David Goss knows more about Saint John history than just about anyone else and tells CHSJ News Simms played a huge role in the lives of many people on the west side. He says you can hardly meet anyone over the age of 60 on the west side who hasn't had some connection over the years with Simms.
Simms Corner used to be known as Avery's Corner and the company once had a building across the road on the former Centracare property that was used to house up to 60 factory girls who had no where else to live.
Simms also travelled all the way to the far east back in the early 1900's to get the best bristles for his brushes and established a Baptist church in India which is still operating today.
The company has been primarily making paint rollers for the last few years. Most of the brushes have been imported since tariffs increased about 15 years ago.
