The Sherman Courier
Wednesday, August 15, 1917
pg. 18
Fiftieth Anniversary Edition

In 1877 James P. Harrison and his brother-in-law, E.E. Pittman, founded the firm of Pittman & Harrison Co., located at Houston and Walnut street and dealing mainly in feed and grain.  The business increased steadily and substantially until in 1917 the volume was approximately twelve to fifteen hundred carload shipments of grain, seeds and mill products each year as well as an immense quantity shipped by local freight and express.

Many years ago the company introducted the "Texas Red Rust Proof Oat" in the southeastern states.  After the experimental stage passed and the value of the oat was established, an enormous yearly demand was created for the oat.  Mr. I.R. Bobbitt, president of the firm in 1917, was a farm hand in 1875 who hauled oats from nearby farms to Pittman & Harrison Co.  Mr. E.L. Benzel, manager 1917, and Assistant Manager Mr. P.T. Andrews (1917) began working with Pittman & Harrison Co. as "office boys."
During its first years W.M. Sykes walked into the office of the late Mr. Harrison, hat in hand and "hired hisself."  Known to his friends as "Bully," Mr. Sykes had been with the firm for forty years in 1917 and planned to be there for many years to come, despite his 72 years.
The company operated a thoroughly up-to-date and fully equipped plant for the manufacture of high grade meal and poultry foods - the "Polka Dot" brand of poultry food and seeds as well as their "1877" brand were recognized as the best products obtainable.  Among their other brands were Alfalfa seed, Sudan Grass seed, Kaffir Corn, Milo Maize, Seed Corn, Feterita, garden seeds, etc.

Sherman History
Susan Hawkins
© 2024

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