USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 18
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Plumb & Beardsley, Post Office News Room, 40 Bank Street .- A very convenient feature of city life is the ease with which one can subscribe for a magazine, newspaper or other publication by dropping in at some reliable house which makes a specialty in periodicals, etc., and there leaving your order for anything you may desire. The oldest and leading representative Bridgeport house in this line of business is that conducted by Plumb & Beardsley, better known perhaps as the Post Office News Room.
This establishment was founded in 1859 by Mr. Andrew F. Wales, and afterwards conduct- ed by Mrs. Lucy Wales, succeeded in 1880 by Mr. P. Kane and again in 1885 by the present firm. This house will receive orders and fur- nish all magazines, newspapers, American and foreign, and will guarantee the prompt and regular delivery of the publications ordered through them.
The building No. 40 Bank street is occupied, and employment is given to twelve assistants. The house aside from its periodical and newspaper trade carry on a very large business in books and stationery, keep all the latest novelties, and are the only house in the city that carry a complete line of Harper Handy Series, Franklin Square, Lovell's, Munroe, Cassell, and Pocket Seasides.
The individual members of the firm are Messrs. L. D. Plumb who has had sixteen years' experi- ence with the house, formerly with Mrs. Wales and afterwards with Mr. Kane, and thoroughly understands the business in all its details. W. H. Beardsley has conducted successfully the paper agency of the Naugatuck R. R. and through the Naugatuck Valley for many years, therefore they are both well qualified, and are gentlemen of energy, enterprise and experience and highly esteemed throughout the city and surrounding country.
J. E. Porter, Dealer in Beef, Veal, Mutton, Hams, Poultry, Vegetables, etc., corner Warren Street and R. R. Avenue .- We have before re- marked upon the character of those enterprises which have done much to promote this city as a trade center. Taking up such industries in de- tail, however, it becomes necessary to devote a brief space at least to the house of J. E. Porter, which in the meat and vegetable trade occu- pies a prominent position in the commercial community and is entitled to due consideration. This store was established in 1883 by its present proprietor.
The premises occupied for the transaction of this extensive retail trade are located at the cor- ner of Warren street and Railroad avenue, cover- ing an area of 20x35 feet and are well stocked with a choice selection of beef, veal, mutton, ham, poultry, vegetables, etc.
The services of two very capable assistants are required in the discharge of the many details of the house, which are under the direct supervis- ion of the proprietor, who is experienced in his line of business.
Mr. Porter is a native of Bridgeport and a highly respected member of the Knights of Pythias, and it is with pleasure that we commend his market to the residents of this community.
Howard H. Scribner, Real Estate, Loan Agency and Fire Insurance, 10 Franklin Block. -One of the most active and successful real estate and insurance agents in this city is Mr. Howard H. Scribner, whose office is at No. 10 Franklin Block (corner Main and State streets). This gentleman began business thirteen years ago, and has established a large patronage in both branches of his profession by the zeal and ability with which he has served his customers. Any of our readers who may wish to buy, sell, exchange or rent a dwelling house or building- lot, would do well to give Mr. Scribner a call, as he is in a position to render them material aid in attaining any or all of these objects. He is prepared to give prompt and conscientious attention to the various duties of a real estate agent, and his record in this respect in the past is sufficient guarantee of his ability to do so. A loan agency is also conducted, through which money may be loaned or borrowed at five and six per cent. interest on city real estate security.
Mr. Scribner is agent for the following reliable and popular fire insurance companies: Girard, Philadelphia, Pa .; Firemen's, Newark, N. J., and Hamburg, Bremen, Germany. Ile has written many policies in these companies, and is prepared to take additional desirable risks. He is thoroughly familiar with city property, as his long experience has afforded abundant oppor- tunity to study it carefully and well.
Lee & Ketcham, Dealers in Choice Fruits and Fancy Groceries, 20 Fairfield Avenue .- As an important factor in the growth and general pro- gress of the city the grocery trade has played no insignificant part, as can be illustrated by the de- tailed history of the above-named house, which was established eleven years ago. It is located at 20 Fairfield avenue, occupying three floors, cach 24x85 feet, where a large and well-selected stock of staple and fancy groceries is carried.
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The extensive retail trade of this house gives employment to three competent clerks, who are conversant with the business in all its details. This house was first established by Mr. Henry Lee, and after six years of prosperity Mr. Charles J. Ketcham was admitted as partner to the firm, and for the past five years the business has been conducted under the firm name of Lee & Ketcham. They carry an extensive and com- plete stock of groceries of all descriptions, also deal extensively in choice fruits of all kinds, and all goods to be found in a first-class establish- ment of this kind. The most watchful care is exercised by this firm under all circumstances, and particular attention is paid to the filling of orders and goods are delivered to all parts of the city with promptness and dispatch. The mem- bers of this firm are both experienced and practi- cal men.
F. D. Randall, Druggist, 204 State Street .-- Of the druggists and dealers in medicines of Bridgeport, There is no establishment which bears a higher character among the people of this city for fair dealings and first-class goods than that of Mr. F. D. Randall, located at 204 State street. This house was established in April, 1887, and although of such very recent inception, it is classed with the most popular and finely- appointed establishments of its kind in the city. Mr. Randall keeps a full line of pure drugs, patent medicines, chemicals, and a full line of toilet articles, including soaps, sponges, brushes, combs, etc., also fancy goods and perfumery. The premises occupied cover an arca of 40x20 feet, and are handsomely fitted up with all the requisites necessary for the prosecution of the re- tail trade in the above-named profession. The utmost care is taken in compounding physicians' prescriptions and family receipts. Only safe and reliable pharmacists are employed, and the en tire management of the business is under the direct personal supervision of the proprietor, who is well worthy the confidence and esteem of this community. Mr. Randall is a native of Brook- haven, N. Y.
Having had a large experience in the drug business and being a licentiate of New York and Connecticut State Boards of Pharmacy, he is now prepared to dispense drugs and medicines with accuracy and dispatch, and is too well known to require personal remarks at our hands, but we may be permitted to say that none in this trade has a higher reputation for reliability in this city than has the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. W. T. Van Yorx, Dealer in Wools and Embroidery Materials, Felts and Canvas, Toys, and Holiday Goods, etc., etc., No. 423 Main Street .- The importance of an enterprise of this character in a large city like Bridgeport is too apparent to need comment. We have here a de- pot for the supply of all kinds of embroidery materials, such as are used in the various styles of embroidery and fancy work, and may be pro- perly classed as art needle work. This establish- ment was founded by its present proprietor, Mrs. W. T. Van Yorx, in 1871, and during the time since elapsed she has built up an extensive retail trade. The premises utilized for this branch of industry and located at 423 Main street, consists
of a store 60x20 feet in dimensions, with base- ment for storage purposes. The fine and exten- sive stock carried at this house embraces a large variety of wools in all the new and varied shades so much used, also an elegant assortment of embroidery materials of all kinds, also felts and canvas. In addition to the above-named goods, Mrs. Van Yorx deals extensively in toys and holiday goods, etc., etc. Employment is given to four very capable assistants, and the citizens of this community, especially the ladies, will find this store headquarters for all the desirable supplies in the above-named line of goods. Mrs. Van Yorx is a fair and honorable business wo- man in all her transactions, and she enjoys one of the largest trades in this line in Bridgeport.
W. E. Wills, Choice Family Groceries, 58 State Street (between Main Street and the Post- office). -- The grocery trade is one of Bridgeport's most important industries. Of the many who are fairly entitled to this distinction, none deserve more notice than W. E. Wills, located at No. 58 State street (between Main street and the Post- office).
The store occupied covers an area of 18x65 feet, thus giving ample room for properly con- ducting the business. The stock, which is large and well selected, consists of staple and fancy groceries, teas, coffees, spices, sugar, flour, but- ter, cheese, eggs, syrups, etc., also a full assort- ment of the finest canned goods in the market, and at the most reasonable prices. The large trade extends throughout the city and vicinity and is exclusively retail. The business was es- tablished seven years ago by W. R. Miller, it having been under the present management for the past four years. Four clerks are employed, and all customers are waited upon in an attentive and courteous manner. All orders are promptly filled, and goods are delivered to all parts of the city free of charge.
Mr. W. E. Wills is a native of Canada, and is well and favorably known throughout the city.
In conclusion, we may say that he conducts his business on a sound basis and in a liberal manner.
R. Plalzgraf, Proprietor of South End Market, 113 Main Street .- Among the many and varied commercial industries pursued in Bridgeport, that branch devoted to the handling of meats, fish and vegetables, forms an important part of her trade, and prominent among the many estab- lishments utilized for this purpose is the South End Market, which was founded in 1886 by Mr. R. Plalzgraf, who conducts a strictly first-class market, located at 113 Main street, comprising one floor and basement, each 40x30 feet in di- mensions.
The stock carried embraces a complete and choice variety of meats, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables.
This house offers the best of inducements, both as regards prices and quality, which in the end cannot fail to attract and hold a large share of patronage and support.
Mr. Plalzgraf is a native of Germany. We may be pardoned for saying, in conclusion, that the standing and reputation achieved by him are such as to warrant the entire confidence of cus- tomers.
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F. G. Gates, Pharmacist, 187 East Washing- ton Avenue .- A fine appearing and well-fitted- up pharmaceutical establishment is that of which Mr. F. G. Gates is the genial and popular pro- prietor, located at No. 187 East Washington avenue. It was founded over twenty years ago, by Mr. George Main, the present owner having been in possession about two years.
The store occupied is of the dimensions of 30x 50 feet, and as before remarked is very finely appointed, containing all the modern facilities for carrying on a first-class pharmacy. Two courteous and efficient assistants are in attend- ance, and customers will receive early and polite attention. A very large and complete stock of drugs, medicines, etc., is on hand, and every- thing is guaranteed to be of standard quality and reliable manufacture. Physicians' prescriptions are compounded promptly and accurately, and as a specialty is made of this branch of trade, satisfaction is confidently warranted. All the drugs, etc., used are freshi and free from adultera- tion, and no doubt most of our readers under- stand the importance of these points in this connection. Toilet requisites and fancy articles are on hand in great variety, and all prices will compare favorably with those of any similar establishment in town.
Smith & Havens, Groceries, Provisions and Fruits, 303 East Main Street, Corner Crescent Avenue .- Prominent among our young and enterprising business men, located in East Bridgeport, and engaged in the grocery and provision line of trade, are the Messrs. Smith & Havens. They established their business in 1886, and although it is only one year since their commencement, they have by their energy and enterprise succeeded in establishing an extensive and lucrative trade among some of our first families.
The store occupied by them is located at 303 East Main street, corner Crescent avenue, and covers an area of 24x50 feet, and is finely ar- ranged for the conduct of their business. Their large and varied stock of goods consist of gro- ceries, provisions and fruit, which will be found on inspection to be first class in every respect. The extensive retail trade gives employment to two thoroughly competent clerks, and the details of the business are handled in a very efficient manner.
Messrs. Smith & Havens make a specialty of butter, cheese and eggs, which are received direct from the producer, and are guaranteed to be the best in the market.
Messrs. Clayton L. Smith and Elmer H. Havens are both natives of Connecticut, and young men, whose rare business ability is dis- played in the manner in which they have man- aged their business, and the citizens of Bridge- port may justly be proud that among her citizens are to be found such energetic and reliable men.
M. M. Wallace, Bakery and Confectionery, 195 Noble Avenue, East Bridgeport .- The premises occupied by this establishment are very conveniently located at No. 195 Noble avenue, and are conducted by Mr. M. M. Wallace in a very satisfactory manner.
The store is 30x25 feet in dimensions, the basement also being used for the manufacture of their goods. The stock is very attractively arranged and neatly kept, and consists of a full line of bread, cakes, pastry, etc., also pure con- fectionery of all kinds. Polite and attentive assistants are on hand and wait upon customers in a prompt and intelligent manner. The business is very extensive and is both wholesale and retail.
Mr. Minot M. Wallace established this enter- prise in 1875, and has since conducted it in a highly creditable manner, both to himself and his customers. He is a native of White Plains, N. Y., and is well and favorably known through- out Bridgeport.
We think it quite within our province to. commend this establishment to our readers, and to assure them that nothing will be left undone to make business transactions between them- selves and their customers entirely satisfactory.
E. G. Paddock, Dealer in Meats and Grocer- ies, 190 Noble Avenue .- Occupying commodious- and attractive quarters at 190 Noble avenue, Mr. E. G. Paddock has for four years past conducted a large and flourishing grocery and provision business and his establishment is the leading market and source of family supply in this sec- tion of the city.
The premises are 30x50 feet in dimensions and always present a most inviting appearance. A large assortment of the finest fresh and cured meats is kept in stock, which comprises canned goods, vegetables, flour, and provisions of stand- ard excellence. Mr. Paddock makes a specialty of pure teas and coffees and of fine butter, and supplies merchandise of this description of choicest quality at reasonable rates, guaranteeing satisfaction in every particular.
Zealous to maintain the reputation of his estab- lishment as a most desirable place to obtain pro- visions, Mr. Paddock has always been held in high esteem and his punctuality in filling orders and delivering merchandise, and his honorable methods have brought him universal commenda- tion.
Mr. Paddock is a native of Vermont and is one of Bridgeport's most estimable citizens and re- putable business men.
G. A. Northrop, Livery, Boarding and Sales Stables, No. 20 Harriet Street .- Prominent among the first-class livery stables of East Bridgeport is the old established and largely pat- ronized enterprise carried on by Mr. G. A. Nor- throp at No. 20 Harriet street. It was founded by Mr. Andrew Lines eighteen years ago and has been in the possession of its present proprietor about eight years.
The stable proper is two stories in height and of the dimensions of 30x90 feet, and there is a commodious building adjoining which is used as a carriage house. These facilities afford a capacity for twenty-six head of stock and have proved to be none too large for the business done. First-class carriages and buggies are to let at all hours and as Mr. Northrop takes a good deal of pride in the appearance of all turnouts coming from his stables, one may feel assured of securing a stylish and presentable team at this
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establishment. Very reasonable prices are charged and every effort is made to give perfect satisfaction to every customer. Horses will be taken to board and given the best of care and food, and as an extensive sales department is car- ried on in connection with the stables, those de- siring to purchase a horse would do well to give Mr. Northrop a call.
He is a native of Bridgeport and a very promi- nent citizen, being a member of the Board of Public Works, a position which shows the confi- dence and esteem in which he is held by the resi- dents of this city.
Curtis Brothers, No. 163 East Washington Avenue, Dealers in Stoves, Furnaces, Ranges, Refrigerators, Oil Stoves and Tinware. - While handling an extensive line of all the leading manufactures in the several lines mentioned, the firm are the special selling agents for the Boyn- ton Furnace Co.'s entire line of fur- naces, consisting of over ninety different styles and sizes, and altogether compris- ing the most com- plete line made by any one concern in the United States. The reputation of the Boynton goods VATER PAN as regards durability and superior me DOOR chanical construc- BOYNTON tion is world wide, they having been on the market for over forty years.
Messrs. Curtis Bros. set annually from thirty to fifty furnaces, and always keep on hand at their store rooms a full line-a stronger point in favor of the durability of these goods could not be given thau the fact that although they have sold so large a number and for a period of over four years, they have not sold $3.00 worth of repairs. The exclusive sale of The New Household Range is also held by this house. This range stands to day without a rival. It is new, original, has all the latest improve- ments, including the celebrated triangular grate and ventilated oven, is mounted by superior workmen only, and in point of style and finish is unequaled, is made in all styles, and is fitted for hot water, coal or wood. There are now in use over 400 of these ranges in this city, which fact is the best evidence that can be given as to their merits. To any person about to buy a first-class range, we invite a pernsal of the above 400 names, which can be seen at our office. The agency for the Jewett refrigerator, the New Crown and Dietz oil stoves, is also held by this firm, and examination of these goods and the fact that they have been on the market for twenty-five years will convince any practical buyer of their superiority.
In their jobbing department, Messrs. Curtis Bros. have given such satisfaction that their force has been obliged to be increased from one to ten practical, and experienced men, who are con-
stantly employed on steam, gas, plumbing and furnace work. Special attention bas been given to this department, and the most approved tools and machinery purchased; for this reason all work is guaranteed by them to be as low as pos- sible consistent with first-class work.
A. W. Peard & Co., Dealer in Fine Groceries, 185 East Washington Avenue .- A widely-known grocery store, which enjoys an extensive and thriving trade is that conducted by Mr. A. W. Peard, successor to W. R. Palmer, at No. 185 East Washington avenue.
This business was established some twelve years ago, and has secured a firm hold on popu- lar favor by reason of the honorable business methods employed, and the great variety and excellence of the goods offered.
The premises occupied are of the dimensions of 24x60 feet, and three efficient and obliging clerks are at hand to minister to the wants of customers.
A very large and complete stock is carried, comprising full lines of staple and fancy groceries of all descriptions, and great care is taken to sell none but reliable goods. Teas, coffees, and spices of perfect purity and delicate flavor are offered at the lowest market rates, and the sup- ply of canned fruits, vegetables, etc., contains the productions of the most reputable and reliable packing houses. All the standard grades of flour are in stock, and are sold by the bag or barrel at prices that will bear the strictest scrutiny. Goods are delivered promptly and guaranteed as represented in all respects.
Mr. Peard is a native of Hartford, and con- duets two other stores in that city.
Theo. Leavenworth, House Furnishing Goods, Hardware and Paints, 169 East Washington Avenue .- Among the successful business enter- prises in this part of the city, the House Furnish- ing Goods establishment of Theo. Leavenworth occupies a prominent position. This business was established in 1871 by its present proprietor, who has been successful in building up his pres- ent prosperous trade. The premises are located at 169 East Washington avenne and are 20x50 feet in size, where may be found a full and com- plete stock of everything in the house furnishing goods line including glassware, lamps, crockery and silverware. Through his enterprise and perseverance Mr. Leavenworth has built up an extensive and lucrative retail trade, which neces- sitates the employment of two clerks, who are courteous and attentive to all patrons. In con- nection with the house furnishing goods this house conducts an extensive trade in hardware and paints. Mr. Leavenworth's fifteen years' experience in this business has given him a thorough knowledge of all its details, and his business is conducted upon principles of the strictest integrity and most advanced liberality, and it is with pleasure that we commend our readers in want of the above named goods to this establishment, which has such a wide- spread reputation for fair and honorable dealings. Mr. Theo. Leavenworth is a native of Connecti- cut and a gentleman who is held in high social esteem.
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West End Shoe Store, also Hats, Caps and Gent's Furnishings, Corner State Street and Howard Avenue .- The boot and shoe interests of Bridgeport form a very important item of its commercial undertakings, and is represented by a class of houses which stand unusually high, both in point of magnitude, reputation and in- dividual enterprise. Of them not the least men- tionable is that known as the " West End Shoe Store," and conducted by Mr. Geo. H. White, as manager, whose business was instituted in February, 1887, which he has since continued with unusual success. The premises utilized for the bu iness are located at the corner of State street and Howard avenue, and consist of a store 40x25 feet in dimensions, which is well stocked with a first class assortment of boots and shoes of every description. In addition to the above- named branch of trade, Mr. White carries a full line of hats, caps, and gent's furnishing goods, which are always sold at the lowest prices in the city. The trade of the house extends throughout the city and vicinity.
Mr. White is a native of Bridgeport, and has a thorough and complete knowledge of all the de- tails of the business, gained by long experience. He is well and favorably known throughout this community, of which he is an active and enter- prising citizen.
C. S. Lupton, Dealer in Groceries, Meats and Vegetables, 364 Fairfield Avenue .- One of the most important grocery establishments in this section of the city is that of Mr. C. S. Lupton, located at No. 364 Fairfield avenne. This is an enterprising house, and the store is admirably adapted to the business. The stock carried com- prises choice meats, fine groceries, flour, butter, foreign and domestic fruits, and the supplies generally found in a first-class grocery and pro- vision store-house. An excellent trade is done in the vicinity, the proprietor being alive to the Wants of the public. Customers are attended to with politeness and dispatch, and goods are de- livered promptly. The stock is a large one, em- bracing syrup, molasses, teas, coffees, spices, and canned fruit in variety.
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