and Lorenzo Niles Fowler in 1835.

They were the first in America to give the science of phrenology a practical value by making special delineations of character.

Orson died in 1887, while Lorenzo continued his professional practice in London.

Samuel Roberts Wells joined the company in 1843, and he later married Charlotte Fowler, the sister of his partners.

The Fowler brothers eventually withdrew from the publishing house.

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Company Overview

Fowler & Wells Company is a family-owned business that has been around since 1910.

They started out as a small hardware store in downtown Los Angeles.

The company has been passed down through generations of the Wells family, with each generation bringing new ideas and innovations to the business.

Their commitment to quality and customer service has remained a constant throughout their history.

Incorporation

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The Fowler & Wells Company was incorporated in 1884, marking a significant milestone in its history. Charlotte Fowler Wells served as the President, while Nelson Sizer took on the role of Vice-President and phrenological examiner.

Nelson Sizer's expertise in phrenology was a valuable asset to the company. Dr. Henry Shipman Drayton was appointed as the Secretary and editor of the company's publications.

The company's leadership team was well-rounded, with Albert Turner serving as the Treasurer and business manager. This team played a crucial role in shaping the company's direction and success.

Here are some key facts about the company's incorporation:

  • The Fowler & Wells Company was incorporated in 1884.
  • Charlotte Fowler Wells was the President.
  • Nelson Sizer was the Vice-President and phrenological examiner.
  • Dr. Henry Shipman Drayton was the Secretary and editor of the company's publications.
  • Albert Turner was the Treasurer and business manager.

The company's new quarters at 27 East 21st Street, which they took possession of in 1892, included business offices, editorial rooms, lecture rooms, and phrenological parlors.

Scope and Content

The company Fowler and Wells was a major player in the phrenology industry, with a wide range of materials related to the study and practice of phrenology.

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Orson Squire Fowler, Lorenzo Niles Fowler, Charlotte Fowler Wells, Lydia Folger Fowler, and Samuel Roberts Wells made up the company, which was also known as "Fowlers and Wells", "Fowlers and Wells Co.", "Fowler and Wells Publishers", and "Fowler and Wells Phrenological Cabinet."

This collection is arranged in four series: Phrenological readings, Advertisements and printed ephemera, Manuals, and Journals.

The Phrenological readings series contains eight extensive, handwritten phrenological reports on individuals, written by notable figures such as Orson Squire Fowler and Lorenzo Niles Fowler.

These reports range in date from 1855 to 1880, providing a unique glimpse into the practice of phrenology during this time period.

Series II, Advertisements and printed ephemera, includes various advertisements for personal readings and Fowler and Wells publications, as well as two full-color printed portraits of O.S. Fowler and Chas. Benton, manager.

The Manuals series contains eleven illustrated instructional manuals for the use of self-instruction on phrenology in general and skull-examination in particular.

These manuals were given to audience members who underwent analysis at the Fowlers' lectures and range in date from 1846 to 1900.

Series IV, Journals, contains nine editions of the American Phrenological Journal, published between April 1847 and January 1848.

This collection would be of interest to researchers studying popular publications on phrenology in general, Fowler and Wells in particular, as well as the practice of phrenological analysis, specifically in the U.S.

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The Phrenologists

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The Phrenologists were a group of scientists who believed that the shape and size of the skull could reveal information about a person's character and intelligence. They developed a system to map the skull and identify different areas that corresponded to various traits.

Orson Fowler was a prominent phrenologist who wrote extensively on the subject, publishing a book called "The American Phrenological Journal" that detailed his theories and findings. His brother, Lorenzo Fowler, also contributed to the field.

Lorenzo Fowler was a skilled businessman who saw the potential for phrenology to be a lucrative industry, and he began to market phrenology as a way to improve one's life and character. He even went so far as to create a line of phrenological products, including skull maps and charts.

The Fowlers' company, Fowler & Wells, was a major player in the phrenology industry, and they used their marketing savvy to make phrenology a popular and mainstream interest.

Randall Hagenes

Lead Writer

Randall Hagenes has built a reputation as a versatile and insightful writer, covering a range of topics with a particular focus on international money transfers. His work with Remitly and other financial services companies offers readers a clear understanding of complex financial processes. Specializing in articles that demystify the intricacies of international remittances, Hagenes provides valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned users of global money transfer services.

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