Perry Gauci
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- February 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198802631
- eISBN:
- 9780191840937
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802631.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History, Social History
This chapter focuses on the debates surrounding the development of Blackfriars Bridge, the third major Thames crossing completed in 1769. Both physically and metaphorically situated at the meeting of ...
More
This chapter focuses on the debates surrounding the development of Blackfriars Bridge, the third major Thames crossing completed in 1769. Both physically and metaphorically situated at the meeting of the polite Westminster and the working City, the bridge exposed the inherent tensions between the most powerful propertied interests in the metropolis. However, its completion symbolized the ultimately productive accommodation between the polite and commercial worlds, although this was only achieved through intricate agencies and the key brokerage of well-placed individuals. The career of John Paterson (c.1705–89) will be the central interest here. A cultured man himself, he felt confident that the City did appreciate the importance of projects and designs which communicated the growing wealth and influence of the Square Mile, but he sought to sell a vision of social regeneration which spoke directly to the concerns of the City’s governors, and appealed to a London spirit which married older corporate traditions to the cause of civic improvement. These discourses were contested, but Blackfriars Bridge serves as an enduring testament to his vision of a regenerated City, where politeness and commerce would support each other.Less
This chapter focuses on the debates surrounding the development of Blackfriars Bridge, the third major Thames crossing completed in 1769. Both physically and metaphorically situated at the meeting of the polite Westminster and the working City, the bridge exposed the inherent tensions between the most powerful propertied interests in the metropolis. However, its completion symbolized the ultimately productive accommodation between the polite and commercial worlds, although this was only achieved through intricate agencies and the key brokerage of well-placed individuals. The career of John Paterson (c.1705–89) will be the central interest here. A cultured man himself, he felt confident that the City did appreciate the importance of projects and designs which communicated the growing wealth and influence of the Square Mile, but he sought to sell a vision of social regeneration which spoke directly to the concerns of the City’s governors, and appealed to a London spirit which married older corporate traditions to the cause of civic improvement. These discourses were contested, but Blackfriars Bridge serves as an enduring testament to his vision of a regenerated City, where politeness and commerce would support each other.
Aaron D. Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036675
- eISBN:
- 9781621030591
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036675.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 19th Century
This book describes how, between 1865 and 1914, ten Natchez mercantile families emerged as leading purveyors in the wholesale plantation supply and cotton handling business, and soon became a ...
More
This book describes how, between 1865 and 1914, ten Natchez mercantile families emerged as leading purveyors in the wholesale plantation supply and cotton handling business, and soon became a dominant force in the social and economic Reconstruction of the Natchez District. They were able to take advantage of postwar conditions in Natchez to gain mercantile prominence by supplying planters and black sharecroppers in the plantation supply and cotton buying business. They parlayed this initial success into cotton plantation ownership and became important local businessmen in Natchez, participating in many civic improvements and politics that shaped the district into the twentieth century. This book digs deep in countless records (including census, tax, property, and probate, as well as thousands of chattel mortgage contracts) to explore how these traders functioned as entrepreneurs in the aftermath of the Civil War, examining closely their role as furnishing merchants and land speculators, as well as their relations with the area’s planters and freed black population. Their use of favorable laws protecting them as creditors, along with a solid community base that was civic-minded and culturally intact, greatly assisted them in their success. These families prospered partly because of their good business practices, and partly because local whites and blacks embraced them as useful agents in the emerging new marketplace. The situation created by the aftermath of the war and emancipation provided an ideal circumstance for the merchant families.Less
This book describes how, between 1865 and 1914, ten Natchez mercantile families emerged as leading purveyors in the wholesale plantation supply and cotton handling business, and soon became a dominant force in the social and economic Reconstruction of the Natchez District. They were able to take advantage of postwar conditions in Natchez to gain mercantile prominence by supplying planters and black sharecroppers in the plantation supply and cotton buying business. They parlayed this initial success into cotton plantation ownership and became important local businessmen in Natchez, participating in many civic improvements and politics that shaped the district into the twentieth century. This book digs deep in countless records (including census, tax, property, and probate, as well as thousands of chattel mortgage contracts) to explore how these traders functioned as entrepreneurs in the aftermath of the Civil War, examining closely their role as furnishing merchants and land speculators, as well as their relations with the area’s planters and freed black population. Their use of favorable laws protecting them as creditors, along with a solid community base that was civic-minded and culturally intact, greatly assisted them in their success. These families prospered partly because of their good business practices, and partly because local whites and blacks embraced them as useful agents in the emerging new marketplace. The situation created by the aftermath of the war and emancipation provided an ideal circumstance for the merchant families.
David Farber
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199734573
- eISBN:
- 9780190254360
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199734573.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter details Raskob's life as a member a new cohort of professional men and women who began applying their professional skills to the social realm. John made himself a central player in the ...
More
This chapter details Raskob's life as a member a new cohort of professional men and women who began applying their professional skills to the social realm. John made himself a central player in the building of Wilmington's biggest architectural masterpiece, the Hotel Du Pont and, to his great delight, the leading figure in the creation of the Playhouse, a state-of-the-art theater built directly behind the new hotel. The impact of the war on the Du Pont Company and thus, John Raskob, is also described.Less
This chapter details Raskob's life as a member a new cohort of professional men and women who began applying their professional skills to the social realm. John made himself a central player in the building of Wilmington's biggest architectural masterpiece, the Hotel Du Pont and, to his great delight, the leading figure in the creation of the Playhouse, a state-of-the-art theater built directly behind the new hotel. The impact of the war on the Du Pont Company and thus, John Raskob, is also described.
