Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

Coester Brothers, Dealers in House Furnish- ing Goods, Hardware, Paints, Oils, etc., 830 Main Street (Bull's Head). — In carefully examin- ing the commercial interests of Bridgeport, it is a constant source of pleasurable surprise to note the advances that have been made during the past few years, and the growth of enterprises in many directions of usefulness, that add no little to the general wealth and prosperity of the city. These reflections were forcibly suggested by a visit to the extensive establishment of Coester Bros, at No. 830 Main street (Bull's Head). This business was founded one year ago by the above mentioned firm, the individual members of winch are C. Fred and Frank A. Coester. Since its start the facilities as well as the operations of the house have been very largely increasi d. The premises occupied by the firm consist of a fine store 20 x40 feet in dimensions, being stored with the many varieties of goods which comprise the stock. Several employees find occupation here and a trade is transacted which embraces all parts of the city and vicinity. The store is replete with a stock of the newest patterns in cups and saucers, plates, etc., dish pans, coffee pots, din- ner kettles, coal hods, wash boards, wringers, baskets, hammers, nails, hatchets, pocket knives, table cutlery, scissors, pistols, rope, silver-ware, lamps, shovels, window glass, paints, oils, var- nishes, glue, and many other articles which our limited space will not permit us to mention. In conclusion, we may add that this house is one that has been founded on a basis that entitles it to marked consideration and the great success achieved since it was originated has been well de- served, and is an evidence of the high repute in which it is held. Patrick O'Rourke, Importer and Wholesale Dealer in Foreign, Domestic Liquors, and Fine Whiskies. Agent for Flanagan, Nay & Co.'s Celebrated Ales and Porter, 324 Water Street. — Among the large and important houses that are engaged in this line of trade in Bridgeport is the well known concern of Patrick O'Rourke. This establishment was founded in 1878 by its present proprietor. The premises occupied for the transaction of the business are located at 324 Water street, and comprises three floors, each 24x75 feet in dimensions, where a large and com- plete stock of foreign and domestic liquors is carried. Mr. O'Rourke is one of our largest import- ers and wholesale dealers in the best quality of liquors. He is agent for Flanagan, Nay & Co.'s celebrated ales and porter, and also deals exten- sively in fine whiskies. The large wholesale trade of this house neces- sitates the employment of three competent clerks who are prompt and attentive to all customers, and orders are filled in the most reliable manner. Mr. O'Rourke is a native of Ireland and too well known in this city and surrounding country to need any commendation at our hands. We therefore cordially commend this enterprise to the attention of those in need of this class of merchandise, assuring them as we can that all business transactions with Mr. O'Rourke will be to the advantage of all concerned. The large and tine stock is full and complete and exhibits rare good judgment in its selection and will repay a visit from the most fastidious dealers. Warner B others, Corset Manufacturers, 359 Broadway, New York, Factory at Bridgeport. — Of the many great industries which have brought distinction to Bridgeport as a great manufactur- ing and rapidly growing city, the corset factory of Messrs. Warner Bros., corner Lafayette and Atlantic streets is one of prime importance. The bu-iness was inaugurated in 1876, and from the first has been conducted on a scale of great proportions and with most gratifying suc- cess. The valuable plant is eligibly located, the works comprising an imposing and substantial block of four-story brick buildings, occupying three sides of an entire city block, 100x225 feet in dimensions and in its ( quipment and appoint- ments the factory is a model of completeness and convenience. A corps of several hundred opera- tives find constant employment in the service of the Messrs. Warner, and the costly machinery is driven by steam engines of great power. The output comprises numerous quantities of the best fitting and most durable and comforta- ble corsets in the market, the quality and super- ior excellence of their manufactures being rec- ognized by the jobbing and retail trade in all parts of the United States and in many foreign countries, and the trade of the house is steadily increasing and extending. Messrs. J. Dever Warner and L. C. Warner are the individual membere of this well-known firm. They are among the foremost and most succesful business men of New York, and oc- cupy extensive warerooms at No. 359 Broad- way. Mr. J. Dever Warner is a director of the Pequonnock National Bank of Bridgeport, and both gentlemen are accounted among the influen- tial progressive citizens. 94 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. Daniel O'Donnell, Successor to T. W. Beach, Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, etc., 628 Main Street. — This old and well-established gro- cery house has been noted for many years for the very fine stock of staple and fancy groceries always to be found here. This house was established by S. M. Gibbs in 1856, but was succeeded by T. W. Beach in 1877, and for the past ten years has enjoyed a large and lucrative retail trade, extending among many of our first-class families. The premises occupied for the business are located at 628 Main street, and measure 18x50 feet in size, where a very fine and attractive stock of groceries, provisions and produce is carried. Mr. O'Donnell has the reputation of keeping nothing but first-class goods, and makes a spe- cialty of furnishing the finest quality of flour, teas, coffee, butter, sugar, spices, etc. This steadily increasing retail trade requires the employment of three competent clerks, and the business of this house is transacted in an energetic and enterprising manner. The store is commodious and well arranged in all the depart- ments, and the attention to customers is all that could be asked for, and the reliability of the proprietor all tend to preserve a business so well conducted as this. Mr O'Donnell was born in the city of New York, but his long residence in this city, and having many strong friends of long standing in Bridgeport, he may well be classed among her best citizens. This store has been newly fitted up, and is one of the finest in the city, and has the largest stock of groceries to be found in the city. Mr. O'Donnell was in business with O'Donnell & Driscoll, 659 Main street, for four years. Hav- ing dissolved partnership with Mr. Driscoll, Mr. O'Donnell then carried on the business alone at 659 Main street, when he succeeded Mr. Beach, at 628 Main street ; he has been in the grocery business for the past twenty years. Cole & Hinckley, Contractors in Concrete Walks, Asphaltum Floors, Driveways, Gutters, etc. ; Office, 273 Main Street. — Possessing every facility and the requisite skill for their impor- tant work, Messrs. Cole & Hinckley, for nine years, as successors to Strong & Hinckley, who established the business here seventeen years ago, have conducted a large and prosperous business as contractors for concrete walks, asphaltum floors, driveways, gutters, etc. Their office is centrally located at No. 273 Main street, and a large force of skilled workmen are em- ployed in their extensive operations. They fur- nish estimates for work and make contracts for paving, curbing, flagging, etc., which they exe- cute with dispatch and in the most satisfactory manner, and their work is invariably guaranteed in price and quality. Messrs. Cole & Hinckley are practical business men of long experience in their special field of industry, and are experts in every branch of their work. They give to it their personal su- pervision, and at most reasonable prices sup- ply the most reliable work and materials at short notice. Messrs. Oliver B. Cole and Wm. R Hinckley are the individual members of this responsible, representative firm. They are both natives of Connecticut, and are held in high esteem as busi- ness men and citizens. E. S. Wood, Livery, Boarding and Hack Sta- bles, No. 864 North Main Street. — Prominent among the many and finely equipped livery stables that form so important a part in the bus- iness of Bridgeport is that of E. S. Wood, which, was established in 1872 by Messrs Wood & Way, but since 1882 has been under the full control and management of E. S. Wood, who is the sole proprietor. These stables are located at No. 864 North Main street, and consist of a large stable and sheds with a capacity for twenty horses. The strictest care and attention is paid to the comfort of horses while entrusted to this establishment; they are supplied regularly with the best of feed and their accommodations are all that can be reasonably desired; the stalls are good size and the stables are well ventilated and supplied with the most improved conveniences. A fine assortment of stylish teams will be found at this stable which are let at unusually low prices. Also first-class carriages and bug- gies to be let at all hours. Mr. Wood's long ex- perience in the business gives him a thorough knowledge in regard to horses, and none but safe and reliable ones are kept for general use. Mr. Wood is a native of New Hampshire, but. his thirteen years' business transactions in Bridge- port has gained him the high mpect and esteem of the citizens of this city and surrounding towns. Geo. V. Schreyer, Dealer in Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb, Ham, Lard, Sausages, etc. Vegetables in their Season; Market 23 Bank Street. — A prominent house in Bridgeport concerned in the above named branch of business is that conduct- ed by Mr. George V. Schreyer, who occupies the finely appointed market located at 23 Bank street, which is utilized for meats, vegetables, etc. The premises cover an area of 40x25 feet in dimensions and are provided with all the nec- essary requirements for the preservation of the perishable articles handled.