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 21
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owns a valuable house. and lot, his own homestead, the other way all he has left is a bundle of rent receipts The officers of this association are well-krown business men of excellent reputation, and the affairs are con- ducted in an honorable manner.
THE SULLIVAN CLOAK AND SUIT COMPANY.
A most important addition has recently been made to the facilities and conveniences of Indianapolis by the es- tablishment on Feb. 25, 1893, of the Sullivan Cloak and Suit Company, at 65 South Illinois street, with every prospect of a brilliant success. The members of the company, Messrs. D. J. Sullivan and I. W. Horan, are experienced aud capable business men, who thoroughly understand all the details of their business, Mr Sullivan especially, having been in the dry goods business on West Washington street for many years. The premises now occupied comprise a spacious ground floor running back to a depth of 130 feet and admirably adapted for the display of such a large and well assorted stock as is here carried. This embraces cloaks and suits in the most fashionable styles and of the highest quality. The enter- prising proprietors have spared no pains or expense to make anattractive display and to this end they have not only had the store completely refitted and equipped with all modern conveniences, but have carefully chosen a superior stock, which is sure to attract a most desirable class of patrons. They operate fifteen machines, employ from twenty-five to thirty hands in the manufacture of cloaks, suits and wraps of all kinds, handle only medium to fine grades of goods and already are becoming favor- ites with the public. Mr. Sullivan is well and favorably known in commercial circles, and is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and be and his partner by their honorable methods and enterprise are steadily building up a large trade.
CLEMENS VONNEGUT,
One of the oldest and the largest leading wholesale and retail hardware houses in the state is unquestion- ably that of Mr. Clemens Vonnegut, located at 184 and 186 East Washington street, which has had an honor- able and successful career dating back to 1851, when the business was started by Messrs. Volmer & Vonne- gut, who continued the business until 1857, when Mr. C. Volmer retired, and Mr. Clemens Vonnegut bccome the sole proprietor and has continued as such up to the present day. The premises utilized for the purposes of the building comprisc three floors and a basement, each 22x195 feet in dimensions, provided with every modern facility, and are perfect in convenience of arrangement for the storage, handling and display of the unusually
large and varied assortment of goods constantly on hand. Here is carried a most comprehensive stock of shelf and heavy hardware, including builders', cabinet makers', carpenters', blacksmiths', foundry and machin- ists' supplies, Norton emery whecls, grinding machinery of every description, portable forges, wire rope, the best brands of cutlery, including imported goods from Sheffield as well as the leading American makes, and a general line of miscellaneous hardware. Twenty-four assistants are employed in the house, and a number of efficient traveling salesmen represent the concern on the road. Mr. Vonnegut handles the best class of city trade, and also has very desirable connections through- out the entire state, as well as Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. Mr. Vonnegut was born in Germany, and has resided in this city since 1851, where he is held in the highest estimation for his honorable business prin- ciples and his straightforward manner of conducting his transactions.
JULIUS A. SCHULLER.
One of the best known houses thoroughly representa- tive in its special line is that of Julius A. Schuller wholesale and retail dealer in California wines, bran- dies, etc., and importer of foreign wines and liquors. This business was established by Mr. Schuller five years ago under the present name and style, and from the start has been successful, and a trade of great magni- tude built up throughout Indiana and adjoining states. The premises utilized at 106-108 North Meridian street are 40x175 feet in area, and admirably arranged with an especial adaptability for all purposes of the business. The cellar is fitted up as a vault, and here is stored wines of the finest vintages to be obtained. The stock carried is large, and comprises the choicest and best white, red and sweet wines from Sonoma and Los An- geles counties (California) vinyards; also champagnes and cognac brandies, together with Ohio dry and sweet catawba wines, and the best productions of Germany, France and Italy. The goods are superior in every re- spect, have been carefully selected, and warranted for purity and cxcellence. Orders arc filled at the very lowest prices, traveling salesmen are maintained on the road, and the trade is of the most substantial character Mr. Schuller is a German by birth, came to this coun- try some years ago, and is well and favorably known in this city, where he has resided since 1873. For a period of seven years he resided in the wine- growing districts of California, and is familiar with the industry and possesses the best facilities for obtaining the finest wines produced in Sonoma and Los Angeles counties in that state. Mr. Schuller has been in the wine business since boyhood, and is a recognized connoisseur .
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
JOHN F. SPIER.
In that important branch of trade devoted to supply- ing the inhabitants of the city with the necessary arti- cles of food consumption, a very prosperous concern is that of Mr. John F. Spier, grocer, and dealer in flour, meats and produce, at 494 East Washington street. Mr. Frederick Spier, father of the subject of this sketch, founded the business in 1861, conducted it until the date of his regretted demise in 1881, when he was succeeded by the present proprietor. The premises occupied com- prise a ground floor and basement, each being 22x50 feet in dimensions. The store is neatly appointed, and is provided with every facility for the attractive display of the fine goods always in stock, and the comfort and con- venience of patrons. The house deals largely in all kind of choice family groceries, provisions, etc., and is ever willing to pay the highest price for farmers' produce. The assortment embraces choice fresh crop teas, coffees, and spices, foreign and native fruits and nuts, dried and evaporated fruits, table delicacies, sauces, pickles and condiments, canned and bottled goods, family flour, pre- pared cereals and farinaceous foods, choice fresh butter, cheese and eggs, vegetables in season, fresh, salt and smoked meats, oats, bran, hay, straw, corn, mill feed, and all country produce. Rock bottom prices prevail, and orders are called for and delivered to any part of the city punctually and without extra charge. Mr. Spier is a native of this city, and one of our most popular and successful young business men.
R. H. REES.
Indianapolis possesses unrivaled facilities for receiv- ing and distributing the products of foreign countries, as well as those of home production, and the wholesale commission trade has here many able and substantial representatives. Foremost among these is the reliable house of Mr. R. H. Rees, dealer in foreign and domes- tic fruits and vegetables, at 19 South Delaware street. Mr. Rees established this business in 1883, and has since built up a trade, the extent and importance of which entitles his house to prominent mention in any review of the city's business and commercial resources. He occupies a two-story building with basement, hav- ing frontage of 20 feet by a depth of 70. It is equipped with all that is necessary for the prompt and rapid exe- cution of orders, as well as for the safe storage and preservation of the goods handled. Elevators connect the several floors, and telephone connection is estab- lished between the office and all parts of the city. Mr. Rees possesses unsurpassed facilities for conducting large operations under the most favorable conditions.
He is widely known as a produce commission merchant, and handles foreign and domestic fruits and vegetables, car-load lots being a leading specialty. He receives daily reliable market reports from all parts of the country, and these are forwarded by him to his cus- tomers. Consignments are solicited, on which liberal advances are made, and they are promptly placed in the best market. Mr. Rees is a native of Thornton, Ind., and has been a resident of this city for the past eighteen years. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias. The telephone call is 1015.
DAY'S AURORA TEA STORE.
The widely known and extensively patronized tea store, at 158 West Washington street, was established many years ago by Mr. D. Lemon, who remained its proprietor for several years. Mr. Lemon retired from the business and sold the store to Mr. Gladden, who suc- cessfully conducted the same until Dec. 15, 1888. It was then that the present proprietor assumed full charge of the already well-known store. The stock is a comprehensive one, including a full line of teas, coffees and spices, together with groceries, both fancy an staple. The business conducted is both wholesale and retail, and the reputation of the house, as well as the sales of the goods, extends far into the surrounding country. The building comprises two floors and a basement, the dimensions of which are 20x 75 feet. A finely assorted stock is constantly carried, consisting of pure coffees of every variety, select new teas of all kinds, fresh condiments and all articles in- cluded in the line of fancy and staple groceries. This is one of the leading houses of the city, and all per- sons having patronized it agree in expressing their regard for the superiority of the goods sold. Mr. Day was born in Munson, Mass. He began business in that city and remained there five years. He then came to Indianapolis, engaging in active business pursuits, and has met with the success which attends his well directed efforts. Messages received by telephone No. 846.
HOWARD'S CARPET CLEANING WORKS.
An establishment which has proved a great conven- ience to the people of this city is Howard's Carpet Cleaning Works. The business was established by Mr. Howard in 1876, and a year after owing to increasing demands, he built the building now occupied at the cor- ner of St. Clair street and Canal, which he has fitted up with the latest improved carpet cleaning machines,
operated by steam power. The building is two stories high, and 120x130 feet in dimensions. Mr. Howard cleans and renovates carpets expeditiously, every care being taken so as not to injure the fabric, and the best satisfaction is guaranteed. He also refits and repairs carpets, relays them properly and packs them to prevent ravages by moths. The capacity of the works are now about 1,000 yards a day, but in a short time this ca- pacity will be doubled, as Mr. Howard is introducing new machines and generally increasing his facilities. Carpets are called for and returned free of charge. Fourteen hands are employed in the works, and all orders by mail or telephone, call 616, receive immediate attention. A native of Tompkins county, New York, Mr. Howard has resided in Indianapolis for a period of twenty-eight years. He is a prominent member of the Commercial Club.
PEARSON'S MUSIC HOUSE.
Pearson's Music House is undoubtedly the best known establishment of its kind in the city, and during the twenty years of its existence has always been a leading headquarters where everything in the line of musical merchandise could be obtained. Mr. Geo. C. Pearson, the proprietor, is one of our leading and influential busi- ness men. His premises occupy the grand floor of the building, 82 to 84 North Pennsylvania street, and are 40x120 feet in dimensions. Here will be found a very fine line of pianos and organs of the leading makes throughout the country, as well as sheet music. Mr. Pearson, by reason of his many years experience in this business, is fully competent to offer the most reliable advice as to the selection of a piano or organ, and his judgment is much sought after by intending purchasers, and Mr. Pearson is looked upon by his patrons and the public in general as an authority in musical matters. Repairing and tuning are carefully and skil- fully executed, and o ly the most expert tuners are employed. The warerooms are finely appointed and contain a splendid assortment of pianos and organs of the most celebrated makes in the plainest and most elaborate styles. Mr. Pearson is a gentleman thoroughly well posted in all matters pertaining to his line of busi- ness and will always be found ready to offer the most con- siderate attention in intending purchasers.
ROUSE BROTHERS & CO.
The wholesale commission trade of Indianapolis has become one of the most important and leading features of the city's commercial development. Among the
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
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ending and most widely known of the numerous reliable firms thus engaged, that of Messrs. Rouse Brothers & Co., is especially deserving of mention. Its inception dates back to 1872, when it was founded by Messrs. Thomas and George Rouse. The latter gentleman died in 1886, and was succeeded in the firm by Mr. I. T. Smith. Most influentiul connections have been estab- lished with all parts of the country, and the trade now extends west as far as Iowa, and east to New York. The premises utilized for the purposes of the business are located at 72 South Delaware street. They comprise the ground floor and basement of a building 15x120 feet in dimensions, while a two-story warehouse on Bates street, covering an area of 30x100 feet affords ample storage room. The firm employ seven assistants, and do a very large trade at wholesale in country prcd- uce of all kinds, and as shippers of grain. They re- ceive heavy consignments from the best producing sections of the country, in which they make liberal ad- vances, and they are noted for the prompt and honor- able manner in which they make returns of sales. They ship from 60,000 to 75,000 bushels of wheat to Balti- more and Philadelphia annually, handle about 2,000 bushels of oats, 2.000 tons of hav, from 50,000 to 60,000 bushels of corn, and are the leading grain merchants in the state. Both partners are natives of this city and prominent members of the Board of Trade.
THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY.
This company has extended its agencies all over the United States and here in Indianapolis its office is un- der the able and enterprising management of Mr James R. Kelly, as superintendent. He is imbued with an en- thusiasm and spirit of unflagging energy that has re- sulted in the company's plans of insurance, being pre- sented to the public of this city and vicinity. The branch office has been established here seven years, and under the control of Mr. Kelly since 1890. From the last statement made by the company, dated Jan. 1, 1893, we found that the resources of the company are $8,840, - 853.39, the number of policies in force $1,650.000, and the surplus to policy holders $2,218,441.70. The total death claims paid by the company from the date of its organization amount to $11,500,000. Policies are issued on the lives of persons, male and female, from 1 to 70 years of age, and the company has earned an enviable reputation for prompt and satisfactory settlement of claims. Weekly payments of from $5 to $10 are made on policies which secures to the policy holder a liberal insurance. Mr. Kelly has been connected with the Prudential Insurance
Company for some years and was prior to coming here at the headquarters in Newark, N. J. His offices are suite 55-56 Indiana Trust Company Building, corner Washington street and Virginia avenue.
THE MULLEN-BLACKLEDGE COMPANY.
A business of magnitude and importance in Indian- apolis is that in which the Mullen-Blackledge Company is engaged manufacturing fine table relishes, and whose goods bearing the Columbia brand have a wide sale throughout the United States, Europe and South Amer- ica. The company was organized and incorporated in 1891 with an ample capital, and from the outset has
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been successful. For office and manufacturing pur- poses the company occupy a four-story and basement brick building, 60x120 feet in area, at 62 and 64 South Alabama street, where the services of 100 employes are in demand in the different departments. The capacity of the establishment is equal to that of any factory of the kind in the country. The firm make a specialty of
the Columbia Catsup, which is made from choice, ripe tomatoes, and finest spices obtainable, and has the rep- utation of being the best on the market, also rich, deli- cious soups of splendid flavor, and which are superior in every respect. Among the various kinds of soups prepared by the company are mock turtle, ox tail, chicken, mullaga, tawney, tomato, julienne, beef, bisque, chicken gumbo, pea, vegetable, consomme and bullion. These relishes and table delicacies are on sale at all leading grocers in all parts of the United States. Mr. Wm. F. Mullen is president of the company: Mr. Albert S. Blackledge, vice-president and treasurer, and Edward M. Churchman, secretary. They are all natives of this city, and well and favorably known. Mr. Mul- len is a prominent member of the Commercial Club. Traveling salesmen are maintained on the road. The company has branches in Chicago, New York and Boston.
WARD BROTHERS.
One of the oldest and most ably conducted wholesale establishments in this city is the house of Messrs. Ward Brothers, dealers in drugs and druggists' sundries, at 72 South Meridian street. This business was established under the present firm name by Messrs. B. and M. Ward in 1867. In 1889 Mr. C. S. Dearborn was taken in as a partner, and the firm, as now constituted, is com- posed of Mr. Dearborn and the founders. Under the spirited management of these gentlemen, the trade of the house has undergone great expansion, and it now covers all parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The firm have occupied their present quarters on South Meridian street since 1889, having removed thereto from East Washington street. The premises now utilized comprise a substantial four-story building with base- ment, having a frontage of 20 feet by a depth of 195. They are well equipped throughout with all necessary conveniences and facilities for the storage and handling of the immense stock carried. The salesrooms are neatly fitted up, and the whole building is crowded with the products of the laboratory, and with pure, fresh drugs of every description, all proprietary remedies of merit, sanitary specialties, herbs, barks, roots and drug- gits' supplies of every kind and quality. Four travelers and one city salesmen are employed, and orders are filled for the trade at lowest market quotations. The members of this reliable firm are among Indianapolis leading and most substantial business men. The Messrs. Ward are natives of the state of Indiana
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
THE INDIANAPOLIS WAREHOUSE COMPANY.
This business has been in successful operation since 1890, when the substantial building at 265 to 273 South Pennsylvania street, now occupied, was erected by Mr. F. V. Chislett expressly for the purpose. He conducted the business for a time and in June, 1892, the present com- pany was organized and incorporated under the laws of
mercial Club. Mr. F. V. Chislett, the vice-president aud treasurer, was formerly for a period of seven years with the wholesale hardware house of Horton, Gilmore & McWilliams, in Chicago, and is a member of the Columbia Club. Mr. H. A. Crossland has been with the company from the date of its organization. They are all well and popularly known in business and finan- cial circles.
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the state with an ample capital and Mr. Wm. E. Kurtz, president; Mr. F. V. Chislett, vice-president and treas- urer and general manager; Mr. H. A. Crossland, secre- tary. The building is a three-story substantial brick structure with concrete floors and is built upon the most approved slow burning construction principle and is pro- vided with every safeguard against burglars and fire and to add to the security watchmen are kept on duty both day and night. There are about seventy-five thousand square feet of floor space in the building which is divided into separate rooms fitted with iron doors and two hyd- raulic elevators connect all the floors and basement. Mer- chandise and goods of every description are taken on storage for any length of time and when desired cash ad- vances made on approved consignments. Registered re- ceipts are given and goods insured while on the premises at the very lowest rates. A side-track connecting with the J. M. & I. Railroad affords every convenience for re- ceiving consignments and shipping goods. Mr. Wm. E. Kurtz is treasurer of the Gorden, Kurtz Central Hard- ware Co., also of the Haugh-Kurtz Saddlery Company at Anderson, Ind., and the Cushion Car Wheel Works in this city. He is a prominent member of the Com-
HUSSEY & RUSSELL.
One of the most active among the representative firms in the lumber trade in Indianapolis is that of Messrs. Hussey & Russell experienced, practical men, who have been identified with the business many years. The business was established in 1888 by Mr. Isaac Russell, who in 1891 formed a partnership with Mr. J. R. Hus- sey, and under the present title they have been con- ducting large operations and secured a widespread city and country trade which is steadily growing annually. The office and lumber yard is situated at 347 Massa- chusetts avenue, the premises having dimensions of one and three-quarter acres on Massachusetts avenue, John street and Pennsylvania avenue. An extensive stock of all kinds of lumber, pine, hemlock and hardwoods is carried, also lath, shingles, pickets, planed siding, floor- ing, wainscoting, ceiling, sash, doors, blinds, frames, mouldings, brackets, fancy wood work, builders' finish, etc. From 300 to 350 car-loads of lumber are handled annually. Ten to fifteen workmen are employed in the yard, and five delivery teams are in constant service. Mr. Russell was born in Richmond, Ind., and has re- sided in Indianapolis twenty years. He was for some
time engaged operating a saw-mill, and is popularly known in lumber trade circles. Mr. Hussey is a native of Maine, and came to the city seven years ago. He is also well known in the lumber trade. They are both prominent members of the Builders' Exchange.
M. R. STYER.
The manufacture of refreshing non-intoxicating bev- erages is an important industry in Indianapolis. The business is conducted on quite a large scale, and well- represented by Mr. M. R. Styer, a practical man of many years' experience. For a period of seven years he was with Klee & Coleman, and in 1889 embarked in business on his own account, since when he has enjoyed a success as positive as pronounced. Mr. Styer is lo- cated at 439 West Washington street, where he occu- pies premises comprising two floors, each 20x60 feet in area, equipped with generators and all the appliances requisite for the purposes of his business. He manu- factures a superior quality of aerated beverages, in- cluding soda, mineral and seltzer waters, ginger ale, champagne cider, etc., which are highly appreciated for their purity and health-giving qualities, and are always in active demand. Portable fountains are charged on short notice, and also has fountains to rent. Orders from hotels, restaurants, saloons, and private families in any part of the city are filled and delivered promptly. Mr. Styer, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to this city thirteen years ago. He is well known as a suc- cessful business man and popular member of the Com- mercial Club
R. G. HARSEIM.
Among the largest and most successful manufactories in Indianapolis, one of special note is that of Mr. R. G. Harseim, located at 202 and 204 South Meridian street, devoted to the production of model pantaloon overalls, jeans, cottonade pants, etc. The business was origin- ated in 1884 by its present proprietor, at 23 and 25 East South street, and was so ably managed by him that in 1890 it became absolutely necessary to secure larger and more suitable quarters. These were found in the three-story and basement structure now utilized which, although it has dimensions of 40x150 feet, has in turn grown too small, and a four-story building, 6712x195 feet in area will shortly be erected on South Alabama street. The line embraces the manufacture of overalls, jeans, cottonade pants, hunting suits, sack coats, shirts, etc., and the present capacity of the establishment is 1,500 garments per week. Steady employment is given
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
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