McLoughlin Bros. (1858-)
John McLoughlin (1827-1905) worked as a teenager in the engraving,
printing and publishing firm of Elton & Co. The latter firm was
established by Robert H. Elton and John McLoughlin, Sr. This company
was active between 1840 and 1851. At that time both senior partners
retired and John Jr. took over. This is coincident with a massive fire
in December, 1851 that apparently burned down Elton's establishment.
Newspaper accounts note that Elton was uninsured.
John McLoughlin published toy books on his own imprint. These books
came from works previously published by Elton & Co. as well as the
printing blocks which McLoughlin acquired from Edward Dunigan’s
namesake company.
John's younger brother, Edmund, became a partner in 1855 but the name
of the company was not changed to McLoughlin Brothers until 1858.
Dating the McLoughlin Bros.' books can be a bit easier if the dates of
the firm's addresses are known. In addition Vincent Dill did much of
the electrotyping and its address is frequently on the front cover.
These addresses are also below.
McLoughlin Bros. addresses were frequently on the covers of the
editions published between 1859 and 1869. Thereafter the Green St. and
Duane St. addresses may be useful for dating books but are uncommonly
seen.
24 Beekman 1859-1862
30 Beekman 1863-1869
52 Greene St 1870-1871
71 Duane Street 1871-1886
The Vincent Dill Addresses are seen occasionally on early books.
29 Beekman 1852-1856
29 & 31 Beekman 1856-1857
29 Beekman 1857-1859
24 Beekman 1859-1866
25 and 27 New Chambers 1867-1878
27 New Chambers 1878
623 Broadway 1886-1892
The ads on the back cover can be helpful as certain series were
published in certain years.
The later books (late 1880's and 1890's) rarely had any ads.
Many titles appeared in more than one series. Sometimes with the same
cover other times with a different cover. The post 1900 series and
volumes are for the most part not included in this database.