USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Newton : its representative business men and its points of interest > Part 3
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The Upper Falls village may be said to be a sort of water works museum, for besides the attractions of Echo Bridge and of the " water works " in the Charles river, there are attractions in the pumping station of the Newton Water Works, for this is a well-built, ornamental and scrupu- lously neat structure and contains pumping engines that are really marvels of ingenuity and efficiency. The one that is regularly used (the other being used only in emergencies or when its companion is being repaired) can pump five million gallons a day, but it works as easily, noise- lessly and smoothly as a down-trodden banana peel under a heavy citizen. The building of the
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ALLEN'S SWIMMING POND, WEST NEWTON.
Newton water system was begun in 1875 and has been carried out at remarkably low cost con- sidering the difficulties overcome, the great extent of territory supplied with water and the efficiency of the service. The water is taken from wells and is pure, cool and very palatable to those whose taste has not been educated beyond such a beverage.
But one more village is to be visited before we bid farewell to the Garden City, and that is Newton Centre, two miles from the Upper Falls and a mile and a quarter from Chestnut Hill, which is the last station on the Circuit road on its way from Newton to Boston by way of Brook- line. This is one of the oldest, most attractive and most distinguished of Newton's villages, and
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NEWTON AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST.
is
THE CHARLES, AT RIVERSIDE.
although it failed to retain the supremacy which was once accorded it, yet its apparent failure undoubtedly advanced the best inter- ests of " the Centre," and it is a far more agreeable place of residence than any merely " bustling " community could be. Here is " Newton Common," which has been entitled to that name for two centuries ; here is New- ton Theological Institution, which was incor- porated in 1825, and here is that beautiful and historic sheet of water that was originally called "Wiswall " Pond, then "Baptist" Pond, and is now called Crystal Lake. But what is of much more general interest is the fact that here is the home of Rev. Dr. Sam- uel Francis Smith, the author of " America." Dr. Smith has been a resident of Newton for about 50 years, and is so thoroughly identi- fied with the growth of the town and city that even were he not the writer of the standard history of the place, it would be safe to assert that his name will be remembered and honored as long as Newton is known. This village is by no means the geograph- ical centre of Newton, but it comes nearer to being than any other village does, and when one notes the great number of roads that con-
NOURUMBEGA TOWER.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
verge upon its Common he would readily believe it to be the exact centre. The popu- lation amounts to about three thousand, and it would be very difficult to find another village of equal population which was more ideally American, or in other words, that had a smaller proportion of poverty, a smaller proportion of great wealth, and a larger proportion of comfortable competence. In fact, Newton Centre may well be called the representative village of Newton city, for, as a whole, the principal and by far the most gratifying characteristics of the broad city of Newton are those which we have mentioned, and many competent and unprejudiced social philosophers point to this city as an example of what an American community should be, and as a significant indication of what every city in the great and prosperous future United States may confidently be expected to be.
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF NEWTON.
: NEWTON NATIONAL BANK. H
J. N. BACON, President. = B. FRANKLIN BACON, Cashier. BANK HOURS:
From 9 to 12 A. M. and 2 to 4 P. M.
Saturdays, from 9 A. M. to 2 P. M.
The business carried on by the Newton National Bank may be said to have had its inception 44 years ago, for the institution was incorporated as a State Bank in 1848, and continued the business at that time established after being re-organized under the national banking laws in 1864. Not one of the many banks in Boston's suburbs has a higher reputation than that enjoyed by the Newton National Bank, and that is equivalent to saying that its record is surpassed by that of no other bank in all New England located outside the great trade centres, for Boston's suburban banks have long been conceded to occupy a position in the very foremost rank. The institution has always numbered among its officers and directors men who had the entire confidence and re- spect of the public in general and the business public in particular, and in this fact more than in any one other is to be found the explanation of the great influence and the great capacity for usefulness which are characteristics of the Newton National Bank. The president, Mr. J. N. Bacon, and the cashier, Mr. B. Franklin Bacon, are very widely known in Boston financial and general business circles as well as in Newton and its immediate vicinity, and the same may be said of their asso- ciates on the Board of Directors, Messrs. Francis Murdock, Charles E. Billings, John R. Farnum and Wm. H. Brackett. The bank lias a capital of $200,000, augmented by a surplus of $29,500 and undivided profits exceeding $9,000. A general banking business is done, and the accounts of corporations, business firms and individuals are received on such favorable terms that it is not surprising that the leading concerns of Newton should be numbered among the bank's regular customers. The banking hours are from 9 to 12 A. M. and 2 to 4 P. M., Saturdays from 9 A. M. to 2 P. M., and the discount day is Thursday, at 4 P. M. The banking rooms are centrally located and every facility is provided to ensure the prompt and accurate transaction of business.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
ABAN, TROWBRIDGE & CO. (S. W. Trowbridge, T. W. Trowbridge), Auctioneers, Convey- ancers, and Dealers in Real Estate. Mortgages Negotiated, Rents Collected, Insurance Effected in the Best Stock or Mutual Companies. Offices, 2 Pemberton Square, Boston ; Eliot Block, Newton, first floor .- The demand for real estate located in Newton and vicinity is very brisk and also very constant, this section being one of the most prosperous and most rapidly and steadily developing of any in the state, so it is not surprising that would-be buyers and lessces sometimes find it diffi- cult to get just what they want, especially when they fail to make use of the best facilities obtain- able, and in this connection we would like to call attention to the facilities at the command of Messrs. Aban, Trowbridge & Co., doing business at 2 Pemberton square, Boston, and in Eliot block, Newton. These gentlemen are auctioneers, conveyancers and dealers in real estate, and are thoroughly well-informed concerning local and suburban property of this character, thus being prepared to render very valuable aid to those wishing to buy, sell, lease, rent or exchange real estate of any description. Messrs. Aban, Trowbridge & Co. opened their Newton office in 1890. They give prompt and careful attention to communications by mail, but a personal interview is of course much more satisfactory to all parties concerned, and those interested in real estate matters will find that time spent in calling upon this firm is likely to be very profitably invested. Messrs. Aban, Trowbridge & Co. are also prepared to effect insurance in the best stock and mutual companies.
BARBER BROTHERS, Builders' and Fancy Hardware, Cutlery, Mechanics' Tools, Agricultural Implements, Etc., 415 Center Street, Opposite Public Library, Newton, Mass .; Telephone Con- nection .- Messrs. Barber Brothers ocenpy light and convenient premises in Bracket's new block, opposite the Public Library, where a constantly increasing trade has demanded a like increase in stock until every available space is utilized. The goods are classified and arranged on the shelves in wooden drawers, greatly enbancing the appearance of the stock and facilitat- BARBER BRO'S ing handling, thereby benefitting the purchaser. Personal inspection will con- vince anyone that the stock is varied and exceptionally complete in every de- HARDWARE partment. It includes a fine line of builders' and fancy hardware, cutlery and machinists' tools, together with agricultural implements, etc., and is so fre -. quently renewed as to always include the latest noveltics and to be seasonable TELEPHONE CONNECTION NEWTON and attractive at all times. When we add that Messrs. Barber Brothers quote bottom prices on all the goods they handle, no further explanation of their ex- tensive and rapidly growing business can be needed. They employ four thoroughly reliable as- sistants, and succeeded Mr. Alfred Howes in their present business in 1884. They give close per- sonal attention to the many details of the business, and spare no pains to ensure prompt and satis- factory service to every caller. Goods are cheerfully shown and prices quoted, and the most inexperienced can buy here profitably, for not only are low prices named, but every article is fully guaranteed to prove as represented.
GAMALIEL P. ATKINS, Fine Groceries, 273 and 275 Washington Street, Newton. Established 1872 .- The old saying, "Honesty is the best policy," is as true now as ever it was, and a business enterprise that is honestly conducted is sure to gain popularity and to steadily increase in magni- tude if its management be able as well as honest. In this connection we may properly call atten- tion to the undertaking carried on by Mr. Gamaliel P. Atkins, for he has a most enviable repu- tation for fair dealing, and the great popularity of his establishment is mainly due to the fact that those who buy here are assured full value for their money, whether they buy much or little ; and this is not only because Mr. Atkins quotes low prices but because he handles reliable goods- goods that are designed for use as well as for sale, and will give satisfaction in every family. His stock includes fine staple and fancy groceries of every description, and contains nothing that cannot be safely guaranteed to prove just as represented, the goods being obtained from the most reliable sources, and include in addition to fine groceries, confectionery, cigars, tobacco, etc. A specialty is made of Turner Centre print butter and Turner Centre cream. This business was originally founded in 1872 by Messrs. Blanchard & Atkins, the present proprietor, Mr. G. P. Atkins, assuming entire control of affairs in 1884. The store is located at 273 to 275 Washington street and has an area of 2,000 square feet. It is thoroughly and conveniently fitted up, and the promptness of service is further assured by the employment of six thoroughly competent and courteous assistants.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
NONANTUM STABLES. HENRY C. DANIELS, Boarding, Livery and Hacking,
Funeral and Furnishing Undertaker,
239 Washington Street, - Newton, Mass.
FEW. P. LEAVITT & SON, Slate and Metal Roofers, Pearl Street, Opposite Bacon Street, Newton. -Slate roofs, metallic roofs, shingle roofs, gravel roofs-all these and all other standard forms of roofs have certain special advantages and it would be foolish to praise one kind and condemn all the rest, for "circumstances alter cases, " and what sort of roof is the best depends very largely upon the conditions under which it is to be used, but there is one rule without exception, and that is that the value and the durability of a roof depend to a very great degree upon the workmanship, so that it always pays to have roofing and repairing done by first-class and reliable workmen, and as no others are employed by Messrs. W. P. Leavitt & Son, it follows that that firm is an excellent one to patronize, especially as orders are assured prompt attention and no fancy charges are made. Plain and ornamental slate roofing in all its branches is done at moderate rates, and also metal roofing and gutter work, the firm being prepared to furnish and put up corrugated iron siding and shingles, and the celebrated Austin expanding conductors. The shop and office are located on Pearl street, opposite Bacon street, estimates being cheerfully furnished on application.
BURNHAM'S CAFE, 296 Centre Street, Newton, E. E. Burnham, Proprietor .- Burnham's Café, conducted by Mr. E. E. Burnham, is of especial interest to such of our readers as are stran- gers in Newton and propose to visit that beautiful town, for Mr. Burnham is prepared to furnish good food at reasonable rates, and those who have tested the accommodations he offers speak in the highest terms of the service rendered. He carries on a well-equipped eating-house, located at 296 Centre street, and will furnish meals at all hours, the food, cooking and service being thor- oughly satisfactory. There are seating accommodations for thirty-six guests at a time, and the capacity of the place is sometimes severely tested, for this establishment is as popular as it is well known. Burnham's Cafe was opened to the public in 1891 by its present capable proprietor, who is a native of Vermont, and has gained a high reputation and a large circle of friends through- out Newton since beginning operations. He employs four thoroughly capable and courteous assistants, and as he also gives every detail of his business close personal supervision, is always prepared to assure prompt and polite attention to every customer. He carries a good line of the best brand of cigars. Regular Dinners 25c., 21 Meal Tickets for Gents $3.50, 21 Meal Tickets for Ladies $3.00, 10 Dinner Tickets $2.00, 6 Dinner Tickets $1.25.
EDWARD S. SMILIE, Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Eliot Block, Centre Street, Newton .- One of the most generally known of Newton's professional and business men is Mr. Edward S. Smilie, who was born in Newton and has carried on operations here as a surveyor and civil engineer since 1874, and during the time elapsed since that date has executed many important commissions and almost innumerable orders of comparatively small importance, and has accumulated a lot of material which is of almost inestimable value in the determining of original boundaries and the settlement of other questions arising in the handling of real estate, etc. Mr. Smilie does a large business, but employs ample assistants and is prepared to give prompt attention to all work in his line, including the division of estates and particularly the grading and improvement of property for residential purposes. Mr. Smilie's office is located in Eliot block, Centre street, and commu- nications to that address are assured prompt and careful attention.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
NONANTUM ONE PRICE STORE, Clothing, Furnishing Goods, Hats, Boots and Shoes,
376 WATERTOWN STREET, 1 1 NEWTON, MASS.
A. I. TUMIM, Proprietor.
There is a wide and radical difference between "cheap clothing" and "clothing cheap," and therefore a price-list is of very little value in determining the nature of the inducements offered by a dealer in clothing, unless one has had an opportunity to personally examine the goods. Hence we will not waste space in printing the prices quoted at the "Nonantum One-Price Store," con- ducted by Mr. A. I. Tumim, but will simply say that he is prepared to give excellent value in clothing, furnishing goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, and that the time spent in inspecting this stock could not be more profitably invested. Many of our readers know from experience that the firm is in a position to meet all honorable competition in his line of business, for he has built up a very extensive trade. The proprietor is Mr. A. I. Tumim, who is well known in Nonantum and vicinity. The store is located at No. 376 Watertown street, affording ample room for the accom- modation of a large and varied stock. This stock is very complete, for Mr. Tumim caters to all classes of trade and to all ages, and spares no pains to provide goods specially adapted to all con- ditions of wear. Callers are always assured prompt and courteous attention, and every article is fully garanteed to prove as represented.
A. V. HARRINGTON, News Depot and Cigar Store, Cole's Block, 365 Centre Street, Agent for Lewando's French Laundry and Dye House .- The residents of Newton have good reason to con- gratulate themselves on the existence of the enterprise now carried on by Mrs. A. V. Harrington for the simple reason that the ability and energy shown in its management enable them to save money, time and trouble whenever they have occasion to purchase anything in the line of daily and weekly newspapers, monthly publications, cigars, etc. This establishment was opened to the public in 1882 by Mr. F. C. Morgan, and has been under the able management of the present proprietress since 1888. Mrs. Harrington is a native of Litchfield, Me., and is very widely known and respected throughout Newton and vicinity. The premises occupied by Mrs. Harrington are located in Cole's block, 365 Centre street, and cover an area of 1,000 square feet, containing a large and varied assortment of all such goods as are usually to be found at a first class news depot. Mrs. Harrington is also agent for Lewando's French Laundry and Dye House. There are three efficient assistants employed at this store, and callers may depend upon receiving immediate and polite attention at all times. Goods are sold at the lowest market prices and are in every instance guaranteed to prove precisely as represented in every respect.
C. S. DECKER, Custom Tailor, 326 Centre Street, Newton, Mass .- There is nothing to by gained by misrepresentation of facts, and the comparatively few custom tailors who persistentle "run down" all "ready-made" clothing and assert that it is neither stylish, shapely nor durable, are hurting their own business inore than they are that of the makers of and dealers in such cloth- ing, for it is a fact that strictly first class ready-made garments are stylish, well fitting and gen- erally durable,-but (and this point is often overlooked by clothing buyers) such garments cost fully as much as do those turned out by custom tailors who do not demand fancy prices, and it is obvious that they are not nearly so liable to fit perfectly as are those made from measure. Besides, one ordering custom clothing can have its details arranged to suit his individual tastes, and can easily make such small but still appreciable charges from conventional styles as to feel assured that his garments will not be like those "worn by everybody else," as the expression is. We would advise such of our readers as have no regular tailor or who wish to make a change, to place a trial order with Mr. C. S. Decker, doing business at 326 Centre street, for he is a man of ability and experience ; is moderate in his prices and spares no pains to fully satisfy every customer. He is a native of Massachusetts and began operation in his present line of business in 1886, under the firm name of Ferguson & Decker ; a full line of foreign and domestic woolens is carried in stock, and a specialty is made of the very latest and most correct novelties for both old and young men's wear. Five assistants are employed and orders can be filled at short notice, perfection of fit and excellence of workmanship being guaranteed. Particular attention is given to dyeing, cleansing and repairing of gentlemen's clothing, all such orders being executed in the best and most satisfactory manner possible.
3
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
- STEPHEN HOLMES, -
CARPENTER ! BUILDER,
Shop, 218 Washington Street, - Near Railroad Crossing,
NEWTON, MASS.
C. H. CAMPBELL, Dealer in Hardware, Foreign and Domestic Cutlery, Mechanics', Farming and Garden Tools, Drain Pipe, Wooden Ware, Paints and Brushes, 271 Washington Street, Hyde's Block, Newton .- The establishment now conducted by Mr. C. H. Campbell is one of the best known of its kind in this section, as it was founded in 1872, and came under the control of C. W. Morehouse in 1885, he being succeeded by the present proprietor in 1891. The premises utilized by Mr. C. H. Campbell are located at 271 Washington street, Hyde's block, comprising store and basement containing some 1,300 square feet, this large amount of space being fully occupied by a heavy and varied stock of hardware of all kinds. Mr. Campbell makes a specialty of foreign and domestic cutlery, mechanics', farming and garden tools, drain pipe, wooden ware, paints, brushes, etc. These goods represent the productions of the leading manufacturers, their assortment being always very complete and comprising both fine and medium goods, and every article being guar- anteed to prove as represented. Employment is given to two assistants, and the largest commis- sions can be executed at short notice, while the smallest orders are assured prompt and careful attention. Mr. Campbell is prepared to quote the lowest market prices on all the goods he handles and no trouble is spared to ensure absolute accuracy in the filling of orders.
A. J. GORDON, Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, All Grades, Warner's Block, Newton .- There is a great deal to the shoe business. much more than is generally supposed, for long experience, care- ful observation and a wide knowledge of material and workmanship are required on the part of one who proposes to carry on that branch of trade to the best advantage, which is one excellent rea- son why the service offered by the various dealers varies so greatly in point of value. A practical example of the value of thorough training and long experience is afforded by the exceptionally favorable inducements offered by Mr. A. J. Gordon, who deals in boots, shoes and rubbers of all grades, and occupies premises at 376 Centre street, Warner's block. Mr. Gordon has carried on his present business in Newton since 1875, and has been sole consignee of the Boston Rubber Shoe Co. for all the world except United States and Canada, with chief office in London for the past eight years, and we need hardly add that his knowledge of this line of business is exceptionally full and accurate, he knowing what to buy, of whom to buy, and how to best protect the interests of his patrons and himself. The consequence is that when you purchase from him you get your money's worth every time and are given opportunity to choose from the most desirable goods the market affords. Mr. Gordon was born in Milford, N. H., and is almost universally known in Newton both in business and in social circles. He does a large retail business and has gained the reputation of being an active, liberal and thoroughly reliable business man.
P. A. MURRAY, Carriage Builder, Fine Custom Work a Specialty, Painting and Repairing Neatly and Promptly Done, Reliable Work at Fair Prices, 200 to 210 Washington Street and 1 Park Street, Newton, Mass. - The enterprise now conducted by Mr. P. A. Murray is one of the oldest of its kind carried on in Newton and indeed we might say one of the oldest business under- takings without regard to kind that can be found in Newton, for it was established sixty-two years ago, or away back in 1830, and came under the control of its present proprietor in 1880. Mr. Mur- ray has had 22 years' experience in his present line of business and is now very generally known by owners of fine carriages, for he has done a vast amount of carriage work, and is regarded as one of the most expert and reliable carriage builders in this section of the state, having taken first prize at the New England Fair at Worcester in 1891. His business premises are located at 200 to 210 Washington street and 1 Park street. They cover an area of 8,000 square feet and are well
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
.equipped. Orders can be filled at short notice ; particularly orders for fine custom work, of which a specialty is made. Mr. Murray is also prepared to do painting and repairing neatly and promptly. He uses carefully selected stock in both the making and repairing of carriages, and knowingly allows no imperfect work to leave his establishment. He is uniformly moderate in his charges, quoting fair prices for reliable work under all circumstances.
NEWTON HORSESHOEING SHOP, Washington Street, Next to Murray's Carriage Manufac- tory, Newton, Mass., Delaney, Leland & Hewitt, Successors to P. A. Murray. - The condition of a horse's feet has so much to do with the capacity for work that every horse owner will best serve his own interest by taking care to employ a thoroughly competent horseshoer, for it is generally agreed among veterinary surgeons and others nowadays that practically all the so-called "foot- diseases" are caused by defective shoeing. Now it is not every man who calls himself a "practical horseshoer" that is really worthy of such a title, for it requires something more than book knowl- edge to shoe horses satisfactorily, and though a man may be well acquainted with the theory of the art, when it comes to putting it into practice there may be trouble. We take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to the character of the work done by Messrs. Delaney, Leland & Hewitt, for they have had years of experience in the business, and succeeded Mr. P. A. Murray in 1891, and spare no pains to assure satisfaction to their customers, no horseshoers in Newton having a better reputation for turning out good and honest work. The premises utilized comprise a well appointed shop covering an area of 1,500 square feet. The prices are moderate and work of every description is neatly and durably executed at the Newton Horseshoeing Shop, where gen- tlemen owning trotting horses can have them shod in any of the various styles of weighted shoes desirable for track work. Messrs. T. F. Delaney, H. G. Leland and R. A. Hewitt are all natives of Newton, and well known and highly respected throughout Newton and vicinity as thoroughly reliable and progressive business men.
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