Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

S. W. Gledhill, Wholesale Dealer in Woolen and Cotton Rags, Paper Stock, Metals, etc., all kinds of Wrapping Paper, Second-Hand Ma- chinery, Wiping Waste and Rags, 4, 6, and 8 Union Street. — The business over which Mr. S. W. Gledhill presides was established in 1881, and has since been continuously conducted under the same management. The premises occupied consist of a four-story building 100x200 feet in dimensions, which is divided into departments for storage of paper stock and metals and for sorting paper and rags. A number of hands are employed in this business, and upon occasions of extraordinary demand an extra force is put on. The facilities and resources of this house in respect to woolen and cotton paper stock is commensurate with the demands of the market. To peddlers the house offers special advantages and buy all kinds of metals at the highest prices for cash. This house also deals in all kinds of wrapping paper, second hand ma- chinery and wiping waste and rags. The warehouse is located at Nos. 4, 6 and 8 Union street, and is one of the leading houses in Bridgeport en- gaged in this line. Mr. Gledhill is a native of Corn- wall, Conn., and has resided in this city many years; he has had a large experience in this busi- ness, and thoroughly understands it in every de- tail and conducts it in a manner that has acquired for him the respect and consideration of this community, of all which none are more worthy. We commend Mr. Gledhill and his enterprise to those of our readers who may be interested, assuring them that business relations once entered upon will prove not only pleasant but profit- able. S. W. Gledhill is also proprietor of the largest jewTelry store in Middlesex County, located at Essex, Conn.; also of the largest and only mat- tress manufactory of New London County, located at New London, where they carry a fine stock of first-class goods. W. B. Bostwick, Real Estate, West End, 661 State Street. — The growth of this city in the section known as the West End is remarkable, and being finely located it is certainly one of the most desirable parts of the city, being near that most beautiful spot, Seaside Park, and also with- in easy access by horse cars of the business por- tion. Mr. W. B. Bostwick has done much towards bringing up real estate in this section, and offers houses or lots on most favorable terms. Parties will find it a great advantage to deal with him as being the owner himself they can make much more reasonable terms than through a third party. Mr. Bostwick's office is located at No. 661 State street and is admirably arranged and locat- ed for the business and as he is gifted with un- usual enterprise and ability of management he has built up a large trade. He enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends and is a popular citizen. His rent department is under the able and efficient management of Mr. Stephen Os- born, who attends to the collecting, etc. We advise all contemplating buying land or houses to give Mr. Bostwick a call and we feel assured tbey will feel amply repaid. This gentleman has just purchased a tract of 100 acres of land which being bounded on three sides by deep water, is navigable by vessels of heavy draught. The advantage of this land possessing as it does ample railroad facilities will be readily seen by manufacturers. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT. 129 Nichols, Peck & Co., Carriage Manufacturers, Rockaway and Depot Wagons a Specialty, 97 and 99 John Street. — This old and responsihle house was founded in 1843, and has always held a prominent place among the important indus- trial interests of Bridgeport. Since the death of Mr. Peck, nearly thirty years ago, the business has been conducted with signal success by Messrs. Geo. K. Nichols and Carlos W. Blackman, and the reputation of the old house for the superior styles and quality of its products has always been maintained. The works of Messrs. Nichols, Peck & Co. are located at Nos. 97 and 99 John street, and are in every regard complete and thoroughly equipped, the machinery, which is of the latest improved designs, being operated by steam. The main building is a substantial four-story structure 60x125 feet in dimensions, and a large force of skilled workmen are employed in the various departments in the manufacture of car- riages of all kinds. The firm make a specialty of Rockaways and Depot Wagons; for the styles, finish and durabil- ity, they enjoy well-earned distinction, and the demand for these specialties is large and con- stant, their trade extending to all points of this and adjoining States. Messrs. Nichols & Blackman are experienced practical carriage builders, and supervise in per- son, all the materials used and every detail of workmanship, and with every vehicle they give a guarantee as to durability and general excel- lence. They keep in stock a large assortment of fin- ished carriages and wagons, and make special work to order with dispatch, and in the most sat- isfactory manner. They are prompt, liberal and reliable in their engagements and enjoy the full confidence of their trade and correspondents, and fellow-citizens as well. Devitt Bros., Groceries and Meat Market, Best Kind of Beef, etc., corner Harrall Avenue and Pequonnock Street. — Among the old establish- ed houses engaged in the grocery and provision trade in this city we find Devitt Brothers, locat- ed at the corner of Harrall avenue and Pequon- nock street. This business was established thirty-seven years ago in 1850 by the present management, having undergone no changes in that space of time, and having met with unusual success since its start. The store occupied consists of one story and basement, and covers an area of 44x44 feet. It is stocked with a choice line of goods, including tea, coffee, spices, sugar, flour, and the many articles usually found in a first-class grocery establishment. Employment is given to five competent assis- tants, and all customers are waited upon in a po- lite and attentive manner, orders being promptly and carefully filled and delivered. The facilities enjoyed by this house for obtaining first-class goods are unsurpassed by any of its contempora- ries, and the prices are as reasonable as any store in the city. The members of the firm are active and intelli gent business men fully understanding every de- tail, and their aim is to cater satisfactorily to their numerous customers as well as to the pub- lic in general. Mr. James Devitt has been a member of the Common Council for one year and is well and favorably known. Allen's Real Estate and Broker's Office. Property Rented and Rents Collected; F. C. Allen, Manager, Arnold Building, 275 Main Street. — In a work of this character, which relates to the commerce, resources and industrial advance of the city, it will not ill become us to speak of the business of a gentleman who, although a young man, is alive and up to the times, and has ever taken an active part in Bridgeport's prosperity and well-being. At this period of writing he is concerned in the pursuits embraced under the above headings. We refer to Mr. F. C. Allen, whose real estate, employment and broker's office is located at 275 Main street, in the Arnold Building. Mr. Allen attends to all kinds of real estate business, such as buying, selling and renting property. In this he transacts a large and first class trade. He always has a large list of valuable properties for sale and rent, and his thorough, prompt and honorable methods have built up his large and successful business, and won for him an emi- nently fine reputation. Rents are collected, and the general manage- ment assumed of estates, if desired, thus reliev- ing large property holders of a great deal of trouble and annoyance. Mr. Allen being a native, born and brought up in this city, is well and favorably known in this community, and it is with pleasure that we extend to him this merited courtesy. His office is also the best place in the city where domestic help of all kinds can be secured at short notice. A call at his new office will convince all that he is a wide-awake business man. H. Hay ward, Dealer in Beef, Pork, Mutton, Veal, Poultry, Etc., Vegetables in their Season. Excelsior Market, corner South and West Ave- nues.— It is always pleasant to do business with an establishment that carries a large and fresh stock of the goods in which it deals, for not only is satisfaction more surely guaranteed by reason of the greater latitude of choice possible, but there is invariably an air of prosperity and thrift permeating the premises which is both gratifying and attractive. A. business enterprise of this character that has been carried on for a score of years by its founder and present proprietor is that known as the Excelsior Market conducted by Mr. H. Hayward at the corner of South and West avenues. This gentleman, who is a native of England, inaugurated this business in 1867 and has built up a large, desirable and growing trade by strict application and careful study of his customers needs. His store is 60x25 feet in dimensions and contains and well selected assort- ment of beef, pork, veal, mutton, poultry, hams, etc., as well as all kinds of vegetables in their seasons. While only reliable goods are offered the prices rule very low, and as two efficient assistants are employed, patrons are served promptly and courteously. During the many years this establishment has catered to the public it has gained a high reputation which will no i doubt be fully maintained in the future. 130 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BRIDGEPORT.