Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

mn1nef°irJf?emnBlgep0rt is the establish^ ment of Mr. Geo. B. Edmonds. The eminent success which has attended his efforts is a suffi- cient evidence of his thorough adaptation to this line of business. The premises occupied are situated at 318 Main street, and comprise a finely arranged store measuring 15x20 feet in size, containing one of the most complete stocks of optical goods to be found in the city of Bridge- This house was established in 1878 bv its present proprietor who is a practical optician and thoroughly understands the quality and uses of the valuable line of goods handfed, which consist of opera glasses, eye-glasses, spectacles microscopes, etc., which are guaranteed to be of the finest grade. These can be obtained at this establishment at most reasonable prices Mr Edmonds is a native of Massachusetts a genial gentleman and an expert optician All persons dealing with him will find him an honest and capable business man, one who is always willing to work for the interests of his patrons who are assured that their best interests will be conserved m every possible manner Mr Edmonds is a member of the Odd Fellows and also represents the First Ward as alderman and was a member of the Common Council in" 108 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. L. B. Vaill, Dealer in Choice Family Grocer- ies and Provisions, Dry Goods, Hosiery, Gent's Underwear etc., Flour, Feed and Grain, corner of Barnum audSeaview Avenues, West Stratford. — The importance of the grocery and provision trade cannot be over estimated for it is truly one of the most prominent industries, engaging the atten- tion of a large number of firms and individuals and employing labor and capital to a marked degree. Though thousands of tons of these commodities are sold each year, there is no per- ceptible diminution in the demand for first-class goods. Among the many houses devoted to the above-named line of business in West Stratford, that of Mr. L. B. Vaill occupies an honorable position. This house was established seventeen years ago by its present proprietor. The premises utilized are located at the corner of Barnum and Seaview avenues and consist of a store 80x80 feet in dimensions, which is well stocked with choice family groceries and provisions, meats and vege- tables, one of the best assortments to be obtain- ed in this section, also flour, feed and grain. In addition to the above-named line of goods Mr. Vaill carries a fine assortment of glass, paints, oils, drugs and patent medicines, dry goods, hosiery, gents' underwear, etc. The drug de- partment is presided over by Mr. Edward Ensign an experienced pharmacist. The large retail trade of this house requires the services of three capable assistants. Mr. Vaill is a practical and energetic business man and high- ly respected citizen, holding the position of post- master of West Stratford. J. L. Harlem, Fine Tailoring, Dealer in Woolens and Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods, 98 State Street, Franklin Block. — Among the most conspicuous establishments of this character in this city is the house of J. L. Harlem, located at No. 98 State street in the well-known Franklin Block, which has attained a position in the pub- lic estimation that speaks in the strongest terms of the enterprise with which it is conducted. The business was established by the present proprietor nine years ago, and the premises oc- cupied cover an area of 24x70 feet, where can be seen at all times one of the largest and best selected stocks of foreign and domestic fabrics for gentlemen's wear, embracing suitings, broad- cloths, cassimeres, cheviots, woolens, etc. Also a full and well-selected assortment of gentle- men's furnishing goods, including cuffs, collars, suspenders, neckwear, underwear, hosiery, etc. The facilities enjoyed by Mr. Harlem enables him to supply the wants of his patrons with the very best of goods at the lowest prices. Ten experienced hands are employed and a large custom trade is done throughout the city and its suburbs. All garments leaving this store are of first-class fit and latest style, and sat- isfaction is guaranteed as to workmanship, etc. We know of no tailors in this city whom we can commend in higher terms and we feel assured all of our readers who give him a trial will be- come his permanent patrons. Mr. Harlem carries a full line of the Fairfield Jiubber Co.'s goods which are warranted first- class in every respect. These are offered at manufacturer's prices. J. S. Phalen, Dealer in Fine Groceries and Provisions, Liquor, Ale, Beer, etc., corner Bar- num and Seaview Avenues, West Stratford. — Among those concerned in the above-named bus- iness the house of J. S. Phalen occupies an im- portant position. This house was established on East Main street in 1878 by J. S. Phalen and conducted by him until 1883, when Mr. Dunn was admitted as partner and the business was conducted under the title of Phalen & Dunn until 1886, when Mr. Phalen again assumed full control. The premises occupied comprise two floors of the building, each 30x45 feet in dimensions, located at the corner of Barnum and Seaview avenues. The business of the house is devoted to the retail trade in flour, feed, hay and straw, fine staple and fancy groceries, provisions, fruits and vegetables of all kinds, also a fine line ot choice ales, wines, liquors and cigars. The services of three capable clerks are utilized in the management of this business and its details are most faithfully executed. Mr. Phalen is well and favorably known in this community and holds the office of tax collector of Stratford. In connection with his other business Mr. Phalen has a well appointed livery and sale stable, where teams may be procured at reason- able prices for business or pleasure driving. S. Seiler, Dealer in Sheet Music and Musical Merchandise, 528 Main Street. — Among the busi- ness houses of comparatively recent establish- ment, located in this city, and one which we are desirous of bringing before the notice of our readers is the establishment of Mr. S. Seiler, dealer in sheet music, books and musical mer- chandise. He commenced business in Bridgeport in 1884, and for the past two years has been located at 528 Main street. The premises occupied by him comprise a store 20x40 feet in dimensions, where is attractively displajred the large and varied stock of merchandise dealt in. Mr. Seiler deals in stationery of all kinds, in addition to sheet music, of which he carries a full and complete stock. During the past year Mr. Seiler has added to his already varied stock a line of hats and caps, which comprise the newest and most fashionable stjdes. The retail trade of this house requires the assistance of a very capable cleik, who is thoroughly conversant with all the new and popular publications of the day, and all orders are promptly executed. Mr. Stiler is a practical business man, and personally superintends the management of his business. Robert A. Nichols, Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Vegetables and Fruits, No. 235 Fairfield Avenue. — Conspicuous among the grocery and provision stores in this city we would call the attention of our readers to that so ably conducted by Robt. A. Nichols, successor to J. Jacoby & Brother, and located at 235 Fairfield avenue, and 164 Cannon street. This business was established by Henry Jacoby some fifteen years ago, succeeded by the present proprietor in May, 1887. Everything in the line of choice family groceries will be found at this establishment, including choice grades of tea, LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. 109 coffee, spices, sugar, flour, caoned goods, etc. ; also vegetables of all kinds. The store occupied is 20x70 feet in dimensions, and is neatly kept. Polite and attentive attend- ants are on hand who wait upon customers in a prompt and intelligent manner, all goods being promptly and carefully delivered to residences free of charge. Tlie facilities enjoyed by this firm for obtain- ing fresh and desirable goods are unsurpassed, and we feel confident that all giving this store their patronage will feel satisfied that they will obtain a full equivalent for their money. Mr. Nichols, the present proprietor, is a native of Bridgeport, and well and favorably known throughout the community. We commend this house to the attention of our readers, as they will find the goods first-class and prices low. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Im- porters and Retailers in Teas and Coffees, T. Greening, Manager, 290 Main Street. — Too much consideration cannot be given to that business which caters to the daily wants of the inhabi- tants. With our advancing civilization and cul- tivation of taste the people exact that a store be attractive and the stock conveniently displayed for inspection as to quality and effect and these demands are promptly met by enterprising deal- ers. Among such in Bridgeport none have at- tained greater success within the period of its ex- istence than the branch house of the great At- lantic & Pacific Tea Co., located at 290 Main street. This branch was established in 1875 and since its inception has been under the skillful manage- ment of Mr. T. Greening. The premises utilized by this company cover an area of 30x66 feet, where is carried an im- mense stock of the best importations in teas and coffees. The extensive wholesale and retail trade requires the services of five experienced assistants. The principal warehouse is located at 35 and 37 Vesey street, New York city. This house is only one of two hundred retail branch houses located in different portions of the United States and receives all its supplies direct from the prin- cipal importing house and advantages thus deriv- ed are promptly shared with customers. Mr. Greening is too well known to require personal mention at our hand, but in conclusion we feel at liberty to say that the city of Bridgeport is greatly indebted to him for one of its most com plete establishments.