USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 10
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Mr. Boyle was born in Bridgeport, is 38 years of age, and has always lived here. He was in the news business for eighteen years; is a mem- ber of the Knights of Honor and United Order of Friends.
Mr. Rohrback was born in Germany.
served his adopted country during the late war, having been a member of the First Regiment, Company B. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic; member of the Odd Fellows; Bridgeport Sharp-shooters, and the Germania Singing Society. Their place of business is at Nos. 507, 509, 511 Water street. They possess ample facilities for doing business, and both are well known and highly esteemed citizens.
L. F. Curtis, Druggist, Main, corner of Elm Street .- This is one of the oldest and most prom- inent houses in Bridgeport devoted to the drug and medicine line of trade, and one whose pros- perous career furnishes a fitting example ot the many advantages this city possesses, as a point in which to establish enterprises of any character. This business was established in 1861 by its pres- ent proprietor, Mr. L. F. Curtis, who during the twenty-six years since that date has been so suc- cessful in extending his steadily increasing trade, which is both wholesale and retail, that he is to- day the proprietor of three other stores in this city in connection with the one above-named.
The principal store is located at the corner of Main and Elm streets; this store covers an area of 25x85 feet in dimensions, and contains a large and very fine stock of pure drugs and medicines, perfumery, toilet and fancy articles and all drug- gis's' sundries.
Employment is given in the various depart- ments to about ten thoroughly competent assist- ants, and the patrons of this establishment are assured that physicians' prescriptions are care- fully prepared, and that none but the purest drugs and medicines are used here in the com- pounding of physicians' prescriptions and family receipts and every care is taken.
Mr. L. F. Curtis is a native of Stafford, Conn., and is one of the best-known and popular busi: ness men of Bridgeport.
Goodyear Rubber Store, 465 Main Street, F. C. Tuttle, Proprietor .- Perhaps one of the most indispensable branches of trade that we have among us is that of rubber goods, etc., and the only house devoted exclusively to handling this class of goods in Bridgeport is that of Mr. F. C. Tuttle, at No. 465 Main street, who deals en- tirely in the celebrated "Goodyear" Rubber goods. This branch was established in April, of the present year, the main store being located in New Haven at No. 73 Church street. The premises in which the business is carried on in Bridgeport consist of a store 50x25 feet in area, where the goods are arranged in a systematic manner, displaying every conceivable article known in this branch of trade. All the novel- ties of the trade may be found here as soon as manufactured, and the stock of useful and stand- ard articles is very extensive. Four are em- ployed in this store and all are waited upon with promptness and attention. The trade has in this short time assumed immense proportions and is both wholesale and retail.
Mr. Tuttle, although a native of New Haven, is too well known in this community to admit of further comment at our hands. We may add in conclusion however, that his establishment is regulated with the best system and order and his He | prices will be found reasonable and just.
76
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
CABINET GRAND
The Keller Piano Company, Manufacturers of Piano Fortes, No. 88 Jolin Street .- With many years' practical experience in the business, Messrs. Jos. Keller and F. C. Stickney, both successful expert manufacturers of pianos, estab- lished themselves in business in Bridgeport, and their success was both gratifying and deserved. The growth of their trade was such that a large increase in facilities was absolutely demanded, and the business was incorporated in March, 1887, with Joseph Keller as President, and J. W. Knowlton, Secretary and Treasurer.
The company occupies a large factory at No. 88 John street, which is a model of complete- ness and convenience in its equipment and ar- rangement, the machinery being operated by steam-power, and a force of skilled workmen of long experience in the various details of the business is employed.
The piano fortes of this reliable house have a wide spread reputation for quality of tone and touch, durability and general excellence of finish, and the demand for their instruments emphasizes the opinion of musical experts as to their desir- able and admirable qualities.
The best of thoroughly seasoned and prepared materials alone are used in the construction of their pianos, and their facilities for satisfactorily supplying the needs of the most exacting are all that could be desired.
The officers and directors are energetic, pro- gressive, reliable business men, and their worth and tact has firmly established the company in a large and growing trade, and in the good opinion of all with whom they are brought into business relations.
Hull & Palmer, Civil, Hydraulic and Con- sulting Engineers, Room 14, Waller's Building. - That a thing " well begun is half done" is a saying as true as it is old, for oftentimes the principal difficulties attendant upon an enterprise must be overcome during its inception, totally disappearing when once the proper start has been made.
This being understood, and the importance of beginning in the right way appreciated, the value- of expert advice when any enterprise of moment is in contemplation will be readily seen, and such counsel will be obtained whenever possible. For instance, no one would think of building a cotton or a paper mill to be run by water-power- without first securing the services of a competent hydraulic engineer, and by the way, right here- in this city, at Room 14, Housatonie R. R. build- ing is located a firm of Civil and Hydranlic engin- eers that is second to none. We refer to Messrs. Hull & Palmer.
Mr. Bradley HI. Hull began the practice of his. profession here some thirty years ago, and has established a most enviable reputation as a skill- ful and progressive engineer.
Wm. B. Palmer became associated with him under the present firm name in 1885, and the- union has proved mutually advantageous.
Special attention is given to the construction of water works, dams, etc., and plans and speci- fications for cotton, woolen, paper and flouring mills, railroads, farms and estates are promptly and accurately surveyed, and maps and plans furnished showing all - desired details. Also special attention is given to the sewerage and drainage of cities and towns.
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Charles B. Russell, Manufacturer of 3d. Fine Lath-Nails, Upholsters' Tacks, Carpet Tacks, etc., 237 Water Street .- We fancy that very few people have any idea of the immense variety of nails, tacks, etc., there is produced in this coun- try or of the many costly and ingenious machines in use in this industry. When one thinks of the enormous difference between a railroad spike and a half ounce carpet tack, and of the almost innumerable variety of fastenings that come in between these extremes, he gains some faint con- ception of the importance and extent of this line of manufacture, but nothing short of a personal inspection of the factories would really bring the matter home to him.
A house in this city devoted to the manufac- ture of 3d. fine lath nails, upholsterers' tacks, carpet tacks, etc., is that carried on by Mr. Charles B. Russell, at No. 237 Water street. This enterprise was inaugurated in 1886, and has already secured a firm and assured footing. The proprietor is a native of Birmingham, and is a well-known business man. The factory com- prises one floor 34x90 feet in dimensions and another 30x35 feet. It is fully fitted up with modern improved machinery, and is sup- plied with ample steam power. The produc- tions of this house are becoming generally known throughout the trade, and the business bids fair to soon outgrow its present quarters.
Charles H. Hartmann, Successor of the Bridgeport Brewing Co., 127 and 199 Hamilton Street, East Bridgeport .- If there is one industry in this country which shows every sign of not only being great at present, but also of having a still greater extension in the near future, it is that of the brewer, for despite all the studied and vehement opposition which many well-mean- ing, but in our opinion deluded, people have offered to its sale and use, the great favor with which lager beer has been received by the large majority of people has made its manufacture a business of immense proportions. And it is well that this should be so, for as the history of man- kind goes to show that with all peoples and in all ages, a stimulant of some kind has been invariably used, it is of course better that this necessity should be as harmless and as healthful as possible, and no objections can reasonably be made to lager beer, that is to say, provided it be pure, on the ground that it is noxious. It is easy to obtain a pure and reliable article if pains are taken to patronize a reputable brewer, and in the Eastern States no beer can be found of more uniform and healthful quality than that produced by Mr. Charles H. Hartmann, who succeeded the Bridgeport Brewing Company, at Nos. 127-129 Hamilton street.
Business was begun in 1886, and a large and desirable trade has already been established The brewery is four stories in height, and covers half an acre of ground. It is supplied with steam-power, and all the facilities and appliances of a first-class modern establishment of this kind. Employment is given to twenty-five men.
Mr. Hartmann is a native of Germany, and as it is in the " Fatherland " that lager beer has been brought to its greatest perfection, it is not at all strange that he thoroughly understands the busi- ness in all its branches.
Wm. H. Gunderman, Manufacturer of Fine Carriages, Wagons and Trucks, 217 and 219 Middle Street. - One of the best known of Bridge- port's carriage and wagon manufacturers is Mr. William HI. Gunderman, whose establishment is located at Nos. 217 and 219 Middle street. The business was started fourteen years ago, and so effectual have the good and honest work turned out and the reasonable prices charged for the same been in attracting patronage, that this house now ranks with the leading establishments of the kind in the city.
A building three stories in height and of the dimensions of 60x80 feet is utilized as a factory and store house, and from ten to twelve skilled workmen are afforded employment. Fine car- riages, wagons and trucks are made, much of the work being done to order to suit the pecu- liarities of the service for which the vehicles are wanted.
Particular attention is paid to repairing, paint- ing and trimming, all such orders being given prompt and careful attention at the very lowe-t rates allowable for good work. Like any other man who does good work, Mr. Gunderman dis- likes to see a good article abused, and makes a few suggestions as to how the paint on carriages, etc., should be treated, which are at once so sensible, so efficacious and so easy to follow, that we cannot forbear bringing them to the notice of our readers :
" Don't expose to the fumes of ammonia." " Don't let mud dry on it." "Don't scratch the varnish in washing." " Don't expose to sun or rain when not in use." "Don't let the axle- grease collect on the hubs." Few and simple as these rules are, it is not too much to say that if they be observed a gain of 100 per cent. in the durability of the painted surface will be obtained and we hope that our readers will practice them and give credit where it is due-to Mr. Gunder- man.
E. J. Banks, Meats and Groceries, 116 and 118 East Main Street .- There is probably no firm in this city deserving of a more extended notice in a work of this kind than the one whose name heads this article. This establishment dates its organization in 1872, when it was started by its present proprietor, Mr. E. J. Banks, as a meat market and successfully conducted as such for fourteen years. During the past few months Mr. Banks has opened a new department in his house which is devoted to the sale of groceries.
The premises utilized for the business is locat- ed at 116 and 118 East Main street and consist of a double store 40x60 feet in dimensions, which is well stocked with a large assortment of first- class goods, all new and fresh, including meats of all kinds and the best brands of staple and fancy groceries.
The extensive retail trade gives employment to two clerks who are prompt and efficient in the transaction of their duties. The goods are sold at the lowest market price and are delivered free of charge to any part of the city. The fact that Mr. Banks is an enterprising business man is well attested in the able and energetic manage- ment of his large and steadily increasing trade.
He is a native of Connecticut and a highly es- teemed citizen of Bridgeport.
78
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Hutchinson, Pierce & Co., 746 to 750 Broad- way, New York, Factories at Bridgeport and Norwalk, Conn .- One of the most celebrated and best known manufactories for its particular line of goods, is that of Hutchinson, Pierce & Co., whose office is at 746 and 750 Broadway, New York, and who have factories at Bridgeport and Norwalk, Connecticut.
The business was established several years ago by Morison & Hutchinson, succeeded Jan. 1, 1883, by the present firm. The products of this firm are noted throughout the country, and con- sist of the celebrated Star shirt, shirt waists and underwear. The trade is very extensive and ex- tends throughout the entire United States.
The factory at Bridgeport consists of two three-story buildings and one five-story building with a capacity for 500 employes. The individ. ual members of the firm consist of Messrs. G. S. Hutchinson, H. B. Pierce, Ira Cole, and T. S. Morison, and are all well known gentlemen in business circles.
Their factories are finely equipped with all the most modern improvements for the successful prosecution of their business, and their terms will be found as reasonable as is consistent with the class of goods manufactured. We feel as though nothing more could be said in their favor as they are too well and favorably known to the public to need mention at our hands. They are in a position to fill all orders promptly and satis- factorily, and all dealers who have not already formed business relations with this house will find it to their advantage to do so at once, and they will greatly increase their sales by keeping these celebrated goods in stock.
Bridgeport Beef Company, Commission Mer- chants in Swift's Chicago Dressed Beef, Mutton, Lamb, Veal and Pork, 320 Water Street .- Oc- cupying commodious premises, eligibly located at 320 Water street, on the line of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, the Bridgeport Beef Company are conducting a large wholesale trade in meats of all kinds. Established in 1878.
The business was inaugurated in 1878, and has continued under the same management until the present, and the trade developed has attained most important proportions.
The company occupy a two-story slate build- ing, admirably equipped with the appliances for storage and handling of merchandise, and the facilities for receipt and shipment are all that could be desired.
A large quantity of beef, lamb, veal and pork is handled by the concern and is supplied to the trade at low figures, and the quality of merchan- dise is of such excellence as to make this a most desirable source of supply.
The company makes a specialty of Swift's famous Chicago Dressed Beef, and their methods and worth inspire utmost confidence with their trade at home and correspondents abroad.
The stock is always kept in such quantities, varieties and condition as to enable the house to fill all orders with dispatch and to meet in the most satisfactory manner every requirement of their extensive and wide-spread tradc.
Mr. Josiah B. Ilallett, the head of the com- pany, has entire charge of affairs and manages the business with consummate ability and tact.
He is a native of Massachusetts, and in his business career in this city he has ever been held in highest esteem and confidence as a successful and responsible representative business man.
The National Clothing Co., who e store is at 429 Main street, is a branch of one of the largest manufacturing houses in this country; their head- quarters are in Boston, their branch stores may be found in all the principal cities of New Eng- land. The aim of this firm is to manufacture exclusively for the retail trade, thereby coming in contact with the consumers of their goods. Knowing the wants, using every effort to pro- duce good, honest clothing by the use of first- class material, having only experienced workmen and in fact making a class of goods that will recommend themselves, and having such as a customer having once used, will prefer to all others. Mr. A. H. Davis established this branch 9 years ago, and has won by straightforward busi- ness principles a host of friends and customers.
Mr. John M. Prindle and Mr. Joseph Finn, his salesmen, have bad a long experience in the clothing trade and have the confidence and pat- ronage of a large circle of friends. All goods are marked in plain figures and guaranteed to be as represented.
Ellis & Reilly, Granite and Marble Works, Mountain Grove Street, near Cemetery .- The trade represented by the above house is second to no other of its class which may fairly claim to combine with a manual handicraft the richest embellishments of art. The various forms of marble and granite carvings, polishing and en. graving which have in the present day reached a degree of perfection hitherto unknown, had their origin, rude and unpolished though it was in the remote prehistoric era of an incipient civ- ilization. The perfection attained in this direc- tion may be plainly seen in the work turned out by Messrs. Ellis & Reilly, whose works are locat- ed on Mountain Grove street (near cemetery) where may always be found a large variety of monuments, gravestones, etc., which evince a combination of taste and skill rarely seen in do- mestic manufactures of this kind.
Messrs. Ellis & Reilly manufacture and deal both wholesale and retail in monuments, head stones and vaults, coping and all kinds of ceme- tery work. Designs and estimates will be given in Westerly, Niantic, Quincy and all leading granites and marble. Cemetery lettering is also promptly attended to.
These gentleman began business in 1883 and have since continued it with marked ability and success. The plant consists of a yard 100x131 feet in dimensions, with ample buildings and facilities for the business, a ten horse power steam engine being employed in the manufacture.
Ten skilled workmen are employed and kept constantly busy. Specimens of their work may readily be seen by a walk through the cemetery, beside many orders from abroad.
Mr. Reilly is a native of New York and Mr. Ellis of Maine. They are both practical men with an experience of many years, and are noted for their skill in execution and unsurpassed taste in designing this class of work, all of which is donc to order and from original designs.
79
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
The De-Oxidized Metal Co., W. W. Keys, Superintendent, southwest corner Railroad and West Avenues .- This important industry was founded in July, 1885, and in December follow- ing the company was incorporated under its present name. The business has, from its incep- tion, been carried on with marked ability and tact, and the concern is already established among the foremost of Bridgeport's important manufacturing enterprises.
The valuable plant of the company is eligibly located on Railroad ave., and comprises two sub- stantial brick buildings, equipped with all the machinery and appliances for the purpose of the company, and a force of skilled workmen are employed in the works, and the facilities for the production of the manufactures of this concern are all that could be desired.
The output consists of De.Oxidized metals, principally bronze and copper in ingots, wire, tube and castings, also all grades of anti-friction met- als and genuine Babbitt solders and white metals, and in their ability to supply merchandise of more than standard excellence at lowest margins above cost of production, the company success- fully compete with any house in their line in New England.
This metal is used for boilers and digesters where acid or water impregnated with acid would de- stroy an iron boiler. It is the only metal that can be used by pulp manufacturers to convert the wood into paper pulp by the bi-sulphite process. It is also used for boilers in mines where they are compelled to use sulphurous water.
One prominent superiority of the De Oxidized bronze or copper over all other metals is due to the fact that it resists the action of sulphurous and sulphuric acid, muriatie and acetic acids.
Exclusive rights to use this metal have been sold for large amounts. The company reserving the right to manufacture for the parties using it.
The trade of the company under sagacious management has attained large proportions and extends to all parts of the United States, and the uniform promptitude and honorable methods of those entrusted with the business inspires uni- versal confidence.
Mr. Leonard H. Bacon, of Hartford, is the President, Mr. O. C. Smith is the Secretary and Treasurer, and Mr. W. W. Keys is the Superin- tendent, and under his direction the practical details of the work are conducted with most gratifying results.
Montignani, Photo Artist, 304 Main Street, over Pequonnock National Bank .- If "a thing of beauty is a joy forever," as we hear so fre- quently asserted, surely a faithful and artistic re-production of a " thing of beauty " is equally entitled to that high distinction. If such be the case, then Mr. F. M. Montignani, the celebrated photographic artist, of No. 304 Main street, over the Pequonnock National Bank, has been the means of furnishing a source of continual joy to an immense number of people during the fifteen years which he has been established in business here, for as his work is uniformly good, and the faces of those we love ever beautiful to us, his portraits are " things of beauty " from an emotional, as well as from an artistic point of view.
At the above address a most elegant suite of rooms is occupied-one of the handsomest gal- leries in the State-extending over two floors, and replete with all the costly apparatus and magnificent furnishings of a metropolitan photo- graphic studio.
Each floor is 28x60 feet in size. All kinds, sizes and styles of portraits are made in the best manner known to the art, and such of our readers as contemplate being photographed but are undecided as to what establishment to pa- tronize may be assured that they cannot possibly do better, both as regards satisfactory results and reasonable prices than they can here.
Mr. Montignani's experience is great, and his taste unimpeachable. He has had thirty years' experience in Europe and this country, photo- graphed the Queen of England, Prince of Wales, Princess Louise and numerous others-have the references to prove assertions. It will pay to call and examine work.
H. M. Purdy, Dealer in Masons' Building Materials, 400 Water Street .- The increase in buildings in and about Bridgeport has made great demand for building materials and energetic and enterprising men have entered the field, fur- nishing increased facilities for this branch of business, and prominent among those in Bridge- port is Mr. H. M. Purdy, dealer in masons' building materials.
This enterprise was established in 1881 by its present proprietor, and is located at 400 Water street, covering an area of 220x40 feet, where will be found a large stock of masons' building materials. His arrangements with the manu- facturers of and dealers in the various brands of cement and plaster enable him to quote such materials at the lowest price, he also carries a full line of such building materials as are in demand. Mr. Purdy is a heavy contractor and the extent of his business requires in the building season the employment of fifty very capable workmen, whose skill and ability is evident in the many elegant buildings and private residences in and about this city which have been erected by this able and reliable contractor, among which are: Block of six brick houses on Park avenue, for O. B. Jennings; brick residence for Mrs. Foote corner Broad street and Fairfield avenue; the Myrtle avenue and the Oak street schools; Dew- hurst block. Harriet street; Renickes block, East Main and Hamilton street; G. C. Waldo's resi- dence, Goldeu Hill street; Griffin & McElroy's packing house, the residences on Park place of H. F. Greenman, F. S. Andrew, T. L. Bartholo- mew, Mrs. Julia Billing, H. C. Clark's resi- dence, Clinton avenue; L. H. Mill's residence, Fairfield and Clinton avenue; Wheeler Beer's block corner Main and East Washington avenue, and many others.
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