Draft:Jared Holt

Jared Holt (February 4, 1804 East Haven, Connecticut – October 3, 1879 Albany, New York) was an American manufacturer.

Biography
Jared Holt (February 4, 1804 – October 3, 1879) was an American entrepreneur known for his contributions to the standardization and commercialization of stitching wax used in the manufacturing of leather goods. Born in East Haven, Connecticut, Holt's early life was marked by tragedy, as his father perished in a shipwreck off the coast of South Carolina when Jared was only six years old. He married Sophia Crook in 1826, and despite both being orphaned, they had one child who survived to adulthood.

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Holt’s most notable achievement was the standardization and mass production of stitching wax, which became essential in the footwear industry as a lubricant for sewing machines. He began producing this wax behind his leather shop located in Albany, New York, initially as a convenience for shoe manufacturers who purchased leather from him. Prior to Holt’s innovation, most leather goods manufacturers produced their own wax. However, Holt’s high-quality product soon gained popularity, and he began shipping it internationally. By 1849 Jared was selling his wax, as well as leather and manufacturing supplies at an additional storefront in New York City.

The Jared Holt Company
The success of Holt’s venture led to the establishment of the Jared Holt Company, one of Albany’s longest running businesses. Manufacturing activities commenced at the former Jared Holt Manufacturing site on Broad Street circa 1885 and persisted until 1987, primarily focusing on leather and shoe production. The Jared Holt Manufacturing Company specialized in crafting stitching wax, a blend of plant gums, beeswax, tallow, and paraffin waxes. This wax served to lubricate thread, safeguard it from moisture, and secure threads in place on shoes.

The manufacturing process at Jared Holt involved a high-temperature blending and emulsification method, utilizing large kettles heated to varying temperatures. Equipment modernization took place in the 1940s, expanding the company's product line to include specialty cleaners, polishes, and floor waxes. Additionally, the facility housed a dedicated laboratory for research and development purposes.

By the 1960s the factory on Broad Street closed, and the building stood empty. After the building’s demolition in 1999 all that remained was an abandoned lot. Subsequently, the buildings of Jared Holt Manufacturing were demolished and cleared from the premises. The site is new occupied by the Jared Holt Mews Townhouses.

Residence and Business Location
In 1826, Holt left Connecticut for Albany, and began a leather and finding business on what was then known as Little State Street. Following a devastating fire in 1836, Jared Holt purchased the Van Ostrande-Radliff House, a historic residence located at 48 Hudson Avenue, Albany, New York, which was then already 100 years old. He relocated his residence there and subsequently moved his wax-making business from another nearby location in 1837. Holt expanded the building around 1838, adding a storefront and masonry wing to accommodate his manufacturing processes. The company remained headquartered in this location until 1892 when it relocated to a site just outside the city’s core.

Legacy
Jared Holt’s contributions to the leather goods industry, particularly his innovations in wax production, left a lasting legacy. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality helped revolutionize manufacturing processes in the footwear industry, and his company continued to thrive for over a century after his passing. Today, Holt’s legacy is remembered as a testament to ingenuity and entrepreneurship in American business history.