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 13
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 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
THE C. H. BLACK MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
One of the representative industries of Indianapolis is that of the C. H. Black Manufacturing Company, whose carriages, surreys, phaetons, buggies, etc., have achieved an international reputation for superiority in every respect. This is one of the most progressive con- cerns in the United States, its management bringing to bear special qualifications, both as to experience, sound judgment and enterprise, and the company has origin- ated some new features in the carriage manufacturing trade which are of the greatest possible benefit to the purchaser of a vehicle. The business has been estab- lished over twenty years, formerly for some time being
117
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
conducted by the firm of Black & Backus. In 1881, the concern was reorganized by Mr. C. H. Black, and the present title adopted. The factory was originally at 36 and 38 East Maryland St., but in 1888 Mr. Black was compelled to secure enlarged facilities and removed to the present desirable premises, 44 East Maryland street and 42 and 44 South Pennsylvania street, with their wood working shops on Louisiana street, where his shops are, while the reposi- tory is at 44 South Pennsylvania St., with the painting and trimming de- partments on the upper floors. The shops are a model of thorough organi- zation, and are fully equipped with the latest tools and machinery. Mr. Black employs only the most experi- enced, skilled work- men, while he is one of the best judges of material in America, and buys only the highest grade of everything, while being such a large consumer, he is enabled to secure discounts for cash, that place the company in a position to turn out the best work at the same prices that much inferior car- riages are sold for elsewhere. The company has be- come renowned all over the United States for the supe- riority, elegance and durability of its work, and is among the first to produce all the new styles as they come out, they being originators not imitators. This is recognized headquarters for fine coaches, rockaways, surreys, spring wagons, phaetons, eliptic spring or side bar buggies, two-wheelers, express, delivery and busi- ness wagons, trucks, etc. The company also deals in full lines of carriage, buggy, road cart and track harness, all of superior quality and workmanship. A feature of this company's trade is the large number of sales it is making all over the country, per its catalogues, or the visible recommendations of its vehicies already in use.
Shipping direct to the consumer without incurring the extra cost involved by purchasing through middlemen, gives net prices for the finest work that will astonish the public. We advise all those out of town in need of a . carriage, to send to the company for its handsome illus- trated catalogue and price list, while Indianapolis is so desirably located that Mr. Black can always quote the
lowest freight rates. Every vehicle leaving this estab- lishment is perfect; a guarantee goes with every sale, and the best proof afforded that the company's product . gives entire satisfaction, is the large annual increase of sales. Mr. Black is a thoroughly practical man, and is the oldest carriage manufacturer in the city. Born in Indiana, and grown up in the trade in this locality, with the largest shipping trade of fine work west of the Alle- ghanies, brings to bear experience that is reflected in his vehicles, which are now so generally in use throughout Indianapolis and vicinity. They are now completing an outfit of fine Broughams. Talla Ho and Kensingtons, and several other of the latest style novelties in vehicles for the elegant stables of Cooper & Wood, North Meridian street. They know the styles, tracks and requirements of all the different styles of vehicles of all sections.
BOOTH'S STABLES.
There is no feature that contributes so much towards a city's reputation for progress and enterprise as the facilities afforded by a well-conducted livery stable, such as the well-patronized and reliable establishment known as Booth's Stables, located at 80 and 82 West Market street, with telephone call 1061. This business was established in 1878 by Mr. W. I. Ripley, who con- ducted the business until 1883, when Mr. J. L. Booth became his successor. In 1887 Mr. Booth was joined by Mr. Crary, but this association lasted only one year, when Mr. Booth purchased his partner's interest and again became the sole proprietor and managed the con- cern alone until 1892, when Mr. A. Schurmann acquired an interest. The stables are spacious and commodious, and equipped with every modern requisite, well lighted, properly ventilated, thoroughly drained, and free from all obnoxious odors. There is ample accommodation for 111 horses, besides a large carriage repository, with separate lockers for barness, robes and equipments. Also handsomely furnished waiting-rooms, sleeping- rooms for drivers, wash and toilet-rooms, blacksmith shop, etc. The dimensions of this thoroughly first-class stable are 85x195 feet, but the building has become in- adequate for the demands of the rapidly increasing bus- iness, and the firm will build an addition of two stories on the east side of their present structure, which will have an area of 25x195 feet. Special attention is given to the boarding of fine carriage, track and road horses, and in addition to the regular stables, there are a num- ber of excellent roomy box-stalls. Ilorses left in charge of this establishment receive the best attention from experienced grooms, while the provender is of the very . best and bountifully served. A large number of fine, stylish coaches, carriages, landaus, coupes, top and open buggies, etc., also twenty-seven fine, stylish riding and driving horses, can be hired upon most reasonable terms for business or pleasure at all hours of the day or night. A specialty is made of carriage service for balls, weddings, parties, receptions, funerals, opera, theater, shopping and pleasure excursions, and none but expe- rienced and intelligent drivers are employed, who are appropriately clad in a neat and becoming livery. The stable is very centrally located, within half a block of the State House and four blocks of all the theaters. A district telegraph line, in addition to telephone, con- nects the establishment with all parts of the city, and call-boxes are placed in residences and offices of patrons free of charge. Mr. Booth was born in Lafayette, Ind., and has resided in this city for a number of years. He is a member of the Board of Trade, Commercial Club, Knights of Pythias and the Elks.
.
118
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
GEO. K. SHARE & CO.
Among the business houses in Indianapolis that have always maintained a high reputation may be mentioned that of Geo. K. Share & Co., wholesale dealers in sad- diery, hardware, carriage goods, etc. The foundation
SADDLERY HARDWARE
1
..
MARRIAGE TRIMMING'S
55 GEOK SHARES CATZ
--
-
of the house dates from 1863, when it was established by the firm, and from the outset, under Mr. Share's management, a growing business has been carried on, the trade coming from this and adjoining states. The building occupied at 55 and 57 South Meridian street is
three stories and basement high, and has dimensions of 24x130 feet. A large stock of goods is carried, com- prising everything in the line of saddlery hardware and carriage goods of a superior qualily. The goods are bought direct from the leading reputable manufacturers, and in such quantities that the house is always enabled to offer the best inducements to the trade and render the best satisfaction. Mr. Share has resided in Indian- apolis since 1863. He is widely and popularly known in commercial circles, and is the head of one of the old- est houses in its line in the state of Indiana.
FRED. W. BRANDT.
A leading manufacturing establishment and one of the largest in its line is that of Fred. W. Brandt, manufac- turer of boxes and cooperage. The foundation of this flourishing business dates from 1864, when it was estab- lished by J. S. Carey, who, twenty years after, sold out to Wood & Smith. This firm continued the business until 1892, and were succeeded by Mr. Brandt, who had for a period of eleven years previously been connected with the Minter Cooperage Works. The premises util- ized for the purposes of the business cover two acres, and consist of a large yard, a box factory two stories high, 60x150 feet, two cooper shops, each 30x120 feet, two stories in height, other smaller buildings and an of- fice fronting on South West street, numbered 84. Throughout, all the buildings are equipped with the latest improved machinery specially designed for this line of manufacture, operated by a sixty horse-power steam engine and boiler, and all necessary appliances and mechanical devices, and bring into requisition the services of from 70 to 80 skilled employes. All kinds of wood packing boxes are manufactured; also tight bar- rels, kegs, tierces, egg-cases, chicken-coops, hoops, staves, headings, etc. The wood used in boxes is pine, which is obtained from Michigan and Wisconsin, and gum and oak, which comes from Tennessee and Arkan-
sas. Hoop material is obtained from Missouri, Iowa and Tennessee. Pork and lard barrels and tierces, coal oil barrels of oak and tight cooperage is the specialty, which are turned out in large quantities. Wood and iron bound cooperage for any purpose is manufactured to order, and on an average 600 packing boxes of all sizes and 150 barrels, tierces, etc., are manufactured daily. The trade is mostly local, but many large orders are filled from cities and towns in this and adjoining states. Mr. Brandt, who was born in Prussia, Ger- many, came to Indianapolis direct twenty-two years ago. He is an energetic, enterprising business man of
unquestioned reputation, well known and prominent in commercial and financial circles.
WILLIAM SCHAFER.
One of the most reliable and responsible houses en- gaged in this important line of trade in Indianapolis is that of Mr. William Schafer, wholesale and retail dealer in fancy and staple groceries, fresh meats, provisions, flour and feed, at 492 South Meridian street. Mr. Scha- fer, who is a native of this city, inaugurated this enter- prise in 1885, and under his able and judicious manage- ment it has, from small beginnings, developed into one of considerable magnitude and importance. The prem- ises occupied are in a central location and comprise two floors and a basement, each having a frontage of 20 feet by a depth of 120. These are compactly arranged and supplied with every facility and convenience for the suc- cessful prosecution of the business. The stock carried is full and complete; and is constantly replenished with fresh supplies from the most reliable sources, among the latter being Mr. Schafer's large farm near Cam- bridge, one of the finest in the state. The assortment embraces everything in the line of fancy and staple gro- ceries, canned and bottled goods, table luxuries, dairy and creamery produce, fruits and vegetables, fresh, salt and smoked meats, fish and provisions, etc., as well as hay, oats, mill feed and similar produce. The store is a model of neatness and cleanliness, all goods are abso- lutely the best in the market, and are sold at lowest prices, both to the trade and direct to consumers. Mr. Schafer is a Knight of Pythias. His residence is 494 Sonth Illinois street.
THOS. E. POTTER.
The importance of Indianapolis as a great center of industry, is forcibly demonstrated by reference to ber leading manufacturing establishments. Among the number is that of Mr. Thomas E. Potter, manufacturer of fine straw goods for ladies, misses and children. Mr. Potter established this business in the present location in 1888, and has developed a trade of the most flour- ishing character, with influential connections with leading jobbers in Chicago, St. Paul, etc. Mr. Potter is a recognized leading authority on the manufacture of fine straw goods, and his product is in demand by the best class of houses. His factory, situate i at 26 and 28 South Tennessee street, comprises three floors and base- ment, 50x150 feet in dimensions, fitted up in the latest modern style. having special appliances and perfect facilities. Here 100 hands or more are employed in the manufacture of the highest grades of straw goods
119
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
for ladies, misses and children. His prominent speci- alty is the production of all the latest styles and pat- terns of ladies straw hats. In this feature of the trade, his great experience, sound judgment and correct taste give him the greatest advantages. Mr. Potter directly imports his straw from China, and in every way consults the best interests of his patrons, giving them every possible advantage that the state of the market will permit of. The - factory is driven to its full capacity of 250 dozen hats daily, and the trade extends over the entire west, aside from large shipments to Chicago, St Paul and St. Louis, etc. Mr. Potter was born in England, and has been a permanent resident of the United States for twenty-eight years past. It is due to bis enterprise, skill and energy, that Indianapolis has become such a center for the trade in fine straw goods, and he finds here every facility, including lowest freight rates to every point.
JACOB BOS.
An important branch of wholesale trade in Indianapolis is that devoted to wines and liquors, and in this line special mention should be made of Mr. Jacob Bos, whose enterprise, ability and remarkably high quality of everything in stock, has built up for him such a large and growing trade. This is an old and an honored house, established in 1870 by Mr. John Grosch, who conducted it until 1887, when Mr. Bos became proprietor. His offices and wine cellars are centrally located at 35 and 37 South Delaware street, 30x170 in dimensions. The cellars are equipped with all the appliances for the storage and handling of this immense stock. An equable cool temperature is maintained, and the wines are kept in the best possible condition for use. Mr. Bos is a general wholesale dealer in wines and liquors, as also an extensive bottler of home brewedbeer. He is a direct importer of Rhine wines, French clarets, brandies, liqueurs, mineral waters and corks. He is the leading dealer here in highest grade of California wines, including Riesling, Hocks, Burgundies, Zinfandelo and clarets. He carries full lines of sweet and dry catawbas, sherries, ports and Madeira wines, etc., and offers substantial inducements, both as to prices and quality, in the wood or bottled. He also deals in the very choicest of old Kentucky whiskies, Anderson and Nelson County Bourbon and rye whiskies, Keystone rye, etc. Much of his stock of whiskies is very old -- of the highest
standard of flavor and purity, and is much sought for by good judges of liquors. Mr. Bos makes a specialty of the purest and best of everything, and his wines and liquors are strongly recommended for medic-
inal uses, and are prescribed by leading physicians of the city. Mr. Bos also bottles on a large scale, the beer of the Home Brewing Company of this city, con- sidered the finest on the market. The store is very
handsomely fitted up with glass cabinets, and the ele- gant display of all kinds of bottled goods is unsurpassed in Indianapolis. Mr. Bos has developed a trade that requires six to eight wagons running, supplying not only families, hotels and restaurants, but also the bars and liquor dealers in and out of town. He is known far and wide, as one of the most re- sponsible and enterprising wholesale liquor merchants in the United States, and his trade extends to many southern and western states, with a bottled beer trade of the most extended proportions. Mr. Bos employs three clerks in the office, and fourteen in the cellars, and finds his facilities taxed to the utmost to meet the growing demand for his pure wines and liquors. A native of France, Mr. Bos has been a permanent resident of Indianapolis for the past twenty-two years, and is one of her most popular and respected citizens, possessed of splendid business qualifications, and whose sound judgment and able methods place him at the head of the trade.
THE INDIANA VETERINARY INFIRMARY
The progress in the profession of the veterinary surgeon keeps fully abreast of that of the medical practitioner, and the pathology of the horse, dog, cattle, sheep and other domestic animals is as well defined to-day as that of the human being. The leading representative veterinarian in Indianapolis is Dr. L. A. Greiner, the popular proprietor of The Indiana Veterinary Infirmary, at 440 East Washington street. Dr. Greiner, who is of Alsacian birth, was for several years engaged in the practice of his profession in Buffalo, N. Y., where he met with great success. He re- moved to this city in 1879, and two years later founded his infirmary. In 1885 he became associated with a Dr. E. P. Smithers, but this firm was dissolved in 1890, since when Dr. Greiner has conducted the business alone. The Indiana Veterinary Infirmary occupies a spacious building, and is one of the most thoroughly equipped establishments of the kind in the state. The interior is a model of its type ; the stalls are well ventilated, drained and lighted, including loose boxes, box stalls, colic and lock-jaw compart- ments, soaking and bath tubs, and the complete entourage of the thoroughly equipped equine hos- pital. Dr. Greiner's ability as a veterinary practitioner in all ailments of the horse, also those of all domestic animals, is widespread, and his record as a successful manipulator of the surgeon's knife stands unapproached.
120
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
H. P. WASSON & CO.
In the line of the retail dry goods trade, Indianapolis has cause to feel a just sense of pride, as the widely known establishment of Messrs. H. P. Wasson & Co.,
only the choicest and newest goods could always be obtained at the most moderate prices. His enterprise met with the hearty appreciation of the public, and the flourishing, growing trade developed has necessitated the repeated enlargement of his facilities. To-day he is proprietor of the model dry goods house of the middle states, the largest and finest dry goods store in town. The establish- ment is centrally located at 12, 14, 16 and 18 West Washington street, com- prising five floors for re- tailing.includingthe "Sun- light " basement and attic besides, 67x120 feet in dimensions, total square feet, 44,500. This im- mense area of floor space is taxed to the utmost to carry the magnificent stock of staple and fancy dry goods, ladies' and gents' - 17 furnishings, etc., to be found here. Messrs. Was- son & Co. are direct im- porters from the markets of Europe, and also heavy buyers from the manufac- turers and commission merchants of the East. Here can always be found full lines of silks and sat- ins, dress goods in all the latest shades, patterns and textures, the finest stock of hosiery and underwear in town, all lines of fancy goods, gloves, corsets, etc. An entire floor is devoted to the millinery depart- ment, and the display of trimmed hats and bonnets, flowers, feathers and orna- ments, is notably ahead of anything of the kind shown elsewhere in town. The carpet department gives the greatest variety of patterns to select from at astonishingly low prices, while lace curtains and window shades are a specialty. Their
H.P. WASSON & CO.
Ja
-The GIANT Autant
will compare favorably with any store of the kind from New York to Chicago. The business was established about ten years ago by Mr. Wasson, who saw the need of a first-class dry goods store in the city, one where
cloak department is justly celebrated. Any size and
figure can be promptly fitted here, while a department is devoted to fine dress making, and only experts are employed, so that the leading society ladies of the city get their costumes here. Another department is devoted to house furnishing goods of the first quality. The store throughout is elegantly fitted up, and the display of goods is unrivaled. Upwards of 250 hands are employed, and the thorough system of organization in- dicates Mr. Wasson's fine executive abilities. The show windows are the finest dressed of any in Indianapolis, and are a fitting index to the magnificent stock carried within. This house is noted for genuine bargains. Everything is exactly as advertised, and nowhere does money go so far in the purchase of fine goods as here. Mr. Wasson is a leading and representative business man of the city, an active member of the Commercial Club, and of the Board of Trade, and has by his own worthy efforts, reared the finest dry goods em- porium in the middle states.
LEE HOLTZMAN.
Indianapolis can boast among her many attractions of the finest and best kept livery and boarding stable on the continent. We say this advisedly, after having seen the finest stables in other large cities, and concede that Mr. Lee Holtzman's splendid establishment leads them all. Mr. Holtzman is one of the most energetic and popular business men in town, and his progressive policy and sound judgment are fully shown in his magnificent establishment. He began in business about five years ago, erecting this building especially for high class livery purposes. It is 441/2 feet in front by 200 in depth, with buggy shed on second floor, 165x44 feet in size. Mr. Holtzman's plan, were most elaborate, and he has introduced many desirable improvements. The stable is most complete and convenient, and possesses every facility for the handling and stabling of fine horses. It is very light and perfectly ventilated, fitted with box stalls, and is therefore A 1 for boarding the most costly class of stock. A large platform elevator runs from the ground floor to the second, by which vehicles are raised and lowered, while on the second floor are the harness rooms, also the washing room, where vehicles are run to be thoroughly cleansed, there being perfect facilities and hot and cold water. There is also on this floor an electric motor for cutting feed. Below on first floor and in the front is the ladies' re- ception room, handsomely papered and decorated, with elegant pictures hung on the walls, etc., gas heat, etc. This is unrivaled for ladies to retire to, awaiting the getting ready of a rig. To the rear of this is the book- keeper's and cashier's office, with handsome desks, tele-
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
121
phone and all other conveniences. The stables are the neatest, cleanest and sweetest we ever entered, and in the office, one cannot be aware by sight or odor that there is a stable on the premises. On the second floor front, Mr. Holtzman has a handsome suite of rooms, parlor, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and bath room, also a spare chamber for his friends. Though Mr. Holtzman is still a bachelor, yet he extends warm hospitality to his large circle of acquaintances, who can appreciate this handsome suite of apartments, finished decorated and furnished in the latest modern style, in every respect complete, including a piano and fine case of books, selected with judicious care by Mr. Holtz- man. The culinary department is in charge of a skilled
OUTSMANY
LIVERY
CARRIAGES. LI
VER
housekeeper, and Mr. Holtzman entertains his friends in exc ptional style. The front entrance by stairs to his rooms is as handsome as that of many fine houses. Mr. Holtzman is a recognized expert and authority on horses, and owns several well bred trotters and road horses of good records, and which hold their own with any in town. All his rooms are lit by electricity, heated by natural gas and have hot and cold water. Mr. Holtzman has fifty head of fine stock in his stables, and owns a large number of fine hacks and coupes also buggies. He is always prepared to furnish carriages with careful drivers to funerals and weddings, etc., also light rigs for pleasure driving, all at most mod- erate prices. He also contracts to do teaming and
general transfer business. His is the most extensive livery business in town, and giving such close personal attention, and thoroughly understanding it in every de- tail, Mr. Holtzman will continue to draw his patron- age from the best circles in town.
ROCKWOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The attention that has been given of late years to the perfecting and improving of all kinds of machinery is noteworthy, and has resulted in placing at the dis- posal of the mechanic a superior class of time and labor
saving goods. Indianapolis is in nowise behind any other large city in this onward march of progress, and her citizens refer with pride to the numerous industrial concerns within her limits, whose productions are to be found in use to-day in all parts of the civilized world. Prominent among these is the Rockwood Manufacturing Company, machinists and founders, whose works are numbered 176 to 190 on South Pennsylvania street. This concern was founded in 1882 by Messrs. Rock- wood, Newcomb & Co., under the name of the American Paper Pulley Company. In 1891, Mr. Rockwood suc- ceeded to the sole control, and changed the name to the present style. The plant covers an area of 125x175 feet,
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.