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 11
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PHYSICIAN'S CHAIR
sional gentlemen, they are in a position to give them complete satis action as regards quality and prices. A large stock of articles made on the spot is always car- ried, and the splendid four-story structure utilized by the company is always open to those who wish to ex- amine the working of the articles, or to see how care- fully they are made. Steady employment is given to a large number of expert workmen, among whom are ried, and the most skillful cabinet makers, finishers, up- holsterers, etc., in the country. Six experienced travel- ing salesmen are kept upon the road, and a large num- ber of local agents are scattered throughout the country. The company have found it necessary to establish an office af 1530 Masonic Temple, Chicago, Ill., and at 44 St. Mary Axe, London, E C, England, in order to fully meet the growing requirements of their trade. Mr. Allison was elected to the important and responsi- ble position of city clerk in Mattoon just before leaving that place, and he is an active member of the Commercial Club and the Masonic body in this city.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
HENDRICKS & COOPER.
Among the representative wholesale boot and shoe houses of Indianapolis special rotice is due to the firm of Hendricks & Cooper, who are the oldest in this line in the state. The business was established thirty- four years ago by V. K. Hendricks, under the style of V. K. Hendricks & Co., and fifteen years ago Mr. W.D. Cooper became a member of the firm, the present firm name being then adopted. The premises utilized for business purposes comprise an entire three-story and basement building, 85 and 87 South Meridian street, which has dimensions of 32x190 feet. They carry a varied assortment of boots, shoes, slippers and rubbers of all styles and sizes in medium and fine grades. The firm maintains close and favorable relations with manu- facturers, which enables them to keep at all times a well aasorted stock. They offer exceptional inducements to retailers in variety, quality and prices, and do a large and steadily increasing jobbing trade throughout the territory tributary to Indianapolis, which requires the constant services of five traveling salesmen and a full indoor staff. Mr. V. K. Hendricks, the founder, started business in a small way on Washington street in 1859. The members of the firm were among the pioneers on Meridian street. They have but recently occupied the large and beautiful rooms above referred to, 85 and 87 South Meridian street, immediately south of their old stand. Mr. Cooper's long experience in the jobbing boot and shoe business, and his favorable and pleasant acquaintance with the trade of this locality, has added much to the success and prosperity of the house. Both members of the firm are Indiana men and take great pleasure in extending kindly greetings, in their new quarters, to their large circle of customers and friends.
MERIDIAN NATIONAL BANK.
A financial institution which has in the highest degree retained the confidence of the public, and has pursued an eminently prosperous career, is the Meridian National Bank. Its high standing and unusual popularity is due to the sound and conservative policy ever pursued by its executive. President Gallup's keen insight into the current of trade and the state of the money market has become generally recognized, and his close attention to the guidance of the affairs of the bank has been continu- ous ever since the bank's incorporation in 1871, and in which year Mr. Gallup was elected president, having re- tained the chair for a number of years. The best proof of the bank's solid prosperity is best shown by its last statement. With total resources of over $1,780,000, it has a cash capital of $200,000, with a splendid surplus
RUBBERS
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BOOTS & SHOES
ENCRISIS &
HENDRICKS & COOPER, Wholesale Boots and Shoes, 85 and 87 SOUTH MERIDIAN STREET.
fund of $150,000, besides an additional sum of $35, 646 in undivided profits. It is the popular favorite with active business men and has the accounts of many of the lead- ing concerns in town. Its individual deposits average near $900,000, while its total of deposits reaches over $1,300,000. Its loans and discounts average over $1,- 000,000, thus insuring large earnings. In every respect the bank's condition is most creditable to the officers and directors. The bank transacts a general business, re- ceiving the accounts of banks, bankers, corporations and individuals, discounting approved commercial paper, buying and selling foreign exchange, issuing drafts on Europe, and making collections on all points. In this field the bank has most desirable connections, among its correspondents being the Fourth National Bank of New York, Merchants' National of Chicago, First National Bank of Cincinnati, First National of Boston, Fourth National of St. Louis, Central National Bank of Cleve- land, Central National of Philadelphia, Merchants of Baltimore, and Bank of Commerce of Louisville. To those out of town having collections to make here the Meridian National offers special facilities and lowest rates. President Gallup is one of the leading capitalists of Indianapolis, and is one of the recognized authorities in financial circles. Mr. Frederick Fahnley, the vice- president, is a successful business man, head of the largest wholesale millinery house between New York and Chicago. Mr. A. F. Kopp, the cashier, has been identi- fied with the bank since 1873 and was appointed cashier in 1885. He brings to bear special qualifications, and is universally popular with customers. The gentlemen named above and Messrs. Henry Wetzel, J. E. Robert- son, G. A. Schnull and William Haueisen form the Board of Directors, in every respect able and representa- tive. The bank occupies handsome and commodious premises at 8 East Washington street, having heavy cabinet finished oak fixtures, with vault and all the mod- ern conveniences. This is in every respect a model financial institution and has most materially contributed to the solid growth and development of Indianapolis.
GEO. W. SLOAN.
There are few establishments in Indianapolis which can refer to a prosperous existence of close on to half a century under one management. Such, however, is the record of the well-known drug house of Mr. Geo. W. Sloan, at 22 West Washington street. Sloan's pharmacy is one of many the oldest and most noted drug establish- ments in the city, was founded by Mr. Sloan, and during the many years that have since intervened it has been a leading and popular purchasing center, a
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
109
. position it still retains in the face of the fiercest com- petition. The store is very commodious, having an area of 25x100 feet. It is handsomely and appropriately fur- nished with all the latest modern improvements, includ- ing large display windows, marble counters, show cases, beautiful soda water fountain, etc. Mr. Sloan keeps constantly on hand the largest and most complete stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals to be found in the city; also chemical and pharmaceutical preparations, pro- prietary remedies of long and well established merit and reputation, toilet and fancy goods, druggists' sundries, imported and domestic mineral waters, physicians' and surgeons' requisites, and in fact everything pertaining to a first-class pharmacy. Mr. Sloan is an extensive manu- facturer of tonics, extracts, medicated wines and elixirs. Sloan's Carbolized Dentifrices are on sale all over the country, and it is the best preparation of the kind on the inarket. Among other articles prepared here are Sloan's Beef, Iron and Wine, Sloan's Cod Liver Oil Emulsion, etc. He is ex-president of the American Pharmaceuti- cal Association, and is also a charter member of the Board of Trade, being one of its governing committee, and a member of the Commercial Club.
HENRY NICOLAI.
A leading and popular source of supply in the line of choice meats in the section of the city in which it is located is that of Mr. Henry Nicolai, at 91 Massachu- setts avenue. Mr. Nicolai is a live, wide-awake man of much enterprise and excellent business aptitude, and en- joys a large first-class patronage. He has been estab- lished in business since 1869, and in 1891 built the handsome New York granite front building in which he is now located. The store is fitted up with oak fixtures and a refrigerator of 5,000 pound capacity. In size it is 18x80 feet, and all the surroundings are in keeping with the character and a model of neatness and cleanliness. Every day Mr. Nicolai receives the choicest cuts of fresh meats of all kinds, and always keeps in stock salt and smoked meats and sausage and bologna of his own manufacture. He cures all meats sold by him, and ob- tains his supplies from the best producing sources. He handles only the choicest to be obtained, and can always guarantee everything placed before patrons, and prices are always the lowest. Four assistants are employed, and delivery teams are always in active service. Mr. Nicolai, who was born in Evansville, Ind., has resided in Indianapolis since 1851. He is a veteran of the war and served in the 68th Indiana Infantry. He belongs to the Geo. H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., and the Union Veteran Legion, Camp 80, and the Odd Fellows and Encampment.
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NEAT HABECT.
NCAT HABEET.
HENRY NICOLAI, No. 91 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE.
FORT, JOHNSTON & CO.
The live stock commission business in Indianapolis is admittedly one of the most important and influential fac- tors of the rapid development of the city's trade and commercial pre-eminence. Among the old established and leading followers of this line of enterprise are the members of the well-known firm of Fort, Johnston & Co., whose offices are in the Exchange Building at the Union Stock Yards. This business was inaugurated in 1878 by Messrs. Barnhizer and W. M. Johnston, suc- ceeded by Messrs. Fort & Johnston, and from its incep- tion obtained a foremost position in the trade, which the house has ever since most ably maintained. In 1888 Messrs. E. M. Wilkinson & Brother acquired an interest in the concern, and the present style of firm tiile was then adopted. Mr. Fort is one of the oldest stock men in this section, having been identified with the business since 1873, and is always alive to the fluc- tuations and needs of the market. The premises util- ized as offices are neatly fitted up, and the facilities enjoyed by the firm are A 1 in every respect. Their trade is of immense proportions, from two to three mil- lion dollars' worth of stock annually passing through their hands. They receive daily consignments of cattle, sheep and liogs from the most reliable sources in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and other states, and do a very heavy trade with the local packers, buich- ers and dealers, as well as large shipping business with New York, Baltimore, Richmond, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Daily sales are held, and are attended by the representatives of the leading packers and deal- ers in the country. No firm can offer to breeders and shippers such undoubted advantages of a quick and profitable market, while to the trade they can at all times guarantee the fulfillment of all commissions and orders, of whatever magnitude, in a prompt and satis- factory manner. They make liberal advances on all consignments, and are noted for the promptness with which account sales are rendered and proceeds remitted. Mr. Fort was born in Indiana, and is a prominent mem- ber of the Commercial Club. Mr. Johnston occupied the first office in the new building at the Stock Yards. He is a native of this state, and is extensively interested in zinc mines in Barry County, Missouri. Messrs. Wilk- inson & Bro. are engaged in the grain trade at Knights- town, Ind., and are also connected with the Citizens First National Bank of that town. The members of the firm are all men of great business experience and ability, and combine to form the most influential, as well as most substantial firm engaged in this line of trade.
110
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
FOSTER & BENNETT LUMBER COMPANY.
A leading feature of the great industries of Indianap- olis is the trade in lumber and building materials. The enterprise displayed by those handling and manufactur- ing these staple articles has been and is now of the most active and import- ant character, so much so indeed as to center at this point a very large and growing trade which adds greatly to the commercial welfare ofour city. The house of the Foster & Ben- nett Lumber Company, dealers in lumber, lath and shingles, and man- ufacturers of sash, doors, blinds, etc., must be accorded a conspic- uous and justly promi- nent position as one of the most extensive con- cerns of the kind in this state. The men- ton of this reliable house in lumber and building circles carries with it a prestige and confidence. enjoyed in a greater degree by none of its competitors, and is proof positive that there must be an underlying current of accurate knowledge of the business and a lib- eral and just policy ex- ercised in the manage- ment of its affairs which have culminated in such great prosperity and success. The busi- ness has been in suc- cessful operation since 1874 when it was founded by Messrs. C. C. Foster & Co. In 1884 it was incorporated as the C. C. Foster Lumber Company with a capital of $50,000, and in 1890 was reorganized under its present style with an increased capital of $150,000. The trade conducted in the different branches is widespread and commanding in proportions. The plant of the com-
pany is located at 402-420 North Mississippi street, covering a ground area of three acres, and with its splendid equipment of modern machinery and ingenious labor saving devices, is the most complete mill in tbe state. The planing mill, sash, door and blind factory include a two-story building, 140x180 feet in area, and
LUMBER CO
FOSTER & BENNETT
two three-story frame buildings. A 100 horse-power engine drives the machinery, there is a 6x18 foot boiler, and the furnaces are arranged either to burn natural gas or surplus sbavings. The warehouse and offices occupy a three-story frame building, 40x160 feet in dimensions, from 75 to 100 men being steadily employed. There are numerous large sheds for the storage of dry and
finished stock, while the spacious yards easily accom- modate immense quantities of rough or dressed lum- ber. The ample switch connections with the "Big Four " railway afford splendid convenience for expe- ditious shipments. The product includes all kinds of planed and finished lumber, sash, doors, blinds, frames, mouldings, etc., their specialty being veneer- . ed doors and fine inter- ior finish, the finest ma- terial being used in every case, the superi- ority in finish and workmanship of the products baving long been recognized and duly appreciated in the market. The connec- tions of the bouse with the best sources of supply enable it to command every favor- able opportunity of tbe market for the procure- ment of lumber of any description, and to offer inducements to the trade as regards relia- bility of goods and lib- eralty of terms and prices which command attention and challenge successful competition. The president, Mr. C. C. Foster, is one of the vice presidents of the Commercial Club, a member of the Board of Trade, president of the Atlas Savings Associa- tion, vice president of the Mutual Home Sav- ings and Loan Associa- tion, a member of the Builders' Exchange, the Commercial and tbe Columbia clubs. Mr. H. T. Bennett, the vice-president and treasurer, is a member of the Commercial Club and the Builders' Exchange. Mr. Louis A. Budenz, the secretary, who has been iden- tified with the business for ten years past, is a member of the Commercial Club and sectretary of the Keystone Land and Improvement Company.
111
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
JACOB METZGER & CO.
The largest, finest and most complete bottling estab- lishments in the state of Indiana is that of Messrs. Jacob Metzger & Co., at 30 and 32 East Maryland street. Mr. Metzger, who is the sole proprietor, began the busi- ness in 1877 and in 1884, the trade had expanded to such proportions as to render increased facilities absolutely necessary. Accordingly with his usual enterprise, he erected his present handsome and spacious building.
P.LIEBER& COS
TAFEL BEER.
AUCTIO
CO.
four stories with basement in height, 34x118 feet, and L attachment in rear, 23x34 feet, and put in a complete equipment of all machinery driven by a 25 horse-power steam engine and all modern appliances known to the business. Mr. Metzger is the sole bottler of the P. Lieber Brewing Company's celebrated export Tafel beer, and is a large dealer and bottler in foreign and do- mestic beers, ales, porters, wines and mineral waters, his trade which is wholesale exclusively, covering the states of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Among the high grade goods he handles may be mentioned the productions of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wis., Old Time Ale and Porter, Carling's Ale, Porter and Half and Half, Bass' Ale, Guinness' Extra Stout, Dog's Head Bass Ale, McMullen's White Label Bass Ale, Hunyadi Water, Appollinaris Water, Victoria Seltzer in jugs, Waukesha Natural Mireral Water, Cloverdale Lithia Water, Saratoga Waters, Hath-
orn, Congre_s and Vichy, Martinsville Mineral Water, Delatour Soda Water, Kentucky Blue Lick Water, Import- ed and Domestic Ginger Ale, Imported Club Soda Water, Foreign and Domestic Wines of every kind, Blackberry brandy, Foreign and Domestic Champagnes. His stock is absolutely unrivaled for variety, delicacy, purity or general excellence, and his goods are favorites wherever introduced. He has recently added to his business a perfect equipment for the manufacture of carbonated goods, together with a Burnstead Still for distilling pure water which is used for Syphon Seltzer, ginger ale and all soda waters, and is the most wholesome that can be made. Mr. Metzger is a native of Germany, but came to this city in 1850, and is prominent in business circles and enjoys the esteem of the community and all with whom he has business relations. He is a member of the Commercial Club.
DYER & RASSMANN.
The substantial progress that a city makes during any given period is perhaps due more to that class of real estate dealers who have identified themselves closely with the welfare of the place, and prefer to see and aid her steady growth, rather than to assist in those unnat- ural inflations so aptly termed "booms." In the front rank in this class, who have done much to place Indian- apolis in her present prosperous condition, are the firm of Messrs. Dyer & Rassmann, whose offices are eligibly located at 31 Circle street. These gentlemen began business in 1882, and have gradually formed the most influential connections, until they transact the largest renting business in the city. They conduct a general real estate business in buying, selling, renting and cx- changing realty, loaning money up to sums of $20,000 upon first-class real estate security, the placing of in- surance in companies of known stability, and the man- agement of estate for non-resident owners, keeping them in the highest productive condition. The firm have the largest list of property to rent in the city, and can suit all customers in need of stores, offices, manu- factories, rooms, flats or houses. They represent the following well-known insurance companies: National of Hartford, Conn ; American of New York; Phoenix of London, England, and Reading of Pennsylvania, all of which are financially strong, and are noted for the promptness with which all losses are settled. The specialty of the firm is large real estate deals, many of which have been carried through most successfully. Mr. S. M. Dyer is a native of Indiana, and a member of the Board of Trade and the Commercial and Colum-
bia Clubs. Mr. E. C. Rassmann was also born in this state, and belongs to the Commercial Club, and holds the honored position of vice-president of the city coun. cil. Both gentlemen have had a long and valuable ex- perience in their business, and are recognized as author- ities upon values, both present and prospective.
LAMBUR PHARMACY.
Unquestionably one of the most reliable and popular drug stores in this city is that known as Lambur Phar- macy, located at 99 Indiana avenue, and of which Mrs. Chas. Lambur is the owner, and Mr. W. E. Menden- hall the efficient manager. This business was founded in 1872 by Dr. Davis, subsequently the firm of Dill & Davis was formed, and they were succeeded by Mr. J. B. Dill Mr Louis Eichrodt, then Dill & Lambur suc- ceeded from whom Mr. Chas Lambur purchased the business in 1885. In August, 1891, the lamented de- cease of Mr. Charles Lambur took place, and since then the business has been conducted by his widow, with the assistance of Mr. W. E Mendenhall as manager, a gen- tleman who had previously been connected with the house for four years. The store occupied is very neatly and tastefully fitted up, and is perfect in its equipment, every facility and convenience being at hand for the handling and attractive display of the large and varied stock carried. The latter embraces a full line of pure drugs and chemicals, also everything in the line of druggists' sundries, physicians' supplies, toilet articles perfumes, soaps, proprietary remedies of recognized merit, pharmaceutical preparations of Mr Mendenball's superior production, and all the requirements for the sick room and nursery. Fine brandies, whiskies and wines, both domestic and imported, are carried in stock for medicinal purposes. The prescription department is under the direct supervision of Mr. Mendenhall, and all prescriptions are compounded accurately, special care being taken with those prescriptions whose medic- inal value depends upon the quality of the materials used, and care exercised in their combination. The standard preparations of Squibb, Merck and other noted American and European chemists only are used in this important department, and none but regularly and properly qualified assistants are engaged. Mr. Men- denhall has had a very wide experience extending over a period of twelve years, and was brought up in the profession under the guidance of his father, Mr. A. B. Mendenhall, a prominent druggist of this city. He is a pleasant, courteous gentleman, and is highly esteemed in both business and social circles.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
KIPP BROTHERS COMPANY.
Indianapolis has become the leading center of distri- bution for goods of every description, and its tributary country extends east, west and south over a very large and prosperous territory. It is the headquarters of Kipp Bros. Co., importers and jobbers of fancy goods, sporting goods, notions, etc., which has the distinction of being the largest and most important house of its kind west of New York. The business was established by Messrs. A. and R. Kipp in 1880, under the style of Kipp Bros., at its present location, 37 and 39 South Meridian street, and was developed upon a sound basis until in February, 1893, the vast interests involved were duly incorporated under the laws of Indiana with a cap- ital of $160,000, Mr. A. Kipp is president, and Mr. R. Kipp secretary and treasurer. The company utilize the entire five-story and basement building at the above ad- dress, having dimensions of 45x190 feet, every inch of which is filled with an immense stock of the finest imported and domestic goods. These are arranged in departments, as cutlery and fancy hardware, sporting goods, optical instruments, jewelry, clocks, etc., Yankee notions and small ware, musical instruments, smokers articles, stationery goods, leather goods, druggists' sun- dries, fancy goods, china and earthenware, Bohemian glassware, dolls, toys, games and books, wooden and wil- low ware, baby carriages and fireworks, flags and deco- rations." Numerous illustrated catalogues of the differ- ent departments are issued, which all interested should obtain. The most favorable relations are maintained with the leading manufacturers in Europe and America, which enables the company to at once place in stock new goods of all kinds immediately as they are produced, and they are also enabled to fill any order, no matter how large, with the least possble delay. The officers and heads of departments are gentlemen of vast experi- ence and have a thorough practical knowledge of the wants of the trade. Steady employment is given to a force of forty assistants in the house, and eleven expe- rienced traveling salesmen are kept on the road attend- ing to patrons and looking after the interests of the house throughout the vast territory covered by its oper- ations, which extends over Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky, the com- pany's southern sample room being located at Louis- ville, Ky. The business is one of the most important having its headquarters in this city, and forms no small feature both as regards volume and activity. Messrs. A. and R. Kipp, to whose enterprise foresight and abil-
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