USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 23
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This establishment is the most popular place in this section to purchase, sell or exchange horses, and the integrity and sterling worth of this reliable business man is a sure guarantee of honest dealing and best value for money ex- pended.
Mr. Gregory is one of the representative suc- cessful business men and influential citizens.
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137
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
Comstock Bros., 45 Main Street, Norwalk, and Insurance Building, South Norwalk .- The at- tention of our readers is directed to the well and favorably known house of Comstock Bros., whose fine stores, of which they have two, are located at No. 45 Main street, Norwalk, and in the Insurance Building at South Norwalk.
This enterprise was established twenty-one years ago by the Comstock Brothers, and upon the decease of Wm. T. Comstock, eight years ago, Mr. H. B. Rodgers was admitted to the firm, the business continuing under the old firm name. Its history from the beginning is a grand exhi- bition of what honorable industry and quick in- telligence can accomplislı.
The premises occupied at South Norwalk are 24x80, at Norwalk, 21x100 feet in dimensions, and are ample for the carrying of a large and de- sirable assortment of fine clothing, of which they are the manufacturers, jobbers and retailers, and owing to these facilities they guarantee to sell clothing cheaper than any other house in Fair- field County. The clothing in which they deal will meet the demands of all classes of trade.
Employing only the most skillful salesmen and tailors, this house turns out nothing but perfect work, and will be found to please in material, style and workmanship.
The trade of this house extends throughout a large section, and its proprietors who are natives of Connecticut, well deserve the confidence and high esteem of their many customers, and the reputation for reliability, honor and integrity which is so heartily accorded them.
New York Tea Co., Wholesale and Retail Grocers, and Dealers in Teas, Coffees and Spices. 30 Main Street .- As a representative house of the many reliable and prosperous mercantile es- tablishments located in Norwalk, the one con- ducted by Mr. M. Heller deserves recognition among the substantial and skillfully managed in- stitutions of this city.
This house which is known to our citizens under the title of New York Tea Co., was estab- lished in 1884 by its present proprietor, and from its inception has enjoyed a steadily increasing wholesale and retail trade.
This very attractive store is located at 30 Main street and is 18x65 feet in dimensions, where is carried a fine large stock of Teas, Coffees and Spices, etc.
The trade of this house gives employment to two clerks, and the details of this business are efficiently managed. Mr. Heller, who is an ener- getic and able business manager, deals, in addi- tion to the line of goods already named, in a choice assortment of Meats and Groceries, and as he superintends the buying and selecting of his varied stock, his customers are assured that nothing but the freshest Meats and best brands of Groceries are offered at this establishment for sale.
Mr. Heller, who is a native of Germany, estab- lished his business in this country with a deter- mination to succeed by honorable and upright business transactions, and if he continues the same business policy in the future that has been so noticeable in his dealings of the past three years, we predict for him a prosperous business career.
Star Shoe Store. Ruscoe, Camp & Co., Dealers in Boots and Shoes, Trunks and Travel- ing Bags .- Among the business enterprises of recent establishment in Norwalk, it is with pleasure that we note the one conducted by Ruscoc, Camp & Co., known as the Star Shoe Store. Although this house is of very recent establishment, having been in existence only a few months, its reception and patronage by this community is exceedingly flattering and encour- aging to the proprietors, who are energetic men of long experience in this line of trade.
The premises consist of a store 20x60 feet in dimensions, where a fine and complete stock of Boots and Shoes is displayed. The extensive trade which this house has already gained, gives employment to two capable clerks.
In addition to the extensive stock of Boots, Shoes and Rubbers carried by this firm, they deal largely in Trunks and Traveling Bags of all kinds.
This house is under the strict personal man- agement of its proprietors. and all order work or repairing is neatly and promptly done.
Mr. F. H. Ruscoe, the senior partner, is the proprietor of a large Shoe factory in this city. where employment is given to one hundred hands, whose skill and ability, aided by the many improved and modern facilities of this complete manufactory is displayed in the many productions of this establishment which rank among the best goods in the market.
Mr. F. H. Ruscoe and John A. Camp are both natives of Connecticut, well and favorably known in social and business circles of this city.
Le Grand Jackson, Dealer in Jewelry, 56 Wall Street .- A good jeweler is an indispensable requisite in every community of taste and cul- ture, and he whose work in this line displays the most skill is always certain to have the most lib- eral patronage. The people of Norwalk are not behind other cities in this respect, and the gen- erous patronage which they extend to the store of Mr. LeGrand Jackson, at No. 56 Wall street, shows in what esteem he is held.
Mr. Jackson established this business thirty years ago, and at the present time has one of the leading houses of this kind in the city. His stock comprises all the latest novelties in the line of Jewelry of all descriptions. Diamonds, Watches from the best makers, American and foreign, and in fact everything calculated to please the most fastidious buyer.
The store occupied is 20x70 feet in dimensions, and is admirably arranged for the ample display of the elegant goods carried. Only experienced hands are employed of which there are several, and a very large and select trade is transacted. As a practical workman and repairer Mr. Jack- son has no superior, and nothing leaves the es- tablishment which has not been thoroughly proved and tested by his watchful eye. We feel at liberty to say that all who patronize this house will readily perceive the advantages in so doing, and will return gladly whenever in need of any goods in the jewelry line.
Mr. Jackson is a native of Connecticut, and is highly esteemed by all.
138
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
F. H. Ruscoe, Shoe Manufacturer, 13 and 15 Water Street .- For several years past Mr. F. H. Ruscoe has conducted one of the principal indus- tries of Southwestern Connecticut, and his estab- lishment in Norwalk is one of the most complete and successful shoe factories in this section.
Mr. Ruscoe occupies a large three-story build- ing, Nos. 13 and 15 Water street, admirably located and thoroughly equipped for his pur- poses, with the best improved shoe machinery in use, operated by steam.
He employs one hundred hands in his business and manufactures the best qualities and most de- sirable styles in ladies', misses' and children's fine shoes, and his exceptional facilities enable him to put upon the market, at low prices, a. large quantity of foot wear of superior quality, and in styles, finish and durability his goods are unsurpassed if equalled by any of his competitors in the State.
Mr. Ruscoe is an active, sagacious man of bus- iness, quick to note and able to supply every de- mand of the trade, and orders are filled with dis- patch, and satisfaction guaranteed in every particular.
He is a native of Connecticut, and is one of Norwalk's most estimable and influential citizens and business men. He is the head of the firm of Ruscoe, Camp & Co., Shoe Dealers of Norwalk, and enjoys the confidence of his acquaintances at home and correspondents abroad.
F. W. Jaqui, Jr., Dealer in Portable and Brick Set-Furnaces, Steam Heaters and Ranges, Tin, Sheet Iron, Copper, Wooden, Glass and Crock- ery Ware, Refrigerators and House Furnishing Goods, 53 Wall Street, Norwalk .- As acknowl- edged leaders in his special line of trade and in- dustry in Norwalk, Mr. F. W. Jaqui, Jr., has for eight years occupied a prominent position in trade circles in Norwalk.
His office and workshops are eligibly located at 53 Wall street, the premises being 25x90 feet in dimensions, with every facility for storage and handling of merchandise and for executing all kinds of work in his line.
He carries in stock and supplies at lowest prices, all desirable makes of Furnaces, Steam- Heaters and Ranges and a full assortment of Tin, Sheet Iron, Copper, Wooden, Glass and Crock- ery Ware, Refrigerators and House Furnishing Goods. Orders for all kinds of Plumbing and Sanitary Work, Gas-fitting and Jobbing, and Plain and Ornamental Slate, Tin and Tin shingle roofing are filled with despatch in the most efficient and satisfactory manner at most reason- able prices, and the ability, punctuality and worth have long since established Mr. Jaqui in confidence and in a large, permanent and grow- ing business.
Mr. Jaqui is agent for Richardson & Boynton Co.'s celebrated Furnaces, Ranges, etc., and for the famous "Economy" Steam and Hot Air Combination Heaters. He supplies and puts on all kinds of unfading black, Munson & Brown- ville's Maine, Keystone and Diamond Rock, and Chapman's, Bangor Black and Vermont Varie- gated and Green Slates, and his facilities for filling contracts for work and merchandise are all that could be desired.
Mr. Jaqui is man of long, practical experience in the business, and is an expert in every branch of his business. He is a reliable, prompt and energetic business man and is held in high es- teem as a citizen.
Finney & Benedict, Dealers in Choice Family and Fancy Groceries, Wall Street, Second Door East of the Post Office .- Prominent among the well known establishments devoted to the Gro- cery business in Norwalk is the house of Finney & Benedict, which is located on Wall Street, second door east of the Post Office.
This firm was inaugurated in February, 1875, and during the twelve years since its inception has ever maintained a high reputation for integ- rity and honorable business dealings.
The premises utilized for the transaction of the business consists of a store 24x60 feet in dimensions, where is handled one of the most complete stocks of Groceries carried in this city, which embraces everything included in the line of Choice Family and Fancy Groceries. This extensive stock includes the best brands of Flour Teas, Coffees, Spices, Sugar, etc., and in fact all the condiments and delicacies usually em- braced in the line of staple and fancy Groceries carried by a first-class house of this kind.
The lucrative retail trade of this house gives employment to two reliable clerks, and prompt attention is given to all orders, which are accurately filled and delivered to all parts of the city.
The proprietors are both active business men, who give close personal attention to all branches of their establishment, especially to the purchas- ing and selection of their goods, which are guaranteed to be of the best the market af- fords.
Mr. W. J. Finney, Jr., and Geo. M. Benedict are both natives of Connecticut, and highly es- teemed citizens of Norwalk.
C. A. Blackman, Photographic Artist, No. 11 Main Street, Norwalk .- The fidelity with which portraits are drawn by that great artist " Sol" when he is under proper control of the photographer is truly wonderful. By continued ex- periments and close and patient observations, suc- cess has been justly earned by those who have given the art their time and thought and have patient- ly waited with implicit faith, the consummation of their hopes. Mr. C. A. Blackman, at No. 11 Main street, may be called the progressive photograph- er of Norwalk. He succeeded to the business in June, 1884, it having been originated by W. B. Glines, in 1878. Mr. Blackman's energy and skill has given him a fine standing in the pro- fession and a class of patrons that has increased un- til he has a business extending throughout a large section. His studio is supplied with all the most perfect appliances known to the art, and is finely arranged for the comfort of his numerous patrons. He employs able assistants and great care and patience is used with all. All kinds of fine Portrait work is executed at reason- able prices. Mr. Blackman is a native of New Haven having had seven years' experience in the art in that city prior to his coming to Norwalk.
139
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
Central National Bank of Norwalk .- Dur. ing the past decade the Central National Bank of Norwalk has exerted a most beneficent influence on the commercial growth and prosperity of the town, and under able management it has become one of the most popular financial institutions in southwestern Connecticut.
The Bank was organized under the National Banking Laws in 1876, and from the beginning its affairs have been conducted with consummate ability and consequent success.
The capital of the Bank is $100,000, and its large surplus gives a substantial reason for the confidence of its clients and the general public, and its future gives promise of extended useful- ness and increased success.
The banking rooms are very attractive and complete, and are centrally located at No. 26 Wall street. The judicious and prudent policy of the management is fruitful of most gratifying results.
The officers of the Bank are as follows: Presi- dent, A. S. Hurlbutt; Vice-President, Geo. M. Holmes; Cashier, Wm. A. Curtis, and the Presi- dent and Cashier, with Messrs. Geo. Holmes, H. F. Guthrie, G. S. Hutchinson, E. L. Boyer, Chas. Smith, P. L. Cunningham and J. T. Pro- witt, constitute the Board of Directors. They are all prominent, influential business, men and estimable citizens.
Norwalk Fire Insurance Company .- This company has been constantly in business for about thirty years, having issued its first policy in May, 1860, and has in the meantime issued over 32,500 policies (mainly to citizens of this State), and has paid every loss occurring under them, with as much promptness as any company what- ever.
It has ever been and yet is managed by the same president and secretary with which it started. It has been the rule and practice to be careful about the kind of risk taken, to look well into the hazard involved in any risk, both in itself and its ownership before insuring it, and then to be liberal in adjusting, and prompt in paying losses. How well they have succeeded may be judged from the fact that they refer in- quirers to the numerous policy holders of the com- pany.
Wm. C. Street is the president, Geo. R. Cowles the secretary, Geo. B. St. John, treasurer.
It leads all Insurance Companies, American and foreign, in this ; that it has a larger amount of cash assets in proportion to the amount at risk, than any other company; it has $1 in cash to every $13 at risk, and it has outstanding against it but one claim for losses, and that is in process of settlement and cannot exceed $500, and is probably less than $400.
Its rates are as low as those of any sound com- pany and its policy holders as well protected, and it invites the general public to ask its policy holders about its liberality and promptness in the case of losses, and if the replies are satisfactory to come in and take policies themselves.
Marsh, Merwin & Lemmon, agents at Bridge- port; S. Jones, agent at Danbury; E. White, agent at Stamford; Wilson, McNeil & Co., agents at New Haven; J. H. Williams & Son, agents at
Norwich; C. N. Andrew, agent at Willimantic; F. F. Street, agent at Hartford; E. N. Hubbard, agent at Middletown.
Hutchinson, Cole & Co., Star Shirt Factory. -An eminently reliable and old established house, devoted to the manufacture of Shirt Waists, etc., is that of Hutchinson, Cole & Co., who occupy factories at both Norwalk and Bridgeport, and whose salesrooms are at Nos. 746-750 Broadway, New York, under the man- agement of Messrs. Hutchinson, Pierce & Co.
The factory at Norwalk was built in 1853, since which time numerous additions have been made upon the buildings until the present, and now they have a capacity of manufacturing 150 dozen garments per day, the demand how- ever was so great that even that would not sup- ply the increasing trade of the house, they there- fore purchased, a few months ago, the large factories at Bridgeport formerly owned by the Burlock Co., which, after extensive improve ments, is now being run in connection with the Norwalk factory. The celebrated goods of this house may be found for sale by all the leading stores throughout the United States, these waists are all perfect fitting and made in the best possi- ble manner, by experienced hands. A large force of which are employed.
Everything entering into the construction of the Star Shirts and Shirt Waists is of the best material. The reputation of these celebrated "Star" goods has been fairly earned, and care is taken to maintain the high standard of excellence for which the goods bearing this brand have been noted throughout the United States. For fit, finish, durability and choice patterns of material used these goods are unsurpassed.
Frank T. Hyatt, Dentist, 8 West Avenue .- The dental operators of to-day have at their com- mand so many improved and modern facilities for the conduct of the profession, that their patients are not only relieved of a great deal of suffering, but they themselves are saved long and tedious hours of labor, and all true artists in the dental line are willing to avail themselves of any reliable appliances that will relieve the suffering or add to the comfort of their patients, and it is with pleasure that we call the attention of our readers to the establishment of Dr. Frank T. Hyatt, which is located at 8 West avenue, Nor- walk, and consists of an elegant suite of rooms, embracing reception and operating rooms and laboratory, which are handsomely fitted up and arranged for the comfort and convenience of his many patrons, while his laboratory and operat- ing room are supplied with the best and most modern facilities for the conduct of his business that are known to the dental faculty.
Dr. Hyatt is a practical Dentist of twenty-eight years' experience, having practiced in South America previous to locating here. The public are assured of perfect satisfaction of all work en- trusted to this establishment, as regards fit and natural appearance of artificial teeth and prices for all kinds of dental operations.
Dr. Frank T. Hyatt is a native of Norwalk, an experienced Dentist, and a genial and cultivated gentleman and an extensive traveler.
140
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
J. F. Peckwell, Harness Manufacturer, 7 Water Street .- In writing a commercial history of Norwalk and her present enterprises, we find some firms that have stood for a number of years, and who, by superior workmanship, have steadily gained patronage and rank among the solid and well tried houses of Norwalk. One of these is the harness and saddle establishment of Mr. J. F. Peckwell, and we are glad to call the attention of our readers to this honorable and reliable house.
Mr. Peckwell has in stock all kinds of the very best harness. He employs several skilled work- men and occupies a neat and attractive store with shop in rear, located at No. 7 Water street, where at all times can be found a complete stock of custom made Harness and Saddlery Goods, including Horse Clothing and so forth, which are sold at very liberal prices.
Mr. Peckwell is a practical man, and estab- lished his business here nine years ago. He has a large custom trade among the best class of pa- trons in the city. He is prompt in filling orders, with the best custom-made goods, which he guarantees as represented.
Mr. Peckwell is a native of Fairfield County, and is well and favorably known. In conclusion we may say that the house has established an enviable reputation for the high character of its output, and having become so well known it is unnecessary for us to add any commendation in regard to it.
The Hoyt & Olmstead Cigar Company, Incorporated, January, 1885 .- There is no artiele (if we except alcohol), over the use of which there has been more argument, entreaty, expos tulation and, we may safely add, exasperation, than there has in the case of tobacco. Queens have praise l it (it has even been called " Herbe de la Reine," or, the Queen's herb); kings have denounced it and forbidden its use under severe penalties; doctors have solemnly decided it to be a panacea for almost all diseases, and as solemn- ly thundered forth words of warning against the ' pernicious weed." And what is the result? Those who like it use it, and those who don't, leave it alone.
There are almost as many opinions as there are smokers in regard to what constitutes the proper flavor of a cigar, but those who insist upon a superior article find that the goods made by the Hoyt & Olmstead Cigar Company fill the bill every time.
Business was begun under the name of Hoyt & Olmstead in 1877, and the present company was incorporated in January, 1885.
Mr. Geo. M. Olmstead is the President, and Mr. Theron G. Hoyt, the Secretary and Treas- urer of the company, whose factory comprises three floors, 95x40 fect in dimensions. From sixty to seventy hands are employed, and some 15,000 cigars a day can be made, all by hand work exclusively, as only fine goods are manu- factured.
Mr. Olmstead is well known in his position as County Commissioner, and both he and Mr. Hoyt rank with our most popular business men.
E. Gusowski, Merohant Tailor, Gents' Fur- nishing Goods, etc., 31 Wall Street, Corner Wa- ter .- It affords us great pleasure to bring to the notice of our many readers the well-known and old established house of Mr. E. Gusowski, lo- cated at No. 31 Wall street, corner of Water street.
This enterprising gentleman established this business twenty-five years ago, and the residents of this city cannot but have observed with pride the marked increase of trade and prosperity dur- ing these years.
The premises occupied are triangular in shape, and are 20x40 feet in area. This trade is an industry upon which the influence of fashion has a special bearing, and the establishment of this house, together with the long experience and intimite knowledge of the demands of the trade possessed by the proprietor, are sufficient guar- antees that his stock contains nothing but the freshest and newest patterns and most desirable goods.
Mr. Gusowski also carries a fine assortment of Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods, etc., which he offers at the most reasonable prices.
Employment is given to several experienced assistants, and a very large custom and retail trade is done, extending throughout the city and its suburbs.
C. S. Trowbridge, Manufacturer of Paper Boxes, etc .- The manufacture of Paper Boxes in Norwalk is an important industry and has brought men of enterprise and capital to enter upon the business. Mr. C. S. Trowbridge is the only manufacturer of Paper Boxes in the city. He is enabled with his modern improved ma- chinery to put up all kinds, styles and sizes of Boxes for hats, hardware, shirts, boots, shoes and shelf purposes, at as low prices and of as good quality as any in the State. The factory occupies two floors, 32x140 feet in dimensions, in which they require a gas engine to propel their machines.
They employ the services of a large force of skilled hand-, all being under the direct man- agement of the proprietor, and all goods are war- ranted just as represented. The facilities of the house for promptly filling orders, however large, are unsurpassed : and those purchasing goods in this line may feel confident of receiving such treatment as is in accord with its honorable ca- reer.
This business was established about six years ago by Mr. Trowbridge and has been of steady growth.
Mr. Trowbridge is a native of Brooklyn and is highly spoken of throughout Norwalk.
The business is entirely of a wholesale charac- ter and is very extensive. We commend this house to the attention of our readers as one with whom they will find it a pleasure to deal.
Morris Cohen, Clothing and Gents' Furnishing Goods, 41 Main Street -This popular clothing establishment was founded by R. L. Tilton, about twelve years ago, and under the name of the New York Clothing House was successfully conducted until April 1, 1887, when the present.
141
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
proprietor succeeded to the large trade developed by his predecessors. The premises comprise two floors of the building No. 41 Main street, and are throughout attractively arranged and appointed. The stock comprises full lines of fine fashionable elothing, and everything desirable in gents fur- nishing goods, besides a fine assortment of wool- ens and other fabrics for gents' garments, of foreign and domestic manufacture, and every- thing required to complete a gentleman's ward- robe is supplied directly from the stock in trade or made to order in the most artistic style, and warranted satisfactory as to fit, workmanship and wearing qualities.
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