Inductees in Retail Pioneers

 

  1. Martin Chase (1906-1971)

    Inducted in 1977

    Martin Chase organized the first discount merchandise store in the United States (Ann & Hope), which revolutionized American retail. The Mass Merchandising Foundation honored him for setting in motion the tide of low-margin retailing, which greatly extended the purchasing power of the American consumer. Mr. Chase was also active in community and philanthropic affairs. Read more >

  2. Joseph Davol

    Joseph Davol (1837-1909)

    Inducted in 1967

    Joseph Davol, 1837-1909, was a pioneer in the rubber industry who, prior to incorporating the Davol Rubber Company in 1881, devoted much of his time to experimentation and invention in the processing of rubber. He was among the first to see the potential for rubber products in the fields of medicine and dentistry. He remained the President, Treasurer, and general manager of this major business enterprise until his death in 1909.

    By Engraving from Memorial Encyclopedia of the State of Rhode Island, 1916. Read more >

  3. Nathanael G.

    Nathanael G. "Nat" Herreshoff (1848-1938)

    Inducted in 1965

    Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, 1848-1938, was a world-renowned Bristol boatbuilder who teamed with his blind brother John Brown Herreshoff to build a series of world famous racing yachts that dominated the America's Cup competition from 1893 through 1934. "Captain Nat" and his Herreshoff Manufacturing Company also built luxury yachts, cruising sailboats, and America's first torpedo boat in 1876. Read more >

  4. Joseph Samuels (1868-1939)

    Inducted in 1968

    Joseph Samuels, 1868-1939, was founder and president of the Outlet Company and one of the state's leading philanthropists. He developed a small shop into one of New England's leading retail establishments. Samuels was known for making generous gifts to hospitals and clinics for dental care. Read more >

  5. William F. Sayles

    William F. Sayles (1824-1894)

    Inducted in 1966

    William Francis Sayles, 1824-1894, was a prominent Pawtucket, Rhode Island industrialist who founded the W.F. & F.C. Read more >

  6. Samuel Slater

    Samuel Slater (1768-1835)

    Inducted in 1965

    Samuel Slater, 1768-1835, an English-born textile operative and inventor, has been called the "Father of American Manufacturing". He migrated to Rhode Island from Derbyshire in 1789, and, in concert with Rhode Island investors and craftsman, built and activated spinning frames at Pawtucket Falls that were modeled on those of English inventor Richard Arkwright. On December 20, 1790, he spun cotton yarn from water powered machinery for the first time in America. Read more >

 

 

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