USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 13
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Mr. Carstesen's long residence in this city, his genial manner and honorable business trausac- tions has gained him the high esteem and respect of our citizens
opened another fully appointed livery and board- ing stable on Colorado avenue, called the West End Stables, where residents of that section will find every advantage in the way of fine horses and carriages. Telephone connections from both.
The Wheel and Wood Bending Company, Manufacturers of Wheels, Spokes, Hubs, Bent Felloes, Carriage Bows, Shafts, Poles, Beds, etc., 76 John Street. - As a source of supply for carriage builders, the wheel and wood bend- ing establishment of the company of that name at Bridgeport has long occupied a prominent place among the industrial interests, and has largely contributed to the great volume of the trade of the city. The business was inaugurated in 1850 by Messrs. Smith & Barlow, and the trade of the house outgrowing the resources for supply, the stock company, as at present con- stituted, was organized and incorporated about twenty years ago, since which time, with greatly increased facilities, the work has been conducted on a scale of large proportions. The bending works comprise a large three-story building 30x125 feet in dimensions, supplied throughout with valnable improved machinery driven by steam, and the extensive trade of the concern necessitates the employment of fifty hands. The output of these works embraces wheels, spokes, hubs, bent felloes, carriage bows, shafts, poles, beds, etc., in all the most desirable styles, and in quality, warranted unsurpassed in every partic- ular. The company carry in stock a large assort- ment of seasoned wood work for carriages, available for immediate use, and orders for special work of every description in this range of merchandise are executed with dispatch.
Mr. Horace Smith is the president, Mr. Horace W. Smith, secretary, and E. C. Smith, treasurer, of this representative company. They are natives of Connecticut, and possess unmistakably the executive ability, tact and energy which insures success in any field of business enterprise.
N. Buckingham & Co., Manufacturers of and Dealers in Furniture of all kinds, 387 and 389 Water Street .- One of the most universally known and probably the oldest established house of the kind in Bridgeport, is that conducted by Messrs. N. Buckingham & Co., at Nos. 387 and 389 Water street. This firm are manufacturers of and dealers in furniture of all kinds, the busi- ness having been founded by Mr. N. Buckingham half a century ago. The business is now owned and conducted by Mr. C. B. Buckingham, under the present style. Four floors are occupied, each of the dimensions of 80x100 feet, and upwards of twenty hands are given constant employment. A large and varied stork is carried of all descrip- tions of furniture, and as the goods are mannfac- tured under the personal supervision of Mr. Buckingham, the high standard so long ago es- tablished for the productions of this house is strictly adhered to. Many beautiful and novel designs are shown and the workmanship and material exhibited in these articles are honest and first-class in every particular. A full guar- antee is given that all goods will prove to be precisely as represented, and the prices at which they are sold are wonderfully low for goods of
At the West End Mr. Carstesen has recently , such uniform and high excellence.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
John Rutherford, Mason and Builder, and Dealer in Brick, Lime, Cement, Building Stone and Plaster; Office, West End Lower Bridge (opposite Railroad Depot) .- A very old-estab- lished business enterprise and one that long ago was accorded the high position which it now holds in the trade and with the general public, is that so ably and successfully conducted for the past 26 years by Mr. John Rutherford. This gentleman carries on the business of a mason and builder and dealer in brick, lime, cement, build- ing stone and plaster, in an office situated at the West End Lower Bridge (opposite Railroad De- pot), the docks and yards for the execution of the mechanical portion of the business being located in East Bridgeport, on the corner of Pembroke and Steuben streets. Mr. Rutherford's orders are important and abundant, and during that portion of the year (from April to Septem- ber) in which in this climate the most of a mason's work must of necessity be done, from 80 to 90 hands are employed by him and are found none too many to properly handle the business transacted. Plain and ornamental cor- nices, center pieces, brackets, etc., are manu- factured and put up, and some of the choicest and most artistic and pleasing designs in these goods are controlled or made by Mr. Rutherford. Orders for any and all kinds of mason work will receive early and careful attention, and the past reputation of this house is sufficient guarantee that all orders will be fulfilled skillfully and well. Among the prominent buildings constructed by Mr. Rutherford we would mention the Connecti- cut Bank Building, Seaside Institute, Barnum Building, and a number of others.
J. W. Johnson, Real Estate Agent, Rooms 3 and 4, Connecticut National Bank Building, cor- ner of Main and Wall Streets .- The East being emphatically the moneyed section of the United States it naturally follows that in that part of the country should be established numerous agencies of more or less reliability to facilitate loans on property situated elsewhere. We say of more or less reliability for it is an open secret that some of these agencies are of what may be called the "bucket-shop" variety and only seek to fleece their patrons in the shortest possible time. But there are others of undisputed character and value and prominent among these stands the agency conducted by Mr. J. W. Johnson in rooms 3 and 4 in the Connecticut National Bank Building, corner of Main and Wall streets.
This gentleman began operations in 1882 and has already built up a large clientage by the abil- ity and zeal which he has shown in his dealings with investors.
He is a native of Easton, Connecticut, and was for nine years treasurer of that town as well as selectman. He does a real estate and insurance business, representing Meriden Fire Insurance Co., of Meriden; The Quincy Mutual, of Quincy, Mass .; The American Investment Co., and the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Co., of Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Johnson makes a specialty of Western securities and real estate and has ex- ceptional advantages to offer to investors. He is an authority on real estate matters and may be implicitly depended upon to advance his clients' interests as though they were his own.
Smith & Hubbard, Attorneys at Law, Solic- itors of Patents, Offices, Corner Main and Wall Streets; also, Danbury, Meriden and Shelton. - The great good which may be and is attained by the employment of honorable and competent patent solicitors is now generally conceded by those best qualified to judge in the matter, and although the entire profession has no doubt suffered to some extent by reason of the absurdly extravagant claims and generally egotistical and unprofessional conduct of some who have loudly vaunted their skill in procuring patents, etc., yet so 'has the medical profession, to say nothing of the clergy, and still we believe that the necessity of both these professions is allowed by the ma- jority of people.
Among the best known and most highly es- teemed of these attorneys-at-law who have made a specialty of patent cases, are Messrs. Smith & Hubbard, whose Bridgeport offices are at the corner of Main and Wall streets. Here (in the Connecticut Bank building), five rooms are occu- pied, and a large amount of business is done, there being branch offices at Danbury, Meriden and Birmingham. The inception of the business was by Mr. F. W. Smith, Jr., in 1877, it first being established at Washington, D. C. In 1881, a removal to Bridgeport was had, and a partner- ship was formed with Mr. A. M. Wooster a year later.
The present firm was founded in 1883, and has since been entrusted with many valuable inven- tions for which patents have been promptly secured, and all the necessary legal business done faithfully, and to the perfect satisfaction of all parties concerned.
Savage & Smith Building Co., 112 Cannon Street .- The work of the builder is of the great- est importance and when one reflects how abso- lute the confidence is which is placed in the skill and integrity of he who follows this business and how seldom this confidence is misplaced, he will see that builders, as a, body, have just cause to congratulate themselves on their high standing in the community. If a stranger in Bridgeport were to inquire whenever he saw an unusually fine building, what the name of the builder was, he could not fail to be struck with the constant repetition which he would hear of the firm name "Savage & Smith," or the "Savage & Smith Building Co.," as the case might be. When the more prominent members of this company first became associated in business in 1881 it was under the name of Savage & Smith, and they carried on operations for six years under the style given, until their transactions became so extensive as to necessitate the formation of a joint-stock company, which change was consum- mated the first of the current year. The officers are: Mr. W. A. Smith, president, and Mr. W. L. Savage secretary and treasurer, and these gen- tlemen, with the addition of Mr. Chas. Botsford, also form the board of directors.
They do an enormous business, employing fifty-five men and occupying two large floors at No. 112 Cannon street. Among their work may be mentioned the Connecticut Bank building.
91
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
CONNECTICUT. NATIONAL BANKY
BANK
SHERMAN.
THE CONNECTICUT NATIONAL BANK, ERECTED IN 1886.
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
LUMBIA
Bicycles AND Tricycles
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J. Wilkinson, Dealer in Bicycles, Tricycles, etc., 187 State Street .- During the comparatively few years that the modern bicycle has been known in this country its use has spread with most wonderful rapidity, and the many who prophesied on its first introduction here, that it would speedily share the fate of its prototype the " velocipede " or " bone crusher, " as it was known to the initiated, have seen their croaking come to naught and the " wheel " come to stay. Considered simply as a marvel of mechanism, a high grade "light roadster," is worthy of careful study, and when this has been given it an an- swer is found to the oft-repeated question, " Why do bicycles cost so much ?"
Twenty-five pounds of steel and rubber, stand- ing fifty inches or more high, have to be com- bined with no small degree of science and me- chanical skill to safely carry a 150-pound man up hill and down at a high rate of speed, and these things always have and always will cost money.
But these machines, as perfect as they are, will wear out, and do break down occasionally, and then it is of the greatest importance that their repair be entrusted to one who is not only a fine workman, but who has had large experience with in many cases, superior in quality and finish to that particular kind of work. Such work can carriages manufactured elsewhere. be given with a complete assurance that it will be properly done to Mr. J. Wilkinson, who deals in bicycles, tricycles, etc., and does general repairing in all branches, at No. 187 State street.
This enterprise was started in 1883, by Wilkin- son Bros., and has been carried on by the present ·owner alone since 1884.
- Mr. Wilkinson is a native of Sheffield, Eng- land, and is thoroughly acquainted with bicycles 'street are utilized, covering an area of 70x25 and bicycle work in all its branches. He carries a fine stock of wheels, which are warranted to prove as represented, and those in need of a stylish, safe and speedy bicycle should give him an early call.
He is sole agent for this vicinity for the cele- brated Columbia, Star and the Otto (for boys). He carries the largest stock of steel wheels in the State.
F. C. Bennett, Successor to H. Hall & Co., Importer and Wholesale Dealer in Fine Liquors and Wines, 380 and 382 Water Street .- The large consumption of spirituous liquors forms an important item in the commercial transactions of business circles.
the day. One of the most reliable establishments in this line of business is that of F. C. Bennett, located at Nos. 380 and 382 Water street. He imports very extensively and wholesales, an excellently selected stock of fine goods, embracing leading and favorite brand of imported and domestic whiskeys, brandies, gin, rum, and still and spark- ling wines of every kind.
The business was originally estab- lished by Abijah Burroughs, later by H. Hall & Co., succeeded by the pres- ent management in 1879, and the trade, which has constantly increased from the first, extends throughout the State. .Mr. Bennett quotes the lowest prices to be obtained in the market for first- class goods.
The building occupied is four stories, all of which are used by this mammoth concern. They cover an area each of 24x90 feet, and employ- ment is given to capable and efficient assistants in the several departments.
Mr. F. C. Bennett is a native of Connecticut, and is a gentleman of energy and ability, being highly esteemed throughout the city by a large circle of friends.
We commend this house to the trade as an enterprising one. Mr. Bennett ably conducts the business, and knows thoroughly the wants of the public.
Boylston & Phillips, Dealers in Stationery, Toilet and Fancy Goods; also, Manufacturers of Children's Carriages, Doll Carriages, Girls' Pro- pellers, Sleighis, Sleds and Velocipedes, 102 State Street. - In pursuing our investigations to obtain material to compile this volume, the facts are prominently brought before us that thous- ands of operatives and hundreds of thousands of capital are here invested in the manufacture of carriages; and, furthermore, that the products of Bridgeport's workshops are fully equal, and
Of the houses concerned in this vast industry, we will now devote a space to the one presided over by Messrs. Boylston & Phillips. This busi- ness was opened in Bridgeport in March, 1887, by the present proprietors, who started in Green- field, Mass., in 1850, moving to New York in 1857, where a branch is now located. For the manufacture and sale of children's carriages, etc., the extensive premises located at 102 State
feet, which is furnished with every facility requisite for the prosecution of the business, which is devoted to the manufacture of chil- dren's carriages, dolls' carriages, girls' propellers, sleighs, sleds and velocipedes. In addition to the manufacture of the above named line of goods, Messrs. Boylston & Phillips are dealers in stationery, toilet and fancy goods. They conduct an extensive wholesale and retail trade in their line of goods, repairing of children's carriages being a specialty.
Both Mr. R. H. Boylston and Mr. H. L. Phillips are Massachusetts men by birth. These gentlemen are well known in social as well as
93
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Coester Brothers, Dealers in House Furnish- ing Goods, Hardware, Paints, Oils, etc., 830 Main Street (Bull's Head). - In carefully examin- ing the commercial interests of Bridgeport, it is a constant source of pleasurable surprise to note the advances that have been made during the past few years, and the growth of enterprises in many directions of usefulness, that add no little to the general wealth and prosperity of the city. These reflections were forcibly suggested by a visit to the extensive establishment of Coester Bros. at No. 830 Main street (Bull's Head). This business was founded one year ago by the above mentioned firm, the individual members of which are C. Fred and Frank A. Coester. Since its start the facilities as well as the operations of the house have been very largely increased. The premises occupied by the firm consist of a fine store 20 x 40 feet in dimensions, being stored with the many varieties of goods which comprise the stock. Several employees find occupation here and a trade is transacted which embraces all parts of the city and vicinity. The store is replete with a stock of the newest patterns in cups and saucers, plates, etc., dish pans, coffee pots, din- ner kettles, coal hods, wash boards, wringers, baskets, hammers, nails, hatchets, pocket knives, table cutlery, scissors, pistols, rope, silver-ware, lamps, shovels, window glass, paints, oils, var- nishes, glue, and many other articles which our limited space will not permit us to mention.
In conclusion, we may add that this house is one that has been founded on a basis that entitles it to marked consideration and the great success achieved since it was originated has been well de- served, and is an evidence of the high repute in which it is held.
Patrick O'Rourke, Importer and Wholesale Dealer in Foreign, Domestic Liquors, and Fine Whiskies. Agent for Flanagan, Nay & Co.'s Celebrated Ales and Porter, 324 Water Street .--
Among the large and important houses that are engaged in this line of trade in Bridgeport is the well known concern of Patrick O'Rourke.
This establishment was founded in 1878 by its present proprietor. The premises occupied for the transaction of the business are located at 324 Water street, and comprises three floors, each 24x75 feet in dimensions, where a large and com- plete stock of foreign and domestic liquors is carried.
Mr. O'Rourke is one of our largest import- ers and wholesale dealers in the best quality of liquors. He is agent for Flanagan, Nay & Co.'s celebrated ales and porter, and also deals exten- sively in fine whiskies.
The large wholesale trade of this house neces- sitates the employment of three competent clerks who are prompt and attentive to all customers, and orders are filled in the most reliable manner.
Mr. O'Rourke is a native of Ireland and too well known in this city and surrounding country to need any commendation at our hands. We therefore cordially commend this enterprise to the attention of those in need of this class of merchandise, assuring them as we can that all business transactions with Mr. O'Rourke will be to the advantage of all concerned. The large and fine stock is full and complete and exhibits rare good judgment in its selection and will repay a visit from the most fastidious dealers.
Warner B others, Corset Manufacturers, 359 Broadway, New York, Factory at Bridgeport .- Of the many great industries which have brought distinction to Bridgeport as a great manufactur- ing and rapidly growing city, the corset factory of Messrs. Warner Bros., corner Lafayette and Atlantic streets is one of prime importance.
The business was inaugurated in 1876, and from the first has been condueted on a scale of great proportions and with most gratifying suc- cess.
The valuable plant is eligibly located, the works comprising an imposing and substantial block of four-story brick buildings, occupying three sides of an entire city block, 100x225 feet in dimensions and in its « quipment and appoint- ments the factory is a model of completeness and convenience. A corps of several hundred opera- tives find constant employment in the service of the Messrs. Warner, and the costly machinery is driven by steam engines of great power.
The output comprises numerous quantities of the best fitting and most durable and comforta- ble corsets in the market, the quality and super- ior excellence of their manufactures being rec- ognized by the jobbing and retail trade in all parts of the United States and in many foreign countries, and the trade of the house is steadily increasing and extending.
Messrs. J. Dever Warner and L. C. Warner are the individual membere of this well-known firm. They are among the foremost and most succesful business men of New York, and oc- cupy extensive warerooms at No. 359 Broad- way.
Mr. J. Dever Warner is a director of the Pequonnock National Bank of Bridgeport, and both gentlemen are accounted among the influen- tial progressive citizens.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Daniel O'Donnell, Successor to T. W. Beach, Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, etc .. 628 Main Street .- This old and well-established gro- cery house has been noted for many years for the very fine stock of staple and fancy groceries always to be found here.
This house was established by S. M. Gibbs in 1856, but was succeeded by T. W. Beach in 1877, and for the past ten years has enjoyed a large and lucrative retail trade, extending among many of our first-class families.
The premises occupied for the business are located at 628 Main street, and measure 18x50 feet in size, where a very fine and attractive stock of groceries, provisions and produce is carried.
Mr. O'Donnell has the reputation of keeping nothing but first-class goods, and makes a spe- cialty of furnishing the finest quality of flour, teas, coffee, butter, sugar, spices, etc.
This steadily increasing retail trade requires the employment of three competent clerks, and the business of this house is transacted in an energetic and enterprising manner. The store is commodious and well arranged in all the depart- ments, and the attention to customers is all that could be asked for, and the reliability of the proprietor all tend to preserve a business so well conducted as this.
Mr O'Donnell was born in the city of New York, but his long residence in this city, and having many strong friends of long standing in Bridgeport, he may well be classed among her best citizens.
This store has been newly fitted up, and is one of the finest in the city, and has the largest stock of groceries to be found in the city. Mr. O'Donnell was in business with O'Donnell & Driscoll, 659 Main street, for four years. Hav- ing dissolved partnership with Mr. Driscoll, Mr. O'Donnell then carried on the business alone at 659 Main street, when he succeeded Mr. Beach, at 628 Main street; he has been in the grocery business for the past twenty years.
Cole & Hinckley, Contractors in Concrete Walks, Asphaltum Floors, Driveways, Gutters, etc .; Office, 273 Main Street .- Possessing every facility and the requisite skill for their impor- tant work, Messrs. Cole & Hinckley, for nine years, as successors to Strong & Hinckley, who established the business here seventeen years ago, have conducted a large and prosperous business as contractors for concrete walks, asphaltum floors, driveways, gutters, etc. Their office is centrally located at No. 273 Main street, and a large force of skilled workmen are em- ployed in their extensive operations. They fur- nish estimates for work and make contracts for paving, curbing, flagging, etc., which they exe- cute with dispatch and in the most satisfactory manner, and their work is invariably guaranteed in price and quality.
Messrs. Cole & Hinckley are practical business men of long experience in their special field of industry, and are experts in every branch of their work. They give to it their personal su- pervision, and at most reasonable prices sup- ply the most reliable work and materials at short notice.
Messrs. Oliver B. Cole and Wm. R Hinckley are the individual members of this responsible, representative firm. They are both natives of Connecticut, and are held in high esteem as busi- ness men and citizens.
E. S. Wood, Livery, Boarding and Hack Sta- bles, No. 864 North Main Street .- Prominent among the many and finely equipped livery stables that form so important a part in the bus- iness of Bridgeport is that of E. S. Wood, which was established in 1872 by Messrs Wood & Way, but since 1882 has been under the full control and management of E. S. Wood, who is the sole. proprietor.
These stables are located at No. 864 North Main street, and consist of a large stable and sheds with a capacity for twenty horses. The strictest care and attention is paid to the comfort of horses while entrusted to this establishment; they are supplied regularly with the best of feed and their accommodations are all that can be reasonably desired; the stalls are good size and the stables are well ventilated and supplied with the most improved conveniences.
A fine assortment of stylish teams will be- found at this stable which are let at unusually low prices. Also first-class carriages and bug- gies to be let at all hours. Mr. Wood's long ex- perience in the business gives him a thorough knowledge in regard to horses, and none but safe and reliable ones are kept for general use.
Mr. Wood is a native of New Hampshire, but. his thirteen years' business transactions in Bridge- port has gained him the high respect and esteem of the citizens of this city and surrounding towns.
Geo. V. Schreyer, Dealer in Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb, Ham, Lard, Sausages, etc. Vegetables in their Season; Market 23 Bank Street .- A prominent house in Bridgeport concerned in the above named branch of business is that conduct- ed by Mr. George V. Schreyer, who occupies the finely appointed market located at 23 Bank street, which is utilized for meats, vegetables, etc. The premises cover an area of 40x25 feet in dimensions and are provided with all the nec- essary requirements for the preservation of the perishable articles handled.
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