May 17, 2012American Aristotype Company
Located on Prospect Street, 100 feet south of Prather Avenue
When the American Aristotype Company was formed in 1889 by Porter Sheldon and Charles S. Abbott, an albuminous photographic paper was imported from abroad. This paper had to be sensitized by the photographer and depended on weather conditions for its success. In their interest to develop a collodian paper, the two men were joined by Sheldon’s son, Ralph C. Sheldon, in 1890. Large amounts of money were spent and setbacks were overcome until the process was perfected. One of the first of its kind, it was considered the best in the world. The business increased rapidly, occupying four buildings between Prather and McKinley Avenues.
General Aristo Company was formed in 1899 with George Eastman as president, succeeding Porter Sheldon and Charles S. Abbott. This company purchased the stock of American Aristotype Company. In 1901 the Eastman Kodak Company acquired the stock of General Aristo Company. Eventually, the business here was moved in its entirety to Rochester. The plants in Jamestown were razed, and last one in 1964 to make room for the Fenton Park Nursing Home.
AMERICAN ARISTOTYPE COMPANY
AN ORNATE RED BRICK BUILDING HERE WAS THE OFFICE OF AMERICAN ARISTOTYPE COMPANY. FOUNDED IN 1889. ITS FACTORIES MANUFACTURED A FINE EARLY COLLODIAN PAPER WHICH HELPED REVOLUTIONIZE THE PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY. THE OPERATION WAS LATER ACQUIRED BY EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY.