USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 21
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Steam pumping and hoisting of all kinds, rock drilling and excavating is done with dis- patch, and the push and promptitude of the com- pany has established them in general confidence.
Mr. E. W. Dewhurst is the president, and Mr. C. E. Williams is the secretary and treasurer of the company. They are both Connecticut men by birth and are always named among the suc- cessful business men and influential citizens of the place.
The company employs from forty to fifty workmen, and their ability to finish their work promptly and accurately, and their reliability in all they undertake, constitute the secret of their decided success.
C. Russell & Co., Wholesale and Retail Gro- cers and Bakers, 335 Main Street .- One of the best known business enterprises in the city is that carried on under the firm name of C. Rus- sell & Co., grocers and bakers, at No. 335 Main street, corner of Bank.
This time-honored establishment was founded forty years ago, by Mr. Chester Russell, and was carried on as the "City Bakery and Gro- cery," up to a few years ago, by that gentleman alone, when Messrs. Arthur J. Cable and W. C. Russell were taken into partnership and business has since been conducted under the present style.
A large, double store is occupied of the dimen- sions of 40x100 feet, and a very large wholesale and retail business is done, ten assistants being required to handle the many orders received. The several members of the firm are all natives of this State, and more enterprising and pro- gressive men of business are not to be found in this city.
The establishment is the largest of the kind in Bridgeport, and a very complete stock of staple and fancy groceries is constantly on hand. Bread, cake and pastry are also sold in large quantities, and a most excellent lunch room is connected which is very largely patronized. All goods are sold at the lowest market rates, as the magnitude of the firm's operations enables it to successfully meet all competition.
126
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
John Kearns, Practical Plumbing and Gas- Fitting, No. 97 Middle Street .- Among the many perplexing questions which the average house- holder has to bother his head over, one of the most important and puzzling is: "Who shall I have to do my repairing?" We refer more espe- cially to such repairs as may be required on the water, drain and gas-pipes.
The question is puzzling, we say, not because it is hard to find one who will undertake the job, but on account of the unskillfulness or unfaith- fulness of many of those who advertise to do such work. In this connection we take great pleasure in bringing to the attention of our readers the establishment of Mr. John Kearns, located at No. 97 Middle street, for after his fifteen years of experience in such work, we feel that he is able, and we know that he is willing, to do repairing of this nature promptly, thor- oughly and cheaply. He started his present business September 1, 1886, and has already suc- ceeded in building up a large trade.
Practical tinning, plumbing and gas-fitting is done, and tin roofing and sheet-iron, zinc and copper work of all descriptions is also made. Jobbing is promptly attended to, and a specialty is made of hot-air furnace work. It is guaranteed that all orders in any of these lines will be filled in a perfectly satisfactory manner, and the prices are reasonable and just.
Elm Street Livery Stable, S. L. Wakelee, Proprietor, Nos. 73 and 75 Elm Street .- One of the important livery establishments of the city is the "Elm Street Livery Stable," the prop- rietor being Mr. S. L. Wakelee, and located at Nos. 73 and 75 Elm street. The business estab- lished by this enterprising gentleman, 17 years ago, has rapidly grown in public favor. The
needs of the business demand the services of several experienced employes. The stable occu- pied is a fine brick structure, with ample accom- modations for the care of a large number of horses and vehicles, and an air of neatness per- vades the establishment. Mr. Wakelce has on hand a large number of fine teams at all times for livery purposes, including single carriages, rockaways, hacks, etc., these will be furnished for all occasions on short notice and at most rea- sonable prices. Mr. Wakelee spares no pains in his industrious efforts to please the public. The stables have a good location, and the genial and obliging proprietor deserves the continued success which is assured to him. Coaches and coupes are a specialty, which are furnished by the hour at very reasonable rates.
F. Drueke, Wig, Toupee and Hair Goods Manufacturer, corner Main and State Streets, Savings Bank Building .- The manufacture of hair goods should be regarded as an art, founded on a more literal and accurate reproduction of nature than the world has yet scen. Among the leading and most noted establishments devoted to this line of business in Bridgeport is that of Mr. F. Drueke, whose house was established in 1866, and from the first has steadily increased in popularity. The premises utilized for the busi- ness are located at the corner of Main and State streets, and cover an area of 15 by 60 feet in dimensions, comprising a finely appointed store
with artistically arranged show cases and win- dows, with a work-room in the rear, where six thoroughly competent persons are constantly employed in making all kinds of hair goods.
Mr. Drueke carries one of the very finest stocks of hair goods to be obtained in this city, includ- ing wigs, toupees, braids and switches of the finest hair, half wigs, curls, etc., of every color and shade at low prices. A specialty is made of order work, which is promptly attended to and executed in the best manner possible. Also par- ticular attention is paid to ladies' and children's hair cutting and dressing. Mr. F. Drueke is one of the oldest and most skilled artists in his profession in Bridgeport. He is liberal, prompt and reliable, facts which are the best guaranty that patrons will be served in the best and most satisfactory manner.
O. S. Platt, Pattern Maker of all kinds, and fine work in Wood or Metal, 99 Cannon Street. -In keeping with the design of this work, we call the attention of our readers to Mr. O. S. Platt, who is concerned in the industry indicated in our heading. It was established in 1882 by the present proprietor, and in 1883 its style was changed to O. S. Platt & Co., this continued un- til 1887, when it again became as at present. The premises utilized for this business comprise one floor, covering an area of 60 by 90 feet in dimensions, which is in every way admirably constituted for its specific purposes, and located at 99 Cannon street. It is here that pattern making of all kinds is executed, and every facility and appliance requisite to the business is at hand, operated by steam. In addition to pattern making, all kinds of fine work in wood or metal is performed in the highest style of the art, also wood handles for lubricators, valves, gauge cocks, etc., a specialty. Employment is given to eight thoroughly experienced and skill- ful workmen, and the entire management of this extensive business is under the direct supervision of the proprietor. Mr. Platt is a native of Can- ton, Pa., a gentleman of long experience in the business and practically acquainted with all its details, and our readers will realize the import- ance of this house to the trade and community.
Mrs. A. B. Frye, Dealer in Confectionery, Ice Cream, etc., and Fancy Goods, 277 East Main Street .- A house engaged in the handling of confectionery, ice cream and foreign and . domestic fruits, is the one conducted by Mrs. A. B. Frye, located at 277 East Main street. This store was established in 1885, and has already gained a steadily increasing retail trade. The premises utilized for the business consist of a store 18x45 feet in size, which is neat and at- tractive in appearance; here is temptingly dis- played the stock of fine confectionery and foreign and domestic fruits, nuts, etc., and in the rear an attractive ice cream parlor. Mrs. Frye also carries in addition to the above-named class of goods a full and complete stock of fancy goods, books and stationery, and a choice selection of tobacco and cigars.
Mrs. Frye is a native of Connecticut, and is thoroughly experienced in all the details of the business, to which she gives her close personal attention.
127
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Watson L. Wentworth, Dealer in Furniture, Silver Plated Ware, etc., Agent for the Knabe, Behr Bros., Pease, Marshall and Wendell Pianos, and Burdett Organs, the Farren Bros., Rolling and Adjustable Spring Mattresses, Clocks and Wringers, Sold on Easy Payments, Nichols Block, 431 Broad, Corner John Street .-
OPEN.
CLOSED.
The opportunities offered to the people of Bridgeport and vicinity for procuring furniture, pianos, organs, plated ware, mattresses, clothes- wringers, clocks, etc., by Mr. Watson L. Went- worth, No. 431 Broad, corner John street, on easy payments at cash prices, make his establish- ment the popular resort for those in quest of this class of merchandise in this place.
The business was established by Mr. Went- worth in November, 1886, and in the few months which have intervened, his tact and worth have since developed a large and steadily growing trade. The premises are commodious, comprising two large ware rooms, 30x60 feet each in dimen- sions, and the stock in trade is always complete, varied and of standard excellence. At lowest cash rates, Mr. Wentworth supplies the best goods in his line, including parlor and chamber suits, every description of first class plated ware, the celebrated Farren Bros. spring mattresses, and the best makes of clothes-wringers, guaran- teeing satisfaction as to quality and prices. He is the agent for the famous Knabe, Behr Bros., Pease, Marshall & Wendell Pianos and Organs, which are recognized by musical experts, professional and amateur, as unsurpassed in quality of tone and touch, and for durability of any in use.
Mr. Wentworth's facilities for trading on the most accommodating terms are unsurpassed, and his great success is the natural sequence of his energy and liberal dealing.
He is a native of Massachusetts, and has been engaged in mercantile business in Bridgeport for five years, and is well and widely known and universally esteemed for his business and personal qualities.
Mr. Wentworth can furnish profitable employ- ment for active agents, who will do well to write for particulars.
Louis K. Young, Stair Builder; Manufacturer of Stairs, Rails, Balusters, Newels, etc., Sawing, Turning and Specialties; Shop at Ray's Mill, 648 Main Street .- Few parts of a house, and espec- ially of a dwelling house, admit of more op- portunities for architectural display than do the stairways. That is, if the space allowed them be sufficient. Too often the stairways are ap- parently regarded as necessary evils, and jammed into some dark corner of the building, where the space occupied will be as little missed as possible. This is unfortunate, to say the least, for a well proportioned flight of stairs, properly equipped with appropriate railing, balusters etc., is cap- able of adding much to the appearance of any house.
One of the best known stair builders in this city is Mr. Lewis K. Young, whose shop is at Ray's Mill, No. 648 Main street. The business conducted by him was founded in East Bridge- port by Mr. C. N. Whitten, in the year 1872 and in 1878 Mr. Young became associated with him under the firm name of Young & Whitten, this being changed, in 1885, to its present form, Lewis K. Young.
The shop is 80x40 feet in dimensions, and in it is carried on the manufacture of stair-rails, newels, balusters, etc., as well as of certain specialties, prominent among which are lawn tennis rackets. Sawing and turning are also done to order.
Mr. Young was born in this city, and is carry- ing on one of the most successful establishments of its kind within its borders.
W. Dieringer, Dealer in Meats, Vegetables, etc., 65 Warren Avenue .- There is no branch of industry of more importance than that which furnishes the people with provisions. Next to bread, beef and pork are among the most impor- tant articles of food with civilized nations, and the enormous demand for these food supplies has resulted in the establishment of extensive houses in every large trade center.
In this particular, Bridgeport is not behind the times, as will be seen by a visit to the house of Mr. W. Dieringer, which holds a prominence in this line of trade. This house was established by Mr. Dieringer in 1875, and he has since con- trolled a large and growing retail trade, which extends throughout the city and vicinity. The premises occupied for the transaction of the business consist of a store 18x45 feet in size, located at 65 Warren avenue, which is fitted up and arranged with special reference to the busi- uess.
This store will be found at all times to be neat, clean and attractive in appearance. The im- provements for the preservation of perishable articles are here found in successful operation, thus insuring the freshness of the articles dealt in, which include a choice selection of beef, pork, mutton, hams, bologna sausage; vegetables of all kinds in their season.
Mr. W. Dieringer, who is a native of Germany, is a gentleman of experience and practical knowl- edge of the business, and is well known and esteemed in this community. He is fully entitled to the prominence he holds in the trade by rea- son of his fair and honorable manner of transact- ing business.
128
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Rogers' Farm Dairy, Noah Rogers, Pro- prietor, Pure Milk and Cream, expressly for for family use, Office 114 Fairfield Avenue - So largely dependent upon the purity of dairy products is the health and comfort of the people of any community, that the best efforts of humanitarians, scientists and municipal and State authorities have been directed toward se- curing the highest possible degree of excellence in these indispensable articles of food.
In this regard the people of Bridgeport are to be congratulated, possessing as they do one of the best regulated and most complete dairies in the county.
The Rogers' Farm Dairy, to which we refer, was established ten years ago by Mr. Noah Rogers, of the wholesale grocery firm of Rogers & Morford, the proprietor of one of the finest dairy farms in the State.
He supplies pure milk and cream for family use, and his motto of "Purity and Cleanliness," religiously adhered to, is the secret of the great success of the enterprise.
Mr. Noah Rogers, the proprietor, owns a large herd of blooded cattle, and the farm, under the able management of Mr. William N. Rogers, is a model worthy of emulation in every partic- ular.
Ricb, pure milk and cream are furnished fresh from the farm in large or small quantities daily, and at prices which for first-class merchandise is certainly reasonable, and the methods and pro- bity of the Messrs. Rogers commands the fullest faith and esteem of their patrons.
Mr. Rogers is a native of North Cornwall, Conn., and his enterprise has met with gratify- ing recognition in a large and steadily increasing patronage.
The office of the Rogers Farm Dairy is at 114 Fairfield avenue.
S. W. Gledhill, Wholesale Dealer in Woolen and Cotton Rags, Paper Stock, Metals, etc., all kinds of Wrapping Paper, Second-Hand Ma- chinery, Wiping Waste and Rags, 4, 6, and 8 Union Street .- The business over which Mr. S. W. Gledhill presides was established in 1881, and has since been continuously conducted under the same management. The premises occupied consist of a four-story building 100x200 feet in dimensions, which is divided into departments be readily scen by manufacturers.
for storage of paper stock and metals and for sorting paper and rags. A number of hands are employed in this business, and upon occasions of extraordinary demand an extra force is put on. The facilities and resources of this house in respect to woolen and cotton paper stock is commensurate with the demands of the market.
To peddlers the house offers special advantages and buy all kinds of metals at the highest prices for cash.
This house also deals in all kinds of wrapping paper, second hand ma- chinery and wiping waste and rags.
The warehouse is located at Nos. 4, 6 and 8 Union street, and is one of the leading houses in Bridgeport en- gaged in this line.
Mr. Gledhill is a native of Corn- wall, Conn., and has resided in this city many years; he ha- had a large experience in this busi- ness, and thoroughly understands it in every de- tail and conducts it in a manner that has acquired for him the respect and consideration of this community, of all which none are more worthy.
We commend Mr. Gledhill and his enterprise to those of our readers who may be interested, assuring them that business relations once entered upon will prove not only pleasant but profit- able.
S. W. Gledhill is also proprietor of the largest jewelry store in Middlesex County, located at Essex, Conn .; also of the largest and only mat- tress manufactory of New London County, located at New London, where they carry a fine stock of first-class goods.
W. B. Bostwick, Real Estate, West End, 661 State Street .- The growth of this city in the section known as the West End is remarkable. and being finely located it is certainly one of the most desirable parts of the city, being near that most beautiful spot, Seaside Park, and also with- in easy access by horse cars of the business por- tion. Mr. W. B. Bostwick has done much towards bringing up real estate in this section, and offers houses or lots on most favorable terms. Parties will find it a great advantage to deal with him as being the owner himself they can make much more reasonable terms than through a third party.
Mr. Bostwick's office is located at No. 661 State street and is admirably arranged and locat- ed for the business and as he is gifted with un- usual enterprise and ability of management he has built up a large trade. He enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends and is a popular citizen. His rent department is under the able and efficient management of Mr. Stephen Os- born, who attends to the collecting, etc. We advise all contemplating buying land or houses to give Mr. Bostwick a call and we feel assured they will feel amply repaid.
This gentleman has just purchased a tract of 100 acres of land which being bounded on three sides by deep water, is navigable by vessels of heavy draught. The advantage of this land possessing as it does ample railroad facilities will
129
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Nichols, Peck & Co., Carriage Manufacturers, Rockaway and Depot Wagons a Specialty, 97 and 99 John Street .- This old and responsible house was founded in 1843, and has always held a prominent place among the important indus- trial interests of Bridgeport.
Since the death of Mr. Peck, nearly thirty years ago, the business has been conducted with signal success by Messrs. Geo. K. Nichols and Carlos W. Blackman, and the reputation of the old house for the superior styles and quality of its products has always been maintained.
The works of Messrs. Nichols, Peck & Co. are located at Nos. 97 and 99 John street, and are in every regard complete and thoroughly equipped, the machinery, which is of the latest improved designs, being operated by steam,
The main building is a substantial four-story structure 60x125 feet in dimensions, and a large force of skilled workmen are employed in the various departments in the manufacture of car- riages of all kinds.
The firm make a specialty of Rockaways and Depot Wagons; for the styles, finish and durabil- ity, they enjoy well-earned distinction, and the demand for these specialties is large and con- stant, their trade extending to all points of this and adjoining States.
Messrs. Nichols & Blackman are experienced practical carriage builders, and supervise in per- son, all the materials used and every detail of workmanship, and with every vehicle they give a guarantee as to durability and general excel- lence.
They keep in stock a large assortment of fin- ished carriages and wagons, and make special work to order with dispatch, and in the most sat- isfactory manner. They are prompt, liberal and reliable in their engagements and enjoy the full confidence of their trade and correspondents, and fellow-citizens as well.
Devitt Bros., Groceries and Meat Market, Best Kind of Beef, etc., corner Harrall Avenue and Pequonnock Street .- Among the old establish- ed houses engaged in the grocery and provision trade in this city we find Devitt Brothers, locat- ed at the corner of Harrall avenue and Pequon- nock street.
This business was established thirty-seven years ago in 1850 by the present management, having undergone no changes in that space of time, and having met with unusual success since its start.
The store occupied consists of one story and basement, and covers an area of 44x44 feet. It is stocked with a choice line of goods, including tea, coffee, spices, sugar, flour, and the many articles usually found in a first-class grocery establishment.
Employment is given to five competent assis- tants, and all customers are waited upon in a po- lite and attentive manner, orders being promptly and carefully filled and delivered. The facilities enjoyed by this house for obtaining first-class goods are unsurpassed by any of its contempora- ries, and the prices are as reasonable as any store in the city.
their numerous customers as well as to the pub- lic in general. Mr. James Devitt has been a member of the Common Council for one year and is well and favorably known.
Allen's Real Estate and Broker's Office. Property Rented and Rents Collected; F. C. Allen, Manager, Arnold Building, 275 Main Street .- In a work of this character, which relates to the commerce, resources and industrial advance of the city, it will not ill become us to speak of the business of a gentleman who, although a young man, is alive and up to the times, and has ever taken an active part in Bridgeport's prosperity and well-being. At this period of writing he is concerned in the pursuits embraced under the above headings.
We refer to Mr. F. C. Allen, whose real estate, employment and broker's office is located at 275 Main street, in the Arnold Building. Mr. Allen attends to all kinds of real estate business, such as buying, selling and renting property. In this he transacts a large and first-class trade. He always has a large list of valuable properties for sale and rent, and his thorough, prompt and honorable methods have built up his large and successful business, and won for him an emi- nently fine reputation.
Rents are collected, and the general manage- ment assumed of estates, if desired, thus reliev- ing large property holders of a great deal of trouble and annoyance.
Mr. Allen being a native, born and brought up in this city, is well and favorably known in this community, and it is with pleasure that we extend to him this merited courtesy. His office is also the best place in the city where domestic help of all kinds can be secured at short notice. A call at his new office will convince all that he is a wide-awake business man.
H. Hayward, Dealer in Beef, Pork, Mutton, Veal, Poultry, Etc., Vegetables in their Season. Excelsior Market, corner South and West Ave- nues .- It is always pleasant to do business with an establishment that carries a large and fresh stock of the goods in which it deals, for not only is satisfaction more surely guaranteed by reason of the greater latitude of choice possible, but there is invariably an air of prosperity and thrift permeating the premises which is both gratifying and attractive. A business enterprise of this character that has been carried on for a score of years by its founder and present proprietor is that known as the Excelsior Market conducted by Mr. H. Hayward at the corner of South and West avenues. This gentleman, who is a native of England, inaugurated this business in 1867 and has built up a large, desirable and growing trade by strict application and careful study of his customers needs. His store is 60x25 feet in dimensions and contains and well selected assort- ment of beef, pork, veal, mutton, poultry, hams, etc., as well as all kinds of vegetables in their seasons. While only reliable goods are offered the prices rule very low, and as two efficient assistants are employed, patrons are served promptly and courteously. During the many years this establishment has catered to the public it has gained a high reputation which will no
The members of the firm are active and intelli- gent business men fully understanding every de- tail, and their aim is to cater satisfactorily to | doubt be fully maintained in the future.
130
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Henry N. Ayers, Dealer in Boots and Shoes, 381 Main Street, Bridgeport .- A well known house, whose reputation for keeping a full and desirable line of first-class Boots and Shoes is that of Henry N. Ayres. This is one of the hand- somest stores in the city, with plenty of sun- shine, and a general air of neatness and order that speaks well for the systematic management of its affairs. With ample capacity to transact their increasing business, the house is able to meet the most exacting demands of its patrons, and take advantage of all the new styles on their first appearance upon the market. While confined to the retail trade exclusively, the transactions in aggregate assume a wholesale magnitude, both in stock and sales; a large corps of assistants are required, and the general character of the stock is all that can be desired, embracing the goods of the most celebrated manufacturers, and ex- pressly adapted for the trade; and the slimmest or the fullest foot can be accommodated to per- fection in all styles of goods.
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