USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 9
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71
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
S. Loewith & Co., Notary Public, Real Estate, Insurance, European Steamship and General Commission Agents, 33 Bank St .- As the manage- ment of a real estate or an insurance business re- quires the person in charge to be of keen per- ception, prompt in action, and of good sound judgment in regard to the property in question, we feel that we can commend no more capable person in whose care to entrust the management or insurance of property than Mr. S. Loewith, whose office is located at 33 Bank street. He es tablished his business in this city in 1883, under the firm name of S. Loewith & Co., and in the four years of its existence Mr. Loewith, who is sole proprietor, has succeeded in establishing an exten- sive and lucrative business as Notary Public, Real Estate, Insurance and European steamship agent, also General Commission agent representing the following lines: North German Lloyd, Hamburg American Packet, Hamburg Union, Red Star, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Transatlantic Havre, Baltic Line, Inman Line. Drafts and bank money orders issued on all parts of Europe at lowest rates.
From its inception Mr. Loewith has character- ized all his transactions with such an upright policy, that the citizens of Bridgeport and sub- plete plumbing and gas-fitting establishments. urban towns have every reason to feel that they .can trust implicitly in his honesty and integrity. His charges are light, and his methods are ad- mirable for the management of important and responsible business entrusted to his judgment.
Mr. S. Loewith is a native of Bohemia, but well and favorably known in this country and city. Ile converses in seven languages, and his services are in frequent demand as interpreter.
Stegeman & Whetstine, Grocers and Wine Merchants, 390 Main Street .- The importance of an enterprise of this character in a large city like Bridgeport is too apparent to need comment. We have here a business devoted to the grocery and wine trade, an industry of great importance to the thrift of the city and serving an important purpose in the community.
The house of Stegeman & Whetstine, Grocers
and Wine Merchants, was established by them in August, 1880. They occupy a nicely arranged and well-stocked store, located at 390 Main street, covering an area of 20x75 feet, where they are prepared to offer to citizens of Bridgeport on advantageous terms a superior quality of staple and fancy groceries, including the best brands of flour, teas, coffees, spices, sugar, etc., comprising all goods carried by a first-class grocer, and in connection with the grocery business, Messrs. Stegeman & Whetstine are extensive wine mer- clrants and deal largely in domestic and foreign productions. They are also bottlers of Rupert's extra beer, and agents for original Budweiser.
The trade of this house is steadily increasing, and its resources are ample to meet all demands made upon it, and its policy entitles it to the consideration of the trade, who will find assured advantages in dealing here.
They also have in connection with their grocery business a buffet, located at 296 Main street, which is one of the largest and finest places in the city or in the State, covering an area of 20x75, with basement, employing three assistants.
They are agents for Joseph Schiltz's celebrated lager beer, which they are bottling for families and hotels, and also direct agents for Sherwood's pure malt whiskies, which they bottle to a great extent for families.
Mr. H. C. Stegeman and David Whetstine are energetic men of business.
Benjamin & Eames, Plumbing, Steam and Gas Fitting, Tin and Sheet Iron Work, Agents for Gold's Patent Steam Heaters, Knowles' Steam Pump, etc., No. 434 Water Street .- Among the prosperous business houses of Bridgeport, whose extensive operations and well established reputa- tion entitles them to our most favorable consid- eration, we note with pleasure the one above named, the character and extent of whose busi- ness furnishes a fitting example of that class of houses whose success is the best evidence we can offer of the claims of this thriving city to the consideration of the patronizing public.
The enterprise whose business card heads this article was established in 1881 by its present pro- prietors, Messrs. Benjamin & Eames, and from its inception has enjoyed a steadily increasing busi- ness, and is to-day ranked among our most com-
The premises utilized for the business are lo- cated at 434 Water street and are 30x70 feet in di- mensions. Here a large and complete stock of plumbing and gas-fitting materials may be found. In connection with the plumbing, steam and gas- fitting business, Messrs. Benjamin & Eames do an extensive business in tin and sheet iron work. They are also agents for Gold's patent steam heater, Knowles' steam pumps, etc.
The extent to which their business has reached requires the employment of from fifteen to twen- ty skilled workmen, and Messrs. Benjamin & Eames being practical men of business, all work entrusted to this house is guaranteed to be per- formed in the best manner possible and perfect satisfaction warranted.
Mr. J. C. Benjamin is a native of Connecticut and C. S. Eames of Massachusetts. They are both well and favorably known in Bridgeport.
72
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Bridgeport Corset Co., Noble Avenue .- A leading house in the manufacture of corsets is that conducted under the above title by I. W. Birds- eye & Co.
This business was originally started by Mr. Birdseye in 1865 and the first factory was located in Birmingham where it is still conducted. The business which started twenty-two years ago has grown rapidly and in 1879 the Bridgeport factory was opened, which is 200x40 feet in size and five stories in height.
Here every facility that years of experience can suggest and ample capital procure is at hand. The machinery which is of improved design and workmanship is operated by a steam engine of fifty horse-power. Water power is used at the Birmingham factory, which is 125x40 feet and four stories. Some 450 skilled operators are given employment and the product of the facto- ries is shipped to every section of the United States, the selling agents being J. G. Fitzpatrick & Co., 89 Leonard street, New York.
The corsets manufactured by this company are of a high grade of quality, finish, fit and durabil- ity. The richest and most expensive dress will not show to advantage unless a well-fitting pair of corsets is worn, and none will keep their shape better or wear longer than the popular makes turned out by the Bridgeport Corset Com- pany.
Every care is taken in the purchase of the ma- terial and in the thorough inspection of the work through the different processes of manufacture. This has resulted in maintaining, unimpaired, the reputation of the house for quality and general excellence of goods manufactured, and to this fact is due the large trade of the firm which is now among the largest of the kind in the United States.
Mr. Birdseye is a native of Huntington, Fair- field county, Connecticut, and a gentleman well and favorably known in Birmingham and in Bridgeport, where he has resided since 1880.
Rogers & Morford, Wholesale Grocers, But- ter, Cheese and Commission Merchants, Nos. 469, 471, 473 and 475 Water Street .- Standing in the front rank in this line is the well-known house conducted by Rogers & Morford, situated at Nos. 469 to 475 Water street.
The building occupied by them consists of five stories 50x110 feet in dimensions and is entirely filled with a complete stock of goods in their line of trade, embracing sugars, coffees, teas, flour, etc. They a'so deal extensively in butter and- cheese and are also agents for Pillsbury's flour and Pratt's astral oil. Their prices are the very lowest to be obtained in this city for first class goods.
A rapidly increasing interest in this house is manifested by dealers, and the facilities for sup. plying them upon favorable terms are unsurpass- ed by any wholesale and retail establishment in this line in Bridgeport.
A large force of assistants are employed and they have also in connection with their business an Otis steam elevator with a capacity of 4000 lbs.
This well-known house was established in 1876 by Mr. Noah Rogers, having been under the present management since 1881. It is one of the most reliable houses in the city. The business is
conducted in the most prompt and systematic style and meets that liberal patronage which gives to it a commanding influence.
The members of the firm are Messrs. Noah, Rogers & Geo. Morford, both reliable gentlemen .. With an activity and industry that knows no pause, they have made their house a favorite one for those who appreciate the advantages they offer in quality, quantity and prices. We be- speak for them a continuance of the patronage- they so well deserve.
Dwight H. Terry, Investment Securities, Office No. 69 State Street, next East of Pequon -- nock Bank .- In this work of the commercial resources and industrial advance of the city, it will not be out of place for us to speak of the business of a gentleman, who for so many years. has been actively engaged in the insurance busi- ness, and in the sale of investment securities. We- refer to Mr. Dwight H. Terry, who established his business here in 1867, and has so conducted it that to-day he stands among the leading busi- ness men of Bridgeport.
The premises occupied by him consist of a fine office 30x25 feet in dimensions, and is located at 69 State street.
Mr. Terry at present devotes his energies to. the transaction of the insurance business to a limited extent only, giving his principal attention to the sale of Western farm mortgages, in which. he is considered a reliable and trustworthy au- thority. He also officiates as notary public.
Mr. Terry is a native of Plymouth, Connecti- cut, but has been a resident of Bridgeport for twenty years, and is a highly respected member of both social and business circles of this com- munity.
J. E. Howes, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in. Paper, Paper Bags, Twines and Butter Dishes, 48 Middle Street, Standard Building .- One of the- class of pushing, enterprising merchants to whom Bridgeport owes in a great measure her commer- cial supremacy is Mr. J. E. Howes, whose place- of business is located at No. 48 Middle street, Standard Building.
This gentleman is a native of the city in which he does business and founded his present estab- lishment about a year ago. He carries on a wholesale and retail trade in paper, paper bags, twines and butter dishes, and tags, envelopes, writing pads, etc.
He occupies premises very centrally located at 48 Middle street. Mr. Howes brought to his en- terprise a vigor, energy and intelligence which demanded and deserved success, and that his ex- pectation in this respect have been more that re- alized is a fact which, in view of all the circum- stances attending the case, is much more gratify- ing than it is surprising. A large and well- selected stock of the various articles dealt in is . carried, and Mr. Howes is prepared at all times to meet reasonable competition, as he keeps a sharp eye on the market he is ever prepared to meet whatever exigencies may arise.
An ample force of assistants is on hand and all orders will be given prompt and pains-taking at- tention. Mr. Alex Morrisey who has been iden- tified for many years with the paper business, represents Mr. Howes on the road.
73
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
C. H. Bennett Dealer in Boots and Shoes, 339 Main Street, next City Bakery .- The establish- ment known as "Bennett's Mammoth One Price Boot and Shoe Store" is well known and too high - ly regarded by the residents of this city to require extended mention by us, were it not for the fact that the importance of this model enterprise de- mands suitable recognition in this account of the city's industrial growth.
Mr. Bennett started in business in 1878 and very soon established a large and desirable pat- ronage, which has steadily increased until it has become an important factor in Bridgeport's retail trade.
The store occupied is 30x100 feet in dimen- sions and contains a magnificent and admirably selected stock of boots, shoes, rubbers, etc. Mr. Bennett evidently believes in quick sales and small profits, for he offers ladies' best French kid button shoes, the best fitting goods in the market and fully warranted, at the absurdly low figure of $3.50, and ladies' dongola, curacoa, kid and glove top button in common sense and opera toe at $2.00 and $2.50.
Four courteous and experienced salesmen are employed and prompt and careful attention is shown to all customers. A full line of goods for men is also in stock and is offered at very low rates.
Mr. Bennett is a native of Plainfield, Connecti- cut, and is one of the most pushing and ener- getic of Bridgeport's men of business.
S. H. Gage & Co., Brokers, Bishop Block, Bridgeport, Conn., United Bank Building, Dan- bury. Stocks, Grain, Provisions and Petroleum, Bought and Sold in Fractional Lots and on Mar- gins to suit customers .- A recently established but already successful brokerage firm in this city is that of S. H. Gage & Co., whose offices are in Bishop Block.
This enterprise was started on the 1st of Jan- uary, 1887, and has already proved itself to be worthy of the highest confidence and most liberal patronage. Stocks, grain, provisions and petro- leum are bought and sold in fractional lots and margins to suit customers, and as the offices have telephone connection and the use of private wires to New York and Chicago, exceptional ad- vantages are offered to those wishing to make in- vestments in any of the articles mentioned. Mr. S H. Gage, who is the resident member of the firm, has had much experience in this line of business and enjoys a very high reputation for probity, energy and business shrewdness. He is a keen and discriminating judge of the stock and produce markets and is well known among in- vestors of the New York and Chicago exchanges. All orders will receive prompt and careful atten- tion and instructions may be given with the surety that they will be followed to the letter.
An elegant suite of rooms is occupied by this firm and the comfort and convenience of its patrons are everywhere consulted.
A branch office has been recently opened in United Bank Building, Danbury, which is in charge of the other partner, Mr. Edward Banks. As the two offices are connected by private wire, equal advantages are offered as at the main office, and orders will receive the same prompt and careful attention.
E. S. Belknap, Dealer in Teas, Coffees, Spices, Sugars, 488 Main Street .- This establishment is probably one of the leading stores in the city devoted exclusively to the tea, coffee, and spice trade.
This enterprise was first established in 1876 as a tea company, and was conducted as such until January, 1887, when Mr. E. S. Belknap assumed proprietorship, and has since been conducted in such an enterprising business spirit that it has become the popular house with those who use nothing but the best quality of goods in this line. The store is eligibly located. at 488 Main street, and well stocked with the finest grades of teas, coffee, spices, sugars, etc. The large retail trade of this house requires the employment of three thoroughly competent clerks, who are prompt and efficient in the transactions of all their duties.
The store, which is 24x50 feet in size, is at- tractively fitted up, and patrons are presented with an elegant gift in crockery, etc., when pur- chasing goods, and the fact of this feature of the business being so generously carried out draws many to the store who would probably not have been numbered among its customers.
The excellent quality of the goods sold here, which is proved by a trial of them, has extended the trade to all parts of the city and suburban towns.
Mr. E. S. Belknap is an active, enterprising business man and representative citizen.
New York Butter House, F. I. Hitchcock, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Butter, Cheese and Eggs, 44 Fairfield Avenue .- If there one branch or department of general is commerce that is of more importance than the produce trade then we plead ignorance of it. Because it deals exclusively with the necessities of every day life it seems to us pre-eminent, and in considering the relative value of commercial interests, those which contribute most largely to the supply of the actual necessities of mankind are entitled to be regarded as the most import- ant. A representative house engaged in the butter, cheese and egg trade in Bridgeport is that of the New York Butter House, F. I. Hitchcock, proprietor, located at No. 44 Fairfield avenue, which was established in 1877 by Mr. Hitchcock and has been conducted in an eminently success- ful manner.
The premises of the firm consist of a store 24x50 feet in dimensions, which affords ample accommodation for the storage of stock. Mr. Hitchcock transacts a large wholesale and retail trade throughout this section of the State and has established a well earned reputation for keeping a first-class line of goods at moderate prices. His specialties are butter, cheese and eggs. These goods he receives direct from dairy- men and are therefore absolutely pure and un- adulterated. Shipments are received almost daily and the trade may at all times find the freshest and choicest goods of this character at this establishment.
Four assistants are employed and all orders are promptly and carefully filled.
Mr. Hitchcock is a native of Connecticut and may be considered as identified with the interests of this city in the broadest sense.
74
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
Standard Cab Co., Central Office 433 Main Street, corner Fairfield avenue, F. H. Vann & Co., Proprietors .- One of the most popular modes of conveyance in this city is that afforded by the Standard Cab Company, whose central office is located in Charles E. Shelton's drug store, at No. 433 Main street, corner Fairfield avenue, and a branch office at C. A. Dorman's livery stable, 403 Broad (head of Bank.) This en- terprising company which is the original pioneer line is always prepared to furnish cabs at short notice and their rates are most reasonable, being but $1.00 per hour or may be hired by the trip. Orders by mail, telephone or telegraph promptly attended to and only the most reliable men are employed as drivers, they being selected with great care as to sobriety, honesty, careful driv- ing, and courtesy toward passengers. This enter- prising company have every facility for their busi- ness, occupying a fine stable, admirably arranged and neatly kept, a large force of competent men are employed and every convenience is at hand for the care of horses and cabs.
They are also prepared to furnish coaches for weddings, receptions and funerals at popular prices and at short notice. Mr. F. H. Vann, the superintendent, is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Elks. He is also general agent for the Horse Owners Mutual Benefit and Indemnity society. Every owner of a horse should protect their horses against accident and death from any cause by insuring in this popular company.
For weddings, receptions, calling, etc., they have some elegant new Victoria Hansoms, which for elegance and ease cannot be excelled. These are furnished at the same rates as the cabs.
The proprietors of this establishment are Messrs. F. H. Vann & Co., gentlemen of enterprise and business ability, well able to manage an im- portant business such as this is. No better regu- lated or more complete cab service can be found in any city than that of the Standard Cab Co. of Bridgeport, and it is one of which the citizens may well be proud.
Banking House of T. L. Watson & Co., 355 Main Street .- A banking house which has been prominently identified with Bridgeport's com- mercial prosperity during the past twenty years is that conducted by T. L. Watson & Co. at No. 355 Main street.
It was established by Messrs. Hatch & Watson in 1867, and was carried on by these gentlemen until the death of Mr. Hatch, which occurred about ten years ago, since when the business has been continued under the present style. This house is a great favorite with investors by reason
of its reliability and promptness in filling orders, and thus enjoys a large and increasing patronage. Stocks, Grain, Provisions and Pretroleum are- bought and sold for cash, or on margins to suit customers, and on account of its long establish- ment and extensive acquaintance among promi- nent operators, etc., it possesses exceptional ad- vantages in attending to the instructions of cus- tomers as regards these articles. Private tele- graphic communication is had with the exchanges of New York and Chicago and the other princi- pal exchanges of the country, so that early and reliable information as to the state of the market in these centers is assured and orders readily and. securely placed. T. L. Watson & Co. receive deposits subject to check at sight and allow inter- est on daily balances at rate of three per cent., and in this department of their business they have- about a thousand depositors.
They make collections of drafts, notes, divi- dends and coupons throughout the United States and Canada and issue drafts on the principal cities of England, France, Germany, etc. They deal in government bonds and investment securi- tics, also seven per cent. Western Farm Loans of undoubted security.
Colonel Watson is one of our best known and. most public spirited citizens and enjoys to the highest degree the confidence and esteem of the business community. The evidence of his popu- larity and ability is shown by the many appoint- ments to positions of responsibility and trust he- is now filling.
He is the senior member of the flourishing banking house of Watson & Gilson, New York; second vice president of the Consolidated Stock and Petroleum Exchange of New York; presi- dent of two Gas Light companies: Colonel of the Fourth Regiment Connecticut National Guard; President of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society, etc.
The house of T. L. Watson & Co. is carefully organized in all its departments and has ample facilities and abundant capital for the transaction of conservative banking in all its branches.
B. Shoninger & Co., New Haven, Conn., Manufacturers of the Celebrated Shoninger Up- right Pianos and Organs. General State Agents.
for the Weber, Emerson and Wheelock Pianos, Branch Warerooms removed to 42 Fairfield Ave- nue, II. M. Copp, Manager .- Great improvements.
75
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.
have been made of late years in the construction of musical instruments, and the utmost resources of art, of skill and of science are brought to bear upon their manufacture. In Bridgeport, noted for its culture and refinement, are several estab- lishments devoted to the sale of pianos and or- gans, and in this connection we desire to call the attention of our readers to the Bridgeport agency of B. Shoninger & Co., New Haven.
This agency, whose manager is Mr. H. M. .Copp, is located at No. 42 Fairfield avenue. Here can be seen one of the best selected stocks ·of the celebrated Shoninger upright pianos and organs; the Shoninger Co. being also the gen- eral State agents for the Weber, Emerson and Wheelock pianos.
This branch was founded some six years ago and Mr. Copp has since conducted it in an emi- nently successful manner to both himself and his customers and his prices are the very lowest to be obtained for first-class instruments.
Mr. Copp is a native of Connecticut, possesses a practical experience of sixteen years with this company as manager of different warerooms, and by his energy, enterprise and liberal dealing, has secured a large trade and established a repu- tation second to no other dealer in the city.
The Bridgeport Bottling Company, Manu- facturers of Lemon Soda, Sarsaparilla, and Bel- fast Ginger Ale, Mineral Waters in Syphons, Lager, Ale and Porter Bottled Expressly for Family Use, 509 and 511 Water Street. Atlantic Hotel Building, Rohrback & Boyle Proprietors. -Lager beer seems to have been from the earliest antiquity, the beverage that assimilated closest to the hygienic necessities of man, but the time when beer was first manufactured is wrapped in the dim chronology of the past.
The enterprise which we are desirous of call- ing the attention of the citizens of Bridgeport to is that of the Bridgeport Bottling Company, which was established in 1880, and is located at 509 and 511 Water street, in the Atlantic Hotel Building, and covers an ares of 30x40 feet. The proprietors of the above-named company arc Messrs. Rohrback & Boyle, who are manufac- turers of lemon soda, sarsaparilla and Belfast gin- ger ale, mineral water in syphons, also lager beer, ale, and porter bottled expressly for family use.
The productions of this house are distinguished for purity, brilliancy of color and richness of flavor; qualities the result of intelligence, care, experience; the use of the best modern ap- paratus, and superior standards of both quality and quantity of ingredients used. The large wholesale and retail trade of this house requires the employment of four assistants in winter and six in summer. This house is connected with the telephone, and all orders received are promptly attended to. Our readers interested will realize from the above remarks the facilities of this house, and dealers will do well to give the productions of this house a trial.
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