Clayton

Christopher Gassler

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Year: 2011
• Print ISBN: 9780738573755
• eBook ISBN: 9781439624029
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

The area now known as Clayton was settled shortly before the American Revolution by Jacob Fisler, the son of a Swedish immigrant. Fislers land grew to become known as Fislertown, later renamed Fislerville, and in 1864 was deemed Clayton. Jacob Fisler and his business partner, Benjamin Beckett, began the manufacturing of glass in this new town. Claytons glassblowing industry has had many names, from Moores to Pierce to Clevenger, and was the heart and soul of the community for well over 100 years. While some of Claytons historic buildings have fallen victim to the hands of progress, many remain and are inhabited by new businesses, which grow and thrive in this small community. Much has changed in Clayton, yet it continues to be a proud community.

Three

AROUND TOWN

Pictured is an aerial photograph of Clayton taken during the 1960s. A small town rich in history, Clayton developed over the years, and as the needs of the town changed, new buildings were erected. Some of the town’s older buildings that were not replaced with modern structures were lost to neglect. This chapter looks at the historic buildings around town.

This home was once owned by D. W. Moore, brother and partner of John Mayhew Moore, is one of the oldest residences in Clayton. It has had many additions over the years; the original log cabin was located where the bay windows are. This home still stands on Academy Street behind the Heritage Dairy Store.

John Moore commissioned the Moore residence, pictured here, and Richard T. Beckett was hired by him as the carpenter. Moore had it built on the site of his old residence, then moved the house to Delsea Drive in 1887. It took workers more than a month to move, and they said the grandfather clock never stopped ticking during the bumpy transition.

The Moore residence changed ownership multiple times; at one time it was known as Grove Lawn Estates. The property was beautifully shaded by many different species of trees that were planted by John Moore. Private residents lived there up until 1969. In 1971, it was torn down and apartments were built in its place.

The house itself was three stories high, had a deep basement, fruit and wine storage areas, six large rooms on the first floor, another six rooms and two bathrooms on the second floor, and seven rooms, including a billiard room, on the third floor. In addition was the tower room, which contained three balconies. From the highest balcony in the tower, the entire estate was visible below.

Pictured here is the large stable located behind the Moore residence. Inside the stable were five horse stalls, four cow stalls, a chauffeur’s room, carriage room, spacious loft, and cemented cellar. Outside this building are auto and carriage stands and an icehouse.

In the summer of 1933, a small tearoom opened in what had been the billiard room. The hand-carved mantle seen in this picture is very unusual. Through word of mouth, business began to grow, meaning the tearoom had to expand. An old drawing room was used to seat 60 guests, a private dining room accommodated 30 diners, and during the summer a screened porch could seat 30 more.

The Moore mansion is pictured here in 1937. The original structure was altered when it was purchased by Pierre DuBois, who added the pillars and stone facing. The mansion was torn down in the spring of 1971, and is the site of the present-day Acme. In the background of this picture, taken from Clayton’s water tower, is the old town hall.

Clayton was home to more than one glass factory. F. M. Pierce and Company was located in the northwestern part of town. The business started out as Fisler and Morgan Company and, at one time, was also known as Clayton Bottle Works. Owner Franklin Pierce built a lovely home, pictured here, which still stands at t...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• One - THEY BLEW GLASS
• Two - SCHOOLS
• Three - AROUND TOWN
• Four - RAILROADS
• Five - LAKES
• Six - HOUSES OF WORSHIP
• Seven - MILITARY