USA > North Carolina > Buncombe County > Asheville > Asheville city directory and business reflex 1890 > Part 2
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Asheville has the finest building sites in America.
Asheville has a new Light Heat and Power Company.
Asheville has a Park and Hotel Company, capital $1,000,000.
Asheville has a new Opera House, costing $60,000.
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2 Shoe Factories, employing 100 hands.
16 Wood Working Establishments.
18 Lumber and Manufacturing Co's.
2 Foundry and Machine Shops.
3 Sanitariums.
2 Daily, 6 Weekly, 2 Monthly Newspapers.
8 Public Schools.
6 Private Schools.
2 Industrial Schools. Immense Building Improvements.
400 Houses in course of erection.
3 Tobacco Factories.
1 Ice Factory.
1 Flouring Mill.
200 Mercantile Stores.
150 Contractors and Builders.
1 Cigar Factory. Splendid Paved Streets.
1 Broom Factory.
1 Furniture M'fng Co.
1 Soda Water and Bottling Factory.
2 Complete Electric Light Systems.
1 Telephone System.
1 Public Library.
1 Gamewell Fire Alarm System. Large Gas Works.
2 Fire Companies.
3 Social Club Houses. Y. M. C. Association.
50,000 Visitors, annually.
CHARLES D. BLANTON & CO.
Charles D. Blanton & Co., Clothiers and Gentlemen's Furnishers, No. 9 W. Court Place.
It is the province and intention of this work to give a comprehen- sive idea of Asheville's business at present, and by sketching the prominent enterprises within her gates, which point distinctly to the conclusion that while now, comparatively a small city, we are assured that at the present degree of advancement the time is not far distant when she will compete with others of a greater magni- tude and be rightly called one of the great cities of the South.
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SRCHEREST
PATTON AVENUE SCENE (From Lindsey's Guide Book, by Permission.)
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In this connection we call attention to the firm's prominence who head these remarks, and as a dealer in such a line none takes precedence of C. D. Blanton & Co. The business premises of this firm are very centrally located, and virtually in the very heart of the city, and perhaps nowhere else in Asheville can be found a stock so complete which is sold at such reasonable prices. This stock em- braces a full assortment of Men's and Boy's Clothing in all the latest styles and patterns, Gent's Furnishing Goods, containing absolutely all the articles necessary for the toilet of the most fastidious gen- tleman, and always being of the newest and latest styles. This house requires the services of a large number of salesmen to transact its large patronage which is constantly increasing purely on its own nierits. The gentlemen comprising this firm are Charles D., Wm. M. and Joseph Blanton ; Corps of assistants are Mr. Max Marcus, Colonel W. R. Young and John S. Stephens, all of whoni are competent and affable gentlemen.
Mr. Charles D. Blanton, the senior meniber of the firm and at present the mayor of Asheville, has been interested in her progress for a number of years, and during his administration as City Gov. ernor has shown his ability and efficiency in a remarkable degree, in- augurating in many instances substantial improvements, and has failed only in a very few cases to prove the right clay in the right place.
Mr. Blanton is one of those business men who conducts his affairs on a principle of strict justice and fairness to all, which prin- ciples, coupled with his indisputable integrity and broad liberality, have won for him large friendship and much success in the commu- nity and commercial world.
Mr. Blanton is also largely interested in various estates in this section, and as true physiognomists would put it, his face reveals those generous characteristics both of purse and of heart.
F. P. MIMNAUGH.
F. P. Mimnaugh, Dry Goods Emporium, Fashion Bazaar and rare display of the richest fabrics in the market. No. 11 Patton Ave.
" This in the nicest place in Asheville to trade." The speaker was a lady, and the place she referred to was F. P. Mimnaugh's splendid Dry Goods Emporium, No. 11 Patton Ave. "He keeps an excellent line of goods, and sells them at reasonable prices," continued the lady, who is a resident of Chestnut street.
This observant and strictly critical lady simply voiced the senti-
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ment of every one of the thousands who monthly crowd this ele- gant store. The class of goods carried in stock embrace every con- ceivable article that a first class dry goods house ean be expected to earry. The finest domestics and imported silks and satins are found upon the shelves and counters of Mr. Mimnangh.
They are there in endless profusion, wonderful variety of color and various designs. The interior display is a model of artistic ar- rangement, and nearly an exhibition of fine art. There is scarcely an hour in the day that crowds of ladies cannot be seen standing in front of these counters trading, discussing and admiring the beau- ties of the rare fabrics displayed so lavishly to view.
The store of Mr. Mimnaugh during the fine mornings and after- noons so peculiar to Asheville's beautiful climate, presents a most charming and ever shifting seene. The large, airy and attractive store room is ever crowded with gaily attired ladies, whose varied and beautiful costumes and bright, pleasant faces lend a fascinating charm to the place, giving it the semblance of a beautiful Bazaar.
The delicate fabrics displayed so lavishly attract the eye and de- light the soul of those who love the beautiful. The store has a splendid frontage, and the interior dimensions are commodious, well lighted and amply convenient for such a large patronage as he receives.
Also, a chief adjunct to this business is a first class millinery de- partment, in charge of competent and experienced ladies from Bal- timore, and nothing in this department is incomplete, but includes everything fashionable and artistic.
In addition to the large class of dry goods and notions carried by this gentleman, is a complete stock if carpets, rugs and matting, of endless grades and prices.
The entire establishment, in point of,attractive appearance, taste of display, certainly leads all the dry goods stores of Asheville. This firm employs a large force of elerks and attachees, to whom he is liberal and considerate if faithful assistants, and in consequence every person in his employ is zealously loyal to the interests of the firm, and feels an interest in the high reputation it enjoys among its numerous patrons.
There are numerous elements entering into the popularity of this noted firm, chief among which are the following facts : They are liberal advertisers and carry a stock of first class goods, which they sell at reasonable prices, and fulfilling every promise advertised and are keenly alive to the requirements of Asheville trade, which they thoroughly understand.
They know the value of courtesy, and all patrons receive the most considerate and polite attention, and nine cases out of ten, persons
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who trade once with this firm usually return, for it matters not whether the customer is a resident of Battery Park or a denison of " Cripple Creek." They all are treated with uniform courtesy by the proprietor and employees, and every effort made to render a visit to his store pleasant and agreeable. Their trade is of the most de- sirable class, and their goods of that quality and design that at- tracts and captivates at once those who visit this splendid establish- ment.
.Go and see if we have not given them deserved praise.
JAD.COOFER. GROCERIES
A.D.COOPER.
s
E-wn
A. D. COOPER
A. D. Cooper, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Confections, Canned Goods, Condiments, Cigars and Tobacco. Main and College streets, Tel. No. 6.
At a casual glance or a passing thought it seems remarkable how rapidly some firms or individuals will acquire a large and lucrative trade, but when the motto is investigated it is easily explained.
As nothing is so successful in a business as energy and enterprise, coupled with industry and honorable dealings, hence we cannot
W E offer for sale choice Real Estate of all descrip- tions. We loan money in sums to suit. We Care for Estates and guarantee protection to own- ers interest in same. We invest trust funds carefully.
JENKS & JENKS,
Real Estate and Insurance Brokers, Rooms 9 and 10 McAfee Block, 28 Patton Ave., Asheville, N. C.
W E offer for sale choice Real Estate of all descrip- tions. We loan money in sums to suit. We Care for Estates and guarantee protection to own- ers interest in same. We invest trust funds carefully.
JENKS & JENKS,
Real Estate and Insurance Brokers, Rooms 9 and 10 McAfee Block,
Asheville, N. C. 28 Patton Ave.,
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make mention of Asheville's prominent industries without bringing into prominent notice the establishment of A. D. Cooper, among the largest and oldest dealers in this line in the city. Whose location is one of the most central and stock the most complete of any firm in Western North Carolina.
Whether it is a correct criterion or not, it is very often that the importance of an industry is measured by the number of people who use it, and in the matter of the grocery business it must be conceded that the rule applied to this instance is emphatically true, and pre- eminently among these establishments this firm takes the highest rank.
They carry constantly in stock a mammoth assortment of groce- ries, including coffees, spices, teas, sugars, imported and domestic, and canned goods, condiments of all kinds-in addition to an immense retail business.
They do considerable jobbing in this line and make a specialty of selling feed, hay, bran, and all kinds of food for cattle, which will, upon investigation, command the attention of the trade at home and elsewhere.
Mr. Cooper personally courteous, genial and is ever interested in the progress and advancement of this the "Queen City of the Mountains."
BATTERY PARK HOTEL.
A Retreat for Health and Pleasure Seekers. in whose abode bringeth forth soothing balm to one's jaded nerves, together with those luxuries which, in every way, satiates the wants of a fashionable and fastidious commonwealth.
On the crest of a romantic and elevated range of the great Southern Appalachian system, just far enough removed from the city's centre to escape the din and confusion of a busy throng of cosmopolitan people, and offering enjoyment, to its fullest extent, and all desirable metropolitan privileges and comfort, which tend to fulfill the wishes and complete the pleasures of a society and health seeking public, and commanding a view of mountain scenery with metropolitan . elegance, and unsurpassed in the country is located the Battery Park, which, from innumerable points of vantage, renders it a most attractive hotel, and coming in comparison with the well equipped . hotels of the South. Battery Park is a spot of historical interest, and widely popular, not only for its beautiful views, (being one hun- dred feet above the highest streets of the city,) and commanding a 2
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stretch of country in some directions of sixty miles distant, but as having been the location selected during the war by the Confede- rates as the defence to the city. Here a battery was planted and maintained till near the close of the war. The mighty breastworks still remain, and are preserved as flower beds. The view from the hotel is said by tourists and visitors to be unsurpassed in beauty in the world, the eye discerning 1,000 square miles of the sublimest and most awe-inspiring mountain grandeur to be found on this globe.
The owner, Col. Frank.Coxe, is a native of this State, but now re- siding in Philadelphia, who represents an enormous amount of eapi- tal, and is one of the leading railroad magnates of the country.
The doors of the Battery Park were thrown open to the public on the 12th day of July, 1886, and since that time it has enjoyed almost a monopoly of the principal travel through this country. It is four stories in height above the basement and contains about 250 rooms, single and en suite.
The architecture is of modern Queen Anna style, and the structure masonic and solid in its character. It has a frontage of 325x175 feet. It is one of the most thoroughly appointed and perfectly equipped hotels of any pleasure and health resort, both winter and summer.
Its location is one of beauty and picturesqueness that cannot be appreciated until seen. Every modern improvement and invention having been used for the comfort and convenience of its guests, and every rule observed which will at once commend itself to the atten- tion of the health and pleasure seeker.
The entire building is heaied by steam and lighted by Electric light and gas. All the apartments in addition are provided with commodious fire places.
Particular attention has been given to the Sanitary conditions of the entire building, and all the modern safeguards have been intro- duced so as to insure pure air throughout. The building is absolutely fire proof. The floors generally being laid in cement, preventing a fire from spreading from one floor to another, and every appliance, including stand pipes for the purpose of subduing fire, are available on each floor, and in addition making a serious conflagration impos- sible, and here may be seen throughout the year men from all portions of the United States. Wealth, together with fashion and culture, represented in various ways of social pursuits peculiar to an elegant metropolis and all the year round pleasure resort. But aside from the advantages enumerated the wise and liberal policy in the management of this institution employed by Mr. Steele has given great care to the table, to have it at all times fully supplied with every luxury of the home market, and every department is under the
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direction of experienced and skillful assistants. Thus in serving guests a bill of fare unexcelled and the service of the very best.
The first floor includes drawing room, private parlors, office, grand dining room, with ladies' ordinary, rotunda, reading rooms, tele- graph office, ladies' billiard parlor, news and cigar stand, stenogra- phers and typewriters conveniently located. The second floor, which is connected with the rotunda by several convenient stairways, con- tains barber shop, bar and billiard hall, gentlemen toilet and wash rooms. The former apartments in every particular are comfortably furnished.
The upper floors, in many of the apartments, have bath rooms, and are provided with every convenience desired for the comfort of guests. One of the features of the Battery Park's management pro- vides itself is the fact that no perceptible difference in the furnish- ing of the lower and upper floors.
A ball room 50x150, which is exceedingly well fitted and arranged for such amusements in an all-the-year-round resort. This includes a ten-pin alley underneath, which is calculated to please the most fastidious. During the colder portion of the winter the verandas are enclosed by glass, and many of the private suites of rooms have glass bow-windows. By this arrangement invalids can enjoy a sun bath without leaving their rooms.
First-class livery accommodations are easily accessible ; also, in addition, a private motor car line is conducted, and by a gradually circuitous ascent of this interesting hotel, the summit is reached, and relieves a long and tedious walk, which is, in itself, a mammoth enterprise.
Good table conveninces and service has won the confidence and patronage of the best class of our people of the land, and thus has not only received the admiration of every person of note who comes to our city, but that of her citizens and the best business men from every part of the country.
H. REDWOOD & CO.
H. Redwood & Co., Dry Goods, Clothing, Shoes, Hats and Carpets, One Price System. Nos. 7 and Patton Ave.
Among the largest merchants longest resident of Asheville are H. Redwood & Co., who first embarked in business in this city in 1881, under style of Graham & Redwood, Mr. Graham retiring two years later.
For a long time this handsome establishment has controlled a most
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flattering trade and attracted unusual attention on account of the manimoth stock carried and the rare bargains offered ..
Mr. Redwood is a native of the " Monumental City " of Baltimore and has successfully mastered all the intrinsic details of the busi- ness. Sliortly after coming South he recognized in Asheville an ex- cellent opening, although the field was occupied at that time by strong competitors having strong priority of occupancy and exten- sive capital.
Happily the firm possessed considerable means, with experience and indomitable pluck, those essentials which enter largely into success in the commercial world. Their business education ac- quired among the shrewdest merchants in the North and in this community also, peculiarly fitted them for the task before them, and with every confidence in their ability filled their store with a stock of goods to suit all classes
First of all, however, they recognized the value of judicious adver- tising, and one of their first acts was to herald to the trade through various advertising mediums the bargains they proposed to offer. They knew their stock would bear close scrutiny and marked all ar- ticles at plain figures calculated to invite trade.
They did not lay in a stock of shoddy stuff's and advertise theni aş first-class goods. They attempted no deception, but, on the contrary, sold the best at prices that permitted a reasonable profit and at ab- solutely one price.
The fame of such honorable dealing characteristic of this firm, with the excellence of goods handled soon gained circulation among people-and in an inconceivablehort time their store was daily thronged with the best class of cash customers, which is the basis governing at present the rules of this establishment, as they keep no accounts whatever.
For nearly two years the active partners have been Messrs. H. Redwood, John HI. McDowell and P. I. Love. The premises occu- pied by this firm are about 48x100 feet.
The interior is divided by a shelf construction which forms a divide of the different lines handled and gives it the semblance of a mammoth concern, with its several departments as it stands to-day under the management of competent men.
This immense area is stored with a stock of goods scarcely second to any south of Richmond, in which city Mr. Redmond is also a partner in a generally similar business.
Here can be purchased anything from a paper of pins to a cont- plete costume for a lady, or outfit for a gentleman. A visit to this establishment will repay any one having an eye for the beautiful.
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The ample show windows fronting on Patton Avenue command the attention of all passers by.
A most gratifying feature of the display is that every article ex- hibited in the windows has the price plainly marked upon it.
In this mammoth store room is presented a most interesting appearance eliciting favorable comment from all who visit it.
The most delicate and beautiful fabrics are found in bewildering confusion and the scene is captivating in its beauty and mag- nificence, accentuated by the business stir almost ever present.
The stock of goods carried embraces every desirable grade of goods, from fine velvets and silks which only the wealthy can hope to buy, . and goods of more ordinary kinds within the reach of those of really slender means.
The kindly relations existing between this firm and their numer- ous employees are shown by the loyalty of the latter to their em- ployers interest. Without exception they are courteous and in every sense obliging ; it is a genuine pleasure to trade at this splendid Emporium.
The secret of the success of this firm is the fact, that the goods offered for sale are first-class and are sold at fair prices and that customers are treated with pleasing courtesy and every possible effort is made to protect the customers, real interest and thereby to merit patronage.
J. S. GRANT,
J. S. Grant, Ph. G. Pharmacist and Prescriptions a Specialty, 24 South Main. Tel. Store, 10. Res. 94.
To win success in the drug business one must not possess only business ability-but must have also a large amount of specific pro- fessional knowledge in regard to articles handled.
A gentleman possessing to a marked degree the above requisites is the subject of this consideration, and is entitled to very prominent mention in his especial line.
Mr. Grant embarked in this business in Asheville four years ago, and by the utilization of his naturally fine business qualities has succeeded in building up a trade second to none.
He carries a splendid stock, consisting of the very purest drugs . chemicals, toilet requisites, fine perfumeries, patent medicines of known merit, druggists' sundries, while especial care is given the prescription department, in fact such has been the care in this de-
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partment that mistakes are foreign to it-while nothing is used but absolutely pure drugs and chemicals.
Mr. Grant is a druggist of long experience, and fully knows how to cater to the wants of this multifarious public which is evidenced daily by the large patronage he receives, and his knowledge shows what untiring energy of well directed efforts will prove.
The premises occupied by this firm are centrally located and fitted up in an attractive manner. We must admit the city is fortunate in the possession of a number of competent druggists, and among them stands pre-eminently this establishment.
Mr. Grant makes also a specialty of several proprietary articles, including a tasteless emulsion of cod liver oil and pepsin, which has attracted much attention at home and elsewhere. It is a great flesh producer, and the most delicate stomach can digest it.
Also sole agents for Humphries Homeopathic Remedies, known all over the world, in fact the visitor will find every article belong- ing appropriately to this branch of the trade, and also a well selected stock of imported and domestic drugs, cigars and every department receives the careful attention of the proprietor, thus ensuring satisfac- tion to any and all. Mr. Grant personally is courteous, most agreeable, and occupies a splendid position in the commercial world, while so- cially he enjoys the esteem and respect of all who have been thrown into private or business relationship with him.
JOHN BAXTER BOSTIC.
A Sketch of one of Asheville's prominent citizens .- A career that savors of Romance, intermingled with Bold Success and Pros- perity.
Not the least of the high privileges accorded the writer is that of recording a very few of the more prominent acts of North Carolina's business men. The gentleman whose portrait we furnish, first saw the opening of day in Rutherford County, March 30th, 1853, and has, since the present writing, been reared and nurtured principally in the good old Commonwealth of his nativity. His father, a farmer of very limited means, at an early age assigned him to the vocation of farm life. Its toils and hardships soon began to grow distasteful to him, and he made various fruitless attempts to escape the un- pleasant environments that so closely surrounded his career ; but, as a result of energy and perseverance which has of late years char- acterized his every-day life, at the age of even 18 he was not classed
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1
BENEDICT OF CO. CHI
JOHN BAXTER BOSTIC.
among the "tender foots," having tramped from his father's home to Georgia, a distance of three hundred miles, after an unsuccessful attempt to stow himself away in a wagon, where he was discovered by the wagon master, which, we believe, is the only venture in his somewhat eventful life that he has not met with perfect success.
Through the various misfortunes of the poverty of strangers in a strange land, he failed to secure a position in keeping with his love, and, as a last resort, was again subjected to the inevitable and stormy hardships of farm life. He braved this, however, for three years, and by a very necessarily economical policy of treatment upon the question of high life and luxuries, he accumulated the price of a ticket back to his native domain.
In 1874 Mr. Bostic conceived the idea of entering the mercantile business, although possessed of only $100, and less knowledge of the commercial world. He had confidence in his pluck. However, he at that date opened in a small way at Shelby, North Carolina, and was soon associated with his brother, Joseph T., under the firm name of Bostic Bros., both of whom manifested an aptness for mercantile pursuits, and by close attention to business, and a careful study of their patrons' interests, they were soon enabled to enlarge their busi- ness, thus also strengthening their credit. In 1881 Mr. E. H. Wright, of the same place, became a member of this firm, which continued to advance, and in a short space of time this firm entered into the
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manufacture of tobacco, and various other trades in that town, which continued with happy results until 1888, when several changes were made, and in 1887 Mr. Bostic came to Asheville, and since then has prospered to a remarkable degree. Mr. Bostic is now a large dealer in real estate in this city, wherein probably no calling or pursuit re- quires such keen foresight, thorough knowledge and intimate ac- quaintance with values as does that of the real estate dealer, and to successfully handle property and place loans in a constantly growing city one must possess those qualities named, and, besides, should have business ability of a high order and standing in a community that will inspire confidence towards him. In real estate transac- tions there are many points of vital character to consider, if a dealer would be honest with his customers and places any valuation upon his own character. Values may be inflated, property grossly mis- represented and titles imperfect, which the investor may have no knowledge of at the time of the purchase, but which cannot be hidden from him ; and so the necessity of seeking out the dealer who has all the virtues of an honest business man, and is above the petty trickery by which many men rise to affluence and power at the sacrifice of honor, and entail loss upon their confiding customers.
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