USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Newton : its representative business men and its points of interest > Part 4
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MISS E. JUVENE ROBBINS (Successor to H. J. Woods), "The Juvene," French and American Millinery, Eliot Block, Newton, Mass .- There is certainly no valid reason why a book devoted to a consideration of Newton's leading mercantile enterprises should not contain mention of the business conducted by Miss E. Juvene Robbins, for there appears to be a general agreement among the ladies of Newton that "The Juvene" is entitled to a very prominent rank among the millinery stores of this vicinity, by reason of the desirability of the goods handled, the lowness of the prices quoted and the promptness and accuracy with which orders are filled. Miss Robbins is a native of Lowell, Mass., and is a successor to Mrs. H. J. Woods, the business having been originally founded about 1875. Miss Robbins occupies premises located in Eliot block, Elmwood street, they having an area of some 1,500 square feet and containing a most skillfully chosen assort- ment of millinery goods, including positively the latest French and American novelties, which are so varied and complete as to admit of all tastes being suited. Five competent assistants are employed, and particular attention is given to custom work, and the results attained in this line are so tasteful and generally satisfactory as to fully justify the many favorable comments they elicit, and to make this establishment widely popular among the most fastidious and discrimi- nating buyers.
WELLINGTON HOWES, Dealer in Provisions, Fresh Fish and Oysters, 413 Centre Street, Opposite Public Library, Newton, Mass .; Telephone Connection .- The competition in the retail provision and fish trade is so close that but comparatively few businesses of that kind survive for any length of time ; and not many are alive and vigorous at the end of ten years, but when you come across one that has lasted that time you are practically assured of finding an enterprise worthy of implicit confidence and the most liberal support; and this may truly be said of the undertaking carried on by Mr. Wellington Howes, which was founded many years ago by Mr. G. H. Dupee, and came under the management of the present proprietor in 1883. The premises are located at 413 Centre street, and have an area of 1,170 square feet ; giving ample room for the carrying of a large and very complete stock of provisions, canned goods, fresh fish and oysters, made up exclusively of reliable goods suitable for family use, and offered at prices that are invari- ably in strict agreement with the lowest market prices, for Mr. Howes is in a position to buy as cheaply as any other dealer in the business, and he shares the advantages so gained with his cus- tomers. Employment is given to eleven competent assistants and customers may safely depend upon receiving courteous attention, and that all orders will be promptly and accurately delivered.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
HARRIS E. JOHONNOT, Electrician,
Incandescent Lighting, Burglar Alarms, Bells, Annunciators ; Gas Lighting and Speaking Tubes; All Kinds of Electrical Apparatus Installed and Repaired ; Electrical Supplies.
379 CENTRE ST., Howe's Block, NEWTON, MASS.
TELEPHONE CONNECTION.
The use of electrical apparatus is extending with truly wonderful rapidity, but its extension would be even more rapid were it not for the natural objection which the owners of high-grade dwelling houses have to the disfigurement of the premises by the wires, etc., incidental to an elec- tric plant. But this objection is really without good foundation, for an experienced, skillful and responsible electrician may be depended upon to install electrical apparatus for lighting, for burglar alarm, for bell service, or any of the thousand and one other purposes for which electricity is used, without injuring the appearance of a house in the least. In this connection we may fittingly make mention of the service offered by Mr. Harris E. Johonnot, for, as many of the residents of Newton and vicinity will cheerfully testify, Mr. Johonnot is thoroughly familiar with every detail of his business and is prepared to furnish, install and repair all kinds of electrical apparatus, including that for incandescent lighting, burglar alarms, bells, annunciators, gas lighting, etc. Speaking tube work will also be done in a superior manner at short notice, and all orders are assured prompt and painstaking attention. Mr. Johonnot is prepared to furnish estimates upon application for all kinds of electrical work. His office is at No. 379 Centre street, Howe's block, and has telephone connec- tion. Mail orders are also assured immediate and careful attention.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
ESTABLISHED 1873.
WHITMAN'S BOARD AND HACK STABLE.
Carriages Furnished for Parties, Weddings and Funerals. Carriage at Depot.
342 CENTRE STREET, OPPOSITE BANK, NEWTON, MASS.
Telephone Connection.
Good accommodations, prompt and intelligent service and uniformly reasonable charges are enough to insure the popularity and success of any establishment, so it is not to be wondered at that the board and hack stable carried on by Mr. Whitman at 342 Centre street should enjoy a degree of popularity second to that of no other public stable in this vicinity, for the accommoda- tions, service and charges are entirely satisfactory, and the establishment can be safely recommended even to the most critical. The business was started by Messrs. Scates & Ricker, who gave place to the present proprietor in 1874. Mr. Whitman is a native of Lincoln, Mass., and gives close personal attention to the details of the business, and, as he employs six competent assistants, every order can be filled at short notice, and the service is as reliable as it is prompt. Mr. Whit- man is prepared to furnish hacks for parties, weddings and funerals, and also has a carriage at the depot upon the arrival of all trains. Excellent accommodations are offered to boarders, the stable containing 60 stalls, and is fitted up with every facility requisite to the care and comfort of horses entrusted to it. Each department of this establishment is most ably managed, and orders sent by mail, telephone or messenger are assured as careful attention as those given in person.
T. J. HARTNETT, Plumber and Sanitary Engineer, Iron Drainage and Ventilation a Specialty, 375 Centre Street, Newton .- It costs no more to have plumbing done properly by experienced and careful hands than it does to have it carelessly or recklessly done by incompetent and irresponsi- ble parties, and indeed we may truthfully say that it does not cost as much, for no matter what the price named on the job may be, thorough work will surely prove the cheapest in the long run. We will leave the danger to health from defective plumbing out of the account, for every person of average intelligence must by this time know the danger arising from this source. There are various skillful plumbers in this city, and we do not for a moment wish to convey the idea that honest work is confined to one house alone, but we know that Mr. T. J. Hartnett is a practical plumber and sanitary engineer of 27 years of actual experience, and we also know that his prices are invariably moderate for the class of work he gives his patrons. He is a native of Boston and has carried on his present business since 1882, it having been founded in 1866 by Mr. S. F. Canier. The premises occupied are located at 375 Centre street and comprise two floors. Mr. Hartnett makes a specialty of iron drainage and ventilation, and will furnish stock and work that will give the best of satisfac- tion, doing all that is claimed for them. He employs eight assistants and personally superintends all work and is prepared to fill the most extensive or the smallest jobbing orders at very short notice and in a thoroughly workmanlike manner. He has done the plumbing for some of the nicest and most expensive residences in the city. His work is guaranteed in every respect.
MRS. I. F. KENDAL'S CASH STORE. Dry and Fancy Goods, Ladies' and Gents' Furnishings, Boots, Shoes and Rubbers. 310 Watertown Street, Nonantum, Newton, Mass .- It is generally conceded, even by the residents of other communities, that unsurpassed inducements are offered by the more enterprising of our Nonantum merchants, but it is safe to say that in no line of trade can they more confidently challenge comparison with dealers located in other towns than that devoted to the sale of dry and fancy goods. The time was when it was necessary to visit some metropolis, as, for instance, Boston and New York, in order to secure the latest novelties in this line, but this is no longer the case, and convincing proof that it is not may be seen at the establish- ment conducted at 310 Watertown street under the name of Kendal's Cash Store, for the stock on hand comprises as fine a selection of novelties as the most critical could wish to see, while the prices quoted are exceptionally low, considering the quality of the goods. This business was founded in 1882 by its present proprietress. Mrs. I. F. Kendal is widely and favorably known throughout Nonantum and vicinity. She carefully supervises the many details of her business and employs three efficient assistants and is thus enabled to ensure the prompt filling of every order, and immediate and polite attention to every caller. The premises occupied by Mrs. Kendal are spacious and well arranged, containing a very complete assortment of dry and fancy goods, ladies' and gents' furnishings, also boots, shoes and rubbers. These goods are offered at the lowest rates and will be found first-class in every respect.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
CEORCE W. BUSH, Boarding, Livery and Hack Stable, Ward 7, ELMWOOD STREET, NEWTON, MASS.
Having made many additions to my former stock, by the purchase of New Horses and Carriages, I am better prepared than ever to furnish the Best Horses and Carriages for Business and Pleasure Driving. Carriages may always be found in waiting at the Newton Depot on the arrival of all trains. Parties called for at their residence to take trains. We have the best facilities for BOARDING HORSES. Having a large BRICK STABLE, the risk by fire is lessened on the loss of Horses or Stock. Best of care given. None but competent men employed. I have put up a new building, with over 5000 feet of Floor Surface, and Elevator for Carriages, separate from Stable. I am prepared to take Carriages on Storage at Reasonable Rates.
Also FUNERAL AND FURNISHING UNDERTAKER.
Caskets, Coffins and everything suitable for the business kept on hand. This branch of the business will be under the supervision of WM. H. PHILLIPS, who has had an experience of Thirty-One years in Newton, and who will attend to all calls personally. All orders by Telephone or otherwise promptly attended to, Day or Night.
W. F. WHITTEMORE, House Painting, Washington Street, next Railroad Crossing, Newton, Mass .- It was old Ben Franklin who said "three removes are as bad as a fire,"-and if he were alive to-day and saw the havoc wrought by some painters when filling an order for painting, whitening, etc., the interior of an occupied house, he would probably add, "and one job of painting is as bad as two fires," for it is a fact that careless painters can do a tremendous amount of dam- age to carpets, furniture, etc. But all painters are not careless by any means ; and in this con- nection we feel bound to call attention to the service offered by Mr. W. F. Whittemore, located on Washington street next railroad crossing, for he is a thoroughly competent house painter, who is careful as well as skillful in his methods, and who may be relied upon to avoid all injury to furni- ture, buildings, etc., due to carelessness or ignorance. Mr. Whittemore is a native of Cape Cod, and has been engaged in his present business at Newton since 1883, and as he uses selected stock, employs five trustworthy assistants and gives close personal supervision to work entrusted to him, we risk nothing in guaranteeing complete satisfaction to every one of his patrons.
THEO. L. MASON, Jeweler, 390 Centre Street, Newton, Mass .- We would like to call special attention to the facilities for fine watch and jewelry repairing controlled by Mr. Theo. L. Mason, at 390 Centre street, for so many inexperienced and incompetent persons are now engaged in this line of work that it has become an important question where one shall take a fine watch or valuable. piece of jewelry in order to have it skillfully and durably repaired. No better place can be chosen than the one under consideration, for not only are its mechanical equipments first class but its pro- prietor is one of the most experienced and expert watchmakers and jewelers in Newton. The estab- lishment now conducted by him was opened to the public many years ago, and after several changes. in its management came under the control of its present proprietor in 1887. All orders are assured prompt and careful attention, moderate charges being made, and we have no hesitation in guaran- teeing complete satisfaction to every patron. Mr. Mason makes a specialty of repairing watches, clocks and jewelry of all kinds, and does a large repairing business, requiring the services of three- assistants. He carries a small stock of goods, the assortment, however, including the latest fashion- able novelties, and we need hardly say that Mr. Mason is in a position to buy to the best possible advantage and to give unsurpassed value to his customers.
39
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
GEO. J. THOMAS, Treasurer and Manager. J. C. IVY, President.
Brackett's Market Company (INCORPORATED),
NEWTON, MASS.
A FULL LINE OF
Choice Meats, Poultry, Game and Produce,
FRUITS IN THEIR SEASON.
Everything in stock found in a first-class City Market.
This business was conducted for over a quarter of a century by the late W. Henry Brackett. Mr. Geo. J. Thomas, treasurer and manager of the present company, was 22 years with the old firm.
M. MAHONY, Dealer in Choice Family Groceries, Pure Teas, Coffees, Spices, etc. Watertown Street, corner Chapel, Newton, Mass .- It is hard to find a store devoted to the sale of groceries that does not claim to be a genuine "family grocery," and yet the real family grocery is by no means common, for to carry on such a store requires more ability and skill than the majority of men possess. To conduct a genuine " family grocery " you must carry a stock including all the groceries used in families ; made up of carefully selected goods and offered at the lowest market rates. You must fill orders promptly and accurately, you must be equally careful to satisfy large and small buyers, and you must be accommodating and absolutely reliable in all your methods. So we repeat, family groceries are comparatively rare, but it is well worth while hunting them up, and one of the best known to us is that carried on by Mr. M. Mahony. It is located at 342 Watertown street, corner of Chapel street, and the spacious and well equipped premises contain a fine assort- ment of pure teas, coffees, spices, etc., and a general stock of choice family groceries, embracing everything demanded by the most exacting trade. Mr. Mahony employs three reliable assistants and has been identified with his present enterprise here, in Nonantum, since 1882. He is well known in business and social circles, and his honest and energetic methods excite much favorable comment.
CHARLES F. ROGERS, REAL ESTATE, MORTGAGES, Etc. 417 Centre Street, NEWTON, Mass.
Mr. Rogers has long been a prominent figure in real estate interests in Newton and vicinity, and by well-directed and careful management has built up an important business. The office is cen- trally located at 417 Centre street and is a favorite one in this vicinity, its clientship including many of the leading business men and property holders of this city and vicinity. Mr. Rogers handles much valuable property in this and adjacent localities, and is in a position to give reliable
40
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
information regarding real estate interests and can offer opportunities for safe and profitable in- vestments in this connection. Parties wishing to buy or sell, hire or let, or loans or mortgages negotiated should not fail to interview Mr. Rogers. Any business intrusted to his hands is cer- tain to receive prompt and careful attention.
W. B. WHITTIER, Cash Grocery and Provision Store, Howe's Block, 371 Centre Street, Newton, Mass .- Among those Newton establishments which are devoted especially to the sale of family food supplies, a leading position is held by the one carried on by Mr. W. B. Whittier and located at 371 Centre street, Howe's block. This gentleman does an extensive retail business, requiring the assistance of four thoroughly capable clerks, and handles staple and fancy groceries, provisions and woodenware, as well as teas, coffee, sugar, molasses, condensed milk, canned goods, canned soups, bread, cake and pastry, fruits, vegetables and produce, starch, soaps, spices, bundle wood, etc. It will be seen that Mr. Whittier is prepared to furnish almost all kinds of food supplies, with the exception of fish, required in any family. His store covers an area of 1,170 square feet, is spacious, finely equipped, neatly kept, and attractive in every respect, and his goods are equally desirable, they being selected expressly for family trade and comprising a com- plete assortment of articles obtained from the most reliable sources and guaranteed in every instance to prove precisely as represented. The magnitude and character of the business done by Mr. Whittier furnish the best possible proof that he quotes the lowest market rates on depend- able goods, while the promptness and efficiency of the service show that ample assistance is employed and that the enterprise is skillfully and carefully managed.
NORUMBEGA PHARMACY, W. M. Russell, Registered Pharmacist, cor. Watertown and Faxon Sts., Newton, Nonantun .- The establishment now carried on by Mr. W. M. Russell is well known in this vicinity and has gained a leading position among similar establishments in Nonantum, and is largely patronized by all well informed and unprejudicial persons. Still it is not a particularly old established institution, its inception dating back only about six years, or to 1886, but the efficiency of its management is all the more apparent because of that fact, for to attain a leading position in such a community as Nonantum in so short a time, argues exceptional ability and remarkable enterprise. Doubtless one reason for the distinguished success attained is to be found in the fact that this is a drug store before it is anything else, or to put it in another and clearer way, the proprietor is a " registered pharmacist " and makes it his chiicf business to sell drugs, medi- cines and chemicals instead of carrying on a confectionery, fancy goods and variety store, under the name of a pharmacy. To be sure, Mr. Russell deals in confectionery, cigars and tobacco, besides drugs, but this department of his business is subordinate to the other and is not allowed to impair its efficiency in the slightest degree. The compounding of prescriptions is given par- ticular attention and all such orders are promptly, carefully and skillfully filled, at the lowest rates consistent with the use of the best and purest ingredients the market affords. Mr. Russell is a native of Massachusetts, and is at present overseer of the poor at Newton, and is also a justice of the peace. The premises occupied are located at 291 Watertown street and cover an area of 1,220 square feet. Employment is given to two thoroughly reliable assistants, and every facility is at hand to ensure absolute accuracy in even the most trivial detail of the business.
J. B. MURPHY, Dealer in Choice Family Groceries and Provisions, Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes, Bundled Hay, Straw and Grain, Cor. Watertown and Chapel Strects, Nonantum .- Even if the plan of this book allowed us to give double the space to individual establishments, which the necessity of keeping it within reasonable limits now restricts us to, we could not hope to describe in detail the stock carried by Mr. J. B. Murphy, for this gentleman is a general merchant in the full sense of the term, and offers an assortment of standard commodities which is so large and complete that a mere catalogue of it would occupy pages. Mr. Murphy utilizes premises located at Nos. 329 and 331 Watertown street, and among the articles carried in stock are full lines of choice family groceries, provisions, dry goods, boots and shoes, bundled hay, straw and grain and such other commodities as are usually to be found in a first-class general store. A very large business is done, for this is truly a representative establishment, and its proprietor quotes the lowest market rates on goods of standard merit. Mr. Murphy is a native of Boston, and was postmaster for four years at Nonantum, and is almost universally known throughout this vicinity, both in business and social circles. He employs three well informed assistants, and ensures prompt and polite service to every patron.
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REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN.
J. HENRY BACON, (successor to Francis Murdock & Co. ) Foreign and Domestic Dry Goods, Hosiery, Gloves, Worsteds, Small Wares, Ladies' and Gents' Furnishings, etc., Oil and Straw Carpets, Rugs, etc .; Bacon's Block, 279 and 281 Washington Street, Newton. -The dry goods business formerly carried on under the firm name of Francis Murdock & Co., since purchased by Mr. J. Henry Bacon, who has had charge of it for the past 3 years or more, and will continue the improvements he has already made. The enlargement of the store some three years ago and the consequent increase of the attractions offered to the public resulted in a great increase of business, and Mr. Bacon will continue to serve the interests of the public by making it unneces- sary for Newton ladies to go to Boston to trade. The business of the firm has an interesting history and it is the oldest established store in Newton or vicinity, that has always been in the hands of one family. It was first started in 1821 by Mr. Joseph Bacon, grandfather of the present proprie- tor. His son, Mr. Joseph N. Bacon, purchased it in 1835 and managed it for 13 years. The store has always been in the same location, but in 1840 Mr. Bacon built the new store, the foundation of which serves for the block erected some four years ago. In 1837, Mr. Bacon was appointed postmaster, and was the fourth postmaster Newton had, the office having the magnificent salary of $40 a year, though it gave the postmaster the privilege of franking his own letters, which as post- age to Boston was 10 cents, to New York 37 1-2 was quite an item. The post office under its first three postmasters, John H. Richardson, Chas. J. Eames and W. B. Newton, was located on the site of the Graphic office. Mr. Bacon removed it to his store, where it flourished amidst the dry goods, groceries, and miscellaneous stock that went to make up an old-fashioned country store. Mr. Bacon in 1842 was removed from office because he was suspected of being an abolitionist, but he was not, although he was an earnest free soiler. In 1847 he sold out the business to his brother, Mr. George W. Bacon, who was connected with it until his death in 1872. Mr .. Francis Murdock entered the store in 1851 as a clerk and became a junior partner in 1867. At the death of Mr. Bacon, Mr. Murdock became owner of the business and afterwards admitted Mr. J. Henry Bacon, the present proprietor, into partnership, the firm also conducting a store at West Newton. After about five years, Mr. Bacon retired and went to Minneapolis and Mr. Murdock con- ducted the business alone. Later the grocery part of the business was sold to Abram Thomas, a predecessor of G. P. Atkins. A little over three years ago, Mr. J. Henry Bacon returned from the west and became manager of the business, Mr. Murdock retaining his connection with it until last year, giving him a successful experience of 40 years in the dry goods business in Newton. The store has always been in high esteem with Newton people, and it never stood higher than at the present time. To show some of the changes since it was first started, the original proprietor had to mail his letters either at Lower Falls or at Watertown, there being no post office nearer than those two places. Now a fine block is occupied ( Bacon Block, a cut of which appears in the historical part of this book ) with about 3,000 square feet of floor space, and containing a carefully chosen stock of dry goods, hosiery, gloves, worsteds, small wares, ladies' and gents' furnishings, also oil and straw carpetings. Some idea of the trade enjoyed may be formed from the fact that it requires the services of six clerks.
ARTHUR HUDSON, Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemist, 380 Centre Street, Newton; Mass. -The drug store conducted by Mr. Arthur Hudson at Newton, Mass., enjoys the entire confidence and patronage of this community in a very marked degree. This is not to be wondered at in the least when it is known that the proprietor has had an experience that any man might justly feel was a sufficient passport to the confidence of the most exacting community. Mr. Hudson studied medicine and pharmacy in England and has had over 30 years' experience. In 1867 he had charge of Weeks & Potter's laboratory, afterwards was with Mr. Chas. I. Eaton in Mr. John I. Brown's south end store. He is a professional analytical chemist and has been employed as such by the U. S. War Department, also by the city of Newton, and is now milk inspector of that city. Mr. Hudson is the senior pharmacist and chemist in the city of Newton. He makes a specialty of chem- istry and has the best appointed laboratory outside of Boston. A specialty is made of the analysis of portable water, urine, wall paper, milk, butter, etc. As would be expected, the leading feature of Mr. Hudson's drug store is the compounding of prescriptions, and the innumerable ingredients that compose the stock of a first class prescription drug store are kept fresh and complete, so that any order can be promptly filled. Besides a full line of drugs, medicines and chemicals, here are also found full lines of druggists' sundries, toilet articles, confectionery, cigars and tobacco. Mr. Hudson succeeded Mr. E. T. Billings in 1876, and now requires the service of two clerks to promptly serve the demands of the trade.
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