The history of the Hingeco company, also known under the Trueart brand, began in January 1924 in Providence. Its founders were Christopher L. Migliaccio (1897 – 1985) and Fritz R. Robinson. Located at 220 Eddy Street, the factory started manufacturing a general line of plated and sterling silver jewelry and novelties.

In March 1925 the Hingeco Mfg Co moved to larger premises at 73 Atwells Avenue, Providence, which increased its force and facilities with new machinery and other equipment. Moreover, the business expanded thanks to the newly organized jewelry company A. Shehan & Co. Christopher Migliaccio, Fritz Johnson, and Aram Shehan established A Shehan & Co at 9 Calender Street in November 1925.

Name changes and incorpoations

In May and June 1926, Christopher Migliaccio, Fritz Johnson, and Aram Shehan incorporated both companies, and both with an authorized capital stock of 500 shares of common stock. The next expansion of the business occurred in 1935, when the Hingeco Mfg Co purchased a large mill building at Amherst Street and Tuxedo Avenue.

Noteworthy, Hingeco manufacturers of jewelers’ findings, vanity and cigarette cases, changed names three times. First, it was Hingeco Mfg Co, since 1935 Hingeco Vanities, Inc, and in 1950 Hingeco Trueart, Inc. According to 1950s business directories of Providence, the firm employed 150 people, and the income was $ 1,000,000 a year.

Tragic events

The business was quite successful, but the company also faced some unpleasant events. Thus, in December 1945 Hingeco was fined $31,000 for blackmarket silver operations. However, more tragic events that made headlines occurred a year later.

The Providence press featured the shooting of Christopher L Migliaccio, president of Hingeco Vanities, Inc. Christopher Migliaccio was severely wounded in the stomach and in the finger, after an unidentified gunman fired three shots. Migliaccio was taken to the hospital and immediately operated.

His brother, Dr. Anthony V Migliaccio, took over the firm as president, and Henry Migliaccio, Christopher Migliaccio’s son, became secretary-treasurer of Hingeco-Trueart Inc. The firm ceased to exist before 1960.

Christopher L Migliaccio lived for another forty years after this incident, dying in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, at the age of 88.