Sullivan's Cigar Manufacturing
 

While re-reading Bruce Healds' "Boats & Ports of Winnipesaukee vol. 2" recently I came across a reference to speed boat sponsors, specifically Archie Gulliford of "724 Cigar fame in Manchester".

The first time I read the book a few years ago this picture had no connection for me. However this summer while diving in the Connecticut River in the Bellows Falls area south of the dam I found a 1 foot x 3 foot terrific old ceramic-on-metal sign advertising the "7-20-4" cigars. Research indicates that at one time they sold millions of cigars a year, world-wide. It is a fantastic sign now on the wall in my garage. I estimate it is from the 1920's.

That same day we found two 3,500 lb grinding stones nearby in shallow water. My friend Annette Spaulding convinced a local excavator operator to bring his machine (working nearby) to the edge of the river and grab them both, so he did. Wild stuff.

Here's the building in Manchester. Still there right off exit 5 I-293 and over the bridge.

my oldest sister worked there In the early 50s

:D