USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 12
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Geo. W. Ruhl & Sons.
Among the city's acquisitions in 1896 was the firm of Geo. W. Ruhl & Sons, harness manufacturers, who removed here on July 1 of last year from Findlay, O., where their business had been established 33 years ago by the senior member of the firm, Mr. Geo. W. Ruhl. The Messrs. Ruhl have become famed for the excellence of their products
and they enjoy a widespread, influential trade, particularly throughout Ohio and Indiana. They employ none but first-class workmen, conse- quently their goods are first-class. They cater to an exacting class of customers, therefore they must handle the best. The firm occupy a fine three-story brick building, and command every facility available for use in their business. The salesrooms contain an immense stock of the finest harness and harness specialties ; also traps, surreys, buggies and road wagons. A general jobbing trade is carried on and patrons of the house are ever dealt with upon the most liberal basis. Mr. Geo. W. Ruhl is a native of Findlay, and one of Ohio's best known merchant manufacturers, whose career has been as creditable as it is long. He is a prominent member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and universally respected. His sons and partners, Messrs. Charles A. and Harry B. Ruhl, are also members of the Benevolent Protective Order and were born in Findlay. They are both energetic, wide-awake business men, and are popular wherever known.
Toledo Fritter Co.
A unique industry but recently established in Toledo, and which has already met with flattering success that promises well for its future prosperity, is that conducted by the Toledo Fritter Co., at No. 623 Adams street. The proprietor had a novelty to offer the public, an article of merit, and also possessed the business ability and energy to push it prominently into attention. Hence his success. Mr. J. D. Varley, the gentleman referred to, manufactures "Pop-corn Fritters," a most delicious, wholesome and nutritive article, and he is at present making them at the rate of 10 gross packages per day. These fritters please and tickle the palate, and to try them once is to want more. Consequently confectioners and other handlers of this class of goods find them ready sellers and, of course, profitable accordingly. One of the most attractive features of Mr. Varley's store is the handsome soda fount, which, in the summer season, has a most liberal patronage. The ice cream soda dispensed here is particularly delicious. Besides this the confectionery sold by this house is noted for purity, delicate flavor and wholesomeness. Mr. Varley also makes pop-corn balls in all
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flavors and varieties. Mr. Varley is a native of Ohio, having been born in Marion. He is a hustling, wide-awake business man, and well de- serving of patronage.
Yost Manufacturing Co.
One of the most remarkable features of the industrial growth of these closing years of the nineteenth century is the manufacture of bicycles. This is now one of the foremost American industries and the aggregate capital invested in its prosecution reaches an enormous fig- ure. Toledo has come to be one of the leading centres of this business
YOST MAN
SZYOST MANUFACTURING 60. BICYCLE
interest and several of the largest concerns engaged therein are located in this city. One of the most prominent of these is the Yost Manufac- turing Company, whose salesrooms are located at No. 715 Adams street' and factory at the junction of Dorr street and the Lake Shore Railroad, this being distinguished as Yost station. Freight, express and tele- graph offices have been opened at this point. The company was in- corporated in June, 1892, under the state laws of Ohio, with a capital
stock of $100,000, and it has since built up an immense demand for its superior products. The company manufactures the " Gold Crank Fal- con Bicycles," which are now world famous. They turn out from 15,- 000 to 20,000 of these wheels annually and they are shipped to all parts of the globe. The European distributing agencies are situated at, and are in charge of Robert M. Marples, 57 Holborn Viaduct, London ; the France-American Bicycle Co., 41 Rue street, Sebastien, Paris. The works cover a large area of ground and are equipped with the most im- proved machinery, driven by a 200-horse power engine. The various buildings include the two main factories, the enameling and finishing department, packing and shipping department, engine room, the “ Fal- con Club House," etc. The works are heated with steam. Employment is found for from 400 to 500 workmen. High grade wheels only are made, and the superiority of the " Falcon " is too well known to need any commendation at our hands. Suffice it to say it is unsurpassed in every respect. Beautifully illustrated catalogues giving full descrip- tions are furnished free of charge. The officers and directors of the company are all well known business men of wide experience, which fact accounts for the success with which the business has been con- ducted. The president is Mr. E. W. Tolerton ; the vice-president, Mr. E. P. Breckenridge ; secretary, W. F. Dewey, all well known gentlemen who are closely associated with some of Toledo's most extensive enter- prises. The treasurer, Mr. Leander Fisher, is well known in Toledo's business circles. Mr. W. L. Laskey is Superintendent of Agencies and Advertising. The active management of the company's affairs is in the hands of Mr. Jos. L. Yost, who has been associated with bicycle busi- ness since its inception. He was the fourth manufacturer to begin making wheels in America and his wide experience and thorough familiarity with every detail of this business is clearly evidenced in his careful and successful management of the Yost company's affairs.
Fred C. Schmidt, Wall Paper, Etc.
The city is rich in railroad facilities, several important lines giving it ample service. Its business interests include many which extend all over the country, and the volume of local trade is large and of an
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excellent character. One of the representative firms is that of Fred C. Schmidt, dealer in wall paper, picture frames and room mouldings, at 705 Cherry street. Mr. Schmidt began his enterprise three years ago, and he carried it on with growing success. His establishment is com- modious and convenient, including a fine salesroom, a large workshop and ample storage room. He employs the most skillful workmen and carries at all times a varied and well selected stock. Mr. Schmidt is one of the younger business men of the city, being only 30 years old. He is a native of Michigan. All his attention is given to the building up of his trade and the only organization with which he is connected, is the National Union.
S. B. Wilsdon, Meats.
One of the most popular markets in the city is that so ably and successfully conducted by Mr. S. B. Wilsdon, at No. 1120 Adams street. This gentleman began business 18 years ago, and has been fortunate in acquiring a large, permanent trade of the most desirable character. Mr. Wilsdon employs several assistants and deals in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, smoked meats, poultry and game in season. Only the choicest grades are handled, and patrons are supplied upon the most liberal terms. Mr. Wilsdon is a native of Toledo, and fully identified with its growth and development. He is owner of considerable real estate in this city, and as a public-spirited citizen and upright business man is universally admired.
The Palace Steam Laundry.
Where there are so many of the kind worthy of notice, it is diffi- cult to choose one particular establishment for favorable comment, but the Palace Steam Laundry must be given that honorable distinction. It was established in 1894 by Chester P. and Joram J. Chatfield, the present owners and managers, and is located at No. 1017 Adams street. The machinery used is of the best make and quality and includes two rotary washers, one collar machine, one ironer and one polisher, pro- pelled by a No. 6 horse power steam engine. The number of hands employed ordinarily are from six to ten and two wagons are in con-
stant use. The motto of the firm is " best work and prompt delivery," and it is but just to say that their motto has never suffered disgrace, but has always been faithfully followed. Chester P. Chatfield, senior member of the firm, is a native of Michigan, but adopted Ohio as his home some twenty years ago. He is a gentleman of sterling honesty, unimpeachable integrity, and untiring industry. He is a valuable factor of the city's busy life. Mr. Joram J. Chatfield was born in Ohio, and possesses the push and indomitable perseverance of the native Buckeye.
Wilson Manufacturing Co.
A foremost concern in its industry is the Wilson Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of the celebrated "Valentine " bicycle. This wheel represents thoroughly up-to-date ideas, and with all the latest improvements is fully equal to any $100.00 wheel. while it is made to sell for $75.00. Both ladies' and gentlemen's models are made, and the wheels are guaranteed as high grade in every respect. The frames are made of the best cold-drawn seamless steel tubing, reinforned at the joints ; the bearings are all made of the finest tool steel, oil tempered ; also the Morgan & Wright quick repair tires, and every portion of the wheel is minutely inspected by competent workmen, both before and after assembling. This company was organized about a year ago, and since November 10, 1896, Mr. Geo. Wilson, Jr., has been sole proprietor and manager. The factory is equipped in the most complete manner, a large force of mechanics is employed, and the output is an extensive one. Orders from any part of the country are promptly met. Mr. Wil- son is a native of Toledo, a young man of excellent business ability, and is popularly known all throughout the community.
Jesse Sisson, Bee Supplies.
In every community will be found special industries which by their remote character, are far reaching and add very materially to the fame of a city, by the vast scope of territory they reach ; and also there may be found men who are pioneers in the city as well as their chosen industrial calling, and in this respect no more notable instance can be
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found than in Mr. Jesse Sisson, who came to Toledo in 1847, from New York State and has grown up with the city, and in 1886 embarked in the business of manufacturing bee supplies of all kinds, succeeding to the business of E. T. Lewis & Co. The plant is a large and spacious building, 22x100 feet, situated at 214 Jackson avenue. He makes a specialty of the U. S. Standard Honey Extractor. The trade on this and other specialties extending to the most remote corners of this country. A number of expert mechanics are employed in the man- ufacturing of their products, and the name of Jesse Sisson upon any article used in bee culture is accepted throughout the United States as standard and the best made. Mr. Jesse Sisson, as we have said, is a pioneer among us, and has ever been a popular favorite in business and social circles, and enjoys the high esteem of all who know him, having ever been kind and generous to a fault, and ever showing a deep and public-spirited interest in the advancement of To- ledo as a city.
A. C. Butler, Photographer.
The record of the progress of our city and the various changes which from time to time take place, perhaps none do more toward per- petuating than the photographer, and none have made greater progress or are better known than Mr. A. C. Butler, whose handsomely equipped gallery is at 309-311.313 Cherry street, occupying the whole of the second floor of the handsome two-story brick building of modern architecture, and fitted throughout with elegant offices, dressing rooms, operating room, printing and finishing rooms, and employs a competent corps of artists who have been selected for their special fitness to the work of making art photographs, crayon portraits, etc. Mr. Butler has gold medals and diplomas for high grade work, and makes a specialty of babies and children's photos and enlargements of all kinds, the trade being confined to Toledo and surrounding towns. This gallery was first established in 1880 and was known as the "Rookwood Gallery " but came into possession of Mr. Butler in 1887, and has ever since had a successful run of business under the capable management of Mr. Butler. Mr. Butler is a comparatively young man, and quite a
hustler, being very pleasant and agreeable and ever anxious to please his patrons. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has ever been prominent in business and social circles, and is a popular member of the A. O. U. W. and Modern Woodmen, and possesses that public spirit which ever manifests a deep interest in all public matters.
I. J. Shifley, Hardware.
Among the noteworthy business men of Toledo who have attained reputation and success in the pursuit of their respective vocations, due mention is deserved by Mr. Isaac J. Shifley, the hardware merchant and cornice maker of No. 2021 Adams street. This business was founded five years ago by Messrs. Shifley & Critchdale, the firm afterwards becoming Shifley & Goler, but for the past three-and-a- half years Mr. Shifley has remained in the sole control. He now occupies a frame building, having but one story, but it is his intention to- erect on this site, in the spring, a large, hand- some brick structure, built upon the most ap- proved lines, and possessing all modern improvements. The store and workship occupied by Mr. Shifley are equipped with all requisite conveniences, and a corps of compe- tent workmen is employed. Repairing of all kinds is given careful attention, furnaces are set in correct fashion, and particular attention is paid to cornice and copper work. Mr. Shifley is a native of Ohio's soil, having been born at Bucyrus. He holds- membership in the Builders' Association, and Royal Arcanum, and. commands the esteem of all his fellow citizens.
D. J. Marleau, General Store.
A prominent store in this section of the city is that of Mr. D J. Marleau, wholesale and retail dealer in groceries, provisions, etc., whose- store is located at the corner of Phillips & Detroit avenues, West To- ledo. This steadily increasing business was established June 10, 1892, ..
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by Messrs. Marleau & Roshang, who conducted it until 1894, when Mr. Roshang retired and Mr. Marleau became sole proprietor. Mr. Marleau has influential connections, and deals largely in fancy and staple gro- ceries, provisions, flour and feed, baled hay and straw, hardware, tin- ware, glass, paints, oils and varnishes. The store is commodious and well equipped and there are three feed warehouses. Mr. Marleau keeps in stock a superior assortment of general hardware, and also handles Kellogg & McDougallis' white lead, and the most famous brands of dynamite. He was born in Canada in 1868 and is a popular member of the Toledo Grocers' Association, being highly esteemed in business and social circles for his sterling integrity. Mr. Marleau was appointed Postmaster of West Toledo in 1893 and has ever given a cordial sup- port to all measures best calculated to promote the future benefit and welfare of the city of his adoption, and his future prosperity.
Buckeye Steam Laundry.
The finest equipped institution of the kind in the city is undoubt- edly that of the Buckeye Steam Laundry, located at No. 31 St. Clair street. In fact there is no concern of the kind in the country more complete or thoroughly up-to-date in its equipment. It possesses, among other appliances, a shaper for turn-down collars, and a wing turner for stand-up collars, the only device of the kind in the city. There is also a large " Monitor " water purifier, the only one of its kind to be found in Toledo. This machine separates all sediment, oils, and other substances from water, and also softens the water. Among other improved apparatus in use are two shirt polishers, two combination ironers, four rotary washing machines, a Mccrary cool air plant, for use in the heated season; a 15-horse power engine, 35-horse power boiler for steam and hot water supply, and a number of minor devices, making the entire plant one of the most complete in existence. The daily ca- pacity of the laundry is 120 dozen pieces. This business was estab- lished sixteen years ago, by the present proprietor, Mr. Wm. L. Marion, and under his energetic management it has flourished and grown apace. He now employs a large force of assistants. Mr. Marion is a native of Ohio, having resided in this city for the past forty-two years, and is one
of the most public-spirited sons. He is a member of the National Laundrymen's Association, also of the Ohio State Laundrymen's Asso- ciation. Mr. Marion possesses a scientific knowledge of his vocation, and this knowledge has enabled him to achieve a most distinct success.
American Steam Laundry.
A successful and highly popular institution of Toledo is the Amer- ican Steam Laundry, located at No. 516 Dorr, near Collingwood. This enterprise was inaugurated in May, 1896, by Messrs. C. Grauf and L. Haukenhof, and on October 1st, following, the firm was dissolved, Mr. Grauf becoming sole proprietor. This gentleman was born and bred in Toledo, is well acquainted with its people, and is popularly known throughout the community. He holds membership in the Laundry- men's Association. His commodious laundry is equipped with a seven- horse power engine, rotary washing machines, collar and cuff machine, polishers and all other improved appliances, and employment is given a force of trained hands. First-class laundering in all its branches is done here, a leading specialty being made of " hurry up " work, and all orders are completed at the time agreed upon.
Union Paper Box Company.
Among the manufacturing enterprises in successful operation here is that of the Union Paper Box Company, situated at No. 429 St. Clair street. This industry was inaugurated some fourteen years ago, by the present proprietor, Mr. E. W. Rakestraw, a business man of energy and executive ability, and he has been successful in building up a large and flourishing trade. He manufactures paper boxes of every descrip- tion. The factory is a three-story building, of large dimensions, and it is equipped with first-class machinery. Employment is given a force of experienced hands, and a flourishing business is transacted. Mr. Rakestraw is a native of Ohio, and now in the prime age of life. He is Grand Dictator of Ohio of the Knights of Honor, is interested in oil well operations, and is a wide-awake, thoroughly public-spirited citizen.
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Star Hardware Company.
Among the prominent mercantile concerns carrying on operations here, is that of The Star Hardware Company, of Nos. 710-712 Monroe
street. This house was founded eleven years ago, and, three years since, the present company was organized and duly incorporated under
the State laws of Ohio, with a capital of $40,000. Since then its opera- tions have become greatly extended, and its trade now reaches through- out all Northern Ohio, Indiana and Southern Michigan. The spacious quarters occupied for the business comprise a three-story and basement building, 40x120 feet in dimensions. The Company deals in all kinds of hardware, stoves and ranges, manufacturers' and builders' supplies, glass, oils, paints and varnishes, mechanics' fine tools, etc. The officers of the Company are as follows: President, Frank Hillenkamp; Vice- President, Geo. J. Grossenbacher; Treasurer, Robert Baur; Secretary, Elmer W. Laskey. All the gentlemen named are prominently known in the business world, and are thoroughly identified with Toledo's pro- gress and welfare.
Ed. E. Schluter, Market.
In Toledo, as a great and rapidly growing city, the trade in gro- ceries and meats is one of the most important of mercantile interests, and the aggregate operations carried on therein involve the investment of a vast capital, and draw the entire attention of a large number of our citizens. Among the leading and representative houses in this im- portant branch of trade is that of Mr. Ed. E. Schluter, whose grocery and meat market are located at No. 1617 Adams street. This gentle- man is a native of New York, but left the Empire State nine years ago and has since resided in this city, in whose welfare and development he takes an active, public-spirited interest. In May, 1895, he established the business which he has since conducted with such substantial re- sults. His trade is large, permanent, and substantial, drawn from the best people in this part of the city, and, therefore, the goods carried have to be best procurable. Two large, connecting stores are occupied, conveniently finished and fitted up, perfect in their fixtures and ap- pointments, and provided with all modern appliances for the success- ful transaction of the business. Neatness, order and system are notice- able features. Mr. Schluter is a genial, affable business man, but a hustler withal, and as a successful purveyor, he has secured a reputa- tion of a high order.
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J. H. Schaefer, Shoe Dealer.
A prominent example of the business men of Toledo is Mr. J. H. Schaefer, the well-known shoe dealer of 632 South St. Clair street. This gentleman had an experience in this branch of business before he came to reside in Toledo, which occurred some twenty-three years ago. In 1885 he established his present concern and has made a phenome- nal success. The display of stock is a pleasing one and includes a large assortment of goods from the best manufacturers in the country, in all qualities, shapes and styles, and for men, women and children's wear. Polite and attentive salesmen are at hand and the patrons of the concern are always assured of prompt and satisfactory service in all respects. Mr. Schaefer is a practical shoemaker, and is therefore a com- petent judge of leathers and all materials that go to make up a first- class shoe. This gives him confidence of his patrons, and taken into consideration with low rent and small expense enables him to be a successful competitor. As has been said, Mr. Schaefer has long been a well-known and popular citizen of Toledo. He has always been noted for energy, enterprise and correct principles, and few merchants in his section of the city enjoy in so great a measure, the confidence and esteem of the people.
Herman H. Dickman, Picture Frames, Etc.
Prominent among the business houses of the city is that of Mr. Herman H. Dickman, manufacturer of and dealer in picture frames, easels, crayon portraits, room mouldings, etc., who occupies the first floor and basement of the handsome three-story brick building at 623 Cherry street, opposite the Convent. The business was first established in 1890 by Herman H. Dickman and F. C. Schmidt. Mr. Dickman assumed full control of the business in 1893 upon the retirement of Mr. Schmidt, since which time the business has steadily increased until the services of a corps of clerks and a delivery wagon is now necessary to meet the growing demands upon the business. They make a specialty of crayon portraits, fine pictures, room mouldings, etc. Mr. Dickman is a native of Germany, and comparatively a young man, with rare
business attainments, being very popular among his large list of ac- quaintances. He is held in the highest esteem by the community for his straightforward business methods and his public-spirited interest in the city's welfare.
Richard Adkins, Grocer.
A population estimated at 120,000, and rapidly increasing, sup- ports a large class of business houses which find ample trade in the city and vicinity, and among these, as in all communities, the grocers occupy a prominent place. It takes a wide awake man to succeed as a grocer, and one such as Mr. Richard Adkins, whose fine and well stocked store at 502 and 504 Cherry street, corner of Superior, is a re- cent addition to the business places of that locality. Mr. Adkins opened his present establishment late in 1896, but has already a trade extend- ing to all parts of the city, being eight years at 329 Cherry street. He is a young man, born in Toledo about thirty-four years ago, and he is as familiar with the communities about him as he is with the line of business wherein he has won popularity and a reputation for honest and liberal dealings. His stock is new, complete, and of the very best quality, and his assistants are of that prompt and courteous class of men who serve employers well by treating customers well. Mr. Adkins is an indefatigable student of the market», and gives to his many custo- mers every advantage afforded by his knowledge of goods and prices. He is one of the most active men in the retail trade, and is a member of the Retail Grocers' Association and of the National Union.
Lewis Henley, Grocery and Meat Market.
Toledo has many merchants who are alive to its advancement and among them may be mentioned Lewis Henley, grocer, 401 and 403 Columbia street. Mr. Lewis Henley established his present business in 1892, and by honest methods and progressive ideas has built up a large and permanent trade. His store, which is owned by him, is in a large and commodious two-story building, 19x60 with a meat store 11x40 at the side. He carries a large stock of staple and fancy gro- ceries, and the finest grades of canned and bottled table delicacies, and
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