USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 73
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George W. Hale and Company, retail dealers in dry goods and notions, began business in 1868, on Washington Avenue south, with but two salesmen. In 1872. they removed to their present quarters, 301 and 303 Nicollet Avenue. The building has a frontage of 41 feet. a depth of 120 feet, and was built expressly for this firm, by J. G. Gluck. The first year the business amounted to but $25,000; in 1880 it was $300,000. The members of the firm are George W., and Jefferson M. Hale.
Eichelzer and Company, hatters and furriers. No. 212 Nicollet Avenue, do principally a retail business, and manufacture for goods, cloth hats and caps, and Mackinaw hats. The house was established in 1821, by D. and W. Handly, at the present stand, and purchased in August. 1872, by P. F. Eichelzer and J. S. Snoddy. Mr. Snoddy dirdi in July, Is71. and Angust following. Mr. Eichelzer became the sole proprietor, At the time of the Central block fire, Mr. Eichelzer suf-
fered with his neighbors. but saved most of his stock. In March. 1879, R. A. Lanpher, of St. Paul, was admitted to the firm, which became Eichelzer and Company.
E. B. Preston and Company. wholesale and re- tail dealers in leather and rubber belting, rubber boots, clothing, and all kinds of rubber goods, be- gan business at No. 240 Hennepin Avenue. in January, 1880. As their trade increased, they removed, in May following, to No. 203 Nicollet Avenne. where they occupy one floor and the basement, 25x100 feet. The firm employs six men. two of whom are traveling salesmen, who do business throughout Minnesota. Wisconsin, Iowa. and Dakota. The members of the firm are E. B. Preston, who has a large house in Chicago, and W. S. Nott, who has charge of the Minnea- polis department. They represent the New York Belting and Packing Company in the West, and are the only firm who handle this line of goods exclusively.
IT. G. Harrison and Co., wholesale grocers, or- ganized in May, 1880, and located in the Wol- ford block, on Hennepin Avenue, but the building was insufficiently strong to hold the heavy goods which were stored on the upper floors, and soon fell. In June they ocenpied three floors, one hundred feet square. in Brackett's block, doing an exclusively wholesale business, and carrying an extensive stock, doing business in northern Iowa. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota and Mon- tana. The firm employs twenty men, six of whom are constantly traveling. During the first year the sales amounted to $1,500,000. The mem- bers of the firm are HI. G. Harrison and Frank B. Felt, both of extensive experience.
Anthony Kelly and Co., wholesale grocers. Nos. 125, 127 and 129 Washington Avenue north, located there in 1877. In 1858, Messrs. P. II. and Anthony Kelly established a grocery business on Washington Avenue and Second Avenue south, doing a retail trade. In 1860, their business had increased to such a degree that they were com- pelled to srek more room, and they removed into the building now used as the National hotel, and after a year into Dayton block; removed next to Bridge square and First street. The firm was known as Kelly and Brother until 1864, when P'. H. Kelly retired, and commenced business in St. Paul. Anthony Kelley continued the business
423
WHOLESALE GROCERIES.
alone, and in March, 1866, was burned out, and then took possession of the building known as the Kelly block. The firm was then known as A. Kelly and Co., and remained in Kelly's block until 1877. The building now occupied is 66x100 feet, and three stories in height, above basement, and has an extension of 57x66 feet, one story and basement, in rear. The business is exclusively wholesale, and employs thirty-two men, six of whom are traveling salesmen. In 1880, it amounted to $1,500,000, and extended through- out the northwest.
Ilart, Monroe & Thomas, proprietors of the Minneapolis Spice Mills and wholesale faney gro- eers, are located at 108 Washington Avenue south. The business was established in 1870, by Squires, HIart & Company, who continued it until 1876, at which time the firm of Hart, Monroe & Thomas was organized, and has sinee condueted the busi- ness. It is the only establishment of the kind in the state that makes a specialy of its own brands, and grinding spiees of all kinds. Their building is 22x130 feet, three stories high above the base- ment. In the rear is a briek building used as an engine, roasting and grinding-room. An engine of fifteen horse-power turns the machinery. This consists of three large roasting cylinders of recent invention, two grinding machines, one of which is a small set of buhrs, and two machines for roasting coffee, the capacity being one ton per day. The firm employs ten men, four sales- men traveling constantly. the trade being extend- ed throughout northern Iowa, Wisconsin, Minne- sota, Dakota and Montana.
The wholesale grocery of George R. Newell & Company, Nos. 9, 11 and 13 Washington Avenue north, was founded in 1870, by Stevens, Morse & Newell. In 1873, Messrs. Stevens and Morse re- tired, and the firm of Newell & Harrison was or- ganized, and continued until May, 1879, since when Mr. Newell has had entire control of the business. The first year's business amounted to to $25,000, and in 1880 to $2,000,000.
S. G. Palmer and Company, wholesale fancy grocers, occupy a building which was erected ex- pressly for their use, at Nos. 12 and 14 Washing- ton Avenue north. The business was established in March, 1878, and S. G. Palmer and Company took charge of it in April, 1880. The building is 44x85 feet, of which they occupy the first floor
and basement. The carry a full line of fruits and fancy groceries, employing three traveling sales- men. They do business in all parts of Minneso- ta and Dakota.
The house of Dunham and Johnson, wholesale groeers, was founded in 1870. and does business at 212 Hennepin Avenue, where they occupy a build- ing 28x125 feet, four stories high and basement. They employ twelve men, four as traveling sales- men, and do an annual business of about $700,000, extending throughout Minnesota and portions of the adjoining states and territories.
The wholesale grocery house of W. W. Harri- son and Company occupies the Oswald building, No. 19 Washington Avenue north. Their build- ing is 25x125 feet, four stories and basement. In 1877, W. W. Harrison commenced business at 222 ITennepin Avenue, dealing wholly in faney groceries by wholesale. In September, 1880, the firm of W. W. Harrison and Company was or- ganized, and they carry a full line of staple and fancy groceries, employing thirteen men, and do- ing business in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Da- kota.
Harrison and Knight, wholesale dealers in sad- dlery hardware, wagon and carriage material and iron, commenced, at No. 207 Nicollet Avenue, in 1877, and continued until September 1st, 1880, when they removed to their new buikling on First Avenue south, between Washington Avenue and Third street. This is 45x135 feet, and has five floors, and is so arranged that light is received on all sides. Two hydraulic elevators, one for pass- engers and one for freight, giving access from floor to floor. The firm employs twelve men, four of whom are traveling salesmen, supplying ens- tomers throughout the north-west. The annual business amounts to $300,000.
J. 11. Thompson's clothing house is at No. 118 Ilennepin Avenue, in a three-story brick build- ing, 45x100 feet, built by himself, in 1871, Mr. Thompson started in business in Minneapolis in 1857, on Second Avenue south, opposite the St. James Ilotel. He remained here until 1858, and moved to First street, near where the hay market now is: thence to a bnikling near the suspension bridge, where he remained until the completion of a building erected by him at No. 109 Nicollet Avenue. Here he opened, in connection with his tailoring department, a stock of clothing, June
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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
11th. 1660. This building and stock were de- stroyed by fire, and Mr. Thompson went into the Nicollet House. where he remained until 1st1. when he purchased his present site and erected a building on il.
The New York Clothing House, owned by R. Rers and Bro .. is at the corner Hennepin Ave- nue and Second Street. in Rees' block. Mr. Rees commenced the business alone. in 1869, un- der Pence opera house, where he remained until 1-75. when he purchased ground at his present location. and erected a brick building. three stories high above basement. 22x85 feet. In 1878. Gus. Rees took an interest in the business. and the firm has large branch houses in Stillwater and Mankato, and do an annual business of $150,- 000. employing sixteen men.
G. s. Butler, proprietor of the F. T. K. cloth- ing house. began in 1876. at No. 111 Washington AAvenue south. the firm known as Griffith. Roberts and Butler. In Is78. they removed to 210. Virullet and 211 Hennepin Avenue, the store extenling from avenue to avenue. Previ- ous to 1579, Mr. Butler had been business manager of the firm, and in September of that year, purchased the interests of the other two, since when he has conducted it alone.
Fuller and Simpson's hat and shirt store. was founded in Po. by C. A. Fuller and R. F. Gil- lam. in the Nicollet House block. a few doors from their present location. corner of Washing- ton and Nicollet Avennes, and they carried a complete stock of gents furnishing goods. hats, caps, ele. In 1871, Mr. Gillan sold his interest to G. H. Simpson, and the firm then added a shirt manufactory. and in Ists, a laun- dry, for which they rented a room 22x100 feet, at No. 210 First Avenue south, and were soon compelled to occupy the entire building: they employ live men and thirty girls. Laundry work from all parts of the state is sent to them lo express. Their gents' furnishing department and factory is in the Nicollet House black. ocen- joying first floor and basement. 22x90 feet. where they employ live men and twenty-five girls.
Boston One Price Clothing Store. E. 11. Sterke proprietor, was established August Ist. 1871. in a room 2x55 feet, in the Academy of Music. Jan- ary Ist. 1576, another room was added and since then he has enlarged from time to time, and now
occupies five rooms. four of them 22x85 and one 30x40. and the basement, which is 55x110 feet. The house employs seventy men, fifty of whom are engaged in the manufacture of clothing to order, and during the dull season in making ready-made clothing. The other twenty men are salesmen, book-keepers. etc. The business, the first year. was $65,000, and in 1880, was $200,000.
J. Il. Kerrick and Co.'s machinery depot, No. 254 First Avenue south, was opened October, 1880. for handling iron and wood working ma- chinery and supplies of every description. The main manufactory is located at Indianapolis. In- diana. The branch at Minneapolis, under the supervision of A. H. Goode, is the only establish- ment in the north-west that deals exclusively in this line of goods, which supplies a want long felt in Minneapolis and the north-west. They occupy room and basement 50x80.
C. W. Shatto, agricultural implement dealer, opened business in 1873. with the firm of Jones. Shatto and Co. In 1875. R. Il. Jones withdrew from the firm and went into the Harvester works. and the firm became Shatto and Christian. In 1878, Mr. Shatto purchased Mr. Christian'sinterest. and has since conducted the business alone. He has branch houses at Fergus Falls and Carver. Ilis present location is No. 307 Washington Avenue north !.
Clark and Mackroth opened their agricultural implement depot at No. 218 Washington Avenue north, in December. 1879. and have already ac- quired a good and extensive Intsiness. They are special northwestern agents for Furst and Bradley, of Chicago, Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, South Bend. Indiana; the Ohio Steel Barh Fence Company, Cleveland; Detroit Safe Company. Detroit, Michigan; and the LaClade Fire Brick Manufacturing Company. They also do a jobbing business in miscellaneous articles. The members of the firm are George A. Clark and Otto il. Mackroth.
Franklin Steele, Jr., and Company, agricultural implement dealers, commenced doing business in Isso, in a brick building 1x 1 0 feet. on the corner of First street and Second Avenue south. They carry an immense stock, which they dispose of by wholesale and retail, in Minnesota and adjoining states and territories.
W. II. Jones and Company, dealers in agricul-
425
BANKS AND BANKERS.
tural implements, Nos. 206 and 208 Washington Avenue north. commenced January 1st, 1878. They are state agents for the Marsh Harvester, Wire and Twine Binders, and Warrior mowers. During the year 1880, the business amounted to about $1,100,000.
George Blake, dealer in Domestic sewing ma- chines, has branch offices in St. Paul and Still- water. In 1879-80. he erected the building now occupied by him at 320 Nicollet AAvenue. This building is 44x86 feet. four stories high. The front is of Ohio sandstone. and is highly orna- mental. The pavement in front of this building is the first area stone sidewalk laid in the city. On the first floor Mr. Blake has his salesroom. The second and third floors are rented for offices, and the fourth for sleeping apartments. At the time Mr. Blake came to Minneapolis, there were but 300 Domestic sewing machines per year sold in Minnesota ; but now his sales amount to 2,500 per year, requiring sixteen salesmen.
Winecke and Doerr, wholesale and retail deal- ers in tobacco and cigars. established a retail business in 1873, on Washington Avenue south, where they remained until 1875,. when they re- moved to No. 25 Washington Avenue south, and commenced a wholesale and retail business, em- ploying five men. Their goods are sold in Min- nesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Dakota.
Harpman and Gronauer, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in cigars, etc., No. 39 Washing- ton Avenue south, employ three traveling sales- men, doing business in Minnesota. Wisconsin, Iowa and Dakota. The business was first started at No. 114 Hennepin Avenue, by Harpman Bros., who conducted it until October, 1879, when J. A. Gronauer purchased an interest, and the firm be- eame Harpman and Gronauer.
George F. Warner, undertaker and dealer in furniture and upholstery, commenced business in 1857, and is the oldest established furniture dealer in Minneapolis. His furniture satesroom, No. 325 Nicollet Avenue, is 26x80 feet, and oc- eupies three floors. His undertaking warerooms at No. 106 Washington Avenue south, are 22x100 feet, and occupy two floors. Mr. Warner has three fine hearses, and two furniture trucks, and does an annual business of about $60,000.
Win. Glessner and son, furniture dealers and undertakers, No. 211 Central Avenue, commenced
manufacturing furniture in 1859, and continued until 1865, when they retired from mannfactur- ing and entered the retail business. Their an- nual business amounts to about $15,000, and is done in a two-story building, 22x80 feet. They employ three men.
A. II. Edsten, No. 303 Washington Avenue south, dealer in all kinds of furniture, occupies as salesrooms, two floors 22x50 feet, and a shop 16x35 feet, two stories high. He commenced in 1871, and does an annual business of about $7,000.
Phelps & Bradstreet, dealers in furniture and draperies. at Nos. 121 and 423 Nicollet Avenue. organized in April, 1878. They ocenpy one floor, 44x120, and three floors 44x75, doing an annual business of $70,000 in fine furniture, draperies and artistic house-furnishing. They make the finest display of draperies and fine furniture of any honse west of Chicago. All their finest dra- peries and decorations being made to order. The business is rapidly increasing.
CHAPTER LXVII.
BANKS-BOARD OF TRADE - CLEARING HOUSE -RAILROADS-INSURANCE COMPANIES.
The records of the past twenty-seven years, which have elapsed since the first bank in what is now Minneapolis, came into existence, show twenty-four such institutions, only ten of which are still in existence. Before entering the field of the banks of to-day, we will review the in- stitutions which once in existence, have since wound up their affairs. The history begins with Snyder & McFarlane, bankers and brokers, who commenced business in 1851, continuing to 1858, abont four years. C. H. Pettit, banker and brok- er, was the second, commencing in the fall of 1855, continuing to 1859. Next, Beede & Men- denhall. bankers and brokers, organized April 27th, 1856; they afterward organized the State Bank of Minnesota, with R. J. Mendenhall, pres-
426
HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.
ident. and R. J. Baldwin, cashier. Dorman & Phinney, bankers and brokers, commenced busi- ness in the spring of 1857. and continued till 1861. Grow & Phinney began in 1857. contini- ing to 1862 as bankers and brokers.
R. JJ. Baldwin, banker and broker. commenced business in JSME. In Jong he organized the State Bank with R. J. Mendenhall. president. and R. J. Baldwin. cashier. The State National Bank grew out of the state Bank of Minnesota and con- tinued up to 1576. when it wound up business. The National Exchange Bank started in 1867. with Henry Miller. president. and W. P. West- fall. cashier. and in 1575 closed its business. The State Savings Association was organized in 1866 and continued business to 1573. The Ex- change Savings Bank was organized in 196s and in 1571. it closed business. The National Ex- change was organized in 1869 and merged into the Merchants National of Hastings. It subsequent- ly moved to Minneapolis and changed to the Merchants National Bank. but February Ist, ISS1. went into liquidation. In 1873 the Scandinavian Bank came to the surface but immediately sank. Sparks and MePherson, brokers, opened in 1870 and in 1-75. wound up. The Lumbermen's Bank commenced business in 1876 but soon after closed np its affairs.
EXISTING BANKS.
Ten banks are now doing business in Minne- apolis, seven of which represent an aggregate capital of $2.550,000; the remaining three are private bankers and brokers. The capital of com- panies of the first class varies from $1.000,000. the capital of the Security to $50,000 of the City Bank. To facilitate the banking business of the city a clearing house has been established. Where the daily balances of the banks are settled.
The Security Bank. This staunch and vigor- ons institution takes prominent place among the many successful business enterprises of which Minneapolis can last. Launching upon the financial tide January 2. 1875, with a cash cap- ital of $300,000, its admirable management so developed its Imsiness that early in 1879. $100,- ( more stock was added, and in February. Je, the father addition of $600,000 lought its capital up to $1,000,000, all of which was promptly paid in, and of the entire stock all Imt $20,200 is owned by residents of Minneapolis.
The Bank building is situated on Hennepin Avenue. corner of Third street, and is one of the finest Imildings in the city. The officers of the bank are: President-T. A. Harrison; Vice President - Il. G. Harrison ; Cashier-J. Dean ; Assistant Cashier A. J. Dean; Directors-T. A. Harriso. H. G. Harrison. J. Dean, Hon. C. E. Vanderburgh, Franklin Beebe, W. W. McNair, J. M. Shaw. C. C. Washburn and Franklin Steele.
First National Bank. The history of this bank is one of general interest, and deserves more than a passing notice. Its existence dates from October. 1857. when a loeal bank was opened under the firm name of Sidle. Wolford and Company, under which title they enjoyed a flattering degree of prosperity for three years, when they organ- ized a Bank of Issne under the state law. as the Bank of Minneapolis. Under this title they did a prosperous business until 1864, when the system of national banks was instituted and the name was again changed to the First National Bank of Minneapolis. The financial history of the bank is one of steady, solid growth. Its reverses have been few. while its prosperity has been all its founders could wish. Beginning with a eash capital of $50,000. it soon rose to $200,000 by the accumulation of undivided profits. after pay- ing a regular dividend of twenty-four per cent. to its stock-holders. January 1, 1879, $100,000 was subscribed and paid in. making a cash cap- ital of $600,000, mostly owned by residents of Minneapolis. Its stock has always been far above par, and is eagerly sought to-day at 125 per cent. The elegant bank building is situated on the corner of Nicollet and Washington Ave- mies, and is a credit to the city.
Northwestern National Bank. This institution was founded in 1872. with a paid up capital of $200,000, and started on a career of prosperity equalled by few. if any, of the banking institu- tions of the northwest. At the time of the or- ganization. D. Morrison was elected president, and S. E. Neiler cashier : and in 1875, Mr. II. T. Welles was elected president, in the place of D. Morrison, whose term bad expired. In 1876. an addition of $300,000 was made to the original stock, making the capital stock a half million dol- lars. In the fall of Is79, owing to the defalea- tion of the assistant cashier, a loss of $127,000
427
EXISTING BANKS.
was sustained, but on account of the flourishing condition of the bank, the loss had been made good before Jannary 1st, 1880, by the subscription of ¿100,000 from the stockholders, and $27,000 earnings of the bank. Fuly Ist, 1880, the surplus earnings amounted to $24,000. This institution is considered one of the solid establishments of the city, and their elegant and substantial build- ing, erected in 1872-3, located at the corner of Washington and First Avenues sonth, is looked upon with pride by the citzens of Minneapolis. The present officers of the bank are as follows : II. T. Welles, president ; S. A. Harris, cashier ; W. E. Burwell, assistant cashier.
The City Bank. The organization of this institution dates from 1869. when a private bank with a capital of $50,000 was established. J. W. l'ence, president. and T. J. Buxton. cashier. Oc- tober 10th, 1872, it was reorganized as a stock bank, with a capital of $150,000, which was in- creased the following year to $200,000. The offi- cers were J. W. Pence, president; T. F. Thomp- son, vice-president; T. J. Buxton, cashier. Janu- ary, 1874, Mr. Ilarrison succeeded Mr. Thompson to the office of vice-president, and in 1878 he was succeeded by John Watson. The officers at present are: J. W. Johnson, president; John Watson, vice-president; T. J. Buxton, cashier, and Charles McC. Reeve, assistant cashier. The bank has had a prosperous career from the outset and from its organization as a stock bank has declared large dividends, without the omission of a single year. As evidence of the increase of business, the bank handled in 1872, $5,108,000, and in 1880. only eight years later, this sum was increased to $35.374,000, actual cash transactions. The bank is located corner of Hennepin Avenue and Second street.
The Hennepin County Savings Bank. This institution first opened its doors to the public September 1st. 1870, and is therefore just enter- ing upon its second decade of remarkable pros- perity and usefulness. Its founders and first Board of Trustees were the following well known gentlemen : E. S. Jones. J. E. Bell, S. A. Harris, D. C. Bell and J. II. Clark. 1is first corps of of- ficers from their number as follows, viz. : E. S. Jones, president ; J. Il. Clark, vice-president ; J. E. Bell, cashier. In 1873, Mr. D. C. Bell was elected vice-president in place of Mr. J. II.
Clark, deceased -during the same year Mr. S. A. Harris was chosen to the newly created position of assistant cashier. Such comprised the man- agement until September, 1879, when Mr. Harris resigned his position lo accept the more respon- sible one of cashier of the North-Western Nati- onal Bank of this city. Mr. W. H. Lee for many years, the bank's efficient teller, succeeded Mr. Harris as assistant cashier. The present board of trustees is the same as the original board, with the exception of llon. George A. Pillsbury in place of J. H. Clark, deceased. The present officers are-E. S. Jones. president ; D. C. Bell, vice-president ; J. E. Bell, cashier: W. II. Lee, assistant cashier. The high esteem and confi- dence in which this institution is held by the pub- lie, is evidenced by the fact that it ranks to-day, the foremost institution of ils kind in the state. In one decade its deposits have reached the hand- some aggregate of over $400,000, representing 2,000 and more open accounts, and the rate of in- crease in the total of deposits has never been greater than at the opening of this second decade.
Farmer's and Mechanic's Savings Bank of Minneapolis. This institution was organized September 10th, 1874, with a capital stock of $50,000. Officers: 1. D. Mulford, president; C. Morrison, vice-president: and E. 11. Moulton. treasurer. May 15th, 1875, Dr. Levi Butler was made president, the other officers remaining the same. Dr. Butler died, and Winthrop Young was elected president June 10th, 1878, and has held the office since. The legislature of 1879 passed a law making all savings banks mutual, and in January, 1880, this plan was adopted. This is the only mutual savings bank in the state, the depositors receiving the benefit and sharing in the earnings of the institution. As evidence of the confidence of the public, the deposits in- creased to more than double after the adoption of the mutual plan, being for the year 1879, $186,- 200, and in 1880; from January Ist to Angust Ist, $292,000.
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