USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria of to-day with Peoria blue book directory, 1915 > Part 4
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
concern was running prosperously. It developed that the influx of people had ex- hausted the supply of homes, and before Mr. McDowell's retirement from office, the Home Building Proposition was inaugurated, and this resulted in a decisive increase in the construction of residences. President McDowell took hold of the structure of the Association of Commerce proper, and placed the Association of Commerce on a firm rock. The Convention Bureau plan was formally put into operation.
The Association of Commerce recently closed its fourth year. President R. O. Becker laid down his duties March 8, 1915. At his inauguration, Mr. Becker grasped ! the very largest affairs for the city's development, industrially and otherwise. In a comparatively short period he achieved splendid, permanent things for the city. His. idea was to handle large affairs-transportation, adjustment of differences between utilities; securing a better understanding between all interests; advancing large pro- jects. The foundation had been laid securely, and the time was ripe for the broadest achievements. As to the organization itself President Becker's work has been unusually effective in bringing to the membership several hundred Peorians not before enrolled, . thus providing men for service and the munitions for aggressive work. Walter G .. Causey is now President, having been chosen in February 1915, and the year opens ; with splendid promise.
[EDITOR's NOTE .- In writing the foregoing article Mr. Evans, in his enthusiasm and devotion to ) the Association and its work. has overlooked a most important personage connected with its affairs .. One who is giving his undivided time and attention to carry out and see that the various matters under- . taken by the association materialize. One to whom the entire membership feels indebted. The publishers wish to join in the recognition of such splendid work and offer their tribute to him on page 40.]
The Peoria Engraving Co
The Peoria Engraving Company, 107 South Main Street, is the only complete plant in Illinois outside of Chicago. It has a most modern equipment and handles thoroughly and competently commercial photography, designing, engraving, art work, photo retouching and electrotyping, always employing expert artists and engravers. The manufacturers and advertisers are thereby given unusual service, exceptional quality and entire satisfaction. They make a specialty of catalog and circular work and are "headquarters" for the entire Central Illinois. Their efficiency and prompt- ness has made for them a state-wide reputation.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
Jopmobile
INSTRIBUTORS
RELIANCE MOTOR CO. 116 5. MADISON AVE.
DISTRIBUTOR'S
The Reliance Motor Co., 116 S. Madison Avenue, was incorporated in 1910 with Emil Metzger, president; C. Metzger, secretary and C. A. Porter, treasurer. They are the distributors for one third of the state of Illinois, of the Hupmobile, widely known as "The car of the American Family." In connection with their salesroom they operate one of the largest and best equipped general garages in Central Illinois. It is located in the heart of Peoria and only one half of a block from the Court House. A complete line of automobile supplies and accessories are carried; a machine shop that is complete in every detail for automobile repairing is maintained, and the garage is kept open day and night. Special accommodations are provided for out of town visitors, and all possible courtesies, extended them. Mr. Porter, a man of wide ex- perience and well liked for his honesty and courteousness, is the general manager.
SCHNEIDER & METZGER
Schneider & Metzger, at 410 Fulton Street, is the oldest and largest barber supply house in Peoria. John Schneider, who upon his retirement from business fifteen years ago assigned his interest to his son John, established this business in 1874. Twenty- seven years later Emil Metzger, who had been in his employ since 1887, joined him in partnership and the present name was adopted. The business soon assumed a phen- omenal growth, and to-day occupies thousands of square feet of floor space. Its trade extends over the entire country, with exporting to England, Germany, France, China. South America, Mexico and Canada. They are dealers in all kinds of barber supplies- chairs, fixtures, furniture, etc. They also carry a complete line of cutlery; make a specialty of steam grinding and concaving; manufacture an electrical vibrator and hair dryer; and repair all kinds of guns, locks and machinery. They own and control the only two-bowl barber wash stand on the market of a special design. In 1914 John Schneider, Jr., died. Mr. Metzger, the surviving partner, is manager of this business.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
THE PEORIA APRON & TOWEL SUPPLY
The Peoria Apron & Towel Supply, occupying the entire building at the corner of First and Sanford Avenues, is equipped with the most modern and sanitary mach- inery known in the laundry business. It is the only ex- clusive laundry in Peoria furnishing for the offices, RUA ACTOR TOWEL SUPPLY PEORIA SUPPLY FORSKALL PROR cabinets containing necessary toilet articles and towels; for the hotels and restaurants, the table linen; and aprons PEORIA APRON & TOWEL SUPPLY for the butchers, clerks and GEO.B.FREEMAN kindred occupations. In hav- ing the Peoria Apron & Towel Supply service, a sufficient quantity of clean towels and linens are always on hand, no investment is tied up and the laundry bills are reduced. This business is owned and managed by Geo. B. Freeman, who is a native of Peoria and has been engaged in this occupation for the past fifteen years. By the excellence of his service, his honesty and courteousness the business has grown to large proportions with an increasing patronage.
ONKEN'S LAUNDRY
Onken's Laundry, at 606 S. Adams Street, AKE is the largest and only laundry in Peoria using 606 606 the Bartlett - Graver water softening and purifying system. B. H. Onken, the propri- etor, engaged in the MODEL LAUNDRY- laundry business in 1888, and has ever since made a careful and thorough study of ONKENS LAUNDRY ONKENO LAUNDRY this industry. To-day, he has the most modern laundry in this section of the country. The clothes are washed in soft, distilled and puri- fied water that is softer than rain water, and two new forms of washing, viz .: Air Dried Family Wash and Dry Wash, have been lately introduced by Mr. Onken. The clothes sent to this laundry are not only washed more sanitary and cleaner than at home but with less wear and cheaper-a washing for a family of four or five would cost about seventy-five cents per week. Motto: "Satisfaction guaranteed or money refundeed."
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
PEORIA RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
The Peoria Retail Merchants Association is an organization that is oftentimes not given due credit either for the deeds which it has accomplished in the past or for the work which it is now doing. Although the Association of Commerce is now doing much of the work which was formerly done by the Retail Merchants Association, nevertheless it has served as a good sound stepping stone to the Association of Com- merce.
Perhaps the one thing that stands out strongest among the achievements of this association was the initiation of the ornamental lighting idea in Peoria.
The first committee was appointed in 1909, and given the great task of convincing the property owners that the ornamental lighting system was not only a benefit to the city but also to their own individual interest. To-day the city of Peoria has one of the most complete and beautiful ornamental lighting systems in the country. When the agitation for lower gas rates was made a few years ago it was the Retail Merchants Association that championed the cause of the citizens in their attempt to obtain more favorable rates, and made a very strenuous effort to obtain a seventy-five cent flat rate for the citizens of Peoria.
This association was successful in obtaining for the city of Peoria the first revenue ever derived for the public franchise, by compelling the Peoria Railway Terminal Company to pay a toll of five cents for every car entering the city. The total evenue collected from this source now amounts to approximately $1,100 a year.
One of the most effective achievements of the Retail Merchants Association, both at present and in the past has been the protection which has been given the retail nerchants from the wild-eat advertising schemes that are thrust unto the merchants of the city every day. Some advertising genius is ever coming forth with a proposition hat gives the asurance of unheard benefits to the merchant subscribing. Instead of taking a chance with his proposition individually, the schemes must now be in- estigated and approved by the association before this genius can secure any sub- cribers. The results of this supervision of advertising schemes by the association is hat within twelve nonths its members were saved over $20,000 from the wild-cat dvertising schemes for programs, dodgers, and other alleged advertising media.
It is practically now impossible for any solicitor to an advertising scheme to do business unless his proposition is O. K.'d by this association.
A second important feature of the association work is the compiling of the rating book, which gives the retail merchants of this city the credit ratings of approximately 3,000 Peorians. The new rating book was issued to three hundred members of the Merchants Association, men who are dealers in all lines of business, whose interest in he advancement of the city is unquestioned and whose work in behalf of progress is minently practical.
It is an energetic, worth while organization, and is ever ready to serve and protect he city as well as its own people.
The office of the association is in the Cole Building, 232 S. Jefferson Avenue, and he present officers are J. W. Hartz, president; W. W. Nicol, first vice-president; ouis A. Howes, second vice-president; C. A. Anieker, treasurer; Walter H. Kirk ounsel, and Geo. W. Campbell, collector; and Martin Scherff the secretary, who can be ound at all times at the office of the association. In addition there is an executive ommittee of sixteen members.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
Peoria is probably the only city in the United States that can boast of it supremacy as the ideal manufacturing city, even over the largest city, viz .: Nev York. Of the many instances to which reference can be made, a good example is th
U. S. INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL COMPANY
engaged in the manufacture of Denatured Alcohol, sold under the well and widel: known registered trade mark, "Pyro." While the main office of this large institu tion is in New York, the main plant is located in Peoria, and the business i carried on from Peoria as well as New York. A branch plant is located at Nev Orleans. New uses are constantly being discovered to which this product, Pyrc can be put. It is now used in non-freezing solutions, as a carbon remover, fo cooking purposes, in lamps, stoves, etc. The Peoria plant and office is at the foo of Western Avenue and has a very large force of employees. This business is nov under the able management of W. J. Conzelman, who has been connected with thi company for fifteen years in various capacities. Their trade extends from coast tt coast and Canada to the Gulf.
THE BARTLES-SWENEY OIL COMPANY
The Bartles-Sweney Oil Company was organized in the year 1910 after carefull. investigating the advantages of Peoria as headquarters for the distribution of petroleur products.
The firm has always met with the greatest cordiality on the part of Peoria resi dents and as a result of the Bartles-Sweney Oil Company" marketing policy the concern has shown remarkably growth. They handle everything in Petroleum.
KNOXVILLE AVE
HAMILTON BOUL.
The BARTLES SWENEY OIL CO. 1
DRIVE IN HERE
SOUTH ---- >NORTH
GASOLINE FILLING STATION
GLENDALE AVE.
They not only distribute Gasoline, Kerosene and Lub ricants through out the city by tank wagons, but hav established at the junction of Knoxville Avenue an, Hamilton Boulevard a most convenient service station fc the filling of automobiles with gasoline and lubricants a wholesale prices. As seen from accompanying illustratio. the autoist drives in at one end, obtains his purchase, an without turning around or backing up proceeds on hi journey, all in a few minutes.
Within a radius of sixty miles from Peoria they als operate a number of sub-stations from which the smalle towns are supplied with their products.
The officers and stockholders of the company, Mr. G. I. Sweney, president, and Mr. B. T. Sweney, vice-president, are both residents 0 Peoria and enthusiastic boosters for the welfare of the community.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
THE ROTARY CLUB OF PEORIA By E. C. SCHMITZ
The Rotary Club of Peoria was organized April 23, 1912, with its objects as ollows:
(a) To develop and exchange among its members the newest, best and most successful business ideas and to promote progressive and honorable methods in trade generally.
(b) To promote the scientizing of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and an aid to success.
(c) To promote the best interests of Peoria commercially and otherwise, and to foster and spread the spirit of civic pride and loyalty among its citizens.
(d) To promote good fellowship by strengthening the ties of friendship among business acquaintances.
The Club meets weekly on Friday and once monthly in the evening at the Jefferson Hotel. It has grown from its date of organization from about twenty members to one undred and seventeen on May 1st, 1915. A unique feature of this organization is hat it accepts applications for membership from only one individual in each line of usiness, thereby keeping it from growing so large that it becomes unwieldy. The alient benefit derived from this, however, is the maximum business co-operation nd exchange.
Each year at Christmas time the Club raises a Rotary Good Fellowship fund with which clothing, food, nuts, candies and fruit are bought and distributed to the worthy oor of Peoria. In November, 1914, the Club gave a Big Brother's banquet at the . A. R. Hall, each member bringing one or two worthy poor boys to this dinner and hey were treated to a turkey feast.
Although the Club does not necessarily itself devise methods "to promote the est interests of Peoria, commercially and otherwise," it works hand in hand with ne Peoria Association of Commerce, of which every member of the Rotary Club is a ember.
In order to carry out one of its objects, "to foster and spread the spirit of civic ride and loyalty among its citizens," this Club had a special PEORIA NUMBER of the OTARIAN MAGAZINE, the official monthly magazine of the International Association Rotary Clubs, of which this Club is a member, issued in August, 1914, at a cost of pout one thousand two hundred dollars. This special number of the magazine was stributed to subscribers in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Wales nd Scotland, to approximately fifteen thousand readers. The subscribers to this agazine are all business men and members of Rotary Clubs throughout the world.
Each year the International Association of Rotary Clubs holds an International onvention, the first to be attended by this Club was by delegate E. C. Schmitz, which as held at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1913. The second, which was attended by delegates george R. MacClyment and Richard Bradley, was held in Huoston, Texas, in 1914. his year's International Convention will be held at San Francisco, July 19, 20, 21, and 23.
The present officers are Geo. R. MacClyment, president; E. B. Hazen, vice- resident; Wm. C. White, treasurer; E. C. Schmitz, secretary; John Winzeler, ser- Fant-at-arms; directors, Frank H. Lowe; E. E. Johnson, Ellwood R. Kroos, Dr. dwin H. Bradley, Dr. Clifford U. Collins, Geo. T. Bean.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
GRUENSFELDER BROS. PRODUCTS CO.
Altho of comparative recent origin, the Gruensfelder Bros. Products Co. has contributed more than its share in spreading the fame of Peoria. The popularity that this company has attained, not only in Illinois but in the surrounding states, by the purity and quality of its products is a credit to itself as well as the city.
C. W. Gruensfelder, the senior member of the firm, who dates his residence in Peoria since 1907, has been a close student of the manufacture of pure foods for a number of years. About two years ago as a result of a number of experiments, he discovered a formula for a pancake flour, and by the use of the best and purest flour, his product, marketed under the name "Favorite Pancake Flour," soon became in truth a favorite. So popular did this flour become within a short time that he was unable to give his attention to both the selling and manufacturing end, and was obliged to have his brother Philip join him. Encouraged by his success, Mr. Gruensfelder set to work systematically to discover products that would materially aid the housewife and reduce the high cost of living. As a result of these efforts, the "Favorite Powdered Milk" was placed on the market. This is a scientific reduction of milk into a pow- dered form, which not only eliminates the necessity of keeping ice which sometimes is impossible and which some can not afford, but when dissolved for the purpose of using, contains more nutritious qualities and is fully equal to any certified milk on! the market. A crowning success to his efforts is his washing fluid, marketed under the name "Wash Day Delight." This has not only sprung into great favor with the housekeepers, but with some of the largest wholesale grocers in the country, all joining in the admission that it fills a long felt want and is what all the women who are obliged to do their own work have been clamoring for. This fluid is not only a substitute for all washing powders, soaps, cleansers, and does away with wash boards, but as a cleanser and labor saver it has no equal.
Their products are handled by all grocers and shipments made to every part of Illinois and surrounding states.
Mr. Gruensfelder is indeed a man of unusual ability. Purity and sanitation has always been his motto. By his wonderful discoveries, his honest business dealings, and his uprightness, their business has grown to large proportions, occupying more than seven thousand square feet of floor space at 121 S. Washington Street, and isi one of the leading and most popular industries in Peoria.
HIRT'S BAKERY
Hirt's Bakery located at 222 First Avenue,, is an example of sanitation and wholesomeness of food products that can be attained in a bake shop. Mr. Clifford I. Hirt, the proprietor, who is a native of Peoria, is conducting a wholesale and retail business in the baking and sale of bread, cakes and pastries of all descrip- tion. An idea of the high standard maintained can be gleaned from the following facts: the purest and most wholesome ingredients in the manufacture of goods is used, and to make certain of this a laboratory is installed to make tests as to the purity of all ingredients used. All towels used in wiping pans and the general cleaning are washed daily in an electric washing machine and the tables, troughs, etc., are scrubbed and scalded daily and kept thoroughly clean by girls employed solely for that purpose. Practically the entire manufacturing process is done by machinery, so that the products manufactured are hardly touched by hand.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
THE PACKING INDUSTRIES AND STOCK YARDS
That Peoria is a factor in the packing business and live stock is evidenced by the act that it supports a stock yard that is complete in every detail. In addition to the large home trade, buyers are in daily attendance, representing packers, eastern slaughterers and dealers, thus offering unsurpassed inducements to the farmer, feeder and shipper for the disposition of his live stock. These yards are built along modern ines-unloading and loading chutes, alleys and pens are covered, in fact the entire yards are under cover, thus protecting the stock against stormy weather. All pens have imple supply of pure water, a complete sewerage system, and weighing facilities of the best. All stock is handled in a prompt and humane manner.
WILSON PROVISION CO.
Wilson Provision Co., packers, is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois. The plant is located at the foot of South and embraces more than one ind one-half acres of floor space, all of which is devoted to the many departments of he business, such as a packing house, slaughter house, offices, shipping department, a nost modern cold storage plant, etc. The capacity of the plant is three hundred cattle and three thousand hogs per week and more than one hundred people are constantly employed. The highest standard of sanitation is maintained at all times and is under he management of the vice president, F. F. Fuller, who has had more than thirty years of active general packing house experience. Their leading brands are Premier Brand Iams, Bacon and Lard, for which there is a demand all over the country.
E. GODEL & SONS
E. Godel & Sons, packers, was established in 1867 by Eberhard Godel as a small retail market. naugurating from the beginning the highest standard of quality and honest business policies, he de- eloped this business to such proportions that it was subsequently converted into a packing house. In SSS, upon the death of Mr. Godel, this business was incorporated under the above name and several ears later Christian Buehler, a Peoria man, who began his career as a salesman for Godel, became resident and general manager, and has since continued in that position. To-day it is the largest packing ndustry in Peoria. The plant, located at the foot of South, covers more than two acres of ground space n which are a number of modern buildings, equipped with the most modern and sanitary appliances nown to the packing industry. The capacity of the plant is one hundred thousand hogs and fifty-two housand cattle annually. The well known Godel's Ivory Brand Lard and the Royal Brand Ham, is heir product. In connection with the cold storage they operate an artificial ice plant having a capacity f forty tons per day. Purity and sanitation has always been their motto. They were the first to invite government inspection of meats in this city, and have a standing invitation to the public to visit their lant at any time. More than one hundred and twenty-five people are employed continuously and a arge force of salesmen is on the road. Their trade extends over the entire U. S. with some exporting.
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PEORIA OF TO-DAY
JEWELRY
Personal ornaments appear to have been among the very first objects on which the invention and ingenuity of man were exercised, and there is no record of any people so rude as not to employ some kind of personal decoration. As a result o various excavations and searches the history of jewelry is traced back to the XIIth dynasty (2400 B. C ). Space will not permit the discussion of the various periods subsequent thereto, and the changes that have been wrought in the designs and workmanship resulting in the modern jewelry which is classified under three heads (1) Objects in which gems and stones form the principal portions and in which the work in silver, platinum or gold is really only a means for carrying out the desigr by fixing the gems or stones in the position arranged by the designer, the metal em- ployed being visible only as a setting; (2) when gold work plays an important part in the development of the design, being itself ornamented by engraving or enamelling or both, the stones and gems being arranged in subordination to the gold work ir such positions as to give a decorative effect to the whole; (3) when gold or other metal is alone used, the design being wrought out by hammering in repousse, casting engraving, chasing or by the addition of filigree work, or when the surfaces are left absolutely plain but polished and highly finished.
Of course the most ancient and primitive methods were wholly dependent upon the craft of the workman, but gradually various ingenious processes were invented by which greater accuracy in the portions to be repeated in a design could be produced with certainty and economy, and the manufacture of jewelry is to-day considered an art industry.
Great skill and experience are necessary in the proper setting of stones and gems of high value, in order to bring out the greatest amount of brilliancy and color, and
the angle at which a diamond (say) shall be set, in order that the light shall penetrate at the proper point to bring out the "spark" or "flash" is a subject of grave consideration to the setter. Stones set in a hap- hazard, slovenly manner, however brilliant in themselves, will look commonplace by the side of skil- fully set gems of much less fine quality and water.
Enamelling and engraving has of late played an important part, the former having taken the place of August Hofstetter paste or false stones, while the James C. Lewis, Jr. latter, altho a simple process in itself, by skillful manipulation produces a diversity of effects, increasing the variety with the aid of the combination of colored gold of various tints. Skilled in all the different branches employed in the manufacture of jewelry are
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