USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31
100
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Walter Nichols, Real Estate and Loan Broker, Warner Building, Corner Fairfield Avenue and Middle Street .- Among the various commercial and mercantile industries that assist in making Bridgeport what it is, there is none of more im- portance to the community than real estate and money brokerage business. It is a business re- quiring energy, industry and sound principles. One of the most successful agencies in this city is that of Mr. Walter Nichols, whose eminent fitness for its several branches has gained for him an extensive business. The buying and selling of real estate the loaning of money and auc- tioneering are among the main characteristics of this business. He is also the agent for the extensive real estate interests of Dr. Warner. Mr. Nichols' success fully attests his proficiency and populari- ty and establishing his reputation for integrity and honorable dealing. As a gentleman he is ac- corded a high position in commercial circles.
He established his business four years ago and occupies a very attractive office in the Warner building, corner of Fairfield avenue and Middle street. Mr. Nichols is president of the Common Council. He is a gentleman highly esteemed by all who know him and fully deserves the success he has attained.
Farini, Photographer, 61 Fairfield Avenue .- From earliest childhood the career of Mr. L. Farini, the leading photographic artist of Bridge- port, has been most remarkable and his experi- ence would serve as the basis of a most interesting and wonderful romance.
Mr. Farini was adopted in infancy by the man whose name he bears, who resided in England. Mr. Farini was famous as the original Lulu, who was shot from a catapult, and who, after arriving at maturity was exhibited to astonished multitudes in all parts of the world, as the won- der of the age, and for many years his sex was undiscovered, although, perhaps, suspected. Assuming the attire of a man after having relin- quished business as a human projectile, Mr. Far- ini took up the study of photography and be- came a master artist. He traveled to all parts of the world, taking views of scenes in all quarters of the globe, and coming to this country a few months ago, he established himself in business in this city.
His art rooms and studio at 61 Fairfield ave- nue are models of completeness in their appoint- ments, and a visit to the establishment is fraught with the liveliest interest. Here are found views taken in Central Africa and other parts of the world, often at fearful risk.
Mr. Farini is a refined and cultured gentleman and a business man of sterling worth, energetic, prompt and reliable.
A specialty is made of first-class pictures, from the very smallest to the largest. Life-size work is made which is equal in all respects to the finest crayon potraits.
Coe & White, Wholesale and Retail Grocers, 560 and 562 Main Street .- The city of Bridgeport is not behind her sister cities in the extent and character of her wholesale and retail grocery trade, and the enterprise which characterizes her representative firms in this branch of commerce is not surpassed in any other American city.
The well known and reliable house of Messrs. Coe & White, established in 1873, has for a period of fourteen years occupied a prominent position in the trade. This house was first es- tablished by Mr. Charles P. Coc, and in 1885 Mr. J. H. White was admitted to the firm, which has since borne the title of Coe & White. The premises utilized cover an area of 80x50 feet, and consist of a store and basement, affording ample convenience for the accommodation of a large stock and the demands of their growing trade. Every modern appliance for facilitating the handling of goods with despatch is brought into requisition. Employment is given to eight capa- ble clerks, and orders invariably meet with prompt attention.
The firm carries a general line of staple and fancy groceries. The individual members of the firm, Messrs. Charles P. Coe and J. H. White, are both natives of Madison, and prominently identified with the commercial prosperity of Bridgeport, and are numbered among the most substantial and public-spirited citizens of this community Mr. Coe is the senior partner of Coe & Field, of 422 State street, New Haven.
Henry Setzer, Jr., People's Market, Wholesale and Retail, 313 Main Street .- The provision trade of Bridgeport is yearly assuming greater proportions, and she can boast of as many large and enterprising firms in this line as any city in the State.
Among them and one which has exhibited marked ability in this direction, is Mr. Henry Setzer, Jr., proprietor of the People's Market, which is one of the finest in the city.
Mr. Setzer established his business in 1879, and during the eight years of its existence has built up an extensive trade, which is both wholesale and retail; the extent of this business gives em- ployment to six capable clerks. The market is eligibly located and very convenient for the trade, being located at 313 Main st It is 24x90 feet in size, and is well stocked with an elegant supply of meats, canned goods, table delicacies, game, etc., etc. This market is very neat and attractive and goods are arranged in the most inviting manner. Mr. Setzer enjoys a large retail trade from among the best citizens of Bridgeport. This is due in part to the superiority of the goods car- ried and in part to the prompt filling and de- livery of all orders placed here, as well as the courteous treatment given to patrons.
Mr. Setzer is an native of New York, an honorable and enterprising business manager. aud it is with full confidence that we commend him to the favorable notice of all who read this review.
Alexander Reid, Dealer in Choice Groceries, Produce Bought, Flour a Specialty No. 476 Main Street .- Probably one of the oldest and best known establishments in the city devoted to the grocery business is that of Alexander Reid. It affords us no little pleasure in recording the vari- ous industries of Bridgeport to mention those firms or individuals in any branch of trade who have achieved prominent positions through the force of natural ability unaided by any influence except those exerted by their own ability and industry.
As for instance, the one above mentioned
101
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
which was established in 1858 by its present pro- prietor, and by energy, enterprise and close at- tention to business he has largely increased it with each succeeding year, and to-day it is one of the oldest houses in this branch of business in the city. The premises are commodious and well fitted up for the business and cover an area of 24x50 feet, being well stocked with a full line of staple and fancy groceries.
The store is located at 476 Main street and is neat and attractive in appearance and everything sold by this old and time-honored establishment are at prices which defy competition and such as will please the most careful buyers.
Mr. Reid has the assistance of thoroughly com- petent and reliable clerks who are conversant with all the details of this long established re- tail business.
Mr. Reid is a native of Scotland and a gentle- man whose standing and reputation may be re- garded of the highest character.
John F. Noble, Real Estate and Insurance, 468 Main Street. - One of the most enterprising and energetic real estate and insurance agents in this city is Mr. John F. Noble, whose office is at No. 468 Main street. This gentleman began his present business some five years ago, and has worked his way up to his present position by sheer force of energy and perseverance. He is an authority on real estate in Bridgeport and vicinity, and has control of the leasing and sale of many highly desirable pieces of property. In his office may be found very complete lists of such city property as is in the market to rent or sell, and many wetry steps and much annoyance may be saved by those who are engaged in that absorbing but not particularly exciting or agree- able form of sport known as " house-hunting," if they will give Mr. Noble a call and make their wishes known. He has also excellent facilities for placing large lines of insurance in the soundest companies at lowest rates, among which we would mention the Merchants and the Greenwich Insurance Company of New York, both of which has been uninterruptedly and suc- cessfully in business for upwards of 50 years. The Greenwich was incorporated under the laws 'of the State of New York, and on the 1st of January, 1887, had a sworn surplus as regards policy holders of $665,811.24. Probably there is no sounder institution of the kind in the country, and as its premium rates are low and its insur ance sure in deed as in name, it is not surprising that Mr. Noble has issued many policies during his connection with the company.
Coughlin Bros., Dealers in Wall Papers of Superior Quality and Artistic Design, Paints, Oils, Varnish, 459 Main Street .- A leading mer- cantile house in Bridgeport and one which has long commanded the confidence and enjoyed the patronage of the public, is that of Messrs. Coughlin Brothers, dealers in wall papers, paints, oils, etc., No. 459 Main street.
The business was established twenty years ago by the Messrs. Coughlin, and since the death of his partners it has been conducted with gratify- ing success by the sole surviving partner, Mr. Patrick Coughlin, under the old firm name.
and attractive, and the stock of merchandise is always complete and sufficiently varied to meet all requirements. The wall papers include every stylish, desirable and artistic design and patterns of superior quality, and the best paints, oils, and varnishes in the market, and prices are uniformly the lowest in the city, quality being considered.
Mr. Coughlin employs a force of from twenty to thirty-five skilled painters and paper hangers in his business, and has every facility for execut- ing all kinds of house decorating in the most tasteful and satisfactory manner, with dispatch, and the reputation of the old house is a sufficient guarantee of first-class and reliable work.
Mr. Coughlin is a thoroughly energetic and responsible business man, and enjoys the univer- sal confidence of patrons and the general public.
Goodsell, McNeil & Co., General Insurance Agents, 450 Main Street .- This reliable insurance firm have for ten years past conducted the gen- eral agency established in 1857 by Mr. E. B. Goodsell, and from the beginning the concern has deservedly enjoyed a large share of patronage.
The offices of Messrs. Goodsell, McNeil & Co. are located at 450 Main street, and representing many of the old and reliable insurance companies of the country, the firm have every facility for their large and steadily growing business.
They represent eighteen of the strongest and most reliable companies of America and Great Britain, and in any or all of these time tried and responsible corporations, the firm effect insur- ance at lowest rates of premium. Always zeal- ous in protecting the interests of their patrons, and accurate and vigilant in all their engage- ments, these sagacious underwriters have firmly established their agency in general confidence, and are steadily extending their influence.
Messrs. N. A. McNeil and S S. Banks com- prise this well-known firm. They are both natives of Bridgeport, and are recognized among the representative, reliable and successful busi- ness men of this thriving, progressive city.
R. E. Whittlesey, Special Traveling Agent, Mutual Benefit Life Company, Office 450 Main Street .- Of all the plans of life insurance as yet devised, there are none which have so generally commended themselves to more general favor than that conceived and adopted by the Mutual Benefit Life Company of Hartford. An examina- tion of the plan establishes beyond question or cavil, that, on the co-operative five-year endow- ment plan of this company, a man at average age can, at ordinary rates of premium, secure in- surance, and if he survives at the end of five years, he will receive back in cash more money than he has paid, and thus actually securing his insurance for nothing, and proving it to be the best possible investment.
Mr. R. E. Whittlesey, who has his office at No. 450 Main street, Bridgeport, has for nine years been connected with this substantial com- pany, and has been eminently successful as special traveling agent. He is a native of this State, and has a wide acquaintance throughout this section, and those desiring insurance on their lives would do well to write or consult him as to
The premises occupied by the firm are large | the superior advantages offered by his company.
102
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
G. C. Hamilton, Druggist, 273 East Main Street .- Perhaps one of the most important busi- ness interests necessary to the good health and welfare of a community, is that of the druggist and apothecary. The most important requisites for the successful operation of this profession is a complete stock in each department and a thor- ough knowledge of the business in all its branches, and the good will and esteem of the community wherein the business is established.
Prominent among the druggists possessing these requisites'is Mr. G. C. Hamilton, whose establishment is located at 273 East Main street, where he has been located since 1885, and dur- ing that time he has built up a reputation for pure drugs and medicines, careful compounding of prescriptions and attention to the wants of his patrons that has resulted in an annually in- creasing business.
The premises occupied consist of a finely ap- pointed store, covering an area of 18x50 feet, where is displayed a choice assortment of drugs, medicines, chemicals, toilet and fancy articles, and in connection with the goods already men- tioned Mr. Hamilton deals extensively in confec- tionery, of which he has a choice assortment constantly on hand.
Mr. G. C. Hamilton is a native of Bridgeport, and an educated pharmacist of twenty-three years experience, whose intelligent fulfilment of all orders may be confidently relied upon.
John H. Reid & Co., Jewelers, 340 Main Street, United Bank Building .- Of the many jewelers of Bridgeport, there is no establishment which bears a higher character among the people of this city, for honest, fair dealing and first- class goods than that of John H. Reid & Co., which is located at 340 Main street.
This house was established by its present pro- prietor, Mr. John H. Reid, in 1883, and from its inception has enjoyed a steadily increasing retail trade. The premises comprise a fine and attrac- tive store, which contains an elegant stock of jewelry, watches, clocks, silverware and optical goods. The proprietor and his assistants are courteous and attentive to all patrons. Mr. Reid is an experienced jeweler and gives close personal supervision to all branches of his estab- lishment.
A specialty is made of repairing of all kinds, and all work is promptly done and executed in the highest style of the art, and at very reason- able prices.
Mr. Reid is a native of Brooklyn, but his long residence in this city, his genial and affable manner, has won for him a host of friends. These qualities, together with the elegant stock of goods carried, combine to make his the favor- ite establishment of this line of trade in Bridge- port.
George E. Cleveland, Dealer in Groceries and Meats, 202 State Street .- Among those houses which have been long and closely identi- fied with the commercial growth of this city, that of George E. Cleveland occupies a conspicu- ous position in which it bids fair to continue.
Mr. Cleveland established his grocery and meat business in 1871, and is now the proprietor of one of the most attractive and complete meat
markets in Bridgeport. The premises occupied for the transaction of the business comprise a finely arranged store, 24x60 feet in size, located at 202 State street, where a complete assortment of choice goods may be found, including in the- grocery department the best brands of flour, teas,. coffees, sugar, spices, ete., relishes and condi- ments.
In the provision department, a full line of meats, etc., that are guaranteed to be as fresh and pure as can be obtained in the State. The. large trade of this house necessitates the employ- ment of three clerks who are thoroughly con- versant with the business in all its branches.
Mr. Cleveland is a native of New York, but his long residence among us and his sixteen years of business experience has gained him the confidence and highest esteem of the citizens of Bridgeport. He is an efficient manager and much is due to his energy and push for the enviable reputation his house has attained in this city.
Theodore Fox, Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper Worker, and Dealer in Heaters, Furnaces, etc., 193 State Street .- No account of Bridgeport's industries would be complete without contain- ing at least some mention of the enterprise of Theo. Fox at No. 193 State street which must rank with any of its contemporaries in the city.
This house was founded in 1881 by Mr Fox, whose business has been successfully conducted for the past six years and whose reputation has been so well established as to place it among the representative houses in that line of business. Mr. Theodore Fox is an experienced and practi- cal tin, sheet-iron and copper worker, all orders. being neatly and promptly executed by skilled hands of whom five are employed. He is also an extensive dealer in heaters, furnaces and plumbers' supplies of all kinds, and his prices will be found as reasonable as any dealer in the city.
It requires a store 18x50 feet in dimensions to. handle the varied stock carried. A large local trade is done which is annually increasing. Mr. Fox is a practical gentleman capable of pleasing the public in this line of business, and the suc- cess which has attended it has been as well. earned as it is richly merited.
E. J. Cram, House Furnishing Goods, New and Second-Hand, 174 State Street .- One of the most necessary lines of trade engaged in, and one whose goods are in constant demand is that of the dealer in house furnishing goods. One of the most complete establishments of this kind in Bridgeport is that conducted by E. J. Cram, who engaged in this business in 1882, and from the inception has manifested marked business ability and has been successful in building up a prosperous business, which necessitates the oc- cupancy of a large double store covering an area of 40x60 feet in dimensions, located at 174 State street, where a large stock of new and second- hand furniture many be found, consisting of every description of house furnishing goods, all styles and makes of furniture, also carpets, bed- ding, etc.
The extent of this business requires the as- sistance of three courteous and competent clerks,.
103
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
and patrons are assured of receiving prompt gen- tlemanly attention while dealing with this house.
Mr. E. J. Cram is a native of New Hampshire, a thoroughly competent and practical man of business to which he devotes his personal atten- tion.
We invite the attention of our citizens who are desirous of obtaining old and antique pieces of furniture, as they cannot fail to obtain what they desire from among his large and varied stock of goods.
William H. Banks, Dealer in Meats, Hams, Sausage, Spare Ribs, Vegetables, etc., No. 502 Main Street .- This business enterprise of Wil- liam H. Banks comprises one of the most com- plete markets to be found in Bridgeport. It is eligibly located at 502 Main street and covers an area of 24x40 feet in dimensions and is well stocked with a choice selection of meats and vegetables. He sells a large quantity and at very reasonable prices, therefore his stock is constant- ly being replenished, and consequently is fresh and of the best quality. This market is well adapted for the business, being fitted up with the most improved facilities for conducting the extensive retail trade.
The line of meats handled consists of beef, mut ton, hams, spare ribs, sausage, etc., also a full line of vegetables in their season. Mr. Banks has cold storage rooms for the preservation of all perishable goods and the management of this market will be found to be excellent. This bus- iness was established in 1879 by Mr. Jas. Boyle and successfully conducted by him until 1884. when the present proprietor assumed control and during his management he has succeeded in greatly extending the trade, which now requires the assistance of three clerks. All orders are promptly attended to and delivered to all parts of the city. Mr. Banks by his energetic and loyal business qualities displayed, has won a high reputation in the community.
Geo. Seltsam, Practical Steam Job Printer, 90 Middle Street .- One of the most gratifying evi- ·dences of the increase of correct artistic taste among all classes of society is the great attention that is now paid in the beautiful designs in the way of job printing of every description. Our productions in this line are not surpassed by those of any other country in the world, and every year this gratifying feature becomes more marked.
One of the leading houses in Bridgeport en- gaged in this artistic branch of industry is that of Mr. Geo. Seltsam, which was established in 1885, by Messrs. Peabody & Seltsam, and con- ducted under that title until 1887, when Mr. Geo. Seltsam assumed full management, since which date a marked success has been notice- able.
The premises utilized for this business are located at 90 Middle street, which are fitted up with all the modern and improved facilities in machinery, presses, etc., requisite for the production ·of the many fine specimens of work executed at this establishment. The energies of the house are directed to the production of all kinds of plain and fancy steam job printing, office stationery being a specialty.
Mr. Seltsam is a native and resident of Bridge- port, and the superiority and high character of the products of his establishment has led to a wide and growing trade, which extends to all parts of the city and is annually increasing.
C. Peterson, Custom Tailor, 337 Main Street, Up Stairs .- Those of our readers who want to ensure themselves honest work and reasonable prices in the tailoring line would do well to pat- ronize Mr. C. Peterson, whose place of business is at No. 337 Main street. This gentleman opened his establishment five years ago, and has built up a large and growing patronage by the even excellence of his work, and the low prices at which he sells the same. Suits will be cut and made to order at very short notice, and great care will be taken to obtain a good fit and to otherwise satisfy the customer in every respect.
Mr. Peterson makes a specialty of cleaning and repairing clothing of all kinds in the neatest and best manner at the shortest possible notice, and at very low rates. Many will be glad to learn that he keeps full-dress suits of the best material and appearance to let, as most men have not sufficient occasion to use such a suit as to warrant their having one made, but yet like to be suitably dressed when custom requires such apparel.
Mr. Peterson is a native of Denmark, and possesses in a marked degree the many good qualities which distinguish his countrymen. He has had a long experience in the tailoring busi- ness, and is one of the most skilled and conscien- tious workmen in the city.
H. W. Raymond, Court Street Stables, oppo- site Court House .- One of the best appointed livery stables in Bridgeport is that conducted by Mr. H. W. Raymond, opposite the Court House, occupying four stories of a building 100x90 feet in dimensions. These stables are well supplied with fine buggies, carriages, hacks, horses and turnouts of every description and particular atten- tion is paid to boarding horses. The premises have ample accommodations for from seventy- five to one hundred horses, and from twenty-five to thirty carriages are kept constantly on hand for livery purposes. Mr. Raymond is prepared to furnish hacks for all occasions, night or day, upon the shortest notice, and his prices are among the most reasonable to be obtained in the city.
From ten to a dozen experienced hostlers are employed and this establishment will be found to be as complete as any in Bridgeport. These stables were originally founded about the year 1867 by Messrs. Sischendorf & Smith, and after several changes came under the efficient manage ment of Mr. H. W. Raymond, the present pro- prietor, in 1885.
Mr. Raymond is a native of Easton, Connec- ticut, and personally nothing need be said con- cerning him as he is too widely and favorably recognized as one of Bridgeport's most energetic and capable men. The business is conducted upon the broadest basis of equity, and those dealing with him may rest assured that they will I receive courteous treatment and at fair rates.
104
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Meeker & Dowd, Dealers in Grain, Flour, Meal, Feed, Hay, Straw, etc., Nos. 97 and 99 Fairfield Avenue .- Looking in detail at the varied industries and commercial enterprises of Bridge- port, we find that the grain, flour and hay busi- ness, both in the wholesale and retail depart- ments, involves no inconsiderable capital, em- ploys numerous hands and conduces to a very extensive traffic. Engaged in this line of busi- ness, Messrs. Meeker & Dowd occupy commo- dious premises at Nos. 97 and 99 Fairfield avenue, consisting of two floors 60x60 feet in dimensions. The firm was established in 1871, and has since acquired a wide-spread reputation as being among the most reliable and enterpris- ing dealers in these products, resulting in a large trade throughout the city and surrounding dis- tricts. The stock is carefully selected and noth- ing but the best quality is kept, and a specialty is made in the handling and keeping large stocks of grain of all kinds, and hay. The individual members of the firm are Edwin Meeker, a native of Fairfield (one of the oldest families of this county), and Oliver G. Dowd, a native of Madison, both of whom have resided in Bridge- port many years, and well known in business circles, where they have a high standing in the trade, not only in personal reputation, but in the excellence of their out-put. Horse owners, cattle breeders, farmers and milkmen will always find at this establishment fresh ground feed, grain of all kinds and good, sweet, well-cured hay, and at prices which will ensure a continuation of busi- ness relations once entered upon.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.