Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

This enterprise was established in 1876 by Mr. A. Krouse, who carried it on alone up to two years ago, when the firm became what it now is. The work done comprises engraving, die sink- ing and stencil cutting, burning brands and modeling, chasing and mould making is also carried on. The manufacture of Rubber Stamps and also white metal castings is made a specialty of, and cane and umbrella mountings, toys, novelties and Britannia ware are also made in large quantities. Having fitted up a first-class gold, silver and nickel-plating establishment, and having better facilities in turning out work, they would inform manufacturers and the public that it will be their policy to turn out nothing but first-class work, and at prices that will be satisfactory. Having had a number of years experience, they can safely state to manufacturers that the work will be done properly and attentively in all their branches. Brassing, coppering and oxydizing are done in the most expeditious and thorough manner. The premises occupied are (10x100 feet in di- mensions, and furnished with steam-power; em- ployment being given to twenty hands. The firm consists of Messrs. Andrew, George and Louis Krouse, natives of New York, and well-known citi/.< ns of Bridgeport. This establishment enjoys the very best facili- ties for turning out the finest work at the lowest rates, and the extent of its trade shows how this fact is appreciated. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. 69 The Copeland Bros. Co., Dealers in Dry Goods and Carpets, 411, 413, 415 and 417 Main Street, and No. 101 Fairfield Avenue. — Eligibly located on the principal shopping thoroughfare in the city is The Copeland Bros. Co., one of Bridgeport's most attractive dry goods establish- ments. Its long, prosperous career, extending over a period of twenty-seven or more years, and the fine assortment of goods constantly in stock at most reasonable prices have done much toward establishing the enviable reputation it now holds. The original founders of this business were Messrs. Palmer, McCord & Johnson, and after several slight changes it was incorporated as a stock comp-iny, under the present title, in 1886, Mr. G. Copeland, of New York, holding the office of president, while Mr. J. C. Copeland is treasurer, Mr. James Bracken, secretary. These gentlemen comprise the directors. The premises occupy two floors of a fine building, located at Nos. 411, 413, 415 and 417 Main street, 60 feet front, and extends back 185 feet, with aside entrance at 101 Fairfield avenue. The store is fitted up with the most modern im- provements for the prosecution of their large trade, which is both wholesale and retail. They give employment to upwards of fifty experienced clerks, and deal not only in dry goods of every conceivable kind, but also have a department devoted exclusively to the sale of carpets, etc. Here will be found the very latest •■and most exclusive designs in carpets of all grades at most reasonable prices. Their dry goods department, which is located on the first floor, is stocked continually with one of the finest assortments of goods in the city. Dress goods of every description, from calicos to velvets, hosiery, underwear, millinery, laces, trimmings, etc., in great abundance, and as low as they can be bought for elsewhere. Knowing how widely the reputation of this house has spread, we can but feel that any fur- ther remarks at our hands would be super- fluous. Chas. Cartwright, Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, 387 Main Street (2 Doors below Cannon.)— There are niany establishments in this city devoted to the sale of boots and shoes, but the oldest and one of the most absolutely reliable, is that conducted by Mr. Charles Cartwright, at No. 387 Main street, two doors below Cannon. This gentle- man started in business twenty-six years ago, and has built up a very large and thriving trade by reason of the intelligent and honorable man- ner in which he bas served his customers. His store is 20x80 feet in dimensions, and con- tains a very large and finely selected stock of boots, shoes and rubbers of all descriptions and prices. It is well appointed, and four very cour- teous and painstaking assistants are at hand to serve patrons promptly and well. Mr. Cartwright, owing to his long experience, is enabled to anticipate and fully meet the wants of the public in the various goods in which he deals. A very fine assortment of ladies' shoes is shown, comprising goods specially adapted to street and party wear, and the latest novelties in ithis department are early at hand. For gentle- men, Congress, Balmorals and many other styles are in stock, and the children are by no means forgotten, for a full line of school and street shoes is at hand to meet their special wants. All goods are warranted, and the prices are moderate and just. R. T. Whiting, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, 345 Main Street. — In compiling the various industries of Bridgeport, the retail grocery trade assumes a decided importance. Among those who supply fresh groceries is the house of R. T. Whiting, located at No. 345 Main street, and well stocked with staple and fancy groceries, flour, provisions, canned goods, etc. The business was established in 1874 by Prindle & Whiting, being succeeded in 1880 by the pres- ent management, and it is but fair to say this is the leading house in its line in Bridgeport, and the facilities enjoyed for obtaining goods is un- surpassed by any house in the city. Being in direct communication with farmers and pro- ducers, he is in receipt of a fresh assortment of seasonable fruits and vegetables. Goods are sold in large or small quantities to suit purchasers. The store is spacious and finely appointed throughout, covering an area of 24x100 feet, and giving employment to eight capable assistants, who are busily engaged waiting on their numer- ous customers. Mr. XVhiting is a native of Bridge- port, and one of its most esteemed citizens, he is a gentleman of unfailing courtesy and has won many friends among the business men of the city, and established a reputation for the highest in- tegrity and fair dealing. He fully deserves the extensive and lucrative patronage he receives. New England Steam Cracker Bakery, also A. W. Wallace's Variety Bakery, 173 and 175 State Street. — An enterprise of vast importance to our city is the establishment of the "New England Steam Cracker Bakery" which is a repre- sentative house, the largest in its line in the State. The business was established in 1853 by Mr. A. AV. Wallace, the present proprietor, and has been more than successful in its operations, its products being in great demand all over the country. The store-room is 30x90 feet in dimensions which together with a large steam bakery in the rear is fully equipped with all needed machinery of most modern style to conduct the business which is both wholesale and retail. The motive power is steam, and employment is given to twenty-five experienced hands. The premises are located at Nos. 173 and 175 State street and here they manufacture every thing that is made from flour, from a penny roll to loaves and elaborate wedding cakes, crackers of all descriptions, etc. This company are in a condition to fill any orders, no matter how large, as the capacity of their factory is many barrels of flour per day and their goods equal to any and superior to most goods in New England. Mr. Wallace is a gentleman of ability and an old experienced baker fully capable of managing so gigantic an enterprise, and it is with pleasuie that we refer our readers to this house as one they will be pleased and profited by dealing with. Til LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. The Park City Clothing House opened its doors to the public May 9th, 1887. This house is owned by the well known clothing manufac- turers, Messrs. Whitten, Burdett & Young of Boston, and is under the management of Mr. Andrew F. West, a practical clothier of many years experience. Under his supervision the store, Nos. 454 and 456 Main street, has been fit- ted up in the most tasteful manner and is pro- nounced by all to be the finest store of the kind in the State. By Mr. West's gentlemanly man- ner and his untiring efforts to attract and please the public, he has gained many friends, and the Park City Clothing House is fast com- ing to be a household word. Here may be found a stock of clothing, hats and men's outfittings that is first class in every particular. In cloth- ing for men, boys and children, they show goods of only their own production, the finest grades of domestic and foreign fabrics, gotten up with every regard to prevailing fashions and fully equal to the best custom work. The children's department is a feature, and is filled with as choice an assortment for little ones as can be seen in any large city. This house has the ex- clusive sale of many of the best makes of men's outfittings in the way of neck-wear, underwear, flannel and dress shirts, silk umbrellas and canes, etc., etc. In fact it is an establishment of which Bridgeport may well be proud. James Staples & Co., Bankers and Brokers, Real Estate and Insurance Agents, 207 State Street. — In writing a descriptive review of the various enterprises which contribute materially to the general advancement of our business inter- ests, we desire to call attention to the well known establishment of James Staples & Co., No. 207 State street. Tbey conduct at the above place a legitimate Banking and general Real Estate and Insurance business, local investment securities being made a specialty, and drafts issued on England, Scot- land, Ireland, Germany. France and all Euro- pean countries where a bank or banker may be found. In the real estate and insurance depart- ment of the business tbey buy and sell all kinds of property on commission, and place insurance in well known and responsible companies. As real estate men their long and varied experience i