Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

The beautiful shaded avenues of Bridgejjort make pleasant drives in all direc- tions, and are the pride of the city. In this short sketch, of what to us seems a model modern city, we have been able to give only a few outline pictures, and trust that our readers will fill in the details by a practical experience of the unexcelled beauties of the justly renowned "Park City." AD1NG BUSINESS MEN Of BRIDG ID i WN the following pages will be found a brief review of the principal Business |§| firms of Bridgeport. While the majority are old established houses and leaders in every sense of the word, we have mentioned others who, though recently established, are, through their enterprise and ability, deserving of notice. We commend these firms, as a whole, to the favorable attention of all. W. B. Hall & Company, Dry Goods, Fancy Goods, Cloaks, Suits, etc., Coiner Main and Cannon Streets. — Among the large dry goods houses in New England, none stand higher in the estimation of the community than that of W. B. Hall & Co., whose mammoth store — erected for them — is located at the corner of Main and Cannon streets. This business was established in 1878 by W. B. Hall & Co., and has since been conducted with great enterprise and energy by these gen- tlemen. Everything usually found in a first- class dry goods store may be obtained here. A large and complete stock of dress goods includ- ing silks, velvets, satiDS and woolen goods, down to calicoes, etc. A fine stock of ladies', misses' and children's garments carried to suit all tastes. Their hosiery and underwear departments are replete with everything desirable in that line, while their laces and dress trimmings could not fail to please even the most fastidious. On the second floor is situated the custom cloak and dressmaking departments, where a number of first-class modistes are employed. The custom cloak rooms are under the supervision of Mrs. Hartshorne, who has had a long experience. The custom garments enjoy a reputation of fit and workmanship which is unexcelled. Adjoin- ing this department will be found a full assort- ment of the celebrated Buttericks' patterns. The basement contains one of the largest wholesale stocks in the State. Here a stock is carried large enough to fill three ordinary dry goods establishments. This is necessitated by the demand made on the stock each day by the large trade. Buying as they do, in large quantities, it is natural that Messrs. Hall & Co. can undersell so many competitors. All goods are marked at most reasonable prices and every attention is paid to customers. The premises occupy two floors and basement of a large building, situated in the most desirable part of Main street, and cover an area of 130x40 feet. Eighty-five experienced hands find em- ployment in the several departments, and a very extensive business is transacted, both wholesale and retail. The members of the firm are Messrs. W. B. Hall, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and H. W. Pettis, a native of Gt. Barrington, Massa- chusetts, both very enterprising and energetic gentlemen, widely and favorably known through- out the State — people coming from far and near to avail themselves of the bargains offered by them . This is the leading establishment in the dry goods line in the State, and their business, though established but nine years ago, has already reached colossal proportions. As an instance of the distance the trade of the house extends, Messrs. Hall & Co. have frequent orders from New York State. Their custom in the towns between New York city and Bridge- port is very large. Their trade in Norwalk and South Norwalk alone reached $30,000 last year, ladies preferring to do their shopping and inspect the beautiful park and other attractions, to a fatiguing journey to New York. As rents are much lower in this city, Messrs. Hall & Co. can naturally afford to sell lower than New York retailers. 66 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. David B. Crockett Co., Manufacturers of Preservative or Architectural Finish, and Spar Composition, Bridgeport, Conn. — In these days, when everybody who can afford it owns a yacht, no apology is needed for bringing to the notice of the public any really meritorious article spec- ially designed for the use of yachtsmen. The pur- pose of this article is to bring before the public that production that has gone into more general use and been received everywhere with more favor than any other article of its kind. We refer to Crockett's Spar Composition. It is not too much to say that no yachtsman who values the appearance or preservation of his spars can afford to be without this, for this is the universal verdict after severe and repeated trials, under all conditions. This substance was patented February 14, 1871, so that abundant opportunity has been had to test it in every way. Crockett's specialties are Spar Composition, No. 2 Preservative, No. 1 Preservative, Painter's Composition, Spar body finish, Spar gear finish, Spar one coat finish, Spar quick rubbing, Car and Carriage primer, Railway outside car finish, Railway inside car finish, Rail- way polishing car finish, Railway inside flowing finish, Railway locomotive finish, Railway' quick rubbing, Waterproof floor finish, Elastic oil finish. David B. Crockett's Preservatives are composed of the hardest and most expensive gums, and prepared in a manner analogous to that employed in the manufacture of the costly English var- nishes, but with the prime object of " preserva- tion " in view. Spar composition differs from " preservative " mainly in its special adaptation for resistance to the weather. As its name indicates, it was primarily in- tended for the spars and all exposed parts of vessels; but it is obvious that such a compound is equally valuable for all outside work, either wood or metal. Hence, as a protection for front doors, vestibules, porches, railway cars, carriages, wagons, or any exposed parts of edifices, whether of grained work or natural wood, it is superior to anything ever invented. It also adds a gloss and finish unsurpassed by the finest var- nish. No compound has ever been devised which more truly fulfils the promise of its name than "Crockett's Preservative." Thoroughly per- meated with it, wood becomes absolutely inde- structible by any ordinary processes, and may defy all the elements but fire. This, however, is but one of its merits. The unpractised eye will hardly detect in the plain, unpolished piece of oak or maple, the latent beauties that linger beneath the surface. Treated with Preservative, they are instantly developed, and shine forth with a lustre which art can but faintly imitate. Nor is this a mere transient or ephemeral effect, but as lasting as the wood itself. Permanence is one of its cardinal virtues. Preservative, ap- plied in accordance with directions on the can, is unchangeable; and if stained, smoked, orsoiled, can be immediately restored by the simple use of sponge and water — a treatment which would ruin other "wood finishes" as well as most costly varnishes. To these qualities it owes its great superiority as a "beautifier," for in its aesthetic effects on natural wood, it stands without a rival; and for churches, halls, and all cabinet finished edifices it is simply unapproachable. This fact is rec- ognized and appreciated by many prominent architects throughout the country, who, having once tested it, thenceforth invariably insert it in their specifications. It adds lustre to the very floors and walls, and with surprising versatility of adaptation its conservative effects are as pro- nounced and permanent on grained or painted work as on the natural wood. This enlarges its field of usefulness indefinitely, and welcomes it alike to the humble cottage, the imposing man- sion, or the grand cathedral; while its very moderate cost places it within the reach of the slenderest means. In view of its imperishable nature, however, it is hardly too much to say that its use would be true economy at any price. The popularity of these preservatives among architects, builders, boatmen, etc., has necessi- tated the erection of one of the most complete factories in the country. Every facility is at hand for conducting the business on a large scale, and care is taken to keep the product of the factories up to the highest standard of excel- lence. Hugh Stirling, Manufacturer of all kinds of Mattresses, Union Street. — Of late years such im- provement has been made in the manufacture of mattresses, that they are universally used, and when manufactured in an experienced and careful manner they will be found both durable and comfortable. One of the lai'gest establishments engaged in this line of manufacture is that of Mr. Hugh Stirling, formerly Gledhill & Co., whose ware- rooms are located on Union street. Here Mr. Stirling occupies a two-story building covering an area of 50x45 feet, arranged with all the most modern appliances used in the business. Employment is given to several skilled hands, and altogether a large wholesale trade is tran- sacted. Mr. Stirling is a native of England and is well and favorably known throughout Bridgeport as a gentleman of experience in his particular line. He is intimately connected with the public inter- ests of this city, being Common Councilman for two years and Police Commissioner for four years. He is honorable and upright in all his business dealings, and all entering into business relations with him will find them a pleasure. All his work will be found thoroughly satisfacto- ry and his terms moderate. We commend him to the notice of our readers as one worthy their respect and consideration. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. 67