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 8
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C. & A. POTTS & CO.
It has taken a long time to bring the machinery used in brick making to its present state of perfection and there are many large concerns engaged in an active and honorable competition in the manufacture of this class of machinery, each of whom present their respective claims to patronage in such ingenious form that brick
makers must be puzzled as to which machines are best entitled to their preference. Our object in this article is not to make comparisons but simply to call attention to the productions of a concern which has been power- fully instrumental in revolutionizing old methods of brick making and who for many years past have tena- ciously maintained the position of leadership as manu- facturers of brick making machinery. We allude to the house of C. & A. Potts & Co., of Indianapolis, Ind. This house manufacture a full line of clay working machinery, brick yard supplies, horizontal stock brick machines (either wood or iron frames) disintegrators, mould sanders, elevators, pig mills, granulators, moulds (ma- chine or hand,) barrows, trucks, kiln castings, auger brick machines, extra heavy pug mills, dry and wet pans, pulleys, belting, shafting and boxes and in short everything required around a brick yard. The accom- panying cut illustrates the Potts horizontal stock brick machine and while it is impossible within the limits of our space to describe the mechanism of this acknowl- edged peer of all brick machines, we may characterize some of its advantages over all others. The cardinal advantage of this machine is its great tempering capac- ity, it having fully one-half more than any vertical machine and extra pug mill made. It does not require an extra pug mill to work the clay direct from the bank, thus making a saving of one-half of the machinery used in other outfits to take care of and keep in repair The tempering box is open the entire length on top This enables the man who does the tempering to see the con- dition of his clay and to regulate the same until it is passing into the mould, thus ensuring evenly tempered clay and brick when dry of the same density and size. The mode of filling the press box with a large double feed wing which passes the opening into the press box four times to each mold filled, insures the filling of the press box evenly full each time which cannot be done with the vertical machine where they use a wide wing which forces the clay to one side of the press box, and if the clay be a little stiff it will not equalize itself in the press box, therefore the moulds, when delivered, have only one end filled. The press forcing the clay in a perfectly straight line through the die into the moulds insures straights brick which cannot be made on ma- chines that force the clay over an incline plane. All parts are easy of access, and if by accident any part should be broken, it can be taken out and replaced without tearing the machine apart. It has the strength to work the clay very stiff which enables it to make a brick that will not pitch in trucking nor spread in dry- ing this combined with its great tempering capacity. enables it to make a brick that has clean, sharp corners
and smooth surfaces. The capacity of this machine is only limited to the facilities for getting clay to it and taking care of the brick. It can be run at the rate of from 20,000 to 60,000 brick per day. Next to the hori- zontal stock brick machine, the advantages of which are set forth above, the machine which has contributed most of the national reputation of the house under
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notice is the Potts Disintegrator Tins machine is the original disintegrator, and, while it has to-day several imitators, none even distantly approach it in efficiency. Hundreds of these machines are now in use and they have replaced two-thirds of the roller crushers in the United States. They are the only machine made that will work clay direct from the bank and not choke or clog. They do not pack the clay into thin, tight sheets, as is the case with roller crushers, but leave it in a loose open condition, so it will take water and is easily pugged. The machine is simple in construction, having no gear to rattle or break, or other light, complicated parts to get out of order and cause delay. By the use of this machine the brick manufacturer is enabled to work the year through ; the disintegrator will take the clay direct from the bank, no difference what condition it may be in. The Potts Mould Sander is another machine which has found great favor with brick makers It sands the moulds better than can be done by hand, does not waste or spill the sand, is simple, strong and durable and ful- fills in every particular the service for which it is de- signed. The space is not at our disposal to accord a separate mention to the Augur brick machines, Taper pug mills, elevators, brick moulds, trucks and barrows and numerous other specialties. The machinery of this house has been in use for the past eight years in every state in the Union. The handsome catalogue of the house which is always cheerfully forwarded upon appl - cation, contains a vast deal of information which can- not fail to be of interest to all brick manufacturers.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
ART EMBOSSING MACHINE COMPANY.
One of the most interesting manufacturing establish- ments in Indianapolis is that of the Art Embossing Ma- chine Company, located at 30 to 40 West South street, which as the name indicates is devoted to the produc- tion of machines for ornamenting wood of all kinds for
alone as the highest embodiment of inventive genius and mechanical skill in this direction. The company was formed in 1891, and have since had an enormous demand from all parts of the continent for their machines dies, etc., which has frequently taxed their resources to fill. From all parts come the most flattering re- ports of their working, and they are valued highly be-
the north side of the street, both three stories in height, and of ample dimensions. A force of twenty-seven expert hands is steadily employed, and the equipment is of the most complete description, both steam and electric power being utilized. The trade of the house is expanding so rapidly that the premises have already proved too small, and a large addition will shortly be
ART EMBOSSING-MACHINE CO
OFFICE
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ART EMBOSSING MACHINE CO.
interior house finish and other purposes, furniture, tables, lounges, etc. These machines are the result of inany years study, and they have satisfactorily solved the problem as to whether the art of embossing on wood by machinery was practicable. They were patented June 28, 1887, and have been steadily improved and made simple, handy and complete, until to-day they stand
cause of their durability, speed and general efficiency, and because they require neither skilled labor nor special lumber for their successful operation. They are now used in the largest planing mills and furniture factories in the country, and are effecting a great saving by performing the work of many high priced wood carvers, and doing just as well. The company occupy two brick buildings, one on the south side and one on
erected, thus giving ample facilities for the active pros- ecution of the business on a scale commensurate with the demand. Mr. M. B. Crist, the president, is an active and enterprising business man, whose standing in the community is of the highest. His company has an ample field before it, which is being occupied with an energy and push that speaks volumes for the ability of its management, and promises well for the future.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
THE KINGSTON.
A visit to Indianapolis is most certainly incomplete without a call at The "Kingston, " 17 N. Illinois street, the most luxuriant, costly and beautifully decorated sample room in this or any other city, of which Mr. Wm. Tron, the most popular and genial caterer to pub- lic wants in his line, is the proprietor. The stand itself has been known to the public for twelve years, and from the time when Mr. Tron assumed its management,
decorated with costly paintings and hung with beautiful draperies. The stock of liquors always to be obtained here, is selected with a view to meet the most fastidious taste and nothing is kept other than the choicest brands of whiskies, brandies and imported liquors and wines, which the markets of this or the old world can produce, and we desire to state for the benefit of lovers of fine whisky, that Mr. Tron never allows his stock of whisky to run below one hundred barrels. Here can also be obtained in bottles or on tap, the products of the lead-
INO JULUS. CO.
it has grown in public favor with wonderful rapidity. Its interior was fitted up at a cost of $22,000, and all that money and art could do, has been lavished upon it, and when at night its brilliant electric lights are reflected from its costly mirrors upon its exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings, it forms a most dazzling and enchant- ing picture. The room itself is 25x125 feet in dimen- sions, its bar and wood work being entirely in solid oak, highly polished and exquisitly carved, while its walls are
ing breweries throughout the country, including the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association, Pabst Brewery, Terre Haute and Indianapolis Brewing Companies, while the services of four courteous and congenial bar- keepers are required to supply the wants of the large and select patronage with which The "Kingston" is favored. In the rear of the bar are the rooms of the Mercantile Telegraph Company, where those desiring can obtain telegraphic reports from all the leading race
tracks throughout the country. It was not many years back when New York city boasted of pos- sessing the only really costly and elegant sample rocms in the country, and there were none to dispute her claim, but the last few years have wrought mar- velous changes, and men of brains, push and wealth in every large city in the country have furnished and embellished with art treasures as beautiful and expensive places of public resort as ever the great eastern metrop- olis could boast, and one is not now obliged to trave. east to behold art and money lavished on places of this character. New York city no longer holds the palm as being the only city on the continent possessing that taste and refinement which can thoroughly appreciate the artistic and beautiful, and which calls for a princely outlay of money, and the most expensive decorations and furnishings in all first-class places where the refined and cultured classes of the public are accustomed to congregate for enjoyment and recreation. Our own city of Indianapolis, although small by the side of the great metropolitan centers of the country, possesses as keen an appreciation of the beautiful as do other more favored cities, and this fact our esteemed fellow citizen, Mr. Wm. Tron fully comprehended, when at a great outlay of money, and the employment of the best and most expensive talent in the country, he fitted up and furnished the "Kingston," and the recognition of popu- lar favor which it at once received at the hands of our best citizens, and the steady and growing patronage with which it has been favored since its doors were thrown open to the public, is ample evidence that our citizens fully appreciate every effort to elevate the taste of the public, and to keep abreast of the march of modern improvement in all branches of commercial and social activity. Every comfort and convenience is here provided and the services of twenty-five at- tendants are required to properly attend to the wants of patrons, while so popular has the "Kingston " be- come that it is the rendezvous for commercial men and the sporting fraternity, and the mecca to which hasten lovers of the flowing bowl and congenial companionship The accompanying illustration will give our readers but a faint idea of the beauties of the "Kingston, " for like all truly beautiful things in this world it must be seen to be thoroughly appreciated. To all visitors in our city we would say if they wish to behold a "gem'' of beautiful art decoration, and be convinced that Indian- apolis is thoroughly "up to the times, " a visit to the "Kingston " will amply repay them.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
G. R. WYSONG & CO.
Messrs. G. R. Wysong & Co. are the leaders in the wholesale confectionery trade of Indianapolis and the state. They have won the supremacy within a compar- atively few years, solely due to the merits of their goods -noted universally for their purity, quality and low prices. Mr. Wysong is a native of Greencastle, Ind., and is a thoroughly practical manufacturing confec-
ALE CONFECTIONERS
CIGAR
tioner. He understands every detail of all the best processes of manufacture, and has brought to his aid the most improved machinery and appliances, while he employs only skilled hands in every department. The business was established eight years ago, and has been retained permanently at the old stand, 75 South Meri- dian street. Here three entire floors and basement are occupied, 24x200 feet in dimensions. The candy fac- tory is on the second and third floors, while the choco- late factory is in the basement, the first floor being de- voted to sample and salesrooms. A thorough system of organization is enforced in every department, and from fifty to seventy-five hands are employed, according to the season. Mr. Wysong devotes close personal atten- tion to the purchase of supplies, and the sugars, molas- ses, butter, spices, flavors, fruits, nuts, etc , are all of the highest grade and freshest quality. Only the finest grade of confectionery is manufactured here, while Mr.
Wysong is constantly introducing fresh novelties to the trade in candies, creams, penny goods, etc., that are ex- ceedingly popular and are ready sellers from the start. An important branch of the business is the trade devel- oped in foreign fruits, nuts, cigars, etc. Receiving di- rect shipments from first hands, the firm offer the most substantial inducements as to price and quality. Mr. Wysong has won an enviable reputation in commercial circles; he is known as a merchant of great energy and integrity of character; his establishment is the finest and best equipped for candy manufacturing in the west, and the large and select city trade developed is alone a sufficient proof of the exceptionally high standard of quality and purity. The firm is pushing its out-of-town trade, and the house has become the leading representa- tive in this branch of industry in the state, solely on the basis of honest, fresh goods, sold at lowest living prices.
F. W. FRANK.
One of the most popular and enterprising merchants of Indianapolis is Mr. F. W. Frank, whose establish- ment, familiarly known to the public as " Frank's Fur-
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FRANK'S FURNITURE FAIR.
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niture Fair," is conceded to be the headquarters in Indianapolis for high grade, reliable furniture, carpets and house furnishing goods. sold at the most moderate prices. The business was founded seventeen years ago
by Messrs. H. Frank & Co., succeeded in 1892 by Mr. F. W. Frank, who brings to bear every possible qualifi- cation for successfully conducting a great establishment of this kind. He is noted for a progressive policy. sound judgment in the selection of goods and thorough knowledge of the wants of the public, and that is why "Frank's Furniture Fair " is always crowded with cus- tomers. The establishment is most centrally located at 115, 117 and 119 East Washington street, directly oppo- site the court house, and is four stories in height and 67 by 120 feet in dimensions. The store is very hand- somely fitted up, in fact, it is the most attractive furni- fure store we have entered, and a thorough system of organization is enforced. Here is displayed full lines to the latest styles in parlor, chamber and dining-room furniture, cabinet furniture in the highest style of work, and in such choice woods as oak, walnut, cherry, maple, mahogany, etc., is a specialty, while parlor suits can be had in any style of upholstering, Mr. Frank hav- ing his factory on the fourth floor, where all uphol- stered goods are manufactured. The greatest variety of chamber suits, dining-room, hall and library furni- ture is shown here ; also stoves, refrigerators and kitchen outfits. In carpets a large department is exclusively devoted to showing the newest patterns and quoted at lower prices than can be had elsewhere. This import- ant fact applies to the entire immense stock, and is read- ily accounted for by reason of Mr. Frank's direct pur- chases under contract with manufacturers, and his enormous trade.
H. C. FISK & SON.
Messrs. H. C. Fisk & Son's spacious establishment so prominently located on the Circle, opposite the Mon- ument, is the recognized headquarters in Indianapolis and the state for the highest grade of vehicles, harness and horse goods. This house has won a national repu- tation for the excellence of everything offered for sale, and for the facilities enjoyed, enabling it to always show the very latest styles and improvements in every- thing. The business was established upward of twenty years ago, and early became the most flourishing in its line, due to the wisdom of management. The reposi- tory on the Circle is of large dimensions, and is very handsomely fitted up. The firm here carry complete lines of all pleasure and light business vehicles. They are sole agents and carry a heavy stock of the Columbus Buggy Company's goods, Columbus, O. These buggies are renowned for great strength, light weight, ease of traction, comfort, elegance and durability, and are mar- velous bargains at the prices quoted. The firm are also agents for the fine carriages and wagons manufactured
99
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA
by Biddle & Smart of Amesbury, Mass. They also carry the largest line in the state of fancy open wagons, carts, surreys, etc. These vehicles are specially elabo- rate in workmanship and finish, while the materials are of the very best. Connected with their establishment is a factory where they employ a large number of skilled hands in the manufacture of six and eight seat party wagons, carts, etc. These splendid vehicles embody every modern improvement. The ironwork, gear, wheels, woodwork, upholstering and finish are of the highest standard of excellence, while their durability is noted. The public have thousands of these carriages in use, and they have withstood the severest tests, run- ning for years without repairs. In heavy classed car- riages such as landeaus, broughams, coupes and vic- torias, this firm are agents for E. M. Miller & Co.'s goods, and carry a full line on their floors, which accord- ing to their judgment and tests are the best manufac- tured in the United States. The firm's harness depart-
ment is equally celebrated. Here are carried the finest lines of hand made coach and light harness, in the very choicest solid silver trimmings; all kinds of heavy har- ness are also carried, and a special line of the best im- ported saddles, etc. Here is to be found every descrip- tion of horse goods, the whole quoted at prices which cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Mr. H. C. Fisk is one of the best known and popular business men of Indian- apolis, and has won an enviable reputation for ability and integrity. Mr. W. E. Fisk, his son, has been a copartner for a number of years, and is a progressive and popular young business man. The firm has every facility at command, and is in every respect the repre- sentative house in its line in Indianapolis and the Mid- dle States.
THE ANDROVETTE ART GLASS COMPANY.
The art stained and ornamental glass interests of the United States have developed to enormous proportions within the last quarter of a century and constitute at the present time one of the leading departments of in- dustrial and commercial activity in this country. The transactions in these products in Indianapolis and the surrounding sections in the course of a year are of great importance and value to the trade and commerce of the city, and there are represented here several not- able concerns engaged in this artistic industry. Promi- nent among such stands the Androvette Glass Company
of Chicago, manufacturers on a most extensive scale of art stained ornamental glass for churches, dwellings, or public buildings, making a specialty of copper frames. The state representative here of this vast and reliable concern is Mr. Edward Schurmann, who occupies an elegantly furnished suite of offices in the Odd Fellows' Building. Mr. Schurmann established himself in this line of business in Indianapolis about the year 1872. He first represented in this city the Chicago Art Glass Company, then the Wells Art Glass Company and fin- ally allied himself to the Androvette Company, which he now so efficiently represents. He does a large business handling the unrivaled products of his house. For originality, beauty and variety of designs, excellence of material and thorough- ly artistic productions in stained glass, or for promptness and reliability in executing orders, none in the line indicated sustain a better reputation than the Androvette Company. This concern is certainly a foremost exponent of this branch of art in the west, turning out a distinctly superior class of work, and hav- ing a large and growing patronage extending throughout the United States. The facilities of the company are first-class in all respects, and their establishment is the largest and best equipped in this section of the country. Through Mr. Schurmann this house furnished all the art glass for many of the prom- inent churches and public buildings here, and the private residences of our wealthiest and most in- fluential citizens. Mr. Schurmann has on dis- play at his office samples of all kinds of glass, windows. doors and other art productions in most beautiful and unique designs, which he will set as desired in copper, gold, silver, brass or any other metal indi- cated. Special designs are made to order, embodying every wish of patrons, which will be guaranteed as exclusive, if so required, and will not be duplicated unless by permission. He is prepared to furnish designs and estimates for anything in his line and guar- antee the utmost satisfaction. The prices charged are of the most reasonable character and all work coming through Mr. Schurmann is sure to be executed in the highest style of art. He is a native of Indianapolis and one of our prominent and most esteemed citizens. He is a gentleman of ripe experience and judgment in lis line, and has spent several years in Europe studying the business among the leading art glass manufacturing centres there. He enjoys a large and influential patron- age, and is most eminently deserving of his great pros- perity.
HOME LUMBER COMPANY.
Indianapolis is a city of practical and material in- dustries, and among the recent additions to the houses in the lumber trade is that of the Home Lumber Com- pany, which was established in January, 1892, by Messrs. W. C. Buddenbaum, H. C. Prange and Fred. Gompf, all experienced men of business acumen, sound judg-
ment, integrity and probity. The office and grounds are 460 to 474 East Michigan street, and cover an area of 137x200 feet on the line of the Bee Division of the Big Four railroad, with which they are connected by a side track. An extensive stock of lumber is carried of all kinds for building and manufacturing purposes, a specialty being made of pine and poplar, which is brought direct to the yard from the mills in the best producing sections. On an average from 850 to 400 car- loads are handled annually, and a large local and coun- try trade is supplied. On the grounds is a two-story warehouse, 48x96 feet in area, in which a full stock of sash, doors, blinds, scroll and veranda work, which is a special feature, is kept. Lath and fence posts are also kept in stock and the firm can fill orders of any magnitude at the shortest notice. Messrs. Buddenbaum, Prange and Gompf are well known in the lumber trade in this city, and were all formerly connected with the Indianapolis Manufacturers and Carpenters Union, the first two as foreman and assistant foreman respectively, for a period of eighteen years, while the latter was also with Dalton & Co., lumber dealers, as clerk, and has been identified with the lumber trade thirteen years. He is a native of Indiana, and a member of the Turn- verein. From the outset, the firm has been doing a large and steadily growing business and have achieved success by deserving it.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
NATIONAL BUILDING, LOAN AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION.
The true principles of co-operation are embodied in the modern and improved methods of building and loan associations, and the best exponent of these is the National Building, Loan and Savings Association of Indianapolis, whose home office is at 23 East Market street. This association offers more substantial induce- ments to the small investor than any other concern in
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