Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

Morris Cohen, Clothing and Genls' Furnishing Goods, 41 Main Street — This popular clothing establishment was founded by R. L. Tilton, about twelve years ago, and under the name of the New York Clothing House was successfully conducted until April 1, 1887, when the present LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NOR WALK. 141 proprietor succeeded to the large trade developed by his predecessors. The premises comprise two tloors of the building No. 41 Main street, and are throughout attractively arranged and appointed. The stock comprises full lines of fine fashionable clothing, and everything desirable in gents fur- nishing goods, besides a fine assortment of wool- ens and other fabrics for gents' garments, of foreign and domestic manufacture, and every- thing required to complete a gentleman's ward- robe is supplied directly from the stock in trade or made to order in the most artistic style, and warranted satisfactory as to fit, workmanship and wearing qualities. Mr. Coheu employs a force of skilled cutters and tailors and has every facility for meeting every requirement of the most fashionable as well as those more conservative in matters of dress, at low prices. Mr. E. R. Sherwood, who assists Mr. Cohen in his business has his office in the store, and is agent for the well-known and popular National Steam Laundry, of Maiden, Mass., and work placed in his hands is laundried with dispatch and in the most satisfactory manner. P. H. Bwyer, Harness Manufacturer, FiDe Harness to Order a h-'prcialty. Under Arlington Hotel, Wall Street, Norwalk. — Among the many manufacturing industries of Norwalk, we must not overlook the establishment whose name heads this sketch, as it holds a prominent position in our community. This establishment was started fifty years ago by Mr. S. Bradley. The present proprietor, Mr. P. H. Dwyer assumed control in 1872. The premises occupied for this business are located on Wall street, under Arlington Hotel and cover an area of 24x40 feet. Here are displayed some of the finest harnesses to be seen in the city. This complete and extensive stock embraces all kinds of fine Saddlery, Whips, Blankets, Brushes, Curry Combs, etc. The extensive re- tail trade of this house gives employment to three capable clerks, who thoroughly understand the business in all its branches. In connection with the above named goods, Mr. Dwyer makes a specialty of manufacturing fine Harnesses to order, and perfect satisfaction is guaranteed as regards material used, fit and style of finish. All kinds of repairing neatly and promptly done. We commend this house to our many readers with the full assurance that they will receive not only fair ard liberal treatment, but will find in addition to the facilities of the house, already mentioned, manifest advantages in terms and prices. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SO. NORWALK. The City of South Nor walk is situated on a lovely bay opening into the Sound, into the head of which flows the Norwalk River. The population at the present time is in the neighborhood of six thousand. As a business center it has grown very rapidly during the last few years and is now one of the most active cities in this part of the State. Among the various causes to which this prosperity may be assigned, probably none have more obtained than the advantages of its natural situa- tion seconded by the enterprise of its citizens. The accommodations for passengers and freight, both by land and water, are first-class. In the neighborhood of forty passenger trains daily connect South Nor- walk with New York, Boston and the other prominent cities of New England. A large and commodious steamboat daily conveys passengers to and from New York, and freight steamers furnish facilities hardly to be excelled. The New York, New Haven & Hartford also provides the best of arrangements for the large amount of freight shipping done at South Norwalk, which in amount few cities on their route surpass. The water system of South Norwalk has attracted much attention all over the country, and in efficiency and quality of supply, together with economy of storage and distribution,- it would be difficult to find its superior. One of the articles of production which the city supplies in large quantities and of the best quality, is its excellent brand of oyster, celebrated in New York and other large cities for their unusual size and delicate flavor. The manufacture of hats is, perhaps, the line for which South Norwalk is most widely known, few cities in the State or country producing them in larger quantities, or in greater perfection of style and material. This industry, after a period of depression and retrogression, seems once more to be advancing at a pace commensurate with its importance. The manufacture of locks, steam-engines, machinery, general iron goods, straw goods, corsets, paper boxes, shoes, cigars, hatters' tools and ship-building are carried on here successfully. There seems to be no reason why the various influences which in the recent past, have so rapidly developed the business and manufacturing inter- ests of South Norwalk should not continue to operate in greater magnitude with the years. That the foundations of a large and prosperous city have already been laid, there can be no doubt, and it only remains to allow the beneficent influences of the past free scope to witness yet greater progress. SOUTH NORWALK, PAST AND PRESENT. 143 Every department of the city life corresponds with the high state of its business activity. It would hardly be necessary to say that its public school system is of the best New England affords. The five important denominations, Congregational, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, are represented by church edifices. The standard of morality is very high and maintained with unyielding integrity. The city government is both representative and worthy of the city itself. The supply of the necessities of city life and of its pleasures, is of the most universal and best character. The beauties of the seashore have attracted many permanent and summer resi- dents to South Norwalk of late years, which has been beneficial to the city as well as most satisfactory to the former. There are three large and thoroughly appointed hotels, which furnish the most desirable accommodations, transient or for the season. The Opera House is one of the most beautiful in the State, with a seating capacity of one thousand and seventy-five persons. It is a fact of considerable import that almost the entire growth of South Nor- walk has taken place within the century. Not much further back than 1880, it was little more than a stopping place for West Indians' trade-ships to obtain water sup- plies at a large well not far from the shore, renowned far and wide for its excellent water. From this well the place was called for many years " Old Well." Around this old well has grown up in a time and manner which remind one of a western town, though with more stability and strength, a city of which all its citizens may be well proud. The logical sequence of the past and present demonstrates greater prosperity in the future, and not only to the fortunate inhabitants themselves, but to all who choose to share them, as well, will South Norwalk by her attractions and elevated employments, continue to render life more enjoyable and worth the living. One thing which has induced manufacturers and business men to settle here is the proximity of the city to New York. Through its excellent railroad accommodations it is brought into close connection with all parts of the United States, and this fact has been thoroughly appreciated by its merchants and manufacturers. The openings for business in the city are unusually advantageous, and the comfortable and beauti- ful homes which the mechanics can occupy here are no small reasons for the gradual extension of the commercial industries of South Norwalk. Real estate is obtainable at the most moderate charges, and nowhere can capital be invested with greater con- fidence than in this city. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH I The Norwalk Iran Works Co., Builders of Air Compressors. — The Norwalk Iron Works Company is one of South Norwalk's leading in- dustries, and for years the enterprise has been one of the potent factors in the large aggregate of the city's trade. These extensive works are eligibly located with reference to receipt and shipment of mer- chandise, on the line of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., and in close proximity to the wharves of the city, giving abundant facilities, both for cheap and rapid transportation. The main building is a large three story brick structure, 80x200 feet in dimensions, and is throughout equipped with the best improved iron working machinery, and operated by steam. The company's important specialty is the build- ing of Air Compressors of their own designs, which are esteemed the best in use among a large proportion of the manufacturers of this section, and the trade of the corporation has attained most important proportions, and under able management is steadily increasing and ex- tending. A force of one hundred skilled workmen find constant employment in the company's service, and the facilities of the house for executing orders for special work at low prices are all that could be desired. Mr. E. Hill is the general manager and treasu- rer of the company, and is one of Connecticut's most energetic business men, and whose honora- ble methods and business capacity has challenged universal confidence and commendation. Mr. Hill is also president of the National Bank of Norwalk, an institution built on a solid founda- tion, well known throughout the United States. Hubbell & Barthol, Manufacturers of Fur Hat Bodies. — Those wTho believe that the prizes are all won ; those who are possessed of the idea that unless a man is born heir to a large fortune or is put in a way to be the successor of a great business he may as well abandon all hope of ever amounting to anything and content himself as best he can in a subordinate and obscure position, should study the history of the house of Hubbell & Barthol, the great hat manufacturers, and learn wrhat energy, enterprise, ability and grit can do from a comparatively small beginning.