USA > Michigan > Kalamazoo County > Kalamazoo County, Michigan city directory 1869-70 > Part 13
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Within the past few years a great change has occurred in the character of the settlers. Enterprise, intelligence, capital, and well directed labor, has begun a work entirely adapted to the development and prosperity of the town. Schools have been improved, and a new life and interest given to them by the em- ployment of excellent teachers, and the building of new houses; religious influences have been spread and encouraged, manufac- tures have been promoted, and the population has wonderfully increased and improved. There are numerous mills, both steam and water power, in the town, and two little villages have
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started, the latest being Wakeshma Centre. The population of the town is about 1,000. It may fairly be said that this excellent township is getting out of the woods, and will soon take its place among the most prosperous towns in the county. Wakeshma lies in the south-east corner of the county, and is designated as town 4 south of range 9 west. Assessed valua- tion of real and personal property in 1868, $125,275. Of the 3.322 men furnished by Kalamazoo County during the war, Wakeshma contributed its full proportion. The Post office is at the Centre, and there are stores, shops, &c., in the place.
NOTICES OF ENTERPRISING BUSINESS MEN.
(Sre Index to Advertisements )
O. N. & T. F. GIDDINGS, Real Estate and Insurance Agents, at 100 Main Street, began business here at their present office last July, though both gentlemen, father and son, have been residents of Kalamazoo for many years. Mr. O. N. Giddings has been a resident of the county since 1836, having been one of the leading citizens of Charleston in this county, which town- ship he represented in the State Legislature, and afterwards the town of Ross in the Board of Supervisors. Removing to this village in 1853, on his election to the office of Treasurer, he has ever since been closely identified with its interests. There is scarcely to be found, within the county, a person so convers- ant with the title, value and bearings of Real Estate, as Mr. Giddings, as his position as Treasurer, Supervisor, etc., has brought him immediately in contact with such business for the past 30 years. Theron F. Giddings, the junior member of the firm, has had admirable experience in the Real Estate and In- surance business-having been connected with the Auditor General's office, and being perfectly familiar with Insurance. For this business they are the right men in the right place.
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ROBERT R. HOWARD, Dealer in Hardware, Stoves and Tin- ware, at No. 138 Main Street, began business here in 1858, under the firm name of Standart & Howard-their first location being in a store on Burdick Street, which they occupied how- ever but a short time. Their trade so increasing as to require larger quarters, they removed to the store 142 Main Street. In 1862, the firm moved into the store now occupied by Mr. Howard, and the next year Mr. Standart retired, leaving the business to the present proprietor. The further history of this well known establishment is, that it is popular, successful, and, is always well stocked with every article of goods desired in this department of trade. Mr. Howard is one of our leading citi- zens and business men.
F. S. STONE, Wholesale and Retail dealer in Groceries and Provisions, No. 150 Main Street, dedicated the splendid new store, corner of Main and Rose Streets, to the purpose of trade. having leased and moved into the same on its completion in October, 1868. The store is very handsomely and appropriately fitted for the purposes of a first-class grocery store, as it is. Mr. Stone came to Kalamazoo in 1868 and purchased a very handsome property. His former experience in the trade induced him to embark anew in the business, (he was in the same trade 27 years, in Oswego, N. Y.) and he seems to have fallen at once into the regards and favor of the public, for he is doing a large and continually increasing business. Mr. Stone is assisted in the business by his two sons, E. C. and R. A. Stone. About the whole establishment there is the appearance of familiarity on the part of those in charge with all the details of the grocery trade, the quality of the goods and their disposal upon the shelves, &c., shows taste and experience.
MUNGER & CHAMPLIN-Not to know this energetic and excel- lent firm of Merchants, and admirable store is to argue oneself unknown. Although a comparatively new firm as such, both the gentlemen composing it have for years been known to the people of Kalamazoo as first class business men. Mr. Munger having been for a long time connected with the firm of Babcock, Cobb & Co., (predecessors of Munger & Champlin), and Mr.
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Champlin having been an esteemed member of the firm of Geo. Colt & Co. The new firm commenced business January, 186x. and at once found popular favor with the public, and their suc- cess has been almost unexampled. Few men are better calculat- ed, either by taste or experience, for successfully conducting a first class Dry Goods business than Messrs. Munger & Champlin. Their store is a fashionable resort for those who desire the nicest things in the way of Dress Goods and Silks of the latest designs. Their stock of Domestic and Foreign Dry Goods. Carpets and Clothing is very large, and is kept up with the utmost care and attention to the change in styles and qualities. Their store is the splendid brown stone front, No. 135 Main Street.
JonsSON & SHELDON, dealers in Drugs and Medicines, at 144 Main Street, began business here in 1862, succeeding E. B. Booth, in the same locality. They have succeeded, by thorough knowledge of their business, by enterprise and by fair dealing. in building up a trade that is already very large, and yet is steadily increasing. Mr. Johnson is a physician of skill and eminence, and has had an extensive experience in his business. Mr. Sheldon is a young man of superior business qualifications. These gentlemen enjoy the confidence of the public, as being Druggists, scrupulous and careful, both in the quality of the goods they purchase and the prescriptions they prepare. Messrs. Johnson & Sheldon, in addition to their retail trade, do an ex- tensive business in jobbing goods.
JAMES GREEN, Manufacturer and Dealer in Harness, Saddles, Trunks, etc,, at No. 38 North Burdick Street. Mr. Green is one of our oldest citizens, having come to Kalamazoo in 1836. In 1842 he commenced in the Harness business with William Stuart, east Main Street. In 1860, Mr. Green built a store on Bur- dick street which he occupied, in his business, until last August 1868 when he was hurriedly ejected by the firy element which consumed his store and a portion of his stock. With characteris- tic energy he immediately commenced in connection with Wm. Woodhams the erection of a fine brick store on the site of the former one-20 by 100, three stories high and well appointed.
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This new place of business is now furnished with an excellent stock of goods in his line. Mr. Green is the oldest harness maker now doing business in Kalamazoo, and is a most skillful and expert workman. He made the first wooden (not the Tro- jan ) horse in Kalamazoo, which he has continued to use for 30 years.
H. L. BINGHAM, Photographic Artist, at No. 112 Main Street. One of our very best artists-a most thorough picture maker, and one that loves, and is devoted to his art. He took the first premium at the State Fair held in Detroit in 1867, after a most spirited contest. At the Kalamazoo County Fairs of 1865 and 1866 he was also awarded the prize of superiority. His rooms are very pleasant, and his specimens of ink and colored photographs are very fine. Mr. Bingham commenced business here in 1865 and has an established reputation as a first class photographer.
C. S. D'ARCAMBAL, dealer in Drugs and Medicines, No. 132 Main Street. Mr. d'Arcambal commenced trade in Kalamazoo in 1850, in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, now the Burdick House. He has changed locations several times since then, but has kept almost continually in the trade. In July, 1867, he moved to his present bijou of a store ( fitted up expressly for him under his direction) than which there is not a neater, or prettier drug depot anywhere. His stock is very choice and select. Mr. d'Arcambal's ability and experience as a druggist and prescrip- tionist are the result of education and years of the most com- plete practice. The taste displayed in his neat and model store is an index of the character of the quality of goods and CHARLEY's skill in this business.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE-an appropriate name for a dealer in books, for what is there more suggestive of literary store and feast than "Shakespeare." William, whether or not a descend- ant of " nature's sweetest bard," is undoubtedly a bookseller, who loves his business and takes a commendable pride therein. Mr. Shakespeare, for a young man, is one of our oldest citizens, has had just the training to make a good bookseller, having gradu- ated from a printing office after going through the entire carri-
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calam from " devil's" stool to the editorial tripod. Mr. Shakes- peare commenced trade in 1867 at his present quarters, suc- ceeding A. J. Gibson. He has already received a large trade. his stock being always full and adapted admirably to the wants of this people. School books and stationery of every kind and description.
S. O. BENNETT & SONS, Manufacturers and Dealers in Boots and Shoes, at No. 111 Main Street. This firm began business under this name in January, 1866. Mr. S. O. Bennett, however, came here in 1859, and began trade in the fall of that year. In Dec., 1867, the store which he had purchased and fitted up, No. 111 Main Street, was destroyed by fire, but with charac- teristic enterprize he began, in April and finished in August, the handsome and commodious brick store now occupied by the firm. No. 111 Main Street, which is a favorite and popular place for the purchase of sole Goods of every kind. Mr. S. O. Ben- nett has been a most valauble citizen, contributing by his enter- prize and liberality to the wealth and beauty of Kalamazoo. The firm is composed of S. O. Bennett ( father) and James C. and John (sons ), gentlemen thoroughly versed in the conduct and requirements of the Shoe trade; and citizens of position and influence.
J. J .. SEBRING & Co., Grain and Produce Dealers, 103 Main Street, are among the most active and extensive grain dealers in Kalamazoo. They are known throughout the country as first class business men, thoroughly acquainted with the business and enjoying a reputation both as buyers and sellers equal to any firm, in the same business, in the country. Their purchase of wheat, wool, pork, &c., for the past three years has been im- mense. They have a large warehouse and elevator. The firmn is composed of James L. Sebring and Peyton Ranney, and both are men of extensive capital and an intimate acquaintance with the grain producers who employ Kalamazoo as a market. They commenced operations as a firm in 1864; though Mr. Ranney had been successfully engaged in the grocery trade for a num- ber of years prior to that date.
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CHARLES FRANKISH, 33 North Burdick Street, (successor to William Green,) dealer in Saddlery and Saddlery Hardware, has but recently established himself in business, having purchased the stock and trade of William Green. He is a young man, well acquainted with the business and thoroughly skilled in the practical workings of the Saddlery and Harness business. He has a complete and most excellent stock and is determined to win his way to popularity and success by close application to business, and by selling the best of goods at the most satisfac- tory prices. Don't forget him in looking about for any article or articles in his line.
LEAVITT & L'HEUREUX, Dealers in Watches, Jewelry, Silver and Plated-ware, No. 128 Main Street, ( successors to Wm. H. Snow ). This is a new firm but a popular one-the gentlemen composing it being thoroughly posted in all the departments of the jewelry trade. They pay special attention to repairing, en- graving, &c. Messrs. Leavitt & L'heureux are recently from Vermont, and have had years of experience in all the branches of their business. They have added a splendid stock of new goods, and their store is a model of neatness and taste.
ISBELL & DAYTON, at 119 Main Street. This well known and favorite shoe firm receive, every day throughout the year, evi. dence that they know how to keep a Shoe Store, in their steadi- ly increasing trade, and the popular favor which they meet with. Messrs. Isbell & Dayton commenced trade as co-partners in 1867, in the Parker Block, though Mr. Isbell has been in trade here since 1861, when he became a partner in the house of H. S. Parker & Co. Mr. Dayton has had many years ex- perience as a merchant, in Connecticut. The store of this firm is a very handsome one, thoroughly adapted to the large business which is carried on therein. Messrs. Isbell & Dayton manufacture largely, but also keep their shelves well stocked with the latest styles and most fashionable make of boots and shoes for ladies' and children's wear. Those who cannot find at Isbell & Dayton's foot-covering to suit their taste, must be very particular indeed. Their reputation as shoe dealers is all that could be desired.
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THOR. S. COBB, Dealer in Crockery and Glassware, at No. 102 Main Street. Mr. Cobb began business in this department of trade in 1855, associating with him Mr. David Fisher. No firm in Kalamazoo County were better known and more widely popular than Cobb & Fisher, nor was there a store where cus- tomers found more honorable dealers or more liberal and genial proprietors. The goods were just as they should be in quality, style and manufacture, and their store a model of neatness and order. In 1866, this firm erected the elegant marble building now occupied by Mr. Cobb, (Mr. Fisher having retired in August, 1868), which is one of the principle attractions of Kal- amazoo, and is the finest Crockery Store in the State. It is built upon the site of the former store occupied by Cobb and Fisher, in the same business.
B. M. & D. BROWNE, Proprietors of the " Central Flouring Mills". and dealers in Feed, No. 182 Main Street. These gen- tlemen, whose new but extensive and favorite Flouring Mill, at Comstock, have made their names a household word with the farmers of the county, have recently established a Flour, Grain and Feed Depot on the corner of Church and Main Streets. They keep the best quality of flour, meal, &c., as well as make this place their headquarters for the purchase and sale of grain, corn, oats, &c,
CITY HOTEL. - Kalamazoo is deservedly famous for good hotels and landlords that know how to keep them-who live up to the injunction to "Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest." Among the hotels of this place, the " City " is one of the most favorably quoted, and " mine host " of the same turns no one from his doors hungry or dissatisfied, but " on the con- trary quite the reverse;" Robert Horn is his name. He owns and runs the house, having become its proprietor and landlord in June, 1868. After expending a large amount of money in overhauling it and supplying it with all the comforts and con- ยท veniences of a first-class hotel. Mr. Horn formerly kept the Tremont House. He has been " before the public " here since 1854, as a caterer for the public stomach, and show us a man that knows his business better.
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FISH & CRANE, dealers in Groceries and Provisions, Fruits, Flour and household stores. This is one of the most reliable grocery firms in town. Both members of the firm are young men, sharp buyers, clever sellers, enterprising and wide awake as business men, and just the fellows one likes to deal with " right along." For four years they have remained in their present quarters, being almost the first to venture business on South Burdick Street, their success, in fact, contributing greatly to bring trade to this now busy avenue. The seeker after good things, which the world gives, need not go about with a lantern, for he can supply himself readily at Fish & Crane's.
GRO. W. WINSLOW & Co., Dealers in Marble Monuments, &c., at No. 15 & 17 Portage St. Mr. Winslow, the senior member of this firm, has a name that is as familiar to the people of Wes- tern Michigan as that of any business man that has ever been among us. He commenced the business in which he is now engaged in 1848, on Eleanor Street, his establishment being one of the very first in this part of the State. A practical mechanic. a gentleman of taste and culture, there are very few men better adapted to the business ( requiring so large a knowledge of the finer arts ) than Mr. Winslow. He has been here since 1835, and has been actively engaged in trade since that time. Mr. Miller, his partner, is also a practical marble-worker. The firm are doing a very large business, employing steam works. They use the Vermont Italian Marble, said to be the best in use for monumental purposes, being susceptible of a very high polish. yet very hard and durable. The machinery in their works is very complete, and their facilities are most extensive and per- fect in all respects. The finest work in this part of the State is done at their manufactory. A very large marble yard is attached to this first-class establishment.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK .- This institution was organized in De- cember, 1863, with a capital stock of $50,000, limited to $500,- 000. The present capital is $100,000. The officers are Latham Hull, President; J. A. Walter, Vice President ; Chauncey Strong, Cashier; Charles A. Hull, Teller; A. S. McAllister, Book-keeper; Hiram Moore, Assistant Book keeper. The man-
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ner in which the bank of the people is managed has done much to make the system of National Banking so popular here.
ASHBY & Goss, dealers in Groceries and Provisions, at No. 14 South Burdick Street. These gentlemen have a well select- ed stock of grocer's wares, and are active in disposing of them at the cheapest rate, to their numerous customers. Both these gentlemen are young men, whose motto seems to be in all their business transactions " the greatest good to the greatest number." An excellent and reliable firm.
JOHNSON & SHERMAN, Proprietors of the City Marble Works, at 98 North Burdick Street. This firm has rapidly won its way into popular favor. The specimens at their shop manifest geni- us in design and execution. As an artist and sculptor, Mr. Johnson has few superiors. Many "gems" adorn our cemete- ries, the result of his labor. They employ the finest marble and give the closest attention to the wishes of patrons in the execution of orders.
BASSETT, BATES & Co., Wholesale Grocers, No. 100 Main Street. The history of this firm is the record of admirable business management and unusual prosperity. Originally it was Walter & Bassett; Mr. Bates coming into the firm in 1853, the name was changed to Walter, Bassett & Bates. Since 1854. the firm has been Bassett & Bates, and no business house in Western Michigan has become better or more widely known. In 1867, Bassett & Bates moved into the new and spacious store erected by them in the new marble block west of the Kalamazoo House, where they have continued business until the present time. On the 1st of May, 1868, Mr. Robert M. Ross, a well known and popular salesman of theirs, was taken into the business, and the firm name became Bassett, Bates & Co. The great success with which this firm has met, may be mainly at- tributed to the liberality and energy which Messrs. Bassett & Bates have ever shown in all their business transactions. They have dealt largely in real estate and are now the owners of the Humphrey block and several fine stores besides the one which they occupy, and a large amount of other business property. The business of this house from 1841 to 1846, was about $10,-
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000 per annum ; from 1846 to 1851, $20,000 per annum ;' from 1851 to 1854, $40,000 per year; from 1854 to 1857, $130,000 per year ; from 1857 to 1864, about $140,000 to $150,000 per year; from 1864 to 1868, from $240,000 to $350,000 per year.
MICHIGAN NATIONAL BANK .- This Bank was organized as a National Bank in 1865, with a capital of $100,000, limited to $500,000. Previous to this time, since 1856 it had been a private banking house, but had always enjoyed the utmost confidence of the people. As a National Bank its business has greatly in- creased and now there are few if any banks in the State better managed or more esteemed than this. The officers are: W. A. Wood, President; Allen Potter, Vice President; J. W. Taylor. Cashier ; E. J. Phelps, Ass't Cashier. DIRECTORS .- J. P. Wood- bury, Allen Potter, W. A. Wood, J. Parsons, H. Bishop, S. S. Cobb, J. C. Bassett, F. W. Curtenius, I. D. Bixby.
A. C. WORTLEY, Dealer in Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, Silver and Plated-Ware, &c., No. 120 Main Street. A large and in every respect first-class establishment. Mr. Wortley has suc- ceeded admirably in ascertaining just the wants and tastes of the people of this section, and as a consequence he keeps a supply of the richest and most elegant goods to be obtained in the market, for our people always " buy the best." In clocks. watches, in silver-ware, in bronzes and in jewelry, Mr. Wortley is always on the look out for the newest and most tasteful de- signs, and the purest of material. His trade is already very large and rapidly increasing. Every thing new in the Eastern market is at once represented at Wortley's. In Watches, and Silver and Plated-ware, he has the best facilities for supplying the most superb patterns, and orders are taken for any special design or device. In February 1868, Mr. Wortley's stock was rushed off at less than cost, and his store nearly destroyed by fire. His stock on hand is entirely new, and is a rich assort- ment of rare and beautiful goods, and the store itself is a model of taste, elegance and luxury.
DEWING & KENT's Sash, Door and Blind factory. Among our manufacturing firms none stand better, are more widely known or have greater facilities for doing the work for which
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they have prepared themselves. The association is W. G. Dewing, James A. Kent, and W. S. Dewing, all long-time resi- dents of Kalamazoo, and "live," thorough-going business men. The Planing Mill and factory for the above named articles is a model of effectiveness; supplied with the best and most im- proved machinery, employing none but the best workmen, and using only the best material. They have won golden opinions from all sorts of patrons, and will never do any thing to forfeit it. The history of this firm begins with 1857, when it was Dewing & Scudder. In 1858, the present firm was established. In June, 1865, as our citizens will remember their building was entirely consumed by fire, and was rebuilt in the fall of the same year. The planing mill building is 60 feet square and two stories high, of brick-their warehouse is 25 by 80 feet, of brick also-same height. They have besides a large salesroom on Kalamazoo Avenue, where they keep glass, paint, oils, sash, doors, &c., &c. The average number of hands employed by this firm is 35. Sales in 1868 about $50,000.
BEEBE & FINCH, Grocers, 180 Main Street. During the season of 1868 this firm have erected a neat looking brick store on Main Street at the above number; taken a prominent place among the wide-awake business men of Kalamazoo, and are doing an excellent business. Both have had experience in trade, and the appearance of the store during business hours, sufficient- ly proves that they are popular in the quality of their goods, in their prices, and in their manner of doing business.
WILLARD MORSE, Jr., Dealer and Jobber in Millinery and Fancy Goods, at No. 131 Main Street. As a dealer in the class of goods above mentioned, Mr. Morse is a success. He knows this market perfectly, and the class of goods, the styles, and all that, suited to the taste of our people are as familiar to him as the classics are to a Greek professor. He began business here first in the Humphrey Block, in 1857, the next spring he remov- ed to the building now occupied by Fish & Crane, on South Burdick Street. In 1859 he moved to 129 Main Street, and finding his business steadily increasing and the necessities for enlarged facilities, he removed to his present large and commo-
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dious rooms in 1866, occupying two stories. He employs a large number of hands, and all departments of the millinery trade are conducted in a manner that adds continually to his well earned reputation, and his abundant success. He has built up a very extensive business in the Jobbing of Millinery and Fancy Goods, which he has made a specialty. His store is & model of its class-order, neatness, beauty, variety and the most excellent taste being everywhere apparent. There are, in fact, few, if any stores in Kalamazoo, where so much of the artistic and beautiful is to be seen, and but few of our citizens have any idea of the extent and magnitude of the business which Mr. Morse carries on. He is aided by a corps of assistants who thoroughly understand their several departments. Truly this is a complete and deservedly popular establishment.
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