USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 11
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This necessarily brief sketch gives at least but a limited account of the resources of this promi- nent contractor, which without exaggeration are equal at least to those possessed by any one in Bridgeport or vicinity, and all interested in this line of business will say that he offers such inducements as render dealing with him profit." able and satisfactory to all concerned.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT
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W. H. Horr, Dealer in Pianos, Organs and | of business and we are now about to devote a Sheet Music, 96 State Street .- The music trade is space to the enterprise of Mr. Chas. E. Hubbell, whose place of business is located at 428 and 432, Water street. well represented in this city. Among the enterpris- ing merchants engaged in this line is Mr. W. H. Horr. Although his business is of but recent in- ception, having been established in September 1886, he conducts a very promising and lucrative retail trade in musical instruments and merchan- dise of all kinds.
The premises where he conducts his business at present are located at 96 State street, 60 feet in depth, with an adjoining room for the sale of the celebrated Baker pianos, also organs of different makes. Any musical instrument not offered for sale in Bridgeport can be furnished at special prices. These accommodations being inade- quate for the conduct of his steadily increasing business he contemplates moving very soon to larger and more commodious quarters. The musical instruments and merchandise handled by this house comprise some of the best to be ob- tained in the country and the citizens of. Bridge; port are respectfully solicited to call and examine this elegant and extensive stock before purchas- ing elsewhere.
Mr. W. H. Horr is thoroughly conversant with every branch of the music business and is consid- ered an excellent judge of pianos and organs. He is a very agreeable gentleman to deal with and an expert musician.
Chas. E. Hubbell, Wholesale Dealer in Flour, Grain, Salt, Hay, Straw, etc., 428 and 432 Water Street .- In this work, which is designed to repre- sent the different and diversified character of Bridgeport's resources, it is of course obvious that the flour and grain industry should occupy a very important place. We have elsewhere discoursed on the various houses engaged in this branch
This establishment was founded some time ago but was last under the control of Frank O. Green, who was succeeded in May, 1887, by the present proprietor. The business is conducted by him in a first-class manner and has of late largely gained in popularity.
Mr. Hubbell is a wholesale dealer in feed, flour, grain, salt, hay, straw, etc., making a specialty of the sale of Jones' Superlative flour so widely known, in which a very extensive busi- ness is thus transacted, which is mainly through- ont the State. Mr. Hubbell is well-known to the community having been on the street for the past twenty years and was a member of the old firm of E. E. Hubbell & Sons, which was found- ed in 1848.
We will not indulge in personal comment fur- ther than to remark that he is possessed of a complete knowledge of the business and what is required of the trade.
William L. Wolfram, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Choice Family Groceries, etc., corner East Main and Maple Streets, East Bridgeport .- Largely engaged in this line of trade we would mention Mr. W. L. Wolfram, who for the past sixteen years has been recognized as a prominent one in promoting the commercial interests of East Bridgeport.
This business was established in 1871 by Mr. Wolfram and from its inception gave promise of vitality, which the succeeding years have only rendered more apparent, and at the present time it leads the trade in East Bridgeport and is one of the largest in the city proper.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
The premises occupied by him for trade pur- poses comprise an elegant three-story brick build- ing (erected for the purpose) 75x50 feet in dimen- sions. This building was erected under the per- sonal supervision of Mr. Wolfram, who has in- troduced a great many novel inventions which enable him to transact the immense business without any confusion, and at the same time wait on all customers promptly.
This stock is without exception the most com- plete in the State. IIe carries an immense stock of English, French, German and Italian grocer- ies, cheese, Wines, etc., and is enabled to suit the large variety of tastes catered to. He does not charge the fancy prices prevailing in stores of this kind, but everything is sold at most reasona- ble prices.
It may safely be asserted that in freshness, quality, and especial variety, the stock carried here has no superior in the city. Aside from a complete assortment of choice family groceries, teas, coffees, spices, etc., the stock embraces fine brands of family liquors and cigars. All these are offered to the trade and consumers at guar- anteed lowest prices, and are warranted to be genuine and of the best quality. Several assist- ants are required in the orderly management of the business, which is both wholesale and retail.
Mr. Wolfram is a native of Germany, and has resided in this city many years, where he is widely known and esteemed.
A. Wintter & Co., Lager Beer Brewers; City Brewery, 76 North Washington Avenue .- Amer- icans have some prominent peculiarities which distinguish them as a nation from any other peo- ple on the face of the earth, and one of the most pronounced and most universally recognized of these idiosyncrasies is a desire to "get the best." We have been lectured time and time again by traveled persons on the shameful lack of economy which even the most humble workingman shows in his purchase of meats, by buying rump steak when a few cents worth of shin bone contains just as much nutriment, even if it has not so fine a flavor.
As in food so it is in drink, we " want the best," and the result is, that in the matter of lager beer, for instance, as fine an article is now brewed in this country as is to be found in the world. This statement is made on the authority of our German fellow-citizens, who certainly ought to know, and to whose knowledge and skill this fact is mostly due.
Among the many brewing establishments in the Eastern States the "City Brewery," No. 76 North Washington avenue holds a most euviable position for the excellence of its product and the magnitude of its business.
This establishment was founded in 1856, by Mr. John Benz, who was succeeded in 1876 by Mr. A. Wintter, who became associated, in 1882, with Messrs. J. McMahon and P. Wren, under the firm-name A. Wintter & Co. Mr. Wintter was formerly connected with the city council, and Mr. Wren, who was previously a member of the same body, and also of the Legislature, is now president of the board of public works. The brewing operations are carried on in four build- ings, a thirty horse-power steam engine being utilized.
The output of the concern last year was 16,000 barrels, and the indicatious are that that large figure will be greatly surpassed the present year.
Burns, Silver & Co., Manufacturers of Cabi- net Hardware, Railway specialties, etc. ; Factory, 131 Railroad Avenue .- As supplementing some of the leading industries of the country in pro- ducing cabinet hardware and railway specialties, this well known company has for nearly two years occupied a prominent position among the manufacturing interests of Bridgeport.
The company was incorporated in November, 1885, and have from that date, on a scale of large proportions, successfully conducted a driving business.
Messrs. Burns, Silver & Co.'s works on Rail- road Avenue, are very thoroughly equipped with valuable, improved machinery operated by steam. The factory building is three stories in height, and 35x70 feet in dimensions. An addition 40x 100 is now being erected to accommodate their rapidly increasing trade, and a force of seventy- five skilled workmen are at present employed in the several departments of the business.
The output comprises the best qualities and a large variety of specialties in cabinet hardware and railroad supplies, of standard excellence, which are supplied to jobbersat smallest possible advance on cost of production. The New York office is at No. 13 Barclay street.
The officers of the company are as follows: President, S. A. Burns; vice-president and sec- retary, John S. Silver; treasurer, C. A. Cook, and in their hands the important interests of the company are well and faithfully subserved.
H. H. Robinson, Furniture Moving, Truck- ing; also, Livery and Boarding Stables, 21 Elm Street .- A well equipped and popular establish- ment is that conducted by Mr. H. H. Robinson, at No. 21 Elm street, as a livery, sale and board- ing stable. It was founded some two years ago by Mr. W. R. Lewis, having been in the hands of its present proprietor about a year. A two- story brick building is occupied, having accom- modations for twenty horses, and a brisk and increasing business is done. Horses and car- riages will be promptly furnished for all occa- sions at reasonable rates, neat and stylish teams only being supplied. A specialty is made of the removal of furniture and general trucking, and as all the facilities for such work are at hand and only skillful and experienced men employed satisfaction is confidently guaranteed.
The most costly and delicate furniture may be entrusted to Mr. Robinson, with a surety that it will be carefully and properly handled, and that no accidents will happen during its trans- portation that can be avoided by skill and long experience.
The lowest prices are charged for this service, and many orders are executed. Trucking work of all kinds will be faithfully and promptly done, and every effort made to please customers. For the convenience of parties wishing to store their property, Mr. Robinson has a commodious store- house where he will let space at very reasonable rates. The building is of brick, with ele- vator.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
MINEW HAVEN CEUT
A. H. Taylor, Manager Loomis' Temple of Music, 16 Fairfield Avenue .- The Bridgeport branch of the well-known "Loomis' Temple of Music"-so ably managed by Mr. A. H. Taylor who has had charge for the past four years, is located at No. 16 Fairfield avenue. The busi- ness has grown to enormous proportions and is rent a piano or organ. still on the increase, and extends throughout this section. The store is a commodious structure and an additional room of the same size affords storage for the immense stock of pianos of leading makers and for general purposes of trade. The appearance of the interior of the store is sugges- tive of that efficient careful supervision which pervades the entire management of this vast con- cern. The music room located in the rear con- tains a large number of pianos and organs, among which may be found Chickering & Sons, Mathu- shek, Steck & Company, Hallet & Davis, New England, C. H. Stone & Company pianos, Wil- cox & White, New England, and Smith Ameri- can organs.
The C. M. Loomis Company, under the manage- ment of A. H. Taylor, are the sole agents for these celebrated instruments; several experienced salesmen are employed in this store, and every thing denotes the energy and ability shown by Mr. Taylor in conducting this enterprise. We commend this house to our many readers at home and abroad as a thoroughly reliable one with which to deal. A full stock of all kinds of musi- cal instruments, violins, banjos, accordions, guitars, strings, etc., etc., and sheet music, including the latest publications will always be found at this es- tablishment, and Mr. Taylor is always prepared for any demands made upon him. No business firm in the State is more reliable than this, and from the grand success it has achieved in the past and the present rate of increase in business, it is difficult to estimate the future possibilities which await the progress of this enterprising house.
The pianos and organs dealt in by this firm have a world wide reputation and the aggregate sales in the course of a year reach a very large figure.
Mr. Taylor is a native of Salem, Mass., and his thorough knowledge of musical instruments is of great service to all desiring to purchase or
Hubbell & Curtis, Dealers in Furniture of all Descriptions, 385 Main Street, Citizens' Building. -The oldest established and also one of the most widely and favorably known furniture establish- ment in Bridgeport, is that conducted by Messrs. Hubbell & Curtis, at No. 385 Main street, Citi- zens' building. This enterprise was started forty years ago, and has steadily grown in popular favor and patronage. Three floors are occupied each 100x80 feet in dimensions and an enormous stock of furniture of all descriptions is constantly on hand. Both a wholesale and retail business is done, and all goods are offered at the very low- est price, consistent with good and honest work- manship. The firm consists of Messrs. F. Hub- bell and C. Curtis, both these gentlemen being universally known and very highly respected citizens. Mr. Curtis is a director of the Bridge- port National bank. The goods handled by this firm are as varied as they are reliable, and it should be mentioned that Undertaking in all its branches is done, this department being on Can- non street, second door from Main. This house is one of Bridgeport's representative in- stitutions, and is a splendid example of what may be accomplished by energy and integrity.
J. M. F. Peterson & Co., Painters and Deco- rators, Interior Decorations in Fresco and Wall Papers, 270 Main street, corner Union, opposite Recreation Hall .- One of the most enterprising and successful houses engaged in business as I painters and decorators in this city is that of
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Messrs. J. M. F. Peterson & Company, located at No. 270 Main street, corner of Union. It was established here four years ago but Mr. Peterson had been in business since 1862 and had had seven years experience before then. As the excellence of work became quickly known he soon built up a very large and increasing busi- ness. Two rooms are occupied for an office and show parlors, the paint and work shop being op. posite. From fifteen to twenty hands are em- ployed, and the very finest and most artistic work is done. A very extensive and varied stock of wall papers and other decorative ar- ticles is carried, and orders for paper hanging will be executed with the highest skill and the greatest despatch.
Interior decorations in fresco form an im- portant department of the firm's business, and great skill and taste is displayed in the filling of orders in this line. Designs and estimates of any work desired will be furnished on applica- tion to all parts of the country, and perfect satis- The Bridgeport house is located at No. 438 Main street and is under the able management faction is guaranteed to all customers, both as regards design and execution. The office has of Mr. A. O. Norton and has for assistant super- telephone connections and all orders so received intendent Mr. Chas. W. IFull. will be given prompt attention. Mr. Peterson is a native of Sweden and has had a large and ex- ceptional experience in the business he pursucs both in that country and the United States. His taste is unimpeachable and his charges moderate.
W. B. Bostwick & Co., Manufacturers of But- tons .- When one, either in the line of business or otherwise, has occasion to investigate to some degree the button manufactories of the country he is tempted to put beside the famous conundrum "What becomes of all the pins?" an- other one-"What becomes of all the buttons?" Pins are at the best but a makeshift and are chief- ly used as temporary substitutes for buttons, so that logically there should be more buttons used than pins, and there can be but little doubt but what there are. A single concern in Bridgeport, making a specialty of vegetable ivory and wood- en buttons, turns out from 350 to 500 gross per day, and of course this house is but one of many of varying extent .
W. B. Bostwick & Co., the concern referred to above, occupy a factory containing two floors, each 40x100 fect and employ seventy-five hands.
This enterprise was originally established in 1866 and in 1884 come under the control of Mr. W. B. Bostwick, being then located in New Milford. In 1885 the present firm was formed Mr. D. B. Seward being taken into partnership, and the business was removed to this city.
Both partners are natives of New Milford, Con- necticut, and are keen, energetic business men. The goods manufactured are recognized as stand- ards in the trade and the rapid growth of the business indicates a bright future for this repre- ·sentative house.
The firm consists of Messrs. F. C. Bommos, J. B. Barnaby & Co., Bridgeport Branch, 438 Jr., and C. M. Biltz, both these gentlemen being Main Street .- If there is one business in this well-known citizens and universally respected. country that is in the hands of men of consummate ability who do not hesitate to spend their money like water to advance their interest, it is that of ready-made clothing. The most magnificent ·stores on the principal thoroughfares are almost monopolized by this branch of trade and so keen
is the competition nowadays that the profit on the average suit of clothes is so small that only an enormous trade will pay at all. There are cer- tain houses in the clothing line that are generally acknowledged (publicly by friends and privately by enemies and competitors) to be by long odds the leaders, both as regards the character and the volume of the business they do and foremost among these stands the firm of J. B. Barnaby & Co. As the branch of this mammoth establishment in this city was only opened during the current year our readers have not as yet probably become familiar with the many advantages gained by purchasing clothing here, but such of them as have friends in Providence, R. I., where the main house is, or in Boston, Mass , where a huge branch has gained the most brilliant success, despite the most severe and carefully organized opposition with which it has had to contend, can easily find out the esteem in which this enterprise is held by those best acquainted with it.
The store is 105x35 feet in dimensions and con- tains an enormous stock of fashionably cut cloth- ing, which is offered at bottom prices. "Once a customer always a customer" has been the ex- perience of this house in other cities and we see no reason to doubt that the result will be the same here.
Bommos & Biltz, Retail Dealers in Mcats of all kinds, a'so Vegetables, Butter, Eggs, etc., etc., Market 33 State Street .- One of the most largely patronized markets in this city is that conducted by Messrs. Bommos & Biltz, at No. 33 State street. It was established ten years ago, and has steadily gained in popular favor until it has attained its present extensive trade. A fine retail business is done in meats of all kinds, but- ter, cheese and eggs, etc.
The store occupied is 24x80 feet in dimensions, and in the rear is carried on a shop in which the rendering of lard and the manufacture of sau- sages, etc., is conducted.
Employment is afforded to six hands, and all customers are assured prompt and courteous at- tention. The stock carried is very large and a sufficient variety is offered to satisfy all tastes. As some of the goods for sale, such as lard, sau- sages, etc., are manufactured under the personal supervision of the firm, they can confidently warrant their purity and entire freedom from noxious or improper materials, and this fact, no doubt, explains to a great degree the very large business which this house does in these articles. Fresh vegetables of all kinds, in their season, are on hand, and pure creamery butter and fresh country eggs are also dealt in.
Mr. Charles M. Biltz was born in the year 1852 at Weisbaden, Germany. F. C. Bommos, Jr., was born in Lynchburg, Va., in the year of 1856; elected to the Common Council on the Republi- can ticket in the spring of '87 from the second ward.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
THE HOWE SEWING MACHINE MANUFACTORY, BRIDGEPORT CT
The New Howe Manufacturing Co., John | line of trade can the knowledge and aid of the P. Kennedy, President; E. Parmly, Secretary and Treasurer .- Under auspices the most favor- able, the New Howe Manufacturing Company have lately begun the manufacture of sewing machines in Bridgeport, as successors to The Howe Machine Co., and the future of the con- cern gives promise of great usefulness.
The company was organized and incorporated in November, 1886, and have inaugurated their important work on a scale of large proportions, with abundant resources and every facility for their purposes. The new company are the sole proprietors of valuable patented improvements, which bring the old Howe sewing machines to the highest point of perfection, and as now per- fected these always popular machines are rapidly taking the lead in public favor.
The factories of The New Howe Manufacturing Company comprise two immense blocks of brick buildings, four stories in height, formerly occu- pied by The Howe Machine Company, which have been greatly improved in their equipment, and every facility for successful operations is possessed by the new concern.
This company also manufactures grey iron castings of light and medium weight.
The president of the company is Mr. John P. Kennedy, and Mr. E. Parmly is the efficient secretary and treasurer. They are men of exceptional business ability and energy, and the success of the enterprise seems abundantly assured.
proprietor be called upon in time of need to alleviate the ills and suffering of the human body; and prominent among these public bene- factors of Bridgeport is the well-known estab- lishment of James E. Hair, which was first started in 1881, and although established in busi- ness but a comparatively short time, Dr. Hair has had eleven years of experience in phar- macy.
The premises occupied by him for the trans- action of business are located at 42 Railroad avenue, where is displayed a fine and complete stock of drugs, medicines, etc. The store, which is of medium size, is nicely appointed, and fur- nished with a soda fountain, show cases, etc., and a fine assortment of toilet articles usually dealt in by all druggists.
Dr. Hair is a thorough chemist, and the ut- most care and attention is paid to the compound- ing of physicians' prescriptions, and the public are assured that none but the purest of drugs and medicines are used in the preparation of the same.
James E. Hair is a native of England, and his success is justly merited. We can assure all customers that they will meet with prompt and gentlemanly attention.
In addition to his large trade in drugs and patent medicines, he is the proprietor of several well known preparations, among which Hair's Syrup of Tar, Wild Cherry and Horehound has already enjoyed a large sale.
Dr. Hair is an able veterinary surgeon, making canine diseases a specialty, and his thorough knowledge of medicine is of great assistance in his practice. His dog medicines, which are the practical results of over forty years' experience
James E. Hair, Pharmacist, 42 Railroad Avenue, near Main Street .- The profession of the druggist is one that deserves the most appre- ciative consideration from the residents of the. community in which it is located, as in no other | with all kinds of dogs, embrace Distemper pow-
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT ..
ders, 50¢; Alterative powders, 50¢; Mange cure, 35¢ and 75¢ per bottle; Worm powders, 50¢; Canker wash, 50¢; Tonic pills, 50¢; Kennel soap 25¢. All diseases of the dog treated.
The above medicines, put up in powder form, can be sent to any part of the United States on receipt of price. Consultation by mail a spe- cialty. His custom extends all over the United States, and dogs have been sent long distances for treatment. The medicines have been used in England since 1829. They can also be obtained through any druggist.
John S. Atkinson, Wholesale and Retail Deal- er in Harness, Blankets, Trunks, Bags, Sole Leather and Shoe Findings, Boot and Shoe Up- pers, corner of Fairfield Avenue and Middle Street .- Omitting nothing that contributes to a disclosure of the industries and advantages of Bridgeport we make mention in our volume of the advantages offered to the public in the well
ordered and well conducted harness shop of Mr. Jobn S. Atkinson that has during the past sixty odd years supplied not only the trade of Bridge- port, but the surrounding country with a com- plete assortment of harness, horse clothing, trunks, bags and every article made or carried in a first class shop, all of which are sold to the trade at producing prices.
This business was established in 1824 by Han- ford Lyon, succeeded in turn by Lyon, Harrall & Co., Harrall, Calhoun & Co., Calhoun, Lacey & Co., Lacey, Meeker & Co., Meeker & Shelton, Shelton & Lyon, and came under the present management eight years ago.
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