FOUNDE D 1800. NORWALK, CONN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1899. +NORWALK ' GAZETTE. NINETY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Twin cities oi Commercial Progress Where nearly 25,000 Prosperous and Contented People Reside. A Glimpse at its past With Pen Sketches and Illustrations of its Present Norwalk, Connecticut, is the original of all towns of that name in the United .States, the name being derived from the Indian word Norwalke which was given to the river which flows through the cities, emptying into Long Island Sound. Its location. forty-one miles northeast of New York city On the main line of N. Y., N. H. and Hartford rail- Commerce. Some few years after this purchase, settlers located upon the land and fur- nished the nucleus of the flourishing cities of to—day. Their history cannot be written each day and each year fur- nished an event worthy of record. For nearly one hundred years the Gazette has given its readers a resume of im- portant events and its files furnish the C. L. GLOVER, MAYOR OF NOR\VALK. way, and its exceptional harbor and 'water front give it shipping facilities eonly enjoyed by coast cities. Its orig- :inal settlement dates from 1640, the first permanent settlers being English «emigrants of the puritanic order who were the real founders of our present government. The following copy of a «deed gives an idea of the value the In- «dians placed on the land and also es- tablishes the record of its settlement .as well as the date. It is c0pied from Hall’s History of Norwalk, 1847: A copyie of a deede of sale made by Nor- walke Indians unto Master Roger Lud— low of Fairfield as followeth 26th Feb- ruary, 1640. An agreement made between the In- dians of Norwalke and Roger Ludlow. It is agreed that the Indians of Nor- walke for and in consideration of eight fathoms of wampum, sixe coates, tenn hatchets, tenn hoes, tenn knives, tenn scissors, ten-n jewse harps, tenn fathoms of tobackoe, three kettlesof .Asi‘x hands about, tenn looking glasses, have granted all the lands, meadows, pasturinge, trees, whatsoever their is and grounds between the two rivers the one called Norwalke the other :Soaktuck to the middle of sayed rivers, from the sea a days walk into the coun- try, to the sayed Roger Ludlowe and his heirs and assigns forever, and that 1108 Indian or other shall challenge or ‘claim any ground within sayed rivers «or limits, nor disturb the sayed Roger his heirs or assigns within the pre— cincts aforesaid. In witness thereunto Lhave interchangeably sett their hands. Signed, ROGER LUDLOW. The Mark, Mahachemo Sachem. best information obtainable during that time. A glance through its pages of history show that mills for grinding corn were built on the river, the first dam being where Wall street now crosses the river. This was in opera- tion for a hundred years, when the dam was washed away by a freshet and not rebuilt for a long time. It was how- ever rebuilt and the mill ran there un- til 1850; now not a vestige remains of the old mill. Like all New Englanders of that period the people were very re- ligious and established a meeting heuse as early as 1652. The Congregational church of the present is the direct suc- cessor of these early Eclesiastical s0- cieties. In 1686 the town decided to hire a school master at the munificent salary of thirty pounds a year. They had some reluctance about it apparent- ly as they only contracted with him for three months. The records furnish abundant evidence of Indian wars and the hardships of pioneers, of the revolu- tionary war, war of 1812; and it is evi- dent that Norwalk has always furnish- ed its quota of men to defend its 'heri- tage. Norwalk has produced many famous men, among whom may be mentioned Thomas Fitch, the last Co- lonial Governor; United States Senator General 0. S. Ferry, ex—Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury, LeGrand Lock- wood, the banker who built the famous mansion on West avenue; United States Senator Thaddeus Betts, Gov- ernor Clark Bissell, and many others. Charles R. Sherman, one of the pioneers of Ohio, father of Gen. W. T. Sherman and Senator John Sherman, was born and raised in Norwalk, mov- DR. J. MILTON COBURN, MAYOR OF SOUTH NORWALK. ing west in 1821. There are some living to-day who re- member the great railway disaster which occurred May 6, 1853. A train with physicians who had attended a meeting in New York city were re— turning east when it plunged through the draw‘bridge and forty—eight persons were killed. On Jan. 13, 1840, the pas— senger boat Lexington burned and sank a few miles off the shore here and 180 persons were lost. It was a bitter cold night and their sufferings were beyond description. Pages could be written of important events and of men who have made the city famous. Rev. C. M. Sellick has spent years in gather- ing facts and statistics and has com- pleted the first volume of his history of Norwalk which is a most authentic and valuable work. The Norwalks of to-day present more attractions than the average towns; the climate is as equable as any place on the Atlantic coast; the beach has all the attractions of a summer resort; the residents are pleasant and social, and there are more modern medium priced homes of fine appearance than in any city of the same size in New England. The residents vie with each other in making their lawns and homes attrac- tive, and nowhere can be found such a variety of cheerful, pleasant sites for residence as Norwalk affords. It is doubtful, too, if there is another city that has as good street car facilities; the management provides every accom- modation, cars are run in the interest of passengers, to meet night trains, ex- tra trips at meal times, and they make as swift time as can be desired. Too much cannot be said in their favor, as nothing is left undone to make their system perfect. They also provide connections with Stamford to the west and Westport and Bridgeport to the east. While the two cities are under separate corporate government, their interests are identical and there is little spirit of rivalry so friendly are they that consolidation may be predicted in the near future. Every modern ad— vantage which aids good living has been adopted, a supply of pure fresh water from the hills to the north, a system of sanitation constructed upon the most scientific principles, the best facilities for fighting'fire, electric light system owned by the city, paved street, model parks which are the peoples play ground, shaded thoroughfares, excel- lent sidewalks, good stores, where the finest goods the market affords may be secured at reasonable prices. There are none idle in the Norwalks, its fac- tories are all running, some of them overtime, and in the hat industry par- ticularly union wages are paid to union men. Among the various products are shoes, air compressors, locks, builders’ hardware, woolen goods, cotton goods. felts, hats (straw and felt), corsets, laundry machinery, shirts, stoves and ranges, etc., etc. The public school system is equal to that of any in the country, besides which there are sev- eral of the best private schools to be found. They are mentioned at length elsewhere in this issue. Nearly all church denominations are represented, and there are twenty-two structures devoted to religious purposes; some of them are remarkably handsome speci- mens of architecture, the interiors be- ing artistically arranged and well adapted to the high aims to which they are dedicated. Fraternal societies are also well represented, besides they have one of the handsomest club houses in the state of which the majority of the business men are members. The harbor and sound provides excellent opportunities for lovers of aquatic sport, and many handsome launches and yachts are owned by residents of Norwalk. In summer a regular line of passenger and freight boats ply ‘be- tween here and New York city, and many business men of that city make this their home, commutation tickets being sold at very reasonable prices. What more can be desired? It is a beautiful spot with every natural and artificial advantage, within easy dis- tance of the greatest city on the con- tinent, on the main highway of New England, and its citizens as desirable associates as one could wish. The material for the following sketches has been carefully compiled, and it has been sought to give each their full quota of credit for the part they take in the commerce of the cities. They deserve a careful perusal, as those here represented are the ones most in— terested in the progress and develop- ment of the Norwalks. If the publica- tion of this edition shall aid them in their efforts to advance the interest of the city then] our mission shall not have been in vain. C. L. GLOVER, Mayor of Norwalk, is a Dealer in Fancy and Staple Groceries, Fruits and Vegetables, Opera House Block, 35 Wall street, Norwalk. He has one of the most complete general grocery stores in this city. It is a commodious and well stocked establishment. Here can al- ways be found a fine assortment of staple and fancy groceries, the best teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, flour, fruit and vegetables. Here patrons can always be assured of receiving prompt and polite attention as well as honest value and square dealing. It is one of the oldest established business of its kind on the street, having been founded about thirty-five years ago by the father of the present proprietor. The store is 20x60 feet in dimensions. The stock is well and neatly kept and includes everything usually found in a first class, up-to-date establishment of this kind, including the choicest new crop teas from China, Japan and India, the highest grade Java, Mocha and Rio coffees, canned goods, bottled goods, confectionery, cigars, tobacco, bread, cake, pastry, etc., etc. Mr. Glover has a large trade not only in Norwalk but in the surrounding towns. His aim is to please in every particular, and this perhaps more than anything else is the secret of his success. A large family trade is supplied requiring two wagons for the delivering of goods. In the » England, WR‘TEJ "‘ fig”, "3 prfiiLERS, is“ 50°05 —F .i- JSTON 4 fl THE BOSTON STORE store four clerks are employed to at- tend ‘to the wants of customers. Mr. Glover is much interested in the social, financial and political affairs of this, his native, city, and is a man of large sympathies and public spirit. He is also identified with many of the frater- nal societies, being a member of the F. and A. M., and the I. O. O. F. At the present time he is serving the city as its chief executive. MAYOR ‘COBURN. South Norwalk is to be congratulated. In these days of intense politics, when the game of politics is played for the interest of the individual and his polit— ical followers, rather than for the com- munity, when wire pulling and deep laid schemes by bosses and rings are the chief factors of political success, rather than ability and worth, it is refreshing, indeed encouraging, to find a man of the highest type of good citi- zenship'without the slightest taint of the politician, as the politician is known to-day, about him, elected to the highest office in the gift of the city. Dr. J. Milton Coburn, the mayor, will be a credit to South Norwalk in what— ever official capacity he may appear, just as he has been a creditable citizen in the private walks of life. He is a man of ability and prominence in his profession, which he has followed for twenty-five years. He is a genial, affa- ble, always courteous gentleman and as the head of the municipality he will represent the city with a dignity, an intelligence and a gentlemanly bearing that becomes a man. of prominent pub— lic position. As the executive head of the city the business and government of the municipality will be carried on with an honesty and an ability that will redound to the credit of both city and mayor. Mayor Coburn was born at Pittsfield, N. H., in 1853, and is therefore forty-five years of age. He was graduated from the Boston Univer- sity Medical School in 1874 and at once entered upon the practice of his profes- sion. He has been a resident of South Norwalk for six years, having come here from Brooklyn, Conn., and enter- ing the profession here, devoting all his energies and ability thereto, he has at- tained a prominent position among the medical men and a large practice in the community. He is the town phy- sician and the surgeon for the New York, New Haven and Hartford rail- road. He is a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Norwalk Yacht Club and the South Norwalk Congregational Church, in which he is chairman of the Worship Committee. He has a fine home at 55 South Main street and his family consists of a charming wife who is devoted to her family and two bright, interesting boys. Dr. Coburn was elected mayor on the Republican ticket and succeeds a Demo- cratic mayor. He has never before held any elective political office. BOSTON DRY GOODS STORE. Corner Main and Wall streets, Nor- walk. A big dry goods emporium and department store, equal to many found in the largest cosmopolitan cities, is that conducted by Messrs. Masterson, Burns & 00., under the name of the - r P. F. MASTERSON. Boston Dry Goods Store. Its estab- lishment dates from 1866, when Thom- as O_’Gorman, a merchant whose fame and eminent business foresight and ability are recognized throughout New conceived the idea that a store of this class was what the people of the Norwalk-s needed. That his judgment was correct has certainly been demonstrated by the phenomenal success that has been attained. From a small business in limited quarters it has developed into the largest de- partment store in Fairfield County, and one of the most commodious and best equipped in the state. The proprietors 0f the “Boston iStore” to-day are Mr. P. F. Masterson and Mr. P. F. Burns, who succeeded to the entire control of the business Jan 1st of this year. Both gentlemen, by long and practical expe- rience in the same line, were pecu- liarly fitted to extend and perpetuate the ideas and achievements of the founder of this great enterprise. Dur- ing the last five years many additions and improvements have been made. The store has bee-n remodeled in many respects, new departments added, a complete system of electric lighting introduced and the Lamson cash car- rier service adopted, besides many oth- er minor yet important changes made for the convenience of customers. Five thousand square feet of floor space are .1 that other people have as good taste and like the correct style as well as they do. The proprietors say that. class of people are fast disappearing and most of the ladies are helping the husbands to build up the city of Nor- walk, which soon will embrace the whole town of Norwalk. And we as- Sure the people that the Boston Store will keep right along with the expan- sion of the city. Indeed, the whole county can be justly proud of their Boston Store. LOUNSBURY, MATHEWSON & 00. Shoe Manufacturers, 5 Havilandi street, South Norwalk. One of the old- est industrial establishments in Fair- field County is the Lounsbury shoe factory, as it is generally called. In recent years the growing business of the concern and the extended interests of the original partners has made changes or additions necessary and to- day the partners are George E. Louns- bury, Edwin H. Mathewson, Herbert A. Mathewson, Lewis R. Hurlbutt, Nathan L. Rockwell and George L. Rockwell. The company has a large brick build- ing, thirty-eight feet front and two hundred and twenty-five feet deep, and four floors, supplied with the latest and best improved machinery for the mak- ing of shoes, and employs three hun- dred hands. The product of the factory is ladies’ fine shoes and the reputation of the firm’s goods is such that their stamp on an article is a guarantee of excellent quality. The trade extends throughout the United States. Through a long term of years through panic and depression, this shoe factory has been a successful one, having a steady and permanent trade by reason of the high quality of their goods, which have al- ways been thoroughly reliable, and the business ability and integrity of the gentlemen who managed the business. These gentlemen are so well known in the community that it seems superflu- ous to go into personal comment. And yet for the information of distant read- ers who may read these columns, men- - .tion should not be neglected of such P. F. BURNS. used and four stories of their large building are filled to repletion with a stock both exhaustive and representa- tive in character. The system of the house is perfect. There are twenty- four departments; each department is a separate store in itself; while they all combined make the great store, each department is run separately and indem. pendent fro-m the others. So that the proprietors can tell at any time of the year which of the departments is being run successfully or which is running behind By this up-to-date way of conducting their business they are al- ways ready and in a position to buy any novelty that is put on the market without crowding themselves. The store is a very large one for the size of the town. The proprietors are well aware of the fact; they knew that when they enlarged the store five years ago. They also know their business thoroughly and know that they can buy goods from the manufacturers and importers as cheap as any'New York store. Knowing that they can buy as cheap they know right well that they could sell the same goods cheaper than the New York people, .for their rents, taxes, cartage, lighting and so forth, is not one-eighth as expensive here as it is in the city. By studyng that out the Boston Store people concluded that the city might 'be small, but theadja- cent territory was great and ‘ could stand the Boston Store. Their custom- ers come all the way from Danbury, Bethe], Ridgefield, New Canaan and as far east as Bridgeport. Rowayton, Da- rien, ‘Noroton and Stamford. To be sure the proprietors meet a few ladies who never can find anything to suit them in their own city. That is to be expected everywhere; the New York merchants find the same class of two- men there, never anything good enough for them. They have to quote London and Paris, and a frequent rea- son given is “i:f I buy that jacket I will meet a dozen just like it on Fifth ave- nue next Sunday.” They never think a View 7 . ,p ‘ THE NEW Colonel. prominent men as compose this firm. Hon. George E. Lounsbury is the pres- ent Governor of this state, and had previously served two terms as senator. Colonel Edwin H. Mathewson was a member of Gov. Lounsbury’s staff as He is a director of the City National Bank of South Norwalk. Lewis R. Hurlbutt is a prominent citi- zen of Wilton and N. 'L. and G. L. Rockwell are well known residents of Ridgefield. Mr. H. A. Mathewson is one of the active members of the firm, having been identified with the house for the past twenty years. LOUNSBURY & BISSELL CO. C. C. Betts, president, E. L. Boyer, secretary and treasurer, and general manager. Manufacturers of Felts of every description, Winnipauk. For over half a century this business has been in existence, having been estab- lished in 1843. The company was in- corporated in 1869, with a capital stock of $200,000. The main mill is a large stone structure, 68x113 feet in dimen- sions and three stories in height. The company’s plant also includes many other buildings which are used in the various processes of manufacture through which their goods must pass before the finished product is reached. All told the plant covers an area of about 50,000 square feet fitted with every modern appliance and machin- ery, and particularly adapted for this business. All kinds of feltings and felt linings are produced, from the cheapest to the most expensive grades, and from the lightest to the heaviest weights. A specialty is made of felt linings for rubber boots and shoes. These goods find a ready market and are shipped all over the United States. A slight idea of the amount of these goods produced can ‘be shown by the statement that the capacity of the plant is fifteen hundred yards of double Width goods per day and this amount hardly meets the demand. Over one hundred operatives are employed in the different departments. The various mills of the company are equipped with all necessary machinery. A one hun— dred horse power engine, another nine- ty horsepower turbine water wheel, large boilers and an automatic sprink- ling system are among the appurten- ances of this character. The fire pump in connection with the sprinkling sys— tem is capable of pumping 750 gallons per minute. Since its inception the business has largely increased in vol- ume until now it is one of the leading industries of its kind in the country. Messrs. Lounsbury and Bissell'died, many years ago and new men came into the active management of the con- cern. Since Mr. C. C. Betts and Mr. E. L. Boyer took charge many additions and improvements have been made, and the output largely increased. Mr. Continued on page 3. HOSPITAL.
Norwalk Chronicler