USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
Presley & Son.
Of first importance among all departments of commerce is the trade devoted to the food supply. A popular house engaged in this line in Toledo is that of Presley & Son, situated at No. 2677 Monroe street. This firm was organized July 3, 1895, and first began operations āt No. 3031 Monroe street, removing to the present address on January 1, 1897. Here the premises occupied comprise a new brick building of ample size, the firm using the first floor and cellar. The salesroom
Dr. J. A. Miller, Dentist.
One of the most successful exponents of the dental profession in To- ledo is Dr. J. A. Miller, whose large and handsomely appointed offices are in the Valentine Building. He has been established over fifteen years in this city, and commands a large, influential patronage. Dr. Miller has the exclusive right to use, in Toledo, the latest scientific discovery, " Anti-Nerve Poena." This is a locally applied anæsthetic, that never affects the patient in the slightest and is as harmless as water. It is guaranteed to prevent a single pang of pain during the extraction of teeth or stumps of any kind. Dr. Miller makes a leading specialty of the preservation of the natural teeth, and he also supplies artificial teeth that cannot possibly be detected from natural ones. Work is done on gold, silver, aluminum, celluloid and vulcanized plates ; bridge work, crowning, etc., and efficient results are assured in each instance. Dr. Miller is a native of Ohio, a prominent member of the Masonic Order, graduate of the Iowa College of Dentistry, at Des Moines, Iowa, and his standing and reputation are absolutely beyond criticism.
John Samsey & Co., Printers.
Our city is fully up to the head of the column and can point to some as completely equipped and as ably conducted printing estab- lishments as exist anywhere in the country. Of this class is the exten- sive book and job office of Samsey & Co., the printers, who occupy the second floor of the building, Nos. 503 and 505 Monroe street. This
59
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
business was established five years ago, and for a time was located at 124 St. Clair street, from whence it was moved to 40 Summit street. Recently in order to secure better facilities for the accommoda- tion of the growing business, the premises now occupied were secured. These premises are commodious, being 40x40 feet in dimensions. The office forces comprise a number of expert compositors, pressmen, etc., and the large patronage of the concern comes very generally from the best classes of the business people of Toledo and vicinity. The sole proprietor is Mr. John Samsey, a genial and courteous gentleman, a native of the city, an influential member of the Typographical Union and a strictly "Union " man in every sense. He employs only Union men, pays full Union wages and is liberal and helpful to his numerous employees. In other words he seems to have adopted as his motto, the language of the Bard:
"'Tis not in mortal to command success, We'll do more, Sempronius, We'll deserve it."
In conclusion, it is pleasant to record that Mr. Samsey has not only deserved but is rapidly achieving the success which is always due to right principles applied to practice.
Thomas Kewley & Son, Plumbers.
The first and paramount consideration is health and comfort un- der every circumstance, and these are best attained through homes made pleasant and healthful by the best endeavors of science. This subject calls forth the necessity of the best scientific plumbing as a means of attaining that end, and one of the most prominent houses in this line is that of Thomas Kewley & Son, in the Chiesa Block at No. 1006 Monroe street. It was two years ago that the business was estab- lished by Thomas Kewley and his son, F. T. Kewley, both practical sanitary engineers and plumbers of long experience. The firm occu- pies large and commodious quarters, ample for every requirement of its growing business and fully equipped in every way. A specialty is made of plumbing, gas and steam fitting, and hot water heating in pri-
vate residences and buildings. This firm did the plumbing on the Ontario Building, and many of the large private residences of the city. The senior member of the firm is a native of England and the latter of Ohio. They are highly esteemed as business men, and as progres. sive, public-spirited citizens.
The Thompson & Chute Soap Co.
One of the most widely known establishments here is The Thomp- son & Chute Soap Co., makers of a most popular line of Silver Soaps and other soaps, also a full line of Steam Laundry supplies. This im- portant industry was founded nearly twenty years ago by J. B. Bell & Co., who were succeeded some ten years since by the present company,
TRE THOMPSON AND CHUTE SOAP CO.
THE THOMPSON AND CHUTE SOAP CO.
SILVER SOAP M'F'RS.
which was incorporated in 1887 with a capital stock of $50,000. The company occupies a commodious and substantial three-story brick structure, 50x125 feet in dimensions, covering Nos. 201-203-205-207-209- 211 and 213 Lucas street, corner of Thirteenth, and fitted up with all
60
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
modern improved appliances for soap-making, including a 20 horse power engine and 80 horse power boiler. A score of persons are given employment and several traveling salesmen represent the house in the various states from which their trade is drawn, chiefly throughout Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, etc. The capacity of the works is about twenty-five thousand boxes, and the product has attained great popu- larity with consumers of the trade in all sections in which it has become known. It is safe to predict that the trade of the company will continue to grow and increase and that the high quality of these excellent soaps will be most rigidly maintained. The entire manage- ment of the business devolves upon Mr. G. M. Chute, who is president and general manager of the company. He is a good type of the native Canadian, and manifests in his enterprising and thorough business methods the energy, liberality and resources so marked a characteristic of the leaders of Toledo's commercial and manufacturing element.
Theo. Adams, Furniture.
Six years of effort and enterprise have sufficed to place the house of Mr. Theo. Adams in a leading position in the furniture indus- try of Toledo, and to secure him a first-class reputation with the pub- lic. The business is conveniently located at No. 623 Monroe street, the spacious salesroom occupied having a depth of ninety-five feet, and being equipped with every facility for the successful conduct of the en- terprise. Mr. Adams is a skilled practical upholsterer, and employing a corps of assistants, conducts a general business as a manufacturer of and dealer in furniture and upholstery goods, making a leading spec- ialty of upholstering and repair work. Mr. Adams is a native of Ohio, now in the prime age of life, and is known throughout the community as a liberel minded citizen and highly capable man of business.
Leland's.
There are a number of excellent establishments devoted to the trade in art goods, foremost among which is that of Mr. Everard P. Leland's, located at No. 344 Huron street, and better known as "Leland's." This gentleman is a native of Ohio, now in the prime of
life, and he has been established in business since 1883. The prem- ises occupied are spacious, attractively appointed, and completely stocked with a superior assortment of pictures, frames, artists' ma- terials and kindred goods of all kinds. A number of skilled hands is employed and particular attention is paid to the making of frames to order, first-class work being assured in every instance. Mr. Leland is a public spirited citizen, and very highly regarded in the community. His substantial success has been fully deserved ..
L. A. Barkimer, Pianos.
Among the establishments engaged in catering to the musical ele- ment, a foremost position is occupied by that conducted by Mr. L. A. Barkimer, assisted by his genial and estimably known wife, Mrs. Barki- mer, in the National Union Building. This gentleman is an expert in the piano trade, having been connected with it the past thirty years, and since October, 1894, he has been established as above. He has built up an excellent trade and a reputation of the highest character. The spacious premises occupied are handsomely appointed, and a large stock is carried of the celebrated Decker Bros., Baldwin, J. & C. Fischer, Haines Bros., Ellington and Valley Gem Pianos and Organs. Mr. Barkimer is a native of Ohio, widely known in business circles, and his establishment is deservedly regarded with the highest favor.
Toledo Brick Supply Co.
Among the commendable class of business combinations, and one which fills a long felt want, is the Toledo Brick Supply Co., an organi- zation formed in 1896 by a number of leading brick manufacturers for the purpose of maintaining a general headquarters for the sale of the product of their several works. This company occupies very hand- some offices in the Spitzer Building, Rooms 213 and 214, and here the contractors, builders and all classes of buyers of brick in Toledo and vicinity find a central office or exchange where they can obtain all the grades and kinds manufactured by the various firms and companies represented, a fact which contributes very greatly to the convenience of the whole trade in that line. Its affairs are in excellent shape and
61
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
condition, and its projectors are more than satisfied with its operations. The officers of the company are Mr. E. B. Hall, president ; Mr. E. A. Macomber, vice-president, and Mr. C. J. Spear, secretary. Mr. Elijah B. Hall is a prominent brick manufacturer, as is Mr. Albert E. Macom- ber, who is also a leading member of the Toledo Bar, and Mr. Spear was resident manager of the Findlay Hydraulic Pressed Brick Com- pany. These gentlemen are all Ohioans "to the manor born," and are . actively identified with all that is most progressive in Toledo's business life, and in the prosecution of the business of this company they dis- play the same qualities of sound judgment, and liberal progressiveness which have made them so successful in their individual undertakings.
John W. McCormick, Billiard Hall.
There is no place where a pleasanter hour or two can be passed than in the billiard hall and bowling alleys conducted by Mr. J. W. McCormick on St. Clair street, opposite the Produce Exchange. This is the largest billiard hall in the state, covering as it does an area of 60x120 feet, and being equipped with twenty billiard and pool tables. This enterprise was inaugurated in 1887 by Mr. A. E. Foster, and in May, 1893, he was succeeded by the present proprietor, Mr. McCormick under whose management the establishment has gained a high degree. A staff of trained assistants is employed and visitors are shown every courteous attention. Mr. McCormick is a native of Ohio, a popularly known business man, and thoroughly public-spirited citizen.
The Witker Manufacturing Co.
In reviewing the great enterprises that have made Toledo the great manufacturing and commercial centre it is, it is instructive and inter- esting to note the advances that have been made in each of the repre- sentative industries, and to ascertain exactly what has been accom- plished by energy and capital. The manufacture of doors, sash and blinds for building purposes has long been one of the most important branches of industry, and one of the foremost houses engaged therein is that of the Witker Manufacturing Co., whose yards and factory are
situated at the corner of Jackson avenue and Water street. This well known company was incorporated in 1886, with a capital of $50,000, and its affairs have been directed with such wisdom and enterprise that a large influential trade has been developed, requiring the em- ployment of a force of eighty hands. The company's factory is a three- storied brick building, 120x250 feet in dimensions, equipped with first- class steam power machinery, and they also have yards and dock cover- ing 150x200 feet. All kinds of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, etc., are dealt in, also lumber, lath and shingles ; a very heavy stock is carried, and an extensive trade is constantly supplied. The officers of the com- pany are: President, Fred E. Witker, who is also president of the Mutual Building & Loan Company ; Secretary and Treasurer, Edward H. Witker ; Superintendent, Edward F. Witker. These gentlemen are brothers and cousins, and natives of Ohio. They are well known in commercial circles as straightforward business men, whose trade has grown proportionately with the merits of their products, and who have won their way into the front ranks of an important and thriving in- dustry.
O. G. Fields, Photographer.
Toledo has a most able and gifted representative in Mr. O. G. Fields, whose studio and attelier is located at No. 419 Summit street. For almost a score of years this gentleman has been engaged in this line, and he has kept in touch with every improvement that has tended toward the betterment of his art, until to-day, there is no photographer in the city who has a larger clientele of patrons than has he. Mr. Fields has a handsomely appointed gallery, with every scenic embel- lishment for first-class work. A large and cheerful reception and dis- play room, with dressing rooms are a feature of the establishment. Mr. Fields is a native Toledoan and is highly esteemed in business and social circles. He is ably assisted by Mrs. Fields, whose artistic abil- ities are employed in the development of the trade. Mr. Fields is a gentleman highly respected, public-spirited and honored, and it is al- ways his pleasure to advance the interests of his native city in every legitimate way.
62
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
Miller & Diehl, Flour, Meal, Feed, Hay, Etc.
The name of Miller & Diehl, wholesale and retail dealers in flour, meal, mill feed, hay, straw, etc., are entitled to favorable mention. They occupy the first floor and basement of the handsome three story brick at 327 Cherry street, the firm consisting of Jacob Miller and Jacob Diehl, and the business has been conducted by the present owners in this location for the past sixteen years. Besides handling all kinds of feed, flour and meal, they make a specialty of Miller & Diehl's
JACOB MILLER.
JACOB DIEHL.
" Drifted Snow " and Freedman's "Pansy " flour, " Spring Wheat," and " Rye Flour," etc. Mr. Jacob Miller is a native of Switzerland and is quite a prominent society man, and as a business man has evinced rare ablility. Mr. Jacob Diehl is a native of Germany and a prominent member of the Foresters, National Union, A. O. U. W. and other lodges, and like his associate has more than ordinary business ability, and the entire arrangement of their store in neatness and convenience.
J. R. McGlone, Lumber.
A foremost concern engaged in the wholesale department of the in- dustry is that of which Mr. J. R. McGlone is the active manager, and whose trade operations extend all throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Michi- gan. This business was established some thirty years ago and the house has long been a prominent factor in the promotion and develop- ment of the lumber interest. It commands the most ample dockage and storage facilities, having a yard at the foot of Lafayette street, five acres in extent ; Wabash Dock, one acre ; and a two-acre yard at Iron- ville. A large force of men and teams is employed, and the specialties dealt in comprise Michigan pine, and hardwood, cross arms for tele- graph and telephone poles, telegraph poles, cedar posts, shingles, lath, etc. Mr. McGlone is representative of the well-known house of H. M. Loud & Sons Lumber Co., of Oscoda, Michigan, one of the largest concerns in the lumber industry. Mr. McGlone is a native of that great lumber state, Michigan, having been born in Tuscola county. He has resided in Toledo many years, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is thoroughly identified with the mercantile and social development of this thriving community.
The Conant Bros. Furniture Co.
A notable and well equipped establishment devoted to the pro- duction of furniture for use in public buildings, is that of the Conant Bros. Furniture Co., whose offices, warehouse and factory are situated at the junction of Summit, Adams and Water streets. This company was incorporated July 15, 1885, by Walter N. and J. A. Conant, under the state laws of Ohio, with the nominal capital of $75,000. Mr.W. N. Conant, since deceased, his interest in the business being succeeded to by his widow, who now holds the office of president of the company. The treasurer and active manager is Mr. F. W. Conant. This gentle- man is a native of Ohio. The premises occupied for the business comprise a four-story warehouse and salesroom 50x150 feet in dimen- sions, and factory building, having four floors, each 100x150 feet. The latter_is equipped with the most improved machinery, driven by steam
63
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
power, and employment is found for a force of 70 experienced work- men. All kinds of furniture for public buildings is made here and furnished to these buildings under contracts agreed upon. The goods are of superior quality and workmanship, and the trade of the house extends to all parts of the United States.
George F. Tanner, Footwear.
The best interests of the city of Toledo are fully conserved by the able business men who have builded up its retail trade, and made this line one of the greatest factors in its growth, advancement and prosper- ity. The retail houses of Toledo will rank with those of any city in the country of its size in stability and extent. One of the best known retail bazaars is that of Mr. George F. Tanner, the well-known foot milliner at No. 607 Summit street. The business was established fifteen years ago by Mr. Tanner, who by rare business ability and judg- ment has builded up a large trade among the exclusive people of the city. The store is handsomely fitted, large, and fully stocked with a fine line of the best grades of footwear, products of the best known makers. The assortment is one of the largest in the city, and is most comprehensive, embracing every style and kind that are sold at right prices. Mr. Tanner is a native of Toledo, and has always been identi- fied with its best business interests in every way. He is wide awake, public-spirited and energetic, and is liberal in his patronage of every movement that tends to advance the city and its best interests. Mr. Tanner is well known and highly esteemed in trade and in society, and his business career exemplifies what honorable methods can do.
F. T. Berdan, Coal.
Toledo is one of the foremost soft coal markets in the country, as bituminous coal is both plentiful and cheap here, a fact that has had much to do with making this city, the great manufacturing centre it to- day is. The leading house engaged in the retail trade in coal and coke is that of Mr. F. T. Berdan, whose handsome main office is on the ground floor of the Spitzer Building, while his extensive yards, covering an area of about 40,000 square feet, are on Morris street. This establishment
was founded five years ago by Messrs. Cox & Berdan, and two years later the firm was dissolved, Mr. Berdan since continuing alone. He is a native of Ohio, a member of the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, and he is recognized as one of Toledo's most enterprising,
BINNER-CHI
able and progressive business men. Mr. Berdan employs a large force of men and carts, and deals in Massillon, Jackson, Pocahontas and an- thracite coal, and also coke. Mr. Berdan does not believe in doing things by halves, as he owns a complete equipment for delivery, con- sisting of spring wagons and the finest draft horses in the city, insuring
64
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
his customers the very best of attention at all times. Much of the pop- ularity of the firm is due to the promptness with which orders are filled, the hauling capacity for retail delivery being 250 tons per day. He carries a very heavy supply at all times and the public is promptly supplied at lowest market quotations.
People's Hand Laundry.
A most popular Toledo house engaged in the laundry industry is the People's Hand Laundry, situated at No. 435 Huron street. This enterprise was founded in September, 1895, by the present genial pro- prietor, Mr. J. J. Knowles, an energetic, hustling business man, who has made a phenomenal success. His staff of assistants are trained, relia- ble hands, and all the work is done by hand exclusively in the most careful manner. No deleterious chemicals to eat away the clothing, nor any machinery to tear or wear out linen is used. Mr. Knowles is a native of Kentucky, came to Toledo three years ago, and has since become most popularly known in the community.
Arbuckle-Ryan Co., Machinery.
This is an old established house, having been founded in 1871, by Messrs. John M. Arbuckle and Chas. W. Ryan, who continued at the head of affairs until the lamented death of Mr. Arbuckle severed the co-partnership, and shortly afterward, or on February 8, 1896, the pres- ent company was organized and incorporated under the state laws of Ohio, with ample capital, the executive officers being : President and Treasurer, Chas. W. Ryan ; Vice-President, J. W. Ryan ; Secretary, John D. Besly ; General Manager, Edward J. Wehrly. The Messrs. Ryan and Mr. Besly are natives of Pennsylvania, Mr. Wehrly, of Ohio, and all four gentlemen are included in the list of Toledo's representa- tive merchants and foremost public-spirited citizens. They employ a staff of traveling salesmen, while their home force numbers thirty five hands. They are general Ohio, Indiana and Michigan agents for Rus- sell & Co., of Massillon, O., manufacturers of engines, threshers and saw mills, and are also general agents for various lines of portable and sta- tionary engines and boilers and farming machinery. The spacious
premises occupied consist of a fine new four-story and basement build- ing at Nos. 720-724 Monroe street, the dimensions being 60x120, while connecting with this and facing on Ontario street is a four-story build- ing, 40x120 feet, affording in all a floorage area of 54,600 square feet. An immense and very superior stock is carried. The company are jobbers of machinery and supplies, among the specialties being auto- matic throttling governor engines, high pressure water tube and tubu- lar boilers. Complete steam plants are furnished, estimates are given, and orders are met in the most efficient manner.
Ezra Relyea, Agent.
The commission industry has long been a foremost factor among the business interests of Toledo, and a vast amount of wealth, in the aggregate, is employed in this line. One of the oldest concerns engaged in this trade is that now conducted by Mr. Ezra Relyea, Agent, at No. 31 Superior street. This house was founded some 30 years ago by Mr. N. Dixon and remained in his control up to September 28, 1896, when Mr. Relyea assumed the management. This gentleman is a native of New York State and has resided in this city since 1873. He is a. hustling, active business man, full of energy and enterprise, and is making a marked success in his present position. Occupying a large two-story and basement building, and employing a number of trained assistants, he conducts general operations as a commission merchant and dealer in hides, pelts, etc., giving special attention to the sale of calves, hogs and poultry. His trade extends all over Northwestern Ohio, and his facilities enable him to meet all demands in the most efficient manner.
Mrs. Rose Duerringer, Dry Goods.
Among those deserving of special mention in a comprehensive re- view of the city's interests, is that of Mrs. R. Duerringer, dealer in dry goods, notions, fancy goods, etc., No. 1530 Broadway. The business- was established about thirteen years ago by the present proprietress, and its eminent success is the result of well-directed effort, attention and business ability on the part of Mrs. Duerringer. The premises.
65
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
occupied are a two-story brick building and the store is handsomely fitted up and completely stocked with dry goods, fancy goods, notions, yarn, hosiery, underwear, etc. Mrs. Duerringer is a careful buyer and keeps abreast of the times in the selection of season's novelties and saleable goods. A large patronage is enjoyed and the store is one of the best known in that section of the city. Mrs. Duerringer is a native of Germany and a lady of rare business ability and tact. She is highly esteemed in the trade.
Edward Frohlich Glass Co.
One of the leading establishments of this character is that of the Edward Frohlich Glass Company, whose warehouse, a large, spacious four-story and basement stone building, is situated at Nos. 221-223 St. Clair street. This house has an influential trade all throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. The company's main establishment is at De- troit, Mich. The house in this city was opened in 1893 and has been successful from the outset. The sole proprietor, Mr. Edward Frolich, is in charge of the Detroit end of the business. He is a native of Michigan and is one of Detroit's foremost representative merchants and public-spirited citizens. The resident manager in Toledo, is Mr. L. Butler. This gentleman is a native of Ohio, has had mature business experience, and is very favorably known in trade circles. The com- pany are sole agents for Chambers & McKee's "Jeanette" brands of glass, and F. W. Devoe's and the C. T. Raynolds Co's. paints, and their warehouse contains a fully supply of these celebrated goods, to- gether with paints, varnish, brushes and glass of all kinds, and the trade is supplied upon the most liberal terms. The house courts the privilege of submitting estimates on any wants in their lines.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.