USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 12
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The premises occupied are located at the cor- ner of Fairfield avenue and Middle street and consist of two floors 24x50 feet in area finely equipped. Employment is given to a large force of skilled hands. The trade is both wholesale and retail and is very extensive. The goods manufactured and kept in stock consist of har- ness, blankets, trunks, bags, sole leather and shoe findings, boot and shoe uppers, etc. No house in this business in Bridgeport possesses finer facili- ties for producing first-class work at reasonable prices than the establishment of Mr. Atkinson, who is a native of this city and a highly esteemed citizen.
In conclusion we may remark that the reputa- tion of the house for liberality and enterprise is not excelled by any contemporary concern, while the superior character of its products makes it one of the most desirable houses in the trade with which to establish pleasant and profitable relations.
Seeley's Stables, 448 Broad Street, next to St. John's Hall, also Office of Bridgeport Cab Co .- Seeley & Co., proprietors. A liberal- ly conducted and hence highly popular Bridgeport establishment is that under the con- trol of Seeley & Co., located at No. 448 Broad street, next door to St. John's Hall. The excel- lent livery stables which this firm carry on were established ten years ago by Mr. Jno. Jones who was succeeded by the present proprietor four years ago. Two floors are occupied, their size being 50x100 feet, giving a capacity for forty horses and about an equal number of vehicles Light livery, hacks and landaus are to let at all times and new and elegant coaches furnished for public occasions such as funerals, weddings, re- ceptions, or calls, when desired, at popular rates.
The firm consists of Messrs. S. M. Seeley and L. M. Seeley, both these gentlemen being natives of this State. They take genuine pride in keep- ing up to the high standard they early establish- ed for themselves in the matter of furnishing fine- appearing teams to the public. They also con- duct the popular Bridgeport Cab Co. In sup- plying the cheapest and best method of convey- ance to points in and about the city, the compa- ny have accomplished a beneficent work, and the- appreciation of the public has been abundantly manifested in the large and steadily growing patronage of the concern.
To accommodate the trade of the company, a large number of stylish cabs and light carriages are constantly at hand for weddings, funerals, shopping, calling or for conveyance to the depot or boat. A force of competent drivers are em- ployed who are selected with special reference. to their sobriety, honesty, careful driving and courtesy to passengers.
Mills' Pavilion, Main Street, Opposite Seaside. Park .- There are few people who do not delight in a first class clam-bake, when properly cooked and served, and in this connection we would call the attention of our out-of town readers to. the enterprise of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. II. Mills, proprietors of the celebrated Mills' pavilion, lo- cated on Main street, near Seaside Park. No one engaged in this business more thoroughly understands the wants of the public than the. proprietors of this place, who bend every energy to give satisfaction to all.
They established this business in 1884, and have each season since catered to the public in a satisfactory manner, and at reasonable prices.
The pavilion consists of one story, 80x100 feet in dimensions, admirably arranged for the com- fort of the guests. Polite and attentive assist- ants are in attendance, and are courteous in their treatment of all. A specialty is made of preparing clam bakes for pienie and other parties, and the terms will be found very reasonable.
Mr. Mills is a native of Bridgeport, and is a gentleman of energy and ability, thoroughly experienced in all the details of the business he has in charge.
We advise all visitors to this city during the. summer months not to forget Mills' pavilion, as they will do themselves a favor by giving this popular resort a trial.
A fine band stand is erected in the center of the pavi ion, and the floor is fine for dancing.
86
. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
LIVERY STABLE
J.W. DRA. N.L.
Edwin Edwards & Son, Atlantic and Fair- field Avenue Stables, 533 Water Street, opposite Depot, and 102 and 104 Fairfield Avenue .- As proprietors of the Atlantic and the Fairfield ave- nue stables, the two leading livery establishments in Bridgeport, the well known firm of Edwin Edwards & Son have for years been successfully engaged in business in this city. The enterprise was inaugurated by the senior member of the firm over twenty years ago, and from the first the business has been conducted with that re- gard for the wants and interests of patrons, that the patronage of the establishment has steadily increased, and the reputation of the old house for square dealing and reliability has always been maintained.
The Atlantic Stable is located at No. 533 Water street, near the Atlantic Hotel, and the other is situated on Fairfield avenue, Nos. 102 and 104, on that beautiful thoroughfare. The stables are models of convenience and complete- ness in their appointments and arrangements, with excellent accommodations for over one hundred head of horses.
A large number of stylish and serviceable horses and elegant cabs, hacks, carriages and other vehicles are kept for livery purposes, and nobby teams with careful drivers are provided for business or pleasure purposes at short notice and most reasonable terms. Special rates for funerals, weddings and excursion parties are made, and orders by telephone have prompt at- tention day or night. Horses placed to board have best of care and attention.
The Messrs. Edwards (Edwin and L. E.) are both natives of Connecticut, and are live, re- sponsible business men and influential citizens.
A. L. Winton, Dealer in Flour, Feed, and Grain, also Berkshire Store and Coal Co., Coal, Wood and Groceries, Berkshire Mills, head North Washington Avenue, Depot Winton's Block, 216 and 218 Middle Street, adjoining 5's Engine House, A. L Winton, Proprietor .- An old es- tablished and very widely known Bridgeport business enterprise is that so ably conducted by Mr. A. L. Winton at Berkshire mills, and Nos. 216 and 218 Middle street. It was founded 22 years ago and proved a decided success from the start under the skilful guidance of the proprietor who is the oldest in this business. At the Berk shire mills, three floors are occupied 60x80 feet in dimensions, and a very heavy stock is carried of wheat, rye and graham flour, meal, feed, grain, grass seed, hay, straw, fertilizers, axle grease, coal, etc. Mr. Winton has one decided advan- tage over most other dealers in flour, etc., in this city, as being the proprietor of the well known
Berkshire mills which are thoroughly equipped with appliances for the grinding of flour, grist, etc. ; he is in a position to know thoroughly the character of the goods he sells and to confidently warrant their purity and general desirability. Also sells the highest grades of Western patent flours. Both a wholesale and retail business is done in coal and grain. A number of men are at hand to give all orders prompt attention. The fertilizers on sale are such as have proved their value in actual practical use and will be found free from adulteration and first-class in every re- spect. Mr. Winton was born in Fairfield county and is a representative and highly esteemed citizen who is widely known throughout the city.
Bridgeport is his native place, but he went early in life to the town of Westan, from whence at about the age of twenty-one, he went into the business world for himself. He is prominent among those who have earned their own fortunes. His rule through life has been to pursue an up- right course, and he has thus been enabled to triumph over all difficulties.
In connection with the mill, a country store is maintained from which near residents may supply themselves with all needed articles for their families without making a journey to the city center. Near the mill a large coal yard is con- ducted, and from it is dispensed from 3,000 to 5,000 tons of coal each year, and a pretty respect- able business is done in cord and kindling wood. The mill is a sort of centre of exchange, farmers bringing wood and other products and taking pay in coal. A visit to the mill at any hour of the day proves conclusively how important it is to the people as a center of accommodation.
Linehan Bros., Dealers in Fancy and Staple Groceries; also, Foreign and Domestic Liquors, Corner Myrtle Avenue and Austin Street .- Among the establishments in Bridgeport that deserve favorable mention is that of Linehan Bros., located corner of Myrtle avenue and Aus- tin street.
The business was started in 1883 by the pres- ent firm, and being gentlemen of wide experi- ence, their ability and enterprise have gained for them a constantly increasing patronage.
The premises occupied comprise a commodi- ous store, consisting of a double store, floor 50x 50 feet in dimensions, and basement, appropri- ately fitted up with every facility. A fine and complete stock is carried, embracing everything essential to the grocery trade; also, foreign and domestic liquors.
Messrs. Linehan Bros. are prepared to offer their patrons the very best the market affords, at low prices, and as goods are received direct from leading jobbers and manufacturers in large quantities, the proprietors can afford to offer inducements in prices and quality and variety of stock, that can be duplicated by few and excelled by none.
We commend this house to those desiring the choicest goods at lowest prices. Five capable assistants are employed to wait on customers, which is done in a polite and prompt manner. The proprietors number their patrons and friends by the score.
87
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
The Co-Operative Life and Accident Associ- tion, G. W. Lewis, Manager, Room 7 Warner's Building .- Combining all the desirable features of mutual life and accident insurance, the Co-op- erative Life and Accident Company of the Unit- ed States has been inaugurated under the most favorable auspices, and in five years it las ac- complished a work of greatest beneficence. The membership at the present writing is 4,000 and the amount for which they are insured is over $12,000,000.
By furnishing to members full accident indem- nity without additional expense for fees or dues, while their life policies are in force, the associa- tion has brought within reach of all classes the benefits of both accident and life insurance at actual cost.
Any person of good moral character and in good health, under sixty-five years of age and not under seventeen years of age, is eligible to membership in this association, and on the pay- ment of an admission fee of $6.00, and of assess- ments limited to $4, the amount of the annual dues, and $1 to the accident fund, is entitled to $10 weekly indemnity in case of accident, and the beneficiaries to $1,000 at death.
Policies are issued for $1,000 to $10,000 insur- ance in case of death, $10 to $25 weekly indem- nity in case of accident, in one membership upon the mutual benefit plan. The officers are, E. C. Hazard, President; Wm. C. Jones, Vice-Presi- dent; Wm. T. Mersereau, Treasurer; Lewis A. Osborn, Secretary. The Association was organ- ized in 1882 to meet the requirements of business men, and all who desire to carry life insurance separately from all investment. Its steady, solid growth, and the endorsement of the best business and financial men of this and other cities, un- questionably guarantees the practicability, safety and popularity of this system of insurance.
The standing of the officers and board of direc- tors is a sufficient guarantee of the ability, pru- dence and integrity of the management.
Mr. Geo. W. Lewis, the general manager for Connecticut, is one of the directors of this reli- able Association, and his office is located at Room 7, Warner building, Main street, where all information is cheerfully furnished, and member- ship secured. He is a reliable, accurate business man, and fullest faith in his worth universally obtains.
L. H. Mills, Plumber, Steam and Gas Fitter, 36 and 38 Middle Street .- Prominent among the leading firms of this city stands the establishment of Mr. L. H. Mills, which is located at Nos. 36 and 38 Middle Street. This enterprise was start- ed 26 years ago, being known at its inception as the Bradbury & Wilmot Manufacturing Com. pany of which Mr. Mills, the present Proprietor, was the Superintendent. This gentleman has had sole control for some eight years and has built up an enormous business, which requires the occupancy of two floors, each 20x60 feet in dimensions, and the employment of some seven- teen skilled hands. Plumbing and steam and gas fitting of all descriptions are done in the best pos- sible manner at short notice, and all jobbing or order work is promptly done, satisfaction being fully guaranteed. It is certainly a great advan- tage when giving orders for work of this kind to
feel that you are dealing with a strictly reputable and responsible house, especially when, as in the case with the establishment under discussion, work is done at the lowest possible rates. A heavy stock of plumbers' and gas fitters' mate- rials is constantly carried, and every facility is at hand to accommodate the immense business done.
J. C. Davies, Stair Builder, Seeley Street off Cottage Street .- The difficulty and nicety of stair building has made it a special industry, separate and apart from house building, and it requires men of a mechanical turn of mind to become ex- perts in this line.
Mr. J. C. Davies whose name heads this sketch, commenced here in 1879 as a professional stair builder. His location is favorable, being on Seeley street, and his shop, which occupies two. stories, 50x50 feet in dimensions, besides addi- tional buildings, is furnished with all the needed machinery for modern style work.
Employment is furnished to five skilled work- men who are professional stair builders. The work of this establishment from its beginning has been of a superior class and the business lias consequently rapidly increased, and at present is coming from nearly all parts of the country. Mr. Davies carries in stock, well seasoned mater- ials, so that he is prepared at all times to supply the trade with such and to promptly filt all orders sent to him from abroad. Stair rails, balusters. and posts are furnished to order, promptly. He has built the stairs of many of Bridgeport's most elegant public buildings as well as private resi- dences. Specimens of his work may be seen in Sanford's Block, Park avenue; W. F. Sword's, Broad street; J. W. Birdseye, Fairfield avenue ;. Gaylord's Block, Connecticut National Bank, Fred Sailer's Block, Bank street, and Chauncy Morton's, Fairfield avenue.
Mr. Davies is a native of New York, and he is. recognized as fair and honorable in all business transactions and enjoys the confidence of the general public in an eminent degree.
T. M. Barber, Bread, Cake and Pies; Bakery, 143 Myrtle Avenue .- Barber's bakery, located at No. 143 Myrtle avenue, is one of the most relia- ble in Bridgeport, and deserves honorable men- tion at our hands. The business was founded in 1887 by T. M. Barber, the present proprietor, who is a thorough master of everything pertain- ing to the business and has, during the short period he has been established, built up a trade upon a sound and permanent basis.
He occupies two floors of the building on Myrtle avenue, covering an area of 52x19 feet. The store and bakery are well equipped, and have every convenience and facility at hand for promptly facilitating the business in all its vari- ous departments. He has made it an invariable rule to use nothing but absolutely pure material, and upon this substantial basis in all his business dealings he has won a wide reputation and in- stant appreciation from all who buy his goods.
He has developed a fine wholesale as well as family trade, and his bread, cake and pastry is highly esteemed for its freshness, absolute purity and low prices. Experienced hands are employed , in this establishment.
88
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
F. A. Bartram & Co., Packers and Wholesale Provision Dealers, 439, 441 and 443 Water Street .- This old house has a history coincident with the wonderful growth of Bridgeport as a trade center, and its influence in building up the industries of the city has been appreciated and sensibly felt.
The business was started about thirty-five years ago by Mr. F. A. Bartram, and for the past thirteen years has been conducted under the above firm name and style.
The Messrs. Bartram have long been the lead- ing packers and provision dealers in this city and section, and the trade they have developed is a large item in the great aggregate of business cen- tering here.
The extensive warehouse of the firm is eligibly located at Nos. 439, 441 and 443 Water street and comprises a large substantial three story building 75x100 feet in dimensions, equipped in the most admirable manner for the dispatch of business, and affording every convenience for the storage and handling of merchandise. The proximity to the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad gives ample facilities for receipt and shipment of goods, and the resources of the house to meet every requirement of their wide-spread trade with dealers throughout this and adjoining States are all that could be desired. The abat- toir of the firm is large and complete, and the operations of the house necessitate the employ- ment of a force of twenty-five to thirty work- men.
The Messrs. Bartram handle immense quanti- ties of fresh and cured pork, provisions, etc., and supply the trade at lowest wholesale rates, and in quality, as in prices, the firm successfully compete with any house in their liue in New York or New England.
Messrs. F. A., Geo. H., and Edgar B. Bar- tram comprise this responsible, representative firm. They are all "natives and to the manner born," and are recognized as successful leaders in their line of mercantile enterprise-and estima ble and influential citizens.
Wm. H. McIntyre, 420 Main Street .- This establishment, which ranks among the leading business houses of Bridgeport, is one of the largest in the city dealing in fancy goods and toys.
Mr. Wm. H. McIntyre, the present proprietor, established the business two years ago, and to his superior skill, able management and untiring industry, is due in a great measure the progress and success which has been attained during its career. A large and varied stock is carried, including foreign and domestic wools, notions and embroidery silks, toys, baskets, wagons, velocipedes, doll carriages, etc., a specialty of the house being stamping of all kinds of em- broidery work, etc. This house possesses every facility known to the trade for giving his patrons and friends extra inducements, both in low prices and excellent quality of goods sold.
The customers of this well known house com- prise many of our best citizens, who testify to its popularity. Five clerks are here employed, all of whom are courteous and polite and ever ready to attend to the wants of customers.
The store occupied covers an area of 18x90
feet, and is centrally located at No. 420 Main street, and is filled with one of the largest stocks of goods to be found in any similar establishment in the city.
Mr. MeIntire is a native of Bridgeport, and is very enterprising and energetic. His business standing and general reputation, as well as the liberal manner in which the business is conducted is a subject of the most favorable comment.
H. W. Lyon, Manufacturer of Corsets, 88 Middle Street .- With most gratifying results, Mr. H. W. Lyon has for seven years conducted in Bridgeport one of the most complete and suc- cessful corset factories in New England, and his trade is one of the large items in the sum total of business which has given to the town her wonderful growth and prosperity.
He has occupied his present location on Middle street for two years, and the establishment is a model of completeness in equipment and ap- pointments; the valuable machinery being oper- ated by a steam engine, and a force of from 80 to 100 operatives find employment in the factory.
Mr. Lyon manufactures large quantities of all kinds and styles of corsets, and has facilities both for general work and for filling special orders equal to any requirement of his extensive trade.
Prompt, energetic, and always to be depended upon, Mr. Lyon's methods and worth have the established confidence of customers and corre- spondents.
Ile is a native of Bridgeport, and is a gentle- man of untiring energy, enterprise and push.
Mr. Lyon has recently added the manufacture of corset waists in all sizes.
C. A. Kane & Co., Druggist and Apothecary. 616 Main Street .- Among the many attractive business enterprises of Bridgeport, none is more deserving of notice than the pharmacy of C. A. Kane & Co., located at 616 Main street. This establishment was founded in 1875. The present firm assumed control in April, 1887, and has since occupied an enviable position in the trade. The premises occupied are spacious and conven- ient, being 18x55 feet in dimensions, and the stock shown embraces a full and complete line of drugs and chemicals, together with an assort- ment of such specialties as are usually to be found in a first-class pharmacy.
The display of case goods and fancy articles rivals that shown by many of his competitors. The large retail trade of this house requires the employment of two thoroughly skilled and reli- able clerks, and Mr. Kane being an experienced druggist, the prescription department is managed with a skill and intelligence which has given the house an enviable reputation in the trade.
The neat and attractive appearance of this store and fine stock of toilet goods, etc., handled, has done much to make it a favorite resort for those desirous of obtaining first-class goods in this line.
Mr. Kane is a native of Massachusetts. Edu- cated to his profession he has acquired a profi- cieney that has placed him in a high position in the trade. Enterprising and reliable, cautious and exact, he has secured the confidence of the public to a marked degree, a confidence to which his early training has made him the just recipient.
89
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Bridgeport Patent Leather Manufacturing Company, Cannon Street .- The old saying has it-" There's nothing like leather," and certainly when you come to think of it you find that, sure enough, it is a unique material and one whose. place could be filled by no substitute. The raw hide is made up into very many widely differing products, prominent among these is that in which a beautiful and brilliant gloss is given to the surface, and which is so universally known under the name of "Patent Leather."
One of the oldest established and most successful concerns manufacturing this article is the Bridge- port Patent Leather Manufacturing Co., which was established under its present name in 1849. the same business having previously been carried on by Mr. S. J. Patterson, now the president and treasurer of the company. The works are very extensive, eight buildings being occupied. cover- ing ground of the dimensions of 226x165 feet, and the motive power is afforded by an engine of forty-five horse-power. Fifty hands are employed The General Manager and Secretary of the com- pany is Mr. John E. Pond, who is one of the best-known men in the city, he having been Town Auditor, a member of the Common Coun- cil, and also of the Board of Police Commis sioners. Mr. Patterson was also formerly con- nected with the Common Council, and is very highly respected in the community. The Board of Directors of the company consist of the fol- lowing gentlemen: Mr. S. J. Patterson, Mr. John E. Pond. Mr. F. C. Nichols, Mr. S. H. Patterson, and Mr. C. H. Capen.
Henry Carstesen, Proprietor of State Street Stables, 236 State Street, and West End Stables, Colorado Avenue, Livery, Sales and Boarding; Strict attention given to Boarding of Private Horses; Weddings, Parties and Funerals promptly attended to .- One of the greatest con- veniences of a large city is a complete and well regulated livery, sales and boarding stable, and one of the most popular of these, located in Bridgeport, is the one owned and conducted by Henry Carstesen. These stables were established in July, 1885, by Raymond & Carstesen, and continued by them until September, of the same year, when Mr. Carstesen assumed full control, since which time he has succeeded in making his stables so popular, that they to-day rank among the most prominent in Bridgeport.
The premises, which are located at 236 State street, comprise a three story brick building, which have excellent accommodations for sixty head of horses and every facility for the comfort and rest of horses while in the care of this stable; the stalls are large, well lighted and ven- tilated, in fact, every convenience is to be ob- tained here that can be found in any first-class livery, sales and boarding stables. Particular at- tention is paid to boarding of private horses. All orders for weddings, parties, and funerals promptly attended to. Stylish and first-class teams furnished for all occasions. Also most re- liable and competent drivers, if desired.
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