USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Indianapolis illustrated : the capital city of Indiana : its growth, resources, commerce, manufacturing interests, financial institutions, and prospects, also sketches of the leading business concerns which contribute to the city's progress and prosperity > Part 10
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
FAHNLEY & MCCREA.
The wholesale millinery trade is one of the most diffi- cult branches of business. Sound judgment, correct taste and marked enterprise are essential, and it is the possession of these qualifications, coupled with large re- sources, that has placed the old house of Messrs. Fahn- ley & McCrea in the front rank of the American mil-
FAHNLEY & MCCREA
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linery trade. The business was established in 1865, and has had a career of solid prosperity. The house has al- ways been conducted upon correct principles, and the copartners bring to bear the widest range of practical experience and thorough knowledge of the wants of the trade. The premises occupied are spacious, centrally located and elaborately fitted up. The building is a
very handsome, modern five story structure, fronting on Meridian, Louisiana and McCrea streets. the lat- ter being the principal entrance. The dimen- sions are 33 feet front by 20212 in depth, with an L 20x80 feet in size. The establishment is the most at- tractive in its equipment of any in the United States, and reflects the highest credit upon the proprietors. The offices are fitted up in cabinet trim, while the show rooms are most elaborate, each floor being beautifully finished in white and gilt, while large show cases, tables, etc., afford perfect opportunity for the display of goods. The firm are direct importers of all the latest modes in Parisian millinery, including flowers, feathers and or- naments in the greatest variety. Trimmed hats and bonnets are always found, accurate indicators of the correct styles, and milliners will find here a large in- struction department, where the art is thoroughly taught by experts. The firm secures employment for many expert milliners, among its thousands of customers, and are always ready to furnish reliable help to the trade. The stock is the heaviest and most complete in this line that is to be found between New York and Chicago, and is excelled by none in either of the above cities. Thoroughly understanding the wants of the best class of trade, the firm are prepared to promptly fill all orders at prices which cannot be duplicated elsewhere. This is also headquarters for full lines of straw goods, fancy goods, etc. Importing and buying direct from the manufac- turers, the firm enjoys facilities commanded by no other wholesale millinery house, and the sales now annually exceed three-quarters of a million dollars. A staff of fifteen travelers are required upon the road, covering Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. Upwards of fifty hands are employed in the store, and the concern is one of the most important in Indianapoils. Messrs. Fahnley & McCrea are both uni- versally respected and well known in the mercantile circles of America, and have won a great and deserved success in this staple branch of wholesale trade.
THE F. E. FULLER CLOAK AND SUIT COMPANY.
For many years nearly all the ladies', misses' and children's cloaks and suits were manufactured in New York city. Latterly, however, through the skill, enter- prise, and resources of local manufactures, these goods. are now produced in this city quite equal to any im- ported or domestic specialties. Prominent among the representative concerns actively engaged in this im- portant industry is that of the F. E. Fuller Cloak and Suit Company, whose cloak parlors and sales rooms are located at 83, 85 and 87 East Washington street.
This business was founded. in 1887, and in 1888 was duly incorporated under the state laws with ample capi- tal, and the following gentlemen as its officers, viz. : Mr. J. Siegel of Chicago, president; Mr. F. E. Fuller of In- dianapolis, treasurer, and Mr. M. Soulmon, treasurer. The premises comprise two floors, each 25x190 feet in area. The company manufactures all the garments sold by them, and this department is fully equipped with all modern appliances. A large force of skilled operatives are employed, and the trade of the house is steadily increasing. They use superior and carefully selected materials, and turn out cloaks that are absolutely un- rivaled for finish, elegance of design and uniform excel- lence. Not only are the F. E. Fuller Company's cloaks outwardly and apparently equal to the best, but tbe hidden material and the work not open to inspection is exactly what it purports to be. These cloak parlors are the largest in the west, and in addition to ladies' suits and cloaks, they also carry a full and complete stock of all the leading novelties of the season, includ- ing furs, shawls, dress goods of all kinds, lace curtains, rugs, blankets, etc. This is the leading house of its kind in the city, and employs forty clerks in its different departments. Mr. F. E. Fuller is highly regarded in trade circles for his skill and integrity, and has always lived up to his rule of giving customers a full equivalent for their money in best and most artistic garments that can be produced.
FAMOUS STOVE COMPANY.
Nowhere in the world has the manufacture of stoves and ranges been brought to greater perfection as regards beauty of design and practical utility than in the United States. Of the many different kinds which have be- come popular favorites with the people, the " Magnet " stoves and ranges deserve a leading place. These have been steadily improved during recent years, and stand to-day as absolutely unexcelled by any others upon the market. They are made in many different sizes and styles, so as to suit the wants of all, and are in great demand throughout the country because of their great heating qualities, economy and artistic appearance. The laws of combus- tion have been carefully studied in their design, and consequently the maximum results are obtained with a given quantity of fuel. The Famous Stove Company of Indianapolis, composed of Messrs. J. W. and J. H. Parkhurst, handle these celebrated goods exclusively and control a large and rapidly growing wholesale trade throughout the states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio. Mis- souri, Kansas and Michigan, keeping three experienced
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
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salesmen constantly upon the road. They occupy three spacious floors at 135 South Meridian street having a depth of 200 feet, which are stocked with a varied and beautiful assor.ment of Magnet stoves, etc., of every size and style. An inspection of this stock gives one an excellent idea of the perfection attained in this country in the manufacture of these household necessities, and enables us to understand the popular favor with which
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these particular goods have been received. Mr. J. W. Parkhurst is thoroughly experienced in this line, having been a charter member of the Wells Manufacturing Company of this city, with whom he held the position of secretary and treasurer for two years. Mr. J. H. Parkhurst has been a resident of Indianapolis for sev- eral years, and is an able and practical business man. Both gentlemen are natives of this state, and are well and favorably known among business men and citizens generally.
BALKE & KRAUSS.
Indianapolis has offered and still offers splendid op- portunities for active, enterprising business men, and among those who have profited by the growth and pros- perity of the city, is the firm of Balke & Krauss, deal- ers in lumber, lime, coal, etc. These gentlemen com- menced business operations in 1883 as dealers in lime, sewer pipe and builders' supplies, and in 1887 added lumber. In 1889 they purchased the planing mill prop- erty owned and operated by R. B. Emerson & Son for a period of twenty-two years previously, fitted it up throughout with new improved wood machinery, erected additional warehouses, and generally increased the fa- cilities, and have since been doing a large, prosperous
and steadily growing business. The premises occupied consist of two spacious yards, 124x420 feet, at the cor- ner of Market and Missouri streets, extending through to West street. The planing mill fronts on Market street, and is 66x200 feet in dimensions. Steam power is employed in the mill, the services of fifty-five hands and nine teams are brought into requisition, and they handle from 300 to 350 car-loads of lumber annually. A side track from the Big Four railroad-Chicago di- vision-affords every convenience for receiving material and for shipping purposes. Messrs. Balke & Krauss deal in all kinds of building and hardwood lumber, lath, shingles, pickets, fence posts, etc. ; also hard and soft coal of a superior quality, cement, plaster, hair, sewer and flue pipe, fire brick and clay, and manu- facture largely hardwood mantels, sash, doors, blinds, builders' finish and woodwork for interior and exterior decorative purposes. Orders and contracts are filled promptly, and the trade is of the most substantial character. Mr. Chas. R. Balke is a native of Indian- apolis, and is an active Freemason. Mr. Wm. G. Krauss was born in Germany, and has resided in this city twenty-six years. He is a 32d degree Mason- Mystic Shrine. They are both progressive business men of unquestioned reputation, and prominent mem- bers of the Builders' Exchange, Board of Trade and the Commercial Club.
WACHS & GERLACH.
In every branch of industrial activity there are men who, by superior talent, long practical experience and natural ability, attain a prominence and reputation be- yond that of all competitors. In the trade of wood turning and scroll sawing Messrs. Wachs & Gerlach have gained this eminent position. Mr. William Wachs, who is of German birth, came to the United States in 1853, and to Indianapolis in 1869. Twelve years ago he founded his present concern, and by industry, coupled with a straightforward system of honorable dealing, he at once placed it on a sound and substantial footing. In 1888 he admitted to partnership his nephew, William Gerlach, who was born in Alexandria, Ky , and has resided in this city since 1884. Five years ago the firm erected the two-story brick building which they now occupy at 172 Blake street. It is 20x30 feet in area, and is perfectly equipped with all the latest im- proved and best perfected machines, tools and appli- ances, operated by a ten-horse power engine of modern make and pattern. Three skilled hands are employed, the proprietors exercising close personal supervision over every department. The range of work includes
plain and fancy turning of all kinds, scroll sawing, the manufacture of newels, balusters, barber poles, etc. Orders are solicited and are executed with neatness and dispatch, and at moderate prices. The partners are gentlemen of the highest standing in the trade. Mr. Wachs is an influential member of the Turn Halle.
MRS. J. M. HUNTER.
The question of food supplies is one of the first with which the human family have to grapple, and viewing the competition from a commercial standpoint it will be admitted that the well-appointed grocery establishment furnishes the largest share toward the solution of the problem of feeding the masses. In such connection we make due reference to the popular house of Mrs. J. M. Hunter, located at 184 West Washington street. This enterprise was established in 1876, by Mr. G. W. Pain- ter, who conducted same until his death in 1879. Mr. S. L. Winings assumed and maintained control until 1884, when Mr. George R. Hug became the purchaser, keeping it only until 1886, when Mr. J. M. Hunter be- came proprietor, and remained as such until his death, January 8, 1893. Mrs. J. M. Hunter, wife of de- ceased, took up the work of her husband, and with the assistance of Mr. A. A. Hunter as manager, will perpet- uate her husband's memory by the establishment of one of the best and largest houses in the city for staple and fancy groceries. The premises occupied are of ample di- mensions, and contain a fine stock of bottle sauces, pick- les, etc. The house makes a specialty of fine teas, coffees and sugars. The trade is both wholesale and retail, and ex- tends through Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. When Mr. J. M. Hunter assumed control the business was very much run down, being valued at only $800 per month. In six years, through his efficient man- agement, it was valued at ยง53,000 per year. Mr. J. M. Hunter was an energetic, honorable busi- ness man, prominent alike in social and commer- cial circles, and beloved by all for his affable and win- ning manner. His death left an aching void not only in the home, but in business circles. The present man- ager, Mr. A. A. Hunter, has had sole management of the establishment for three years, the last two years of Mr. J. M. Hunter's life having been spent in California in an unsuccessful quest for health. Mr. A. A. Hunter is a native of Indiana and a prominent member of the Knights of Honor, and no effort is spared on his part to please and satisfy each and every one of the numerous patrons. Both Mrs. J. M. Hunter and Mr. A. A. Hun- ter have always been active in church work, and have each set aside one-tenth of their income for the assist- ance of church enterprises.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
JOHN GUEDELHOEFER.
The enormous increase in the demand for carriage and wagons of all grades has rendered their manufac- ture a prominent industry in all parts of the United States. Indianapolis has long been regarded as a lead- ing source of supply in this line, and one of the oldest, best-known and most reliable houses engaged in it is
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that of John Guedelhoefer. This house is deservedly prominent as manufacturers of vehicles of all descrip- tions for draft and business purposes. Mr. Guedel- hoefer is a native of Germany, and has resided in In- dianapolis since 1869. He has been trained in the art of carriage making from his youth up, and possesses an intimate knowledge of all the details of the business and the requirements of the public in the direction of trade. He founded his present concern in a very small way in 1873, at first occupying on South street a shop, only 12 feet square. But the superior excellence of his work soon attracted the attention of the trade, and the business developed at a very rapid rate. In 1886 he purchased a triangular piece of ground at the junction of West Georgia street and Kentucky avenue, and at once proceeded to erect the commodious buildings now occupied by him. These consist of a blacksmith shop, 50x60 feet, a wagon factory, 20x80 feet, and a paint and finish shop, 40x100 feet in dimensions. The business is still rapidly increasing, and in the early part of 1893 he was obliged to enlarge his buildings by an addition of 60x100 feet. Steam power is at hand, and from twenty to twenty-five skilled workmen are employed. All the operatives of the house are conducted under the per- sonal supervision of Mr Guedelhoefer, thus insuring only such products as will withstand the most critical tests, both in regard to the materials used in their con- struction, and the workmanship employed. The work is all executed by hand, and the vehicles here turned out are unsurpassed by any in the market for strength,
lightness, ease of draft and thorough reliability, while the prices which prevail are such as challenge compe- tition. Prompt attention is given to repairing and gen- eral jobbing, and the trade of the house is large and active. Mr. Guedelhoefer is a prominent member of the Carriage Builders' Association. The telephone call of the office is 287.
HEEB & OSBORN.
For genuine merit and efficiency the Indianapolis Business University is the most solid and successful ed- ucational establishment in the West. This university is the outcome of a business school established in 1850 by Mr. W. M. Scott, and conducted by him for some years, passing later under the control of Messrs. Thomas J. Bryant and P. R. Spencer until 1864. It then be- came one of the many Bryant & Stratton colleges. In 1885 the various interests were consolidated into the Indianapolis Business University, Messrs. Emmet J. Heeb and Elisha B. Osborn assuming charge of the in- stitution in 1887. Mr. Heeb is an experienced business educator who had directed the affairs of the concern for several years previously, and now acts as manager. The superintendent of instruction, Mr. Elisha B. Os- born, is an expert accountant and business educator of sixteen years' experience, and has been with the univer- sity since 1886. It is desirably located, since 1874 on the fourth floor of the When Block, and has a frontage of 140 feet on Pennsylvania street. The depth of the place is 100 feet, divided into eight spacious, well- lighted, ventilated and cheery front rooms, with ample room for the accommodation of 700 students. The in- stitution is open the year round, and a night school is also maintained. A full business course includes book- keeping, commercial arithmetic, business penmanship, commercial law, correspondence, grammar, spelling, business papers, banking, business practice and office training lectures. The shorthand course comprises phonography, dictation and amanuensis work, reporting and speeding, office training, typewriting, penmanship, correspondence and spelling. Then there are combi- nation courses. Eight first-class and competent teach- ers being employed for the main departments, besides a number of assistant teachers. Students come here from all parts of the United States, and the high regard in which the university is held may be inferred from the large enrollment of 542 scholars in 1892. Ladies are here afforded equal facilities with gentlemen in every department. Messrs. Heeb & Osborn are thorough dis- ciplinarians, intellectual and accomplished gentlemen, whose aim to forward the best in erests of their scholars
has borne great and profitable results, and this institu- tion is unrivaled in the advantages it offers for education.
MADISON BREWING COMPANY.
The Madison Brewing Company for many year : past has deservedly maintained a high reputation for its products, ranking on a par with the most eminent con- cerns of its kind in the West. The brewery is located at Madison, Ind., on the banks of the Ohio river, where it has been in existence over forty years, being, in fact, the oldest brewery in the state. An immense business is done there, both in the brewing and bottling of their celebrated Madison XXX ale and porter, Pilsener, Bohemian and export beer, the two latter being a lead- ing specialty, their superior excellence rendering them fast sellers everywhere. This brewery has an annual producing capacity of 200,000 barrels, the bottling capacity also being very large, and is second to few, if any, establishments in the state. The plant is com- plete, modern in construction, and covers a large acre- age of ground, consisting of store-houses, brew-houses, offices, boiler-houses, ice machine and refrigerator houses, wash-houses, malt-houses, elevators, bottling- houses, stables, cooper shops, shipping and packing de- partments. The large and increasing demands made upon the resources of the company has urged upon them the necessity, within the past year, of completely overhauling and enlarging the entire premises. New and improved machinery has been put in, three new ice machines have been added, along with other features that have greatly increased the facility for rapid work and the efficiency of the means in turning out superior products. The present capacity of the bottling branch is forty barrels per day. The president of the company is Mr. John Ross ; the vice-president, Mr. James Hill; the secretary, Mr. Charles A. Korbly; the superin- tendent, Mr. A. C. Griener. The distributing point for the products of this reliable establishment is Indianapo- lis, an agency having been started here about seven years ago and placed in charge of Mr. George O. Grif- fin. This estimable gentleman has most ably demon- strated his admirable business capacity by the great impetus he has given to the company's trade, the wide- spread and growing reputation of the Madison Brewery in these parts proving him to be fully wide awake and progressive, and the right man in the right place, The agency quarters, at 86 and 88 South Delaware street, are central and commodious, comprising two spacious floors and a basement, having dimensions of 45x200 feet. These premises are well adapted to the purpose in view, and are most adequately equipped with
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
boxes, cold storage capacity, etc., with ample accommo- dations for several car loads of beer. There are also elevators to facilitate the handling of the large stock that is constantly kept on hand and received daily direct from the brewery in car-load lots. The goods emanating from the Madison Brewery, and particularly the old XXX Madison Ale and Porter, have a national reputation for purity and superior flavor, possessing rare tonic strength that recommends them especially as a health-giving beverage of high class. Only the best malt and imported Bavarian hops are used, and they are so carefully and scientifically treated as to bring out a product that is unsurpassed in general ex- cellence. Moreover, the prime quality of the beer is enhanced by the large storage facilities of the brewery that allow large quantities to lie in stock, and thus ac- quire that maturity which is an important essential omitted by many breweries less fully equipped than the Madison. Mr. Griffin controls a large trade among pri- vate families, hotels, cafes, dealers, etc., giving steady employment to fifteen hands, and keeps eight delivery wagons constently running to all parts of the city.
JULIUS MIESSEN.
A deservedly successful and ably conducted house in Indianapolis, and which receives a very large share of public support and patronage is that of Mr. Julius Mies- sen, the widely known confectioner and caterer, at 41 East North street. Mr. Miessen, who is a native of Germany, founded this prosperous house in 1873, in premises located at 180 Virginia avenue. His business from the start assumed large proportions, and in Decem- ber, 1890, he was compelled to seek more spacious quarters at his present address. Here he occupies a ground floor and basement, each having an area of 30x60 feet. The manufacturing and baking departments are in the basement and are thoroughly equipped with the most modern and latest improved appliances, while sev- eral skilled confectioners and bakers are employed. The store, on the ground floor, together with ice cream par- lors in the rear, are very handsomely fitted up in oak and present a very attractive and inviting appearance. A massive soda-water fountain adds to the completeness of the equipment, and a large and varied stock, renewed daily, is carried. Mr. Miessen makes all kinds of pure and wholesome sweetmeats and bon-bons, ices and ice creams, cakes, pies, bread, jellies, meats, salads, etc. He makes a specialty of supplying all the delicacies in season for banquets, balls, wedding parties and the fam- ily table, and his services are in continued demand. His prices are always moderate, and orders receive im- mediate attention. The telephone call is 1312.
W. D. ALLISON COMPANY.
A house whose manufactures have commanded such attention that they have been shipped not only to all parts of the United States, but to Europe, South Amer- ica, Mexico and other parts of the civilized world, is justly regarded with pride by all our citizens. Such a house is that of the W. D. Allison Company, located at 85 and 87 East South street, Indianapolis, everywhere known as manufacturers of physicians' operating chairs and tables instrument cabi- nets, invalid rolling and re- clining chairs, etc. The busi- ness was established in 1881 15 under the style of J H. Clark & Co., which later be- came Roberts & Allison, and still later that it now bears. INSTRUMENT CASE. Mr. W. D. Allison, the in- ventor of these invaluable and ingenious articles, was born near Charleston, Ill., and formerly conducted a music business at Mattoon, Ill , but in 1884 came to this city, and has ever since been engaged in his present line of trade. It is an indispu- table fact that he has devised and perfected the most comfortable, convenient and useful operating chair and operating table ever invented. These are made from carefully selected and thoroughly kiln dried cherry, walnut or oak finished in the finest style, upholstered in
OPERATING TABLE.
leather of any desired color, silk or mohair, plush or in special styles and designs, and are not only practically useful, but are highly ornamental to any apartment. The manner in which these chairs and tables can be
inclined, tilted and operated is little short of inarvel- ous, and renders them an absolute necessity to all phy- sicians and surgeons. In fact, it has come to be recog- nized that no parlors, office, etc., utilized by these pro- fes sional gentlemen is complete without one of Allison's chairs or tables. The Allison Combination Instrument Cabinet is also deserving of special commendation, as being the only one which is thoroughly aseptic and proof against dust and dampness. The company also pays particular attention to all orders for physicians' specialties, supplies and furniture, and as they employ none but experts in each department, and have a thor- ough knowledge of the requirements of these profes-
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