USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Tyrone > Tyrone of to-day : the gateway of the Alleghanies > Part 8
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enterprise is largely the result of the energy of the secretary of the Board of Trade and one of its members who secured sub- scriptions of stock from a large number of our citizens. It is expected that the plant will ere long be increased and a larger number of men employed.
TEMPLETON & CO.'S DEPARTMENT STORE.
Facing South on Tenth street, between Pa. and Logan avenues is the store known as "Templeton's" for the last 25 years and more. For the ordinary wants of the body in food and raiment, and for most of the adornments and luxuries, one need not go elsewhere than to Templeton's store. This is the commissariat department for a little army of customers. The gardens and the orchards of many lands pour into their supplies and out of it many families are fed. Not to mention the substantials which are never "out," the shelves are found closely packed with all sorts of condiments and canned goods, and delicacies for dainty appetites. The show cases have the trifles without which life would be incomplete, candy which the children want, and soaps which mammas say they need.
Is it lamps ? Hundreds of them. Or tinware? Ask for what you don't see. Biscuits and baskets hang before your eyes, and coffee, sugar, &c., crowd your feet. Gentlemanly clerks wait behind the counters. Rows of queensware, glass and china dishes, plain and fancy, stare at you from the other side.
So much for one half of the first floor. The other half- ah, is it not the better half ? There lady clerks measure off and tie up goods that defy description or comprehension by the coarser sex. There are "prints" whose merits cannot be told in print, linens and lawns and linings, silks and serges. What figures and colors, to set off figures and offset colors ! Large room for exercise of taste and judgment. No wonder that women stay long and come often. Here they see them- selves (in imagination) in the draped statues that stare from the windows and stand in aisles and hang from hooks. What matter that these forms are headless? All that is here is for the body to put on, not for heads-inside or out. Such mazes
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of laces and embroidery and trimmings and trinkets ! Side by side with living palms are palm-like parasols for the living. Patterns of gauze-like thinness, buttons and belts-but why say more ?
Books for brains in front. In rear, everything for feet, from "gums" and thick-soled shoes that might weigh a pound, to soft slippers and pointed toes. No one keeps more shoes than Templeton, though some may keep shoes longer.
The visitor must "go aloft." In a room well lighted, 40x120 feet, you see rolls of carpet. We need not name them; they are all here. This is the carpet emporium of Tyrone. Below they fit feet, here they fit floors. And here they fit out windows and decorate everything. If you are going some- where, get one of their trunks. When you stop, they have everything for your breakfast. below, and everything for your bed above.
Well, the half has not been told. Only we must add that nowhere are salesmen and saleswomen more courteous than the fourteen who serve the public in Templeton's, or mer- chants more considerate of the public wants than those who conduct the affairs of this department store.
WALTON & ACKLIN, JEWELERS.
One of the oldest establishments of our town is that of Walton and Acklin, 1041 Pennsylvania avenue.
Isaac Walton, the head of this firm-not "Isaak " of piscatorial fame, stealthily hooking his victims and filling his wallet with their writhing forms -- this is Isaac P. Walton, who for nearly forty years has dealt in gold and silver, yet is no money shark. Of the men who were in business as merch- ants in 1859, he alone is still active, and of him it may be said, " his eye is not dim," as it looks for the flaw in the works of the watch, and "his natural force is not abated." To his prescient mind Tyrone is indebted for a large share of its present prosperity, notably for the Electric Light Plant, of which he was the projector and principal promoter. He has been honored by his fellow-citizens with offices of trust, bur- gess for three years, and now vice-president of the First National Bank.
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F. W. Acklin has well sustained the reputation of the firm and bids fair to become one of Tyrone's foremost citizens. The business block of this firm is an ornament to the town, and the newly erected residence of Mr. Acklin is the gem of architecture among dwelling houses.
The throng of pedestrians that promenade Pennsylvania avenue after working hours, appreciate the warm glow of Walton & Acklin's windows, the neat array of polished silver set off by the colored lights above. Theirs not to feed the hungry or deck the homely with fashion's garb, but many a mind is satisfied and many a costume's lack supplied by the wares which Walton & Acklin dispense so courteously. Here may be seen, on the eve of some interesting occasion, the prospective purchaser looking for birthday gift or bridal present or parting keepsake or pledge of affection or souvenir of esteem. Nowhere in Tyrone are so many bundles of hap- piness tied up and sent out-unless, possibly, in the parsonage of the First M. E. Church.
MRS. ELLA BLACK'S MILLINERY STORE.
Everything for feminine adornment, not to the neglect of comfort. Delight of the fair, bewilderment of the other sex. Waists of finest style and stuff, Dresses ready to put on, Wraps of all sorts, suitable for the season, and of prices graded to the capacity of buyer's purse. Rolls of ribbon, wide and narrow, loud and quiet. Feathers and Flowers, more tempt- ing to our modern Eves than the ancient fruit of the garden. And Hats ! Plain and prim for those who dislike ornament or those who can dispense with it ; modest hats which would befit the staid matron; dashing hats for the gay maiden, high and tapering crowns, low and flat roofed ones. Hats to cover the head and hats to dazzle the eye ; airy hats that seem ready to fly, and fairy hats that might melt and disappear. Such per- mutations and combinations of bits of silk and straw and felt and feather, with a sly stitch here and a pin inserted there ! Such is the magic of Millinery. In this store is all that woman wants to wear except shoes and for this baser garment she must go to man.
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The mistress of this mansion of delight for women and her maids in waiting meet all alike, whether customer or caller, with pleasant welcome and courteous attention. Mrs. Black is a good proof of what the feminine qualities of pluck, perse- verance and tact can accomplish, having developed this busi- ness to its present proportion from small beginnings, until now a force of assistants, sometimes as many as twelve, are kept busy from morning to night.
G. W. STRONG'S BARGAIN STORE.
The gentleman named above has only been a resident of Tyrone about three years, but has shown his right to the name he bears by becoming stronger each year in the confidence of his patrons. In his place of business may be seen at any time, and especially in the evening hours, a throng of plain people who have found out where to put their hard-earned dimes so as to get the most out of them. The proprietor and his four assistants have about all they can do to wait upon their customers.
A complete Dry Goods Store is here. Dress goods of all sorts on one side. On the other, the little things that go there- with ; thread, buttons, breast pins, and all the finishing touches which women are always looking for. Between are Remnant tables which are not allowed to become dusty. Um- brellas for a rainy day: Shades for the sunny day. All that makes comfortable sleeping at night. Towels and combs and stationery, and the "fix-ups"' which all good housekeepers prize so highly. A well stocked Shoe Department. Ready- made suits for workingmen and their boys, and even for their wives and daughters. All this and more at Strong's. And, best of all, you will find the bargain equal to the promise. And that is why they come and keep on coming to the Bar- gain House down by the bridge.
J. S. GILLAM & CO.
The Wholesale Grocery House of J. S. Gillam & Co. is reached from Tenth street by turning south between Logan and Washington avenues. It is a large building of brick and iron, advantageously located on a siding of the P. R. R. This
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business was established in 1891 and fills an important place for the supply of local retailers and merchants in other towns. The regular staples of the trade are kept in stock and orders promptly attended to. Mr. Gillam is too modest a man to sound his own praises, but his fellow-citizens have proved their estimate of him by conferring upon him the chief magis- tracy of the borough, and wish him continued and increased prosperity.
STUDY'S.
Outranking all other business houses in age, having been established in 1858, and possessing the most eligible site in the very heart of the town where the two main streets cross each other, opposite both banks and the oldest hotel, is the Study Dry Goods Store. This establishment has lost none of its old time prestige in the changes of years. Rather it seems to improve as years add experience to its management. Its head is one whose study is to please and whose success in the effort is evident at a glance.
Four show windows arrest the gaze of all passers and, were they to cease to shine on this conspicuous corner, life would be less attractive for those who frequent our streets. There are seen, in variety of color and texture, Ladies' Waists and Skirts and Dress materials hanging gracefully, with all the paraphernalia wherewith feminine humanity is wont to deck or disguise herself. All the staples of woman's wear, and all the accessories ; buttons and beads and tassels and trimmings. And notions!
To say that the store has everything in Dry Goods and Ladies' and Children's wear would be prosy. To enumerate particulars would task the writer and tire the reader. Better and easier and pleasanter to call and see for yourself what James A. Study knows about it. He tires no customer ; he attires many.
WILLIAM VOGT.
The pioneer Clothing House is that of William Vogt and the progress of the years has not left it in the rear. Piles of clothing upon his tables prove that he has kept up with the
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times and seldom is his store seen empty of purchasers. Through well nigh forty years he has kept steadily on like the river's flow, sometimes swift and at other, times sluggish but never stopping. So long a career of honorable activity gives him a claim upon the patronage of the people, and Mr. Vogt is one who will hold the trade of his customers by fair dealing.
TYRONE STEAM LAUNDRY.
An unassuming but wide-awake man is D. T. Kennedy, the man whose vocation is to keep us respectable by making us clean, on the outside. His work is thorough, his place is busy, and he himself is a thriving business man. He is now located in his newly fitted building on East Tenth street, op- posite the Academy of Music, a three-story brick. The fact that in about five years, from a very modest beginning, he has worked up a business to justify and demand such enlarge- ments, is proof of his success. Recent improvements in ma- chinery and others to be added shortly strengthen him in pub- lic favor. With his dozen helpers (and he will double the number when needed, ) all at it and always at it, he is com- petent to handle the business of Tyrone. The most delicate fabrics may be safely entrusted to Kennedy. He'll treat you right, and make them white, and send them home right early.
H. H. STRATIFF, MACHINIST.
H. H. Stratiff is one of Tyrone's boys, not one of its ba- bies, but one who helped to rock its cradle in the infancy of the town.
Do you want machinery or tools examined and put in or- der ? Take them to Stratiff. Is there a hard problem of some necessary implement that will not work and causes you worry and loss ? Ask Stratiff what to do about it. In short, when you have something that needs doing in the line of me- chanical work and that no one else can do, try Stratiff and he will make it straight, if-you will pay the charges. A gen- eral repair shop is his, and he can supply you with all that is usually found at a gunsmith's store, sell you a new bicycle or fix up your old one, and give you a deal that is straight, if -what people say is true.
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F. G. ALBRIGHT.
The Albright block situated at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Twelfth street, is occupied by the General Store of F. G. Albright, filling both of the salesrooms below and a part of the second floor, besides a full cellar and a frame building in the rear for storage.
Nowhere is there a better kept stock or a store that is neater in appearance than Albright's. It will astonish you to see how many things he keeps. everything of excellent quality, always presentable, and at prices that are as fair to purchaser as to dealer. It would be hard to think of anything in the grocery line that is not here, and his Dry Goods department includes also carpets, oil cloths and matting.
The proprietor and his clerks know how to make every one feel at home, making it a pleasure to do business with them.
D. G. OWENS' DEPARTMENT STORE.
Everything about Owens' indicates business. The hust- ling proprietor lets no grass grow under his feet. The present stand has been occupied only about three years, but David G. Owens is no novice, having been in former years one of Tyrone's successful merchants.
Two long counters in the Dry Goods Department in the front. Behind them young lady clerks greet you as you enter. Back of these, shelf upon shelf densely packed with goods, enough in quantity and variety to fit out a respectable village of people. Not an inch of space wasted ; barely room to edge your way in and through. More goods than room for them, though the store ruus back from street to alley. Lace curtains and fancy table covers; domestics and linens; garments for all ages and all seasons, ready made or ready for making. Why should we attempt the impossible, to tell of all that is here to deck the form and please the taste of woman ? If you don't see what you want, Owens will see that you don't want it-long. He is here to do business and will not be outdone or undersold by any rival. This long space in front is the Court of the Women; if you are a man you may get beyond it and find your level in the " grosser " department which reaches to the rear,
FARRAN ZERBE.
C. S. W. JONES.
RICHARD BEASTON.
J. W. HOWE.
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125 feet from the street, saying nothing of a room for heavier packages still farther on. Great depth, but not great dark- ness, for the building is on two streets and has abundant light and air."All around you from floor to ceiling is crowded. Here they size up both sexes, food for man and raiment for women ; making of them gentle man and fair lady. For the latter, wraps and rugs and comfortables and trifles of all names, old-fashioned head gear and new-style footwear. For the former, fruits fresh, dried and preserved; vegetables and meats; everything to make bread, to put on bread, to go with your bread, and good enough to satisfy the best-bred customer. That class of people make no mistake when they deal at Owens' and he delivers to all parts of town and vicinity.
J. W. FISHER, STOVES AND TINWARE.
Others may sound the praises of their choice cuisine tickle the palate and lighten the purse, but J. W. Fisher as a public caterer excels them all. He who enables you to do for yourself serves you better than he who does it for you-at your expense. The wise woman of Tyrone has found out long ago that for peace in the family Fisher can do more than the squire, and for health in the home more than the doctor. "No such word as fail," to any one who tries to cook with the outfit which can be so cheaply obtained at the Stove and Tin- ware Store. So, when soft, balmy days whisper of the approach of summer, and two hearts beat time to the song of robin and lark, they turn their steps towards 1010 Pennsyl- vania avenue to find one who can "set up" young folks-right. And when autumn's blasts warn of coming winter, all know where to get everything to make warm and comfortable. He can set up stoves so deftly that the serenity of the home atmos- phere is never disturbed, nor the ear shocked with unseemly ejaculations. Rather than try to enumerate the utensils of all sorts and the useful contrivances that save you many times their price we say, go and see for yourself ; or, when things go awry in the kitchen, or in the fire and water department of the domestic economy, send for Fisher, and soon the skies wil clear and peace return to your home.
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PORT'S FURNITURE STORE.
George W. Port is the only exclusive furniture dealer in our town and, by concentrating his attention on a single line, he has established his reputation for good stock and low prices. The latter result is largely due to the fact that his store is his own, building as well as contents. When you look into this neat and new three-story brick, your attention is not distracted by things extraneous, but every article your eye lights on is staple, so that it does not take long here to find what you want.
On three floors, each extending back 138 feet, he has am- ple room for handling and exhibiting everything of wood be- longing to the inside of a house, with a little of metal and glass thrown in, and some softer stuff to rest the weary frame. Do not fail to look up Port when setting up housekeeping, and whenever you need some touch of improvement. You will find him on West Tenth street, opposite Templeton's store.
ARNOLD & MILLER, FLORISTS.
Over the hill is the greenhouse. That is, West of our Cemetery Ridge is the place where green things are started for our gardens and flowers furnished for festive occasions. The ladies know Mr. Arnold and where to go when planning for their window gardens. Over ten years ago he began as a floriculturist in Tyrone, for the last five years with a partner, the firm to-day being Arnold & Miller. A hail storm in June destroyed most of their stock, but they bravely set to work to retrieve the loss, and a few months have brought about an al- most incredible transformation. They are now in better con- dition than ever to accommodate their patrons. Their stock of ornamental house plants for winter will repay a visit, and the money expended in such decoration for the home will not be spent amiss. All our people speak well of Arnold & Miller and wish them increased prosperity.
A. L. KOONS, MANUFACTURING CONFECTIONER
A three-story building on Tenth street adjoining the First National bank shows signs of recent fire on the bricks in front.
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But there is no smell of fire nor stain of smoke on A. L. Koons, who has built up a large business in the last seventeen years. This place beyond all others is the one which causes the juvenile heart to heave with ambition and longing. What possible attainment more glorious than to manufacture sweetness unlimited both in quantity and variety !
There is no idle space and there are no idle folks on any of the four floors of this building. From the basement where are stored the materials used in making candies to the third story where the work of making them is done, on the second floor where the stock is kept and orders for wholesale trade are filled, and on the ground floor where the office work and retail business are transacted there is activity everywhere. Mr. Koons is a man who has prospered in business and is do- ing no little to add to the general prosperity of Tyrone.
His experience at the business runs back to 1868, almost thirty years, having learned the practical part of the trade.
FARRAN ZERBE.
In 1881 a boy who found birth and life in our midst be- gan his business career at a very early age by the establishing of a news route. Scores of newsboys spring up every year in a town of this size, but most of them spring up as the grass to die down the same season. Very few possess the energy to push forward and grow up with the years like a thrifty tree. But Farran Zerbe was one of the few, and today finds him while still a young man doing an extensive business in the store on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Eleventh street, where on a floor space of 5000 square feet he handles a great variety of goods.
The dispensing of literature being his initial occupation, it continues to be a main feature, a large space being devoted to books and periodicals. Stationery, blank books and office supplies are leading factors in this business and everything from the ordinary to the dainty and latest are kept.
Books for information and entertainment may be bought below or, by going upstairs, may be borrowed for less than a song. For, with enterprise worthy of imitation, this mer-
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chant invites his customers to go up higher that they may cultivate a higher grade of reading. On this floor there is offered for public use a circulating library of several thousand volumes of well selected books. It takes two dollars to buy one good book, but here for two dollars you may, if you will, have one new book as often as you wish while the year lasts. The young people of Tyrone who aspire to rise in the world in a true and noble sense will find in Zerbe's library some of the best stepping-stones to success, for in our days it is need- ful that the mind should be fed with suitable diet in order to be fitted for the competition of life.
Art, too, has liberal space in this store. The windows show paintings and engravings appropriately framed, indicat- ing the fine stock kept, pictures and picture framing occupy- ing an exclusive department, When you want some finishing touch of decoration in your parlor, ask Zerbe about it. The art of music is not forgotten. The passerby is oft reminded of it, as the sweet notes of the world renowned Schomacker gold string pianos tempt him to pause and listen. Organs and other instruments and music in sheet and book form are of- fered at popular prices.
And then for curiosity and pleasure seekers there is en- tertainment. Who keeps and sells more bicycles than the Zerbe Cycle company? Victors, Ramblers, Stormers, Etc. new and second hand. A bicycle livery is also conducted.
For young America there is an endless variety of toys and games. Sporting goods and decorating materials are to be found. Coins, stamps and curios are a consideration. Specialties and novelties for the pleasure and convenience of home and office. All this and much more every day and all the year round at Zerbe's. The proprietor, Farran Zerb e, has associated with him his sister, Miss Zerbe, and his broth- ers Chas. F. and J. Leo, and under the firm name of Zerbe's this house is well known throughout Central Pennsylvan a and give careful and prompt attention to a large mail patron- age.
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THE KIRK-CAMP FURNITURE CO.
The uptown furniture store in Beyer's Bazaar is presided over by W. R. Camp, who keeps everything that you want in this line. He keeps it only till you want, and come and get of him. And his customers do say that Camp's goods are lowest in price and equal to the best in quality. All he asks of you is to call and judge for yourself. It will be a pleasure to be waited on by one who never tires in his efforts to please you.
This firm also carry on the undertaking business. Their outfit is complete, and every detail connected with the care of the dead and the conduct of the funeral is provided for. When the sad but inevitable visitation of death comes to the house and you need some one to see that everything is done right, send for Camp and you will not be disappointed. You will find him considerate not only in his feelings but also, in his charges, of the circumstances of those who have suffered bereavement. His office is open to call all night at 1344 Lo- gan avenue.
COSEL, THE OAK HALL CLOTHIER AND FURNISHER
The most brilliant spot in our well lighted streets is Cos- el's clothing store. His large windows are a blaze of splendor, a section of the big city set down here among the mountains. In it are men, fair of face and faultless in dress ; boys, too, in stockings and sailor suits. Dummies they all are, but singing the siren's song to lure the passing crowd. Itis worth while to walk down town to see the riches and harmony of color that form the background to these figures. The artist derived his suggestion, no doubt, from the exquisite touches of the artiste in the window opposite.
The proprietor is irrepressible, and his cheerful good nature has made him friends. Trade may fluctuate and times be close, but Cosel sticks to his knitting and is bound to come out all right.
E. D. MOCK, GROCER.
This young merchant, though but lately started in busi- ness for himself, is no stranger to the people of Tyrone. They
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