USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 8
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To these qualities it owes its great superiority as a "beautifier," for in its æsthetic effects on natural wood, it stands without a rival; and for churches, halls, and all cabinet finished edifices it is simply unapproachable. This fact is rec- ognized and appreciated by many prominent architects throughout the country, who, having once tested it, thenceforth invariably insert it in their specifications. It adds lustre to the very floors and walls, and with surprising versatility of adaptation its conservative effects are as pro- nounced and permanent on grained or painted work as on the natural wood. This enlarges its field of usefulness indefinitely, and welcomes it alike to the humble cottage, the imposing man- sion, or the grand cathedral; while its very moderate cost places it within the reach of the slenderest means. In view of its imperishable nature, however, it is hardly too much to say that its use would be true economy at any price.
The popularity of these preservatives among architects, builders, boatmen, etc., has necessi - tated the erection of one of the most complete factories in the country. Every facility is at hand for conducting the business on a large scale, and care is taken to keep the product of the factories up to the highest standard of excel- lence.
Hugh Stirling, Manufacturer of all kinds of Mattresses, Union Street .- Of late years such im- provement has been made in the manufacture of mattresses, that they are universally used, and when manufactured in an experienced and careful manner they will be found both durable and comfortable.
One of the largest establishments engaged in this line of manufacture is that of Mr. Hugh Stirling, formerly Gledhill & Co., whose ware- rooms are located on Union street. Here Mr. Stirling occupies a two-story building covering an area of 50x45 feet, arranged with all the most modern appliances used in the business.
Employment is given to several skilled hands, and altogether a large wholesale trade is tran- sacted.
Mr. Stirling is a native of England and is well and favorably known throughout Bridgeport as a gentleman of experience in his particular line. He is intimately connected with the public inter- ests of this city, being Common Councilman for two years and Police Commissioner for four years. He is honorable and upright in all his business dealings, and all entering into business relations with him will find them a pleasure. All his work will be found thoroughly satisfacto- ry and his terms moderate. We commend him to the notice of our readers as one worthy their respect and consideration.
67
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Charles W. McCord, Successor to McCord & Stillman, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Carpets, Oil Cloths, Mattings, Rugs, Window Shades, Upholstery Goods, etc., No. 375 Main Street .- The great advance made in popular taste and culture, as shown by the various ar- ticles of household adornment and utility, is one of the most significant signs of the times, and in no department of house-furnishing is the result of such progress and discrimination more mani- fest than in that relating to floor covering of various kinds. The gaudy and . bizarre patterns in carpets, for instance, once so universal and prevalent, are now seldom seen unless we search in some auction room or other repository of cast- away and superseded goods. An establishment wherein the most fashionable and modern de- signs in carpetings, oil cloths, mattings, rugs, etc., are sure to be found is that of Mr. Charles W. McCord, located at No. 375 Main street.
This gentleman began business in May, 1886, under the firm name of McCord & Stillman, but as Mr. Stillman retired a few months ago, he now carries on the establishment alone.
Mr. McCord was born in this city, and has had a large experience in his present business. His store is at 375-377-379 Main street, and is fully stocked with the goods above-mentioned; a magnificent assortment of draperies, upholstery goods, window shades, etc., being also on hand.
Mr. McCord is the agent in Bridgeport for the celebrated Lowell carpets.
The New York Decorator and Furnisher says of these: "A Lowell carpet, on the other hand, is, so far as the weight, durability and fineness of the fabric are concerned, the same as in our grandmothers' days. Every decline in price has been overcome by improved processes and the in- troduction of more rapid machinery. It only differs from the carpet of half a century ago in the improvement which has been made in all manufacturing processes, and of which the Lowell Company has been among the first to avail itself. In fact, had it not been for the en- lightened liberality of this concern it is doubtful whether Mr. Bigelow would ever have been able to perfect the power loom, which laid the found- ation of the modern carpet industry. Amid all the vicissitudes of trade, no matter how keen the competition at home or from abroad, without re- gard to tariffs, either on competing goods or on the raw material, the Lowell carpet has always been the same and has always been quoted as the standard. Very few outside the trade have any idea how bitter has been the fight to maintain its right to this supremacy. The ladies of '47, like those of '87, were wont to feel for the hollow stick, which even then was a distinguishing mark of Lowell goods, and it was not till the company took the matter to the United States Court that it was able to establish its right even to a trade mark. Year after year it has been employing a corps of the best trained designers it could find in any quarter of the world, and year after year, in spite of the quasi protection of the Patent Laws, it has seen its best patterns produced in inferior goods, not only by a thousand cheap looms of Philadelphia, but by the best manufac- turing skill of England. But it has never faltered in its straightforward course.
Meanwhile the methods of the company have | received.
been those which belong to the best school of mercantile integrity. No dealer ever makes a claim for shortage in Lowell goods, for he is aware that the piece invariably overruns the the ticket mark, and that the answer to his claim will invariably be, 'Send it back.'"
Mr. MeCord employs ten efficient assistants, and courteous and prompt service is guaranteed to every customer.
Geo. K. Birdsey, Manufacturer and Jobber in Teas, Coffees, Spices and Grocers' Sundries, Nos. 438 and 440 Water Street .- The wholesale tea and coffee business of Mr. Geo. K. Birdsey was established in 1854 by H. Wales, succeeded some years after by Birdsey & Wales and fourteen years ago Mr. Birdsey assumed the entire control and has succeeded in developing the business greatly by shrewd management and experience.
From ten to fifteen men are employed in the various departments of the business. The store which is located at Nos. 438 and 440 Water street comprises a four-story building covering an area of 40x90 feet and fitted with all necessary improvements for the promotion of the business. The large orders which are daily received are filled with invariable promptness and dispatch and the store presents a scene of continual busi- ness activity that finds a counterpart in but few of the leading establishments of the city. The most efficient personal supervision is exercised in all the varied details of the business. The build- ing is large and commodious, abundantly pro- vided with all modern improvements and well fitted up with all requisite machinery. This house does a large business in roasting coffees and grinding spices for which it possesses all adequate machinery and fixtures. Mr. Birdsey has also in stock at all times a particularly fine assortment of grocer's sundries which have given uniform satisfaction to the trade. He also carries a choice line of tobacco and cigars.
Mr. Birdsey is a native of Connecticut and is widely and favorably known.
James H. Scribner & Co., Rooms 10 and 11 Connecticut Bank Building, Bridgeport, Real Estate and Insurance .-- The prominent real es- tate firm of James H. Scribner & Co., located in the Connecticut Bank Building on Main street, rooms 10 and 11, began business in the city Jan- uary 1st, 1887. These gentlemen make a spe- cialty of real estate in which they have already built up a suprisingly large trade. The office quarters are convenient of access and the accom- modations are all that is necessary for the needs of the business. The firm transact business in every kind of real estate, buying, selling and ex- changing houses, lots and land, they also repre- sent a number of reliable insurance companies, among which we would mention the Equitable Life Assurance Society and the Newark Fire Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J., both old and reliable companies. They also represent the well known firm of Cochran & Walsh, general finan- cial agents of St. Paul and Duluth, Minn. This firm have every reason to feel encouraged at their present favorable prospects for success. They are progressive, public-spirited gentlemen, worthy of the liberal patronage which they have thus far
68
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
PEMBROKE SHIRT MANUFACTORY
CUSTOM STEAM LAUNDRY
301 O.E.LINDSLEY 128
Pembroke Custom Laundry, 28 and 30 Fair- field Avenue, Bridgeport .- Among the many and varied industries which give employment to many of our people is the laundry business, and prominent in the business in Bridgeport is the Pembroke Custom Steam Laundry, conducted by Mr. O. E. Lindsley. This establishment was started at the location now occupied in 1870 by its present proprietor, at
28 and 30 Fairfield avenue. This extensive work is devoted to the laundrying of all kinds of underwear. A speci- alty is made of collars, cuffs and shirts, also ladies fine wear and family clothes are laundried in the best style, and at short notice and reason- able rates.
Mr O. E. Lindsley gives personal attention to the management of this establishment, and every department is systematically arranged, and the utmost care is taken in assorting and returning clothes that none shall be lost or miscarried. Many families avail themselves of the advantages of such an establishment as they are saved all the trouble and inconvenience of the washing and ironing days at home. In May, 1870, Mr. Lindsley started in the business of shirt making and laundering. In 1874, he began laundering collars and cuffs as a specialty for the custom trade, his laundry being the first ever established in Bridgeport. The Pembroke shirt manufac- tory and custom steam laundry owned by Mr. Lindsley is a building 20x100 feet and contains five floors. He has twelve branch offices, and employs between 150 and 200 hands during the busy season. lle is a thorough business man, and by strict attention to business has earned deserved success.
J. S. Cairoli, D. D. S., Graduate of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, Office, 398 Main St., Opposite Cannon .- Just why the delicate nerves that connect the teeth with the brain are so acutely sensitive is a question which many a | fact is appreciated.
hapless sufferer has asked himself when there was sufficient intermission between the horrible twinges from his aching molars to allow the coherency of his reasoning powers to be restored. It is a well known fact that men who have gained national renown for heroic courage on the field of battle have proved weak as women and unmistakably shown the white feather when seated in the dentist's chair.
Still, the wonderful discoveries made by mod- ern science have included many in the field of dentistry, and by the aid of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and improved instruments and appliances, dental operations have been robbed of almost all their terrors. Skilled practitioners only, however, should be patronized, and one of the most prominent of these in this city is J. S. Cairoli, D. D. S., a graduate of the Maryland College of Dental Surgery, whose office is at No. 398 Main street, opposite Cannon.
Dr. Cairoli has practiced his profession here for twenty-two years and enjoys a very large and select patronage. His rooms are finely fitted up, being supplied with all the most improved appli- ances for the practice of dentistry, and all work is done promptly, skillfully and at reason- able rates.
A. Krouse & Brothers, Engravers, Die Sinkers and Stencil Cutters, Modelers, Chasers and Mould Makers, Rubber Stamps, etc., of every descrip- tion, 243 and 245 Water Street .- A house which has gained an enviable reputation for the high grade of workmanship displayed in its various manufactures is that of A. Krouse & Brothers, doing business at Nos. 243 and 2445 Water street.
This enterprise was established in 1876 by Mr. A. Krouse, who carried it on alone up to two years ago, when the firm became what it now is. The work done comprises engraving, die sink- ing and stencil cutting, burning brands and modeling, chasing and mould making is also carried on. The manufacture of Rubber Stamps and also white metal castings is made a specialty of, and cane and umbrella mountings, toys, novelties and Britannia ware are also made in large quantities.
Having fitted up a first-class gold, silver and nickel-plating establishment, and having better facilities in turning out work, they would inform manufacturers and the public that it will be their policy to turn out nothing but first-class work, and at prices that will be satisfactory. Having had a number of years experience, they can safely state to manufacturers that the work will be done properly and attentively in all their branches. Brassing, coppering and oxydizing are done in the most expeditious and thorough manner.
The premises occupied are 60x100 feet in di- mensions, and furnished with steam-power; em- ployment being given to twenty hands.
The firm consists of Messrs. Andrew, George and Louis Krouse, natives of New York, and well-known citizens of Bridgeport.
This establishment enjoys the very best facili- ties for turning out the finest work at the lowest rates, and the extent of its trade shows how this
69
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
The Copeland Bros. Co., Dealers in Dry Goods and Carpets, 411, 413, 415 and 417 Main Street, and No. 101 Fairfield Avenue .- Eligibly located on the principal shopping thoroughfare in the city is The Copeland Bros. Co., one of Bridgeport's most attractive dry goods establish- ments.
Its long, prosperous carcer, extending over a period of twenty-seven or more years, and the fine assortment of goods constantly in stock at most reasonable prices have done much toward establishing the enviable reputation it now holds.
The original founders of this business were Messrs. Palmer, McCord & Johnson, and after several slight changes it was incorporated as a stock company, under the present title, in 1886, Mr. G. Copeland, of New York, holding the office of president, while Mr. J. C. Copeland is treasurer, Mr. James Bracken, secretary. These gentlemen comprise the directors.
The premises occupy two floors of a fine building, located at Nos. 411, 413, 415 and 417 Main street, 60 feet front, and extends back 185 feet, with a side entrance at 101 Fairfield avenue. The store is fitted up with the most modern im- provements for the prosecution of their large trade, which is both wholesale and retail.
They give employment to upwards of fifty experienced clerks, and deal not only in dry goods of every conceivable kind, but also have a department devoted exclusively to the sale of «carpets, etc. Here will be found the very latest and most exclusive designs in carpets of all grades at most reasonable prices.
Their dry goods department, which is located on the first floor, is stocked continually with one of the finest assortments of goods in the city. Dress goods of every description, from calicos to velvets, hosiery, underwear, millinery, laces, trimmings, etc., in great abundance, and as low as they can be bought for elsewhere.
Knowing how widely the reputation of this house has spread, we can but feel that any fur- ther remarks at our hands would be super- fluous.
Chas. Cartwright, Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, :387 Main Street (2 Doors below Cannon.)-There are many establishments in this city devoted to the sale of boots and shoes, but the oldest and one .of the most absolutely reliable, is that conducted by Mr. Charles Cartwright, at No. 387 Main .street, two doors below Cannon. This gentle- man started in business twenty-six years ago, and has built up a very large and thriving trade by reason of the intelligent and honorable man- ner in which he has served his customers.
His store is 20x80 feet in dimensions, and con- tains a very large and finely selected stock of boots, shoes and rubbers of all descriptions and prices. It is well appointed, and four very cour- teous and painstaking assistants are at hand to serve patrons promptly and well.
Mr. Cartwright, owing to his long experience, is enabled to anticipate and fully meet the wants of the public in the various goods in which he deals. A very fine assortment of ladies' shoes is shown, comprising goods specially adapted to ·street and party wear, and the latest novelties in this department are early at hand. For gentle-
men, Congress, Balmorals and many other styles are in stock, and the children are by no means forgotten, for a full line of school and street shoes is at hand to meet their special wants. All goods are warranted, and the prices are moderate and just.
R. T. Whiting, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, 345 Main Street .- In compiling the various industries of Bridgeport, the retail grocery trade assumes a decided importance. Among those who supply fresh groceries is the house of R. T. Whiting, located at No. 345 Main street, and well stocked with staple and fancy groceries, flour, provisions, canned goods, etc. The business was established in 1874 by Prindle & Whiting, being succeeded in 1880 by the pres- ent management, and it is but fair to say this is the leading house in its line in Bridgeport, and the facilities enjoyed for obtaining goods is un- surpassed by any house in the city. Being in direct communication with farmers and pro- ducers, he is in receipt of a fresh assortment of seasonable fruits and vegetables. Goods are sold in large or small quantities to suit purchasers. The store is spacious and finely appointed throughout, covering an area of 24x100 feet, and giving employment to eight capable assistants, who are busily engaged waiting on their numer- ons customers. Mr. Whiting is a native of Bridge- port, and one of its most esteemed citizens, he is a gentleman of unfailing courtesy and has won many friends among the business men of the city, and established a reputation for the highest in- tegrity and fair dealing. He fully deserves the extensive and lucrative patronage he receives.
New England Steam Cracker Bakery, also A. W. Wallace's Variety Bakery, 173 and 175 State Street .- An enterprise of vast importance to our city is the establishment of the "New England Steam Cracker Bakery" which is a repre- sentative house, the largest in its line in the State.
The business was established in 1853 by Mr. A. W. Wallace, the present proprietor, and has been more than successful in its operations, its products being in great demand all over the country.
The store-room is 30x90 feet in dimensions which together with a large steam bakery in the rear is fully equipped with all needed machinery of most modern style to conduct the business which is both wholesale and retail. The motive power is steam, and employment is given to twenty-five experienced hands.
The premises are located at Nos. 173 and 175 State street and here they manufacture every thing that is made from flour, from a penny roll to loaves and elaborate wedding cakes, crackers of all descriptions, etc. This company are in a condition to fill any orders, no matter how large, as the capacity of their factory is many barrels of flour per day and their goods equal to any and superior to most goods in New England.
Mr. Wallace is a gentleman of ability and an old experienced baker fully capable of managing so gigantic an enterprise, and it is with pleasure that we refer our readers to this house as one they will be pleased and profited by dealing with.
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
LOT
V . PARK CITY
HOUSE
454:456
PORT. CONT
IDGEP
·
The Park City Clothing House opened its doors to the public May 9th, 1887. This house is owned by the well known clothing manufac- turers, Messrs. Whitten, Burdett & Young of Boston, and is under the management of Mr. Andrew F. West, a practical clothier of many years experience. Under his supervision the store, Nos. 454 and 456 Main street, has been fit- ted up in the most tasteful manner and is pro- nounced by all to be the finest store of the kind in the State. By Mr. West's gentlemanly man- ner and his untiring efforts to attract and please the public, he has gained many friends, and the Park City Clothing House is fast com- ing to be a household word. Here may be found a stock of clothing, hats and men's outfittings that is first class in every particular. In cloth- ing for men, boys and children, they show goods of only their own production, the finest grades of domestic and foreign fabrics, gotten up with every regard to prevailing fashions and fully equal to the best custom work. The children's department is a feature, and is filled with as choice an assortment for little ones as can be seen in any large city. This house has the ex- clusive sale of many of the best makes of men's outfittings in the way of neck-wear, underwear, flannel and dress shirts, silk umbrellas and canes, etc., etc. In fact it is an establishment of which Bridgeport may well be proud.
James Staples & Co., Bankers and Brokers, Real Estate and Insurance Agents, 207 State Street .- In writing a descriptive review of the various enterprises which contribute materially to the general advancement of our business inter- ests, we desire to call attention to the well known establishment of James Staples & Co., No. 207 State street.
They conduct at the above place a legitimate Banking and general Real Estate and Insurance business, local investment securities being made a specialty, and drafts issued on England, Scot- land, Ireland, Germany, France and all Euro- pean countries where a bank or banker may be found. In the real estate and insurance depart- ment of the business they buy and sell all kinds of property on commission, and place insurance in well known and responsible companies. As real estate men their long aud varied experience
has made them well acquainted with the value and location of the most desirable property in. the city and surroundings. They understand insurance in all its branches and can give as. many advantages to patrons in fire insurance as any agency in the city. Their promptness in adjusting all losses makes them quite popular- with policy holders generally. They represent the following staunch and reliable companies :. American, Continental, Germania, Hanover, Mechanic's and Niagara of New York. Ameri- can of N. J., Middlesex Mutual of Connecticut ;. American of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia; Imperial, London & Lancashire, Northern and. Royal of England, Northwestern of Wisconsin, and the Lloyd's Plate Glass of New York.
The foundation of this business was laid twen- ty-eight years ago, being under the present man- agement for the past three years. The location of the elegant offices of this enterprise is one of the most central and convenient that could have- beeu chosen.
The individual members of the firm are. Messrs. James Staples, P. L. Holzer and F. T. Staples; Mr. James Staples is a native of Maine,. the others of Connecticut, and are all well and favorably known throughout this city and vicinity.
It is with no small pleasure that we call the at- tention of our readers to enterprises of this char- acter knowing they will be pleased and profited by business relations with such.
E. T. Doolittle, Dealer in Hydraulic Cement. Sewer and Drain Pipe, Ornamental Chimney Tops, Well Curbs, Stench Traps, Connections, etc.,. also Contractor, 43 South Avenue, Corner Broad Street .- Unquestionably one of the triumphs achieved by science in modern times is proved by the immense reduction of the death rate in the- large cities where men are hived together in large numbers. No one condition is of itself more un- favorable to health and long living than is this massing of humanity, and that the evils arising from this cause have been so thoroughly diseov- ered and reduced to a minimum is due the high- er average of human life to-day. First and fore- most in these great cities comes the question of drainage, for unless that is skillfully and abund- antly provided for, health and comfort are un- attainable. Many materials have been proposed, and used for sewer and drain pipe, but the severe test for years has undoubtedly pronounced in: favor of hydraulic cement as it is strong, non- absorbent and comparatively cheap. A Bridge port house dealing very largely in this and kin- dred goods is that conducted by Mr. E. T. Doo little, at No. 43 South avenue, corner of Broad street. Established twenty-two years ago by Mr. S. E. Todd, the business has been in the hands- of its present owner for the last ten years. A. store 20x50 feet is occupied; from twelve to. twenty hands are employed, and a very large- business is done in sewer and drain pipe. Orna- mental chimney tops, well curbs, traps, connec- tions, etc. A specialty is made of well pipe. Mr. Doolittle is also prepared to contract for the construction of sewers, laying drains, digging wells, eementing floors and general jobbing. He is a native of this State and has had a long ex- perience in the business.
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