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 26
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visions, crockery, queensware, etc., at 398 South Illinois street. Mr. Wilgus, who is a native of Steubenville, Ohio, took up his residence in this city some thirty years ago, and in 1883 embarked in his present business, and has gained an enviable reputation for fine goods. He occupies the ground floor and basement of a building having a frontage of 23 by a depth of 75 feet, and cen- trally located. These premises are fitted up with all most modern conveniences for the preservation and rapid handling of the large stock carried. The assortment is one of the finest and most comprehensive gathered to- gether in any establishment in the city; it includes all kinds of fancy and staple groceries, as well as dairy, garden and orchard produce, teas, coffees, spices, dried fruits, canned goods, imported and domestic sauces, pickles, relishes and condiments, fruits and nuts, biscuits, crackers, flour, cheese, meal, beans, peas, rice, vegetables of all kinds and at all seasons, salt and smoked meats and fish, etc. Three assistants are em- ployed and no pains are spared to satisfactorily meet the wishes of patrons. A number of delivery wagons carry goods to any part of the city free of charge. Mr. Wilgus is a gentleman of experience and high standing in business affairs. He is a member of the A. O. U. W.
W. H. BALLARD.
This establishment was founded in 1878 by its pres- ent proprietor and is the leading and most complete con- cern in the city engaged in this industry. The premises at the corner of Delaware and Ohio streets have an area of 80x100 feet, and are fully equipped with every appli- ance and modern apparatus known in the business, oper- ated by a superior steam engine of ample power, while twenty hands are kept constantly employed. This estab- lishment manufactures 400 gallons of ice cream daily in all flavors, in plain, Neapolitan and fancy moulds, also Charlotte Russe and fruit ices of every description. Five hundred and fifty gallons of milk and 400 gallons of cream are consumed daily in the production of the popular creams and Ices sent out by this noted house, and the trade which is derived from the leading hotels, restaurants and private families throughout the city is very large. Only the purest materials are used and the greatest pains are taken to fully merit the first-class patronage that this establishment has always enjoyed.
MATTILL BROTHERS.
This business was founded in 1878 by Mr. Theodore Zell, who was succeeded in 1887 by the present pro- prietors, Messrs. Louis and John Mattill, gentlemen of wide experience and thorough practical knowledge of
this important profession. The premises occupied are located at the corner of Coburn and East streets. The store is attractively fitted up, and has a finely appointed department especially for the prompt and accurate com- pounding of physicians' prescriptions and family reci- pes, in which none but regularly qualified druggists are engaged as assistants. The stock of the store em- braces a full assortment of absolutely pure and fresh drugs and chemicals, extracts, tinctures and pharma -- ceutical compounds of their own superior production; all proprietary remedies of well known merit and rep- utation, the latest novelties in druggists' fancy goods, toilet articles, perfumery, etc. ; physicians' and surgeons' appliances, druggists' sundries, pure wines and liquors for medicinal use, popular brands of domestic and foreign cigars, fine stationery, confectionery, etc Both partners are natives ef Hillsborough, Ohio, and have resided in this city since 1879. They are members of the Indiana Pharmaceutical Association, and Marion County Drug Association. Both are enterprising and industrious business men, thorough, exact and reliable in their profesion, and are highly respected by all with whom they have social or business relations. They are liberal and energetic in all that pertains to the advance- ment of Indianapolis, and are always ready to do all they can to promote the welfare of the city.
R. I. EADS.
The drug emporium of M. R. I. Eads, at the corner of Delaware and New York streets, is one ot the oldest and most popular in the city. The business was formerly under the proprietorship of Mr. J. B. Dill until one year ago, when the present proprietor purchased it. The store is one of the handsomest, finest stocked and equipped in the city, and draws a large patronage from the leading classes of our citizens. Mr. Eads carries full stock and complete lines of the purest and freshest of drugs and chemicals, proprietary medicines, drug- gists' sundries, physicians' supplies, surgical instruments, also a choice assortment of fancy and toilet articles, imported and domestic cigars of the choicest brands. The store is very handsome in its interior fittings and furnishings and reflects great credit in our city, as be- ing one of the leading retail drug establishments in popularity and reliability. Mr. Eads is a thorough and experienced pharmacist and superintends every feature of the business with a careful and watchful eye. He has the respect and confidence of his large patronage and exercises the greatest care in the compounding of family recipes and physicians' prescriptions. Only experienced and careful clerks are employed and orders receive prompt attention.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
R. F. CATTERSON & SON.
In the foremost rank of the houses engaged in real estate business and its kindred branches, and enjoying a deservedly high reputation for reliability and honor- able methods is that of Messrs. R. F. Catterson & Son, whose offices are located at 24 Kentucky avenue. Mr. R. F. Catterson, the senior member of the firm, is a
native of Marion, this state, and for many years has been prominently identified with the leading financial and business circles of Indianapolis. He is ably sec- onded by his son, Mr. George N. Catterson, an active and pushing young man, who was born in this city. The firm make a specialty of rentals, and control the letting of most of the valuable business and residential property in the city. They also negotiate loans on bond and mortgage, and as a notary public is in attendance
in the office, all transactions are perfected without de- lay. Messrs. Catterson & Son do a fire insurance busi- ness, and are prepared to place risks and issue policies for any amount compatible with safety, and upon all kinds of property upon moderate terms. They are popular gentlemen, prompt, energetic and honorable in all their dealings. Mr. George N. Catterson is a member of the Commercial Club.
MINNEAPOLIS ESTERLY HARVESTER COMPANY.
One of the leading and largest manufacturers of har- vesting machinery in the United States is the Minneap- olis Esterly Harvester Company, whose extensive works are located at St. Louis Park, a suburb west of Minne- apolis, Minn. The works have a floor space of fifteen acres, are steam heated, lighted by electricity, fitted.up with special machinery operated by two steam engines of 250 and 100 horse-power, respectively employing 1,200 hands, and turn out annually 20,000 twine binding harvesters and mowers. The company has established branch houses in all the leading cities. The branch in the city was established in 1881, and is the distributing point for Indiana, Southern and Eastern Illinois and Western Ohio. Mr. A. L. Cook, the general agent, who has charge of the branch house is a thorough active business man of unquestioned reputation. H s office is 26 Kentucky avenue, and for storage purposes ample space is provided in the building of the Union Transfer and Storage Company. A large stock of the Mineap- olis Esterly twine binding harvesters and mowers is carried, also a large stock of extras, attachments and binder twine. Mr. Cook has sold many hundreds of the Esterly machines through his territory, and in no instance has a complaint been made. He is a native of Indiana.
SMITH. DAY & CO., LIMITED.
One of the oldest establishments of its kind in the United States is that of Smith, Day & Co., at Baldwins- ville, Mass., manufacturers of chairs, woven wire springs, cots, upholstered chairs and rockers, having been established more than twenty-five years. The firm have a branch house in Detroit and also in this city. The branch here was opened about a year ago, and is under the immediate direction of Messrs. W. L. Day and E. J. Sweeney, members of the firm. The premi- ses occupied at 76 to 84 Shelby street comprise a two- story brick building, 120x160 feet in area, and a build- ing in the rear of the same dimensions. An immense
stock of goods is carried, comprising everything manu- factured by the firm, also a large assortment of chairs and rockers in modern and antique designs, upholstered and finished in silk, satin, velvet, rep, etc., and from forty to fifty skilled hands are employed in the uphol- stering and finishing departments. The copartners are C. A. Smith and L. D. Day, who reside at Baldwinsville, Mass. Chas. Day who has charge of the Detroit house and Messrs. W. L. Day and E. J. Sweeney who reside in this city, and have charge of the business here. They are popularly known, and as business men are pro- gressive and enterprising.
THE GRANGER DRUG STORE.
One of the best known among the popular pharma- cies in Indianapolis is that of Mr. L. H. Renkert, known as the Granger Drug Store. The business was estab- lished by S. R. Holt in 1877, and was purchased by Mr. Renkert in 1880 at 164 West Washington street, his present location, the handsome, attractive premises having an area of 25x110 feet. The prescription labora- tory is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Renkert, and every safeguard is provided to insure accuracy and promptness. Several assistants are employed; physi- cians' prescriptions and family recipes compounded and medicines dispensed at all hours of the day or night. Pure fresh drugs only are used and popular prices pre- vail. The stock is full and complete, and embraces drugs, chemicals, pharmaceutical and proprietary med- icines, druggists' sundries, toilet and fancy articles, per- fumes and all the various articles usually found in a first-class family drug store. Mr. Renkert has had a long valuable experience compounding and dispensing medicines, and as a pharmacist enjoys the unbounded confidence of his many patrons. Besides drugs and medicines, Mr. Renkert also keeps a stock of paints, oils, varnishes and painters' supplies.
SHAW & LANG.
In the foremost position of the real estate and finan- cial field of activity of Indianapolis stand- Colonel B. C. Shaw and Mr. John A. Lang, who are also the proprie- tors of the Indiana Pension and Claim Agency, with offices at 34 North Delaware street. The house is widely known throughout all parts of Indiana, and its connections are influential and of the highest order. A general real estate business is carried on, the firm hand- ling all kind o fbusiness and residential property, build-
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
ing lots and farm lands, and they have always on their books long lists of many of the most desirable pieces of realty that come into the market. They also negotiate loans on bond and mortgage, their facilities in this di- rection being unsurpassed, and enabling them to se- cure for their clients the most favorable terms. But it is especially as pension and claim agents that they have gained an enviable reputation. They are untiring and vigilant in their efforts on behalf of their patrons, whose interests they guard with as much zeal as if they were their own. Col. B. C. Shaw has an honorable war record, having commanded the 7th Regiment of In- diana Volunteers, also the 68th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He is at present adjutant general of the Union Veterans Legion of the United States. He has for many years been prominently identified with the poli- itics of Indiana, and is a leader of the Democratic party of the state. From 1875 to 1880 he filled the high office of state treasurer, and was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee. He has also been proprietor of the large Shaw Carriage Works of this city. Mr. Lang was also born in Indiana, and has resided in this city for the past twenty-five years. He is state president of the Patriotic Sons of America.
MAJOR TAYLOR.
Unquestionably the arbiter of correct styles in gentle- men's furnishings in this city is Major Taylor, a gentle- man possessing most excellent taste and judgment. Mr. Taylor has been established in business since 1878 and from the outset success rewarded his ably directed efforts. His patronage steadily increasing, he was obliged to seek la ger quarters, and in 1887 secured and has since occupied the spacious store 38 East Washing- ton street. He subsequently opened a branch store at 15 North Illinois street. In these establishments Mr. Taylor makes a fine display of elegant goods of both European and American production, and includes every- thing new and fashionable in style and novel. Mr. Taylor also manufactures fine shirts to order of the best linen. He is also proprietor of the Excelsior Laundry in the Masonic Building, on South Tennessee street, one of the best equipped establishments of the kind in Indianapolis. He is popular in musical circles and takes an active interest in the May festivals held in this city annually. Mr. Taylor is a prominent member of the Commercial Club.
SCOFIELD, SHURMER & TEAGLE.
One of the leading oil refineries in Indianapolis is that of Scofi.Id, Shurmer & Teagle, which has been in success-
ful operation many years. In 1889 a branch was estab- lished in this city for supplying the trade in Indiana and adjoining territory. Since 1890 this branch has been under the management of Mr. Karl G. Sakewitz, who has since by his energy and enterprise very materially increased the trade and extended the business. The office, works and warehouse are at the corner Vermont and Bee Line Ry. Superior illuminating and lubricating oils and gasoline and naptha, also boiled paint oil consti- tute the product, also Ideal value oil, Perfection cylinder oil, Diamond engine oil, Dynamo engine oil, etc. The building is 40x80 feet in area and a large stock of oils is always carried. Mr. Sakewitz is a native of Indianapolis and has been in the employ of the firm in that city for a period of ten years. He is well and popularly known in business circles in t'is city and has always sustained a high reputation.
AUGUST DIENER,
Among the most widely and favorably known of the leading manufacturers of marble and granite monuments in Indianapolis must be placed Mr. August Diencr, of 243 East Washington street. Mr. Diener, who is of German descent, was born in the state of New York, coming to this city some seventeen years ago. He at once embarked in his present line of business and from the outset won fame and favor, owing to the originality of his conceptions. the beauty of designs and the superior character and finish of his workmanship. His premises have an area of 20x195 feet, and are heavily stocked with granite and marble monuments, headstones, tablets, etc. E·ght skilled hands are employed and a leading specialty is made of cemetery work. There are few cemeteries in this vicinity of which the principal and most ornamental monuments are not due to Mr. Diener's chisel. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, and is highly es- teemed by all classes in the community.
JOHN F. JOHNSTON.
Among the popular and prominent druggists in In- dianapolis, there are none having a higher reputation or who are better qualified to dispense medicines than Dr. John F. Johnston, whose handsome attractive pharmacy is at the corner Illinois and St. Clair streets. The pharmacy is finely appointed, is fitted up with cherry wood fixtures, and an attractive feature is a superb soda fountain. The stock of drugs, chemicals, proprietary medicines, and pharmaceutical preparations is pure and fresh, and the assortment of toilet articles,
perfumery and druggists sundries full and complete. The prescription laboratory is admirably equipped and under careful supervision. Physicians' prescriptions, difficult formulas and family recipes are compounded with accuracy and promptitude at all hours, and every care and attention paid to the requirements of patrons. Dr. Johnston is a pleasant, agreeable gentleman and very popular.
INDIANAPOLIS BOX FACTORY.
The manufacture of wooden boxes and packing cases for all purposes is well represented in Indianapolis by the Indianapolis Box Factory, of which Mr. Fred. Dietz is the able and popular proprietor. Mr. Dietz is a native
of Germany, who came to this city in 1847. In 1869 he embarked in his present line of business and so rapid and marked was his success that he soon found it neces- sary to increase his plant. In 1871 therefore he erected his present three-story brick factory, which is 60x100 and two-story annex 40x75 feet in dimensions. The premises utilized cover an area of three and one-half acres at the south end of Delaware street, along the track of the P. C. C. & St. L. Ry. Company. The fac- tory is equipped with the latest improved machinery, in- cluding three printing presses, run by a sixty horse- power engine fed by three boilers of modern make. These works are a model of their kind and a thorough system of organization is enforced by Mr. Dietz, who is noted for sound judgment and marked executive capacity. From forty to fifty skilled hands are cm- ployed and the output is large, necessitating the con- sumption of 15,000 fcet of lumber a day, the total cut- ting capacity being 20,000 feet. He is a prominent member of the Board of Trade, an active Mason and Forester, an Odd Fellow, Pioneer and a member of the Ancient Order of Druids.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
W. H. MESSENGER.
There are few lines of trade of greater practical im- portance than that of the dealer in furniture, carpets, stoves and similar household necessaries. A thoroughly representative house of this kind in Indianapolis is that of Mr. W. H. Messenger, located at 101 East Wash- ington street. His premises comprise four floors, each
Baris
WH.MESSENGER. W.H.MESSENGER.
IND. INDIANA ILLUSTRATING CO
20x100 feet in dimensions at the above address, and four spacious floors 60x48 in the rear. His immense stock is selected especially for his trade, and comprises bed- room, parlor and dining-room suits and single pieces of high class furniture of the finest make. Mattresses of every description are also carried, and Mr. Messenger is himself a direct importer of fine art goods and useful household articles in the line of crockery, glassware and queensware. The carpet department is varied, rich and valuable, suited to the tastes and purses of all. Mr. Messenger is a native of Canada, but has resided in this city for some years, having a wide ac- quaintance among all classes by whom he is highly esteemed for his ability, energy and sterling integrity. Mr. Messenger is a member of the Commercial Club.
F. PRANGE.
Indianapolis has become celebrated as a grain market, and here is also manufactured flour unsurpassed in qual- ity. Among the best known millers in the city is Mr. F. Prange, owner and proprietor of the Pearl Roller Mills, and manufacturer of the best roller process flour and all kinds mill feed. Mr. Prange commenced business operations in 1882 at 35 East Pearl street, and in July erected the fine substantial three-story building, now occupied at the corner Davidson and Washington streets. The building is 40x60 feet in dimensions, and is equip- ped with the latest improved millinery machinery, including five Nordyke & Marmon roller mills, driven by steam power, and the output is from 100 to 150 barrels of a superior quality of fine flour daily, which finds a ready market in the city and vicinity. The special brand manufactured is the Pride of Indiana, a high grade winter wheat flour, which is very popu- lar with the trade. Mr. Prange was born and raised in this city. He is a practical miller and con- trols a splendid business.
WM. S. CANFIELD,
An enterprising and popular house devoted to the printing and stationery trade is that of Mr. Wm. S. Can- field, at 31 Virginia avenue, in the Abbett Building. The premises utilized are easy of access, of ample di- mensions, and are well adapted for the successful prose- cution of the business. Plain and ornamental type in all the latest styles and designs, elegant borders, etc., and general job printing is executed, while several skilled and practical printers are employed. The range of work embraces all kinds of job and commercial print- ing, a specialty being made of fine card work, wedding invitations, menus, programmes, announcement cards, etc. Estimates are furnished and contracts entered in- to and executed promptly and in the best style known to the art. Mr. Canfield also has a full and complete line of fine and plain stationery, blank books, and all
school and office supplies, and his prices are uniformly fair and moderate. His house receives a very liberal patronage.
D. A. LEMON.
The prosperity of Indianapolis is due to a great ex- tent to the active energy and enterprise of its real estate men. In this line none are more prominent than D. A. Lemon, whose office is located at 55 North Illinois street. Mr. Lemon handles all classes of property and makes rentals and loans a specialty. He has a thorough knowledge of the value of realty, negotiates insurance, and loans local and foreign moneys. Mr. Lemon carries on a general real estate business including all its branches, such as buying, selling, renting, exchanging, leasing and letting all kinds of property, whether for business, residential, farming or speculative purposes. One of the most important branches of this business is the management of properties or estates for non-resident owners, securing the best class of tenants, collecting rents and paying taxes. All business pertaining to fire insurance is carefully and immediately attended to, Mr. Lemon giving all business transactions the closest possi- ble attention. The proprietor of this real estate office is one of Indianapolis' best known and most highly re- spected citizens, equally well known in society and busi- ness circles.
W. H. KERN.
There are few pharmacies in Indianapolis, if indeed any that have secured such an endearing hold on public favor and confidence than that now conducted by Mr. W. H. Kern. The pharmacy, situated at 251 North Pine street, corner of Michigan street, is 20x50 feet in area, and embraces in the generally complete appoint- ment all the modern adjuncts of elegance and con- venience. The laboratory is supplied with all requisite facilities for compounding the most difficult prescrip- tions and remedies, and the stock of drugs, medicines, chemicals, toilet and fancy articles, perfumery, etc., embraces everything to be found in a first-class, ably conducted pharmacy. Mr. Kern was born in Wayne county, Ind., and is a practical and skillful druggist, and enjoys the popularly bestowed distinction of a leading local exponent of his profession.
SAMUEL EHRISMAN.
This business was founded in 1878 by Mr. Jacob Ehrisman, who conducted it with great success until 1892, when the plant was totally destroyed by fire. The
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
mill was at once rebuilt by his son, Mr. Samuel Ehris- man, who has since been sole proprietor. The prem- ises utilized, 51 Clifford avenue, cover an area of 80x190 feet. The mill proper is a three-story building, covered with corrugated iron, and is 40x60 feet in dimensions. It is fully equipped with all the latest improved and most modern machinery driven by a seventy-five horse- power steam engine. The output is 150 barrels of "Champion Mills Progress Flour" daily, while a large trade is also done in other makes of flour, meal, feed and general mill produce. Mr. Ehrisman was born in this city, and is one of our most progressive business men. His telephone call is 600.
.
EDWARD C. REICK.
This business was established in 1890 by J. R. Cole, and a year after came under the control of Mr. Reick, who has since conducted it with that skill and ability his extended experience in the business enables him to exercise. Mr. Reick keeps in stock a full and complete assortment of everything that belongs to the business. In the rear of the pharmacy is a well equipped labora- tory where a specialty is made of compounding phy- sicians' prescriptions and family recipes, and dispens- ing medicines at all hours. Only the purest and fres- est drugs are used in this establishment, and all medi- cines are prepared with accuracy and promptitude. Mr. Reick was born and raised in this city, and is a graduate of the Louisville, Ky., College of Phar- macy, and a member of the alumni of that institution. He is a young, active, energetic, professional man, and has earned the splendid trade he enjoys by strict atten- tion to business and the courtesy shown all favoring his pharmacy with patronage. His store is located at the corner of New Jersey and McCarty streets.
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