History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 80

Author: Warner, George E; Foote, Charles M., joint author; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1n; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 80

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Pollock, Donaldson and Ogden, wholesale and retail crockery and glassware, was established in 1855. At that time they handled groceries in connection with their other business. In 1858 they discontinued their grocery business, and handled crockery exclusively, and have continued to do so ever since. They handle everything in the line of crockery and glassware, deal in plated ware and fine decorated China largely. They import most of their goods in the crockery line direct from Europe. Their business is princi- pally wholesale. They employ three traveling salesmen, who carry their samples through Min- nesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Dakota, sell some

goods in Montana and Manitoba. They do a very large business in stone ware, having handled fifty car loads of these goods in the past year. Besides their store at No. 50 E. Third street, they have four warehouses for storing goods. They buy glass- ware largely in Pittsburg, Penn. They probably carry the largest stock in their line of any concern west of Milwaukee. This is the oldest crockery house in St. Paul. They employ twenty-three men in their business, carry a stock of $90,000, their average annual sales are $175,000.

Craig, Larkin and Smith, importers and deal- ers in crockery, wholesale and retail. This house was founded in 1866, with the firm name of .Craig and Co., and so continued about two years, when Mr. J. P. Larkin was admitted as a member and the name changed to Craig and Larkin. Dur- ing the year 1868 they suffered the loss of part of their stock from fire, but soon resumed business, Their trade reached such an extent that they felt the need of roomier quarters and moved from their old place of business, 66 East Third street, to their present location, 64 Sibley street, where they have an elegant store well fitted in all its appointments for the prosecution of their line of business. Although they do a retail business, they are principally engaged in the jobbing trade. Their business last year amounted to $136,000. During the summer of 1881, Mr. Smith was add- ed to the firm and the title is now Craig, Larkin and Smith.

Lichtenauer and Engel, importers and jobbers of crockery and cutlery. This house was estab- lished by the present proprietors at their present location, 89 East Third street, in February, 1880. They have an elegant store and well fitted. The building is 28x110 feet, and three stories high above the basement. Their retail department occupies the lower floor, the balance of the build- ing is devoted to the jobbing trade. Although a new house, they have built up a fine trade, and bid fair in time to take a front rank among the jobbing houses of the city.

Averill, Russell and Carpenter, manufacturers and general dealers in paper. This house was established in 1866, by J. T. Averill, C. C. Secombe, E. W. Cutter and H. M. Carpenter, under the firm name of Averill, Secombe and Company. Mr. Cutter retired from the business in 1869, and Mr. Secombe in 1873. They first be-

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gan business at 14 West Third street, where they continued until 1872, when they moved to 152 and 154 East Third street. They continued in business there until August, 1880, when in con- nection with P. II. Kelly and Comp .ny, they were burned out, losing almost their entire stock. Business was checked but a short time, with commendable energy they soon established them- selves at their present location, on the corner of Fourth and Wacouta streets, and before the end of September were working in regular shape, and have met with a gratifying increase of trade. Their mills and a wareroom are located at Minneapolis.

Pilkington and Company, farm machinery. This now very extensive establishment, started out under the firm name of Pilkington, Busch and Company, as a commission house handling farm machinery, seeds, etc., in a small room on Robert street. Continued there until January 1st, 1881, business grew so rapidly, and as the sales of farm machinery increased, seeds were gradually dropped. The farm machinery business assumed such vast proportions, that they had to devote their whole time and attention to it, and they soon outgrew their old quarters on Robert street. In the summer of 1880, they built a new ware- house especially for their business; the building is very substanttially constructed, of stone, 80x 110 feet, three stories high, they also have addi- tional ground room of 80x110 feet for sheds for storing farm implements. Their goods are sold all over the North-west. They keep farm ma- chinery and tools of all kinds, from a common rake up to the most improved harvester or threshing machine; although they commenced very small their sales during last year amounted to something over $500,000. They also handle wagons, carriages and buggies in connection with their other business.

C. B. Thurston, wholesale dealer in farm ma- chinery, agricultural implements, farm wagons, single and double carriages, etc. This is one of the mammoth institutions of the city of St. Paul, occupying a space of 50x250 feet, in a stone building, No. 18 West Third street. Every con- ceivable farm implement can be found in this establishment. Mr. Thurston commenced busi- ness in St. Paul in 1877, doing a very successful business; notwithstanding the existing lively

competition, his sales have nearly doubled each year. Mr. Thurston carries a very large and well assorted stock of these goods, perhaps as much as any house of the kind in the North-west; he is selling his goods all over this country, through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Dakota, Montana, Manitoba, and up in the Red River country. Mr. Thurston is very particular in keeping the best and most approved farm machinery in the market. His wagons and carriages are of the best manufacturers. His goods are all warranted to give perfect satisfaction. His sales will amount to from $750,000 to $900,000.

P. F. Eagan and Company, successors to D. C. Greenleaf. This establishment dates its origin to the year 1855, when it was begun as a new en- terprise. Succeeding to the house of D. C. Green- leaf it entered the field as a free lance, and its purposes in the trade since then have been first to accomplishi success; and secondly, to establish that success upon a basis that would be enduring. The deft fingers of workers in gold and silver have given shape and comeliness to such an in- finite variety of articles of adornment, that to fully describe a first class jewelry house like this would necessitate writing columns; that we can not undertake, but we can write a synoposis. The counters, extending upon both sides of the room and its full length, are covered by silver plated show cases, the contents of which embrace ten thousand things. Back of the counters, and ranged along the walls, are standing show cases chiefly devoted to the display of silverware. As our eyes roam over the house they are caught by the glitter of precious stones, of jewelry and sil- verware. Ornaments for the toilet table abound, there elegant clocks and an endless array of things beautiful and useful. All grades of American watches, cases and movements are carried in stock. Watches, diamonds, jewelry, etc. They display for the season of 1881 a line of goods more complete and extensive than any sea- son since their inauguration. Every conceivable style of sterling and silver plated ware, as well as fancy goods, covering as they do, the vast field of demand, from toilet articles, to those of ornamen- tation, are always to be obtained, and the trade should consult their interests by communicating or examining their goods. The same remark will hold good of the entire establishment. Fa-

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miliarity with the business has enabled them to anticipate the wants of the people, and at the same time an effort has been made, and not without success, to create a demand for articles of intrin- sic value. In no city of the United States of population approximating to St. Panl, have we seen a more metropolitan establishment, one that reflects credit upon the city and the people who support it. The reputation acquired by P. F. Eagan is too well known to require special com- ment. The house has demonstrated itself to rely npon honorable dealings, and we have yet to learn that the confidence of a customer has been misplaced. With such a record, the ontgrowth of business operations during the past twenty-five years, the success of the future ought to be even more marked than the past has been.

Meyers and Finch, jewelers and manufacturers of jewelry. The members of this firm came from Syracuse, New York. In August, 1872, they opened, in a small way, a jewelry store at No. 88 West Third street, in this city. There they con- tinued in business two years, when they removed to No. 6 West Third street, occupying one-half of Rogers' store. Their business increased so rap- idly that in April, 1876, they were obliged to se- cure more spacious quarters, and so changed again, to their elegant rooms in Warner's block, Bridge square, where they continned until Feb- ruary 4th, 1879, when the fire, which nearly destroyed the building, drove them out. With characteristic energy, they immediately opened again, on the opposite side of the street, until the repairs in the Warner block were completed, when they returned to their fine apartments in that building. Their trade is now very large, ex- tending all over the state, and into the far North- west. They are increasing their manufacturing facilities, to keep pace with their rapidly growing business. In the manufacture of emblems, badges, presentation jewels, and other articles of a similar character, they make a specialty. They do the finest work in enameling and engraving, of any honse in the North-west. They carry a very large stock of solid silver goods, table ware and fancy pieces, especially adapted for presentation pur- poses. Then there are beautiful bronzes, stat- uary and unique fancy pieces, that are highly attractive. They carry one of the best selected · stocks of plated silverware in the state. Costly

diamond jewelry, watches, chains, both of gold and silver, beautiful gold rings, they carry in great variety, and of various sizes, styles and prices. They are the special agents of the great honse of Tiffany and Company, New York, and deal extensively in their fine watches ; are also state agents for the celebrated Albert HI. Potter and Company watch, the finest in the world. Few enterprises under similar circumstances have been more successful than the firm of Myers and Finch. They have built up a flourishing and extensive business, and have now the confidence of the people of the North-west.

St. Paul Book and Stationery Company. This establishment is located at number 81 East Third street. It occupies the entire building, three- stories and basement. The latter apartment is used for general storage purposes, and there is a bewildering amount of merchandise placed upon its floors. On the next floor is situated the re- tail department of the establishment. Here are found all the choicest books and articles which delight the intellectually inclined. Complete edi- tions of all standard authors are upon the shelves splendidly bound, but their outer covers are no indication of the attractiveness of their contents. Dickens, Thackeray, Scott, Shakespeare, Moore, Byron, and all the other great minds of the past have contributed their mites to the vast aggre- gate of works now extant. The St. Panl Com- pany take good care that their stock is never lack- ing in a supply of these standard works. A full stock of stationery is also carried, and the in- genuity and resources of the manufacturers are taxed to keep the company's stock supplied with novelties. Fashion arbitrarily demands new styles of stationery as rapidly as a decree issued for a change in style of dress. The feminine portion of the community are said by the stationers to watch as closely the changes in stationery as they do the fashion plates. On the second floor is the wholesale department, which is under the direct supervision of II. B. Brooks. Before he came to St. Panl, he was for thirteen years connected with one of the most prominent houses in Chi- cago, and is, therfore thoroughly conversent with the trade. His experience in Chicago has given him a perfect insight to the requirements of the business of the North-west. Much of this season's stock was ordered through the company's

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importing house in New York. One order for imported Christmas cards which are being man- ufactured for the company amounts to $1,000. The business of the company is rapidly increas- ing, and they supply the wants of the North-west with all the facility possible. There is no house in Chicago or Milwaukee that can compete with them.

T. S. White and Company, stationery, whole- sale and retail. The name of T. S. White has in St. Paul become a synonym for enterprise and quick business perception. He is one of the most widely known gentlemen in his line of busi- ness in the North-west. A residence of twenty- six years in this city has given him abundant op- portunity to enlarge his circle of acquaintances, and he has taken advantage of the fact. It is to men of his character that the business of St. Paul owes its rapid development as the chief commercial city of the North-west. The firm of T. S. White and Co. is now located at No. 71 East Third street. The entire building is occu- pied by the firm, and filled with a very complete stock of paper, stationery, blank books, and ev- ery thing else which properly belongs to an estab- lishment of this kind. The wants of the whole- sale trade are very carefully looked after, and no efforts are spared to anticipate its wants. The entire North-west is subjected to the visits of the firm's agents, and their trade daily grows in ex- tent. Their stock is entirely new, and conse- quently attractive. Prices are as low as consist- ent with correct business principles. Mr. White's thorough acquaintance with the trade gives him a superior advantage over his competitors, and his customers reap the benefit of his great expe- rience. A trip through. the establishment would be a revelation to most people, who have but a slight idea of the extensive stock which is carried by a firm in the stationery business. They have in connection with their establishment, a complete printing office, from which some of the finest work in the state is turned out. Steam power has been introduced into the building, and the firm is enabled to turn out all their work very rapidly. All the novelties in machinery, type, borders, and printing material generally, are added to the office as rapidly as originated. As a consequence, this branch of the firm's business is assuming large proportions. All of the heavy commercial houses, and the state, city, and coun- , as well as the patronage of our citizens.

ty officials find it convenient to have their work done at this office.

Stevens and Robertson, gilders, manufacturers and dealers in looking glasses, mirror plates, pic- tures, picture frames, window cornices, mould- ings, glass and artists materials, wholesale and retail, 15 East Third street, St. Paul. This house, now composed of James V: Stevens, of Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, and George C. Robertson of this state, was established in 1871, by James Brownell, an early settler in the state, who came to St. Panl from Hastings, and who was a native of New York state. Mr. Brownell always kept the business a little in advance of the wants and tastes of the people, and by this means contributed not a little to the cultivation and improvement of the public taste. By his ample stock, moder- ate prices, and noted honesty in dealing, lie early earned for the house the confidence and respect of the people, who have justly esteemed it the leading house of its kind in the North-west, and who have continued to patronize it in a most liberal manner, highly complimentary not only to the house, but to the people themselves as well. Mr. Stevens purchased a half interest with Mr. Brownell, in May, 1878. Mr. Robertson pur- chased of Mr. Brownell his remaining interest in May, 1879. Since then they have greatly in- creased and much improved the quality of their stock, added many new and desirable features to their business, and have increased its extent over one hundred per cent., until now their customers come from not only the remotest parts of our state but from those of our neighboring states and territories as well, and notwithstanding the grow- ing and exalted nature of the wants of the people of the present, Stevens and Robertson continue to anticipate the same, and through their corres- pondents in Europe and arrangements with pub- lishers and importers, they are enabled to offer to the public all the new goods and other novelties as early as most enterprising eastern houses, and for exactly the same consideration as the most liberal of its kind. In their frames, mouldings, as well as the taste and skill in mounting their pictures the house rivals the best of the country. It is the aim and purpose of these gentlemen to maintain for the house its exalted reputation, and to continue to merit the confidence and esteem,

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The hide and fur house of A. O. Bailey. This branch of trade is one that has, within the past few years figured largely in the annual business of St. Paul. The fur trade of the North-west was one of the leading incentives to early exploration, and even after settlements were made on the Upper Mississippi river, the skins of fur-bearing animals, were for many years a medium of ex- change, taking the place of money. The trapper, voyageur and Indian, alike, brought to the trader skins, which they exchanged for the commodities and necessities of life. Since the days of the American Fur Company, all has been changed. St. Paul, instead of being the principal receiving station for the furs produced, is now a distribut- ing point, from which business extends in every direction throughout the surrounding states and territories. The house of A. O. Bailey ranks among the most enterprising of the North-west. In June, 1872, Mr. Bailey opened business in St. Paul, but the following spring removed to Menom- inee, Wisconsin, where, until November, 1878, he transacted a prosperous and rapidly increasing business. At the latter date he again established himself in St. Paul, at 276 Jackson street, and with what success, the splendid new block erected by him, on the corner of Fifth and Rosabel streets, will testify. This building is one of the finest in the city. It has a frontage on Rosabel street of forty-eight feet, and on Fifth street a frontage of two hundred feet. The rear of the building is extended 92 feet, forming an L. Its height is three stories above the basement, giving floor room of 41,310 square feet in addition to the basement. The walls are faced with Watertown brick, and the trimmings are of Ohio blue sand- stone, surmounted by a highly ornamental cornice of galvanized iron. The building presents a fine appearance. It is heated by steam throughout, and is fitted with two elevators of the latest im- proved pattern, special attention being given to safety. In this business nearly fifty men are constantly employed. A new departure in this line, lately introduced by Mr. Bailey, and meeting with success, is the manufacture of buf- falo robes from the raw skins. This is proving an important feature, and will add largely to the annual business of this house. The amount of business in 1880, was about $750,000, and for this year will reach about $1,000,000

Joseph Ullman began dealing in furs in St. Panl, as early as 1854, and for twelve years car- ried on a large trade in that line, reaching over the entire western and north-western country. In 1866, lie established a house in Chicago, where he transacts a large business. Two years later, a house in New York city was founded by Mr. Ullman, which is probably the largest in that city. HIe also bas an establisliment in Leipzig, Ger- many, dating from 1871. He attends sales in London, England, at which he buys largely, and ships to Leipzig. The business at St. Paul is under the management of Isidor Rose, who has been in charge since 1855. The New York branch is managed by two sons of Mr. Ullman and HI. A. Bromley. The business in St. Paul is located at No. 65 Jackson street.

Perkins, Lyons and Company. This house was established in 1859, in a small two-story stone building on Third street, 20 by 40 feet, by George P. Peabody (brother-in law of one of the present firm, W. L. Perkins) with the small capital of from three to four thousand dollars (and with the other member of the present firm, Maurice Lyons, who was connected with the house from the com- mencement), continned some time, when more room was required, and forty feet more was added to the building. In this building business was continued until 1872, when Mr. George Pea- body sold out his entire interest to the firm of Peabody, Lyons and Company. The names of this firm were Charles Peabody, Maurice Lyons, and William L. Perkins. Under this management business continued until 1879, when Messrs. Per- kins and Lyons (the present firm), bought out Charles Peabody's interest, and needing more room for their fast increasing business, moved to their present commodious building, 25 by 150, on Robert street, four stories, where they keep a full stock of all the best brands of imported and domestic wines, liquors and cigars. Mr. Perkins resided twenty-two years in California, and the present firm have the very best facilities for pro- curing, and keep in stock, the very best pro- ductions of that country in the way of wines and brandies. This, in connection with the very large stock of imported wines, brandies, fine rum, &c., they carry, together with a full line of all the favorite brands of Bourbon and rye whiskies of Kentucky, such as the Hermitage, O. L. C., Nel-

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son, Anderson, McBrayer, Carlisle and make of these favorite brands, as complete and full stock as can be found in any city in the West. Messrs. Perkins, Lyons and Company carry from fifteen hundred to three thousand barrels in bond, of different ages, all for the purpose of keeping their stock in St. Paul always up to the standard. The firm of Perkins, Lyons and Company keep all the time three salesmen on the road, and part of the time four, who visit pretty much every town in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and Da- kota territory, monthly; their sales amounting to from $250,000 to $300,000 yearly, requiring a capital of about $100,000, now, to do the business, thus showing quite an increase in this particular line of business during the last twenty years in St. Paul.

George Benz and Company. The above named firm was formed January Ist, 1881. The origi- nal business was established in 1862, under the firm name of Benz and Becht, which was con- tinued until 1868, when Mr. Becht died. Mr. Benz then purchased from the heirs the interest of his former partner, and carried on the business by himself. Under his able management trade constantly increased, until finally it became more than one man could conduct, with justice to him- self and his customers. Accordingly, therefore, the new firm was organized by the association, with him, John Haggenmiller and William F. Hachmann under the firm style of George Benz and Company. Mr. Haggenmiller was senior partner of the firm of Haggenmiller and Kuhl. Mr. Hachmann had been for several years the traveling agent of Mr. Benz. The combination is one of great strength, and is indicative of the expansion of the business into an immense trade. All three members of the firm are thoroughly posted on all details of the business. Possessing ample financial means, which enables them to carry heavy stocks of everything pertaining to the wholesale wine and liquor trade.

The premises occupied are particularly well adapted for their special purposes. They are situated fronting twenty-four feet on Third street at number 110, (old number 93) with a depth of ninety feet towards Hill street, the rear, and ope- ning on the latter street. These premises are much more extensive than at first sight would ap- pear. They have been specially fitted up and

prepared for the proper storing of immense quan- tities of wines and liquors, so that they will re- main in the best possible condition at all times. There are three stories below the level of Third street, the bottom one of which opens on Hill street, and is used for shipping purposes and the storage of domestic whiskies. One floor of Henry Arleman's building next door is also occupied as a store room, and in addition, the basement of the Rochat building, the latter being filled with heavy stocks of ginger ale, ale, porter and min- eral waters. Extensive wine vaults have been ex- cavated, projecting out to the middle of Third street. Arriving there, they turn square off and run up the street a short distance, whereupon they again turn and run back parallel to the passage, leading out to the middle of the street, the last avenue continuing on until it arrives at Hill street. These capacious vaults are cut out of the solid rock, and being at such a depth below the street, are of a cool and equable temperature, par- ticularly adapted for the keeping of wines in proper condition. The stock of every descrip- tion of goods is very heavy, and the total yearly sales of the house foot up to a very large sum.

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