USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 20
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Washington Park Hotel, John Walsh, Pro- prietor, corner of Crescent Avenue and Kossuth Street .- In a work of this kind which treats of the resources of the city of Bridgeport and which is destined to be read by those who reside else- where, it is of course not out of place for us to speak of an establishment, where, when visitors repair to the city either for business or pleasure they will be enabled to find all the comforts of home, besides every civility, attention and con- venience possible in a public house.
The Washington Park Hotel was opened to the public in 1881 by its present proprietor, Mr. John Walsh, and during the comparatively short time since its establishment, its fame has become known throughout the city and State.
This hotel is located at the corner of Crescent avenue and Kossuth street and comprises a build- ing of three stories, covering an area of 40x70 feet and containing forty rooms. This house is conducted upon the European plan, and board is furnished by the meal, day, or week. Good accommodations can be obtained here at reason- able prices. In connection with this house Mr. Walsh conducts dining rooms, where meals can be obtained at all hours.
In the management of this hotel everything has been reduced to a complete system, and each department is supervised by a competent head, so that all confusion is avoided and complete order supervenes. Mr. Walsh has proved his en- terprise by his public spirit and pluck in under- taking the establishment of the Washington Park Hotel, and his forethought, and experience has been amply vindicated by his marked success.
H. Kellermeyer, Bottler of Beer and Liquors, 222 State Street .- The extent and importance of the bottling business are known to but very few outside of those immediately interested; for it is not an industry which makes a great deal of show as the distribution of the goods at retail is usually attended to by the dealers who do no bottling themselves. The demand for bottled goods is surely and steadily increasing and ow- ing to the numerous improvements made in bottling machinery of late years, the cost to the consumer has been greatly lessened. A thriving Bridgeport bottler is Mr. HI. Kellermeyer, whose place of business is at No. 222 State street. The inception of the enterprise now conducted by him, was in 1867 under the name of J. Fick. In 1885 Mr. Fick was succeeded by the present proprietor who has added to the already large trade done by his predecessor. Mr. Kellermeyer makes a specialty of bottling the finest grades of beer and liquors, and his goods enjoy a well carn- ed reputation for purity and fine flavor. He does both a wholesale and retail business and ] gives prompt and careful attention to all orders.
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
121
STEVENS' OLD CITY DRUG STORE.
F.S. STEVENS &CO. DRUGS & MEDICINES
315
SEVENSIE
%- PAIN
composing the firm are F. S. Stevens, licensed F. S. Stevens & Co., 315 Main street, sole agents
F. S. Stevens & Co., Wholesale and Retail Druggists, 315 Main Street .- This firm is one of the best known in the city. It was established in 1874, by Stevens & Painter, succeeded by the present management thirteen years ago. The premises occupied consist of a fine store, 24×90 feet in area, which contains one of the most complete and varied stocks in the city. Their extensive trade, which is both wholesale and retail, extends throughout the State, eight assist- ants being kept constantly busy in the several departments of the business. The members pharmacist, twenty-two years in the business in Bridgeport, and E. S. Gaylord, both experienced druggists They have constantly on hand a supply of surgical instruments, obstetric for- ceps, chemical thermometers, speculums, soft and hard catheters, elastic stockings, knee-caps, etc., roller bandages (rubber and linen), absorb- ent cotton and patent lint; also a full stock of Edward R. Squibb's goods. Choice wines and liquors, comprising Park & Tilford's Monogram rye, Lazerac brandy and Imperial sherry; Piper Heidseick, Pommery Sec & Mumm's Dry and Extra Dry ; F. G. Tullidge & Co.'s pure pop corn whiskey, no better bottled. Fine imported ci- gars, as well as the leading brands of American make can be found here. Drake's hand-made and Bagdads; Osterweis's Yales, Figaros, Jose Cuetos and Margaritas; Stevens' No. 5, the best five-cent cigar. Physicians will notice the full line of the Ahls felt splints, easily adjusted, a perfect fit. No trouble to set bones with the felt spiint, made to fit every bone in the body; also a
full line of crutches, trusses and supporters. In the paint department can be found pure white lead, Masury's railroad colors, used by everybody, best paint made for outside or inside work. Linseed oil, raw and boiled, spirits turpentine, putty and window-glass. Pure white potash, whitewash, lime and brushes. Parrott's celebrated varnishes, Wheeler's wood filler, and Crockett's spar com- position and Nos. 1 and 2 wood preservatives. Prompt attention given to all orders and uni- formly low prices; telephone call No. 4. Blast- ing powder, water proof and single tape fuse, at for Laflin & Rand superior brands of rifle and blasting powder, Forcite powder or dynamite. Red clover blossoms, also the fluid and solid extract of red clover, as prepared by Needham & Sons, of Chicago. They are the sole agents for the above valuable preparations; cures all dis- eases of the blood. Extract of red clover is highly recommended in whooping cough. Fred. Stevens' " unfailing" cough cure, a grand success; sales have steadily increased for the past ten years, but this year beats them all. Beware of cheap excuses for cough mixtures ! If you have one of those terrible colds that are now going the rounds, you cannot afford to trifle with it at "twenty cents a bottle." Ninety-nine out of every hundred families in the city have " Ste- vens' Cough Cure " on hand. This is the season when you need it. Do not wait until the bottle is empty, but keep a full one on hand all the time.
In conclusion we would invite all desiring any of the above articles to purchase them here and obtain first-class goods at popular prices.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Mrs. K. Leverty, Millinery Goods, 469 Main Street .- The eminent success which has attended the establishment of Mrs. K. Leverty since its inception thirteen years ago, is a sufficient evi- dence of this lady's adaptation for the business. This enterprise, which is one of the most promi- nent of its kind in Bridgeport, is devoted to the manufacture and sale of ladies' felt, plush, vel- vet and satin hats and bonnets, etc.
This business was established by the present proprietors in 1874, and since that date her efforts have been crowned with unrivaled suc- cess, and to day her store ranks among the finest in the city.
Her millinery parlors cover an area of 12x60 feet in dimensions, which are the resort of ladies of the most fastidious taste, as nowhere in the city are such choice and elegant selections in millinery goods displayed as at this popular estab- lishment.
Mrs. Leverty gives employment to four very capable assistants, and the management of this house is under her direct supervision, espe- cially the order work department, whose skill and artistic taste is displayed in the many fine productions of this establishment. The full and complete stock of elegant millinery goods carried, together with the courteous treatment of patrons, and the prompt and efficient manner in which all orders are executed, tend to make this one of the most popular establishments in this line of trade in Bridgeport.
Mrs. Leverty is a refined lady, well worthy of the success she has attained.
Isbell & Shannon, Pharmacists and Druggists, 379 Main Street .- Every community of any magnitude has several drug establishments and Bridgeport is not behind its sister cities in either the number or reliability of her stores engaged in this line of business. One of the most attractive of these will be found at No. 379 Main street, Messrs. Isbell & Shannon being the enterprising proprietors. The store although but recently opened by the present proprietors has been a drug store for forty years and is the oldest in the city, commanding at present a large patronage in this section. Having been recently remodeled, every- thing is new and bright about the premises and a large and attractive stock is carried.
The premises are 80x25 feet in dimensions and are eligibly located. A full line of pure drugs and medicines are at hand and prescriptions are carefully prepared with the utmost precaution by either one or the other of the proprietors, they both being eminently experienced in every branch of this business. The individual mem- bers of the firm are Messrs. C. C. Isbell and E. M. Shannon, the former of New Haven and the latter of Waterbury, both gentlemen well-known in this vicinity as being thoroughly reliable and honorable in their dealings with all. They fully deserve the encouragement and patronage of the public.
Louis Held, Dealer in Beef, Pork, Veal, Mut- ton, etc., No. 209 Main Street .- Widely noted as Bridgeport is as an important business center, there are among her many important stores some whose pre eminence in their respective lines
stand as conspicuous monuments to the skill, energy and business ability which have control- led and directed their affairs. Among these no more noticeable example can be quoted than that of the above-named house, which was estab- lished by the present proprietor, Mr. Louis Held, in 1876. The premises utilized for the business are located at 209 Main street and cover an area of 20x60 feet, and consist of a very complete and attractive store, where will be found a choice selection of meats, etc. The retail trade of this house requires the assistance of two capable clerks and the details of this business are handled in a most efficient manner. Mr. Held gives particular personal attention to the pur- chasing of his varied and extensive stock, which embraces the best variety of beef, pork, veal, mutton, hams, bacon, and sausage, also oysters, canned goods, condiments, etc. Mr. Louis Held is a native of Germany, a gentleman possessing unusual business ability. No establishment in the city furnishes a more striking illustration of the result of enterprise, vigorous and persistent work and splendid management, than the subject of this sketch.
S. F. Raymond, Dealer in Groceries, Provis- ions, Fruits and Vegetables, 234 State Street .--- Among those houses which have been long and closely identified with the commercial growth of this city that of S. F. Raymond occupies a con- spicuous position, in which it bids fair to con- tinue. Mr. Raymond has been in the grocery business for twenty five years, establishing him- self iu Bridgeport in 1862.
The premises occupied are 30x70 feet in dimen- sions, comprising one of the largest and finest grocery stores in the city, located at 234 State street, where will be found a complete and exten- sive stock of staple and fancy groceries, flour, teas, coffees, vegetables and canned goods, in fact everything to be found in a first-class estab- lishment of this kind can be purchased at the most reasonable prices. From its first establish- ment this house has been a favorite source of supply in this line. Those who come here for the first time will find a large and superior stock from which to make selections and will experi- ence the benefits of the pursuance of a liberal policy and an obliging promptness such as is in accordance with the honorable record of such a long-established house.
Harry Nichols' Market, Dealer in Mcat, Fish and Vegetables, 382 State Street .- To show what this city produces and what it has to supply, the extent and character of her resources, and the attractions she offers to capital for permanent in- vestment, and to the trade as a purchasing cen- ter, is the mission of this volume, and among those houses which have done so much to build up the meat, fish and vegetable trade of the city, the most casual observer must accord to the house of Mr. Harry Nichols a prominent posi- tion. This market was founded in 1877 by Messrs Nichols & Booth, and in 1878 Mr. Harry Nichols assumed full control of the business, since which date it has gained a wide-spread reputation, and to-day is recognized as one of the most attractive and well arranged markets in Bridgeport. It has a floorage of 60x20 feet.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
The stock consists of a variety almost too numer- ous to mention, and embraces all kinds of meats, fish and vegetables, butter, eggs, cheese and canned goods, all of which are guaranteed to be of the best quality to be obtained in the city. The extensive retail trade gives employment to three very capable assistants and the entire busi- ness is most ably managed under the direct per- sonal supervision of the proprietors. Mr. Nichols is a native of Stepney, Connecticut, a gentleman whose extended experience makes him fully acquainted with the wants of the public, and he is fully able to supply any demands made upon him.
Stephen Osborne, Stationer and Newsdealer, 661 State Street .- While reviewing the commer- cial interests and enterprises of Bridgeport we must not in any manner fail to do justice to those establishments that do so much to elevate society by the dissemination of the products of the printing press, and to provide for their use such aids to refinement and education as may be required. We have reference to the well known house of Stephen Osborne, which is the leading representative of this line of trade in the West End. The house was founded in 1882 by Messrs. Buckley & Robbins and changed to its present title in March 1887. The premises occupied for the business are specially well arranged for its transaction, being located at 661 State street, and cover an area of 35x15 feet in dimensions. The stock carried by this house includes such a variety as would be expected in the larger estab- lishments of metropolitan cities, and reflects in a creditable manner the tastes and character of the community. It includes a full line of stationers' and newsdealers' goods, and in fact everything that would go to make up a complete and first- class stock. In addition to the above-named goods Mr. Osborne carries a fine line of confec- tionery, ice cream, etc., which are guaranteed to be fresh and free from all injurious qualities. Mr. Osborne is a native of New Milford, Connec- ticut, and a highly respected citizen of Bridge- port.
Hulton Bros., Dealers in Meats, Vegetables and Fruits, 663 State Street .- Among those in- dustries that it becomes the special province of this work to display, the enterprise of the Hulton Bros. deserves prominent mention. Identified so closely with the growth and commercial well being of the city, they occupy a place of a most interesting character as relates to house and table supplies. The actual number of beeves, hogs, sheep, etc., annually slaughtered for this market runs into thousands, to say nothing of the poultry and game. But leaving these statistical items for their appropriate place we refer our readers to the establishment of Messrs. Hulton Bros., which was founded in Jan. 1887, since which time they have enjoyed a well-merited reputation for the reliable quality of stock kept on hand, which embraces choice beef, veal, mut- ton, lamb, pork, lard, etc., also canned goods, vegetables, fruits, pure milk, etc., etc. The premises utilized for this business are located at 663 State street and its large retail trade extends throughout the city. The individual members of the firm are Mr. H. J. and P. J. Hulton, both
natives of Bridgeport and highly esteemed citi- zens of this community, Mr. H. J. Hulton being a member of the Knights of Columbus, and both are members of the West End Social Club.
A. S. Bodine, Manufacturing Stationer, Steam Printer and Lithographer, Office Room 11, Con- necticut National Bank Building .- The business of the stationer is one that affords a pretty sure criterion of the state of culture of the community in which it is carried on, for the varying needs of the people from either a business or a social point of view are quickly and accurately reflected by the stationery for which there is the most demand.
A manufacturing stationer, steam printer and lithographer who may reasonably be expected to have a tolerably accurate idea of the wants of the people as he has been engaged in serving them in this direction for over a score of years, is Mr. A. S. Bodine, whose Bridgeport office is in the Connecticut National Bank Building, Room 11.
Mr. Bodine began business in New York City as a manufacturing stationer, in 1866, and has carried on his office in this city since 1884. His goods are manufactured solely for consumers, and from ten to twelve employees are kept busy attending to the many orders constantly coming in.
In connection with his stationery business, steam printing and lithographing are extensively carried on, and orders in either or both of these lines will receive prompt attention and will be executed in the highest style of the art.
Clarence H. Bradley, Dealer in Beef, Mutton, Lamb, Veal, Vegetables, Fruits, of all kinds in their season, No. 227 Fairfield Avenue .- The great cry of the average man is for good meat and plenty of it, and when they find a reliable place where fresh and fine goods can be bought at reasonable prices they will be apt to continue as steady patrons. In this counection we would beg to call the attention of our numerous readers to the newly established house of Clarence H. Bradley located at No. 227 Fairfield Avenue. Here may be found a choice and well selected assortment of beef, mutton, lamb, veal, vegeta- bles and fruits of all kinds in their season.
Mr. Bradley enjoys every facility for providing his entire trade in a prompt, neat and attentive manner, with all kinds of meat from the best stock to be found, and at prices fair and reason- able.
The premises occupied cover an area of 20x40. feet and are admirably arranged for the business, which has every indication of being an extensive one. Polite and attentive assistants are em- ployed, and all orders are called for and deliv- ered free of charge, if desired.
Mr. Bradley is a native of Bridgeport, and is a young man well and favorably known through- out the city. He is very accommodating, and possessed of ability to conduct the business he has undertaken. We confidently recommend his establishment to our many readers, feeling assured they will receive a full equivalent for their money.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
L.SANFORD
The People's Savings Bank of Bridgeport, Incorporated 1860 .- It is difficult to over-esti- mate the good which may be done in a com- munity by a well managed and perfectly secure savings institution, and where such establish- ments are found a grade of population percep tibly higher than the average is sure to be noticed. Inculcating as they do principles of thrift and economy, and by example and precept striving to make the community at large more economical and prosperous, they form a conservative force whose importance is not fully appreciated, save in times of trial, when it becomes apparent to every one. The People's Savings Bank of Bridgeport cer- tainly needs no eulogy from us, for during the quarter century and more which it has been es tablished, it has surely worked its way to a high and secure position in the minds of the people.
contains the names of those who to a man fully deserve and merit the con- fidence reposed in their business sigacity and honor.
The Sterling Restaurant, 365 Main Street, Jesse Sands, Proprietor .- Whatever may have been the case in the past, Bridgeport now possesses a restaurant which, in the completeness and elegance of its appointments and the promptness and courtesy of its service, can safely and confidently in- vite comparison with any similar es- tablishment in the State.
We regret that our limited space forbids our giving a detailed de- scription of the expensive decoration and superb accessories of this palatial café, but as after all, no account of them, however elaborate, could pro- perly present them to our readers, we will simply urge them to call at No. 365 Main street, and see and admire for themselves. A visit will show to all that not only liberality and taste, but also large experience must have been possessed by whoever founded so admirable and complete an estab- lishment, and this is indeed the case, as Mr. Jesse Sands, the proprietor, is a native of New York City, and has long been familiar with similar insti- tutions conducted on a scale of metropolitan magnificence.
The apartment is of the dimensions of 20x80 feet, and a large number of guests can be accom. modated and promptly served, as fifteen courte- ous and efficient employes are at hand. Ladies, especially, will find the café highly satisfactory, for while everything is of the best, the prices are very reasonable and the patronage select.
Mr. Sands makes a specialty of catering for societies and clubs and has a separate room, ele- gant in its appointments, for the use of societies.
Behning & Son's, Bridgeport Agency, 533 Main Street, W. F. Mader, Manager .- The growing opulence of Bridgeport has been so
How well it merits the name of "People's " Savings Bank will be seen from the treasurer's report of October, 1886, at which time deposits to the amount of $1,734,364.32 were due 5,039 depositors or, in other words, the average de- posit was but a small fraction over $344.18. No extensive capitalists here you will see but the hard earned savings of the "plain people," as glorious " Old Abe" used to call them. The re- sponsibility of the judicious investment of the enormous sum total is shown by the following well-known citizens: President, Geo. B. Waller; First Vice-President, William E. Seely; Second Vice-President, Samuel W. Baldwin; Secretary and Treasurer, Edward W. Marsh; Trustees, D. W. Kissam, Eli C. Smith, John E. Pond, F. A. Bartram, Elbert E. Hubbell, Wm. II. Rockwell, Henry Atwater, Enoch P. Hineks, Asa S. Par- marked during the past few years as to have oc- casioned a considerable increase in those lines sons; Bookkeeper and Teller, Frank IIubbard, It will be seen that the list is a strong one, and of trade and industry which administer to the
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pleasure of the people and which cannot be strictly called necessities. As an evidence of the truth of this statement, the well known piano manufacturers, Messrs. Behning & Son, of New York, have established branch warerooms for the sale of their instruments at No. 532 Main street and are doing quite a prosperous and satisfactory trade.
The superior quality of the "Behining" pianos and the honorable business methods of this house having won for them the confidence of the pco- ple, whose unanimous verdict is that "Behning Piano is the Favorite." "We feel safe in buying a Behning piano." The Behning pianos certainly have a richness, purity and sweetness of tone and a delicacy of touch that is unrivaled, and are noted for their durability and standing in tune.
A full line of these pianos are always kept in stock at their warerooms, 532 Main street, con- sisting of grands, uprights and squares in rose- wood, French walnut, mahogany, cocobola and ebonized cases-all hand polished and finished in A No. 1 style. The trade of this branch store is chiefly confined to this city and vicinity.
Mr. W. F. Mader, who has been connected with Messrs. Behning & Son for a number of years in New York city, has charge of the busi- ness here and is well worthy of the patronage he has received and the success he has met with. Messrs. Behning & Son are always glad to have customers call at their factory on 128th street be- tween Third and Lexington avenues in New York city, and will be glad to show them their pianos in every stage of construction.
The Pierce Manufacturing Company, Con- tractors for Building Sewers, Drains, Wells, Cisterns, etc .; also, Manufacturers of Cement Pipe, Chimney Tops, Garden Vases, etc. ; Office and Pipe Works, Junction Housatonic and N. Washington Avenues .- In a wide field of useful- ness the Pierce Manufacturing Company have
for ten years successfully conducted one of Bridgeport's leading industries, and in their special line they are practically without compe- tition.
The company are large contractors for building sewers, drains, wells, cisterns, etc., and have unsurpassed facilities for conducting operations on a most extensive scale, and in the most per- fect manner. To meet the requirements of their trade, the concern established extensive works for the manufacture of cement well pipe, chim- ney tops, garden vases, the plant being eligibly located for their purposes, at the junction of Housatonic and N. Washington Avenues. The pipe, etc., is made of Rosendale and l'ortland cement and gravel, hardened by carbonic acid gas, and the product is as durable as granite. A specialty is made of 30 inch well pipe, and for this purpose the product of these works is unequaled, either as to cheapness or durability. The house makes contracts for all kinds of sew- erage, drain, well and cistern work, and guaran- tees the nearest possible approach to perfection of workmanship and fullest satisfaction as to prices.
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