Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

The proprietor established this business in 1877, and has since conducted its affairs with increased facilities and signal success. The premises occupied for trade purposes comprise a, store 20x40 feet in dimensions, where a full and complete stock of teas, coffees, etc., are kept. The facilities possessed by the proprietor for ob- taining a choice supply are unsurpassed by any contemporary concern. The greatest care is taken by Mr. Ayre in selecting his choice stock of teas, coffees and pro- visions, which are highly esteemed by the citizens of Bridgeport for their freshness and low prices. Employment is given to two clerks, who are polite and attentive to their many customers. Goods are promptly delivered to all parts of the city, and every facility is at hand for the con- duct of the large and prosperous retail trade. Mr. A. Ayre is a very able business man, and through his prompt and honorable methods the present large and successful business has been built up, which has won for him an eminently fine reputation. Mr. Ayre was formerly well-known in connec- tion with the Japan Tea Company, of this city. A.B. Fairchild, Insurance, 436 Main Street, Wheeler's Building— Of all the many wonderful outcomes of modern civilization and human ingenuity, few if any are more marvelous and far-reaching than is insurance. The scheme by which perfect strangers, rivals in business, per- sonal enemies even, are made to contribute to make good your loss by fire, accident, personal injuries, etc., and this without their hardly real- izing it, and without conveying the sting of charity or the galling consciousness of depend- ence to the recipient, can hardly fail to challenge our admiration; and, although like all other human productions there is always room for improvement in it, it is still accomplishing a great and good work. A gentleman who is very prominently identi- fied with insurance in Bridgeport and vicinity is Mr A B Fairchild, whose office is at No. 436 Main street, Wheeler's building. The business now conducted by him was established in 1867, by Mr. S. McDonald, the present owner succeed- ing to it in 1874. 'Mr. Fairchild, who is a native of Trumbull, Ct., represents the following companies: Lion, Phamix, British American, Sun, Agricultural, New Hampshire, and many others. He is pre- pared to place risks in any of the above reliable organizations at the lowest rates, and his record in the past is sufficient gua-antee that all business entrusted to him will be transacted prompily. W. H. Worsam, Architect, Room 13 Wheeler Building, 436 Main Street.— The work of the architect is of the greatest importance, and ow- ing to its nature is peculiarly exposed to criti- cism to a degree probably greater than are the efforts of any of the other professions. It is self-evident that the appearance of a city or town is greatly dependent upon the skill and taste of the architects within its borders, and as every public-spirited citizen takes a pride in the looks of his city, it is surely for his interest to encourage and patronize a resident architect who shows himself to be worthy of such treatment. Such a man is Mr. W. H. Worsam, who, during the years which he has practiced his profession here has been entrusted with numerous impor- tant commissions, which he has executed in the most artistic and satisfactory manner. Among these may be mentioned: The Knapp & Cowles Hardware Factory; The Holmes & Edwards New Plating Shop; "Recreation Hall," for P. T. Barnum Esq. , as well as several railroad depots, including that at Meriden, New Rochelle Junc- tion, Stony Creek and the projected new depot at Hartford for the N. Y., N. H. & H R. R. Mr Worsam is particularly familiar with rail- road wants, at he was chief draughtsman for the NY N H. & H. R. R. for three years. He is a native of- London, England, and has many friends in Bridgeport and vicinity. 118 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. Golden Hill Hotel, Geo. G. Carr, Prop., Nos. , V. Portelange, Upholsterer, 734 Main Street 19, 21 and 23 Harrison Street.— The question I next to corner East Washington Avenue —An "where shall we spend the summer" is one that I experienced and thoroughly practical upholsterer is probably being considered already in a number i may be found at No. 734 Main street in the per- of households, and although the preference felt ' son of Mr. V. Portelange, late with the represen- tor mountain, sea-coast or river scenery will of I tative house of Marcotte & Co. of New York course in a great measure determine the choice ' city. Mr. Portelange is prepared to execute in a made, still, if the vacation is to be thoroughly j first-class manner all kinds of upholstering and enjoyed, the hotel accommodations available ! decorating work; curtains, 'shades and lambre- must be carefully studied. Many people make j quins he will make to order and put up- repairs the mistake of wandering so far from civilization ; and varnishes all kinds of furniture, lifts and re- lays carpets; also paints and upholsters baby car- riages at reasonable prices and in a highly satis- factory manner. Makes to order or repairs mat- tresses and does all kinds of chair canina:, etc. on their summer pilgrimage that they find them- selves deprived of the comforts and luxuries to which they are accustomed, and return home weary and unrefreshed, disgusted with summer hotels m general, and the one whicl^ they pat- Work will be called for and delivered, or done at your residence, as required, and all charges will be found to be most reasonable in every instance. Mr. V. Portelange is a gentleman of wide experi- ence in the business and although in business in this city but a few years has succeeded in com- manding a large and steadily increasing patron- age, among whom are some of Bridgeport's most influential citizens. All in search of a reliable and thoroughly experienced man in this line will do themselves a favor by giving this gentleman a trial. ronized in particular. Houses may be found, however, which combine an attractive and healthful situation with contiguity to the center of trade, and these most desirable qualifications the Golden Hill Hotel, located at Nos. 19, 21 and 23 Harrison street, possesses in a marked degree. This house is but three blocks from the depot by way of Fairfield avenue. The grounds in which it is situated are very attractive and their sur- roundings beautiful. It is a three story building containing thirty rooms which are heated with steam, for this is by no means exclusively a sum- mer hotel but is largely patronized the year round. Special rates are made to commercial and theatrical parties, and all the terms are very reasonable and the accommodations first- class. This house was started seven years ago and has been under the control of its present owner, Geo. G. Carr, for two years. L. M. Hopkins, Dealer in Stoves, Ranges and Furnaces, 352 Main Street. — One of the best known and longest established houses in Bridge- port for the sale of stoves, ranges, etc, is that of L. M. Hopkins, located at No. 352 Mam street. This business was established twenty years ago by the present proprietor, who deserves much praise for the able manner in which he has con- ducted the business from the first, showing ex- cellent judgment in the selection of his goods, as well as a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details. The premises occupied at the above address consist of two floors, each 24x100 feet in dimen- sions, the first floor being used as a store for the sale of his goods and the second floor for a repair shop, etc. These are fitted up with the most modern inventions for the carrying on of his bus- iness, and the store is stocked with a finely selected assortment of stoves, ranges and fur- naces from the most celebrated manufacturers, and all kinds of stove furniture, tin-ware, etc. Orders promptly and satisfactorily executed for plumbing, roofing and jobbing of all kinds, at reasonable prices. Ten skilled hands are employed in the different departments and all patrons are waited upon in a courteous and attentive manner. Mr. Hopkins is one of Bridgeport's most highly esteemed and respected citizens and has been eminently suc- cessful in his undertaking, well deserving the reputation he has achieved. Curtis & Teeple, Dealers in Drugs, Medi- cines and Chemicals, 836 Main Street.— Probably one of the finest appointed drug stores in Bridge- port is the one conducted by Curtis & Teeple. This house was established over twenty years ago by Curtis & Co., but in 1870 Dr. G. M. Teeple was admitted as partner to the firm and since that date the business has been conducted under the title of Curtis & Teeple. The premises are located at 836 Main street and are 20x60 feet in dimensions, and consist of a very fine and attrac- tive store which is fitted up with handsome show- cases and finely arranged windows. The stock which is here displayed comprises a complete assortment of drugs, medicines and chemicals, etc., also a fine line of fancy and toilet articles, such as sponges, brushes, perfumery, etc., choice tobacco and cigars. Messrs. Curtis & Teeple make a specialty of physicians' prescriptions, which are carefully compounded and orders are answered with care and dispatch, and their stock of medicines is complete and warranted genuine and of the best quality. The extensive retail trade of this house requires the assistance of two competent clerks. The proprietors are both thorough chemists and the utmost care and pre- caution is used to guard against mistakes. Mr. L. F. Curtis is a native of Connecticut, and Dr. G. M. Teeple of New York State; the last gentle- man is a graduate of the Albany Medical College, which ensures that prescriptions will be carefully compounded. These gentlemen have ever main- tained a high character in this city.