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 22
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to a force of 400 people, among whom are many mem- bers of the "Sisters of the Good Shepherd, " and the Female Reformatory. A very extensive and active job- bing trade in these articles is also transacted, ten ex- perienced traveling salesmen being kept constantly upon the road. Mr. Harseim, the proprietor, was born near St. Peters, Minn., but has resided in this city for a period of thirty years. He has an intimate knowledge of all the details of his business, having been for years a traveling salesman for houses of high repute. Mr. Harseim stands deservedly high in financial and com- mercial circles, is an active member of the Commercial Club, holds the position of president of the Grand Hotel Company, president of the New Jersey Building and Loan Association, and is a director of the Pruden- tial Depository Building and Loan Association. His in- dustry. ability, enterprise and business tact have placed him where here he is to-day.
SEVERIN, OSTERMEYER & CO.
This business was founded by Messrs. Severin, Schnell & Co. in 1868, the firm being composed of Mr. H. Sev- erin, Mr. H. Schnell, and Mr. Berg. Applegate. They early developed a flourishing business. In 1873 Mr. Schnell retired, selling his interest to Mr. Frederick Os- termeyer, when the style was changed to the present, and in 1890 Mr. Julius Wocher was admitted. The premises occupied are centrally located at 51 and 53 South Meridian street, a handsome, modern three-story brick and cut stone front building, 40x200 feet in dimen- sions. A heavy and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries is carried, sold at the lowest prices, and this is headquarters for fresh crop teas, choicest grades of coffees, while in such staples as sugars, molasses, spices, farinaceous goods, pickles, condiments, etc., the firm offer the most substantial inducements. In canned goods none but the most celebrated brands are handled, of full weight, and of highest grade. The trade of the house extends throughout Indiana, Illinois, etc., and re- quires the services of six travelers on the road, and the reputation of the house for reliability and standard quality of the goods handled is not surpassed by any similar house in the United States, Messrs. Severin, Ostermeyer & Co. being noted for advancing the inter- ests of their patrons by supplying them with the best goods at the lowest prices. Messrs. Severin and Oster- meyer are natives of Germany, long perinanent resi- bents of this city, and noted for their prompt, honora- dle methods. Of the junior partners, Mr. Applegate
was born in New Jersey and Mr. Wocher in Cincinnati. This is one of the most representative of the old estab- lished mercantile houses of Indianapolis, and retains to the city the best class of the wholesale grocery trade.
B. H. VANIER.
A prominent, prosperous and representative house en- gaged in hardware and cutlery and kindred branches of trade in Indianapolis, deserving of more than passing mention, and maintaining an excellent reputation for handling the best class of goods, and for reliable, straightforward dealings, is that of Mr. B. H. Vanier, at the northeast corner of Morris and Meridian streets. It was founded by this gentleman in 1887, and is the center of a brisk and active trade. The premises util- ized are of ample dimensions, compactly arranged, and very neatly appointed, having every facility at hand for the successful prosecution of the business. The stock embraces everything in the line of house and builders' hardware, shelf and heavy supplies, mechanics' tools, farm and garden implements, pocket and table cutlery, powder, shot, ammunition, revolvers, merchant iron and cast steel, household goods and culinary articles, hollow, tin, copper, wooden, willow, and wire ware, lamps and lamp goods, etc. Mr. Vanier is agent for the sale of the celebrated Oliver chilled plows. His stock has been selected from among the productions of the best makers in the world, and the prices are uni- formly low and reasonable. Mr. Vanier is of French- Canadian birth, his native place being St. Martin, Laval county, Quebec. He has resided in Indianapolis since 1874, and is highly respected by his fellow-citizens.
SMOCK & BRADEN.
The business so successfully conducted by these gentlemen was inaugurated in 1871 by Messrs. J. B. Cleveland and William C. Smock. Mr. Smock with- drew from the film in 1878, but again resumed business in 1887. In 1892 Mr. Cleveland disposed of his interest to Mr. Robert B. Braden, and the firm as now consti- tuted was formed. These gentlemen handle both city and suburban property as dealers and brokers. They have made a careful study of real estate and the laws that govern it, and give prompt attention to the sale, ex- change, purchase and letting of first-class improved prop-
erty, the collection of rents, the management of estates, the negotiation of loans on bond and mortgage, etc. Both city and country realty is largely handled, and a long list is shown embracing desirable bargains in build- ing lots, business houses, farms, etc. Those contemplat- ing investments for business, residential or speculative purposes will find it materially to their advantage to call at this office and investigate the advantages offered for their consideration. Messrs. Smock & Braden also tran- sact a general insurance brokerage business, and control the insuring of much of the finest property in this section of the state. Their connections are first-class and reli- able and enable them to place the largest risks on the most advantageous terms. Mr. Smock is a native of this city, and from 1865 to 1870 filled the responsible office of clerk of Marion County. Mr. Braden was born in Wash- ington County, and was formerly engaged in mercantile pursuits. Both are public-spirited, influential and highly respected citizens.
BANNON & CO.
Among the leading importing and jobbing houses of Indianapolis, special mention must be made of Messrs. Bannon & Co., whose three-story building is located at 26 and 28 North Illinois street. The firm began busi- ness four years ago and have attained a high reputation as importers of the finest glassware, queensware, tin- ware, pictures, wood and willow wares, dry goods, no- tions, toys and fancy goods. They have influential con- nections in Europe among the leading manufacturers and they are thereby enabled to keep their stock full and varied in each department and to offer special induce- ments to the trade which are thoroughly appreciated. They conduct a large and growing wholesale and job- bing business with retailers in this city and in all parts of the state. In the house a force of thirty-five clerks, salesladies and salesmen are steadily employed and their resources are often severely taxed by the rush of orders. The retail business is also in a very prosperous condi- tion, being under the able direction of the proprietors, Messrs. George Bannon and M. K. Stack. A specialty in the latter department is counters, which they offer at five and ten cents. Messrs. Bannon and Stack are both natives of Ireland and came direct to this city ten years ago. They have made their way by the exercise of pluck and energy and justly merit the great success they have achieved.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
KLEE & COLEMAN.
Among the prominent manufactories in the capital city of Indiana, one deserving of special notice is that of Messrs. Klee & Coleman, located at 227 and 229 South Delaware street and devoted to the production of high- class mineral waters. The business was begun in 1881 by its present proprietors and has grown in magnitude and importance under the able management of Mr. W. H. Miller, in the most satisfactory manner. The premi- ses comprise the whole of a three-story and basement building, having dimensions of 4412x120 feet, which is completely equipped with all the most improved machin- ery and appliances known to the trade, and operated by steam power. The firm have a: hieved great success and enjoy a high reputation for the excellence of their pro- ductions, especially of their sparkling champagne cider and Western Pride ginger ale and seltzer water, which are delicious, cool, invigorating and refreshing drinks and are in great demand among retailers. They also manufacture and ship large quanities of soda water and all the ordinary mineral drinks. The bottling depart- ment is at the rear and they have every facility for charging soda fountains, a large number of which they keep in stock for rent. Steady employment is given to a force of twenty skilled hands, while experienced travel- ing salesmen are kept upon the road and eight delivery wagons are required to fill orders in this city. The firm also conduct large bottling works at Dayton, Ohio, where the proprietors reside and at Louisville, Ky., and enjoy an immense patronage throughout the whole of the central states. Mr. Miller, the manager in this city, is a smart and enterprising business man, whose per- sonal popularity has done much to further the interests of the house in this section of country.
J. FREIBERG & CO.
Messrs. J. Freiberg & Co. of 14 North Delaware street, west of the Court House, are worthy of special mention for the leading place they occupy in the line of fine saddlery, harness and horse furnishings, and since the inception of the business in 1876, they have been rec- ognized as possessing every qualification for success- fully catering to a high class trade. Mr. J. Freiberg, the present senior partner, and a gentleman of wide and valuable experience in his line, was the founder, and in 1878 he admitted Mr. E. Fiedler to the partner- ship under the style of Freiberg & Fiedler. The busi- ness increased to such a degree that the old quarters at 12 North Delaware street became too small, and in May, 1890, those now occupied were taken, and here every convenience is engaged in the spacious ground
floor and basement for the active prosecution of the trade. In September, 1892, the lamented decease of Mr. Fiedler occurred, and about four months later, Mr. Henry Techentin, the present silent partner, was ad- mitted under the style as now known. The firm have all the best mechanical appliances for making harness, both single and double, heavy and light, saddles of all kinds, halters, fly nets, bridles, etc., and they carry in addition to the goods of their own manufacture a com- plete and valuable assortment of collars, whips, lap robes, horse blankets, etc., the specialty being light harness and turf goods of the best kind. Mr. Freiberg is a native of Schleswig Holstein, Germany, but is an old and highly esteemed resident of this city. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and has hosts of firm friends among all ranks of society. Mr. Techentin was also born in Germany, and is well and favorably known throughout the community.
L. W. OTT MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
This business was established in 1870 by Mr. L. W. Ott, and from its foundation its progress has been steady and prosperous. In 1889 the present company was incorporated with a capital stock of $30,000. Mr. W. F. Kuhn, the president, is a member of the Com- mercial Club and a native of New York city. Messrs. F. P. Bailey, vice-president, and A. Kuhn, secretary and treasurer, are natives of this city. The large works, lumber yards, etc., cover an extent of two and a half acres of ground. The dimensions of the main factory are 110x80 feet. The upholstery and finishing depart- ments are in a three-story substantial brick structure, 100x60 feet in area, while the warehouses also occupy a three-story brick building, measuring 100x80 feet. The premises contain the latest improved machinery, includ- ing a large 125 horse-power engine, fed by three capaci- ous boilers. Employment is given to between 300 and 400 skilled workmen, the capacity of the works being 1,000 finished lounges per day. Every article is made under the most careful supervision, of a superior qual- ity of various fancy hardwoods, such as mahogany, cherry, walnut, ash, etc., but mainly of oak. The goods are made in every style and pattern, the variety of which is as wide as the possibilities of the industry will permit. The greatest taste and excellence in design, workmanship and finish are displayed, the durability and utility of the goods standing unrivaled in the market and distancing competition. All grades are manufac- tured, and the most progressive principles are incor- porated in the construction of the specialties which are
covered by many valuable patents. The stock is com- plete at all times, and the largest orders are promptly shipped to all parts of the country, the house having fifteen traveling men on the road. With its great resources and facilities the Ott Company can place its goods upon the market at exceptionally moderate terms and prices.
BAKER & THORNTON.
A leading and representative house in its line in In- dianapolis is that of Messrs. Baker & Thornton, located at 38 South Meridian street, which is a methodical and well conducted concern and fills a long felt want in the manufacture of blank books and the printing of official records, etc. The industry was originally established at Madison, Ind., in 1875, and in 1881 was removed to this city, the firm name at the time being Levy, Baker & Co. In the spring of 1885, the partners separated, and the present style was adopted by the branch under notice. The original location on Maryland street hav- ing proved inadequate to the increasing demands of the rapidly growing business, a removal was effected in De- cember, 1892, to the fine, new four-story and basement building now occupied which affords every facility and convenience. This has been recently comple tely equipped with new and improved presses capable of doing the best work in the line of job and commercial printing, and a new stock of stationery and school goods has been put in making this one of the best fitted estab- lishments of the kind in the state. A large, varied and beautiful stock of imported and domestic stationery, fancy goods and novelties and school supplies is carried, and blank books of all kinds are manufactured in the most serviceable and artistic manner. A specialty is made of civil and county and township records, a large amount of work being done for the county courts and similar official bodies. Prices will be found remark- ably fair and reasonable, and every effort is made by the painstaking proprietors to furnish his patrons with the best goods at the lowest figures. Messrs. Baker & Thornton are young and active business men, who are honorable and upright in all their dealings.
KRUSE & DEWENTER.
The subject of warming and ventilating our homes and places of business has become one of the most im- portant, and one in which the most satisfactory results have been achieved during the last quarter of a cen- tury. A concern which has undoubtedly done more than any other in this city to invent and perfect the most advanced and successful means and methods for
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
heating and properly ventilating public and private buildings is the firm of Kruse & Dewenter, manufac- turers of wrought steel warm air furnaces, and school- room ventilating stoves, whose office, warerooms and factory are located at 54 South Pennsylvania street. The business was established about ten years ago by the present firm, and since its inception has developed into large proportions. The wrought steel warm air fur- naces manufactured by this house are the acme of per- fection, and have no superiors in the market for dura- bility, economy and efficiency, and have received the highest indorsements from customers throughout the country. The trade of the house extends through Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, and, in fact, to all parts of the North, South and West, and six travelers are regularly employed on the road. Their factory at the above address is thoroughly equipped with all the latest tools and appliances, and a large force of skilled workmen is employed. The show and sales- rooms are admirably adapted for the needs of the busi- ness, and are 50x100 feet in dimensions, and here will be found a complete line of goods manufactured by the house. To those about to build or contemplating a change in their heating and ventilating apparatus, an in- spection of the furnaces and ventilators manufactured by this firm would prove very interesting and profitable. The firm represents Tutle & Bailey for the hot air reg- isters, ventilators, etc., and make a specialty of heating schoolhouses with the dry closet system.
NUTZ & GROSSKOPF.
Among the old established and successful houses of Indianapolis, one worthy of special mention is that of Messrs. Nutz & Grosskopf, successors of J. K. Sharpe, Jr., which is located at 20-22 West Maryland street, and is devoted to the manufacture of boot and shoe uppers, and the trade in leather findings and shoe store supplies. The business was originally established in 1845 by J. K. Sharpe, Sr., who gradually developed a large and flourishing trade, and finally was succeeded by his son in 1881. On June 1, 1892, the present pro- prietors, Messrs. Peter Nutz and Adam Grosskopf pur- chased the business, and as they were for several years in the employ of Mr. Sharpe, Jr., they have brought to bear a wide and valuable experience and exceptional qualifications for success. The stock of leather, findings and shoe store supplies is of the most varied character, embracing everything requisite for the trade. The most careful selections are made, and while no poor or shoddy goods are to be found here, the prices are re- markably reasonable. Messrs. Nutz & Grosskopf are
experts in their line, and have an intimate acquaintance with the requirements of the best class of trade. They are both natives of Germany, who have resided in this city for the past ten years, and they deserve every credit for the manner in which they are conducting their highly popular establishment.
L. G. HOUGH.
The enterprise displayed by the leaf tobacco mer- chants of this city has long been a source of credit to the city, and has done much to advance its mercantile interests A recently established house of this type is that conducted by Mr. L. G. Hough, at 31 Indiana avenue. This business was es- tablished in 1892 by Mr. Hough, who was formerly the manager of the Telephone Exchange in this city, and before coming to this city was in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Parkersburgh, W. Va. The premises occupied by Mr. Hough comprise a commo- dious ground floor and basement, each 25×80 feet in dimensions, giving ample accommodation for general storage, and the advan- tageous prosecution of the busi- ness. Mr. Hough handles both imported and domestic tobaccos, and his business connections are broadly distributed throughout the tobacco producing sections of this and other coun- tries, consequently he is in a position to offer the most favorable terms and prices to the trade. He has al- ready developed a large and steadily growing trade, and is supplying some of the largest cigar manufacturers of the city. Mr Hough is a native of Pennsylvania, and an enterprising and progressive young gentleman, who is highly regarded in both trade and social circles. Mr. Hough is also interested in the Capital City Business College of Indianapolis.
MOORE PACKING COMPANY.
A prominent and leading establishment in this city is the Moore Packing Company, pork packers and job- bers in pork, beef, smoked meats and lard. The busi- ness, although only established Dec. 1, 1892, is steadily growing in volume and importance under the able direc- tion and management of those who own and control it. The capital stock of the company is $250.000, all paid
up, and the facilities and conveniences enjoyed for all purposes of the business are unsurpassed. Ten acres of ground are owned and occupied by the company opposite the Union Stock Yards, on the line of the Belt Line R. R., 400 hands are employed besides many teams and wagons and 2,000 hogs are slaughtered, cured and packed daily. The buildings are all substantial structures, erected ex- pressly for the purpose designed and equipped through- out with new machinery and all necessary vats, tanks and a powerful steam engine. The main building is four stories high, 200x200 feet in area, built of brick. There are also store houses, an abattoir, smoke houses, packing houses, etc. Western Union and Postal Telegraph wires connect with the office and taken altogether the es-
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tablishment is one of the most complete in the United States of its kind. The trade of the house during the past six months aggregated hundreds of thousands of dollars and a substantial business has been built up in all the great commercial centers in this country, and an immense quantity of pork, beef, etc., shipped to Europe. The company pack pork on an extensive scale and also make a specialty of smoked ham, bacon, shoulders, etc., and carry a heavy stock of pork, beef and smoked meats, lard, casings, etc., and also manufacture fertilizers. Only the finest and best meats are handled by the com- pany and it can always offer special inducements to the trade. The officers of the company are all too intimately known in connection with financial and industrial enter- prises in Indianapolis to require extended personal re- mark. They are Samuel E. Rauh, president; John Moore, treasurer and general manager; Geo. W. Hadley, secretary, and Henry Schurmann, auditor. They are all members of the Board of Trade and Commercial Club.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
FRANK E. BROWN.
One of the most popular boot and shoe stores in In- dianapolis is that of Mr. Frank E. Brown, located at 156 East Washington street, three doors east of Court House. This flourishing enterprise was originally founded in 1885 by Mr. G. W. Brown, brother of the
present proprietor, who in April, 1892, assumed sole con- trol of the business. The premises occupied comprise an entire main floor, 24x90 feet in area, and these are admirably fitted up and most conveniently arranged. The assortment embraces fine and medium grade boots, shoes, gaiters, slippers and rubber goods for gentle- men, youths and boys, and everything that is new, · fashionable and desirable for ladies, misses and children. Mr. Brown purchases his stock of only the most re- nowned and reliable manufacturers in the country. He is the agent in this city for the widely known W. L. Douglas shoes and carries at all times a complete stock of all grades and prices. Every article leaving Mr. Brown's store is fully guaranteed to be as represented in every respect. Mr. Brown, who is a gentleman of pronounced business ability, is a native of the city, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
NOEL BROS. FLOUR AND FEED COMPANY.
In noting the many and varied institutions that con- tribute to the general sum of industrial and commercial activity in Indianapolis, more than passing notice should be given to the well known and responsible Noel Bros.' Flour and Feed Company, wholesale and retail dealers in flour, grain, hay, etc., and manufacturers of hominy, grits, meal, feed and Graham flour, at 69 North Illinois
street. This prosperous business was originally estab- lished in 1877 by Messrs. Edmund B. and Wood Noel, and on September 1, 1890, the present company was in- corporated under the laws of Indiana with a capital of $10,000, its executize officers being Mr. Whitmore, of Dayton, Ohio, president, and Vance Noel, of this city, secretary and treasurer. The premises utilized as sales- rooms comprise one floor and a basement, each 20x120 feet in dimensions. The mill and warehouse is located at 156 West North street; it is a one-story building, 40x110 feet in area and has an output of thirty barrels daily. A full and first-class stock is constantly carried, including the very best brands of family flour, Graham flour, grain of all kinds, baled hay, grits, meal feed, oatmeal, cracked wheat, farnia, barley, midavene, etc., poultry supplies, such as bone meal, shells, egg foods, etc., also Wise's Axle Grease in packages of all sizes, the best in the world, Pratt's food for horses and cows, etc. The com- pany make a special feature of manufacturing hominy, which is put in barrels or 100 1b. burlap bags, to suit the trade. Inducements are offered as regards liberality of terms and prices, which challenge comparison and defy successful competition. The telephone call of the office is 209, and orders receive immediate attention. Mr. Noel is a native of this city, where he is known as a substantial and successful business man, and combines experience and ability with wide popularity and solid worth.
YOUNG, DILDINE & MCMURRAY.
There are few cities in the United States where the art of the merchant tailor is carried to higher perfection than in Indianapolis. Among the latest candidates for public favor and patronage in this important line of trade are Messrs. Young, Dildine & McMurray, whose salesrooms are located at 12 and 14 North Meridian street. They have been established in business only since February 15, 1893, and have already secured a large, fashionable and rapidly increasing patronage. The firm is composed of Messrs. A. A. Young, B. B. Dildine and W. B. McMurray, all gentlemen of excellent taste and judgment, and possessed of practical experi- ence and a thorough knowledge of the business in its every feature and detail. Mr. Dildine, who is in charge of the cutting and fitting department, was formerly in the same line of business in the city of New York. Later he became connected with a house in Louisville and was ten years with Mr. L. S. Ayers, of this city. The store is 20x50 feet in dimensions and is elegantly and taste- fully fitted up and appointed. The firm here display a large and varied assortment of foreign and domestic
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