Talk:B. J. Simmons & Co.

Founding Date and Founder
Current entry says "Founded in 1875 by B. J. Simmons," but I believe both of those details to be incorrect. Simmons placed an ad in the Liverpool Mercury (16 Jan, 1883, page 1) stating "Established 50 years." So I've searched and found many "Simmons" ads, starting at least 1844, and possibly earlier. I believe "B. J." was a son of "John" Simmons.

In 1838, someone named "J. Simmons" of London advertised "Tuscan and Straw Bonnets." (The London Dispatch and People's Political and Social Reformer, 27 May, 1838, page 8). Similar ads continue through to at least 1851 (Daily News, 27 May, 1851, page 8). But in 1848, ads begin from "Mr. Simmons" of Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, for "Fancy Ball Dresses" (The Morning Post, 5 Jan, 1848, p.1). So it's possible that the Simmons hat business is distinct from the costumers.

In 1860, the Simmons of Tavistock Street is identified as "John Simmons" (The Era, 8 Jan, 1860, p.8). In 1868 he becomes "John Simmons and Sons" (The Times, 4 May, 1868, p.1). In 1884 the address of the business changes to King Street, Covent Garden (The Times, 22 Jan, 1884, p.1) In 1885, the name changes to "B. J. Simmons" (no "Sons") so perhaps John Simmons died (Manchester Courier, 8 Jan, 1885, p.1).

B. J. Simmons supplied costumes for several Savoy Theatre productions in the 1890's and later. Mikado2005 (talk) 17:49, 4 December 2022 (UTC)