USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 5
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M. B. Severance, Prop.
It is the experience of all who have been charged with the educa- tion and training of the young, that this asseveration is true, and it points out the vast and overwhelming importance of applying right methods in education, to the end that only good results may ensue. It is the good fortune of Toledo, in these days of shrewd and clear-cut competition, when every man (and woman too) needs to be fully quali- fied for the battle of life ; we repeat, it is the good fortune of Toledo to possess, in the East Side Business College, an institution of practical business training, which starts the student right, keeps him in the right path all the way through its curriculum, graduates him right, and launches him upon his business career in the right way, and under the most favorable conditions for achieving a substantial success in life. The physical aspects of this progressive seat in learning are worthy of note. The premises occupied comprise large, commodious, and hand- somely fitted rooms on the second floor of the imposing Weber Block, corner of Front and Main streets, East Side. Those who have seen this beautiful building, need not be told that it is one of the handsom- est and finest business structures in Toledo, being constructed of buff brick, with handsomely carved stone trimmings, large, and altogether attractive. The college entrance is from Front street, and the portions of the building used for the purposes of the college, consist of the Business department, Shorthand and Typewriting department, Recita- tion rooms, Reading room, Cloak and Bicycle room, and the handsome Office room 20x20 feet in area. All departments are especially arranged and adapted to the work done in them, and are equipped with all the devices, appliances and accessories of a first-class Commercial School. The courses of study embrace Bookkeeping, Shorthand, Typewriting, Commercial Law, Penmanship, Arithmetic, Grammar, Spelling, Corres- pondence, Banking, and all other studies common to the highest type of Commercial Colleges. The standard is held rigidly high, and conse-
quently a diploma from the school carries weight, and is a guarantee of thorough business training. Established September, 1895, this institu- tion has already taken a leading rank in Toledo's educational circles, and the roster, at the present time, shows over two hundred students enrolled, coming from this city and county and from all parts of the surrounding country. Mr. M. B. Severance, principal and. proprietor of this college, is a Canadian by birth and a Toledoan by adoption. He has resided here for more than ten years and has been engaged in educational pursuits. After seven years of successful experience in the Public Schools, he decided to follow the profession of teaching. He then completed a four-year course at the Michigan State Normal School and a full course in the Training department. Having graduated with high honors from this institution, he accepted a position as principal of the business and English departments of one of the leading business colleges of the State. After filling this position for six years, he saw an opportunity for opening a live, up-to-date commercial college in Toledo. This he did in September, 1895, right in the midst of the un- favorable financial conditions which were then depressing the country, but the subsequent results clearly illustrated the fact that the Ameri- can people realize that they owe their supremacy to their superior education and that the young people, in this age, must have a thorough, practical, businesss training, in order to succeed in any vocation.
The Normandie.
Among the many excellent modern hotels of which this city can justly boast, a most pleasant and home-like one is the "Normandie", Nos. 502-504 Superior street. This well-known house was established about five years ago, and has a most active, useful and successful busi- ness career. The building is a commodious and attractive brick structure, three stories in height, 32 feet front and 100 feet deep. The interior is handsomely and tastefully fitted up, and appropriately furnished, possessing many of the conveniences essential to the comfort of guests. There are no less than twenty odd guest chambers, mostly large, airy, cheerful and well-lighted apartments, well furnished and
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equipped for the use of either permanent or transient guests. The hotel is conveniently located for a good city and near-by patronage, and has at all times since its establishment, presented a scene of steady and prosperous business operation. An important department is the large and well appointed "Sample Room" which, besides being the most attractive and pleasant apartment, in itself, is thoroughly stocked with a superior assortment of wines, liquors and cigars. Here, too, the service is exceedingly satisfactory, and this department reaps a large and fine patronage, which comprises a large percentage of the most sub- stantial business men and others of this section of the city. Mr. Rob- ert A. Just, the sole proprietor of this house is a native Toledoan, knows the requirements of the public and generously provides for them. He is a popular member of the Foresters of America and is a young man of fine business abilities and high personal character and standing in the community.
Niagara Hotel.
Reference to hotel life, easily brings to mind that capital hostelry, the Niagara Hotel, 324-326 Summit street. This hotel occupies the large double front building from the second floor up, each of the three floors being 30-120 feet in dimensions and capable of accommodating a large amount of business. The dining-hall on the second floor is a noble room of 30x120 area handsomely furnished and thoroughly equipped with all modern and desirable fixtures and requisites. The cuisine is of the very best and the service particularly prompt, sys- tematic and agreeable. The house contains some sixty guest cham- bers, handsomely furnished, beautifully lighted, large, cheerful, bright and attractive. Well calculated to impart the comforts and impressions of home life to the transient occupant. Both gas and electricity are used for illuminating purposes, and every element and department of the house is thoroughly modernized. Meals 15 cents and up. Rooms 50 and 35 cents per day. Over 1,000 meals served daily. The European plan of business is in vogue, a plan which is becoming more and more popular in all our leading cities, where business men find it
impossible to be at any given place at meal times and hence prefer to engage room and take meals when and wherever they can do so with greatest convenience to their business engagements. The Niagara has been in operation for nearly ten years, and has, in the successful and prosperous business done, fully justified the highest expectations of its founder and proprietor, Mr. Thomas H. Deveaux, who, though by birth a New Yorker, has been for some twenty years a prominent and honored citizen of Toledo. He is an enterprising and progressive busi- ness man, a genial and hospitable host, and a citizen of decided public spirit and interest in the welfare of Toledo.
John M. Krumm.
One of the oldest and most securely established pharmacies in Toledo is located at No. 812 Broadway. These premises have been occupied as a drug store for twenty-five or more years and have become well known in that connection. For twelve years the gentleman who is now proprietor was a clerk in this place, and as he has owned the business some seven years, his whole identification with the concern covers a period of not less than sixteen years. The premises are in all respects well adapted to the purposes of the business and the stock is of the best, having been well selected and being replenished with suffi- cient frequency to insure freshness and full strength. Comparatively few people appreciate the importance of the latter, but a good pharma- cist would throw away or destroy stale drugs and chemicals rather than use them in the compounding of prescriptions. For that reason the stock of this establishment is kept exceptionally fresh. Physicians' prescriptions are compounded with the care and precision which their importance demands, and a full assortment of family medicines, stan- dard remedies, proprietary preparations, toilet articles, fancy goods and druggist sundries generally is always on hand. The sole owner of the business is Mr. J. M. Krumm, a young business man of fine ability and high character and one who has within himself all the elements of popularity and success. He is an Encampment degree member of the I. O. O. F and National Union.
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Walter H. Hisey, D. D. S.
Prominent among the younger generation of the professional men, is Walter H. Hisey, D. D. S., the popular dentist of 237 Summit street, proprietor of what is familiarly and favorably known as the Taft Dental Parlors. These offices were established in 1890 by Dr. Taft, and by him continued until 1895, in which year they were secured, by pur- chase, by the present proprietor. No reception parlor is a more invit- ing and tastefully arranged apartment, while the operating rooms are fitted and furnished with a full outfit of fine Dental Furniture and a complete equipment of the most modern improved instruments and devices for the performance of every kind and sort of operation from the simplest to the most complex and difficult. Painless extracting, filling, crown and bridge work and everything comprehended under modern dentistry, receives expert and skillful attention. Skillful assistants are employed, and it is safe to say that no dental establish- ment in Toledo turns out finer work, performs more satisfactory opera- tions, or is more popular with the best class of patients than this. Dr. Hisey is a native Ohioan, having been born in old Columbiana county about twenty-seven years ago. He graduated from the famous Phila- delphia Dental College in the class of '93, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. Gifted with fine natural abilities, supplemented by most diligent study and practical application he has already given strong evidence of high professional attainments which must eventuate in distinguished success. Personally genial and cor- dial, his very manner in the operating room does much to rob opera- tions of their terror to the patient, a fact which has an immense bearing upon professional popularity.
Mrs. M. J. Anderson.
Here are situated all kinds of millinery establishments, fully equal to any in Chicago or New York. A prominent one known as the Louvre, being located at No. 416 Adams street, of which Mrs. Mary J. Anderson is the esteemed manageress. Mrs. Anderson, who brings great natural taste and skill to bear, established the business several
years ago, and now numbers among her permanent patrons the leading members of society in the city and its vicinity. The salesrooms are attractively and elegantly fitted up and the stock includes full lines of the latest novelties in hats, bonnets and toques, also ribbons, plumes, flowers, silks, satins, velvets, laces and trimmings. A number of skilled milliners are kept constantly engaged, and orders are filled and deliv- ered at short notice. Mrs. Anderson visits New York constantly, and is always posted on the prevailing styles and fashions, and to trade with her once is to remain her patron always. She also deals in a superior Hair Tonic that restores hair to its natural color, and will not stain the scalp, while it increases the growth and prevents hair from falling out. Mrs. Anderson was born at Bowmanville, Ont., and has made hosts of friends owing to her strict rectitude. She is always the first in the city to introduce the latest styles and fashions, and is unremitting in her attention to customers.
The LeBaron Company.
The great retail Bazaars of this city are in all respects up-to-date both in stock displayed and modern methods of business. Time was when the grand dames of Toledo found it desirable and in many cases necessary to import their finest gowns and other apparel from Paris, or at least from New York, Boston or Philadelphia. Now all this has passed away and the dealers at home are able to meet all demands from the simplest to the most complex and important. In the matter of fine millinery and expert fashionable dress-making, the ladies of To- ledo may be said to have all the best attractions of Paris at their doors, and the fine establishment of The LeBaron Company at 315 Superior street presents all the facilities in their line that can be sought for or found anywhere. This firm has been in business for many years and has in all its career successfully catered to the finest and most exacting trade of the vicinity. They occupy the entire building which is a brick structure 30x60 feet in area, the whole first floor being devoted to the millinery department and the second to dressmaking. No less than thirty assistants are employed, among them a number of artistic
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and expert designers, cutters, fitters, milliners, etc. A magnificent array of direct importations of French bonnets, hats, flowers, orna- ments, plumes, laces, etc., is displayed in the department of millinery, and the costume department is replete with the finest and richest cre- ations and fabrics of foreign and American factories. All Toledo, or at least all of fashionable Toledo votes this a model concern and it has long enjoyed the best and choicest patronage of the community. The individual members of the firm have had the inestimable advantage of thorough training and long experience in their profession. Their es- tablishment occupies a leading place in Toledo's business circles and is of such an unusully high character in every particular as to be a source of pride to Toledo's fashionable " Four Hundred."
Home Building and Loan Co.
One of the principal loan associations is the Home Building and Loan Co., whose offices are at 844 Broadway. This company was organized in 1887, and in December of that year, incorporated under the laws of Ohio, with an authorized capital stock of $1,500,000 in shares of $500 each. The plan of association is permanent. The man- agement has been wise and liberal and the growth of business has been steady and continuous from the very beginning of its operations, the last or ninth annual report indicating a most healthy and gratifying condition of its affairs. As a striking evidence of the successful opera- tion of the company it may be noted that its membership now numbers approximately 1,500, and in the nine years of its existence the total assets have increased from $39,577.65 to $527,774.66. Surely a most creditable showing and one which reflects great credit upon the officials who are intrusted with the management of its affairs. The handsome rate of 7 per cent dividend was declared at the last time of settlement. The officers are Gilbert Canniff, president ; Dr. James A. Duncan, vice- president ; George E. Myers, secretary ; Wm. J. Kinker, treasurer ; and George P. Kirby, attorney. These with Messrs. J. Mark Briecher and B. F. Sawyer, constitute the board of directors. These gentlemen are all prominently identified with the commercial and professional busi-
ness of the city, Mr. Canniff being engaged in insurance, Dr. Duncan a leading practicing physician, Mr. Kinker a well known dry goods mer- chant, Mr. Kirby a prominent member of the Toledo bar, Mr. Myers an extensive real estate operator, Mr. Briecher an official of the Union News Co., and Mr. Sawyer largely interested in the real estate busi- ness. Even without the data of the past eight years of successful man- agement the names of such gentlemen would be a sure guarantee of the future and continued prosperity of the company or, indeed, of any enterprise with which they would consent to be identified. They de- serve and are accorded the fullest meed of praise for their faithful devotion to the interest of the members and stockhholders and are entitled to great credit for the maintenance of an institution so preg- nant with good results to a large section of this community.
Parisian Portrait Co.
Says Lavater : "The enemy of art is the enemy of Nature ; art is nothing but the highest sagacity and exertion of human nature ; and what nature will he honor who honors not the human." Art and the artist's profession are well represented in this city by men of talent in the profession, and men who combine with artistic taste excellent busi- ness abilities and habits of active enterprise. It is with the latter that this review has chiefly to do. The subject of the present sketch is the Parisian Portrait Co., occupying Room 220 Chamber of Commerce. This business was located here originally as a branch of a Cleveland concern, but is now under the proprietorship of Messrs. Robert S. Cummings and W. C. Wilson, who conduct a general studio, covering all manner of popular portrait work in crayon, water colors, pastel and in fact all the style now most in vogue. A staff of expert and talented artists are kept busily employed filling the orders of an enlightened and critical constituency. The business is principally local to Toledo, and the patrons of the studio are found in all the walks of life, but more practically among the substantial business and commercial circles. The artistic work produced finds high favor among the most competent to judge of art merit, and the consequence is a continuously
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growing patronage for the establishment. Messrs. Cummings and Wilson are natives of this state and people of decided talent. They are courteous in the reception of visitors to their place of business and possess many of the best elements of personal popularity. They may be safely set down as coming men in this department of business endeavor.
H. F. Shannon.
The enormous and steadily increasing consumption of wood, coal, flour and feed in Toledo, has led to the establishment of numerous houses having for their object the supplying of these products. One of the successful ones among the number is that conducted by Mr. Benjamin F. Shannon, whose warehouse, yards and sheds, situated at Nos. 1215 and 1217 Dorr street, cover an area of 30x200 feet. Mr. Shannon began business on January 1, 1892, and has since been cater- ing to an active trade, having secured permanent patrons in all parts of the city. He employs a sufficient force of men and wagons, carries a large stock of the best grades of flour, feed, coal and wood, and all customers have their wants met at the most liberal quotations. Mr. Shannon is a native of Ohio, a member of the Toledo Coal Exchange and the Retail Coal Dealers' Association, also the Knights of Pythias, and his commernial and social standing is of the highest.
The Schauss Manufacturing Co.
The City of Toledo being the third in importance as a railroad centre of the United States and possessing unsurpassed facilities for manufacturing enterprises, as well as unexcelled means of transporta- tion, both by rail and water, is very evidently pre-destined to become one of the greatest productive points in the country. Its manufacto- ries are already over 800 in number, and new industries are constantly being inaugurated here. There are many extensive and justly famed enterprises in flourishing operation in the city, and some of these enjoy a wide spread reputation. Belonging to this latter class we find the Schauss Manufacturing Co., who are engaged as makers of fine parlor furniture frames and whose extensive factory is at the junction of
Washington street and the Lake Shore Railroad. This great enter- prise was inaugurated April 10, 1887, and duly incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000, the executive officers being as follows : Pres- ident, Wm. Lingelbach, of Cleveland ; Vice-President, Henry Bender ; Secretary and Treasurer, Christ Bach ; Manager, Mr. Theodore Hein. These gentlemen are prominently known in industrial and business circles. Their standing and credit is of the highest and as progressive manufacturers and public spirited citizens, they are held in the great- est regard in the community. The company's works comprise a main factory, a three story brick building, 60x200 feet in dimensions, and large finishing shop and warerooms. The equipment is of the most complete character, and the machinery is driven by engines having a total capacity of 120 horse power. There is also a 15 horse power electric dynamo, used to light the works with electricity. Employment is found for about 100 hands. The company manufacture all varieties of parlor suits, lounge, couch, library, chair and rocker frames. Their large, handsomely illustrated catalogue gives an excellent idea of these superior products, which are shipped to upholsterers and furniture manufacturers in all parts of the United States. Also manufacturers of modern bank and office furniture, fittings and finish. Factory, West Washington and Lake Shore Railroad.
George H. Boetsch, Jr.
One of the successful members of the trade is Mr. George H. Boetsch, Jr., whose market is at No. 1006 Starr avenue, where he daily transacts an active business. Mr. Boetsch has been established here about a year and a half and has built up a first-class trade, owing to his liberal business policy, and the superior character of the goods sold by him. The commodious store occupied, presents a most inviting ap- pearance, is neatly appointed, and contains a fine stock of fresh, salt and smoked meats, also lard, sausage and poultry, and these are sup- plied at lowest market quotations. He also handles butter and eggs. Mr. Boetsch is a native of Ohio, devotes himself entirely to his business and is meeting with deserved success.
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M. I. Wilcox Company.
Among the great commercial enterprises in active operation here is that conducted by the M. I. Wilcox Company, whose extensive four- story warehouse is situated at Nos. 210-216 Water street. This concern
This company was incorporated March 8th, 1886, with a capital stock of $125.000, and on January 1st, 1897, the original name of the M. I. Wilcox Cordage & Supply Company was changed to the M. I. Wilcox Company. On January of this year the company also purchased the tent and awning establishment of Breyman Bros. and annexed the
operates upon a scale of great magnitude and its trade permeates all throughout Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Several traveling salesmen are employed and the home force numbers about forty hands. M. I. Wilcox commenced the business in 1854, operating it continuously.
business to their already large department in this line. The company carries an immense stock including every description of cordage, belt- ing, oils, tackle, blocks, tents, awnings, railroad and mill supplies, twine, waste, packing, etc., etc., and the trade is supplied at particu-
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larly advantageous terms. The officers are prominently known in commercial and financial circles and are accounted among Toledo's representative public-spirited citizens. The list follows : President, M. I. Wilcox ; vice-president, J. B. Drago ; secretary and treasurer, C. H. Eddy ; manager, H. E. Rouse. Mr. Wilcox is also president of the Maumee River Steamboat Company, vice-president of the Vulcan Iron Works and President of the Merchants' National Bank. Mr. Wilcox has the proud distinction of being the oldest merchant in our city in continuous and uninterrupted business.
A. C. Kolbe.
One of the most creditable of the numerous mercantile enterprises established in Toledo in 1896, was the grocery emporium of Mr. A. C. Kolbe, situated at No. 341 Dorr street, corner of Washington. Mr. Kolbe opened for business in the spring of '96, but prior to that he had many years' experience in the grocery interest, having clerked for Hund & Co. and other firms. Consequently he understands thoroughly all the details of the trade and how to most satisfactorily meet the wants of the public. He has acquired a large first-class trade and his number of permanent patrons is steadily increasing. The store occupied is of ample proportions, has neat fixtures and contains an excellent stock of staple and fancy groceries, fruits and vegetables, etc. Active clerks and a delivery wagon are employed, and all patrons of this establishment are assured the best of value in their purchases. Mr. Kolbe is a native of Germany, has long lived in Toledo, and his energy and popularity assure him permanent success.
Mrs. J. N. Leggett.
If popularity be the test of merit, then the establishment of Mrs. J. N. Leggett, of No. 514 Main street, well deserves the extensive pa- tronage it receives. This lady has been established the past three years, and within that period has become favorably known in the commu- nity for the excellence of her goods, and has won a large, most desirable trade. The commodious store occupied is fitted up with neat fixtures, and the rear portion is furnished as an ice cream parlor, which is well
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