ABOUT US

The 2017 Harron Family Photo



 


Here at Simpson & Vail, the Harron family's mission is to uphold the highest standards in quality, service and value, in order to best serve you, our faithful customers.

We are dedicated to bringing you the finest quality, most health conscious products available at the fairest prices.

 

The Harron Family: From left to right: Paulina, Jim Jr., Joan, James, Cyndi, Monica, Jim Sr.






 

Photo of the founder Mr. Augustus Walbridge, Photograph courtesy of Margaret Trapp Cruse



Simpson & Vail, Inc. is an old time tea company and was originally founded as a green coffee merchant in 1904 by Augustus M. Walbridge on Water Street in New York City as Augustus M. Walbridge, Inc.

 

Mr. Walbridge, Photograph courtesy of Margaret Trapp Cruse

 

 

Lester B. Vail, Photograph courtesy of Margaret Trapp Cruse



In 1929, Mr. Walbridge sold the business to Mr. Simpson, the accountant, and
Mr.Lester Vail, the tea taster. Hence, a great business was born.

 

Lester B. Vail, Photograph courtesy of Margaret Trapp Cruse




For years Simpson & Vail, Inc. was located In New York City on Water St., then Front St., then Park Place. Besides the location changes, the business grew and numerous phases occurred. From 1929 to 1962, bulk tea was the only product Simpson & Vail, Inc. carried. In 1962 roasted coffee and teabags were added. Late in 1978, Jim and Joan Harron purchased Simpson & Vail Inc., and in 1979, they added specialty food products and tea accessories as well as expanding the tea and coffee lines.

 

 

Jim Sr. seated at Lester Vail’s desk





Here is Jim Sr. sitting by a piece of Simpson & Vail history, the roll top desk that was Lester Vail's personal desk in 1929 (86 years old). The desk was given to us by Barbara Cruse and Mary Gannon, daughters of Margaret Trapp Cruse who was the first Simpson & Vail employee in 1929 and retired from S&V in the mid 1970's. (See Margaret’s bio below.) After Margaret retired she was given some S&V memorabilia, which she had cared for until she passed away on July 16, 2012.

We were also fortunate to receive two pictures, one featuring Wall Street circa 1847 and the other South Street at the corner of Maiden Lane circa 1828 and a wall hanging clock with pendulum motion. This clock and the photos were in the office of Simpson & Vail as well as a balance scale and a stamp spindle (pictured on top of the desk in the photo).





In Memoriam

(Margaret Trapp (Cruse) & Lester Vail – Wall Street, NYC 1932)
A celebration of the life of a wonderful lady…
Margaret Barbara Trapp Cruse

Wife, Mother, Cook, Humanitarian …. And an integral part of the Simpson & Vail story!
 

(left - Margaret Trapp (Cruse) & Lester Vail – Wall Street, NYC 1932)

Born on May 21, 1912, Margaret celebrated her 100th birthday this year before passing away at her home on July 16th after a short illness. Margaret was an integral part of Simpson & Vail starting in the late 1920’s. Her daughters, Barbara and Mary, have kindly shared with us a few details about Margaret that we didn’t previously know.

Margaret was hired by Mr Vail in 1928, when she was just 16 years old, to be his personal assistant. She also did typing for Augustus Walbridge, the original owner of S&V, at his office that was in the same building as S&V at 89 Front Street in New York City. In 1942 Margaret left S&V when she became pregnant with her eldest daughter, Barbara. From 1942 until 1959, as busy as she was being a wife and a mother (to her daughters Barbara and Mary), Margaret still managed to find time to work at S&V during the busy Christmas season or when her replacement took her summer vacation. In 1959, when her replacement moved out of the area, Margaret, facing college tuition expenses for her daughters, returned full-time to work at S&V. After Mr. Vail passed away, Margaret ran S&V herself until the business was sold in the mid 1970’s.
 

Margaret’s Memorial

Margaret had many accomplishments in her life – certainly in her era. And while her successes in the business world of S&V were important to those of us that followed her, Margaret's joy was her husband of 48 years, Clinton, and their daughters. In the years to follow Margaret would also enjoy the company of her ever expanding family as well as squeeze in the time for a lot of volunteer work and bringing smiles to people’s faces through her talent as a cook and baker.
 

 

We were fortunate enough to have been visited by Margaret and varying family members several times over the years. Her knowledge of the early days at S&V helped to fill in some of our gaps about the origin of the company and the people who started it all!

When she passed away Jim, Sr. attended her wake in New Jersey. There in the room her daughter Mary had set up a table commemorating Margaret’s dedication to her time at Simpson & Vail - her favorite teapot, 2 cups and saucers, some scones and a box of S&V Ceylon tea.

  We wanted to take the time today to tell you about Margaret, to share with you the story of how one woman made a difference to so many people. All of us here are thankful that we had the opportunity to get to know her and her family.

 


TESTIMONIALS


We value the relationship we have with our customers - many of you have become like family. And we appreciate when you take the time to let us know how we're doing.

See below for a small sample of the many compliments that we have received.

 


You are a simply amazing. Your company is amazing. And so are your teas.Thank you for your kindness. I am your life long customer.
Ned 4/18/18


I just want to say thank you for sending the tea so quickly and for including the extra sample of the floral nectar tea. Thoughtful gestures like this are what make people life long customers. I’m so happy that I discovered this tea! I’m a food blogger & photographer and I plan on using Simpson & Vail teas to pair with the desserts I make for my website. I plan on using the lilac bouquet tea in a cake I’m making with fresh lilac blossoms from my mother’s garden. I look forward to enjoying this aromatic tea with my mother in her back yard amidst her beautiful lilac bushes.
Kathleen 4/3/18


Ordered for the first time the literary collection. I am a librarian and wanted something unique for my workmates. Put a packet in each of their mailboxes according to the author that fit each of them. I am not kidding when I say everyone loved their tea and the name on it, even the non-tea drinkers. Your catalogue is already well worn. I have placed a second order just for me and am counting the days. Kudos to you all.
Dolores 1/8/18


I used to buy tea from many different sources, but for the last year or so I've bought from no one other than Simpson & Vail, and I don't see that ever changing.
Jeff 10/10/17


I just wanted to say thank you for your terrific service and high quality tea. I have been looking for variety loose leaf teas for a long time and found nothing I particularly cared for until my mother-in-love introduced me to Simpson and Vail. We are now in the habit of twice a week "taking tea" together, and we love it! It has brought us closer together.
Bethany 12/2/16


I enjoy your tea very much, and I take joy in supporting a business run by a family so careful about its products and so attentive to its customers.
Jessica 5/13/16


You are fabulous...always the best customer service!
Char 4/5/16


The tea mailed Monday arrived here on the West Slopes of the Rockies on Thurs. afternoon. Mirable dictu! This morning … I had a cup of Tonganagoan Assam, which cast a welcome glow in an otherwise dreary, gray, snowy morning. I do thank you very much; I’m surprised and pleased that the tea came so quickly by priority mail. I look forward to buying more tea from you,
Judith 1/15/16


I first purchased your tea back in the mid 70's or early 80's. At that time my dad owned a typewriter repair company and S & V was one of his customers. My earliest memories were going upstairs to your offices and seeing long tables with different types of tea being blended. I'm now in my upper 60's and still love your Russian Caravan tea. No other company matches your blend.
Lawrence 11/24/15


I was very happy to discover you all over the 4th of July weekend and am enjoying the wonderful teas. I am impressed not only with the teas you offer but also the great selection of coffees, food, and other items. The excellent service and free shipping is much appreciated.
Charlie 7/11/15


I must say that I am so pleased (and grateful) to have discovered your company. I like doing business with family-owned and operated businesses. Thank you for always answering my questions quickly and for providing excellent recommendations for products!!
Jean Marie 6/3/15


We just finished our "stash" of tea today and what comes in the mail - another bag! Thank you! You and your family are so reliable! Thank you for the sample of Pomegranate Acai Yumberry Green Tea. Thank you, too, for the points we are accumulating. We will be regular customers!!
Mary & Maggie 4/29/15


I just had to write to you to tell you that I am totally in love with your company! I received my order a little while ago, and am just so impressed with the speed that it arrived, since I only placed my order the day before yesterday! Having excitedly opened the box, I was even more thrilled to see the lovely packaging! The bags are almost too pretty to open, and the aromas are utterly delicious! … I can't wait to order again with you!
Pippa 4/17/15


Came in from the snow today and made a cup of organic chai black tea. What a treat, I think it is the best chai blend that I have tasted. … I have been pleased with your products in the past and this time is no exception. Thank you for your excellent quality and service.
Doris 1/27/15


I've been purchasing from you for a while now and, I have to say, this is the best flavored decaf coffee I've ever had. I especially appreciate your using Swiss Water process to decaffeinate the coffee and your dedication to making quality, ethical, chemical-free coffees. I've told everyone I know about your company, and I plan on using your company for a very long time!
Michelle 10/8/14


I just wanted to thank you and your team for the thoughtful and efficient manner you have taken care of my orders despite the winter weather 'wonders' you all are working around. Our daughter is enjoying everything and sharing with her busy friends—one of which is from England and seeks the quality tea you offer. They are all working their way through master degrees so a warm cup of quality, uniquely blended tea makes such a difference.
Carla 2/8/14


Thank you for helping make our Christmas celebration so special. We served your Chai tea (with sugar and non-fat creamer) to our 22 family gathered, many requesting seconds. It went so well with our Apple Crisp and ice cream. Were our families pleased when they opened presents with Christmas tins of Chai tea -- a gift that keeps on giving! You have made this Oregon family happy for over 15 years. Thank you again.
Gary 12/23/13


Thank you so much for the wonderful service you and your staff provided to me. I can't express my appreciation for expediting my order so it is here by Christmas. In a world that is so overrun by a commercialized Christmas Season, it is unusual to deal with a company that is professional but still human enough to go above and beyond the norm. I will be passing along your website and look forward to doing business with you again.
Casey 12/19/13


I recommend you folks every time I get a chance. I've been a customer for 20+ years, formerly from Vermont. I enjoy your products and especially your service. Thank you.
David 11/12/13


My sister (in Brookfield) sent me multiple 4oz teas and a variety of covered cups with strainers last year, and I have to say, your teas are WONDERFUL. I drink the Roobios each night before bed. I look forward to having a fresh supply.
Suzanne 11/19/12


It is a joy to do business with you...I have been giving your company HIGH praises to those I know who either drink tea or use herbs. You've excellent product, and, I believe I can always trust the SV Tea Staff/family to consistently make me feel like my business matters to your company! I appreciate that, as well as the excellent customer service I regularly receive from Simpson and Vail.
Paula 8/3/12


Just wanted to drop you a thank you for the quick and safe delivery of several bottles of Boyajian citrus oils. They arrived a couple of days ago, here in Australia and are already in use. So thank you very much for a hassle free experience.
Jill 6/27/12


” Hi: I just received my order and found a free sample of Citrus Paradisi! Thank you so very much. You are so fast, and the tea is just wonderful. I can’t wait to try this new one! I wish you much success and joy!"
Judy 6/6/11


”I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed ordering from you over the years. Your teas are the best quality, and I love all the detail on your website. I like knowing where my tea comes from, and any information on taste and production. Thank-you."
Susan 4/4/11


"I am sending a note to let you know how much I enjoy your teas. I've ordered from you for a while now, and I have never been even slightly disappointed in the quality of your product. Your selection is great too, as well as your customer service. There must be a lot of satisfaction in offering a wonderful product that also has many health benefits. To sum it up, drinking your teas makes me one very happy person. I plan on drinking tea for a long time to come and you will always be my source for the best teas in the world. "
Erin 12/19/10


“Thank you for your prompt response and for all the wonderful service and superb products that Simpson & Vail provides. You are really wonderful.”
Eleanor 5/20/09


“We wanted to let you know that your site was very informative and it was especially important to us in selecting an online business that you are family owned and have been in operation over 30 years!”
Christine 4/08/09


“As always, I'm thrilled that my family introduced me to Simpson & Vail and I would like to say that your Don Hilario coffee is my absolute favorite coffee out of any that I have tried anywhere. It's absolutely the best!”
Colin 12/27/08


“I just wanted you to know that I would not know what to do without your teas! I have been ordering your teas for years, and I have never let you know how much I appreciate your service.”
Jackie 11/28/08


"I just wanted to thank you on behalf of the Women’s Center. The tea was wonderful and really helped make the event special.”
Mary 3/31/08


“Thanks. Since I do a certain amount of internet trading myself, and I ship a number of fragile items, I couldn't help noticing that you did an exemplary job packing all the glass in my order.”
Morgan 4/3/03