USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > Nashville > Nashville Business Directory, 1860-61 > Part 8
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That this matter is becoming plain and well understood by country . merchants, is proved by the quantity of goods sold here now as compared with past years. In the year 1850 there were but three wholesale dry- goods houses in the city, doing a business of about 125,000 dollars each, in a year ; these were Morgan & Co., Douglas & Co., and Eakin & Co., all of whom are still in the same line of business at the present day. Now there are twelve establishments of that description which are ex- clusively wholesale, some of whom do a business of half-a-million of dol- lars a year. The total amount of dry-goods sold at wholesale annually,
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in this market, is not short of two-and-a-quarter millions of dollars. There are also three establishments which are exclusively devoted to wholesale variety goods ; four exclusive wholesale boot and shoe houses, and nine others in the same line that do business both at wholesale and retail ; and three dry.goods houses that also keep boots and shoes, and hats and caps, and one exclusive hat, cap, and bonnet house.
Several wholesale houses also keep ready-made clothing. There is one exclusive wholesale clothing house, and some fifteen that both whole- sale and retail. There are two wholesale queensware houses, and a num- ber of others that sell both at wholesale and retail ; one exclusive whole- sale hardware house, and seven others that both wholesale and retail; two exclusive wholesale drug houses, and some ten or twelve others that wholesale as well as retail.
WHOLESALE HARDWARE.
THE Hardware Trade of Nashville is established upon a basis of the right kind, and there is perhaps as much permanent capital employed as in any interest in our city, in proportion to the necessities and demands of the trade. We have one house which is exclusively a wholesale estab- lishment, and there are seven others which are devoted both to wholesal- ing and retailing. Of these houses, (all of which are managed by expe- rienced business men,) the greater part, and perhaps all, are direct im- porters of all the foreign made hardware they offer for sale ; and here lies the greatest advantage which this department of trade in Nashville claims over that of many other places, and it is for this reason particularly the hardware and cutlery dealers of our city are able to compete success- fully with the same class of trade in any other city in the Union.
It must be remembered that Nashville is a port of entry, and there is a regular collector of the port stationed here, whose duty it is to collect the duties on all foreign goods imported to this point-hence the hard- ware merchant, or any other, desiring to import foreign goods direct, has but to order them to this port from Europe or elsewhere, and without further trouble on his part, they are delivered to him under the super- vision of the collector here, upon his paying the custom duties, in the same manner as they are paid in New-York City, or other sea-ports.
Hence, as many of the most important articles in this line of trade are of foreign manufacture, such as table and pocket cutlery, guns, chains, and a thousand other articles, it will be seen how important it is to our hardware merchants, at Nashville, to be able to import the'r goods direct from the foreign manufacturers : thus saving the profit that would other- wise necessarily be paid to the importer at New-York, or elsewhere; this is a fact which we believe is not generally understood by our merchants
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in this section of the country, who pass through Nashville and make their . purchases in Philadelphia or New-York. Many persons, we are convinced, are incredulous on this point, and in these times, when other cities south of us are encouraging the feeling which is to some extent prevalent in parts of the south, viz : that mercharts should buy at least all foreign goods nearer home, and thus keep at home the importer's profit on the same, Nashville desires to put in her claims for consideration. The hardware merchants here, without desiring to encourage any sectional political feeling, desire it to be understood that they are direct importera, and have been for years past : in confirmation of which any "doubting Thomas " is referred to our estimable fellow-citizen, Jesse Thomas, Esq., collector of the customs at this port.
WHOLESALE DRUGS, &c.
THERE is a heavy capital invested in the wholesale drug trade of Nash- ville, and the inducements offered here are hardly surpassed in the Union. An examination of the stocks and prices of our wholesale druggists will satisfy country dealers, convenient to this market, that it is not necessary to go to the expense and loss of time required in visiting eastern markets for the purpose of replenishing their stocks.
The wholesale trade of the city may be summed up as follows : There are twenty wholesale grocery houses, and nearly as many that both whole- sale and retail ; some of these are also extensively engaged in the liquor trade ; three exclusive wine and liquor houses, and several that both wholesale and retail. We have two very extensive drug houses, and ten others that wholesale as well as retail. There are twelve exclusive dry- goods houses; three of exclusive variety goods ; four exclusive boots and shoes, and some nine others that wholesale and retail, while three that are in the dry goods trade also keep large stocks of boots and shoes; others boots, shoes and hats ; and several that combine with dry-goods, ready- made clothing ; one exclusive hat, cap, and bonnet house ; one exclusive ready-made clothing house, and some fifteen others that both wholesale and retail ; one heavy hardware house, and nine others that do a jobbing as well as a retail business ; four house-furnishing-goods establishments that wholesale extensively, and also sell at retail, and five or six others that do a considerabie jobbing business ; two very extensive queensware and crockery houses, and two others that both wholesale and retail ; two houses in the iron trade, and one that does quite a large business at whole- sale as well as retail; one heavy leather house ; two seed and agricultur- al implement houses, and two others doing a large business ; two houses that both wholesale and retail stocks for carriage and harness-makers ; and many other houses in various kinds of business that are in the whole- sale as well as retail trade.
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WHOLESALE GROCERY TRADE.
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PROBABLY in no department of business has the enterprise and "go- . ' cheaditiveness" of the Nashville merchants accomplished so much as in the grocery business. Prior to the opening of the Nashville and Chatta- Booga Railroad, and its connections, our city was the recipient of the trade of Middle Tennessee, a little of Southern Kentucky, while the oc- casional visit of a straggling wagon from North Alabama, kept the grocery merchant of that day from forgetting that there was such a country as North Alabama. At that day (and it is quite recent) the business was a very insignificant one, pursued by a very low persons, and giving employ- ment to only small amount of capital. On the completion of the railroad, however, it was manifest that a new order of things had been inaugura- ted-that the grocery business was henceforth to be the main department of trade here. Merchants from East Tennessee, from North Georgia and North Alabama, made their appearance on our streits in quest of gro- ceries. Our merchants, animated by a desire to accommodate, and secure the increased trade offered them of those rich regions, met the increased demand with suitable supplies ; invested additional capital and by a liber- al policy convinced them that it was to their interest to buy here. Pub- lic attention began to be called to the increasing importance of the trade by the throng of drays passing daily to the depot, loaded with groceries ; new houses were established, costly and capacious buildings were erect- ed, in keeping with the increased demands of the business. New sections of country, rich in resources, were made tributary to Nashville, till, from an insignificent trade, employing hardly $100,000 of capital in 1849-50, and done by only a few houses, we find by careful investigation, and from reliable data, that there are now about twenty wholesale grocery houses in the city, besides a much larger number of those who both wholesale and retail, giving employment to a capital of not less than $4,000,000, and trading regularly with Middle Tennessee, East Tennessee to the Vir- ginia line, a considerable portion of West Tennessee, almost all of South- ern Kentucky, with a heavy up-river trade in Eastern Kentucky, with North Alabama, North Georgia and much of Middle Georgia. While in the liquor department of the grocery trade, our Rectifiers sell their goods still farther South into Georgia and Alabama, and find an extensive mart for "Newsom" and "Robertson County" (household words) in all parts of Mississippi, Louisiana and Askansas.
Nashville is certainly the cheapest grocery market in all the South- west ; her heavy capital enables her to offer inducements which are out of the reach of her less favored rivals, while the enterprise of her mer- chants is continually pushing forward, and extendiug the area of her gro- cery trade.
· Only two years ago the grocery merchants, during an unprecedented low stage of water in the Cumberland, brought their heavy groceries from
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New Orlerns to Memphis by river, thence by rail, and sold them again to merchants more than half way back to Memphis. In view of the energy and enterprise manifested by this class of our merchants, we confidently predict a continued increase of trade for them in the future, in keeping with that of the past. It is believed that the completion of the Nashville and North-Western Railroad will add the trade of the richest portions of West Tennessee to our city. So mote it be.
RETAIL TRADE OF THE CITY.
IT is not to be expected that a detailed statement can be made of the retail trade here, in its various departments. Such a paper, fully elabora- ted, would, by far, too greatly transcend the limits not already occupied in this work, delay its appearance, and demand a personal sacrifiee of time and means which cannot now be entertained. Our patrons and read- ers will be content, we are certain, with a general outline of this trade, furnishing an indication of its extent and importance.
The retail dry good trade of this city is immense. It not only supplies the city and county demand, but the inducements which it offers, brings hither thonsands upon thousands of dollars from all portions of Middle Tennessee and from localities in other States which are made tributary to this market by means of convenient railroad communication. Every spe- cies of goods, plain and common, to the most superb and costly fabrics, are to be obtained here, at prices which vary but little from Eastern retail fig- ures, and, we believe, every article known can here be found. The retail dry goods merchants of this city are, as a body, a very intelligent class of of men, and constitute an element in our midst which adds much to the enterprise, prosperity and healthy growth of the city. They will not suf- fer in comparison, in intelligence or business qualifications, with those of any other point. This trade is represented by about fifty houses.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There is a considerable number of houses that deal almost exclusively in trimmings, ladies' millenery goods, etc., and several whose trade is con- fined to gents furnishing goods. We have four hat and cap stores-two of the number deal in furs. Furs are also kept in some establishments above mentioned. In ready-made clothing, there are about twenty retail establishments. We have also a considerable number of merchant tailors, who keep good assortments of cloths, etc. There are ten retail boot and shoe stores, sixteen retail drug stores, ten iron, hollow-ware and tin-ware houses, eight cabinet-ware and furniture houses, two picture frame and looking-glass establishments, three wall-paper houses (one exclusive), three extensive music stores, five houses where pianos and other musical instruments are kept, twelve watch and jewelry establishments, seven
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confectionaries, about two hundred family groceries, and a large number of cigar and tobacco stores. There are four extensive book stores and a number of periodical depots ; together with many other establishments engaged in various kinds of business, too tedious to mention.
MANUFACTURES.
ALTHOUGH there is no inconsiderable amount of capital employed in various kinds of manufactures in this city, yet the initiative has hardly been taken in that extensive system which will ultimately be carried on here. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are annually paid, in this mar- ket, for articles manufactured out of the State, which could be made here, and which will, we trust, at no distant day be produced by Nashville me- chanics, artisans and manufacturers.
From careful enquiry and comparison it is plain that living expenses here, in the aggregate, are not greater than in other manufacturing towns, and, indeed, below what they are in some that might be named. The raw material for various kinds of manufactures are bountiful in our midst, cap- ital is abundant, while fuel is as cheap as it is in the majority of those towns from which we obtain many of the articles that enter largely into our commerce. In this connection, it is proper to remark, that we need more small, comfortable houses, for the accommodation of mechanics, while an improved system of cultivation by the great majority of those who vend agricultural products in this market would render their farming operations far more profitable even at lower prices. A question of politi- cal economy is here involved, the elimination of which might not be un- interesting, but such is not the object or intent of this article, and we leave it for those to follow out, whose tastes and inclinations may lead them to do so.
It is an axiom, as true as trite, that no city has been or can be perma- nently prosperous without manufactures. A prosperity based exclusive- ly upon a commercial business must necessarily be ephemeral. A city which, for instance, depends upon any one or more of the great agricultu- ral staples for support, business and growth, is liable to become paralyzed in her energies and interests, not only by failure in the production of such staples, but from their diversion to other points whose eligibility gives them the advantage and preference as markets. Such also are the fluctu- ations in the price of articles of produce that no certainty of successful operations can be relied upon, and where uncertain, feverish and exciting speculation underlies the business of any community or city, there is no guaranty of permanent prosperity ; whereas, where manufacturing is car- ried on successfully, there is a steady, healthful and substantial growth,
It is evident that our people are waking up to the importance of this
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subject ; as an evidence of it, since this publication has been in press, sev- eral manufacturing establishments have gone into operation, and others are contemplated with every indication of success.
Of late, an impetus has been given to manufacturing interests at the South which never before has been felt, Mills and factories for the man- ufacture of cotton, woolen and linen fabrics, have been and are being estab- lished at various points in several of the Sonthern States, and although the disturbing causes which gave rise to these enterprises are to be de- plored, there is some satisfaction afforded in contemplating the fact that the controversy, which has been going on, has not been altogether profit- less to this section of the country. A movement is now afoot to establish a cotton factory in this city. It would seem that there is no valid reason why such a mill cannot be established and carried on here successfully, as both the raw materials and the market for manufactured goods are here, at our very door. The cotton supply is almost infinite, yet the demand for manufactured cotton fabrics is in the same ratio, and while the raw material would cost the manufacturer here less than it does his Eastern rival at his mill, the kind of labor employed costs no more here than it does in New England, for the operatives are principally females and chil- dren, who otherwise have no employment and would be glad to get it at the prices which prevail in the factories of the East. It is to be hoped, the project spoken of will be carried out, and that not many months will elapse before the hum of many spindles and the noise of many shuttles may be heard in our midst.
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In connection with cotton manufacturies, there is little doubt that oth- ers would be established for the manufacture of lubricating oil, and oil cake, from the seed, both of which, judiciously managed, could be made highly profitable.
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There are many other manufacturing enterprises which might be estab- lished immediately, requiring but little capital, that would, without doubt, prove highly remunerative. Why cannot soaps, candles, blacking, etc., be made here as well as elsewhere ? We believe the day is not far distant when all these and many others may be found here, and we look confidently to that bright coming and swift-footed future when Nashville will stand before the country as the great manufacturing mart for the vast and rich territory which is legitimately tributary to her.
FLOURING MILLS.
IN and adjacent to the city are three flouring mills, where excellent flour is made, viz : "Rock City Mills," "City Mills," and "Nashville Mills." Tennessee flour stands among the best brands in the Eastern markets. The importance of flouring wheat at home instead of sending it abroad must be apparent to all. See card of " Rock City Mills.
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PLANING MILLS, &c.
Frw persons, even, in this city, outside of those engaged in the busi ness, are aware of the number of planing mills, sash and door manufac- tories and carpentering establishments, that employ steam and machinery, which may be found here. The facilities possessed by our enterprising, mechanics, in this branch of industry, are unsurpassed, it is believed, by any city of the West. In justice to the energy and enterprise that is here manifest, we proceed to give a brief notice of the various establishments engaged in this department of the manufacturing interest of the city.
THE SOUTHERN PLANING MILL-Is situated on Broad street, west of the Chattanooga railroad. The proprietors are Messrs. Jackson & Adams, whose business qualifications and excellent workmanship have built up one of the most extensive establishments in the city. They run twelve different machines, adapted to manufacturing every kind of carpenter's work that can be named. The average of hands employed throughout the year is twenty-two. Motive power, steam, which also is used in the process of seasoning lumber. The advertisement of this establishment will be found elsewhere in this work.
CAPITOL HILL SASH, DOOR &O., MANUFACTORY .- Mccullough & Huff are the proprietors of this establishment. Location, corner of Line and Vine streets. Motive power, steam. They have, also, a large number of labor-saving machines and implements, several new ones having recent- ly been added. Doing a fine business, both at home and for distant places. This establishment has been in existence five years, employed machinery three years, have built up a large and increasing trade by industry and perseverance.
THE establishment of Warren & Moore, who are engaged in the same business, on High street, near Broad, is a very large one, employing many hands and much machinery.
MCFARLAND'S STEAM MANUFACTORY-On College street, North of the Square, is also an important manufacturing establishment, doing various kinds of work in the same line as above, but chiefly devoted to the man- ufacture of boxes of every description, made of wood, for shipping goods and articles of commerce. In view of the extensive wholesale trade of the city, in nearly every article of commerce, this is by no means an in- significant branch of business here. This establishment, under the man- agement of its efficient proprietor is doing a large business.
CUMBERLAND PLANING MILL .- This is an extensive establishment which has lately gone into operation. It is located in Edgefield, between the railroad and suspension bridges. The proprietors are.R. McClay & Co., men of capital and large experience. Here may be obtained building material of all kinds, either wood or iron. Houses built and shipped to
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any point, and every description of work belonging to house building done to order. See advertisement.
NASHVILLE CAR MANUFACTORY .- Vannoy & Turbeville, near the Depot of the Nashville & Chattanooga railroad, have for several years been en- gaged in the manufacture of passenger and freight cars, doing, at the same time, every description of carpenters' work by machinery. Their various machines are driven by a large steam engine. The cars made at this es- tablishment are substantial and of fine finish. Many of the cars running upon the roads, radiating from this city, were made by these gentlemen, and some of them are not surpassed, in point of excellence, beauty or de- sign, by those made at Eastern establishments.
STEAM FURNITURE FACTORY .- This factory is situated on the corner of Fillmore and Castleman streets, South Nashville. The members of this firm are men of great energy and industry. Notwithstanding the mis- fortunes by fire, that has twice befallen the enterprise, it is now in a flour- ishing condition, running a large number of machines, giving employment to fifty or sixty hands, and turning out about $80,000 worth of furniture a year. See card in another place.
PHOENIX FURNITURE FACTORY .- This establishment, like the foregoing, has twice been swept away by fire, but, Phoenix-like, it has risen from the ashes and is now doing an extensive business. The ware-rooms are situated at No. 10, Church street. The factory is situated at the cor- : ' ner of Jefferson and Cherry streets ; here may be seen at work, planing machines, circular saws, turning lathes, scroll saws, sundry boring, groov- ing, mortising and shaping machines, &c. The establishment gives em- ployment to about thirty hands the year round.
There are other works of the same character, but smaller in extent, in the city which are doing a thriving business. There are also a large num- ber of carpenter shops not using steam power, which give employment to large numbers of men.
FOUNDRIES AND MACHINE SHOPS
THE number, capacity and extent of Nashville foundries and machine shops, is but another evidence of the nerve and enterprise which prevails among those who have embarked in the business ; and in view of the ob- stacles which have heretofore stood in their way, their success is in the highest degree creditable to them. They have had to contend with that . restless desire and general practice which has characterized the body of Southern men when supplying themselves with any kind of machinery or Implements, to purchase at the North, when, more frequently than other- wise, a better article at the same or less price may be obtained at home.
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CLAIBORNE MACHINE WORKS .- These works are owned and carried on by Mr. T. M. Brennan, who is himself a practical mechanic and has been in this business for a number of years in this city. This establishment gives employment to nearly one hundred men. It is supplied with im- proved machines and aparatus of all kinds necessary to do every discrip- tion of work usually done in establishments of this kind. This foundry and machine shop is very extensive, and possesses facilities that are not, we believe, surpassed in the South for making steam engines and ma- chinery of every species, castings, &c., do. Location, Front street near Broad.
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ELLIS & MOORE'S FOUNDBY AND MACHINE SHOP .- This is an establish- ment of long standing and occupies an important place among the manu- factories of the city. Engines, mills, machinery, gearing, boilers, castings, &c., are manufactured, of superior kind and quality. Boilers are made of Tennessee iron ; this is the most extensive boiler yard, we believe, in the city. Motive power, steam. About sixty hands find employment here, embracing engine room, boiler yard, blacksmith shop, foundry, pattern shop, sheet iron department, mill-wright department, "finishing shop and office. If we are not mistaken, the first engines built in the State were made at this establishment.
ANDERSON'S FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP .- This establishment is loca- ted on Broad street, No. 33, and also fronts on Cherry street. Like other establishments of the same kind in the city, it is prepared to manufacture engines, machinery, tobacco screws, gearing and mill work generally, cast- ings for machinery, ornamentation, fencing, &c. Its proprietor is one of our old and highly esteemed citizens.
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