MARYLAND/VIRGINIA/DC
Company: ARMSTRONG & CATOR

                                                  Updated JULY 1ST 2013

In 1817 Mr. Thomas Armstrong began a business centered on millinery goods, ribbons, notions, and white goods. This business was originally housed at 175 West Baltimore Street in that city. 

In 1847 Robinson W. Cator joined Armstrong and the business became known widely as Armstrong and  Cator Company. 

In 1852 the business relocated on the same street to #237 and #239.

In 1872 this advertisement appeared:

March 12, 1872 from The Petersburg Index (VA)

In 1878 the following 40' front x 204' depth 5-story building was constructed for this growing business.

Their ribbon department became one of the largest in the state and included ribbons, hosiery, straw goods, millinery goods, notions, ladies neck wear.  At one point they employed 115 clerks and salespersons plus 60 expert milliners and fancy goods manufacturers in their trimming department.   Their business covered Maryland, plus many other states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas and Texas.   (Source:  Book on City of Baltimore, Page 264)

Members of the firm included:

 Robinson W. Cator
James H. Cator
Franklin P. Cator
George Cator
William H. Pagon
J. H. Watters
J. McKinney White

In the 1890 Baltimore Directory:  GEORGE CATOR, of Armstrong, Cator and Co. lived at 803 St. Paul.   Armstrong, Cator and Company is listed at 9 West Baltimore as a millinery, notions and white goods (wholesale).  The persons listed in the directory with this company are Robinson W. CATOR, Frank P. CATOR, Jas. H. CATOR, Geo. CATOR, Wm. J. H. Watters, Wm. H. Pagon, and J. McK. White.
 

Source Unknown:

 

Spring and Summer 1895 advertisement for millinery from Armstrong & Cator.

There are many advertisements in local newspapers for Armstrong and Cator over many years.

                                                  Updated JULY 1ST 2013

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George Armstrong:

     catorfamily@gmail.com

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