USA > North Carolina > Buncombe County > Asheville > Asheville city directory and business reflex 1890 > Part 9
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A visit to Asheville is never complete until the visitor has passed an evening at this grand house and viewed its wonderful beauty and looked upon its vastness.
The Asheville opera house is owned by Mrs J. C. Spears, and was opened to the public in August last, costing $60,000. The properties, accoutre, and the equipage throughout, completes one of the most beautiful and modern arranged opera houses to be found in the South. Three hundred gas and electric lights shine forth with beauty and incantation. The center chandelier, which is of ham- mered brass and warranted not to corrode or oxidize, bas one . hundred and fifty additional lights. There are twelve sets of scenery, four dressing rooms, four proscenium boxes, stage 39x51, height to gridiron thirty-five feet, height to grooves sixteen feet; procenium opening 24x30 feet, with a seating capacity of nearly 1,200, and is heated throughout by steam, while both gas and incandescent lights are employed, and additional properties, which ranks this in in every detail perfect and elegant.
Mr. Eugene Cramer, a southern gentleman, possessing artistic ability to a marked degree, painted the scenery, which is strikingly effective and beautiful.
The frescoe work was executed by Mr. F. A. Grace, of Detroit, Mich., and proves him eminently qualified for his particular line, while the entire auditorium is without a fault, consisting of modern accoutre for the amusement and comfort of both actors and patrons. The paintings are after the style of the early French renaissance, with allegorie aud statuesque detail and consisting of portraits of classical composers, re-touched with effective colors.
The interior is perfect in every sense and presents a scene of dazzling splendor.
The season just opened will present one of beauty and attractive- ness, as many of the famous stars, composing the brilliant constella- tion of the theatrical world, have been engaged and will appear at the grand opera house the coming season.
Please see New York Mirror and Dramatic News; also, article on first page.
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· THE ASHEVILLE TRANSFER COMPANY AND GENERAL LIVERY OFFICE,
No. 68 South Main. Telephone No. 7.
F. STIKELEATHER, Manager.
Riding and driving is a pleasure in which Americans revel and at all seasons, especially in a popular resort like Asheville, perhaps more so than any like city of the nation, hence the demands for liv- ery accommodations must be peremptory to supply the large wants of the fashionable health and pleasure-seeker, and if we were called upon to name a business wherein competion is greater * and sharper we would be hardly able to do so.
An establishment that has long met these requirements and one that bids fair to pale rivalry and stay competition is that of the Asheville Transfer and General Livery office, where well equipped sta- bles are located at 68 South Main street.
The premises occupied is a splendid structure, built and designed especially for this line of industry, and includes 25 to 30 of the most desirable riding and driving horses in the city, also every style rig belonging to a thoroughly appointed stable.
The building is one of the most conveniently arranged in this sec- tion for the health and comfort of their stock, and well ventilated.
A leading adjunct to this business is the buying and selling and boarding of horses, while these gentlemen are thoroughly conver- sant with this, and we predict for them a lucrative trade and a satis- factory business career.
Messrs. Stikeleather Bros. constitute the proprietorship of this es- tablishment, and are among our most solid and progressive business men.
This firm also does the principal baggage transfer of the city, and are prompt in this line on all occasions Telephone call No. 7.
THE BURNETT HOUSE FORMERLY "EAGLE HOTEL,"
Remodeled, Refurnished and Refitted Throughout. Mrs. L. J. BURNETT, Proprietress.
Among the hotels of much needed improvement, and one that is destined to succeed and gain popularity is the Burnett House, lo- cated on South Main street and under the experienced management
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of Mrs. L. J. Burnett, latterly proprietress of the Central Hotel at Hot Springs, N. C.
For a long time past this house had been poorly managed, and in fact was at a very low rating, but under its new management we predict for it a successful career and large patronage. This hostlery has about 20 guest rooms, and we can not say too much in its favor. The proprietress, Mrs. Burnett, is a lady of pluck and energy, which is amply attested in her manner of taking hold of this house and bringing it up to such a standard of excellence. The Eagle Hotel was in former days one of the finest conducted hotels in this section and enjoyed a most flattering custom, but for some cause or other it fell into bad hands and having frequently changed management, we were sorry to note the stagnant condition of late years which has characterized this once famous hotel.
Mr. Robert Johnson, of this city, the owner of this splendid « structure, has gone to much expense in the improvement of this house, and it now stands in competition with the popular and well appointed hotels of this mountain resort, having been lately thoroughly renovated, cleaned, kalsomined and refurnished with first-class ac- coutre and convenience necessary for the comfort of guests. This house has 25 light and well ventilated rooms newly and elegantly arranged and offers splendid attractions for both resident and pleas- ure-seeker.
The rate of charges stipulated by this hostelry range from $1.50 per day to $5 to $8 per week. The table is laden with substantial and delicate edibles and everything good the market affords.
The hostess, Mrs. Burnett, is a lady of pleasant and affable bear- ing, and is thoroughly deserving of a large patronage.
ASHEVILLE WOOD YARD.
Asheville Cement and Plaster Works. Asheville Artificial Stone and Tile Works. C. E. Moody. Prop'r, Office 30 Patton Avenue. Tel. 73.
These important branches of industry are in their very nature of material concern to the community at large ; hence it claims most prominent mention,
This gentlemen being the operator of this combination, which represents one of the most important concerns in this section, the offices of the company being located at No. 30 Patton Avenue, while the large, commodious yards and warehouses are very con-
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veniently located in the western part of the city, near the Depot. While this company has not been in operation as long as some others in the same line, yet they have, by superior facilities and the hand- ling of first class line of products, succeeded in building a large pa- tronage. This company handles, in both wholesale and retail lots, fire wood, all sizes and lengths, cut, split and delivered, ready for use, cord wood of all kinds, charcoal ; also coke, crushed to various sizes for stoves, ranges and furnaces.
Also. a representative adjunct of this house is English, German, Portland and Domestic Cements, Calcined Plaster, Lime and Roof- ing Material. Also, artificial stone and tiling work, such as side- walks, walks in yards, offices, halls, floors for stoves, basements, hearths, and carriage blocks, of various colors and designs. Also, lay concrete sidewalks and similar work.
Mr. C. E. Moody, the efficient manager and proprietor of these several industries, is a native of England, and has been operating in Asheville for nearly two years, and taking into consideration the prominence already gained by him, we predict for this establish- ment a continuation of prosperity and increasing popularity.
Samples of work can be seen at Raysor & Smith's drug store, Na -. tional Bank of Asheville, also Carmichael's drug store.
T. W. & A. M. TRIPPLETT BROS.
Fine Family Groceries and Provisions, near Old Passenger Depot, corner Robert and Buxton Streets.
These are young men full of grit and enterprise, fostered and developed in the old commonwealth of North Carolina. They have been established in business about two years and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, secured among the large patronage of the house.
They carry a fine stock of family and staple groceries, confection- ery, cigars and tobacco, including a full line of glass and crockery- ware, chickens, butter and country produce- and nowhere in this section can a nicer stock be found from which to select.
These gentlemen occupy a nice storeroom, and enjoy the confidence of the community. Every attention is given their customers and they are obliging and courteous to all.
The management of this house is prosecuting in a straight-forward manner, and their trade is steadily increasing-the result of energy and enterprise-and we commend the people, where in need of groceries of any kind, by all means call on Messrs. Triplett Bros.
96 HARE BROTHERS.
Fresh Family Groceries, No. 17 South Main Street.
Those branches of trade which are more especially related to home and table comforts, bring into requisition the shrewdest ability to meet the strong competition with which it must contend. These qualifications are apparent, at the same time energetic business management, associated in the transactions of Messrs. Hare Bros.
In the purchase of their supplies they are careful to secure, first, the best grade of goods for their trade; and second, to secure from good and reliable sources, upon such terms as will enable them to give to their numerous patrons, the advantage of the choicest and most desirable goods in the city at the lowest prices.
The premises occupied by these gentlemen are conveniently located at No. 17 South Main street, and they make a specialty of selling fresh vegetables from the large country farms every morning. including butter, chickens, eggs, and in this particular line they have to offer something choice on all occasions, including every article belonging to the family grocery business.
. The three Hare Brothers are progeny of " Tar Heel " flesh and blood, and individually, and as a firm, represent our best citizens. Personally, the e gentlemen are polite and obliging, coupled with unimpeachable methods of conducting all business affairs, justly meriting the large trade of which they are recipients, and are highly regarded by their many patrons and acquaintances.
THE STEVENSON HOUSE,
Transient and Regular Board, southwest corner Patton Avenue and Church Street, Mrs. S. Stevenson, Proprietress.
The boarding accommodations of Asheville are superior to cities of much larger population, and in this connection we desire to call the attention of our many readers to the well known house con- ducted by Mrs. Stevenson, southwest corner Patton Avenue and Church street, within easy access to the postoffice, Court house, theatre, &c. Electric cars from the depot and all other sections of the city pass the doors ; hence it is at once seen that the location is a very favorable one. It is a well built structure, containing about twenty large and light bed-rooms, hall and dining room, and, in fact, everything that would tend to the benefit and comfort of the
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W E make a specialty of Mineral and Timber Lands, and have at all times such properties on hand. We are in direct communication with capital seeking such investments.
JENKS & JENKS, Real Estate and Insurance Brokers,
Rooms 9 and 10 McAfee Block,
28 Patton Ave.,
Asheville, N. C.
W TE make a specialty of Mineral and Timber Lands, and have at all times such properties on hand. We are in direct communication with capital seeking such investments.
JENKS & JENKS, Real Estate and Insurance Brokers,
Rooms 9 and 10 McAfee Block, 28 Patton Ave.,
Asheville, N. C.
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guests, which are at all times numerous, owing to the good accom- modations which are fully commensurate with the prices charged.
The proprietress, Mrs. S. Stevenson, a lady of long practical ex- perience, and well worthy of the large measure of regard in which she is held, together with the heavy show of public patronage she enjoys.
The table here is at all times laden with fresh and wholesome edibles, which are cooked and served in a careful manner, and the guests are attended to with politeness and promptness by the waiters.
The rates of this house are : Transient, $1 per day, and $5 to $7 per week, according to location of room; and those sojourning in this city will do well to call and register at the Stevenson House.
H. T. SCOTT,
Hatter and Tailor, Cleaning, Dyeing and Repairing, Patton Avenue and Water Street, under Fulenweider Bros.' Shoe Store.
Among the factors that form a part of the immense whole of the industries of a city, and an establishment of prominence and one deserving of mention in our business review, is that of H. T. Scott, who recently established himself in Asheville, and since that time has enjoyed a growing and profitable trade. He makes a specialty of cleaning and remodelling ladies' and gentlemen's hats, clothing, kid gloves, ribbons and kid shoes, and work of every description in this branch of mercantile industry, having every facility for doing such work in the latest and most improved methods. He is not surpassed in the excellence of his work, while he also handles a fine assortment of hats and caps.
Mr. Scott is a gentleman of strict business ability, and his repre- sentations can wholly be relied upon. His trade is steadily increas- ing, and gentlemen needing silk hats ironed and polished up will secure satisfactory work from this house.
Mr. Scott is a native ot North Carolina, and is a gentleman of obliging and courteous training. Parties desiring work from a dis- tance can send such per express, in which case charges for same will be allowed.
M. ELLICK,
Taxidermist and Manufacturer of Fancy Fur Goods, and Buyer of Raw Fur.
There are few persons for whom taxidermy has not a decided charm, presenting, as it does, the rarest specimens of animal life. Among the popular taxidermists of this section is Mr. M. Ellick, whose card we give this prominence, 7
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Mr. Ellick is a native of Germany, and a graduate of the College of Taxidermy in the city of Shreem, (Province of Poson). This gentleman has had, in addition to a full apprenticeship to the trade, the advantage of twenty years' practical experience in the profession, and has resided in Asheville for the past six or eight years, during which time he has uninterruptedly followed his present business,
He occupies a roomy building, and carries the finest line of furs, mounted heads, antlers and mineral specimens ever seen in the eity.
His line of native birds, animals, &e., is very complete. Mr. El- lick does an excellent business, and his work warrants the attention of all lovers of this art. He makes a specialty of mounting pet ani- mals in life-like manner, guaranteeing in every ease life-life pose.
He personally superintends this business, and the rarest specimens of animals are produced, if in good condition, at fair prices ; and his work is as represented in every case. Also, old fur garments worked over, so they look like new.
W. TURNER,
Dry Goods, Notions, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Groceries, and Country Produce a specialty, No. 315 Haywood Street, West end.
Without fear of contradiction in a general write up of Asheville's representative business men and an establishment deserving of prominent mention, is the general merchandise house of Mr. Turner, who is an old and reliable merchant, formerly of London, England, who has catered to a class of appreciative patrons of the west end for the past two years, and there is no firm whose career has been more prosperous than this dealer.
His line embraces a carefully selected stock of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods, with every article belonging to this line of mercantile industry.
This storeroom is neatly fitted up, being well adapted to the trade in which he is pursuing.
His location being also somewhat distant from the centre of Ashe- ville's main business portion incurs less expense in the matter of rents, &c., which gain is invariably bestowed upon his numerous patrons, and at prices that would be difficult to duplicate anywhere in the city.
Mr. Turner gives employment to several clerks, displaying through- out a vast amount of energy, enterprise and business ability, never
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forgetting to be truly successful, equity must characterize all deal- ings by understanding fully how to conduct a paying business.
This firm continues to enjoy an increasing patronage, and the business of the present year will double that of its predecessors, and its condition meets the expectation of a large number of friends and well-wishers of high standing.
In addition to a large trade in the dry goods line, he deals largely in country produce and provisions of all kinds to meet the wants of many of our most prominent citizens, whose requirements he fully understands. In fact the entire departments are complete, and in commercial circles this firm is recognized by an esteemed constitu- ency for his commendable and auspicious mode of transacting business, manifesting at all times kind, and the most courteous treatment, to all.
JAMES WOLFE.
Fresh Meats and Provisions, No. 260 Patton Avenue.
Including the prominent and pioneer leaders in this line of mer- cantile trade, none takes precedenee of Mr. Wolfe, who is an old and experienced man in the meat and provision business and has long been identified in the commercial circles of this city as a gentle- man of fair and honorable dealings with his numerous patrons and acquaintances.
This gentleman occupies convenient quarters at 260 Patton Avenue, and keeps continually on hand all the fresh meat required by a fastidious public.
We noticed his large and splendid air-tight refrigerator, which insures, at all times, well-preserved meats of the most desirable class.
Mr. Wolfe is a native of " Key Stone " State, and is well known in this city, an experienced caterer of large ability and is' heartily supported by remunerative patronage and steadily increasing trade.
ROBERT H. LEE & CO.,
House Painters, and also make a Specialty of Putting in Plate Glass Fronts, No. 83 Bailey Street.
It has been our constant care in this work to speak of individuals, firms and enterprises strictly upon their merits ; hence, it is with pleasure we call attention to the vocations of the gentlemen whose card forms the subject of our editorial.
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In a growing city like Asheville this is an enterprise that com- mands the attention of a large number of people, who contemplate improvements in beautifying their houses and adding to the attrac- tiveness of their business premises.
There is no branch of mercantile progress in which is represented such a field for natural ability and adaptability as in the house painter and decorator. Messrs. R. H. Lee & Co., whose premises are located at 83 Bailey street, carry constantly on hand the usual equipage for the conduct of this line of trade.
The gentlemen comprising this firm are Messrs. Robert H. Lee, a native of South Carolina, who has managerial charge of the busi- ness, while P. J. Perkinson, of this State, is a gentleman of long experience in this line.
The inception of this business took place about five years ago, during which time, by close attention to business and a fair dealing to all, these gentlemen have won the confidence and favor of a large circle of patrons and friends. As an evidence of the superiority of this firm's work, we call attention to the elegant finish of the Pack residence, also Judge Moore's new residence and the Battery Park Hotel.
Personally, these gentlemen are courteous and pleasant, and with long experience and a thorough knowledge of the complexities of this line of work, they justly merit the large patronage and confidence they receive.
THE J. B. COLE,
FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOPS, Butterick, near terminus Patton Avenue.
There is no class of business houses that constitute a more impor- tant and valuable branch of our commercial establishments than the manufactories. A prominent industry in this line is J. B. Coles's Foundry and Machine Shops, located on Butterick street, near ter- minus of Patton avenue. At these works are done all kinds of iron and brass castings, turning and all kinds of machine work, repair- ing of all kinds of farming and factory machinery, and for this pur- pose a number of skilled and competent workmen are employed. Mr. Cole is also agent for new and second hand engines and all kinds of machinery, and manufactures saw mills, cane mills, gudgions, sash weights and casting of every description.
Mr. Cole is a native of Buncombe County, and has been engaged
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in the above business seventeen years, which has steadily increased until his house is known throughout a large territory. He is a gen- tleman of extended experience and ability, and possess superior facilities for the execution of this work, and is prepared to offer special accommodations to all those who patronize this business, as the proprietor is a courteous gentleman, and is highly regarded in commercial circles.
T. W. NORVILL,
Manufacturer of Fine Boots and Shoes, 18 Patton Avenne.
In a review of the mammoth enterprises summed up in this growing city we must not fail to pay tribute to those of lesser magni- tude which form a part of the progress of this " Gem City of the Mountains." Mr. T. W. Norvill, a representative business man of this city, is entitled to mention, and it is with pleasure we direet your attention to the vocation which has employed his well directed efforts for the past twenty years. This gentleman has been engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes in this city for the past 18 years, and has established himself well in the confidence of the en- tire community, and by fair and honorable dealing has succeeded in building up a lucrative trade. He served his apprenticeship in Knoxville, Tenn., and has been a resident of this city since 1872. His shop is located in Fulenweider & Bro's shoe store, 18 Patton avenue, contains all necessary convenience for doing business in his tine, and he is worthy of popular favor and encouragement.
He makes a specialty of fine shoemaking and also does all kind of repairing quickly and satisfactory to all patrons.
Personally Mr. Norvill has a host of friends, and is much admired as a skillful workman.
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J. H. WOODY & CO.,
Dealers in Carriages and Harness, No. 68 South Main. Telephone Call No. 7.
The wonderful growth in this city in the last decade is in a meas- ure without a parallel in the history of the advancing South, and within her gates are some establishments that have made equal strides with her in this unparallelled growth. Among the foremost of these is the establishment whose card forms the caption of this article.
For some time past these gentlemen have been engaged in this business, and are fast establishing a trade which is worthy of more than passing notice, because the manufacture and sale of Carriages, Harness and Saddlery have become essentially an important factor in the commercial aggregate of a city's business, and in Asheville we find a number of enterprising firms engaged in this line.
The premises occupied by Messrs. Woody & Co., are at 68 South Main, and they carry constantly in stock all the latest styles and de- signs in carriage harness and saddlery and represent some of the largest manufactories in the West, and this is probably one of the most desirable places in Asheville to visit when contemplating a purchase of anything in this line.
These gentlemen have long been identified with Asheville's pro- gress, and none are more worthy a liberal patronage than Woody & Co.
The firm is composed of J. H. Woody and F. Stikeleather. The latter named gentleman is also manager of the Asheville Transfer and Livery Company, with office at 68 South Maine, and in this line is prepared to meet all requirements in the matter of stylish rigs and fashionable riding horses, together with prompt attention to baggage and parcel transfer to any part of the city. Personally these gentlemen in trade and social circles are liberal and popular, and individually are respected by a large number of friends and citi- zens.
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"MARBLE HALL,"
Hammershlag & Whittlock, Propr's, 32 South Main Street.
The most conspicuous sign, and one beyond a possibility calculated to attract unusual attention, is that of " Marble Hall," proclaiming strictly and metaphorically not a " dream," but a realization of start- ling truths, which include the leading haberdashers of this metrop- olis.
By reference to this popular establishment we recall to beautiful memory the enchanting operatic air by Monsieur F. Beyer, "I dreamed I dwelt in Marble Halls," &c .; hence it must needs be if those were pleasant inspirations, we can readily comprehend how interesting it would be to find one's self in a genuine marble hall and veritable clothing palace, surrounded by all the elegant and fashionable rai- ment and such requisites known to this cultured and progressive age. Accordingly as the man who works must eat, so also must he be clothed. The outer man this day and time constitutes, in many cases, something greater than the inner man ; and truly ample pro- vision for such has been made him in Asheville. The clothing firms of this splendid city forms a solid and substantial part of its busi- ness population. Our clothiers are men of wealth and influence, and of thorough acquaintance with their business.
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