Services and history

#25 - Carpenter’s Hardware/Blacksmith Shop/Livery Stables/Mortuary – 235-275 North First Street (388)

Circa 1901 on the corner of C Street and First you will pass by the location of the former Blacksmith shop and livery stables.

A pioneer and successful in their line of business in Dixon is Milton Carpenter, who was born November 8, 1836, in Niles, Michigan. He is the son of John Whipple Carpenter, who moved with his family to Missouri when Milton was a child. In Missouri, he was reared and educated in the public schools and at the age of fourteen began preparation for a business career by becoming an apprentice in the wheelwright’s trade. His training was obtained under his father, who was an experienced carriage maker and a man well known in that section of Missouri.

After becoming proficient at his trade Milton Carpenter continued to follow it until 1855, when he determined to come to the Golden State, and the same year found him crossing the plains with ox-teams. Arriving safely in Sacramento, he soon afterward set out for Napa County and was fortunate in soon finding work in his trade. A later move brought him to Solano County, and locating in Silveyville, he ventured into an enterprise of his own, establishing a blacksmith and carriage shop. A later venture was the establishment of another branch to the business, namely undertaking, this being the first regularly established business of its kind in northern Solano County. When the Southern Pacific Railroad was completed and Dixon was founded, he with other citizens moved his business over to the new town, which had a rapid growth and was soon classed among the established towns of the state. With the growth of the town Mr. Carpenter’s business expanded in like ratio and he was compelled to enlarge his quarters to accommodate his patrons. As the years passed, he built up a large business in the manufacture of carriages, wagons and implements, his patronage covering a wide radius in Solano and Yolo counties. Strict attention to details and a thorough understanding of his varied lines of business, coupled with a kindly manner, may be said to be the keynote of the success of the large business, which was ultimately his, and which he continued to manage up to the time of his death, March 1, 1901.

Milton Carpenter Blacksmith, Machine Shop and Garage provided service to Dixon residences for their automotive needs.

People and culture

Our people are what make us unique. Rather than outsourcing our construction engineers from questionable outsourcing establishments, we provide them with an environment that supports professional growth.

We are strong believers in giving our employees a voice. Our teams are put together with the help of our resident psychologist to ensure maximum productivity and engagement.

Esther Bryce

Founder / Interior designer

Lianne Wilson

Broker

Jaden Smith

Architect

Jessica Kim

Photographer