USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume II > Part 67
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Other Successful Clothiers.
The Excelsior Clothing House, a very successful business owned by Kerngood, Sloman & Rosenthal, was a popular store in the eighties and nineties, and the location in the Everett House Block was very favorable for securing transient and local trade. Late in the eighties the firm of John Otto Jr. & Company conducted a furnishing store at 207 Genesce Avenue, in Doughty's old stand, where they were "at all times prepared to supply the gentlemen of Saginaw with the most attractive and desirable goods in the lines in which they deal." Peter Bauer, at 802 Genesee Avenue, has a large and profitable business, and the location is improving each year. About 1902 Sam Carpenter opened a well stocked clothing store in the corner of the Everett House, now occupied by Moore's Cigar Store, Mautner & Krause, experienced clothing men who graduated from the larger stores, started a business at Genesee and Baum Streets, also enjoy a lucrative trade. More recent acquisitions to the clothing business are Jaeckel & Rau, at 212 Genesee Avenue; Griggs & Butenshoen, at 319 Genesee; and Albert J. Zauel, at 323 Genesee Avenue.
On the West Side the leading merchants in the clothing business are : Bauer Brothers, at 316-20 Court, whose business was established two or three generations past : Brenner & Brenner, at Court and Hamilton Streets ; Campbell & Brater, opened on Court Street in 1906: A. O. Richter, at 1217 Court Street : Nathan Shever, at 2704 South Washington Avenue, South Saginaw ; and O. B. Moore & Company, at 400-02 Potter Street.
Boot and Shoe Trade.
In boots and shoes, and leather goods were W. 11. Warner & Company with the "largest and best selected stock in the city," located at 214 Genesee Street: C. II. Smith & Company, at 119 Genesee Street, "opposite the Ban- croft House, with E. C. Burt's fine shoes, Newport fine boots and shoes, and Joyce's dress and toilet boots and slippers ;" William Il. Downs & Company in the Eagle Block, 214 Genesee Avenue. opposite the Everett House; and L. S. Lenheim & Company, dealers in boots, shoes, rubber goods, boot pacs, etc .. at 211 Genesee Avenue.
At Saginaw City were J. F. Brand, manufacturer and dealer in boots, shoes, advertising "lumbermen supplied with pacs and heavy boots." His store was located in Bauer's Block on Court Street. Clarke & Byrne, also on Court Street, were wholesale and retail dealers in boots, shoes and pacs ; and Charles Wider was a manufacturer and dealer in leather, lasts and findings.
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Furniture and House Furnishings
In the early days of home building in Saginaw. Feige Brothers were manufacturers and dealers in fine parlor and chamber furniture, with ware- rooms at 318-20 Genesee Street, and factory at Ilovt and Genesee. E. Weinecke & Brother, dealers in "furniture, mattresses, looking-glasses and upholstering goods, "were located at 405 Genesee Street. August Eggert, at 514-16 Genesee Street, succeeded to the business of Eggert & Heinemann which was established in 1869. G. Werschky, cabinet maker and furniture manufacturer, was located on Genesce between Clay ( Park) and Rockwell (Second) Streets.
On the west side of the river L. Burrows, Junior, in the Taylor House Block, was a dealer in furniture and upholstered goods; as was also J. F. Wider, who added "pictures, cords, tassels and cornices, lounges, mattresses, pillows, etc., paper hanging, carpet laying, awning and lumbermen's tents." W. G. Smith, wholesale manufacturer of parlor furniture, lounges, etc., was located at 302 Court Street. Afterward, Foster, Charles & Company, con- ducted a large furniture business in the Barnard Block, at Hamilton and Franklin ( Hancock) Streets. This establishment was later taken over by John Schmelzer, who conducts the business at the old stand.
The Queensware and house furnishing line was carried on in those days by E. Aiken & Company, at 209 Genesee Avenue, a business which was established in 1864. James Stinson was another pioneer dealer who started in 1867 and for many years was located in the Schmitz Block, at Genesee and Cass ( Baum) Streets. He carried the "finest line of crockery. china. glass- ware, gas and oil chandeliers and English and American porcelain." Daudt. Watson & Company were jobbers of earthenware, china, glassware, etc., at 420-22 Genesee Street, having succeeded to the business founded by Daudt & Klauser several years before. The business is now conducted in greatly increased volume by il. Watson & Company, at the old stand.
Of special interest to the ladies was the establishment of Mrs. E. M. Hammond (S. L. Warford ), well known as the "Emporium of Fashion," which was founded in 1853 and conducted for nearly fifty years at one location, on Washington Street opposite the Bancroft House. The stock in trade consisted of "everything for the ladies, such as millinery, straw and fancy goods, dress trimmings, cloaks and talmas, ready-made suits and fine dress goods."
The leading music house of this period was that of A. W. Wheat & Company, which was established in 1866, and were distributors for the popular Estey Cottage Organs. C. M. Norris & Company followed in this line of business, and their large and attractive store in the Tower Block. stocked with the finest merchandise of the kind, is still remembered by old residents.
Jewelry, Books and Stationery
T. E. Doughty was a leading wholesale and retail dealer in watches, clocks and jewelry, at 301 Genesee Street ; and D. R. Brown & Company, in the same line, were located at Genesee and Washington Strets, Charles F. Lacy handled the same general line at Saginaw City, his place of business being in the Fieger Block on Water (Niagara) Street. J. C. Ziegler in Bernhard's Block, Court and Water Streets, were "dealers in gold and silverware, clocks, opera glasses and spectacles." J. C. Watts & Company were at one time extensive dealers in the general jewelry line, being located at Genesee and Washington Streets, and afterward at 209 Genesee Avenue.
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THE BEARINGER BUILDING, ERECTED IN 1892
Brown & Grant were very popular jewelers, their store being at 302 Genesee Avenue, and was succeeded by J. W. Grant, at Genesee and Washington Streets.
In the early days Alexander Ferguson was a dealer in books, stationery, blank books, etc., and was manager of the Snow Telegraph Line, to Detroit. llis place of business was on Genesee Street between Washington and Water. S. M. McFarlan was a dealer in the same lines but added wall paper. window shades and fixtures, being located at 108 Genesee Street, Bancroft Block. Augustus Bode, at 304 Genesee Street, also dealt in stationery, school books, fancy goods, toys, notions, etc., while Albert 11. Frey was a binder and blank book manufacturer at 213 Genesee Avenue, and was succeeded by Frey & Wicklein.
At Saginaw City the book and stationery lines were represented by Newell & Robinson, whose place of business was at 214 South Hamilton Street : and Penoyer & St. John, succeeded by E. St. John, on Court Street, who also carried wall paper, paints, oils, etc. The wholesale trade was carried on by the Saginaw Valley Paper Company, F. S. Sears, proprietor, at 221 South Hamilton Street ; and by Swinton & Reynolds, who enjoyed a very large business at their store on Genesee Avenue.
Drugs and Medicines.
In drugs and medicines there was the well known house of "Dunk, the Druggist," founded by Doctor Curtis in 1851, whose store at the northeast corner of Genesee and Washington Streets. was a landmark of the business section. The business was succeeded by William B. Moore, who in later years was followed by D. E. Prall & Company. Charles S. Frizell & Com- pany were dealers in the same line and in "toilet goods, cigars, patent medi- cines, etc., at Washington and German Streets. Henry Melchers, druggist and chemist, was located at Genesee and Jefferson Streets, and also dealt in wines and liquors. Eugene Ringler, druggist and chemist, was also a dealer in pure wines and liquors on Ilamilton Street, Wesener's Block. William
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Moll, dealer in drugs, medicines and perfumery, paints, oils, etc., was located on Water ( Niagara) Street, between Court and Adams. This store was removed on January 1, 1870 to the Taylor House Block, at Hamilton and Court Streets.
Real Estate and Insurance.
The real estate business in early days was conducted in a vigorous manner characteristic of the time. John Gallagher, whose office was in the Gallagher Block on Washington Street, and H. H. Hovt, who also conducted an abstract office, were well known. Charles L. Ortman, once mayor of East Saginaw, was a dealer in pine and farming lands, with an office in the Wilkin's Block, Genesee Avenue opposite the Bancroft House. I. M. & H. P. Smith were dealers in choice farm lands and city property. at East Saginaw,and conducted an abstract office; and August Blanchard was a "pine land agent with an office in the Hess Block, opposite the Ban- croft House." On the west side of the river were P. C. Andre, dealing in "farms, pine and grass lands, city lots, dwelling houses, and salt and mill properties." Stevens & Deveaux established a real estate office in the Bar- nard Block, in 1877 ; and J. K. Stevens conducted a real estate, abstract and loan office at the same location.
The East Saginaw Lumber Exchange, C. V. DeLand, secretary and manager, was located in the Bancroft House Block, and advertised: "Buyers visiting the Valley can obtain information of all kinds at our rooms, free of charge. All are invited."
Among the leading insurance agencies were: C. V. DeLand, handling fire, marine and life insurance, at 114 Genesee Avenue; George Lockley, with an office under the Merchants' National Bank, North Washington Street, Wheeler & Stringham were general insurance agents at 111 Genesee Street. At Saginaw City were A. S. & 1I. R. Gaylord, general inusrance agents having the Home Insurance of New York, the Insurance Company of North America, of Philadelphia, which was chartered before George Waslı- ington took oath as President of the United States, and other leading companies of the time such as the Glens Falls, New York Equitable Life and New England Mutual. Their office was over Burrow's Bank, in the Taylor Flouse Block. Freeman Lathrop was agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society, and E. Schoeneberg had an office in the Taylor House, which he established in 1883.
Kirby Blakely was a well known insurance agent and real estate dealer who, in 1882, succeeded to the business established years before by D. A. Pettibone. Ilis office was on German Street near the corner of Genesee. Later he added to his business the agency for the McCormick harvesting machines, and handled farm implements of every description.
Other dealers in agricultural implements were the Williams-Perrin Implement and Produce Company, located at Washington ( Michigan) and Gratiot Streets, Saginaw City, whose business in 1887 and subsequent years exceeded one hundred thousand dollars annually ; and William Rocser & Sons, at 416-18 Franklin ( Hancock) Street, established in 1870, who handled the "world-renowned McCormick binders, reapers and mowers, also Advance engines and threshers."
Among the dealers in horses, wagons and carriages was Harry Bates, whose stables at 208-12 North Franklin Street were the Mecca of horsemen from this section of the State. The business was founded about 1867, and Mr. Bates, who was justly regarded as an authority on horses and a skilled veterinary surgeon, built up a large trade. He made a specialty of Clydes- and other first-class stock, and his private sales averaged nearly six hundred
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horses a year. Connected with the business was a well equipped harness shop, in which harness of the best quality was made to order. To encourage horse racing Mr. Bates, late in the eighties, constructed a half mile track on his farm at the eastern limits of the city, where he and his friends spent many pleasant hours in speeding their horses.
Harvey & Coleman were other successful horse dealers, who conducted a livery on German Street at the corner of Franklin. Later Mr. Harvey withdrew and Mr. Coleman opened a large and well stocked livery stable at Washington and Tuscola Streets, a business which was continued for more than thirty years.
In a business appealing strictly to men were : Eccard, Brown & Company, wholesale dealers in tobacco and manufacturers agents, their place of business located at 205 Genesee Street. Jacob Knapp & Brother were manufacturers of domestic and Havana cigars, and dealers in tobacco, pipes, etc., on Hamilton Street between Court and Franklin ( Hancock ) Streets.
C. 11. Cheeney & Son were makers and dealers in superior quality of log and board rules, "with square tempered heads and burned figures." Their shop was located on North Washington Street, near the F. & P. M. R. R. depot. 11. Miller was also a maker of log and board rules, saw gauges, etc., with a complete shop for making small brass castings, at 1016 South Washington Street, between Brady and McCoskry Streets.
Coal, Lime and Cement.
Ketcham & Tuthill were pioneers in the coal trade and allied lines, their business having been founded in 1857. They handled "Cumberland, Bloss- burg, Lackawana, Lehigh and steamboat coal at the Park Dock, North Water Street, between Johnson and Fitzhugh Streets." This business was later sold to C. W. White & Company, of which George W. Morley and George B. Morley were members. In 1880 Frank D. Ewen became a partner and, Mr. White retiring, the firm name became Morley, Ewen & Company, which continued the business for thirty years. It was then succeeded by the Sagi- naw Coal Company, which still conducts the business at the old stand.
John 11. Beese & Company, at 235 South Water Street, was founded in 1883, and for a number of years enjoyed a large trade in this city and adjoining territory. In addition to all kinds of coal this company handled sewer pipe, drain tile, cement, hair, fire brick and fire clay. The firm employed four teams and seven men in caring for the trade and in making deliveries ; and as a consequence of the accuracy of all its dealings enjoyed a thriving business. Later the firm became Beese-Little Coal Company, the late Char- les H. Little being admitted to membership: and about 1895 the business was sold to Goodman & Winkler, who conducted it for about ten years.
At Saginaw City the firm of Remer Brothers were manufacturers of Kelly Island stone lime, and dealers in coal, calcined plaster, cement, brick, etc. The business was founded in 1870 by J. Remer, afterward changing to J. Remer & Son, and in 1882 assumed its present style. Their yard and lime kiln, covering an area of one hundred and twenty by two hundred and fifty feet, with railroad tracks in front and spacious docks in the rear, is located on Water (Niagara) Street, at the foot of Madison Street, a very favorable location for receiving stone for the kilns and coal and materials for trade, while offering every facility for prompt delivery to all parts of the West Side. In recent years the company purchased the property of E. Everett Johnson, successor to Johnson Brothers, coal, wood and lime dealers, located on Water Street at the foot of llayden Street, and from this yard handle a considerable part of their trade on the East Side.
CHARLES B. MOTT Agent for Jesse Hoyt, and Mayor of East Saginaw in 1861-2
CHARLES L. ORTMAN Lumberman, and Mayor of East Saginaw in 1872
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Retail Grocers of Olden Times.
The oldest retail grocer in Saginaw is George Streeb, who started a small business on Water Street as early as 1853. An account of his business career and portrait will be found on pages 173-4 of this volume. Thomas L. Jackson was another pioneer in the business, whose store at the corner of Washing- ton (Michigan) and Gratiot Streets, was started in 1862. (See Volume II, page 54.). W. C. Russell was a dealer in choice family groceries and farmers' produce, his store located in Andre's new block on Court Street : Ballentine Brothers were grocers on Court Street, "opposite Jay Smith's;" and Downing and Brother kept a family grocery at Washington and Miller Streets.
At East Saginaw, Curtis. Bliss & Company were prominent grocers, with a store in the Crouse Block, at Washington and Genesee Streets; and McBain & Ross, who dealt also in provisions, flour, feed, etc., were in the same building. J. H. Trakat was located at 105 Jefferson Street ; Simpson, Barber & Company, established in 1870, at 317 Genesee; Draper & Cashin. at 406 Genesee: Hathaway & Ware, at the corner of Washington and lloyt Streets. Burdiek & Moore were located at 400-02 North Franklin Street, and later, following the fire in their place of business on June 29, 1887, at 130-2 Jefferson Street, where they carried on a large grocery and meat business. Gossell Brothers at 900 Lapeer Street, founded by l'eter P. Heller, in 1879; R. Asbeck, at Lapeer and Seventh Streets, where he located in 1867; and Stewart Brothers, on Potter Street, and Charles Straw, on North Washington Street, were successful merchants many years ago.
Grocery and Provision Trade.
A large and important division of local trade in the early days of Saginaw was that of wholesale groceries and provisions, which has increased to such a volume that the trade is now represented by four successful jobbing houses, one coffee and spice mill, four extensive meat packing and distributing con- eerns, and five large commission houses.
The first wholesale grocer and produce merchant was John P. Derby, whose business in Saginaw dated from 1857. Coming here at that time he purchased the stock of goods in the store then owned by John F. Driggs, and several business lots on North Water Street, and in 1866 erected an imposing three-story brick building, known as the Derby Block, with a dock in the rear, and opened a large wholesale house. He carried a "large stock of staple and fancy groceries and shelf goods, mill and camp supplies," and enjoyed a large wholesale trade covering not only Saginaw Valley but all of Northern Michigan. He also dealt largely in produce as a general commission merchant, and held the confidence of shippers by the careful and accurate manner in which commission services were performed by him. Later he opened a retail grocery in a two-story brick building, having a floor area of forty-eight hundred square feet, at 718-20 Genesee Avenue, where a very successful business, under the management of his son, J. Perley Derby, was conducted for many years.
Another early wholesale grocery house was that of Shaw, Bullard & Company, which was located at 121-23 North Water Street, with a broad dock at the rear for the convenient and expeditious unloading of their mar- chandise, practically all of which was brought here in those days by vessel from Buffalo, Dunkirk and Erie. The building was later occupied by F. W. Carlisle & Company, who moved from across the street about twenty-five vears ago. The line of groceries and lumbermen's supplies handled by Shaw, Bullard & Company, included teas, syrups and tobaccos, and they advertised "the only exclusive wholesale grocery house in the valley."
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The next important wholesale business was founded in 1867 at Saginaw City by Ammi W. Wright and his associates, under the firm name of North- rup, Wells & Company. Their warehouse was a three-story brick building, with a large one-story addition, at Water (Niagara) and Clinton Streets, and with branch stores at Midland, Sanford, Loomis and Farwell, shipping points on the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. Two years after the business was founded Mr. Northrup withdrew, and Farnam C. Stone was admitted to the firm, when the name became Wells, Stone & Company. Their busi- ness was primarily that of wholesale groceries and dealers in lumbermen's supplies, but gradually trading in pine lands, logs and lumber became a large part of the business.
In 1885 the Wells-Stone Mercantile Company was incorporated with Charles W. Wells, president, and Farnam C. Stone, vice-president, and the wholesale grocery and lumbermen's supply departments were relinquished to them. The company occupied a two-story warehouse, two hundred by one hundred feet in dimensions, which was completely stocked with every description of staple and fancy groceries, tobaccos, dry goods, drugs, lumber- men's tools and wearing apparel such as was used in lumber camps. Near the warehouse was a spacious elevator equipped with all machinery for its operation, having a storage capacity of one hundred thousand bushels of grain, a mill for grinding feed and corn meal, and a large storage capacity for grain in bags and other heavy merchandise. In addition the company occupied a large warehouse at Duluth, from which shipments were made to an extensive trade in Minnesota and the Northwest. The company tran- sacted an immense volume of business in the western and northern portions of Michigan, and was rated as one of the biggest jobbing houses in this part of the country.
In 1896, following the decline in the lumber business in Michigan, in which the trade in lumbermen's supplies fell off rapidly, the firm of Phipps, Penoyer & Company, was organized by William C. Phipps, Chauncey W. Penover and others, to take over the wholesale grocery business so long conducted by the old companies, and, although the outlook at the time was far from encouraging, a large business was developed in the growing towns and country districts to the western, northern portions of the State, and in the "Thumb" district. About 1910 the company was absorbed by the National Grocer Company, although the management remained with Mr. Phipps until his death in February, 1915. Since that time the business has been conducted under the name of the latter company and a large and increasing trade accrues to it.
James Stewart, one of the pioneers in the wholesale grocery trade of Saginaw Valley, started in business in 1872, occupying the two-story ware- house at Genesee and Water Streets, and having ample dockage and shipping facilities at the rear. In 1882 the business was incorporated as the James Stewart Company, with Doctor Lyman W. Bliss, president ; Max Heaven- richi, vice-president and manager ; and O. F. Wisner, secretary. They carried a full line of staple and fancy groceries, tobaccos, pork, flour, feed and lumbermen's supplies, and imported direct all their own teas. The company also dealt extensively in salt and shingles. About 1889, when the large four- story brick building was erected at Washington and Tuscola Streets, the business was removed to it, where it was continued for more than ten years. The company was then dissolved but the business was still conducted by Mr. Stewart in the Cass Block, at Baum and Tuscola Streets.
Robert Boyd was one of the leading grocers, in both wholesale and retail trade fifty years ago, having founded a successful business in 1865. His stores were in the Exchange Block, at Genesee and Water Streets, where
WHOLESALE GROCERY HOUSE OF SYMONS BROTHERS & COMPANY
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the business was continued (after 1874 under the firm name of R. Boyd & Company) until purchased by Cooper & Peck in November, 1886. This firm occupied the business block at 107-9 South Jefferson Street, which was well fitted out for the display of goods in an attractive manner and the sale of groceries, including a complete line of cigars and tobaccos. In connection with the store was a well kept meat market, where were also sold fresh and salt fish, poultry, and all kinds of game in season. Their trade extended from Jackson to the Straits of Mackinaw.
Symons Brothers & Company
The wholesale grocery house of Symons Brothers & Company, which now conducts the largest jobbing business of its kind in Michigan, has an interesting history which illustrates to what extent an immense trade can be built up from a small beginning. The origin of the firm dates back to 1877 when John W. Symons was employed as a clerk in Flint, Michigan. While visiting in South Bay City he suggested to James S. Smart, Jr., that they start a commission business on a small scale, Symons to buy butter and eggs in Flint and Smart to dispose of them in South Bay City.
Though started in a small way the business prospered and soon Mr. Symons gave up his position to devote all his time and energy to the new enterprise. The firm of James S. Smart, Jr. & Company was then formed with a capital of two hundred and twenty-five dollars saved out of Mr. Symons' earnings. As the business continued to grow the firm put in a general stock of merchandise and changed the name to Symons & Smart. About 1879 a consolidation was effected with their biggest competitor, which resulted in putting the firm in the front rank of the trade in South Bay City.
In 1881 a small jobbing business was established and the firm began to look for a larger field. The old established wholesale house of Remington & Stevens, at 126 North Washington Avenue, East Saginaw, was purchased outright, and in 1883 the business of Symons & Smart was removed to the warehouses of the former at East Saginaw. At the end of the first year the capital stock was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars, and from that time the success of the firm was assured. Mr. Smart withdrew from the company in 1886, and the name was changed to Symons Brothers & Company by which title the business has since been known. J. W. Symons was president. S. E. Symons, vice-president, and George H. Glynn, secretary and treasurer of the company.
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