USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Hyman's Handbook of Indianapolis : an outline history and description of the capital of Indiana, with over three hundred illustrations from photographs made expressly for this work (1897) > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
1
GEORGE MERRITT & COMPANY.
George Merritt & Company, manufacturers of woolens. 411 West Washing- ton street, is one of the oldest industrial establishments in this city. The busi- ness was founded over forty years ago by George Merritt and William
332
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
Coughlen, under the firm name of Merritt & Coughlen. It was thus con- ducted for twenty-five years, when, on the retirement of Mr. Coughlen in ISS1, Mr. Worth Merritt (son of George Merritt) was admitted to the firm, and the present firm name adopted. The works cover a ground area of 95x300 feet, in three main buildings having frontage on Washington street of 300 feet. This factory is equipped with the latest improved machinery known to this branch of industry. From sixty-five to one hundred skilled and ex- perienced hands are provided with constant employment. Flannels, flannel skirts and lustre skirts are the specialties manufactured. The magnitude of their trade may be gleaned from the statement that they consume from 350,- 000 to 400,000 pounds of wool per annum in their manufactures.
Indianapolis Electrotype Foundry, Nos. 17 to 25 West Georgia street, was established in 1875. In ISSS it was incorporated under the laws of Indiana
with a paid capital of $15,000, Mr. George F. Reeves being the president; Mr. George L. Da- vis, vice-president; Mr. D. W. Wiley, secretary, and Mr. A. W. Marshall, treasurer. The of- fieers are thorough- ly practical and able business men, fully conversant with ELECTROTYPE CHLORY every detail of this industry. The premises occupied are 35 x 120 feet in area, being three floors, fully equip- ped with the latest improved appara- INDIANAPOLIS ELECTROTYPE FOUNDRY. tus, appliances and machinery. They conduct a general electrotyping, stereotyping and engraving business, also deal in pattern letters and printers' supplies, and employ constantly fifteen first- class workmen. Superior plates for all printing purposes are made on wood or metal bases, half-tone being a specialty, while stamps are likewise furnished for bookbinders for embossing. The productions of this reliable concern always reach the highest standard of excellence and finish, the prices quoted for the same are exceedingly moderate, and its trade, which is steadily in- creasing, now extends throughout Indiana, western Ohio and Illinois.
J
333
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
THE MODEL
MODEL
INGALLS BLOCK.
The Railway Officials' and Employes' Accident Association of Indianapo- lis was established in 1886, by William K. Bellis. During the first two years of its existence the business of the company was confined exclusively to the insurance of men in the railroad business, but later extended its poli- cies to other lines. From its organization its growth has been unchecked and it is now recognized as one of the strongest and most reliable of the mu- tual accident companies in this country. It has issued over 125,000 policies, and has disbursed nearly $2,000,000. The claims have been paid with a promptness and liberality unequaled by any other company, and among railroad men especially, is so thoroughly established, that its name has be- come a synonym for fair dealing and integrity. The officers of the com- pany are Chalmers Brown, president; William K. Bellis, secretary and general manager, and Samuel Bellis, assistant secretary and treasurer. The offices of the company are located at 25 to 32 Ingalls Block.
The National Starch Manufacturing Company .- To W. F. Piel. Sr., one of our oldest and best-known pioneer citizens, is due the establishment of the business out of which has grown the National Starch Manufacturing Company of this city. In company with others he began the production of
334
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
starch, in 1867, and built a plant which was known as the Union Starch Factory, which was located in the eastern part of the city. On the night of October S, 1868, this plant was destroyed by fire, and was immediately rebuilt. In 1872 Mr. Piel purchased the interest held by his partners, and, in 1873, the business of the Union Starch Factory was dissolv- ed, and the firm of Wm. F. Piel & Company was organ- ized, and the removal made to the present site. On Sep- tember 24, 1886, the firm was incorporated under the title of The Wm. F. Piel Company, with Wm. F. Piel, Sr., president ; W'm. F. Piel, Jr., vice - president and treasurer, and Henry W. Piel, secretary. In April, 1890, the National Starch Manufacturing Com- pany was formed, and the plant was purchased, and the old concern became a member of the new organ- ization. Wm. F. Piel, Jr., is the president; Wm. F. Piel, Sr., manager ; Henry W. Piel, assistant manager, the latter also being directors of the company, and Chas. F. Piel superintendent of the plant. The works are among the largest in the west, cov- ering thirty-seven acres, five of which are under build- ings. The plant is a model one in every detail, and rec-
THE NATIONAL STARCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
33
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
ognized as the finest and most complete in the country for the production of starch. Over 200 persons are employed and nearly 2,000,000 bushels of corn are consumed annually in the production of the goods. Enormous quanti- ties of the product are shipped to countries throughout the world, and the brands made by this concern have an established reputation for excellence of quality in every state and territory of the Union.
Hetherington & Berner Company, 19 to 27 West South street, is one of the oldest industrial establishments in this city. The business was founded by Benjamin F. Hetherington in 1867 IS61; and in 1863 Frederick Ber- ner, Sr., became associated with him. The business has had an even and steady growth and is now recognized as one of the most important manufacturing plants VANNESHOP here. The business was incorpo- rated in 1893. The company man- factures architectural iron work. refrigerating machines, special machinery of every de-
HETHERINGTON & BERNER COMPANY. scription, and it is the largest builder of asphalt plants in the country. The product is shipped to all parts of the world. The plant is a large one, cover- ing nearly three acres, and admirably fitted with the latest and best in- proved machinery. Over 125 men are employed. The officers of the com- pany are: Benjamin F. Hetherington, president; Fred. Berner, Sr., vice- president; Fred. A. Hetherington, secretary, and Fred. Berner, Jr .. treasurer.
BOILER SHOP
HETHERINGTON A BERNER
GENERAL MACHINERY & ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORKS
HETHERINGTON & BERNER COMPANY.
336
HIYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
Carl Moller, 161 East Washington street, began business here in 1876, and has always been recognized as one of the heaviest dealers in wall paper and interior decorations in the State During the decorating season he gives employment to a force of skilled as- Jos Carl Koller. 161 sistants ranging from twenty-five to thirty. His stock embraces all the very latest American and European productions, and his house enjoys a wide-spread and entirely deserved rep- utation for elegance of supplies and superiority of workmanship. 1
Indiana Electrotype Company, No. 23 West Pearl street .- There is no
MALL
PAPER
CARL MOLLER.
branch of mercantile activity in this thriv- ing mid-continental metropolis in which more distinguished enterprise has been manifested than in that comprising the arts of electrotyping, stereotyping, etc. Promi- nent among the representative concerns thus referred to ranks the Indiana Electro- type Company, conducted under the pro- prietorship of Messrs. William Wands, Jos. E., M. A., and Jno. B. Fleck, the active management being in the hands of Mr. J. H. Hutton. They founded their present establishment in 1893, and their patronage now radiates, apart from immediately local business, throughout Indiana, Ohio and Illi- nois. The premises comprise the entire ground floor of the building, No. 23 West INDIANA ELECTROTYPE CO. Pearl street, the equipment being of the latest improved pattern, operated by an eighty-five horse power gas engine. All classes of electrotyping and stereo- typing are economically and perfectly done.
-2.0-24( JUULCOM>>20100.
LEAF LOB
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
337
JOOL AND
INDIANAPOLIS BOOK AND STATIONERY COMPANY.
Indianapolis Book and Stationery Com- pany, 75 South Me- ridian street, whole- sale jobbers and im- porters of books, sta- tionery, and fancy goods, etc .. are suc- cessors to the busi- ness formerly con- ducted by the Burris- Herzsch Company and the Bowen-Mer- rill Company. The concern was incor- porated in June, 1896, and is the largest one of its kind west of New York city en- gaged exclusively in the jobbing trade The company is lo- cated in commodi ous quarters consist-
ing of four floors 22x195. Five travelers are employed, who cover the territory of Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The officers and direc- tors of the company are : R. II. Barnes, president; A. F. Ilerzsch, vice-president; W. M. Cronyn, treasurer; J. H. Wilson, secretary; Thos. Dunn and Marshall Moore.
Progress Clothing Company, Bliss, Swain & Company, propri- etors, 6 and S West Washington street, is one of the largest retail establisments in the city. The business was established in Sep- tember, 1891, and from the open- ing of its doors took a prominent and foremost position in the retail trade. The firm is liberal in its use of printer's ink, and no con- cern is more deservedly popular. The members of the firm are George W. Bliss and Thomas A. Swain.
HAJPERE & PURMEHERE
GLO DE ING HEDER
...
PROGRESS CLOTHING COMPANY.
.
338
HIYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
WAGON- CARRIAGE MATERIAL
IRON. STEEL HEAVY HARDWARE
W. J. HOLLIDAY & CO.
cern embraces Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ken- tucky, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado, and it is the largest handler of robes and blankets in the country. The business was established in 1872 and has enjoyed even and uniform prosperity from its beginning. The members of the company are I. S. Gor- don, president; E. A. Wert, vice-president, and W. E. Kurtz, secretary and treasurer.
Hide, Leather and Belting Company, 125 South Meridian street, had its beginning in the war period. Its present proprietor, George W. Snider, assumed control of the business in 1870, and its growth has been uniformly pros- perous. It now has in operation the largest plant in the state for the production of oak leather belting, besides carrying a large stock of rubber belting, hose and steam packing, also leather and shoe findings. The trade of the house covers all the central, southern and west- ern states. Mr. John W. Elstun is the business manager.
W. J. Holliday & Company, 59 and 61 South Meridian street, are the largest and most extensive dealers in steel and heavy hard- ware and carriage and wagon- makers' supplies in the state. The house was established in 1856 by the senior member of the firm, and is one of the oldest wholesale con- cerns in the city. The trade of the firm extends over Indiana, Illi- nois, Ohio and Iowa. The mem- bers of the firm are William J. and Jacquelin S. Holliday and Walter J. Goodall.
The Gordon-Kurtz Company, 141 and 143 South Meridian street, manufacturers and jobbers of sad- dlery hardware, enjoys the dis- tinction of being the largest exclu- sively saddlery hardware house in America. The trade in this con-
RØD
GORDON-KURTZ CO.
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
339
7977
RUE
YU.LANEREBEL NICCI
HIDE, LEATHER AND BELT- ING COMPANY.
in the requirements of the trade, and it is a well-known fact that all business entrust- ed to the care of Tanner & Sullivan is attended to with promptness and in a most satisfactory manner. Both Messrs. Tanner and Sullivan are active workers in the Commercial Club and Board of Trade, Mr. Tanner having been president of the last named organization for two terms, and is the present U. S. surveyor of customs at this port.
Home Stove Company, No. 79 South Meridian street, man- ufacturers of stoves, ranges and hollow ware, was incorporated in July, 1893. The manufact-
Tanner & Sullivan, wholesale tin-plate, sheet iron and metals, tinners' supplies, and manufacturers of tinware. Among the repre- sentative wholesale houses of this city is that of Tanner & Sullivan, which was established in 1878 and since which time the business has steadily increased until this firm is now con- ceded to be one of the largest operators in its line of business throughout the west. Their four-story and basement buildings, located at 116 and 118 South Meridian street, are admir- ably fitted for carrying on their extensive busi- ness, consisting of tin-plate, sheet iron, metals, tinners' supplies, tools and machines, all kinds of tinware and a general line of kitchen fur- nishing goods. This house has unequaled facilities for handling the business in their line, being well represented by a number of traveling salesmen who are thoroughly posted
TANNER & SULLIVAN
TANNER & SULLIVAN.
340
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
STOVES & RANGÉS.
TO THE HOME STOVE CO. 78
uring plant of the concern is lo- cated at Greenfield, Ind., embrac- ing an area of nearly three acres, equipped with all the latest im- proved machinery, and furnishes employment to 120 operators. The celebrated " Home " and " Model " stoves, ranges and heaters and "Fa- vorite" stove, hollow ware and stove trimmings are manufactured by this company. These goods are fully described in a handsomely illus- trated catalogue which will be sent to any address on application. The stock carried in the store is the largest and most complete in the city. The officers of the company are Geo. Alig, president, and Louis Hitzelberger, secretary and treas- urer.
Kothe, Wells & Bauer, whole- sale grocers, 128 and 130 South Me- ridian street. An important mem- · ber of the wholesale grocery trade of Indianapolis is the house of Kothe, Wells & Bauer, composed of George Kothe, William Kothe, Charles W. Wells and George Bauer, and was organized in January, 1889. The HOME STOVE COMPANY. firm is located in the heart of the wholesale trade district where they occupy a handsome four-story building, 35 x 150 feet, and containing all mod- ern facilities and improvements for the storage, display, sale and shipment of stock and the transaction of business. The firm's warehouse is located at the corner of Delaware and Merrill streets, where the large reserve stock is car- ried. They carry full lines of staple and fancy groceries, making specialties of teas, coffees and sugars of the choicest grades and varieties. In their de- partment of fancy groceries they include canned and potted meats, fruits and preserves, sauces, pickles, spices, baking powders, etc., also handling the best brands of smoking and chewing tobaccos and cigars, with other articles ap- pertaining generally to the business. The goods packed specially by this house and known by the brand of " Ko-We-Ba " are sold under a guarantee to give satisfaction or money refunded, and no goods sold in this market have a greater reputation for superior quality and absolute purity. The house has a large trade throughout Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Ken-
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS
341
KOTHE, WELLS BAUER 20
KOTHE, WELLS & BAUER.
tucky and Pennsylvania, which is visited regularly by to traveling men. The mem- bers of the firm are men of enterprise and business ability.
Louis G. Deschler, wholesale and re- tail dealer in cigars, tobaccos and smokers' articles, 51 North Pennsylvania street, and Bates House rotunda, has been engaged in the trade about fifteen years. Ilis estab- lishment on North Pennsylvania street, in the Lemcke building, is one of the hand- somest and most attractive smokers' em- poriums in the west. His establishments are noted as headquarters, both with the wholesale and retail trade, for strictly first- class high grade goods. Ile is a direct importer of fine Havana and Key West goods, and carries in stock the choicest and most popular brands of American manufacturers. lle makes a specialty of box trade and hundreds of our leading cit- izens are among his regular patrons.
Judson & Hanna, 15 West Maryland street, are engaged in the wholesale jobbing trade. The business was estab- ished in 1893 and the trade extends throughout Indiana and parts of Illi- nois and Ohio, which territory is visited by several travelers. The mem- bers of the firm are Charles E. Judson and John A. Hanna.
3
INTERIOR OF LOUIS DESCHLER S CIGAR EMPORIUM.
342
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
Kruse & Dewenter, manufacturers of heating and ventilating apparatus, 223 and 225 East Washington street, began business in this city in 1884. Un- til recently they were established at 54 South Pennsylvania street, but having outgrown the facili- ties afforded in this location they purchased the present site and built the handsome three-story structure, 35 x 195, that is now used by them exclusively for of- fices, store-rooms and factory purposes. The building is a inodern one in every respect, built of terra cotta, pressed brick with plate glass front, and fur- nished with the latest machinery KR SE & DEWENTER and appliances. The firm is one of the largest in the country and the only one in the state making a specialty of heating and ventil- ating apparatus and the dry and flush closet system for schools, churches and public buildings. They are also extensive manu- KRUSE & DEWENTER. facturers of heating apparatus for dwellings and do a very large business throughout the country. Up to the present time they have employed about fifty men in the factory and three men on the road, but with their extended facilities will double their capacity. The members of the firm are Theo. Kruse and H. C. Dewenter.
The Bedford Indiana Stone Company, number 26 Baldwin Block. This company was organized and incorporated in 1894. The officers of the com- pany are: Allen W. Conduitt, president; H. G. Coughlen, secretary and general manager, and Dr. O. S. Runnels, treasurer. The quarries of the con- cern are located in the celebrated Buff Ridge district at Bedford, Indiana, from which district over 95 per cent. of the best and finest grade of building stone is taken. These quarries cover over 400 acres, and are equipped with six steam powers and derricks, eight improved channeling machines, and four gang mills. Switches from competing railways run directly into the quar- ries, a facility that is not enjoyed by any other quarry in Indiana. Among the notable buildings in the United States which were built from the stone taken from the quarries of this concern may be mentioned the Majestic, Lemcke and Sayles buildings in Indianapolis, the Mail and Express, Y. M. C. A., San Remo Hotel, and School of Languages buildings in New York city.
343
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
The Vajen-Bader Company .- Of the many useful articles that are man- ufactured in Indianapolis, there are none that have attracted greater atten- tion than the product of this concern. The Vajen-Bader Patent Firemen's Smoke Protector which is manufactured by this company has received the favorable comment of the press all over the world; it is the most perfect and practical device yet invented for the use of fire-fighters. It is built upon scientific prin- ciples and is considered of greater importance than the sub- marine diving apparatus which has in the past created so much interest. With the use of this helmet a person is en. abled to enter rooms filled with smoke or noxious gases without the slightest discomfort to the wearer. It furnishes complete protection against fire, heat, smoke, steam, gas, electric wires and falling debris, and affords the only means for the saving of human life when all other efforts prove unavailable. This protector has been adopted by the fire departments of over one hundred of the largest cities, both in America and abroad. It is also used in the largest brewing establishments in the country, and by large miners and gas companies. It is estimated that during the first year over $3,000,000 worth of property was saved by the use of this new device. Great credit is due to Mr. Willis C. Vajen, who has brought this new protector to its present high state of perfection, and through whose energy it was brought to the notice of the fire-fighters and others who have made practical use of them. The helmet has been successfully tested before the many fire chiefs attending their annual conventions. First honors were taken at the meeting of the Pacific Coast Association of Fire Chiefs at Los Angeles, California, in May, 1895, and before the International Meetings of Fire Chiefs, at Augusta, Ga., in October, 1895, and at Salt Lake City, U'talı, in August, 1896. The long list of testimonials received by the company would indicate that the helmet had done good service in many fire depart- ments in saving much property both from fire and water as well as a life sav- ing device. The materials used in the construction of this helmet undergo a chemical treatment. The cool pure air furnished to the occupant or wearer of the helmet comes from a compressed air reservoir having a pressure of 100 pounds, and enables him to breathe freely and comfortably for from one to two hours. The specially constructed diaphragm in the ear pieces offers the advantages of hearing which one would naturally have on the outside. The double plates of mica in the eye pieces give him the freedom of sight, overcoming the damaging results from different temperatures in which the helmet is frequently to be used. The helmet is most complete in all details, with handsome case, air-pump and other attachments. The factory covers considerable space on the second floor of the old library building at the cor- ner of Ohio and Pennsylvania streets, where a number of men are employed constantly in the manufacture of these goods. Mr. Willis C. Vajen is presi- dent and manager of the company.
344
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
Theodore Stein, Abstracter of Titles, Notary Public and General Con- veyancer, succeeded to the business of Wm. C. Anderson in 1SS7. Mr. Stein is a native of this city, having been born here November 7, 1858. After attending public schools he entered the service of H. Hermann's lum- ber mills as book-keeper, and afterward became manager of the business, which he continued until embarking for himself. In 1891 he became a direc- tor of the German Mutual Insurance Company, of Indiana, and president upon the reorganization of this company as the German Fire Insurance Com- pany, of Indiana. He has at all times taken great interest in public affairs and served as city councilman two years, at which time he was a persistent advocate of the elevation of railroad tracks and the originator of the law reg- ulating the use of bicycle lamps.
Gregory & Appel, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental and Loan Agents, 96 East Market street, have been engaged in business since 1884, and rank among the most important in their line in this city. The companies repre- sented by this firm are the New York Underwriters Agency, Westchester of New York, Citizens' of St. Louis, Northwestern National of Milwaukee, Spring Garden of Philadelphia, American of Newark, N. J., and the German Fire Insurance Company of Indianapolis. The members of the firm are Fred A. Gregory and John J. Appel.
The American Plate Glass Company was incorporated in 1895. Tlie of- ficers are: C. T. Doxey, president; D. M. Ransdell, secretary and treasurer. The factory is located at 'Alexandria, Indiana, and furnishes employment to over 400 men.
FLANING MILL
HENRY COBURN'S PLANING MILL.
Henry Coburn, one of the largest and most extensive dealers in lumber in this city, was perhaps, the first person to engage in that line of trade exclu- sively at this point. He began business in 1859 at the southeast corner of Delaware and New York streets. The brick building that was used for office
345
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
-
HENRY COBURN'S OFFICE AND YARDS.
purposes at that time is still standing on the old location. The business was first conducted under the firm name of Coburn & Lingenfelter, and continued until 1862, when William H. Jones became a partner by purchasing the in- terest of Mr. Lingenfelter, and the firm became known as Coburn & Jones. In 1865 the yard was removed to the present location on the north side of Georgia street between Capitol and Senate avenues, then known as Tennes- see and Mississippi streets respectively. In 1872 they erected the planing mill located at the intersection of the above mentioned streets. The mill has a capacity of more than 50,000 feet of dressed lumber daily and furnishes employment to 45 to 50 persons. The mill is devoted to the production of sash, doors and blinds, and interior wood finish of every description. Over 5,000.000 feet of lumber is embraced in the present stock in the yards. In 1SS5, upon the death of Mr. Jones, the sole control of the business was as- sumed by Mr. Coburn, who has conducted it ever since with his son William H. Coburn, who is associated with him in the firm. In addition to the above business Mr. Coburn is interested extensively in farming lands in this and Madison counties and in the Michigan Lumber Company of this city. Mr. Coburn is a native of this city, having been born in Indianapolis, September 17, IS34. His father, Henry P. Coburn, was clerk of the supreme court of Indiana, who came to this place from Corydon in IS24. when the capital was transferred from that place. Mr. Coburn has enjoyed a successful business career and has been closely identified with the progressive movements that have brought Indianapolis up from a struggling village to a thriving nie- tropolis.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.