USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 17
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J. L. Harlem, Fine Tailoring, Dealer in Woolens and Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods, 98 State Street, Franklin Block .- Among the most conspicuous establishments of this character in this city is the house of J. L. Harlem, located at No. 98 State street in the well-known Franklin Block, which has attained a position in the pub- lic estimation that speaks in the strongest terms of the enterprise with which it is conducted.
The business was established by the present proprietor nine years ago, and the premises oc- cupied cover an area of 24x70 feet, where can be seen at all times one of the largest and best selected stocks of foreign and domestic fabrics for gentlemen's wear, embracing suitings, broad- cloths, cassimeres, cheviots, woolens, etc. Also a full and well-selected assortment of gentle- men's furnishing goods, including cuffs, collars, suspenders, neckwear, underwear, hosiery, etc. The facilities enjoyed by Mr. Harlem enables him to supply the wants of his patrons with the very best of goods at the lowest prices.
Ten experienced hands are employed and a large custom trade is done throughout the city and its suburbs. All garments leaving this store are of first-class fit and latest style, and sat- isfaction is guaranteed as to workmanship, etc. We know of no tailors in this city whom we can commend in higher terms and we feel assured all of our readers who give him a trial will be- come his permanent patrons.
Mr. Harlem carries a full line of the Fairfield Rubber Co.'s goods which are warranted first- class in every respect. These are offered at manufacturer's prices.
J. S. Phalen, Dealer in Fine Groceries and Provisions, Liquor, Ale, Beer, etc., corner Bar- num and Seaview Avenues, West Stratford .- Among those concerned in the above-named bus- iness the house of J. S. Phalen occupies an im- portant position.
This house was established on East Main street in 1878 by J. S. Phalen and conducted by him until 1883, when Mr. Dunn was admitted as partner and the business was conducted under the title of Phalen & Dunn until 1886, when Mr. Phalen again assumed full control.
The premises occupied comprise two floors of the building, each 30x45 feet in dimensions, located at the corner of Barnum and Seaview avenues. The business of the house is devoted to the retail trade in flour, feed, hay and straw, fine staple and fancy groceries, provisions, fruits and vegetables of all kinds, also a fine line of choice ales. wines, liquors and cigars.
The services of three capable clerks are utilized in the management of this business and its details are most faithfully executed. Mr. Phalen is well and favorably known in this community and holds the office of tax collector of Stratford.
In connection with his other business Mr. Phalen has a well appointed livery and sale stable, where teams may be procured at reason- able prices for business or pleasure driving.
S. Seiler, Dealer in Sheet Music and Musical Merchandise, 528 Main Street .- Among the busi- ness houses of comparatively recent establish- ment, located in this city, and one which we are desirous of bringing before the notice of our readers is the establishment of Mr. S. Seiler, dealer in sheet music, books and musical mer- chandise.
He commenced business in Bridgeport in 1884, and for the past two years has been located at 528 Main street. The premises occupied by him comprise a store 20x40 feet in dimensions, where is attractively displayed the large and varied stock of merchandise dealt in.
Mr. Seiler deals in stationery of all kinds, in addition to sheet music, of which he carries a full and complete stock. During the past year Mr. Seiler has added to his already varied stock a line of hats and caps, which comprise the newest and most fashionable styles. The retail trade of this house requires the assistance of a very capable clerk, who is thoroughly conversant with all the new and popular publications of the day, and all orders are promptly executed.
Mr. Stiler is a practical business man, and personally superintends the management of his business.
Robert A. Nichols, Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Vegetables and Fruits, No. 235 Fairfield Avenue .- Conspicuous among the grocery and provision stores in this city we would call the attention of our readers to that so ably conducted by Robt. A. Nichols, successor to J. Jacoby & Brother, and located at 235 Fairfield avenue, and 164 Cannon street.
This business was established by Henry Jacoby some fifteen years ago, succeeded by the present proprietor in May, 1887. Everything in the line of choice family groceries will be found at this establishment, including choice grades of tea,
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
coffee, spices, sugar, flour, canned goods, etc. ; also vegetables of all kinds.
The store occupied is 20x70 feet in dimensions, and is neatly kept. Polite and attentive attend- ants are on hand who wait upon customers in a prompt and intelligent manner, all goods being promptly and carefully delivered to residences free of charge.
The facilities enjoyed by this firm for obtain- ing fresh and desirable goods are unsurpassed, and we feel confident that all giving this store their patronage will feel satisfied that they will obtain a full equivalent for their money.
Mr. Nichols, the present proprietor, is a native of Bridgeport, and well and favorably known throughout the community. We commend this house to the attention of our readers, as they will find the goods first-class and prices low.
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Im- porters and Retailers in Teas and Coffees, T. Greening, Manager, 290 Main Street .- Too much consideration cannot be given to that business which caters to the daily wants of the inhabi- tants. With our advancing civilization and cul- tivation of taste the people exact that a store be attractive and the stock conveniently displayed for inspection as to quality and effect and these demands are promptly met by enterprising deal- ers. Among such in Bridgeport none have at- tained greater success within the period of its ex- istence than the branch house of the great At- lantic & Pacific Tea Co., located at 290 Main street.
This branch was established in 1875 and since its inception has been under the skillful manage- ment of Mr. T. Greening.
The premises utilized by this company cover an area of 30x66 feet, where is carried an im- mense stock of the best importations in teas and coffees. The extensive wholesale and retail trade requires the services of five experienced assistants.
The principal warehouse is located at 35 and 37 Vesey street, New York city. This house is only one of two hundred retail branch houses located in different portions of the United States and receives all its supplies direct from the prin- cipal importing house and advantages thus deriv- ed are promptly shared with customers. Mr. Greening is too well known to require personal mention at our hand, but in conclusion we feel at liberty to say that the city of Bridgeport is greatly indebted to him for one of its most com plete establishments.
Chas. A. Youngs, Dealer in Choice Groceries and Provisions, Teas, Coffee, Spices, etc., 161 South Avenue .- Among the important lines of business for which Bridgeport has become re- nowned that of the grocery and provision indus- try is entitled to a prominent position. ' The fine quality offered at Bridgeport is generally recog- nized in the trade.
teas, coffees, spices, etc. The trade of this house gives employment to three very capable assistants.
Mr. Chas. A. Youngs is a native of Bridgeport and practically familiar with all the details of the business and is in every way a thorough and skillful business manager. He is well-known in social as well as business circles; he is librarian of the First Presbyterian church and a member of the Odd Fellow s.
B. Lill, Meat, Vegetable and Poultry Market, 164 State Street. - As pursning an important branch of trade the house of Mr. B. Lill may not be overlooked in a work of this kind.
Mr. Lill established this business over twenty- five years ago and the success he has attained in his enterprise is too well known for us to dwell upon. He occupies a store 20x70 feet in dimen- sions located centrally and eligibly at No. 164 State street, and it is well stocked with choice meats, vegetables and poultry. All wishing to find a reliable market where they can obtain fresh and tender meats will find one at this loca- tion. Beef, mutton, lamb, veal, pork, ham, etc .. of the best in the city at the lowest market prices may be obtained. He keeps his store in first- class order, his goods arranged so as make the finest display, and Mr. Lill has altogether one of the most attractive markets in the city.
Three assistants are at hand to wait upon cus- tomers and all orders are carefully and promptly delivered. Mr. Lill's market is fully equipped with all the most modern appliances for the proper care and storage of meats, etc., refrigera- tors of the most approved plans, etc.
He is of German descent but his long residence in this city has enabled him to make many warm friends. His business in all its departments is conducted upon principles of pure mercantile integrity and it is on these merits that the credit, reputation and confidence of the house rests.
Paul Hercher, Artist, Room 7, Warner Building. - It is oftentimes a puzzling question, especially among those of moderate means, to determine what would best serve to ornament and enliven the home. Expensive bric-a- brac and landscapes iu oil, etc., are quite out of the reach of the majority of the people, but yet pictures of some kind are a necessity, if a real homelike effect is to be obtained. What more completely combines the virtues of a keep-sake and an ornament than does a portrait of a dear relative or a tried friend? No objection can be made on account of the high cost of such a pic- ture, for, as a call on Mr. Paul Hercher, the well-known artist at Room 7 Warner Building, will demonstrate. excellent and life-like por- traits are to be had at very low rates; and, aside from their faithful likenesses, their fine finish makes them ornaments to any room in which they may be placed.
Mr. Hercher has a fine studio at the address given and although he has recently established himself in this city, he has already executed numerous commissions in a most satisfactory manner. He makes all kinds of portraits and general crayon, oil and India ink work, and may always be depended on to earnestly strive to suit his customers. The prices charged are very
Among those houses which have been recently established is that of Mr. Chas. A. Youngs, which was first started in 1882 by the present proprietor. The premises utilized are 40x30 feet in dimen- sions and are located at 161 South avenue. The energies of the house are devoted to the grocery and provision business. The stock embraces a first-class line of fine staple and fancy groceries, | reasonable, and all orders are promptly executed.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Edmund H. Hurd, Dealer in Groceries, Pro- visions, Fruits, etc., corner Harriet Street and Crescent Avenue, E. D .- Of the general business of Bridgeport, the grocery and provision trade forms a very important part; many enterprising houses are engaged in it. Among these we are pleased to mention for the benefit of our readers, both in and out of the city, the house of Edmund H. Hurd, located at the corner of Harriet street and Crescent avenue, East Bridgeport. He conducts one of the neatest stores in the city, which is fully supplied with a well selected stock of first class groceries, provisions, fruits, etc. This house was first established by Lines & Hurd in 1870 and after ten years of prosperity Mr. Hurd assumed full control, and for the last seven years the business has been conducted under the title of Edmund H. Hurd, who has been very successful in conducting a large retail trade which requires the assistance of two capable and reliable clerks. The store occupied is 24x60 feet in size and contains a nice stock of groceries, provisions, fruits, etc., embracing the best brands of flour, sugar, teas, coffees, spices, vege- tables and fruit in their season, also a choice as- sortment of meats of all kinds. This store can- not be surpassed in the city for quantity, quality and variety of goods, while his prices are guar- anteed to be entirely satisfactory to all who deal with him. Mr. Hurd has an established reputa- tion for fair and honorable dealings. We can commend our readers to no better house in Bridgeport at which to purchase first-class sup- plies.
J. S. Wooster & Co., Dealers in Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, Oil Cloths and Paper Hang- ings, 177 East Washington Avenue .- As a dry goods house occupying a deservedly high rank among the representative mercantile establishi- ments of East Bridgeport, the house of J S. Wooster & Co., located at 177 East Washington avenue demands more than a passing notice. This house was established in 1865, first by Wooster & Morris, succeeded by Wooster & Bishop and later by David Wooster. In 1886 Mr. J. S. Wooster, the present proprietor, under the firm name of J. S. Wooster & Co., assumed control, since which date, by honest endeavors and fair conduct its trade has steadily increased, until to day it ranks among the most reliable and enterprising houses in the city. The store occu- pied for the business is 18x70 feet in dimen- sions and well stocked with a fine line of staple and fancy dry goods, etc. The extensive retail trade of this house necessitates the employment of two competent clerks, who thoroughly under- stand the business in all its branches. Mr. Wooster is a practical business man who gives close personal attention to the buying and replen- ishing of his large and varied line of goods, which include in addition to the full assortment of dry goods, a fine and well selected stock of oil cloths, paper hangings and window shades. Mr. J. S. Wooster is a native of Connecticut, whose long connection with the business and acquaintance with the wants of the people, enable him at all times to keep on hand goods that are seasonable and popular, and we ear. nestly solicit the interest of our readers in his behalf.
Timothy Cornwell, Manufacturer and Dealer in Tin, Copper and Sheet-Ironware; Roofing and Plumbing, 321 East Main Street, near East Washington Avenue .- Among the prominent business men in Bridgeport who are engaged in this business is Mr. Timothy Cornwell, a thorough master mechanic, who not only under- stands his business in all its details and require- ments but is also capable of doing skillfully, any- thing in his line of business.
This house was established in 1866 by its pres- ent proprietor and is located at 321 East Main street. The store covers an area of 30x40 feet, is well stocked with a complete assortment of tin, copper and sheet-ironware, gas fixtures, etc., and in connection with the manufacture and retail trade in the above-mentioned goods Mr. Cornwell carries on an extensive trade in the roofing and plumbing business. All work under- taken by him receives careful personal inspection which is a sufficient guarantee of its excellence. His extensive trade requires the employment of four experienced assistants, and all orders are executed with promptness and dispatch. His prices are as reasonable as any to be obtained in the city.
Mr. Timothy Cornwell is a native of New York but his long residence in this city, together with his twenty-one years of business experience render his house a most advantageous one with which to deal, and we are pleased to note that he enjoys a large and constantly increasing patron- age, which is justly merited by fair dealings, good work, and reasonable prices.
West End Floral Gardens, Plants and Cut Flowers, at Wholesale and Retail, Corner Clinton Avenue and State Street; General Office, Conn. Bank Building, Mr. C. E. Keith, Manager .- It is with genuine pleasure, and personal appreciation of floriculture that we call the attention of our readers to the West End Floral Gardens, which are situated at the corner of Clinton avenue and State street, the general office being located in Connecticut National Bank Building, corner Wall and Main streets.
These gardens are owned and established by Mr. E. C. Bassick, who has been fortunate enough to secure Mr. C. E. Keith as manager. This gentleman is an enthusiastic lover of his profession, and takes the utmost pleasure in annually enriching and enlarging by fresh acces- sions his already large and promising variety of plants. The West End Gardens do a large busi-
ness in house and bedding plants, bulbs, fruit and ornamental trees, also plants and cut flowers at wholesale and retail. At these extensive greenhouses may always be obtained the choicest selections of cut flowers, roses, etc., also every description and design in floral decorations for funerals, weddings, parties, etc., comprising wreaths, crosses, crowns, anchors, pillows, medallions, etc.
Mr. Keith gives close personal attention to every department of this large and extensive business. He is a native of Connecticut, a sci- entific and artistic florist, who by close attention and application has succeeded in gaining a wide- spread and enviable reputation throughout the State.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Conrad F. Stein, West End Meat Market, Bassiek's Block, State Street .- Among the many and varied industries pursued in Bridge- port, the establishment prominently known as the West End Market is deserving of particular attention in a work of this kind, which is devoted to the investigation of the various enterprises of the city.
This market was established in 1884, by Con- rad F. Stein, who has so successfully managed his business during the three years since that date, that to-day his establishment holds a prom- inent position in this community. The premises utilized are located in Bassick's block, State street extension, and comprise one floor, 35x20 feet in dimensions, and is well stocked with a choice assortment of meats, etc., which include prime beef, mutton, lamb, veal, pork, and all kinds of vegetables in their seasons. The ex- · tended trade of this market requires the employ- ment of three assistants in addition to the close personal management of the proprietor. This house deals exclusively in first class goods; therefore, customers can depend upon here obtaining goods that will meet with their ap- proval in all respects.
Mr. Stein is a native of New York State, a gentleman familiar in every detail with all that appertains to the business and the wants of the market, carrying a stock made up of the best and most reliable goods known to the trade. It is incumbent on buyers in the advancement of their own interests, that in making purchases they bear in mind the above house, where the variety is complete and the prices invariably satisfactory.
Robert Cartier, Dealer in Fine Groceries, Provisions, Teas, Coffees, Spices, Bassick Block, State Street Extension .- No class of houses is more deserving of consideration in review of the commercial attractions of any business center than those engaged in handling the staple neces- saries of life, and first in importance must be ranked the retail grocer.
Bridgeport numbers with her best business men several engaged in this line, and among these we note with pleasure the character and extent of the trade conducted by Mr. Robert Cartier.
Occupying a complete and finely appointed grocery establishment, this gentleman has, since 1884, been recognized among the leading expo- nents of the trade in this city. The premises occupied are located in Bassick's Block, State street extension, and comprises a store 30x15 feet in dimensions, with a basement of some size for storage. The stock deserves a more extended notice than our space will permit, as it includes an unusually fine line of groceries, provisions, teas, coffees, spices, smoked meats, foreign and domestic fruits, also fine brands of family flour, of which he makes a specialty.
The extensive retail trade of this house re. quires the employment of three very capable assistants, and the business is ably managed under the direct personal supervision of the pro- prietor.
Mr. Cartier is a native of Montreal, Canada, and since his residence here has identified him- self with the best interests of the community.
M. W. Hall, Dealer in Pure Drugs and Medi- cines, 224 East Main Street .- Among the best known establishments in East Bridgeport, devot- ed to the above-named line of trade is the one conducted by Mr. M. W. Hall. This house was established by its present proprietor in 1887 and located at 224 East Main street, where he has built up a flourishing retail trade. Mr. Hall has earned his wide-spread reputation by the excel- lence of the goods he deals in and the prompt and accurate manner in which all orders are filled.
The premises occupied for the business consist of a finely appointed store 18x50 feet in dimen- sions, where will be found a full and complete stock of pure drugs and medicines, also a choice selection of elegant fancy and toilet articles such as combs, brushes; sponges, soaps, perfumery, etc., and in connection with the above-named articles Mr. Hall carries a fine and choice line of liquors, etc., for medical uses, and a full line of druggists' sundries. 'He also deals extensively in fine imported and domestic cigars. The retail trade of this house gives employment to two very capable clerks, and the details of this busi- ness are most efficiently handled.
Mr. Hall, who is a most reliable pharmacist, gives personal supervision to the compounding of physicians' prescriptions and all medicines are most carefully prepared. Mr. Hall is a genial and well informed gentleman, highly es- teemed and possessing a full share of the confi- dence of the community.
Henry Woodhull, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Main Street and South Avenue .- It is almost an invariable rule that in all great centers of business there are certain houses in each line of trade that stand pre-eminent and have by close attention to the wants of their customers a thorough knowledge of the business, and pur- chasing goods direct from first hands, built up a trade that goes ahead of that of many of their contemporaries. Such an establishment in this citv is the grocery store of Mr. Henry Woodhull.
This house was founded many years ago by a Mr. Alfred H. Robbins, and later conducted by W. E. McIntire, who was succeeded in 1884 by . the present proprietor and ever since has been the center of a first-class trade which, both in ex- tent and quality, has few, if any successful rivals in Bridgeport.
The premises occupied for the business are located at the corner of Main street and South avenue, and comprise a store 24x70 feet in dimensions, where is to be found a full and choice assortment of staple and fancy groceries which embraces everything usually handled by a first-class house in this line of trade, and are guaranteed to be the best goods to be obtained in the market. Constant employment is given to two capable clerks and all orders are prompt- ly attended to and delivered to all parts of the city free of charge.
Mr. Henry Woodhull is a native of Long Island. His high personal character is a suffi- cient guarantee of the substantial and reliable manner in which all business is transacted, while the ability exhibited by him in successfully con- ducting his large and growing retail trade must continue to assure him a liberal patronage.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Bridgeport Paper Box Co , Manufacturers of Paper Boxes, and dealers in Paper and Twine, 76 Middle Street .- One of the most curious as well as one of the most useful manufactured products of the present day is paper. It enters so largely into every-day use that it is difficult to see how we could dispense with it at all, and a sudden stoppage or even a serious curtailment of its pro- duction would inevitably cause much inconveni- ence and even distress. The uses of paper are as various and different as they are important, for not only is it consumed for the purposes with which all are familiar, but paper car-wheels, paper boats and paper images are now made in the ordinary course of trade. One of the best- known uses of paper is in the form of paper boxes, which by the aid of improved machinery are now manufactured and sold at marvelously low prices. One of the largest factories in New England devoted to this industry is that of the Bridgeport Paper Box Co., located at No. 76 Middle street. Three floors are occupied of the dimensions of 60x30 feet, and 150 hands are em- ployed. The company began business about eleven years ago, so that its present enormous business has been built up in a remarkably short time. The concern is made up of Messrs. E. N. White and E. W. Smith, both these gentlemen being natives of Waterbury. In a dition to paper boxes, paper and twine are also extensively dealt in.
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