USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 19
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Employment is given to several, and the great- est attention is given to customers. The business was established about two years ago, and has been successful from the start.
Mr. Lupton is a native of Bridgeport, and a stirring active man, and one who seems to have gained the entire respect of the community, both for business ability and integrity.
W. L. Ferris, D.D.S., Dental Rooms, 354 Main Street .- There are many dentists in every city or town but unfortunately many of them are inexperienced and unequal to execute the work required of them, while on the other hand there arc those who are thorough masters of their pro- fession, regular graduates of a dental college and have made their profession a study, in order to perfect themselves in its many branches. In this connection we would call the attention of all to Dr. W. L. Ferris, whose spacious and well appointed dental parlors are located at No. 354 Main street.
This gentleman is a dentist of experience in every branch of his profession and has been es-
tablished here since 1875. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery and is prepared to fill, clean, straighten or otherwise improve the condition of the teeth. Also makes artificial teeth in a very natural manner and at most reasonable prices. He has an experienced assistant in Dr. C. F. Gibbs who is also a practi- cal operator. and employs three other skilled dentists in his extensive profession. His parlors are centrally located and are well arranged for the extensive patronage he enjoys. They cover an area of 50x25 feet and are divided into recep- tion and operating rooms, etc.
Dr. Ferris is a native of Bridgeport and is too well and favorably known to need any personal comment at our hands.
Bennett & Healy, Horse Shoeing and General Jobbing, Court Street .- One of the most necessa- ry and convenient institutions of the times is a well conducted blacksmith shop, and the one to which we refer here is well-known as the best arranged and most ably conducted establishment of its kind in Bridgeport. The proprietors, Messrs. Bennett & Healy, are artists of merit in their line.
Their shop is located on Court street and covers an area of 70x35 feet in dimensions and is gener- ously supplied with all the modern and improved appliances requisite for the prosecution of their large and extensive custom blacksmithing. The energies of this firm are devoted to horse shoe- ing. The shoeing of lame, interfering and gen- tlemen's road horses a specialty. No one who has any regard for the comfort of his horse will be careless as to how he is shod, and those at all acquainted with the habits of horses know how much their comfort, safety and speed depends on the knowledge of their shoer. Thus it is quite important that we should mention in this work the above-named firm, which have attained a celebrity for trustworthiness and skill in their trade.
This establishment was founded in 1887 by its present proprietors. Mr. J. B. Bennett is a na- tive of Connectient, and Mr. Healy of Massachu- setts. Both gentlemen have had years of experi- ence in the business, which has given them a knowledge possessed by but few others in this trade.
C. Bray, Dealer in Choice Beef, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Vegetables, etc., Market Corner Main and Whiting Streets, below South Avenue. -Among the many meat markets in Bridgeport we know of none more deserving of praise than that of Mr. C. A. Bray, located at the corner of Main and Whiting streets, not only from the choice line of meat, etc., to be found here; but also from its uniformly neat and attractive ap- pearance.
Mr. Bray established this market in 1884, and has experienced a rapid increase of trade.
The premises occupied embrace a store 18x40 feet in area, well arranged for the disposal of the stock, as well as cold storage for his meats, etc. His trade is exclusively retail, and his patrons are very numerous in this vicinity. He keeps constantly on hand a fresh assortment of choice cuts of beef, pork and ham; also, poultry, lard, etc., fish, clams, oysters and vegetables of all descriptions in their season.
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These goods he sells at remarkably low prices, and in every instance they will be found exactly as represented. Orders are promptly filled and delivered, and several attentive assistants are ever ready to wait upon customers.
Mr. Bray is a native of the city, has had twenty-four years experience in the business, and is universally esteemed by all who know him.
C. W. Hall, Manufacturer of Trucks, also Light and Heavy Vehicles of Every Description, No. 15 Housatonic Avenue .- In the manufacture of hardly any article in common use is more faith- ful and honest work required to achieve satisfac- tory results than in that of wagons and other vehicles. Subjected as they are to great and constantlyvarying strains and jars of every descrip- tion, the wonder is, not that they occasionally break down, but that they wear half as long as they do. It requires no small degree of mechanical skill to design a vehicle that will be strong enough without being too heavy and that will be as well adapted as possible to the many uses to which it may be put, and the selection of the materials and their construction into the finished article is of itself a task of no mean magnitude. A man who has been in the business for twenty- seven years may reasonably be expected to know about as much as can be known about it, and this is the case with Mr. C. W. Hall, whose place of business is at No. 15 Housatonic avenue. Here are situated his store-houses and factory, among them being one three-story building 40x 60 feet in dimensions and a two-story edifice 24x 150 feet, as well as several minor structures.
Fifty-seven hands are employed and heavy trucks as well as vans, wagons, and light and heavy vehicles of every description are made in large quantities.
Mr. Hall is a native of this city and one of our best known business men. His long experience and extensive operation enable him to purchase his materials to the best advantage and he gives his customers the benefit of this state of affairs, doing the very best of work and furnishing all kinds of vehicles at the very lowest rates.
A. Ayre, Tea, Coffee and Provision Merchant, 174 Railroad Avenue. - Among the various, popular and growing enterprises of Bridgeport which bears the marks of increasing prosperity, is the establishment of A. Ayre, located at 174 Railroad avenue.
The proprietor established this business in 1877, and has since conducted its affairs with increased facilities and signal success. The premises occupied for trade purposes comprise a store 20x40 feet in dimensions, where a full and complete stock of teas, coffees, etc., are kept. The facilities possessed by the proprietor for ob- taining a choice supply are unsurpassed by any contemporary concern.
The greatest care is taken by Mr. Ayre in selecting his choice stock of teas, coffees and pro- visions, which are highly esteemed by the citizens of Bridgeport for their freshness and low prices.
Employment is given to two clerks, who are polite and attentive to their many customers. Goods are promptly delivered to all parts of the city, and every facility is at hand for the con- duct of the large and prosperous retail trade.
Mr. A. Ayre is a very able business man, and through his prompt and honorable methods the present large and successful business has been built up, which has won for him an eminently fine reputation.
Mr. Ayre was formerly well-known in connec- tion with the Japan Tea Company, of this city.
A. B. Fairchild, Insurance, 436 Main Street, Wheeler's Building .- Of all the many wonderful outcomes of modern civilization and human ingenuity, few if any are more marvelous and far-reaching than is insurance. The scheme by which perfect strangers, rivals in business, per- sonal enemies even, are made to contribute to make good your loss by fire, accident, personal injuries, etc., and this without their hardly real- izing it, and without conveying the sting of charity or the galling consciousness of depend- ence to the recipient, can hardly fail to challenge our admiration; and, although like all other human productions there is always room for improvement in it, it is still accomplishing a great and good work.
A gentleman who is very prominently identi- fied with insurance in Bridgeport and vicinity is Mr. A. B Fairchild, whose office is at No. 436 Main street, Wheeler's building. The business now conducted by him was established in 1867, by Mr. S. McDonald, the present owner succeed- ing to it in 1874.
Mr. Fairchild, who is a native of Trumbull, Ct., represents the following companies: Lion, Phoenix, British American, Sun, Agricultural, New Hampshire, and many others. He is pre- pared to place risks in any of the above reliable organizations at the lowest rates, and his record in the past is sufficient guarantee that all business entrusted to him will be transacted promptly.
W. H. Worsam, Architect, Room 13 Wheeler Building, 436 Main Street .- The work of the architect is of the greatest importance, and ow- ing to its nature is peculiarly exposed to criti- cism to a degree probably greater than are the efforts of any of the other professions.
It is self-evident that the appearance of a city or town is greatly dependent upon the skill and taste of the architects within its borders, and as every public-spirited citizen takes a pride in the looks of his city, it is surely for his interest to encourage and patronize a resident architect who shows himself to be worthy of such treatment. Such a man is Mr. W. H. Worsam, who, during the years which he has practiced his profession here has been entrusted with numerous impor- tant commissions, which he has executed in the most artistic and satisfactory manner. Among these may be mentioned: The Knapp & Cowles Hardware Factory; The Holmes & Edwards New Plating Shop; "Recreation Hall," for P. T. Barnum, Esq., as well as several railroad depots, including that at Meriden, New Rochelle Junc- tion, Stony Creek and the projected new depot at Hartford for the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Mr. Worsam is particularly familiar with rail- road wants, as he was chief draughtsnan for the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. for three years.
He is a native of. London, England, and has many friends in Bridgeport and vicinity.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Golden Hill Hotel, Geo. G. Carr, Prop., Nos. 19, 21 and 23 Harrison Street .- The question "where shall we spend the summer" is one that is probably being considered already in a number of households, and although the preference felt for mountain, sea-coast or river scenery will of course in a great measure determine the choice made, still, if the vacation is to be thoroughly enjoyed, the hotel accommodations available must be carefully studied. Many people make the mistake of wandering so far from civilization on their summer pilgrimage that they find them- selves deprived of the comforts and luxuries to which they are accustomed, and return home weary and unrefreshed, disgusted with summer hotels in general, and the one which they pat- ronized in particular. Houses may be found, however, which combine an attractive and healthful situation with contiguity to the center of trade, and these most desirable qualifications the Golden Hill Hotel, located at Nos. 19, 21 and 23 Harrison street, possesses in a marked degree. This house is but three blocks from the depot by way of Fairfield avenue. The grounds in which it is situated are very attractive and their sur- roundings beautiful. It is a three story building containing thirty rooms which are heated with steam, for this is by no means exclusively a sum- mer hotel but is largely patronized the year round. Special rates are made to commercial and theatrical parties, and all the terms are very reasonable and the accommodations first- class.
This house was started seven years ago and has been under the control of its present owner, Geo. G. Carr, for two years.
L. M. Hopkins, Dealer in Stoves, Ranges and Furnaces, 352 Main Street .- One of the best known and longest established houses in Bridge- port for the sale of stoves, ranges, etc., is that of L. M. Hopkins, located at No. 352 Main street. This business was established twenty years ago by the present proprietor, who deserves much praise for the able manner in which he has con- ducted the business from the first, showing ex- cellent judgment in the selection of his goods, as well as a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details.
The premises occupied at the above address consist of two floors, each 24x100 feet in dimen- sions, the first floor being used as a store for the sale of his goods and the second floor for a repair shop, etc. These are fitted up with the most modern inventions for the carrying on of his bus- iness, and the store is stocked with a finely selected assortment of stoves, ranges and fur- naces from the most celebrated manufacturers, and all kinds of stove furniture, tin-ware, etc. Orders promptly and satisfactorily executed for plumbing, roofing and jobbing of all kinds, at reasonable prices.
Ten skilled hands are employed in the different departments and all patrons are waited upon in a courteous and attentive manner. Mr. Hopkins is one of Bridgeport's most highly esteemed and respected citizens and has been eminently suc- cessful in his undertaking, well deserving the reputation he has achieved.
V. Portelange, Upholsterer, 734 Main Street, next to corner East Washington Avenue .- An experienced and thoroughly practical upholsterer may be found at No. 734 Main street, in the per- son of Mr. V. Portelange, late with the represen- tative house of Marcotte & Co., of New York city. Mr. Portelange is prepared to execute in a first-class manner all kinds of upholstering and decorating work; curtains, 'shades and lambre- quins he will make to order and put up; repairs and varnishes all kinds of furniture, lifts and re- lays carpets; also paints and upholsters baby car- riages at reasonable prices and in a highly satis- factory manner. Makes to order or repairs mat- tresses and does all kinds of chair caning, etc. Work will be called for and delivered, or done at your residence, as required, and all charges will be found to be most reasonable in every instance. Mr. V. Portelange is a gentleman of wide experi- ence in the business and although in business in this city but a few years has succeeded in com- manding a large and steadily increasing patron- age, among whom are some of Bridgeport's most influential citizens. All in search of a reliable and thoroughly experienced man in this line will do themselves a favor by giving this gentleman a trial.
Curtis & Teeple, Dealers in Drugs, Medi- cines and Chemicals, 836 Main Street .- Probably one of the finest appointed drug stores in Bridge- port is the one conducted by Curtis & Teeple. This house was established over twenty years ago by Curtis & Co., but in 1870 Dr. G. M. Teeple was admitted as partner to the firm and since that date the business has been conducted under the title of Curtis & Teeple. The premises are located at 836 Main street and are 20x60 fect in dimensions, and consist of a very fine and attrac- tive store which is fitted up with handsome show- cases and finely arranged windows. The stock which is here displayed comprises a complete assortment of drugs, medicines and chemicals, etc., also a fine line of fancy and toilet articles, such as sponges, brushes, perfumery, etc., choice tobacco and cigars. Messrs. Curtis & Teeple make a specialty of physicians' prescriptions, which are carefully compounded and orders are answered with care and dispatch, and their stock of medicines is complete and warranted genuine and of the best quality. The extensive retail trade of this house requires the assistance of two competent clerks. The proprietors are both thorough chemists and the utmost care and pre- caution is used to guard against mistakes. Mr. L. F. Curtis is a native of Connecticut, and Dr. G. M. Teeple of New York State; the last gentle- man is a graduate of the Albany Medical College, which ensures that prescriptions will be carefully compounded. These gentlemen have ever main- tained a high character in this city.
H. H. DeWolte, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Milk, Butter, Eggs, and Country Produce, 536 Main Street .- Among the concerns in this city which owe the present position they have attained to the energy, enterprise and business ability possessed by the proprietor, special men- tion should be made of the establishment of H. HI. De Wolfe which was founded in 1885 and for the past two years has been conducted at its
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present location 536 Main street. The premises are well stocked with a fresh daily supply of milk, butter, eggs and country produce, in which Mr. De Wolfe transacts a lucrative wholesale and retail trade. Orders left at the bakery, corner Stenben and East Main, also receive prompt at- tention. The extent of this flourishing enter- prise requires the employment, at the store, of two courteous clerks, and patrons are assured of receiving nothing but fresh and first-class goods in this line of produce. Mr. H. II. De Wolfe is a native of Saybrook, Connecticut, and by strict attention to the demands of the trade, and a con- tinuance of the most commendable energy dis- played in the past, he will no doubt continue with the same success that has always attended his efforts. He is a man of experience by whom our readers may depend upon having all orders faith- fully executed and at the same time have the ad- vantage of reasonable prices and first-class goods.
White Manufacturing Co., Manufacturers of Fine Finished Carriage Lamps, Carriage and Hearse Mountings .- This important industry successfully conducted on a large scale by the White Mauu facturing Co. is one of the oldest business enterprises of Bridgeport. The house was establish- ed in 1832, and for one-half a century has exerted a widespread and beneficent influence. The company as at present organized was incorporated under the present name in 1861, and its progress has been co- equal with the wonderful growth and development of the trade and industries of the place. The works of the compa- ny comprise a large substantial four story build- ing, most thoroughly equipped with every im- proved machine and appliance for intended pur- poses. The machinery is driven by a steam en- gine of thirty horse-power, and a force of sixty hands is employed in the various departments of the establishment. The product of the works consists of carriage lamps, and carriage and hearse trimmings of every description, and of many novel and beautiful designs, and for both quality and style of their productions the com- pany is famous among the carriage builders of the country.
Mr. Thomas Boudren is the superintendent and Mr. H. S. Wilmot the secretary of this rep- resentative and responsible corporation. They are business men of sagacity, energy and tact and in their keeping the reputation of the old concern for honorable methods and probity is maintained unimpaired, and the large trade of the company in all parts of the country is being steadily increased and extended.
John Driscoll, Dealer in Groceries and Liq- uors, No. 671 Main Street .- This long establish - ed business enterprise, which is ably managed and conducted under the personal supervision of its thoroughly competent proprietor, is located at 671 Main str et and was established by him in 1868 and during the 19 years of its existence has always manifested a spirit of enterprise- and progression, and continues to enjoy the Well merited and lucrative retail trade that has marked its success from the commencement. Mr. John Driscoll deals largely in groceries, liquors, etc. The premises occupied for the above-named busi- ness are quite centrally located and cover an area of 20×60 feet, consisting of a store devoted to the retail grocery business and a bar in the. l'ear for the sale of liquors. This store is well stocked with all kinds of groceries, including the best brands of flour, teas, coffees, sugar, spices, and in fact everything in this line that is desira- ble for family use, canned goods etc., also the- best domestic manufacture and foreign impor- tations of liquors. The extent of this business. requires the employment of two attentive and reliable clerks and all orders are promptly filled aud goods delivered to all parts of the city. Mr. John Driscoll has resided for the past twenty-one. years in Bridgeport, where he is well known and has built up a thriving retail business.
W. H. Evers' Market, No. 221 State Street .- Reviewing as we are the industries of Bridgeport we find numbered among the leading markets W. H. Evers', of 221 State street, who establish- ed his business twenty one years ago, and whose- success has proved phenomenal.
His store is 30x40 feet in dimensions and is- well adapted to the business. Owing to his ex- cellent judgment and taste it is arranged in an attractive manner, and the neatness displayed is. remarked by all. His trade extends throughout the city among first-class customers and his mar- ket is one of the most extensive in the city. The choicest meats at the most reasonable prices are- the leading characteristics of his market and our- readers in the city who want real choice, juicy meats should place their orders here. Beef, pork, mutton, veal, ham, bacon, lard, etc., are- always on hand, besides fresh vegetables, poul- try and produce. Orders are promptly and care- fully filled by experienced assistants and goods. are delivered to all parts of the city free of charge.
Mr. Evers is a native of Germany and is a gen- tlemen of experience in all the details of his bus- iness. He is highly esteemed by the community and fully deserves the success which has followed him. We advise all in search of a reliable mar- ket to give his a trial.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
W. S. Cornwell, Dealer in Choice Family Groceries, etc., 173 East Main Street .- Among the successful business enterprises in this part of the city the store and grocery establishment of Mr. W. S. Cornwell occupies a prominent posi- tion in this line.
This business was commenced in 1873 by Messrs. Cook & Winton. The present proprietor, Mr W. S. Cornwell, assumed control in 1886 and through his energy, enterprise and persever- ance has attained his present desirable and exten- sive retail trade.
The business premises occupied by Mr. Corn well are located at 173 East Main street and consist of a very attractive store 20x60 feet in dimen- sions, where is displayed the large and varied stock of fine family groceries. All orders are promptly filled and delivered to any part of the city free of charge. Mr. Cornwell is thoroughly conversant with his business in all its branches and superintends the selection and purchasing of his immense stock of goods, which includes everything in the staple and fancy grocery line, embracing vegetables, country produce, teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, etc. Everything handled by this house is guaranteed to be the best that can be obtained in the city and sold at the lowest market prices.
Mr. Cornwell is a native of Bridgeport. He is prompt and reliable in all his business transac- tions, and has through these important qualifica- tions laid the foundation of a successful business career.
J. S. White & Son, Manufacturers of Fine Custom Harness and Dealer in Horse Furnish- ings of all Descriptions, 167 East Washington Avenue, East Bridgeport .- A review of Bridge- port's enterprise would indeed be incomplete
without reference to the harness manufactory of J. S. White & Son, at 167 East Washington ave- nue, where can be found at all times one of the largest and best selected stocks of harness, sad- dles, collars, whips, horse clothing, robes, and in fact everything in horse furnishing goods called for.
The business occupies a fine store 18x60 feet in dimensions, with a shop 18x30 feet in size in the rear. Four skilled hands are employed who understand all the details of the business. Mr. White is a practical man having had an experi- ence of forty-four years as proprietor in his busi- ness, and being a manufacturer he is enabled to guarantee his goods to be just as represented; and also to quote the very lowest prices to all his patrons.
This necessarily brief sketch gives at best but a limited account of the resources of the house
which without exaggeration are equal at least to those possessed by any house in this vicinity. To those desiring goods in his line we will say, in conclusion that Mr. White offers inducements that must make all business relations with him conduce to the profit of his customers.
He is a native of Massachusetts and is highly esteemed throughout the city. Mr. M. F. White, the son, has been associated for the past fourteen years in the business.
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