USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 3
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Davies & Co., Grocers.
One of the most creditable houses on the East Side is that owned and personally directed by Wm. T. Davies, who conducts business un- der the firm title of Davies & Co., at No. 632 Main street. He has been established since 1890, and by persevering in a liberal policy and
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in handling none but the choicest goods, he has acquired an extensive patronage. To-day he employs a staff of trained clerks and his deliv- ery wagons may daily be seen in all parts of the city. His store is completely equipped with choice staple and fancy groceries, also oys- ters, poultry and game in season and all orders are met without delay. Mr. Davies is a native of Ohio, is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, and his business standing is of the most creditable character.
Geo. Kapp, Jewelry.
Speaking of the jewelry business, perhaps no concern in Toledo presents more points of interest than that of Mr. Geo. Kapp of 415 Summit. This establishment is located in a handsome three-story brick block, 20x100 feet in dimensions, which affords a splendid sales- room on the street floor, which is fitted up in most tasteful and invit- ing style and stocked with an admirable assortment of all such goods as pertain to that branch of business. In the handsome cases, upon shelf and counter may be seen a profusion of rich things in diamonds, watches, chains, rings and other precious gems, solid and silver plated ware and a full line of the staples and novelties of this business, in- cluding fine bronzes, clocks, cut glass, gold-headed canes, pens, um- brellas, music boxes, etc. Wedding, holiday and other presents are to be found here in great variety. An important department is that of optical goods, and for these there is one of the best and most carefully selected stocks in Northwestern Ohio, this department being under the special charge and care of a highly skilled and expert graduate opti- cian. Mr. Kapp became established here in 1878 and has a career of unusual success, and by success is not meant merely the doing of a large business or the accumulation of large means, but that higher suc- cess which means that he has first deserved, then won and since held the confidence of the public.
Keefers Bros., Grocers.
Among the most attractive stores must be counted the grocery and provision establishment of Keefer Bros., 3263 Monroe street. This con- cern has been in operation about nineteen years and was originally es-
tablished by Mr. J. A. Keefer, who conducted it in his individual name until one year ago when his brother Mr. W. H. Keefer, was ad- mitted to a partnership interest. They occupy a substantial and roomy two-story brick building, 25x60 feet in dimensions, well fitted up and in every way well adapted to that line of business. The stock displayed is an admirable one and embraces a full line of staple and fancy groceries, canned goods, shelf goods, coffees, teas, spices, cereal goods and a fine line of prime meats. The patronage of the establish- ment is sufficiently active to enable them to exhaust and replenish given lines of stock so frequently, that nothing is allowed to become stale, but all is fresh and desirable, which accounts for the increasing business done. Messrs. Keefer are of Indiana birth and are active, pushing young merchants, thoroughly devoted to the prompt and effi- cient serving of their customers, full of the right kind of spirit and am- bition, and determined to deserve and achieve a still greater measure of honorable success.
F. E. Gilling, Jeweler.
One of the most successful members of Toledo is Mr. F. E. Gilling, whose workshop and salesroom are at No. 136 Main street. This gen- tleman has been established here the past four years and during that term has built up a large and most desirable patronage. A large, care- fully selected stock of watches, clocks, diamonds and jewelry is carried and are all of the most desirable manufacture. Special attention is given the mechanical department and watches, clocks and jewelry are carefully repaired at shortest notice. Mr. Gilling is a native Ohioian, an active Mason and Knight of Pythias, and he is a thoroughly popu- lar, public-spirited citizen.
D. Harpster, Drugs.
A number of important interests combined are represented by Mr. D. Harpster, proprietor of the East Side Pharmacy, located at Nos. 136-138 Main street. At this address he owns a two-storied brick build- ing, 42x80 feet in dimensions, and in it are two commodious stores, one
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of which has been fitted up as a drug department or pharmacy, the other as the wall paper and paint department. A complete stock of pure drugs and chemicals is carried, also proprietary remedies, toilet and fancy goods and druggists' sundries. There is also a complete line of wall papers and window shades, paints, oils, varnishes, glass, putty, etc. Side lines of watches, clocks and jewelry are also carried. Spec ialties are made of the compounding of prescriptions, of " Harpster's Royal Rheumatic Remedy," " Eczema Ointment " and " Sanative Lo- tion," and of fine watch repairing. Mr. Harpster is a native of Fre- mont, Ohio, and has been established in business in Toledo since 1885. He is a prominent Mason, having attained the Scottish Rite degree, and as a public-spirited citizen and upright merchant he is held in the highest regard.
H. S. Beard, Pattern Shop.
At No. 2 St. Clair street, is the pattern and model shop of Mr. H. S. Beard, who manufactures ten pin balls, tinners' and stone cutters' hammers or mallets, and various other articles of turned wood. The premises devoted to the business are amply commodious for all the re- quirements of the business, and the lathes and small tools with which the shops are equipped are of modern and improved character. Sev- eral expert assistants are constantly employed and the output of the shops is readily absorbed by the trade of the city. Mr. Heman S. Beard, who is sole proprietor of the business, was born in the State of Vermont, but anticipated the advice of the late Horace Greely, and came west even in his infancy, where he has not only "grown up with the country," but has made himself a leader in his branch of business. Himself an expert at his calling, he has never employed any other than skillful workmen, and in the ten years he has conducted business on this line, he has ever enjoyed a fine reputation for superior work- manship, and for those qualities of personal character and business probity which can always be relied upon to command success in any calling or in any community.
Thibodeau & Desmarais, Tailors.
A prominent firm in the merchant tailoring line is that of Messrs. Thibodeau & Desmarais, whose store is located at No. 144 Main street, East Side. This prosperous business was established four years ago by Messrs. H. C. Thibodeau and M. F. Desmarais. The store is commo- dious and is fully stocked with a superior assortment of the finest im- ported and domestic fabrics in all the latest styles, shades and patterns. The partners are talented cutters and employ only first-class workmen, turning our garments that are absolutely unrivalled in the city for fit, finish, fabric and fashion. Parties living in or visiting Toledo and desirous of purchasing a supply of new attire will always find Messrs. Thibodeau and Desmarais ready to offer superior inducements, and to patronize them once is to be their patrons always. Mr. Thibodeau was born in Detroit, Mich., while Mr. Desmarais is a Canadian and an active member of the Y. M. C. A. They are highly regarded by the community for their business ability and integrity, and have won their present success by honestly deserving it.
Mrs. J. E. Fox, Milliner.
One of the foremost among the milliners in Toledo, is Mrs. J. E. Fox, whose emporium is located at No. 616 St. Clair street. This lady has been established the past fourteen years, and during that period has onjoyed a high degree of popularity and a liberal patronage from the best class of customers. Her store is handsomely appointed and contains an extensive stock of the choicest millinery goods, also a full line of perfumes and toilet requisites. Mrs. Fox is a native of In- diana, has long made Toledo her home, and as an able business woman and highly estimable lady, she is honored by all.
P. A. Baker, China.
In 1895 and 1896 an immense number of new enterprises were in- augurated. One of these started in September, 1895, was the establish- ment conducted by Mr. P. A. Baker, and situated at No. 330 Summit street. Mr. Baker occupies a two-storied brick building, conveniently
SPITZER OFFICE BUILDING.
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equipped for the purpose, and employing a staff of clerks, he here con- ducts a flourishing business as a dealer in china, glassware, crockery, lamps and Japanese goods. Mr. Baker is a native of Germany, but came to the United States forty years ago, and to Toledo in 1887. He devotes himself exclusively to his business and as an upright mer- chant, is respected by all.
Sam Dixon, Tobacconist.
An important branch of commercial activity in Toledo is that devoted to the wholesale and retail trade in cigars and tobaccos. A successful, representative house engaged in this line is that of Mr. Sam Dixon, situated at No. 701 Monroe street. Having been a member of the firm of Leland, Smith & Co. for eight years. He then withdrew from the old house and started business, going it alone ten years ago, and having a thorough knowledge of all the requirements of the cigar and tobacco trade, and exercising an energetic policy in his management of affairs, he has been successful from the beginning. Each year since has seen a substantial growth in the business. Several traveling salesmen and a staff of clerks are employed. The salesroom occupied contains a large stock of choice foreign and domestic and Key West cigars, and all the standard brands of tobacco and snuff. In fact, he aims to carry SAM DIXON. a stock of everything that can be called for in his line of business. Mr. Dixon is a native of Ohio and widely known. Close application to business, combined with honorable dealing in all transactions, are the basis upon which he has built up his large trade and solid popularity.
B. H. Broer, Jeweler.
Mr. Broer is one of our oldest as well as foremost jewelers, having been established for the past twenty-five years. He is an expert, prac- tical watchmaker and jeweler, and gives special attention to the repair- ing of fine watches and jewelry, the highest class of workmanship be- ing assured in every instance. The commodious store occupied at No. 606 South St. Clair street, is neatly appointed and contains an excel- lent stock of watches, clocks and jewelry, all of which is offered at most moderate prices. Mr. Broer is a native of Germany, has long lived in Toledo, and his lengthy, honorable career has won for him the respect and highest regard of the entire community.
Isadore Kapp, Tailor.
One of the successful and up-to-date merchant tailors of this city is Mr. Isadore Kapp, No. 3253 Monroe street. This house, while not down town, has a high reputation among men who know and appreci- ate the art modes of gentlemen's dress, and the trade enjoyed by Mr. Kapp is of the permanent kind and constantly increasing. The busi- ness was established by Mr. Kapp about two years ago. He occupies a large and finely appointed store, where is shown a fine line of Amer- ican and foreign goods of the latest and choicest weaves. The stock is large and one can make ready selection and make it in perfect accord with the prevailing fashions. Every department is complete. Skillful designers and cutters and garment makers are employed and every piece of work from the establishment is given the highest guarantee. Mr. Kapp is a native of Germany and has lived in this country for fif- teen years. Since he came here he has been identified with the best interests of the city and in its growth and development. He is a man of rare tact and business judgment, and is highly esteemed in trade and social circles.
F. L. Bridenbaugh, Grocer.
In the advancement and welfare of all progressive communities, no branch of commerce plays a more important part than that devoted to the retail trade in groceries. One of the most successful establishments
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of this character in Toledo is conducted by Mr. F. L. Bridenbaugh, at No. 902 Dorr street. This gentleman has been established the past seven years, and his honorable career during that period entitles him to the respect and esteem of all his fellow citizens. The building which he occupies is an excellent two story brick structure. The store is neatly fitted up and is filled with a large stock of choice staple and fancy groceries, canned and bottled goods, fruits and vegetables, fresh butter and eggs. Several clerks and two delivery teams is employed and orders from any part of the city are promptly filled. Mr. Briden- baugh is a member of the Toledo Retail Grocers' Association, and he has a host of friends in both business and social circles.
Carter & Jeffrey, Veterinarians.
The leading representative of veterinarians in Toledo is Dr. O. J. Carter, whose office and infirmary is at Nos. 127-129 Erie street. This gentleman has been engaged in practice the past ten years and has been accorded a liberal patronage as a result of the thorough skill shown by him in all his operations. He is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, Dr. Carter having secured his diploma in 1887. The infirmary, or stable, is a two-storied brick building, 35x160 feet in dimensions, and fully equipped for his purposes. He also has an ambulance service and calls are promptly responded to at all hours of the day or night. As a veterinary surgeon and dentist, Dr. Carter gives his atten- tion to all branches of work connected therewith, and he never fails to achieve the best results possible to be effected.
J. V. Clement & Co., Wholesale Millinery.
This establishment has for the past eight years been filling a use- ful and prominent position in its special branch of commerce, and its reputation as well as its trade has become widespread, the latter now extending to all parts of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and West Virginia. The premises utilized for the business at Nos. 144 and 146 Summit street, consist of a five-storied brick building of the most mod- ern construction, and it is admirably appointed in all its departments. The employees number over thirty and include a staff of traveling sales-
men. The stock is large, complete and superior in quality. It em- braces everything seasonable in millinery, both of foreign and American manufacture, and the goods are supplied to the trade upon the most equitable basis. The proprietor of this excellent establishment, Mr. J. V. Clement, is a native of Ohio, and a business man of mature exper- ience. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, has ever given that organization a substantial support, and he is justly esteemed as a representative citizen.
G. D. Sowers.
In view of the importance of Toledo as a great commercial and manufacturing centre there is always a large floating population, and to those who may at any time visit this city and prefer the comforts and convenience of hotel life, a word about one of the best hostelries will not be out of place. We have in mind the St. James hotel, situated at the corner of Summit and Lagrange streets, one of the most pictur- esque parts of the city, overlooking the beautiful Maumee river with its constantly changing panorama of moving water-craft. No house could be more conveniently sit- nated. It is but two blocks from the Pennsylvania depot, and the same distance from the C., H. V. & T. depot and the T., A. A. & N. M. depot. It is but four short blocks from the People's Theatre and five from the new Valentine Theatre. Street cars from the depots pass the house every five minutes. The St. James was established in 1874, and has been under the manage- ment of Mr. Sowers since 1894. ST. JAMES HOTEL. The house has been entirely refitted and furnished, every comfort hav- ing been provided. The hotel is a four-storied brick structure contain- ing 45 sleeping rooms, and owing to the construction of the building
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all are "outside rooms." Mr. Sowers is a veteran in the hotel busi- ness, having been engaged in this line over twenty years in Utah and Colorado before coming here. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fra- ternity, and is popularly known to the traveling public and all his fel- low citizens. Rates, $1.25 to $2.00 per day.
The Bryce Furnace Co.
In this connection we must call especial attention to the celebrated Bryce Furnace, manufactured by the Bryce Furnace Company, whose office is No. 11 The Nasby, Toledo, Ohio. This company makes without question one of the most perfect sanitary furnaces and heaters in exist- ence, and its recommends are so numerous and from such high sources that to enumerate them would require pages of this review. The Brice furnace is not an experiment, but an assumed fact, and is the only self- feeding base burner for soft coal, and equally adapted for hard coal and coke. This furnace has an immense radiating surface and superior combustion and is consequently a fuel saver. It secures a perfect com- bustion of gaseous hydro-carbons which make up so large a part of the heating power of coal and thus give an evenness of temperature secured by no other heater. All furnaces are equipped with a patent deflecting radiator that increases the heating power and does away with all waste. The Bryce furnace sells in all parts of the country and is the recognized standard. The company also manufacture the finest heating apparatus now on the market for heating public buildings, such as schools, court houses, infirmaries, jails, etc., and which is known as the "Brice Air Blast," the principal features of which is the utilizing of all the heat producing elements of the fuel by consuming the smoke and other gases which have escaped from the burning fuel. Thus securing increased results from a minimum expenditure of fuel.
The Smead Furnace and Foundry Co.
Among the industries which have made Toledo famous as a pro- ductive centre, and still contributing to her development, is that of the Smead Furnace and Foundry Co., whose immense plant is at the junc-
tion of West Bancroft street and Smead avenue. This house was a pioneer in the science of heating and ventilating and has done much to educate the public in correct methods in this line. Competition has been rife in the manufacture of apparatus designed for the purposes of heating and ventilating, but the Smead system has uninterruptedly held the front position, and is to-day the recognized leader in its line. The Smead system is used in all the public school buildings of Toledo, and the system has been adopted by schools and other buildings in every prominent city in the country. This industry was founded in 1867, and has been in successful operation ever since. Since the incep- tion of the business several important changes have been made in the company's apparatus, each an outgrowth of experience, and all former objections or faults have been successfully overcome. To-day the Smead Air Warmers are complete in all details, and are the acme par excellence of anything of the kind made. Uniform temperature and continuous ventilation are assured wherever the system is adapted. The company's immense works are 609 feet long by 67 feet wide, and comprise extensive buildings, equipped with the most improved ma- chinery, driven by 100-horse power engine, and employment is furnish- ed a force of 150 skilled workmen. The company was incorporated in 1895, under the State laws of Ohio, with a capital stock of $100,000, the executive officers being, President and Superintendent, Col. Isaac D. Smead ; Secretary and Treasurer, John W. Dowd ; Assistant Super- intendent, Frederick W. Gros Claude. The latter is a native of Sa- vannah, Ga. Mr. Dowd is a native of Ohio, and a business man of signal executive ability, popularly known in the community. Col. Smead, who is the inventor of "Smead's Dry Closet System " and " Smead's Heating Furnaces," was born in Massachusetts, but has long lived in Toledo, and has a magnificent residence at No. 2016 Vermont avenue, which, it is needless to say, is made comfortable by the "Smead System " of heating and ventilation. Col. Smead is familiarly known to his fellow-citizens, and as a public-spirited man and represen- tative manufacturer is universally esteemed. As an expert engineer he is widely recognized as an authority in all matters connected with his profession.
THE TERRY ENG.CO. COLSU
NEW STATE HOUSE.
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Toledo Saving Bank.
The Toledo Savings Bank and Trust Co. is a model institution. That it enjoys the full confidence of the people and is liberally patron- ized is shown by the fact that its deposits (per the report given April, 1897) were $760,918.23, the capital paid in stock is $100,000, the sur- plus $175,000, undivided profits $10,440.37. This bank has been in active operation nearly thirty years, having been chartered in 1868 and its career has been uninterruptedly successful and creditable. The bank holds membership in the Toledo Clearing House Association, also the State Bankers Association. Its principal correspondents are the Bank of New York, N. B. A., New York, and Boylston National Bank, of Boston. The bank's officers and trustees are prominent, rep- resentative citizens of Toledo, whose lives and interests are closely in- terwoven with the city's welfare and progress. The president, Chas. F. Curtis, is of the firm of Curtis & Brainard, ship owners and real estate operators, Thos. Vanstone, the vice president, is special partner in the house of Foncanon & Co., wholesale drugs, teas, coffees and spices. The cashier, John J. Barker, is a thoroughly experienced, efficient officer. The trustees are as follows: C. F. Curtis, Richard Waite, Thos. Vanstone, Chas. L. Reynolds, O. A. Bostwick, Wm. W. Williams, John J. Bar- ker, Isaac N. Poe, Peter B. Franklin.
I. N. Reed's Son.
The retail trades of Toledo keep pace in advancement and expan- sion with the manufacturing and jobbing interests. This is notably true with the important branch comprehended under the classification of druggists and pharmacists. One of the oldest and best known, as well as one of the most successful drug establishments of this city is that of Isaac N. Reed's Son which had its inception in the year 1869 at which time the business was founded by the late Isaac N. Reed. Mr. Reed, Sr., who was known as one of the most honorable and intelligent citizens of Toledo successfuly conducted the business until the close of his very useful life which occurred some five years since when he was succeeded by his son, Mr. O. Clayton Reed, who is at present sole pro-
prietor of the business. The salesroom of the concern is located upon the ground floor of the four-story brick building, 247 Summit street, corner Madison, and is a very commodious, handsomely fitted and well appointed establishment in every particular. A large and varied stock is displayed, embracing all the accessories and requirements of a first- class prescription drug store. Special attention is given to the com- pounding of physician's prescriptions which department of the busi- ness is in charge of none but fully qualified and thoroughly reliable practical pharmacists. A complete line of general drugs, chemicals, proprietary preparations, toilet and fancy articles and druggist's sun- dries generally is kept on hand, and the whole business is personally supervised by Mr. Reed, and patrons of this establishment may ever rest confident that nothing is permitted to be dispensed here other than what is strictly pure and of the highest standard of manufacture. Mr O. C. Reed was born in Toledo, and in his late father had the good fortune to posess a fine example of business integrity and high per- sonal character, an example of which he has evidently availed himself and hence is regarded as one of the most thorough and progressive druggists of the city.
J. W. Webber.
In these days of hustle and bustle the frugal housewife has found that special departments of industrial activity are most necessary and most economical. This is especially so when it comes to cleaning and renovating and the carpet cleaning and renovating establishments are an industry that has come to stay and one that is thoroughly wel- comed by all. One of the best known establishments of this kind in the state is that of J. W. Webber at 1220 Lagrange street in this city. The present business was established by Mr. Webber in 1890 and has fully met with the approval of Toledoians. Mr. Webber has been in the business for twenty four years and when he installed his present plant he left nothing undone to make it the worthy success it is. The latest renovating machinery driven by a 10-horse power steam engine. A specialty is made of carpet cleaning and feather renovating. Carpets are taken up, cleaned and laid at the most reasonable rates and the
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