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 15
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
TUCKER'S GLOVE STORE.
A representative house dealing exclusively in gloves is that known as Tucker's Glove Store, located at 10 East Washington street. This business was founded in 1883 by its present proprietor, and at once developed a large and influential trade. The premises occupied comprise a spacious ground floor, 20x110 feet in area, provided with all facilities and modern conveniences. The store is very tastefully fitted up and handsomely appointed, and here are to be found gloves of every size, shape, shade, color and material, and in kid gloves any-
thing needed from a four-button to a thirty-button glove can be had, and at prices which cannot be dupli- cated elsewhere. This large stock of gloves and mitts is imported directly by this house, and is representa- tive in delicacy of finish and style, of the best work- manship of European factories. There are among others represented here, the famous Berlin factory, 140 Oranien street; France is here in the shape of the product of the celebrated Alexandre, and others of the famous Grenoble artizans; Saxony pours from Chemnitz a line of goods for the ladies of Indianapolis to admire and wear, while Belgium sends from its capital city, Brus- sels, a class of goods that always commands attention for their quality. The sale of these first-class products occupies a large staff of assistants, and the trade ex- tends throughout Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Ken- tucky and Ohio. Mr. Tucker constantly carries a stock of no less than 1,600 to 1,800 dozen pairs of gloves, and the trade is both wholesale and retail in character, and a large mail order business is transacted. Mr. Tucker who was born in Maine, and has resided in this city since 1864, is a prominent member of the Commercial Club, and most highly esteemed in both trade and social circles.
BROWNING & SON.
Unquestionably the oldest business of its kind in In- dianapolis is that now owned and conducted by Mr. Robert C. Browning, pharmacist, at 15 W. Washington street, under the name and style of Browning & Son. The foundation of the business dates from 1844, when it was established by Mr. Robert Browning, and from 1863 to 1886 continued by Browning & Sloan, subsequently by Browning & Son, and in 1891 came under the control of the present proprietor, son of the founder. The busi- ness, until 1891, was both wholesale and retail, and car- ried on at 7 and 9 East Washington street, when a re- moval was made to the premises now occupied, known as Apothecaries' Hall, which is conducted as a prescrip- tion pharmacy. The dimensions of the establishment are 18x120 feet, and embraces in its general complete appointment all the modern adjuncts of elegance and convenience. The laboratory is supplied with all re- quisite facilities for compounding the most difficult pre- scriptions and remedies, and the assortment of drugs, medicines and toilet articles is one of the best selected and in greater variety than any other establishment of its kind in Indianapolis. Thoroughly qualified prescription clerks are always in attendance, and med- icines are compounded and dispensed with the greatest degree of accuracy and promptitude from pure, fresh drugs only. The pharmacy is largely and liberally pat-
ronized by the citizens and surrounding residents, and the general business is of the most prosperous aggregate. Mr. Browning, who was born in Indiana, is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, class of '83, and is a vigilant and expert druggist, and a leading mem- ber of the pharmaceutical profession in this city. His establishment, Apothecaries' Hall, is the leading and largest in the city of its kind.
CONNOR HARDWARE COMPANY.
A store recently established in this city and doing a good business is that of the Connor Hardware Company. The business was established November 1, 1892, and from the outset, under the able management of Mr. C. S. Whalen, has been successful and a large trade built up. The premises occupied comprise two floors, each 20x130 feet in area, admirably arranged for the display of the stock and convenience for filling orders. The stock is full and complete in all departments, and comprises, besides builders' hardware, a general assort- ment of shelf goods, mechanics' tools, garden imple- ments, etc. The assortment of shelf and builders' hardware is one of the largest in variety in the city, and every article sold by the company is guaranteed to be strictly as represented. The goods are all new and comprise the best productions of the most reputable manufacturers. The prices which obtain are just and reasonable, and trade is active and brisk. The sales department, on the ground floor, is tastefully fitted up and competent clerks are always in attendance. The location of the company, at 79 South Illinois street, is central and convenient for both the city and country. Mr. C. S. Whalen, the manager for the company, is a practical man to the business, and well known in the city. He was born in Indiana, and is a young man of energy and business acumen. Mr. Connor is a promi- nent member of the Builders' Exchange.
F. L. WILMOT & CO.
Indianapolis is every year becoming a more promi- nent manufacturing center and the trade of her old estab- lished houses is steadily increasing in magnitude and importance. Messrs. F. L. Wilmot & Co., manufac- turing confectioners, have, since the inauguration of the business in 1878, occupied a leading position in their line and are widely known for the superiority of their goods. Their premises comprise four floors and base- ment, each 25x100 feet in dimensions, at 62 South Penn- sylvania street, and are completely equipped with the latest improved machinery and appliances known to the
127
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
business. The firm cater to the best class of trade and are noted for the purity and delicacy of their confectionery, glaces, creams, ices, etc., which are carefully prepared from the best materials, got up in the most approved style and are in great demand among high class retailers. They employ none but skilled workmen and have placed upon the market many new and popular delicacies in their line, which have secured a strong hold upon popu- lar favor and have become staples with the trade. Their specialty is mixed confectionery in boxes, containing goods of high quality and attractive appearance. A full line of high grade imported and domestic cigars is also carried, which, as regards flavor, finish and cool, sweet smoking quality, are absolutely unsurpassed. The trade is always active and is rapidly increasing, especially throughout Indiana and Illinois, where the meritorious productions are greatly appreciated, and three traveling salesmen are kept constantly upon the road. The house also control a large city business, which keeps three active salesmen and several wagons always busy. In the office, factory and salesrooms, twenty-five skilled employes are required and every operation is performed under the personal supervision of the proprietors. The house has achieved an enviable reputation for manufacturing and handling goods that are exactly suited to the wants of the public, and the honorable methods in vogue and the enterprise and ability displayed in its management, have given it a foremost place among the establishments of its kind throughout the country.
CHARLES W. GORSUCH.
The development of the real estate market of Indian- apolis is one of the best indications of the solid prosper- ity of the city, desirable property being more than ever before sought after as a remunerative and absolutely safe investment, and as a consequence the business is brisk and active. One of the most prominent of the operators in this line here is Mr. Charles W. Gorsuch, who also transacts a general loan and insurance bro- kerage business at 15 Virginia avenue. This house was established by Mr. Gorsuch sixteen years ago, and the development its business has since acquired is conclu- sive of the great practical knowledge and wide expe- rience this gentleman has brought to bear in its man- agement. Mr. Gorsuch has resided in this city since 1877, and during his career here he has been conspic- uous in many important transactions, and has won the confidence and esteem of all having dealings with him. Mr. Gorsuch transacts a general real estate business, buying and selling houses, stores, lots. and land in the city and its vicinity, placing loans, negotiating mort-
.
gages, arranging transfers, collecting rents, and manag- ing estates for non-residents and others. His keen ap- preciation of values, present and prospective, together with a large acquaintance of business men, render his services particularly valuable to parties dealing in realty. Mr. Gorsuch also represents the Concordia Fire Insur- ance Company of Milwaukee, and as a practical under- writer he offers substantial advantages and inducements to the public, including low rates and liberally drawn policies, while all losses sustained are equitably adjusted and promptly paid through his office. Mr. Gorsuch is a native of Maryland. The telephone call of his office is 508.
WM. KOTTEMAN.
One of the leading establishments handling furniture of all kinds is Mr. Wm. Kotteman, 91 East Washington street. The business was established a few doors be- low the present location by Mr. Kotteman ten years ago. The premises occupied comprise three floors and basement, 20x165 feet in dimensiens. The store is well stocked in all of its departments, and no better line of goods can be purchased in the city on as easy terms. The stock comprises the finest as well as cheaper grades of furniture of all kinds from elegant parlor suites down to the homely though comfortable kitchen furni- ture. The stock also includes carpets, rugs, mattings, oil cloths, lace curtains, window shades, draperies, etc., coal, wood and gasoline stoves, refrigerators, ice boxes, baby carriages, queensware, crockery, etc. In short, everything to be wished for in a first-class home can be found at Mr. Kotteman's establishment. His trade is among the wealthier citizens, and extends over the entire city. Unlike most furniture dealers, his business is almost wholly on a cash basis. Mr. Kotteman was born in Germany, but has resided in this city since 1860.
T. J. SMITHER.
The adaptability of gravel, composition and felt as cheap, substantial, durable roofing materials is very generally conceded. Among those actively engaged handling and dealing in this class of roofing material and furnishing estimates and entering into contracts for roofing buildings of all kinds is Mr. T. F. Smither, who has been established in the business since 1873 in his present location, 169 W. Maryland street, where he occupies premises 37x120 feet in dimensions, and a warehouse opposite 14×60 feet in area for storage of stock. Mr. Smither is well prepared and equipped to fill orders and contracts of any magnitude, and during his long successful business career has executed con- siderable work roofing factories, buildings, dwellings. depots, farm houses, barns, etc , throughout this section
of the state, and in every instance unbounded satisfaction has been expressed as to quality of material used and durability of the work. Mr. Smither is highly endorsed ·and recommended as a reliable business men, and his ser- vices as a roofer are in constant request. He keeps in his employ from sixteen to twenty hands, and carefully superintends all work intrusted to him. He is doing a large business and carries a heavy stock of roofing felt, roofing pitch, coal tar, two and three-ply ready roofing,
P
metal and other roof paints, plasters, felts, sheathing felts, asbestos, fire proof felt, straw boards, also resin, sized sheething and roofing felts, and everything that belongs to this line of business. He is the largest dealer in roofing materials, and the best practical gravel and felt roofer in Indianapolis, and has always been success- ful and prosperous. He was born and raised in this city, and has always been popular and prominent as a business man and citizen. He served as a member of the city council in 1887, also on the Board of Alder- men, and is always active in promoting every enter- prise that is for the benefit of this community. Mr. Smither is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias.
.
128
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
-
INDIANAPOLIS STEEL ROOFING AND COR- RUGATING COMPANY.
Among the leading and representative establishments of its kind, special mention is due to the Indianapolis Steel Roofing and Corrugating Company, whose prem- ises are centrally located in close proximity to large rolling mills, at 23 and 25 East South street. The com- pany was organized and incorporated in 1889, with a paid-up capital of $15,000, and under the able direction
scale off and are the most durable of any on the market. Steady employment is given to a force of skilled hands, and the trade which is very active, covers the whole of the United States. Mr. Noel was born in the Cumber- land Valley, Pa., and is a master of all the details of his business, having had a long and valuable experience and is well acquainted with the wants of the trade He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
S.D. NOEL, PRES'T & GEN'L MGR.
INDIANAPOLIS STEELROOFING AND ORRUGATING O.,
23 & 25 E.SOUTH ST.,
of Mr. S. D. Noel, as president and general manager, its business has grown and developed in the most satis- factory manner. The premises are of ample dimensions and have been completely equipped with all the latest improved machinery and appliances known to the trade. All corrugations are pressed with dies instead of being rolled in the old fashioned way, and facilities are at hand for corrugating the heaviest sheets used for building purposes. A complete stock of sheet iron and steel of all weights and sizes is carried, suitable for all purposes, The leading specialty is Noel's im- proved roll cap steel roofing, which is made of care- fully selected clear steel, box annealed, which will stand the test of double seaming lengthwise of sheet. Self cap roofing in iron or steel and crimp roofing are also manu- factured, together with weather boarding in iron or steel and corrugated iron for roofs, ceilings, awnings, etc., of all sizes. The ironclad paints, mixed ready for use, and the iron roofing cement made here, have become great favorites everywhere, as they will not crack of
INDIANAPOLIS
JOHN RAUCH.
Every smoker in the city of Indianapolis knows by this time that the best 5 cent cigar to be obtained here is John Rauch's "Capital City," "Chess Club" and "Hoosier Poet." As a matter of fact nearly 3,000,000 of these cigars have been manufactured and sold by him each year since they were first introduced fifteen years ago. His brands do not degenerate, but al- ways maintains the same high standard, and can be depended upon for a cool sweet smoke. Mr. Rauch began business in 1872, and his factory and salesroom, at 82 West Washington street, has come to be recognized as the headquarters for fine flavored cigars and tobaccos. His great 10 cent cigar "Hoosier Poet" is simply per- fection. He carries a full stock of fancy smoking to- baccos, cigarettes, pipes and smokers' articles, and transacts a large jobbing trade with all parts of the state. Manufacturing and dealing in cigars is, however, his specialty, and in this department he employs a force of fifty expert cigar makers and assistants.
J. A. MURPHY & CO.
A firm of commanding influence in Indianapolis in the wholesale fruit and produce trade, is that of J. A. Murphy & Co., at 23 South Delaware. Messrs. J. A. and E. L. Murphy, the copartners, embarked in busi- ness in 1873, on Virginia avenue and in November, 1891, removed to the spacious commodious premises, 25x150 feet in area, now occupied, which are perfectly equipped and admirably adapted for the storage of stock and fill- ing orders promptly. The trade of the house is very extensive not only locally but throughout the state. Messrs. Murphy & Co., carry a heavy stock at all times of the products of the farm, garden and orchard, and make a specialty of dealing in tropical fruits of every variety, berries and early vegetables and melons from the South, also poultry, creamery and dairy butter and eggs. They receive all their supplies direct from the best producing sources and can fill the largest orders without delay, while their quotations are always the lowest in the market. They deal in goods only of a su- perior quality which they guarantee as represented. The Messrs. Murphy have resided in Indianapolis many years. They are well and favorably known in commer- cial circles and their reputation has never been ques- tioned. Among their references are the Indianapolis and the Indiana banks of this city and Bradstreet's Commercial Agency.
H. W. SCIBIRD.
There is no branch of art which has made such rapid strides in so short a space of time as that of photog- raphy. The oldest established and foremost exponent of the art in Indianapolis is Mr. H. W. Scibird, whose studio is centrally located at 6212 East Washington street. Mr. Scibird has been engaged in the business for many years. In the early part of 1893, he pur- chased that of Mr. Axtell, at his present address. He has always enjoyed a most enviable reputation for his artistic productions, and his patronage is derived from all parts of the state. His premises are of ample di- mensions, the reception room, parlor and office being very tasteful and pleasing in their furnishings. In the operating room are in use all the latest appliances and devices known to the photographic art, including the best of light accessories, plain and landscape, and other properties for backgrounds and effects. Mr. Scibird is prepared to execute photography in all its branches, and produces in all his work the best and most beautiful effects. Pictures are taken by the instantaneous proc- ess, and patrons thus secure accurate and perfect por- traits. Copying and enlarging are neatly done and fin-
.
4
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
129
ished in all desirable styles, and special attention is given to outdoor work. Mr. Scibird is ably assisted by his son, P. W. Scibird, and several skilled artists, and his prices are reasonable for first-class work. He is an accomplished master of his art, and a sound, reliable and successful business man.
J. M. RYDER.
Ranking among the wholesale houses of the best type, and whose reputation is widespread is that of Mr J. M. Ryder, wholesale dealer in wines, liquors, cigars and tobacco, located at 145 West Washington street, (telephone 1140). This flourishing business was estab- lished in 1886 by the present proprietor, at 77 Massa- chusetts avenue, and the business was entirely that of jobbing cigars and tobaccos. In 1891, Mr. Ryder re- moved to his present more commodious and eligible quarters, and the wholesale dealing in foreign and do- mestic wines and liquors was added to the business. The premises occupied comprise an entire main floor and basement, each 20x100 feet in dimensions; these are especially well arranged, and provided with every convenience and facility for the storage and handling of the very large, choice and carefully selected stock carried. The house handles and deals at wholesale in all the finest and best Bourhon, Pennsylvania and Maryland whiskies, which for purity and general excel- lence are not surpassed by any in the country. The choicest foreign and domestic wines, brandies, gins, rums, cordials, etc., are also dealt in, and a heavy stock of a superior class of goods is always carried. The cigar and tobacco department is replete with the finest selected brands of imported, Key West and domestic cigars, cut and plug smoking and chewing tobaccos, and he has now in stock 500,000 cigars, the sales amounting to 1,250,000 annually. It has always been the aim of Mr. Ryder to maintain the quality of his goods up to the highest standard of excellence, and the success which has crowned his efforts is evidenced by the firm hold these goods have obtained on the public taste, and the extensive demand created for them wherever intro- duced. Several traveling salesmen are employed, and the trade is widely diffused throughout all parts of In i- ana. All orders are promptly filled with the greatest care, and invariably to the satisfaction of customers. Most moderate prices are charged, and the proprietor has acquired an enviable reputation for the liberality of his dealings. Mr. Ryder was born in Ohio, and has re- sided twelve years in Indianapolis, where he is deserv- edly popular in business and social circles.
HENLEY, EATON & CO.
A review of the leading representative business houses of Indianapolis would be incomplete without more than passing mention of the establishment of Messrs. Henley, Eaton & Co., jobber of hats, caps, gloves, straw goods, etc. The foundation of the house dates from 1886, when it was established by Henley & Price, and Novem- ber, 1892, came under the control of the present firm. The premises occupied 120 and 122 South Meridian street, comprise three floors and basement, each 32×120 feet in area, neatly arranged and admirably fitted up with an especial adaptability for all purposes of the business. An extensive stock of goods is carried by the firm, the assortment being one of the largest and most complete to be found in the city. Only goods of a su- perior quality are handled, and the house has always been regarded as one of the most reliable in commercial circles. The trade is large, and comes from the states of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, and each succeeding year is steadily growing in volume and importance. Six traveling salesmen are maintained on the road, and an efficient force of clerks employed in the house. All the members of the firm are representative business men, widely and popularly known in mercantile circles.
COMPTON & RICE.
To supply the inhabitants of a large city like Indian- apolis with the necessary food products, is a business of ever expanding dimensions, and is well represented here by many firms of reliability and responsibility. In the front rank of such concerns, we find that of Messrs. Compton & Rice, dealers in fancy and staple groceries, at the corner of Massachusetts avenue and Delaware street. Although but one year has elapsed since these gentlemen, Messrs. S. M. Compton and George L. H. Rice, succeeded to the control of this business, which was founded by Messrs. Clue & Easterday, they have built up a large and flourishing trade. No concern of this kind in this section of Indianapolis maintains a better standing in the trade, and few, if any, have a more extensive business connection. The premises oc- cupied comprise a 25×100 foot store, neatly appointed and handsomely fitted up, and presents a very attractive appearance. A heavy and carefully selected stock is constantly carried on hand, and includes a carefully se- lected assortment of pure, fresh teas, coffees and spices, condiments and table delicacies in great variety, canned goods, prepared cereals, the best brands of family flour, bakers' and laundry supplies, sugars, syrups and
molasses, also prime lard, hams, bacon, fish, vegetables, farm and dairy produce, fruits, etc. The house is con- ducted on strict business principles, and its manage- ment characterized by energy and sagacity, and all persons having dealings therewith are assured of find- ing the same entirely satisfactory. Messrs. Compton & Rice are progressive and enterprising merchants and highly esteemed citizens. Mr. Compton is Quarter- master general of the State of Indiana, and has held this office since the inauguration of Governor Matthews.
HENDRICKSON, LEFLER & CO.
The leading house in the state of Indiana engaged in the important business of importing the latest styles of hats, caps, etc .. is that of Messrs. Hendrickson, Lefler & Co. of 89 and 91 South Meridian street, Indianapolis. The business was established in 1880 by its present pro- prietors and : as been steadily developed by them to its present large proportions upon the sound principles of equity. Three spacious floors and the basement, each 220×32 feet in dimensions, are utilized for business pur- poses, and the whole is completely filled with a large and choice assortment of the finest hats, caps, gloves and straw goods, both foreign and domestic, carefully selected, with a view to meeting the exact wants of the best class of trade. A specialty is made of the popular "Rex " hat, both soft and stiff, which is manufactured of the finest materials and is fashionable, dressy and ourable. Another style, known as the " Annex, " which is made especially for the trade of this house, has be- coming a great favorite in this section and is one of the hest hats on the market to-day. The firm sell large numbers of these superior goods. Their stock in all departments will be found first-class as regards quality. in the height of the fashion and of the most varied char- acter. while prices are always moderate. Besides a large city trade a most desirable patronage is enjoyed in all parts of Indiana and Illinois, and seven traveling salesmen are kept constantly upon the road. Mr. A. P. Hendrickson is a native of Indiana and is well known as an active and enterprising business man, whose execu- tive ability has greatly contributed to placing his house in the front rank. Mr. C. W. Lefler was born in Penn- sylvania, but has resided here for several years, enjoying the esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. The facilities of the firm are perfect, both for importing and jobbing, their connections influential, while their resources are ample for every demand that can be made.
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.