USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 17
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Robert & Goulet.
Some of the most enterprising members of the commercial com- munity of Toledo are men whose birthplace was in Canada. Among these we find the firm of Robert & Goulet, Retail Grocers, of No. 1202 Dorr street. This firm was organized in 1895, by the present co- partners, Alfred H. Robert and Wilfred J. Goulet, both of whom have had mature experience in the grocery interest prior to that, both being men of middle age, and long connected with the trade. The large store occupied is conveniently appointed, and fully stocked with the best grade of staple and fancy groceries, provisions, smoked meats, fruits and veg- etables. Several clerks are employed, also two delivery wagons, and orders are delivered to any part of the city at shortest notice. Mr. Robert is a native of Montreal, Mr. Goulet of the Province of Quebec, Canada. They are thoroughly alert, progressive merchants, and deservedly popular.
Toledo Photo Supply Co., S. S. Benster, Proprietor.
It is in such connection we make special reference in this review of the Toledo Photo Supply Company at 425 and 427 Summit street, for this is one of the oldest and largest houses of its kind in the coun- try. Mr. Solomon S. Benster, the sole proprietor of this business, is one of the pioneer photographers of this section of the state and for many years has been dealing in photograph supplies of every kind. He is a gentleman who has greatly aided the art, and is the inventor of the celebrated Benster Photo Plate Holder, also of the Benster Dia- phragm Shutter, both of which are among the greatest inventions of the
WILLIAM MCKINLEY, OUR PRESIDENT.
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day, in their special uses. The house handles everything in the line of supplies, and make a specialty of the highest grade of goods. The store is large and fitted up for the trade, which extends to all parts of the country. The business was established twenty years ago, and its reputation is of the best. Mr. Benster is a native of Ohio, and ranks as one of Toledo's most progressive and influential business men.
John G. Mulzer.
One of the most creditable concerns is that of Mr. John G. Mulzer, who conducts a Boot, Shoe and Millinery Emporium at No. 1335 Dorr street. This gentleman originally began business thirty-one years ago, at Adrian, Mich., and, in July, 1896, removed to this city. The store occupied is very neatly appointed. One side is devoted to the sale of boots and shoes, the other to millinery. A full stock of fashionable goods in this line is carried, and all are of the best manufacture. The millinery department is in charge of Mrs. Mulzer, a popular, courteous lady of excellent business ability. Mr. Mulzer is a native of Michigan, is widely known in commercial circles, and his standing is A-1 in every respect. This is what The Adrian Press said when they left Adrian, Michigan: "Ex-Ald. John G. Mulzer, and his estimable wife, left this week for Toledo, which is to be henceforth their home, and where
both will be in business. Mr. Mulzer will open a boot and shoe store in a new brick building, one side of which will be occupied by Mrs. Mulzer with a stock of millinery. Mr. Mulzer has, from boyhood, been in business here, and in every respect has proven a citizen of worth. Mrs. Mulzer is a quiet home lady, yet energetic and ambitious and a zealous, faithful helpmeet. She is most highly esteemed here in social circles, and we commend both her and her husband to the best wishes of Toledo people, whose society is to benefitted by their coming. Their home will be on Dorr street."
Frank B. Stephens.
An illustration is to be had in the fine pharmacy of Mr. Frank B Stephens, No. 1002 Washington street. Mr. Stephens is a native of Williamsport, Pa., and a graduate of the Chicago College of Pharmacy,
and has been engaged in the drug business in Toledo for the past six- teen years, and is a member of the Toledo Pharmaceutical Society. He has been established in this present location six years and has a most. attractive and inviting salesroom at the location indicated, it being 25x60 feet in dimensions, and is amply commodious for the accommo- tion of an active business, and the service of a large patronage. The stock displayed is an unusually well assorted one, and has the important. characteristic of being kept continually tresh by reason of rapid sales and frequent replenishing, added to the fact that a thoroughly trained and professionally qualified pharmacist is much better able to judge of the purity of drugs and chemicals, than is the empiricist. In addition to a full line of standard drugs, chemicals and pharmaceutical prepara- tions, the stock embraces toilet articles, fancy goods and all that comes under the head of sundries. Several assistants are employed, and phy- sicians' prescriptions are compounded with professional intelligence and accuracy. Besides the general line, Mr. Stephens is maker and proprietor of Arabian horse remedies, guarantee head ache powders, golden seal pile suppositories, and sole agent for the United States for the famous Pinaud's French Female Pills. All of these preparations have ready sale wherever known, and their excellent and efficacious character has a tendency to help hold up Toledo manufacturers to their accustomed high place in the favor of the country. While devot- ing much time and energy to his private business interests it is much to Mr. Stephen's credit that he is sufficiently public-spirited enough to recognize the claims of the public upon every individual citizen, and in response to these demands he is now serving the people of the Eleventh Ward most ably, honorably and acceptably as a member of the Toledo City Council.
Dr. Leroy J. Van Marter.
Dr. Leroy J. Van Marter, of 423 Summit street, an old practioner of seventeen years active service devoted to his many patients, is one of Toledo's best known specialists. Graduating at Adelbert College ( Cleveland ) in 1880, the Doctor at once opened office in Toledo, and from that day until the present has persistently and consistently
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devoted his time and fine talents to the alleviating of pain and the cure of disease. Realizing, as our deepest thinkers are generally beginning to realize, that the average human life is far too short to thoroughly master all the details and departments of the science which has to deal with the diseases which affect our bodies which are so "wonderfully and fearfully made," he determined to concentrate his study and practice upon the Eye and Ear. Following this wise and practical resolve he has given long years of study to those two important organs, and his unusual success in relieving and curing persons affected in sight or hearing, is a most forceful attestation of the fact that his time has been well spent and his abilities well bestowed. The Doctor occupies hand- some and capacious offices and is thoroughly equipped with all the most modern appliances and inventions of this country and Europe, applicable to his special line of practice. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, has a wonderfully fine practice from all portions of north- ern Ohio and is greatly sought by the afflicted, because of his demons- trated skill and eminent professional attainments.
Geo. Schmidt.
The manifold business interests of the city of Toledo have been the factor that is responsible for its growth, progress and prosperity in every way, for its business men are energetic, pushing and hustling to a remarkable degree. The retail interests have been a large factor in the great prominence the city has attained as a commercial city, and among the many houses that have aided to the growth of the city is that of George Schmidt, dealer in boots and shoes, No. 1410 Cherry street. This most prosperous business was established in 1890 by the present proprietor, who has built up a fine trade in that thriving portion of the city. The premises occupied are a two-story brick building of ample proportions that is specially fitted up for the trade. Mr. Schmidt's long experience in the trade enables him to buy at the very best ad- vantage and he carries at all times a large line of the very best foot wear. He makes a specialty of the famous Douglas $3.00 shoes and has a large sale in this popular brand of goods for the reason that it bears out every guarantee. The stock of ladies', children's and misses' shoes
is very large. Mr. Schmidt is a native of Germany and is highly es- teemed as a business man and a citizen of worth and prominence.
Veller Truck and Moving Line.
Among the varied industries which go to make up a busy commu- nity like unto Toledo there are many which have become prominent among our people because of the specialty of the business and the requi- site care in the carrying out of the duties entrusted to them. In this line there is no more particular business than that of moving furniture and pianos, for when one has paid for handsome furniture and various household effects, they do not relish seeing them demolished by a care- less teamster, and this demand has created a new line of business, and one of these creations is the Veller Truck and Moving Line, who occupy
MOVED &
STORED.
VELDERS, TRUCK
MOVING LINE,
the spacious brick building three stories high at 215 Locust street, where they keep their moving vans and wagons, horses, etc., and also store furniture and household goods at reasonable rates. Mr. William Veller, the proprietor, is a native of this city, and devotes all his time to moving, storage and hauling. The business has been established since 1893, and was formerly carried on at the corner of Summit and
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Cherry streets, but has been in the present location for the past year. Mr. Veller is comparatively a young man and has by close attention to his business been able to win for himself the confidence of the entire community. He is a member of no societies, but is held in high esteem by all who know him, for his public-spirited interest in the welfare of Toledo.
C. K. Close.
One of the best known and most popularly conducted livery, feed and sales stables in all Toledo, are those now conducted by Mr. Charles K. Close, at 2138 Monroe street, and long known as the Monroe Street Stables. This business had its incipiency some fifteen years ago, and the circumstances under which it was established and even the name of the first proprietors do not appear to be known in the vicinity. It is known, however, that there were a number of changes of ownerships, and that Mr. F. M. Jeffrey was proprietor for the four years immedi- ately preceding the advent of the present owner, who took possession in July, 1896. We now know this important business place is in good hands and will be brought up to the highest standard of excellence in every particular. The premises are fully adequate for all the purposes of a large and flourishing business, being two floors each 80x150 feet, conveniently arranged and well ordered. A number of hands are given employment, and besides the ten or more livery horses kept on hand, there are some twenty-five to thirty boarders. A large number of hand- some and stylish turn-outs, in the way of carriages, buggies and other, pleasure vehicles, complete the equipment in that department. A general livery, sales and boarding business is done and a fine patronage is being rapidly built up. Mr. C. K. Close is a native of Uniontown, Fayette County, Penn., and was born near the birth place of the late Hon. James G. Blaine, but comes to Ohio when but a few months old, having been in the same line of business in Fremont, Ohio, for fifteen years, previous to coming to Toledo. He was for some years inter- ested with Joseph Popp in the large livery and transfer business at 214 St. Clair street, but sold out his interests there in order to devote him- self to this newer enterprise. If honorable dealing, proper methods
close attention to business and great personal popularity count for any- thing, the future success of his business is well assured.
Auburndale Pharmacy.
While no community welcomes the new more cordially than To- ledo, yet we cannot fail to take a peculiarly deep interest in that which has long been a part of our business, or social life. Those who dwell in the classic shades of Auburndale, have a strong sense of regard for the Auburndale Pharmacy, 3237 Monroe street, which has long been a business landmark in that section, having been originally established many years ago by Mr. F. K. Quinne, who was for many years well and favorably known to every man, woman and child in that section. Drug- gists like others need to have assistants, and Mr. Quinne was no excep- tion to the rule. He had as an assistant in the person of Mr. Allen B. McClish a young man of promise, who made his employer's interest his own and by close attention to business and careful and faithful dis- charge of his duties, mastered the business in its every detail. This course led to its logical result and to-day Mr. McClish is proprietor of the business. This gentleman has put new life into the business and infused much of his own money and vigorous manhood into the opera- tion of the old established pharmacy. His salesroom is well furnished, neatly and attractively arranged and displays a fine stock of drugs, chemicals, sundries, fancy goods, toilet articles and a variegated assort- ment of small wares, adding in season the mineral water business. An excellent business is enjoyed with the prospect of a steady and contin- uous increase in patronage. Mr. McClish is a native Buckeye, and still on the sunny side of thirty. He is an active member of the order of K. of P. and is highly popular in all his business and social relations.
Mrs. Morris Bird.
In all departments of business in the city of Toledo a high degree of excellence has been attained, and worthy citizens are engaged in every line of enterprise. The millinery emporiums of this city are especially creditable, and one of the latest and at the same time one that has become most popular is that of Mrs. Morris Bird, No. 3255
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Monroe street. The business was established about a year ago by the present proprietor, who is a lady of rare artistic achievements in this line, and who in that short period of time has built up a large and permanent trade and one that is among the leading families of the city. The store and salesroom is handsomely fitted up and a fine stock of French millinery is carried. The stock includes the newest styles in hats, bonnets, flowers, feathers and all kinds of trimmings. Particular attention is paid to trimming stylish hats and bonnets for all kinds of wear. Mrs. Bird is a practical milliner of rare taste and skill and gives her personal attention to all work. In connection she does a fine class of artistic dressmaking. Mrs. Bird is a native of Michigan and is highly esteemed in the trade and by her patrons.
Robert G. Sampson, Jr.
One of the well known and most prominent houses in its line in its section of the city is the Sampson shoe and men's furnishing house at 3242 Monroe street, in the bustling suburb of Auburndale. The business is solely owned by Mr. Robert G. Sampson, Jr., who has con- trolled it for the past year and whose able conduct of its affairs has built up a large trade and one that is a credit to his progressive busi- ness methods. The premises occupied are a two-story brick building and the store is the largest and handsomest in this section of the city. It is handsomely fitted up and finely stocked with a comprehensive line of gents' furnishings of the newest and latest patterns, boots and shoes, hats and caps, notions, etc. Mr. Sampson buys from the best manufacturers and offers special inducements to his trade. He is a native of England and a young man of rare business abilities and mod- ern progressive ideas. He is highly esteemed and is prominent in social life being a member of the Red Cross and National Union.
J. M. McCann.
J. M. McCann's Pharmacy at the corner of Huron and Lagrange streets, has a high standing as one of the most reliable drug stores in the city, and one where particular attention is given to physician's pre- scriptions. Mr. McCann has been connected with the drug business at
intervals since boyhood, always having had a great liking for it, and while battling with the ups and downs of life ever looked forward to the time when he could own a store of his own. He has lived in Toledo since October, 1884, and at that time was connected with U. S. Signal Service. All kinds of drugs, chemicals, patent and proprietary medi- cines, toilet articles, perfumes, soaps and fancy articles are kept in stock, and a handsome soda fountain is in full operation in season. The trade is confined principally to the city, and requires the services of a corps of registered graduates of pharmacy. He has ever shown a very liberal public concern in all matters which in any manner have in view the advancement of the welfare of Toledo as a city.
Ike Kripke.
One of the most creditable enterprises in flourishing activity here is that owned by Mr. Ike Kripke, dealer in Clothing Hats, Caps and Men's Furnishing Goods, whose place of business is in the substantial two story brick building at 919 Summit street, where he keeps a full and complete line of the very latest in men's wearing apparel from the best makers in the country, and at prices which are within the reach of all. In this age of modern ideas and improvements the tailor made and also the ready made clothing sold by Mr. Kripke is of the best make and he has among his very extensive patronage some of our best busi- ness and professional men who are capable of judging and can readily see the advantage in prices. He also makes a specialty of Fine shoes. Mr. Kripke is a native of Germany, who is 23 years of age, established his present business in 1895, having been formerly engaged as a sales- man in the " Bee Hive store" of this city. He is a young man possess- ing that push so prominent among his countrymen, and has a nicely arranged storeroom displaying great taste in every detail, and may well be proud of his achievements in a business way. He is very popular in business and social circles, being a pleasant and agreeable companion, is an active member of the Maccabees and other fraternal orders. He has ever been very liberal in the support of all public enterprises which had in view the welfare and advancement of Toledo's interests at home or abroad.
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Allen G. Willard, Grocery.
Among the many industries that add greatly to the business im- portance of any city, and add to its commercial supremacy, the retail grocery business stands out prominently. This fact is especially true in this city and it may be said without fear of contradiction that Toledo has some of the most exemplary conducted groceries of any city of its size in the country. Among these, special attention is called to
that of Allen G. Willard, at 1212 Ontario street, which is an established stand of many years, coming into possession of Mr. Willard in 1894. The premises occupied are specially suited to this line of trade and are handsomely fitted up. The store room proper is 22x60, while the meat store in the rear is 22x22, and fitted with large ice-chests, racks, etc. The stock throughout is fresh and clean and well selected for the wants
of a high class of trade, and consists of staple and fancy groceries, canned and potted goods, and the best of bottled table delicacies, fruits and vegetables, and fresh, salt and smoked meats. The trade is con- fined to Toledo and its suburbs, and in this he has the able assistance of several clerks. A handsome delivery wagon is also a requisite to the business. Mr. Willard is a young man, a native of Michigan, and has ever been prominent in business and social circles, and is a popular member of the American Mechanics. He is a representative citizen and noted for his loyal public spirit, ever having at heart the city's best interests at home and abroad.
Bacon & Huber.
Within the past decade this city has seemed almost to " grow " fine blocks of costly modern buildings, of both business and residential character. The architect and the builder have been abroad in force, and Toledo has made rapid strides in that important class of public and private improvement. Many of the fine blocks to which reference has been made, have been planned by that old and leading firm of Archi- tects, Messrs. Bacon & Huber, who are the recognized head of their profession here. This firm was organized in 1873, and hence is one of the oldest in point of firm existence, in this city. They occupy a suite of five handsomely fitted up offices at 808-809-810 811-812 in the splen- did new Spitzer Building, and are fully equipped with the latest and most approved instruments, devices and appliances required for the purposes of the business; constantly employ an ample staff of expert and accomplished draftsmen in the operation of the business. The line of general architecture is pursued in all its branches, such as plans, and all classes of architectural designs, estimates, specifications, and consultations; and many scores of fine structures throughout this city and surrounding section, attest the unusually artistic and high class of work emanating from this office. Prominent among the recent creations of the genius of this firm, should be named the splendid Spitzer Building, the new High School Building (now in course of con- struction), and a large number of other buildings in Toledo: among which may be mentioned the Blade Building, Bee Building, Blade
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Printing and Paper Co.'s Building, Pythian Castle, St. Clair Building, Toledo Hospital, Toledo Medical College, Toledo Water Works pumping station, Chamber of Commerce, and many more fine public buildings, business blocks, etc., and a large percentage of the finest and most lux- urious private residences in the city. Composing the firm are Messrs. Norval B. Bacon and Thomas F. Huber, both of whom are well known in the profession. Men of professional attainments which have won them excellent standing in Northern Ohio. They have always been noted for public spirit and progressivness, and take a lively interest in any movement having for its object the advancement of the city in a business and professional direction or any other way, which promised to benefit the people or make the merits of the community known abroad.
Hill Bros.
Among other establishments to be found in Toledo, that lend a metropolitan aspect to the business sections of the city, is the "Ladies' Shoe Parlor," conducted on Superior street, near the Masonic Temple, by the Messrs. Hill Bros. ' These gentlemen, Messrs. Wm. W. and Alvin A. Hill, are native Ohioans, and progressive, alert business men, thoroughly identified with all movements tending to the advancement of the "Lady of the Lakes," and the augmentation of her material in- terests. The firm was formed and began business five years ago, and the energy and enterprise exhibited in the management have resulted in the acquirement of an extensive and strictly first-class patronage. The firm deal exclusively in fine footwear for ladies. They had a chil- dren's department, but are now disposing of the stock it contained. The handsome salesroom of the Messrs. Hill is very elegantly appointed with plate glass mirrors, carpeted floor, and the most artistic fixtures, and every convenience has been provided for patrons. A heavy stock of stylish boots and shoes is carried, a specialty being made of Trimby & Brewster's celebrated "Never Rip " cork sole, hand turned shoes, which the firm are sole Toledo agents for, and which are unex- celled for health, style and comfort. All patrons are assured courteous attention and the best of satisfaction in their purchase.
S. N. Peck,
One of the best evidences of the culture of any large city is the love of flowers, and where one finds florists and green-houses they are sure to find an intelligent and refined people. This city is peculiar in this respect and has a number of fine floral establishments and green- houses. One to which we would call special attention is that of S. N. Peck, No. 1707 Broadway. Mr. Peck established his business about two years ago and has built up a large trade among the leading families of this city. His hot-house covers about 8,000 square feet, and is equipped with every modern service known to the art of floriculture. Mr. Peck grows all kinds of rare flowers, shrubs and plants and keeps the finest display of blooms in the city. He makes a specialty of all kinds of floral decorative work, for balls, parties, weddings, etc., and also supplies the choicest of all cut flowers for any use. His stock of potted plants is the best shown in this section. He makes a spec- ialty of cut flower designs for any function and for funerals. Mr. Selah N. Peck is a native of Ohio. He has long been interested in floriculture and knows every detail of the growing and propagating of flowers. Mr. Peck is also the inventor and patentee of a novel ventilating device whereby ventilation can be secured at once. He is a gentleman of bus- iness ability and is highly regarded in business and social circles.
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