The history of the Wells Mfg Co began in 1923 in Attleboro, Massachusetts founded by Raymond L Wells – jeweler, manager, wholesaler and inventor. Before starting his business, Wells had extensive experience in the jewelry field. Having worked for several years in jewelry companies in Attleboro and San Francisco, he knew all the stages of creating, producing and selling jewelry.

Raymond Wells started his career at E. A. Fargo & Co., Attleboro, a silver and aluminum maker, and worked there for several years. Then he joined the J. H. Spiro Jewelry Company, 704 Market St., San Francisco, where he worked as a sales and travel agent. He worked for the firm until he opened his own company in 1923. In addition, he had a jewelry shop on Park Street, Attleboro, which he sold to Myer Dana in 1923.

Samuel J. McCormick served as vice president and sales manager of Wells Manufacturing Co for many years. In 1954, he acquired the Briggs, Bates & Bacon jewelry manufacturing company in Attleboro and left Wells.

Noteworthy, Raymond Wells was a highly respected jeweler, actively participating in various professional associations. Moreover, he held leadership positions in them for many years, from vice president to president. Thus, in the 1930-50s, Raymond Wells headed the New England Jewelers and Silversmiths Association. Wells, together with his wife, devoted a lot of time to working in this association.

Wells Jewelry Company History (1923-1976)

The new owners

76-year-old Raymond L Wells retired and sold his company in August 1960. The new owners were Thomas Freeman, Fred H. Burrows, Jr., Fred H Burrows, III, and Frederick L Pratt. Freeman, formerly vice president and national sales manager of Shields, Inc., became president of Wells. He immediately set about modernizing the Wells Manufacturing Co. plant with new equipment and new shops.

Fred H. Burrows III became vice president and general manager of the reorganized company, Pratt – executive vice president, and Fred H. Burrows Jr. – treasurer. The company’s production capacity expanded not only through modernization, but also through the absorption of other companies. In particular, the R. Blackinton Wells Inc, of Attleboro, which Thomas Freeman purchased in 1966.

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