V -- asm -M « ", * ^ : YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY COMPLIMENTS OF SNELL BUSINESS COLLEGE, 99 to 105 MAIN STEEET, NORWICH, C03ST3ST. THE LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH AND VICINITY, EMBRACING GREENEVILLE AND PRESTON. ILLUSTRATED, BOSTON : MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY, No. 258 Purchase Street. I 890. PREFACE. In this historical and statistical review of the commercial and manufacturing interests of Norwich, it has been our purpose in as thorough a manner as was possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so largely during the last half century to the material advancement of the city. History plainly shows that many large cities owe their prosperity and growth chiefly to advantages of situation, great influx of foreign people, and similar causes; the present prosperity of Norwich, however, is due solely to the genius and efforts of its people. i A study of these facts, and of its varied mercantile interests, which are presented herewith, must show clearly, we think, the rich harvests that have been reaped from the exertions and foresight of the past, the present flourishing and influential position of Norwich as a commercial center, And its bright outlook for many lines of growth in the time to come. In the review of the commercial and manufacturing interests of this section, it has been our purpose in as thorough a manner as was possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so largely during the last half century to the material advancement of Norwich and Vicinity. We have made several extracts from the very complete volume issued by the Board of Trade in 1888, and are indebted to the secretary for the present list of members of the board. ¦MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO. Ci.73.£73 COPYRIGHT. MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO. 1890. [For Contents see last pages.] INTRODUCTION. Norwich has been called the " Rose of New England," and the significance of the title is hardly less evident in the rounding form and variegated beauty of its landscape, than in the quiet evenness and serenity which have marked its progression from one stage of its life to another. As the settlement expanded into the village, the village broad ened into a town, and the town quickened its activities into those of a city, each element of larger life seems to have unfolded itself as easily and imperceptibly as the petals of a flower. It is true it has shared somewhat the periods of temporary •depression, and more the enthusiastic movements which have swept throughout the country, yet these influences have not sufficed to mar or check perceptibly the calm development of its internal life, which has flowed on rather with the steady, silent sweep of the Thames near its mouth, than like the rushing, noisy Shetucket circling among the hills. From the sensational standpoint, therefore, Norwich must be placed among those few and happy regions that appear to have little or no history, because it is unrelieved by points of glaring contrast or eminent calamity. No fiery devastation or "deadly plague have drawn black, gloomy lines around pages of its life, nor have the "sweet security" of its streets and the sanctity of its homes ever been violated by a hostile foot. Nevertheless the ¦study of its historic annals has deep and intrinsic interest for every thoughtful reader, presenting many of the great problems of human life and nature in new and suggestive lights. By the steadi ness of the city's advance by gradual stages, the impression of its solidity and enduring strength is powerfully conveyed to one who will examine the foundations upon which this advance has- been laid. 4 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. The aboriginal history of Norwich lays largely in that shadowy ground which is handed over to- the poet, to people with the traditionary forms of prehistoric times. At the time the English first settled, there seemed to have been no tribe dwelling at this spot for many years. Evidences of an Indian race, probably closely allied to the Pequots, point to their occupation some time prior to the- English advent, of the region about Chelsea Plain; but, scattered to the four winds by hostile neigh bors, or wasted away by the silent hand of disease, they had left, for unknown years, this beautiful spot a seldom broken solitude. The Monhegans, tributary to the Pequots before 1637, had a wander ing home at Yantic to which they sometimes resorted. Their main seat was further down the- Thames, and after the destruction of the mighty Pequots in 1637 by the English under Captain John> Norwich in 1850. From an old print. Mason (the future founder of Norwich), the Monhegans held a general claim to all this region. In. 1643 one of the most famous of Indian battles occurred near Yantic Falls, between the Narragan- setts and the Monhegans. By a wily stratagem Uncas, the chief of the latter, totally routed the- Narragansetts, one tradition being that a party of them was driven headlong over the precipice above the Falls, and dashed among the foaming rocks. Miantonomo, the great chief of the Narragansetts was also captured at the spot now known as Sachem's Plain. Here a mound of victory was raised bv the Monhegans, and after the questionable justice of the English had sanctioned the execution of the- captured prince, his lamenting people, adding each a stone or two in memory of their vanquished chieftain in their frequent passings this way, made quite a large monument on this spot. Thousrh. this mound has been swept away with the years, a small granite monument erected here in 1841 bv- citizens of Norwich, perpetuates the remembrance of this early battle and its vanquished chief. ' NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. THE EARLY SETTLEMENT. Norwich is an offshoot of Saybrook. This seaport village was first established under Johm Winthrop, Jr., in 1635, and among its most prominent early settlers were Captain John Mason of Pequot fame and the Rev. James Fitch, its first minister. Captain Mason was the leader in move ments resulting in the founding of Norwich, being joined by about half the settlers of Saybrook. In. May, 1659, he obtained the privilege from the Colonial Court of setting up a new town in the Mon- hegan territory and in the following months by fair and square purchase the " Nine Mile Square " sec tion, now Norwich, was purchased by the Saybrook pioneers. The sum of twenty pounds, for which. the whole nine miles were transferred forms a striking contrast to the present value of real estate in. Norwich, but was considered a " full and juste " equivalent by Uncas and his associates. The name- of Norwich occurs in the original deed, and was undoubtedly given in honor of the English city of the same name; some of the prominent settlers being probably from that town. The complete and formal session of the land was made in August, 1659, and the first settlement made about that time. The- " Town-plot " with the sole street of Norwich was laid out along the eastern bank of the Yantic^ Here in close proximity the first citizens took house lots and built their first habitations. About the- centre of the plot a space was set aside for a "Green," facing which the first meeting-house was. erected soon after the settlement. Near it also stood the houses of the Rev. Mr. Fitch and Major Mason. Among the other authenticated first settlers were Thomas Adgate, Eobert Allyn, William. Backus, John Baldwin, John Birchard, Thomas Bliss, Morgan Bowers, Hugh Calkins, Richard Edger ton, Francis Griswold, Christopher Huntington, Simon Huntington, William Hyde, Samuel Hyde,. Thomas Leffingwell, John Olmstead, John Pease, John Post, John Reynolds, Jonathan Royce, Nehe miah Smith, Thomas Tracy and Robert Wade. A mill for the grinding of the local crops, the prime- essential of almost every new settlement, was erected first at " No-man's Acre," then removed below the Falls by John Elderkin within about a year after the settlement. The first child of Norwich, Elizabeth Hyde, was born in August, 1660. The first years were marked by quiet, uninterrupted progress. There is no record of suffering; from privation, and though rumors of Indian troubles in the north and east floated hither occasionally,. and warlike parties sometimes passed near by, no lives seem to have ever been lost. The valuation of the town in 1663, four years after the settlement, was £2,571. The earliest town clerk was John Birchard, and among the first representatives in the town government and at the general court, were- Thomas Leffingwell, Christopher Huntington, John Bradford, John Calkins, Thomas Tracy, Hugh Calkins, Francis Griswold. In 1675 and '76 the war with King Philip gave Norwich some glimpses of military life. The town contributed its quota of twenty men, and in the winter of '75 and '76 was the- rendezvous for the colonial troops of this section. This was about as near to immediate military action as the town ever came. A new meeting-house, considerably larger than the old one and on the high hill above the "Green," was completed in 1676. In 1684 the valuation of the town had arisen to. £6,265, and its taxable population to 115. In 1685 the right of the town to the original tract of nine- miles square was confirmed by a new patent from the colonial legislature of Connecticut and establish ing the township on a firm legal basis. Tlie town continued to grow slowly from now on to the end of the seventeenth century. THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. Just before and around 1700, several neighboring townships, including Preston, Lebanon Wind ham, Griswold,. Plainfield, Canterbury, and Mansfield, were largely founded and maintained through the influence of Norwich. One of the most prominent men of Norwich and this part of Connecticut at this time, was Major Fitch, who was of great service to the colony in the settlement of disputes with the Indians, and in arranging of land difficulties and surveys through this and other sections of the colony. One of the most important features of the early part of the eighteenth century in Norwich, was the progress of the dispute with New London over County honors. Norwich became a. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 7 half shire town in 1734, wresting a part of the county court business from the hands of New London. About this time the first town house was erected together with a jail, in connection with the new court. The extent of its business may be inferred from the fact that during 1740 there were upwards of 550 actions on the docket. In those days the slightest offences were deemed worthy of a fine, smoking at the town meeting being subject to a penalty of five shillings. During the first half of this century two public plots or commons were set apart, one being near the centre of the town, and the other on Bean Hill. The value of these measures has been realized in later years ; as the town has grown around and beyond these public parks, their usefulness and beauty has become more evident. Norwich early gave attention to educational matters, there being in 1745 as many as seven district schools scattered through the town. In the following year Benedict Arnold, at that time a resident of Norwich, being elected to the grand jury, refused to serve, an incident which from later develop- View from Jail Hill. ments suggests more than it must have done at the time. In 1751, owing to the annoyance caused by troublesome intruders, the selectmen of the town voted that no land should be sold to strangers, nor any stranger be allowed to stay in town without public consent. It is unnecessary to say that this antique and inhospitable attitude was long since thrown aside, the present city being well known for its generous hospitality. It was estimated in 1754 that Norwich was paying the highest tax of any township in the colony. Among the largest and most influential families of the town in the period prior to the Revolutionary war, were those of the following names : Abell, Backus, Bushnell, Edger ton, Huntington, Fitch, Hyde, Lathrop, Leffingwell, Perkins, Smith, Tracy, and Waterman. During the middle of the eighteenth century there sprang up in Norwich a considerable interest in commerce, vessels being fitted out for Boston, New York, the West Indies, Nova Scotia, and even across the water to England. A number of prominent business enterprises were inaugurated at this time including the mercantile houses the Lanman Bros., Trumbull, Fitch & Trumbull, Thomas Coit, Prosper Wetmore, and Gershom Breed. During the French wars of this period Norwich's share seems only to have been the occasional sending of men and supplies to the service, according to the quota allotted to it. In 1758 a regiment was raised at Norwich for the war, of which Samuel Coit, of this town was colonel. Among other Norwich citizens who served in the French wars were Colonel NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. Eleazar Fitch, Colonel William Whiting, Captain Robert Deni- son, Captain Samuel Mott, Dr. Robert Denison, Dr. Philip Tur ner, and Elizah Huntington. The great religious movement of this century, known as the " New Light," or " Great Awaken ing," made a deep impression upon Norwich, the three churches of the town entering heartily into the movement, though not sympa thizing with some of the later extravagances to which it was carried; As the century wore on many of the old Puritanic sever ities were laid aside and social life became more free, and jovial. Elections, training - days, and Thanksgiving were the times of special festivities, but dinners and parties also became quite frequent, and wedding-festivities were celebrated with considerable spirit, as the following notice of a wedding attended by many Norwich people, evidences : • "A great wedding-dance took place at New London at the house of Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., June 12., 1769, the day after the marriage of his son, Daniel Shaw, and Grace Coit ; 92 gentlemen and ladies attended and danced 92 jigs, 52 contra-dances, 45 minuets, and 17 horn-pipes, and retired at 45 minutes past midnight." This quotation shows that at this time dancing was not one of the lost arts. In 1773 the first newspaper ever published in Norwich, the Norwich Packet, was established and conducted with great popularity by the firm of Robertson & Trumbull. A census taken in 1774 showed the population to be 7,321. The grand list for the following year was £66,678.29, making Norwich second only to New Haven in valuation of all the towns in the colony. The Park Congregational Church. The war of independence. Norwich entered into the movements preceding the Revolutionary war with zeal and thorough determination. The Stamp Act in 1764 elicited a most decided outburst of indignation. The citizens burned the effigy of the stamp-master, IngersoU, and a large body of them marched to New London, joining in a great demonstration against the Stamp Act. Frequent liberty-meetings were held in the town and the spirit of independence grew steadily. The militia of the town were trained to be ready for marching at any time, and in May, 1774, there were four com panies here under the following captains : Jedediah Huntington, Church Street. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 9 Samuel Wheat, Isaac Tracy, Jr., Gershom Breed. In the autumn of this year a regiment was organized at Norwich, of which Jedediah Huntington was made colonel. The fact that the great war governor -of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull, was connected with Norwich helped to make the unanimity with ¦which her citizens supported him more prominent. The people were practically as one man in every "movement for the advancement of the cause. The very few Loyalists here were conspicuous by their loneliness. A large number of Norwich's most active and prominent sons participated in the cam paign of 1775 about Boston and throughout the war. Beside the officers already mentioned the fol lowing also served with distinction: Edward Mott, Samuel Gale, Josiah Baldwin, Elisha Lee, Asa Kingsbury, Major Durkee, Major Labdiel Rogers, Captains Joseph Jewett, Jacob and Joseph Perkins, Johnson, Stephens, Night, Waterman, Lathrop, Brewster, Leffingwell and McCall. A portion of the Norwich me.n fought gallantly at Bunker Hill, and a little later a body of militia were despatched to "New London to help repel a marauding expedition of the British. Norwich was its central and interior location and was made the temporary home of quite a number of noted Tories and British captives who were sent here for safe keeping. Norwich furnished her full quota of men throughout the war and also a large amount of money and supplies. In the assault and burning of New London, Sep tember 6, 1781, Norwich despatched a large number of eager soldiers to repel the attack from one of her recreant sons. Owing to her inland position Norwich did not suffer from marauding expeditions at all and furnished a fine harbor of refuge for pursued vessels. After the first stress of the war had passed she did not suffer much from want, and in the last few years enjoyed exceptional prosperity, agriculture flourishing, and the foundations of her large manufacturing interests being laid. A number of Norwich men gained high honors in the naval service during the war, among these being Captains Lester, Robert Niles, Seth Harding, Timothy Parker, Henry Billings, Thomas Parker, Jabez and Hezekiah Perkins, William Wattles, Thomas King, Ebenezer Lester, William Loring, Jabez Lord and Elisha Lathrop. The privateering business was carried on from this port with great energy but with alternating good and bad fortune. Many of the vessels and crews were captured, many cargoes lost, but with steady intrepidity it was kept up to the last. Not a few glowing and brilliant narratives adorn the marine records of this period. The largest and most influential shippers in Norwich at this period were Howland & Coit, who maintained their mercantile business throughout the war. Sons of Norwich also won high recognition and authority in the land service. Among these was Major-Gen eral Jabez Huntington, who during the last half of the war had supreme command over the troops of the State; Major-General Jedediah Huntington, who commanded his troops with great efficiency at the battle of Long Island and other important engagements ; Colonel Joshua Huntington ; General JEbenezer Huntington, one of Washington's most reliable officers. It may be remarked in passing that hardly another family in the State or country can excel this Norwich family in its contribution of distinguished members of successive generations to the military service. Other able officers were also Colonel John Durkee, who fought with especial honors at Long Island, Trenton, and Monmouth ; Col onel Benjamin Throop, Colonel Labdiel Rogers, Colonels Benajah and Christopher Leffingwell, Captain David Nevins, Captains Jedediah and James Hyde, Captain Simeon Huntington, Captain Elisha Prior, one of the Fort Griswold heroes, Captain Richard Lamb, Captain Andrew Lathrop, and Lieutenants Charles Fanning, Andrew Griswold, Silas Goodell, and Jacob Kingsbury. It is thus evident what a distinguished roll of honor Norwich had in the War of Independence, and this represents but a part of her gallant and devoted sons. After the Revolution, for the balance of the century, the town continued to advance quietly but -steadily. Norwich at this time covered a large extent of territory, and in 1786, without any heat or oontroversy, it was divided, three outlying sections being set apart as separate towns under the names of Lisbon, Bozrah, and Franklin. The West India trade of Norwich continued to grow through this period and into the next century. This city was intimately connected with New London, at this time not a few firms having connections in both and inter-partnerships. Christopher Leffingwell was the first oaval officer of this port, appointed in 1784. Live stock, provisions, and lumber were among the most .common articles of export, and even a considerable amount of flour was then raised here and shipped to the south. In 1788-89 the total value of the exports was £34,218, and of imports, £24,793, the balance of trade, according to the then prevalent theory, being greatly in Norwich's favor. The 10 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. following shipping at that, time belonged to this port : Twenty sloops (940 tons), five schooners (32& tons), five brigs (545 tons), one ship (200 tons), in all, 2010 tonnage. In the last decade of the- eighteenth century the West Indian traders were much troubled by English and French men-of-war ships, those two countries being then at war, and preying on neutral nations, but nevertheless the- Norwich commercial interests continued to grow. In 1795 the tonnage of this port was almost twice- what it had been six years previously : consisting of seven ships, nine brigs, nine schooners, ancE seventeen sloops, a total tonnage of 4,312 tons, this not including river and New York packets^ After the first few years of the present century, trade with the West Indies rapidly declined, the- depredations of the French and English war vessels being very severe, and after 1807, the Embargo- adding another heavy burden. The war of 1812 added the last straw, and the shipping of Norwich has never again seen the palmy days it enjoyed from 1783 to 1803. A number of Norwich seamen- were impressed by the British, and this added to the exasperation with which the town entered into- the naval war from 1812 to 1815, which emancipated American shipping to a large extent, but was- otherwise disastrous to the town's interests. In the last part of the eighteenth century quite a number of Norwich citizens emigrated to the- north, helping to found and settle towns in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Nova Scotia, the prospects- there seeming inviting. Chapman, Lathrop, Hyde, Harris, Tracy, and Post are some of the names of Norwich families transported to these. Norwich, Vermont, owes its name to the fond memory of former citizens of this town, and Hyde Park, Vt., also received its name in honor of a Norwich citizen,. Captain Jedediah Hyde. Norwich, Mass., also was named after and in recollection of this place. • The- people of this town also were active and prominent in the settling of the Wyoming Valley, and some- of the victims who fell in the cruel slaughter there in July, 1778, were from Norwich families. War wick and Bedford, Pennsylvania, and other towns in western New York, Ohio and different parts of the west, owe their origin to this place, which was prolific in sending out enterprising colonists. Nor wich, New York, named in her honor, is another evidence of her spreading fame and influence. The- Western Reserve was quite largely taken up by Norwich people. These are but partial evidences of the wide and powerful influence through the west exercised by Norwich, few of the eastern cities- surpassing her in this great movement. Among the famous of her western progeny was the Hon- Samuel Huntington, who left Norwich with his family in 1801 for Ohio, of which State he was after wards governor. Another Hon. Samuel Huntington of this distinguished Norwich family, won high honors in his native State, being a member of the first Continental Congress in 1775, serving as presi dent of that body in 1779 and 1780, and afterward as governor of Connecticut from 1786 to his death in 1796. Hon. Roger Griswold, who was governor of the State in 1811 and 1812, was a former resident of Norwich and died at his old home in 1812. Another leading Norwich man, Aaron Cieaveland deserves honor from having introduced into the Connecticut legislature in 1779 the first bill in favor of the abolition of slavery. In 1790 the census of the town showed a population of 7,578, not much of an> increase over twenty years before, but the division of the town and the depletions consequent on the- Revolutionary war and western emigration, account for the fact. The first lodge of Free Masons in. Norwich, the Somerset, and one of the oldest in the State, was established here in 1794 since which time the order has continually increased in size and influence. Washington's death in December 1799 was commemorated in Norwich with appropriate services. The churches of Norwich seem to have been particularly subject to fires, all the more noticeably since large conflagrations have been so infrequent in the town. The first Congregational Church was- burned to the ground in 1801, and an improved edifice begun on the same site in the same vear The- Second Congregational Church in Chelsea was almost entirely consumed by a fire in 1844 havino- suffered a previous severe conflagration in 1793 ; the Main Street Congregational Church was destroyed by one in 1854 ; and also the Baptist Church in Greeneville was burned in the same year. With these- exceptions Norwich has been remarkably free from conflagrations of any considerable extent Th fine arrangement of its territory and the abundance of water are no doubt important factors in thi desirable result. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 11 THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. During the war of 1812-15, enterprising citizens of Norwich engaged in privateering, but with no- considerable success, as the fleets of the enemy were large and powerful and the blockade of the Sound very severe. A few swift-sailing vessels succeeded in breaking the blockade, but only three are- recorded as getting in again in safety. The father of Commodore Oliver Perry, who gained great celebrity by the victory on Lake Erie in 1813, was a resident of Norwich, and so the latter's success- attracted especial interest and rejoicing. A regiment was drafted at Norwich during this war and served largely on the coast to defense. Several companies were dispatched from Norwich to the American army on the Canadian frontier, and these fought gallantly at the battles of Chippeway,. Bridgewater, and Lundy's Lane. In the last battle Captain Joseph Kinney, of Norwich, fell on the field mortally wounded, after a valiant career. Among other Norwich men who gained distinction in this war were Colonel Elisha Tracy, Major George L. Perkins, and Captain J. Bates Murdock. Laurel Hill. The war of 1812 culminated the influences which crippled the shipping interests of Norwich, the energies and inventiveness of her citizens were turned in other directions, and from this time we note the rise and progress of the manufacturing interests. One of the earliest enterprises was the manufacturing of nails, but in the interval from 1813 to 1816, the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods, the interest which has since developed so largely, was begun here. One of the most important events in the first half of the century was the arrival of the first steamboat in 1816. On October 16th of that year, Captain Bunker sailed up the Thames to Norwich on the Connecticut, the first steam- propelled vessel that had ever plied the Thames. The occasion was one of great excitement and re joicing, and marked the opening of a new commercial era, namely, that of steam. In the following year a Norwich engineer, Gilbert Brewster, constructed a small steamer, the Eagle, the first one owned at this port, and July 1, of that year, the Eagle made its first trip down the river, meeting on its way the steamboat Fulton, Captain Law, which, with flags afloat and resounding music, was 12 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. conveying President Munroe up the Thames on his tour of the United States. Just as the passengers of the Eagle were saluting the Fulton a terrific explosion occurred in the boiler, sweeping part of it through the cabin and out at the back of the boat. If any of the party had remained below they would have met an instantaneous death, but happily all were on deck. Barring this accident, this was the most auspicious occasion ever wit nessed up to that time on the Thames, and not surpassed in interest for the peo ple by anything since, not excepting the famous annual races. A regular steamboat line between Norwich and New York was opened in 1817, the Connecticut and Ful ton constituting the service, and landings being made at New Haven, and New London. Three trips were made each week. At a later date the H. E. Eckford was put on the route, under command of Captain Denison, , who afterward commanded the Fanny. The General Jackson, Captain W. W. Coit, -Maria, .Captain. 'Euclid Elliot, and the Norwich, Huntress, and Worcester were also well known boats on this line. '' . Another mode of transportation which has had an incalculable influence in the upbuilding of Norwich, was first broached here on the formation of the Norwich & Worcester Railroa,d Co., in 1832 ; separate charters being obtained from the Legislatures of Connecticut and Massachusetts, the two parts of the company were united ia 1836, with an aggregate eapital of $1,700- O00. 'The work on the road was begun November 18, 1835, and completed through to Worcester in March, 1840, a distance of fifty-eight miles, eighteen of which are in Massachusetts. The project was largely the result of Norwich men's efforts, and it furnished a powerful stimulus to local commercial interests, connecting Norwich to the West by rail via the Boston & Albany at Worcester. By the junction of this road with the New London & Northern, in 1853, another valuable outlet for the city's commerce was afforded. The steamboat traffic on the line between Norwich and New York was not unattended by disasters, as, the sad fate of the Atlantic and the Commonwealth testify, but its importance steadily grew until a daily line became necessary. The present Norwich line with its large fleet, including the City of Worcester, City of Boston, City of New York, City of Lawrence, and City of Norwich, is one of the best known and most efficient lines on the Sound. The city of Norwich had received .its., city charter during Revolutionary days in 1781, being one of the first five incorporated cities of the State. In 1825, the grand list of the city which had been $1,797,879, in 1800, had increased to $2,200,000. In 1850 it had more than doubled, being $4,446,480. In 1833, in accordance with a petition to the legislature, the northern section of the •city was divided off, and since then its limits have included Chelsea, Greeneville and the Falls. A town house was erected at the cost of $9,000 in 1829, which has since been replaced by a more elegant structure. The Norwich Gas-Light Com pany was incorporated in 1853, and con solidated with a new company called the City Gas Company in 1858. City Hall NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 13 The Otis Library was incorporated in 1851. This beneficent city institution was created by the- generosity of Joseph Otis, a merchant of Norwich, who gave it just about $10,500, in the erecting and furnishing of the building, and tbe first purchase of books. In his will he left a fund of $6,500, the- . income of which was to be expended in the purchase of new books, and a valuable collection has- gradually been accumulated here. The building was completed in 1850. In 1865 there were 6,666- volumes in the library, which had been increased in 1888 to 15,000 volumes, and the fund at that time was $20,000. The Norwich Free Academy, one of the best institutions of its kind in the country, grew out of a movement among the peo ple of Norwich, inaugu rated by the Rev. John P. Gulliver in 1850. The academy received an in corporation charter in 1854, on the petition of Russell Hubbard, Will iam P. Greene, William A.Buckingham, and William Williams, who were among the largest of the original c o n - tributors to the fund of $100,- 000, to which forty persons contributed, and which formed the ^^WJ| EpSSgEiSlsIl^ pleted in 1856, at a, foundation of f||l|t§I ^> ^Jf0m cost of $35,000. The- the academy. &?S^^^ ¦Jf***?^* „ „ ^ Pe°k Library was the gift of Mr8, Har~ ' The main build- h>^^^^^Bu3BS^^^^^yMS^S&d, riet Peck Williams, and named in honor ing was com- °f ner father, Captain Bela Peck. It was originally stored in the main building, but was removed to the Slater Memorial Hall on its completion, and now numbers over 6,000 volumes, forming a very choice collection. The orig- ina fund of $5,000 has increased considerably from its beginning. In 1859, the academy received the gift of a house and grounds for the principal, from Mrs. Wm. P. Greene. Among the presidents of its board of trustees have been the Hons. Russell Hubbard, Wm. P. Greene and William Williams. The first principal of the school was Mr. Elbridge Smith, who conducted it from 1856 to 1865 ; he was- succeeded by the Rev. Wm. Hutchison, and the latter gentleman in 1885 by Dr. Robert P. Keene who has since directed the interests of the school. The beautiful Slater Memorial Hall, under the- charge of the Free Academy, is probably the finest building in Eastern Connecticut, and was erected 14 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. in honor of John F. Slater, by his son, Wm. A. Slater, and by him presented to the academy. It con tains, besides the Peck Library and some other collections, one of the best and largest art collections in New England, containing many gems of sculpture and painting arranged with rare aesthetic taste. A great celebration occurred in Norwich at the commemoration of its two-hundredth birthday, September 7 and 8, 1859. A grand military parade, a grand dinner and ball, and four valuable discourses and orations by Daniel C. Gilman, Hon. John A. Rockwell, Bishop Alfred Lee, and Donald •G. Mitchell, were a part of the celebration, which surpassed anything previously of this nature in Norwich or Eastern Connecticut. Governor Wm. A. Buckingham of Norwich presided over the meetings, and General David Young was chief marshall. Ex-President Fillmore was among the honored guests. The four distinguished speakers were all natives of the town, whose glory and ¦charm as well as noble history and fame were thus most fittingly commemorated. During the middle of the century the manufacturing interests of the city were carried quietly but uninterruptedly Main Street from Post Office. forward. Among the most important lines which were inaugurated or expanded were those of iron- milling, pottery, stocking-looms, paper, clocks and watches, cotton and woolen mills ; also hemp, corks oil and fire-arms. Some of the largest companies of the city, and State were established at this period. Norwich has had an exceptionally distinguished series of mayors. The first mayor elected in 1784 was Benjamin Huntington, afterward judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, and a member of the Continental and Constitutional Congress. He was succeeded by John McLaran Breed 1796 • Elisha Hyde, 1798 ; Calvin Goddard, 1814 (also member of Congress and judge of the Supreme Court) • James Lanman, 1831; Francis A. Perkins, 1834; Charles W. Rockwell, 1835; Charles J. Lanman 1838" Wm. C. Gilman, 1839; John Breed, 1840; Wm. P. Greene, 1842; Gurdon Chapman, 1843'- John Breed, 1845; Charles W. Rockwell, 1846; John Dunham, 1847; Wm. A. Buckingham 1849- Xafayette S. Foster, 1851 ; Erastus Williams, 1853 ; Wm. S. Brewer, 1855 ; Wm. A. Buckingham 1856 ; Amos W. Prentice, 1858 ; James S. Carew, 1860 ; James Lloyd Greene, 1862 and throughout the Civil War. Besides other distinguished offices held by Norwich men during this period alreadv mentioned, James Lanman was United States Senator from 1819 to 1825 ; Jabez W. Huntino-ton NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 15 IMember of Congress from 1829 to 1834, and United States Senator from 1840 to 1841 ; John A. Rock- Avell, member of Congress from 1845 to 1849 ; Lafayette S. Foster, United States Senator from 1855 to 1865, in which year he served as president pro tem. of the Senate. Not a few sons of Norwich also -served in Congress as representatives from other States. These names furnish but a partial idea of the honors the town has won through its sons in public and national life, in which she has always -shown great powers. Among the most prominent lawyers of Norwich in the period preceding the oivil war were the Hon. Henry Strong, James Stedman, Joseph Williams, George Perkins, John T. Adams, Lafayette S. Foster and John T. Wait. Among the most prominent physicians of the period Main Street from Corner Shetuckjet Street. -were Dr. Alfred E. Perkins, Dr. Philip Turner, Dr. John P. Fuller, Dr. Worthington Hooker and Dr. Wm. P. Eaton. Among the great mercantile leaders were Thomas Mumford, Joseph Howland, John Howland,' Thomas Coit, Jacob Dewitt, . Joseph Williams, Lynde McCurdy, Giles Buckingham, William Williams, Geo. L. Perkins' and Wm. A. Buckingham. The last named was one of the most famous of Norwich's citizens, serving the State and country with marked ability and untold influence throughout the dark years of the war. He was first elected in 1853 and served for nearly ten' years, being re-elected each time with increased majorities. To his example, far-seeing measures, and wise intrepidity, Connecticut owes not a small share of the honor she obtained in her steadfast and power ful support of the Union in the great struggle. 16 NOR WICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. Club House. THE CIVIL WAR. The people Of Norwich were prepared by a deep and earnest sympathy which grew stronger each year, for the struggle against slavery, and when the news of the fall of Fort Sumter came April 14,. 1861, responded with immediate and hearty zeal. They knew the character of their fellow citizen,. Governor Buckingham, and answered his first appeal for volunteers within a few hours. Norwich was- represented in the First Connecticut Regiment,. which was organized at Hartford, April 16th, and of which Daniel Tyler, a resident of Norwich, was- appointed colonel. For the next two regiments- Norwich furnished three companies under the- command of Captains Frank S. Chester, Henry- Peale and Edward Harland. Lieutenant-Colonel! David Young and Sergeant-Major John L. Spald ing were also from this town. Within three- months twelve commissioned officers and one- hundred and thirty-five enlisted men had been furnished by Norwich. All of her representatives- were engaged in the battle of Bull Run, where the Connecticut regiments saw some of the hardest service, but only one Norwich man, David C- Case, was killed, three being taken prisoners- Fresh calls for troops issued in May and July, 1861, and July and August, 1862, were responded to- immediately and full quotas sent out, with contributions of money and supplies. Norwich furnished one hundred and thirty-seven officers to the service during the war, including three generals (Tyler,. Birge and Harland), five colonels, seven lieutenant-colonels, eight majors, eight adjutants, seven sur geons, forty-five captains and fifty lieutenants, a record equalled by but few cities. For the three- months' service Norwich furnished one hundred and forty-eight men; for cavalry and artillery service,. forty-two men; for three years infantry service, five hundred and twenty-eight enlisted men; for nine months' service, one hundred and twenty-six men; recruits, substitutes and colored men, about three- hundred and fifty; as volunteers and substitutes in naval service, eighty-nine men, making a total of 1,260 men in the service. Edward Harland, of Norwich, went out in 1861 as colonel of the Eighth Connecticut Volunteers and led his regiment with great valor at the fierce battles of South Mountain and Antietam, in August, 1862, being promoted to a brigade command in the latter battle. Lieutenant Marvin Wait, of the Eighth, fell in this battle while fighting valiantly, the first commissioned officer from Norwich slain on the field. Norwich had companies or parts of companies in the Ninth, Eleventh, Thirteenth (Colonel Henry W. Birge, from Norwich), Fourteenth, Twenty- First and Twenty-Sixth Con necticut volunteer regiments, but the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers was considered pecu liarly the home regiment, being largely officered and manned, as well as recruited here. Among its Norwich officers were Col. A Winter View on River. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 17 onel William G. Ely, Sergeant-Major J. P. Rockwell, Quartermaster D. W. Hakes, Surgeon C. M. Carleton, Captains Davis, Bromley, Hakes, Peale and Knapp. The regiment left Norwich on August 22, 1862, and served with distinction at Winchester June 13th, 14th, 15th, 1863, where they suffered very severely, a large number being slain, and nearly half the regiment, including the colonel, being taken prisoner. The Eighteenth again fought gallantly at New Market, May 15, 1864, at Piedmont, Lynchburg and the second battle of Winchester during the latter part of the same year, and were mustered out at Harper's Ferry, June 27, 1865. General Howland served as brigadier-general and •commandant in North Carolina through the last part of the war and commanded a division in the last fight of that section at Kingston, March, 1865. General Birge won distinguished honors for services Washington Street, Norwich. ^t Port Hudson, 1863, and in the Shenandoah Valley campaign of Sheridan in 1864. Commodore Joseph Lanman of the United States naval service was a native of Norwich. Warrington D. Roath, Kobert B. Smith, and John W. Bentley of Norwich also commanded vessels in the marine service. The Soldier's Aid Association of Norwich was very active and generous throughout the war, sending many useful and valuable gifts to the soldiers on the field and helping in the care of their families. The news of the surrender of Lee reached Norwich, April 10, 1865, and was followed by a celebration of guns, bells and general rejoicing. But four days later the news of President Lincoln's assassination turned the joy to mourning, and solemn religious services in his honor were held at Norwich on the 19th of April, and the following Sunday. The participation of the soldiers in the celebration of 4th of July, 1865, added a new and significant feature to the day, Generals Birge and Harland being among the veterans who were present. Over one hundred and forty sons of Norwich fell in the struggle, among whom were Lieutenant Chas. A. Breed, Lieutenant Alfred M. Goddard, Lieutenant Edward P. Manning, Captain Joseph H. Nickerson, Lieutenant Hervey F. Jacobs, Captain John McCall, Captain Jas. R. Nickles, Lieutenant Frederick G. Shalk, Lieutenant Marvin Wait and Corporal Frederick S. Ward, the last two being under twenty. In honor of her gallant and heroic sons who fell during the war of the Rebellion, Norwich has erected a beautiful monument. ' Since the Civil War, the progress of Norwich has not been marked by any extraordinary events. "The city suffered the general results felt throughout the country in the panic of 1873, but in spite of .hard times the commercial interests of the city have advanced continually forward. The contents of 18 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. the following pages will show that the superstructure raised in the present generation is not unworthy the foundations laid in earlier times. In 1885 the valuation of the city showed a total wealth of nearly $30,000,000, and this has been considerably increased in the intervening years. The population which in 1870 was 16,653, had increased in 1880 to 21,143, and is now estimated to be about 25,000,. placing the city among the first four of the State. From its uniquely advantageous situation, fine resources, and the talents and character of its people, it cannot fail to far exceed in. the future the progress of the past, and for a review of the present, showing the beauties and attractions of the Rose- City as a manufacturing and educational center, and also as a place of residence, we welcome the- reader to the following pages. NORWICH AS A PLACE OE RESIDENCE. Probably no city in New England is more picturesquely situated, or more attractive in its varied beauties, than is Norwich. Lying between sheltering hills, watered by the Thames, Shetucket,. Yantic and Quinnebaug rivers, shaded from the heat of summer by lordly elms, oaks and maples, it excites the admiration and delight .!;>,'/'.' a East Main Street. x ' 'I < -J of all visitors, and has gained for itself the notoriety of being the- most charming city in New Eng land. It is the city and country combined. Stroll through Wash ington Street and Broadway, and view the beautiful private resi dences on either side of those- charming thoroughfares. Where is their equal in outward elegance, or picturesque surroundings t Rest, for a moment in your stroll, at Williams Park, the plaza of the city, encircled, as it is, by fine elms and more of the beauti ful residences which have made- Norwich famous. A short dis tance to the east'is a background of wooded hills ; and to the west, an open, undulating country, with vistas of forests, farm houses and streams of flowing water. Near by, and facing the park is the handsome Slater Memorial building, the Free Academy and Park Church, which have been elsewhere mentioned. From the upper end of the Park, and near the fine Soldier's Monument, take the street that leads to Norwich Town, a mile or more distant, which was the original settlement long before- there was a building where the city now stands. Here, perched upon a high, rocky cliff in the rear of the present church edifice, the first church was built by the early settlers — built high, and almost inac cessible, with a stockade around it to protect the building and the worshipers from the sudden onslaughts of the wily savages. It required a good amount of courage to attend church in thos& days, for there was likely to be danger lurking behind every rock and forest tree. The brave church goers religiously carried their rifles with them, and during divine service armed sentinels were sta tioned outside to guard against sudden atttcks. In this old town lived the Huntingtons, the Hydes, the Fitches, the Clevelands, the Masons the- Tracys, and scores of others of honored memories, whose ashes have long since mingled with the dust Near the village green Mrs. Sigourney grew up from childhood amid the romantic scenery, the beanty of which she afterwards loved so dearly to recount in verse and prose. Times have changed wonder fully since those days ; the public buildings have either been torn down, or changed into modern NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 19 Franklin Square, from East Main Street. dwelling houses ; and with the exception of some very old gabled roof shops, there is little to remind one of the past. Standing upon the high rocks in the rear of the church, on a pleasaut summer afternoon, one could imagine him self surveying the happy valley of Rasselas, so dreamy is the pre vailing quietness, so gentle and noiseless the flow of the shining river as it winds and curves through the green meadows below. Returning to Williams Park by the northerly street, you pass the grand old mansion, once the residence of Gen. Jedediah Hunt ington a century ago, and where he entertained Washington in the dark days of the Revolution. Eastward of this, at the turn of the street southward, is a plain, unpretentious house, the birthplace of Lydia H. Sigourney, and where she passed her childhood days. A mile or more south of this is pointed out the spot on which the house stood where Benedict Arnold was born, and passed his younger days. The house was demolished many years ago, and nothing remains to remind one of this famous character — famous as a soldier, as well as a traitor, — but the old well and the curb that encloses it. Arriving once more at Williams Park, turn down Sachem Street, you come to a place of great historical, as well as local interest, the grave of Uncas. The last resting place of this warrior and chief of the Mohegan tribe is romantically situated in a small grove by the wayside, and is surrounded by the graves of many of his red descendants. A plain granite shaft, bearing the simple name UNCAS on the base, covers the ashes of him who was a monarch with his tribe, and whose authority extended over the country far and near. The corner-stone of the monument was laid by President Jackson, in 1833 ; but the monument was not raised until 1842, when the ladies of Norwich completed the work which had remained so long unfinished. Further down the street is a pretty, rural cot tage, which will long be known and pointed out as having once been the home of Donald G. Mitchell, and where, under the nom de plume of "Ik Marvel,'' he wrote two of his best works — Reveries of a Bachelor, and Dream Life. Still further west, taking either of the two short streets which lead in a southerly direc tion, you come to the Falls Vil lage, which derives its name from what was once a romantic cascade, formed by the waters of the Yan tic wildly plunging through a Franklin Square, from Cor. Shetucket Street. 20 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. narrow, rocky channeljfrom a height of about forty feet. In years gone by, "The Falls " was a famous resort for all strangers visiting the city, thousands being attracted to it by the wildness of the scenery, the rushing, roaring waters covered with white foam, together with the old legends connected with the locality, especially that of a band of Indians, while being pursued by their enemies, jumping from the overhanging precipices into the boiling, seething waters below — a doubtful legend, to be sure, of Indian history, but of sufficient plausibility to give the place a weird and romantic interest. But what was known as " The Falls " of former days exists ho longer in its original beauty and wildness, except it may be at times in the winter or spring, when the heavy rains and melting snows bring down vast bodies of water that come "tumbling and rumbling, and pouring and roaring like the waters of Lodore." The waters that once through all months of the year rushed madly down the rocky cascade, have been, in part, diverted through artificial channels to the great mills below, where they waste their strength in driving acres of machinery. The old rustic wooden bridge which spanned for so many years the roaring waterfall, and from which so many youths and lovers by moonlight and starlight have gazed upon the foaming waters beneath, has been removed by ruthless hands, and there is but little that now remains to connect the romance of the past with the business realities of the present. Among the many beautiful drives and walks in and about Norwich, let the stranger not fail to visit Laurel Hill. Cross the fine iron bridge over the Shetucket from the eastern terminus of Water street, and take the road that borders, and in many places nearly overhangs the river, for two or three miles, in the direction of Poquetannoc. No view on the Hudson is more romantic or charming. As you pass over Laurel Hill, its streets bordered by elegant houses, and surrounded by tasteful and well- kept lawns, a beautiful panorama presents itself. Far below you the river Thames stretches its blue waters lazily towards Long Island Sound, while nearly beneath your feet, as it were, and within stone's throw, lies the business part of the city. It was but a few years ago that Laurel Hill was a wild tract of hilly, mountainous land, covered with laurels, rocks, wild cedars and brush ; a crooked cart path leading over it, and scarcely an indication that it was ever under cultivation, or even inhabited if we may except a very old wooden farm house that still stands in the background of the main avenue as a relic of the past. Within a few years, this pleasant suburb has been constantly and largely increas ing, and promises eventually to rival in importance the older portions of the city as a place of residence. Let the stranger, while in Norwich, be sure to visit Taftville, and see the mammoth Ponemah Mills, which are mentioned in another part of this book. The short journey will well repay the trou ble. It is a pleasant drive to pass through the manufacturing suburb of Greeneville, with its long array of mills and store-houses that line the river's banks. About a mile above, he comes to Sachem's Plain. Pause here a moment. In the open field yonder, on slightly elevated ground, is a square block of granite, on the base of which is carved the name of MIANTONOMOH, placed there to mark the spot where this celebrated Indian chief was slain by his bitter enemy, Uncas. A mile further he comes to Taftville, and the enormous mill springs up before him as if by magic, and there seems to be no end to the vast pile of bright red brick and countless windows that reach into the far distance like giants' castles in childhood's dreams. If there is time, go inside the mill, and take a glance at the acres and acres of moving machinery, and hear the hum, the whirr, and the rattle of wheels and looms and cards, and the one hundred and twenty-five thousand spindles, operated by fifteen hundred men women and children. Returning to the city, take the road to the left, and pass over Plain HiU and Wawecus Hill one of the most delightful drives in the State — the high altitude enabling you to get a magnificent view of the country far and near. Here you see fine farm houses and farming lands borderino- the highways villages here and there nestling among the forest covered hills ; and occasionally you°catch a glimpse of the river Thames as it flows southward, and empties its waters into Lono- Island Sound NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 21 22 NOR WICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. CITY WATER SUPPLY. No city in New England has a more abundant supply of good, wholesome water than Norwich. The reservoir, which covers sixty-six acres, being one and one-eighth miles long and an average width of 480 feet, is situated on high, elevated ground in the northerly part of the town, two and one-half miles from Franklin Square, the centre of the city. At this point the level of the overflow at the dam is 234 feet, and at tide water 253 feet, thus giving it a pressure or head that makes it of inestimable value as an auxiliary to our fire department in extinguishing fires. The reservoir gets its supply from natural springs that flow into it from the surrounding hills, and a water-shed of upwards of 400 acres. It has a capacity of 350,000,000 gallons, and by a small outlay can be made to hold a much larger amount should future demands require ; but, at present, the supply is fully adequate to the wants of a city twice the size of Norwich. The water from the reservoir is conducted as far as the Soldiers' Monument, at the head of Williams Park — a distance of one and one-half miles — in two mains, one 16-inch and one 14-inch. From this point water is distributed through smaller pipes to all. parts of the city, including Greeneville, Laurel Hill, Thamesville and the Falls village. At the present time the water is supplied to 3,277 families, 815 offices and stores, 259 livery and private stables, 318 garden hydrants and hose, 287 public fire hydrants, 20 fire cisterns, 16 school-houses, 22 fountains, 41 steam engines, 62 manufactories, 230 street front sprinklers, 45 saloons, 26 markets, 25 green-houses and graperies, 9 fire-engine houses, and for a large number of other purposes. The distribution of 287 fire hydrants throughout the streets of the city, and the pressure of a 250-feet head, makes the city almost safe against a fire of any magnitude. With such a force of water from a fountain head of such large capacity, in connection with our efficient fire department, Norwich virtually insures itself against the devouring element. Hose attached to one of the hydrants will easily throw a stream over the highest buildings in the city. SEWERS AND SEWERAGE. It is difficult for any city or town to obtain good sewerage where it is built on land that has an almost level surface. In such localities sewers may be, and are constructed, and if they do their work at all, they do it sluggishly, and to little or no purpose. Water will not flow naturally unless moved by the impetus of a downward tendency. Many of our New England, as well as our Western cities, suffer from having been built on plain lands, where it is impossible to get good drainage, and, in con sequence, are visited periodically with fevers, epidemics and contagious diseases. All 'of the great scientists of the present day, and those among the medical fraternity who have made the origin of various diseases and epidemics a special study, unite in affirming that a large majority, even if not all epidemics and scourges which sweep off its victims by the hundreds and thousands— often designated as "visitations of God,"— are attributable to the want of sewerage, or to imperfect sewerage As an instance in support of this conclusion, the case of Memphis, Tennessee, is referred to which was almost depopulated a few years ago by yellow fever. Here, on account of the even surface of the land on which Memphis is built, no public or private sewerage had ever been attempted • but when the dreaded scourge had almost wasted itself for the want of more victims to feed upon the remna of inhabitants awoke from their lethargy, and at an enormous expense and debt to the city construct1!! sewers, with artificial flowage, which have seemingly had the effect of averting a repetition of tb epidemic. * F or tne Happily, Norwich is so situated that it needs no artificial means to force running water thr H its sewers, or to wash its streets and gutters like Paris, and many cities which could be me f °a Nature takes this work upon herself in out city, and often, after heavy rains and freshets d " ^ lavishly. The streets lined with beautiful residences, warehouses and public buildings ' ' ' t0° above another, are built on lands that rise abruptly from the rivers' banks that almost enclose thS °™ NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 23 thus giving a natural and almost effective drainage. In connection with what nature has done in this respect, Norwich has built within a few years nine and one-half miles of sewers, at an expense of $160,000, through .its principal streets, which empty themselves in a rapid current into the river. Vital statistics testify that there is no city in New England more healthy than Norwich, or one that is more free of epidemics of every kind, malaria, fevers or fever and ague. Five years ago, 5,111 feet (a trifle less than a mile) of sewers were built in the streets of Greene- yille, at an expense of $30,552.64, thus making that thrifty manufacturing suburb of the city a healthy, as well as a pleasant place of residence. NORWICH POST OFFICE. The following statistics, showing the business done at the Norwich Post Office during the year ending December 31st, 1889, have been kindly furnished by Postmaster Carruthers. RECEIPTS POSTAGE ACCOUNT. Received from stamps, envelopes, etc $29,260 43 Beceived from box rents 1,380 75 " • waste paper 4 73 -$30,645 91 EXPENSES. Postmaster's salary $2,700 00 •Clerks' " 3,700 00 Rent, light and fuel 2,224 63 Miscellaneous 242 40 Free delivery icarriers, etc) 7,907 56 Net income to department. 16.774 59 $13,871 32 MONEY ORDER BUSINESS. Balance on hand January 1, 1889 $251 59 Domestic orders issued 44,088 42 Postal notes " 4,412 35 International orders issued 6,669 27 ¦Fees for domestic orders 363 75 postal notes 79 23 " international orders 93 00 Transferred from postage account 587 00 8,544 61 Domestic orders paid $42,452 08 Postal notes " 4,024 80 International orders paid 1,065 23 Amount repaid 314 73 " remitted by draft 8,485 00 Balance on hand December 31, 1889.. 202 77 -$56,544 61 REGISTRY DEPARTMENT. ^Number of letters and packages reg istered 3,585 .Number of letters and packages re ceived 3,729 Number of letters and packages in transit 4,293 LETTER CARRIERS' DEPARTMENT. Carriers employed 10 Delivery trips daily 4 Collection " 8 Registered letters and packages de livered 1,552 Letters delivered 663,028 Postal cards delivered 79,703 Newspapers, etc., delivered 515,662 Letters collected 402,044 Postal cards collected ' 64,483 Newspapers, etc., collected 44,400 1,770,872 BOX AND GENERAL DELIVERY. Letters delivered 698,965 Postal cards delivered 107,609 Newspapers, packages, etc 244,800 1,051,374 MAILING DEPARTMENT. Letters mailed and in transit 2,065,020 Postal cards " 358,146 2d, 3d and 4th class matter 1,477,975 3,901,141 GENERAL BUSINESS. Total receipts from postage account. .$30,645 91 Balance on hand money order account January 1, 1889 251 59 Total receiptsformoneyordersandfees 55,706 02 Transferred from postage to money order account 587 00 -$87,190 52 11,607 Total expenses post office $16,774 59 Net income to department postage ac- connt 13,871 32 Total money orders paid, etc 47,856 84 " cash remitted by draft money order account 8,485 00 Balance on hand money order account December 31, 1889 202 77 -$87,190 52 24 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. » ¦ i -.. 13 ¦'. - * ,'¦'-¦ 1 O \: o £ § ••;;¥/ te •'•,:¦••& ^_ ¦|^ H ?J M > '^f ft '¦•¦> H 'i '-\s! "i fi -.'•' » 8 te o '¦if w Hte Mt ¦ te *w M'. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 25 O teHK c t-1 Ht-i !2jos= o ao oate 26 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. NORWICH BOARD OK TRADE. 1890. OFFICERS. President. — Henry H. Gallup. Vice-Presidents. — Adams P. Carroll, Dr. P. Cassidy, Arthur H. Brewer. Recording Secretary. — David R. Jones. Corresponding Secretary. — Frank L. Woodard. Treasurer. — Jonathan Trumbull. Executive Committee. — Henry H. Gallup, Adams P. Carroll, Arthur H. Brewer, Hugh H. Osgood, Wm. N. Blackstone, Dr. P. Cassidy, Edwin S. Ely, Solomon Lucas, Laban R. Jewett. Committee on Trades and Manufactures. — A. . H. Brewer, M. A. Barber, Chas. R. Butts, J. E. Warner, E. E. Page. Committee on Entertainments. — J. DeT. Black stone, H. E. Fisher, Z. R. Robbins, Geo. W. Car roll, Wm. C. Mowry. Committee on Arbitration. — F. J. Leavens, J. F. WiUiams, Chas. B. Lee, Reuben S. Bartlett, W. A. Briscoe. Committee on Transportation. — Dr. P. Cassidy, M. M. Whittemore, Arch. Mitchell, Adam Reid, Geo. C. Raymond. Committee on Statistics. — Chas. E. Chandler, F. L. Woodard, F. H. Pullen, J. H. Keep, J. J. Desmond. MEMBERS. A. R. Aborn, William P. Adams, William A. Aiken, A. H. Almy, P. St. M. Andrews, J. H. Arnold, John C. Averill, O. P. Avery, N. E. Ailing, Asa Backus, M. Angelo Barber, Charles Bard, John P. Barstow, R. S. Bartlett, A. A. Beckwith, Charles H. Beebe, Henry Bill, N. A. Bingham, ¦Q. C. Bliss, A. R. Birchard, B. P. Bishop, Herbert M. Bishop, N. L. Bishop, S. B. Bishop, J. De T. Blackstone, William N. Blackstone, S. E. Bliven, Junius A. Brand, Arthur H. Brewer, J. M. Brewer, E. M. Brewster, Willis A. Briscoe, Charles D. Browning, James A. Brown, John T. Brown, Rob ert Brown, Charles R. Butts, H. L. Butts, Freder ick S. Camp, W. H. Cardwell, A. E. Carey, In- •crease W. Carpenter, Adams P. Carroll, George W. Carroll, L. W. Carroll, Patrick Cassidy, Chas. ~E. Chandler, Enoch F. Chapman, Allan Cleworth, •Charles P. Cogswell, George D. Coit, P. R. Condon, A. T. Converse, Charles A. Converse, James F. -Cosgrove, S. A. Crandall, B. T. Cranston, J. H. •Cranston, C. H. Davis, George A. Davis, James Dawson, Jr., Norman Day, J. J. Desmond, F. E. Dowe, James Duggan, Charles E. Dyer, Charles S. Eaton, Luther S. Eaton, Edwin S. Ely, William G. Ely, H. E. Fisher, Oliver T. Forbes, John H. Ford, Geo. E. Fellows, H. H. Gallup, A. T. Gard ner, Edward N. Gibbs, Joseph W. Gilbert, S. Alpheus Gilbert, George W. Gould, Gardiner -Greene, Jr., C. R. Harrington, A. H. Harris, E. D. Harris, Luke M. Heery, G. L. Hewitt, Ileyman J. Hirsch, Joseph' Holmes, Roscoe Huntington, L. R. Jewett, Charles S. Johnson, Oliver L. Johnson, Jr., David R. Jones, Charles J. King, A. B.. Kingsbury, John H. Keep, John H. Kelley, Geo. A. Lane, W. T. Lane, Arthur D. Lathrop, Bela P. Learned, Frank J. Leavens, Charles B. Lee, D. M. Lester, Solomon Lucas, R. W. Marshall, C. Mich ael McNamara, John McWilliams, A. G. Mitchell, Archibald Mitchell, Frank A. Mitchell, William C. Mowry, John P. Murphy, Charles D. Noyes, William M. Olcott, Charles H. Osgood, Fred L. Osgood, Hugh H. Osgood, A. T. Otis, Elmer E. Page, William H. Page, George S. Palmer, H. F. Palmer, William B. Parker, Seth L. Peck, John T. Perkins, Robert W. Perkins, Charles H. Phelps, John Porteous, A. L. Potter, George H. Pratt, Amos W. Prentice, Charles H. Preston, Frank H. Pullen, H. D. Rallion, George C. Raymond, Adam Reid, Z. R. Robbins, A. Irving Royce, Thomas D. Sayles, J. B. Shannon, William H. Shields, Rufus Sibley, Nathan Small, A. D. Smith, Frank H. Smith, George S. Smith, J. Hunt Smith, J. Palmer Story, Nicholas Tarrant, Archibald Troland, Jon athan Trumbull, William C. Tucker, F. C. Turner, Sidney Turner, Fred C. Tyler, Frank Ulmer, w! M. Vara, A. N. H. Vaughn, J. E. Warner, F R Wasley, David A. Wells, M. M. Whittemore, Jerome F. Williams, Winslow T. Williams, Chas' J. Winters, F. L. Woodard, F. H. Woodworth Thomas B. Woodworth, E. B. Worthington. NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 27 The Library was established in 1848 by the late Joseph Otis, at an expense of about $10,000, of which $6,000 was for the lot and building, and $4,000 for books. In addition to this, Mr. Otis, at his death, be queathed a fund of $7,000 (which remains intact) the income of which was to be devoted to the purchase of books. 'A very liberal charter was granted by the State, and the man agement of the Library vested in a self-perpetuating board of seven trus tees. The funds were added to, later, by the donation of $1,000 by Mr. Chas. Boswell, of West Hartford, a native of Norwich. Other friends have, from time to time, given valu able aid in money, and volumes from their private collections. The library contains over 16,000 well selected volumes. It also subscribes for more than forty leading American and for eign magazines and reviews. Many duplicates of popular books and mag azines are bought, and these can afterwards be purchased at the very lowest rates. Catalogues can be con sulted at the Library, especially the card catalogue, which is continually reeiving new cards as new additions are made to the volumes on the shelves. Fresh additions, of best recent fiction, and of good books for children, are always to be had. The trustees intend to purchase all new works of popular interest asthey appear, (avoiding, however, novels and juveniles which are bad in their moral teaching); and are also continually adding standard works of permanent value in the various departments of liter ature, science and art. The Library should contain every memorial, whether book, pamphlet, map, broadside, print, photograph, or the like, which is procurable, and which in any way illustrates the ihistory or topography of Norwich ; and it is hoped that the friends of the Library will assist in making the collection. complete. For full privileges of the Library, including two books and a periodical at a time, the annual •charge is $3. For two books without periodicals, $2 ; one book alone, $1 ; periodicals, only $1. Books and periodicals are also let at two cents a day, or ten cents a week. The most popular new books can be kept seven days ; all others fourteen days, with privilege to renew. The librarian, upon request, will reserve any book one day, and give notice by postal card when it comes in. Books will also be delivered, or called for, in any part of the city at a small charge. Any desirable book not in the Library will be purchased at the request of the subscriber, if the funds of the Library will admit. The Library is open daily (Sundays excepted) from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m. ; on Saturday till 9 p. m. ; Tuesdays and Thursdays close at 6 p. m. This is double the number of hours per week which the Library had previously been open, the trustees having made this new departure in the hope that the public will appreciate their opportunity, and, through greater use of the institution, more than make ;good the large additional expense involved. The subscribers should be increased from about _four hundred, as at present, to three times that number. The Library has recently been furnished with a card catalogue made in accordance with the plan adopted by many of the first libraries in the country. Within the past two years it has begun to receive income from the munificent bequest of nearly thirteen thousand dollars by the late Dr. Daniel T. Coit. Trustees : Wm. A. Aiken, Wm. S. Palmer, Jonathan Trumbull, E. N. Gibbs, Wm. A. Slater, F. T. Sayles. President, Wm. A. Aiken ; Secretary, W. A. Briscoe ; Treasurer, Jonathan Trumbull ; Librarian Mrs. F. W. Robinson"; Assistant, Miss Juliet W. Robinson. Otis Library, Corner Church and Broadway. 28 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTERESl. te»»teo # H t-fft?4-O OO ao H-t-»a NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 29 During the summer months there is considerable interest manifested m boating. The Chelsea Boat Club owns a fine house near the Main street bridge and its members may be seen any pleasant •evening skimming over the Thames. Numerous other boats are owned in this vicinity and the beau tiful coves about the river are frequent resorts for pleasure parties. While not a local affair, much interest is manifested in Norwich over the great aquatic contests which occur on the Thames every year between the great colleges, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell and University of Pennsylvania. These struggles have taken place every year without intermission since 1878, when the aquatic Titans, Yale and Har vard, made their first essay on the Thames as a row ing stream, and its great superi ority to the Springfield lake, where they had been held for merly, was so obvious that this ¦ place has I since been I chosen without change. The final battles on the river come off during the last of June or iirst of July of each year, but for a month be fore that time the shadows of the coming events are cast largely be fore. Harvard, Yale, ¦Columbia, Pennsyl vania and Cornell -owning boat houses on the Thames. Dur ing the week before the races the town is enlivened by the ¦frequent coming and going of college 'men, anxious for a glance at their own pet champions ; but the great interest -and excitement culminates on the days -of the races. The order of races is usually, the Yale-Pennsylvania freshman Tace, the Harvard-Columbia freshman race, the Yale-Pennsylvania Uuiversity srace, the Columbia-Cornell University Thb q^ Chelsba Boat House race, and finally on the last great day the Harvard-Yale University race. On the latter day particularly the river and shore are an object -of wonderful beauty and delight. Early in the day the river begins to swarm with gaily- ¦decked craft, both small and large. Yachts with great streamers of blue or crimson bunting and 30 NORWICH AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. sheets strung with national flags, decks lined with enthusiastic and exuberant partisans take up their place along the sides of the course, on the east part above the finish. All the'large and small steam ers, pleasure boats and, tugs along this section of the shore get ready to take their crowded loads of passengers up the river to follow the racers down. Some time, bef ore the race boats come down from. Norwich and up from New Haven packed with eager spectators, and when at length the two brawny- crews pull out from their boat-houses and line up at the stake-boat, the river seems to be fairly alive- with an immense concourse of excited watchers. The scene* on shore are none the less- marked. Above the finish line,. on Winthrop Neck, is an im mense grand stand, crowded! with onlookers. The shore* for long distances are also- lined, and the long observa tion train of twenty-five or thirty cars filled to the brim,. flying great banks of red and blue, and sending forth stun ning peals of " Rah ! Rah t Rah ! Yale," " R-a-h ! R-a-h t Rah ! Harvard," draws its- winding length slowly up oppo site the starting line. Now for a moment there is breath- lessness, then the pistol flashes,. the stern-lines from the two- boats are dropped by their holders, and off neck and neck go the two great sweeping lines of oars,. ollowed at a regulated distance on the river by a great and imposing line of steamboats and smaller craft, on the shore by the observation train which now sends forth the sharp staccato Yale shout, or- the longer, deeper Harvard cry, as the partisans of either side fancy they see their own colors to the- fore. So for four miles straight away dash the two crews, followed with unbending gaze by some- twenty thousand eyes, and unwearying exclamations from some ten thousand throats. In little more- than twenty minutes, that seem as many days to the crews with every muscle strained to its utmost,. and hardly more seconds to the vast watching concourse, and either the blue or the crimson has- crossed the line, while cannons thunder from neighboring yachts, and the great annual conflict on. which were settled so many ardent hopes, and not a few treasured and anxious dollars, is decided.. The victors generally turn about on their oars, and row quietly and slowly back up the river, while- the vanquished crew pant, stretched out at full length for a time, and then are towed back to their headquarters by their launch. The great crowd now begins to disperse, the air being rent with the- shouts in which only oue college name- is heard, the others maintaining an unbroken silence. The record of winners and times for the" last twelve years since the races have been rowed on the~ Thames, will no doubt interest a good many : Residence of Mr. Geo. S. Smith. JAS. A. HISCOX, Architect. YEAR. WINNER. COURSE. 1878 .June 28 Harvard Four miles 20 1879 June 27 Harvard Four mi'es 23 1880 July 1 Yale Four miles '. ...'..,'25 1881 July 1 Yale Four miles Zi 1882 June 30 Harvard Four miles 20 1883 June 28 Harvard Four miles 25 1884 June 26 Yale Four miles '20 1885 June 26 Harvard Four miles "25 1886 July, 2 Yale Four miles 20 1887 July 1 Yale Four miles 3-> 1888 June 29 Yale Four miles ..'"' "'20 h .. (...June 28 Yale Four miles \\]\ 21 TIME. m., 45 sec. m., 48 sec. m., 9 sec m., 19 sec. m., 47J£ sec m., 46^ sec. m., 81 sec m., 15^ sec m., 21}^ sec m,, 56 sec m., 10 sec. m., 30 sec INDEX TO BUSINESS NOTICES. BANKS. Chelsea Savings Bank, The 70 Dime Savings Bank 53 Merchants National Rank 61 Norwich Savings Society, The 47 Second National Bank, The 38 Thames National Bank, The 33 BOOT AND SHOE DEALERS. Bidwell, C. T. & W. F 36 Bruce & Baird 62 Chapman, Elias H 41 Cosgrove, J. F. & Co 47' Hamilton, G. W 35 Kies, Geo. W. & Co 39 Kelly, Timothy 57 Small, Nathan 59 BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS. Cranston & Co 34 Noyes & Davis 35 BLACKSMITHS. Blackburn, William 56 Monroe, J. C 73 Scott, C. W., Jr 77 Tubbs, William : 51 BREAD, CAKE AND PASTRY. Austin, E.Mrs 6^ Chapman, S. A. Mrs 71 CIVIL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS. Chandler, C. E. , 49 Pitcher, George E 55 CONFECTIONERS. Lamb, N. D 76 Perkins, John C 68 Vincent, W. H 74 COAL AND WOOD. Chappell, Edward & Co 34 Harris, E D 77 Jewett Brothers 49 Potter, Albert L. & Co 56 CROCKERY AND GLASS WARE. Durfey, H. M 67 Howie, S. M. Mrs 67 Eeynolds, E. K. Mrs 70 Smith, George A 46 CIGAR MANUFACTURERS. Church, F. P. & Co 34 Conant, J. F 46 Hannis, George R , 42 „ DRUGGISTS. Brewer, John M 60* Bisk<4 & Meech 72 Gaskell, Charles E 63- Herrick, B. A 38- Lee & Osgood 36 Sevin, N. D. & Son 42, DRY AND FANCY GOODS. Browning, C. D. & Co 48- Dowe, F. E 54 Francis', A. & Co 54. Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell 33 Hough, Alfred 39- McJennett, J 37 Palmer, B. H 63- Pitcher & Maine 58 Shedd, Geo. V 51 Small. Nathan 59 Sydleman, H. R., Mrs. (ladies cloaks) 59- DENTISTS. Geer, S. L 67 Howard, A. F 76- Prentis, G. F 44 Sheffield, W. W 77 FRUITS, ETC. Offenheiser, C. L ' 75. Tubbs, O. H 70- Worth, J. C 76- FURNITURE, ETC. Davis, A. T 54 Gilbert, N. S. & Sons 53- Hourigan, M 74 Putnam Furniture Co 80 GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. Appley & Prentice 59- Avery H. D 65- Bailey, S. A 57 Barnes, C. W 70- Brewsler Bros 60- Cardwell, W. H 44 Casey, Thomas E 58 Dudley, C. E 54 Durfey, H. M , 67 Francis, A. & Co 54 Fuller, Edw: D. & Co. (wholesale). .'. 38- Gardner, F. L 76- Gay, Frank B 57 Grant. D. W 55- Hill, C W 75- Holloway, J. P 74 James, Charles D 60" Kelly, Timothy 57 Lewis, Geo. A 72" Murphy, James . : 75- Murphy, John P ". 64 Otis, AT : : 7S 32 INDEX TO BUSINESS NOTICES. GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS (Continued). Palmer, B. H 63 Peckham, R 61 Pitcher & Maine 58 Potter, M. A 78 jPowers Bros 64 Rallion, H. D 71 Ramage, Fred L 78 Stevin, John F 78 Smith, Geo. S. (wholesale) 52 Smith, Welcome A 56 Stoddard, J. A. & Son 60 Tracy, F. W , .. 63 HARNESS MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS. Shaw, John B. Standish, J. G. 54 65 HATS. CAPS AND GENTS' FURNISHINGS. Falvey, T. J 38 .Hawkins, J. E 71 HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS. American House 59 Benjamin, Jacob C -. 78 Buckingham, The 42 Congdon, E. Miss. 73 -Crocker House 79 Randall & Hewitt (Breed Hall Restaurant) 64 Watch Hill House 79 Wauregan House 69 Whaley's Cafe 77 INSURANCE. -Conn. Mutual Life Insurance Co. (W. H. Prothero). . 40 Fuller & Story 41 Hartshorn, J. W 80 Learned, B. P 69 Mass. Mutual Life Insurance Co. (Carpenter, ]. W.,) 46 Parker, John F 39 People's Industrial Ins. Co., The 37 Tarrant, N 65 Williams, J. F. & Son 34 LAUNDRIES. Norwich Steam Laundry Co 64 Troy Steam Laundry 68 LIVERY, BOARDING AND FEED STABLES. Baldwin, Charles L 59 Brady, C. E 44 Brown, Theron E 55 Cbapman, L. L 49 •Gray, Henry B 74 Reynolds, O. H 50 "Tweedy, D. S. (Wauregan Stables) 48 MISCELLANEOUS. Ailing, N. E. (rubber goods) 37 Brown, Daniel J. (locksmith) 56 Carroll, L. W. & Son (paints, oils, etc.) 35 Converse, A. T. (iron and steel) 49 Eaton, Chase & Co. (hardware) .... . 50 Fellows & Rice (masons) 75 ¦Gordon, P. G. (woolen rags and junk) 43 Hiscox, J. A. (architect) 65 King, C. J. (flour, grain, etc.) 39 Lathrop, A. D. (teaming) 51 Lewis, Maxson P. (sash, doors, etc.) 61 Norwich Gas Co. & Electric Light Co 35 Peck, Seth L. (mason's building materials) 57 Terkins, C. W. (carpentei) 75 Patton, Wm. L. & Co. (bankers and brokers) 57 Snell Business College 45 Stevenson, S J. (birds, etc.) '61 MANUFACTURERS. Barber, M. A (machinist) 60 Bradford, Joseph (blank books) 69 Chelsea File Works, The 51 Collins, J P. & Co. (water wheels) 76 Eaton, Chase & Co. (hardware) 50 Goodwin, Richard F. (corks) 75 Howe Cement Co. The (shoe dressings) 68 Ives, W. W. (window display frames) 58 Merrow, J. B. & Sons (crochet machines) 72 Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing & Printing Co 48 Norwich Belt Manufacturing Co 48 Norwich Lock Mnnufacturing Co 72 Norwich Nickel & Brass Works, The 62 Norwich Paper Box Co 56 Ossawan Mills Co. The (silk and worsted cords) 66 Page, Wm. H. Wood Type Co. The 41 Pequot Brass Foundry Co 43 Ponemah Cotton Mills, The 47 Rogers, C. B. & Co. (wood working machinery) 50 Sibley Machine Co 49 MILLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. Bouquet Millinery and Fancy Goods Store 61 Cantle, E. Mrs 44 Mitchell, A. S. Miss 65 Strauss, J. & Co 35 PAPER HANGINGS' CARPETS AND UPHOLSTERY GOODS. Davis, A. T 54 Gilbert, N. S. & Sons 53 Yerrington, E. W 52 PRINTERS. Hamilton & Pratt 67 Utley's Printing Office 64 PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS. Bard, Geo. F 53 Brown, Robert 55 Reiss & Wholey 79 Tompkins & Murphy 58 Troland, John 66 PHOTOGRAPHERS. Durgan, J. 0 78 Gates Photo Studio, The 41 Laighton Brothers 43 PIANOS AND ORGANS. Shoninger, B & Co 43 Yerrington, E. W \ 52 STOVES. RANGES AND STEAM HEATERS. Barstow, John P. & Co 63 Brewster & Burnett 68 Clark, Ansel 73 Combination Heating Co .' . 71 Reiss & Wholey 79 Tompkins & Murphy '.'.'.'..'.'.'.'" 58 Troland, John 66 TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. Dndge & Holloway 07 Hirsch & Co m KePpier,s.p ;;;;;; ;$ Mi Ilea, Andrew *? Salomon, Louis i4 Smith & Gilbert q« Wells, F A. & Co "'¦'.'.'¦'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 42 All„ ti u. t, UNDERTAKERS. Allen, Henry & Son qQ Hourigan, M 74 ™- r, WATCHES> CLOCKS AND JEWELRY. Bliss, C. C _. Kingsbury, A. B .'.' jjj PI aut, Abraham.... '" Woodward, H. R. . . ** ot> LEADING BUSINESS HEN OP NORWICH. The Thames National Bank, Norwich, Ct.— Without ^attempting to estimate with any degree of precision the ¦influence which the Thames National Bank has exerted in "building up the mercantile and manufacturing interests of this section of the State, it may still be safely asserted that Norwich owes much to the enterprise and public spirit •of those who have administered the affairs of the institu tion in question. The management of a representative -city bank is by no means an easy task at the best, and during times of financial "panic" it calls for judgment =and resolution of a high order, for the officials feel that much besides the continuance of their own enterprise •depends upon the wisdom of their action, and appreciate ¦the fact that a single false step may involve many impor tant undertakings. It is perfectly safe to say that the ¦business men of this section cordially endorse the Thames National Bank, and recognize the fact that it is conducted in the interest of the entire community and not of the stockholders alone, or indeed of any other class or faction. An institution conducted on so broad a basis with a capi tal of $1,000,000, and a surplus of half that amount, must -of necessity have a much more than local reputation, and it is but simple justice to say that no bank in the entire State is more widely or favorably known. Organized as a State bank in 1 824, it was incorporated under the national ¦banking laws in 1865, . and has since steadily progressed 'In influence and usefulness. No similar institution in New England is better prepared to transact a general banking business, and we may add that no bank carrying -on operations on an equally large scale is more free from that excessive " red-tapeism " so distasteful to the aver age business man. The banking rooms are elegantly -decorated and fitted up, being supplied with everything necessary to facilitate business to the highest degree. They are centrally located at No. 16 Shetucket street, in a -commodious and handsome building of which the bank is -owner. Mr, Franklin. Nichols is president of the bank ; Mr. Edward N. Gibbs being vice-president ; Mr. Stephen B. Meech, cashier, and Mr. Charles W. Gale, assistant cashier; while the board of directors is composed of men largely =and prominently identified with the representative busi ness enterprises of Norwich and vicinity. Directors : Franklin Nichols, Alfred A. Young, James L. Hubbard, Wm. G. Johnson, Hugh H. Osgood, John IMitchell, Thos. B. Sayles, Edw. N. Gibbs, Wm. A. Slater, -Henry N. Gallup, Wm: N. Blackstone, Lucius Briggs. Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell, wholesale and retail dealers in Dry and Fancy Goods, Carpets, Oilcloths, Upholstery Goods, etc. Strictly one price. Nos. 83, 93 and 95 Main Street; wholesale entrance 100-110 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — Whatever may have been the case in the past, there is no denying that at the present time a business must either continually develop or decrease for there seems to be no such thing as standing still, — that is to say in such commercial centres as Norwich, New London, etc. A very prominent illustration of this fact is to be seen in the enterprise conducted by Messrs. Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell, at Nos. 93 and 95 Main street, and Nos. 100-110 Water street, for during the seventeen years that this undertaking has been carried on, its development has been both constant and rapid, — so rapid in fact as to have long since given the firm the reputation of being the leading house of the kind in the entire State. The modest establishment at No. 170 Main street, in which operations were begun in 1873, would not now accommodate a single one of the many important departments of the business, and in addition to the elegant and commodious establish ment in this city, the firm maintain large branch stores at New London, and in New York State and Michigan. Mr. James Hislop is in charge of the New London store; Mr. Archibald Mitchell superintending the Norwich establish ment, and Mr. John Porteous looking after the buying and other general interests of the firm. The Norwich store contains an immense stock of dry and fancy goods, carpetings, upholstery goods, etc., and by common consent is clearly entitled to the name of headquarters for these and kindred articles, for not only is the assortment the largest and the prices the lowest, but the goods are thor oughly dependable in every respect, — the fact that an article was bought from Messrs. Hislop, Porteus & Mitch ell being accepted as convincing evidence that it will prove precisely as represented. A very large and efficient force of assistants is employed and despite the great magnitude of the business, callers are attended to with a promptness and courtesy that might be profitably imitated in many other establishments. This firm spare no pains to fully satisfy purchasers. That this policy is a popular one, is evident from the magnitude the business has attained, and the inducements offered are so genuine that we can give our readers no better advice than to give this establishment an early call. 34 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Edward Chappell & Co., Coal and Lumber. Office, 46 to 76 West Main Street, Central Wharf; Branch Office, 213 Main Street, Franklin Square, Norwich, Conn. — It would be difficult to name another enterprise having so much dependent upon it as is the case with that conducted by Messrs. Edward Chappell & Co., for this representative firm deal very extensively in lumber and coal, and as they supply about all the large factories and other consumers in this vicinity with the latter commodity, a failure to satis factorily meet the demands made upon them would have a powerful effect upon the manufacturing interests of this section. Happily there is not the slightest danger of any such failure, for the facilities under the control of this firm are unequalled, and in the future as in the past, will enable it to easily maintain the leading position and fill the most extensive orders at short notice. The premises made use of are located at Nos. 46 to 76 Main street, Central Wharf, and there is also a branch office maintained at No. 213 Main street, Franklin square. Some 20,000 tons of coal and 10,000,000 feet of lumber can be carried in stock at one time, and the arrangements for the reception, delivery and storage of the commodities dealt in must truly " be seen to be appreciated," for they are planned on too large a scale to render satisfactory description possible. About forty men are employed, and large and small orders are both assured immediate and painstaking attention, it being hardly necessary to add that the firm are prepared to quote bottom prices in every department of their business. Cargo lots supplied. This undertaking was founded in 1840 by Mr. Edward Chappell, who is a native of New London, but has been located in Norwich since 1837. He is heavily interested in various manufacturing enterprises and has done much to develop the resources of this vicin ity. His associates in the present firm are Messrs. E. F. Chapman and A. H. Brewer, the former a native of New York City, and the latter of Norwich. Mr. Chapman has been connected with the firm since 1848 and has held various municipal offices, having served for years in the common council, etc. Mr. Brewer is as generally known in social as in business circles, and stands very high in Free Masonry, having taken all the degrees that can be granted in this country. He is one of the few men who can honestly be said to have " hosts of friends," for he is very popular throughout this section and is prominently identified with the Arcanum Club, and with other social organizations. Cranston & Co. (formerly M. Safford & Co.), Jobbers and Retailers, Booksellers, Stationers and News Dealers, Artists' Materials and Photographic Supplies, 158 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — The enterprise carried on by Messrs. Cranston & Co., has practically completed its first half century of existence, for it was inaugurated in 1840 by Mr. M. Safford. The firm name of M. Safford & Co. was adopted in 1866, Mr. B. T. Cranston then becoming a partner, and in 1887 the present style was taken. As now constituted, the firm is made up Messrs. B. T., W. B. L. and T. H. Cranston, the first named being a native of Warren, R. I., while both his associates were born in Providence. The present store has been occupied for nearly a third of a century, but it is modern in style, hav ing an attractive plate-glass front and being equipped with all necessary facilities. The premises comprise four floors of the dimensions of 40X20 feet, and contain a stock which it is safe to say cannot be paralleled in this city. The firm are jobbers and retailers of books, stationery, artists' materials, photographic supplies, etc., and make it a point to carry an assortment which will admit of all tastes and all purses being suited. The very lowest market rates are quoted on reliable goods. Photographers, both professional and amateur, would do well to visit this pop ular establishment, for only reliable supplies are dealt in and no pains is spared to assure satisfaction to every cus tomer. There are five assistants employed, and callers may depend upon receiving prompt and polite attention. J. F. Williams & Son, Fire and Marine Insurance- Agency, Richards Building, 91 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The New London County Mutual Fire Insurance- Company was organized in 1840 and during the past half- century has steadily maintained its position in the front ranks of mutual companies. It has paid for' losses since- July, 1840, a sum approximating $200,000, and the amount of risks now outstanding is not far from $4,000,000. This^ company is remarkable even among mutual companies for the lightness of its running expenses, and the cha.iacter of the securities forming its assets shows very conservative- and able management. The president is Mr. E. F. Parker, the secretary, Mr. J. F. Williams, and the board of directors is constituted of Messrs. E. F. Parker, John A. Morgan, P. S. M. Andrews, C. H. Osgood, John L. Bos- well, J. F. Williams, C. J. Winters, F. L. Gardner, Ira L. Peck, F. L. Osgood and Charles P. Cogswell The office of the company is in Richards Building, No. 91 Main street, where the secretary, Mr. Jerome F. Williams car ries on a general insurance agency, being associated with Mr. L. H. Williams, under the firm name of J. F. Williams & Son. This is one of the most widely and favorably known agencies in the State, for it has been carried on for more than a quarter of a century and has an unblemished record for promptness and reliability. Business was- begun by the present senior partner in 1873, and Mr. L. H. Williams became associated with him in 1887. Both members of the firm are natives of Norwich, and Mr. J. F Williams is connected with the school board. Any amount of business may be placed through this firm on the most favorable terms, the following leading companies- being represented: Sun Fire Office, London; Phoenix Insurance Co., London; West Chester, New York; Bow ery, New York; Fire Association. London; Williamsburgh. City Insurance Co., New York; Rochester German Insur ance Co., Rochester; Buffalo German Insurance Co., Buf falo; Equitable Fire and Marine, Prov., R. I. ; Providence- Washington, Prov., R. I.; Pacific, New York; Fireman's- Fund, San Francisco ; California, San Francisco ; Com merce, Albany ; New London County Mutual, Norwich -f Lloyd's Plate Glass, New York. F. P. Church & Co., manufacturers and dealers iu Imported and Domestic Cigars, 72 Main Street, Norwich. —There is no firm doing business in this city which, deserves more hearty and constant support from the smok ing fraternity than does that of F. P. Church & Co., for this concern are manufacturers of and dealers in imported and domestic cigars, aud spare no pains to offer goods that will prove precisely as represented and give the best of sat isfaction to consumers. The healthfulness or unhealthful- ness of smoking has caused almost endless discussion and given rise to many ingenious arguments on both sides of the question, but smokers and non smokers can consistently agree on one point— that if one is to smoke at all he should take care to use a pure and uniform grade of tobacco. Many a case of sickness has been ascribed to tobacco when if the truth were known it would not be the tobacco but the injurious flavoring or other adulterant used which should have been blamed. Carefully prepared tobacco, not artificially flavored, will injure no one if used in rea sonable moderation, and those who assert the contrary take a position which experience does not maintain. Messrs. F P Church & Co. carry a large assortment of foreign and domestic cigars in stock, and do both a whole sale and retail business, being prepared to fill the heaviest orders at short notice and to quote the lowest market rates. Their establishment is located at No. 72 Main street and those m search of a good honest, cigar at a good honest price wil find just what they want at this popular store A specialty is made of the manufacture of the popular ten cent c.gar, No. 10 " of which many thousands have bem B?ld,t 7hS ErreSenl £m was i()rmed in 1886, and is con st.tuted of Messrs. F. P. Church and L. R. Church both of whom are natives of Montville, and have a large 'ci. cle of friends in this vicinity. 8 t-ucie LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 35 G. W. Hamilton, Fine Shoes, 134 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is generally considered that the man who tries to suit everybody is very apt to find himself unable to suit anybody, but there are exceptions to all rules, and the experience of Mr. G. W. Hamilton would seem to indicate that intelligent efforts to please everybody will be appre ciated by the public, for the gentleman in question has catered to all classes of trade since beginning operations in 1884, and has built up an extensive and desirable business. Mr. Hamilton deals in foot-wear of all descriptions and always carries a complete and carefully chosen stock of fine boots, shoes, rubbers, slippers, etc., which comprises the productions of the most reputable manufacturers and always includes the very latest fashionable novelties as well as full lines of staple goods. The premises occupied are located at No. 134 Main street, and are of the dimen sions of 45 X 20 feet. The stock is displayed to excellent advantage and the store is well worthy of a visit, for goods are cheerfully shown, and three assistants are at hand to give prompt and courteous attention to callers. Mr. Ham ilton is in a position to quote the very lowest market rates on all the goods he handles, and every article sold by him is guaranteed to prove precisely as represented in every respect. J. Strauss & Co., dealers in Millinery, 124 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is not at all surprising that the milli nery business should have reached very large proportions in this city, for in addition to the extensive local trade there is a heavy out of town patronage, and this patronage is bound to continue to increase as it becomes more plainly evident that the leading Norwich millinery houses can sue cessf ully compete with those of New York in catering to non-resident patrons. The firm name of J. Strauss & Co. is very favorably known in connection with the handling of millinery, for this concern have done an extensive whole sale, retail and custom business for some years and have proved themselves to have facilities fully equal to the best. The premises utilized are located at No. 124 Main street, and have an area of about 1500 square feet, affording ample room for the carrying of a very heavy stock of mil linery goods of every description. There is no really fash ionable novelty in the millinery line but what may be obtained here as soon as it is placed upon the market, and the fact that the customers of J. Strauss & Co. include the most tasty and careful dressers, indicates that the policy of the firm in this respect is appreciated. The facilities for the doing of custom work are unsurpassed, twelve assist ants being at hand to ensure the prompt and careful filling of every order. L. W. Carroll & Son, Commission Merchants, Wool, Cotton, Manufacturers Supplies, Dye Stuffs, Paints, Oils, Glass, etc., etc., Nos. 17, 19 and 21 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — Few men have been more active in developing the manufacturing and mercantile interests of Connecticut than has Mr. L. W. Carroll, of the well-known firm of L. W. Carroll & Son, and this gentleman's activity has been by no means confined to the business with which the firm in question is identified, for he has long been prominent in banking circles, was concerned in the origin of the Occum Water Power Company, and is proprietor of one of the best-equipped cotton mills in the State. The enterprise carried on by Messrs. L. W. Carroll & Son, was inaugu rated in 1843 by Messrs. Carroll & Crosby, Mr. L. W. Car roll assuming sole control the following year and admitting Mr. A. P. Carroll to partnership under the existing firm- name in 1876. A very extensive commission business is done, the concern dealing in wool, cotton, manufacturers' supplies, paints, oils, glass, dye stuffs, etc., and carrying an immense stock which necessitates the occupancy of one of the largest warehouses in the city, the premises in use comprising six floors of the dimensions of 35 X HO feet. They are located at Nos. 17, 19 and 21 Water street, and eight assistants are at hand to give prompt and careful attention to every order. Noyes & Davis, wholesale and retail Booksellers and Stationers; Headquarters for Blank Books, School Books and School Supplies of all kinds; Base Balls, Bats, Lawn Tennis and Croquet, 152 and 154 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — One ofthe most truly popular establishments to be found in this city is that conducted by Messrs. Noyes & Davis, at Nos. 152 and 154 Main street, and one only needs to visit this store and to use his eyes and ears in order to obtain a satisfactory explanation of the high favor in which it is held by all classes of people. The premises are 45 X 35 feet in dimensions and contain a most skillfully chosen stock, made up of books, stationery, fancy goods, blank books, base ball supplies, lawn tennis and croquet goods, etc. During the vacation season a specialty is made of out-door games, etc., but at other times of year, particular attention is paid to the handling of school books and school supplies of all kinds, and with such success that this store is universally regarded as the headquarters for these goods. The very latest fashionable novelties in stationery are also obtainable here as soon as they appear in the market, and a full assortment of business stationery is always carried. The store has telephone connection, and orders thus received are assured as prompt and careful attention as those given in person. This business was founded about a quarter of a century ago by Mr. S. B. Bishop, and the present firm have been in charge since 1873. The partners are Messrs. C. D. Noyes and George A. Davis, both of whom are too well known in this vicin ity to call for extended personal mention. They give close attention to the business and are excellently prepared to fill wholesale and retail orders without delay and at the- lowest market rates. Norwich Gas-Light Co., Norwich Electric-Light Co.,. 40 Shetucket Street, Norwich, Conn.— The Norwich Gas- Light Company and the Norwich Electric- Light Company are separate and distinct corporations, but they supplement one another so perfectly in the service offered to the public that it is fitting they should be mentioned together, espe cially as those prominent in one company are also inter ested in the other. Those who predicted that electricity would drive gas from the field as an illuminant were far too premature in their prophecy, for although it is prob able that electricity will gradually supersede gas for light ing purposes, still the movement is bound to be slow and will work no hardship to those largely interested in gas company stock. On the other hand, gas is unquestionably the fuel of the future, and as a superior quality of heating gas can be manufactured at a much less expense than can illuminating gas, there is no danger but that the mains- and other plant now in use will find profitable employment for an indefinite time in the future. The Norwich Gas- Light Company was incorporated in 1854, and has a cap ital of $125,000. It furnishes a very desirable quality of gas for illuminating purposes, and the prices quoted have always compared favorably with those named by other corporations doing business under similar conditions. The president is Mr. Franklin Nichols, the secretary and treas urer, Mr. C. C. Johnson, and the superintendent, Mr. O. Gilmore; the directors being constituted as follows^ Franklin Nichols, C. C. Johnson, E. N. Gibbs, F. L. Osgood, W. A. Slater, John M. Johnson. The Norwich Electric-Light Company was incorporated in 1881 and has gained the good-will of resident business men and others by its progressive and accommodating methods and by the reliability and cheapness of the service rendered. The company are prepared to supply 800 incan descent, and seventy-six arc lights, and operate four large dynamos; the capital invested being $25,000. New and extensive works on North Main street are in process of erection. The president is Mr. H. H. Osgood, the secre tary and treasurer, Mr. C. C. Johnson, and the superin tendent, Mr. George W. Phillips, while the board of directors is made up of Messrs. H. H. Osgood, E. N. Gibbs, J. Hunt Smith, William A. Slater and John M. Johnson. The offices of both the Gas light and the Electric light companies are at No. 40 Shetucket street. 36 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. H. R. Woodward, Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry, Silverware, and Optical Goods. Wholesale and Retail. Fine Watch and French Clock Repair ing, Fine EngraviDg a Specialty. 163 Main Street, Norwich, Conn., Branch Store at Gardiner, Maine. — There are few if any enterprises of no longer establishment which have gained so high a place in the favor of the purchasing public as is held by that conducted by Mr. H. R. Woodward, at No. 163 Main street, and this popular ity is all the more worthy of mention from the fact that it has been brought about by strictly legitimate methods and hence is sure to be lasting and progressive. Operations were begun here April, 1888, but Mr. Woodward has been in the wholesale line for the past twelve years and also conducts another store at Gardiner, Maine. Mr. Geo. S. Lathrop has for the past four years represented Mr. Woodward as travelling salesman. The store in Gardiner, Maine, which is the leading jewelry store in town, has been known as a jewelry store thirty- three years. Both stores are headquarters for diamonds, watches, jewelry, silverware and optical goods, for Mr. Woodward deals in all these articles, doing both a whole sale and retail business and offering inducements which argue very favorable relations with manufacturers and a disposi tion to be content with a very small margin of profit. The stock in both places is remarkably complete in its various departments and comprises a full selection of the latest fashionable novelties in the jewelry line, including some beautiful and tasteful designs for engagement rings. Sil verware, both solid and plated, is extensively handled, and so are watches and parlor clocks, some very reliable timepieces being offered at low rates. Fine watch and French clock repairing is a prominent feature of the busi ness, and a specialty is made of fine engraving, orders being executed at short notice in the highest style of the art. Mr. Woodward employs three efficient assistants at each store but gives careful personal attention to the supervision of affairs. He is very popular among his cus tomers and has a large circle of friends. None of our local business men have worked harder to attain success, and Mr. Woodward has certainly been very successful. C. T. & W. F. Bidwell, Boots, Shoes, Slippers, Rub bers. No. 138 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — What may justly be regarded as the representative establishment of the kind in this city is that conducted by Messrs. C. T. & W. F. Bidwell, at No. 138 Main street. The enterprise carried on by this firm was inaugurated in 1843 by Mr. I. M. Bidwell, who continued the business in partnership with his son for some years and was finally succeeded by iim, Mr. E. G. Bidwell remaining sole proprietor up to 1884, when the existing firm assumed control. Both part ners are natives of Norwich and are connected with the Free Masons and the Odd Fellows ; having a very extensive acquaintance in both business and social circles. The firm utilize two floors of the dimensions of 55 X 25 feet, the store being magnificently fittedup, and indeed comparing favorably with the leading Metropolitan establishments of a similar character. The public, however, are more im mediately interested in the stock carried than in the prem ises which contain it, and we only regret that lack of space forbids our describing it somewhat in detail for it is well worthy of such mention, being composed of the finer grades of foot wear and containing the very latest fashionable novelties in every department. Both a wholesale and retail business is done, but especial attention is given to the latter and a very extensive and desirable patronage is enjoyed. Messrs. C. T. & W. F. Bidwell are close and careful buyers and maintain such relations with leading manufacturers as enable the firm to quote exceptionally low rates. Employment is given to two experienced and polite assistants and callers are assured immediate and painstaking attention. Lee & Osgood, wholesale and retail Druggists, dealers in Paints, Oils, Lamp Chimneys, Window Glass, Mineral Waters and popular Patent Medicines, 129, 131 and 133 Main Street, and 150, 152 and 154 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — There are certain firm-names which have been so long and so prominently identified with the business inter ests of Norwich that one can hardly think of that city without these representative concerns being brought to mind, and among them no one is more generally and favorably known than that of Lee & Osgood, doing busi ness at Nos. 129, 131 and 133 Main street, and Nos. 150, 152 and 154 Water street. This firm-name was adopted over half a century ago, and although Mr. H. H. Osgood has long been sole proprietor the original style is still adhered to. Mr. Osgood has been mayor of this city and is too well known in business and social circles to render detailed personal mention at all necessary. The firm occupy very spacious premises, comprising five floors of the dimensions of 60 X 40 feet and three floors measuring 50 X 30 feet, and, as may well be imagined from the vast storage capacity utilized, they carry an immense stock, complete in every department and remarkably varied and comprehensive. It is made up of drugs, medicines and chemicals of every description; paints, oils and window glass, lamp chimneys, mineral waters, popular patent med icines and other articles far too numerous to mention. Both a wholesale and retail business is carried on, and the magnitude of the trade is indicated by the fact that employ ment is given to fifteen assistants. This large force enables the firm to fill all orders, large or small, at short notice, and the promptness of the service, the quality of the goods and the lowness of the prices fully justify and explain the general popularity of the establishment. Smith & Gilbert, Merchant Tailors. Men's Furnishing Goods, Fine Shirts made to measure. 140 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— There is a certain class which will always prefer custom made clothing, and there is another class which will be satisfied with ready-made garments, so that there is no real danger of these two branches of trade interfering with one another. The well-informed public know that supe rior ready-made garments are preferable to inferior custom clothing, and they also know that the highest class of custom work is so far superior to the highest grade of ready-made work that no comparison is possible. There fore it is obvious that one should either place his order with a first-class merchant tailoring firm or else purchase high-grade ready-made garments, and in our opinion the first course is the more economical as well as the more sat isfactory in other respects. No*better clothing is made in this State than that produced by Messrs. Smith & Gilbert doing business at No. 140 Main street, and when its wear ing qualities are duly considered and the moderate charges made are brought to mind, we believe that it will be found to be cheaper than presentable ready-made garments The firm in question do a very extensive business, and utilize two floors of the dimensions of 60X30 feet. They carry a heavy, varied and seasonable stock of foreign and domestic fabrics and mens furnishing goods and always present the latest fashionable novelties for their customers to choose from Employment is given to thirteen competent assistants and orders can be filled at short notice- it beine understood, of course, that perfection of fit and thorough ness of workmanship are guaranteed. An important department of the business is the making of fine sWrtsTo measure, and the most fastidious cannot hip being satisfied with the results attained. This enterprise wSsartld more than a quarter of a century ago by Messrs Haves , * Smith and the present firm was fofmed in 1875 Mr A D. Smith is a native of Worcester, Mass., and was f oraerlv connected with the city council, 'while Mr ? J ™W GUbert was born m Stafford, Conn. Both these gentlemen sfve careful persona attention to the carrying on of thTbusinels and no trouble ,s spared to fully maintain the enviable ?en fof so lofngrp°eTorS "* ""*""* ^ ^ *^*& LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. sr J. McJennett, Hosiery, Gloves, Laces, Corsets, etc. Art Embroidery Materials. 144 Main Street, Norwich.— The store of which Mr. J. McJennett is the proprietor, located at No. 144 Main street, is one of those establish ments which may be patronized again and again with ever increasing satisfaction, for the reliability of the goods, the lowness of the prices and the promptness and courtesy of the service, all combine to make this a favorite with dis criminating purchasers. The proprietor is a native of Scotland, and established his present enterprise about 1877. He is exceptionally familiar with the many details of his business, and being a close and skillful buyer, is enabled to offer many marked inducements to his patrons. The stock on hand is so large and varied that we can do but little more than mention the more important articles it comprises, such as hosiery, gloves, laces, embroideries, ribbons, buttons, small wares and fancy goods, a specialty of art embroidery materials, and particular attention is given to the handling of corsets, ladies' white underwear, children's short and long cambric dresses, capes and lace caps. Mr. McJennett makes it a rule to offer his cus tomers the very latest fashionable novelties to choose from, and to quote prices that will bear the very closest examina tion and comparison. He employs two efficient assistants, and every caller is sure of receiving prompt, careful and polite attention. N. E. Ailing, wholesale and retail dealer in Rubber Goods of every description, 11 Main Street and 22 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — With the exception of iron, and of paper, and of wood, there is no material so generally useful as rubber, and considering the almost endless suc cessful applications which have been made of it during the comparatively few years it has been upon the market, no reasonable limit can be set to its wider usefulness in the future. An immense amount of capital is invested in the production of rubber goods, and as each of the many con cerns in the business has certain specialties in which it excels, it is obvious that the most convenient as well as the surest way to " get the best " is to buy, not of the agents of any particular company or firm, but of a dealer who handles the productions of all reputable rubber manufac turers. Such a dealer is Mr. N. E. Ailing, and as he sells both at wholesale and, retail he is prepared to furnish rubber goods of every description, in quantities to suit and at the lowest market rates. Mr. Ailing carries a very heavy and varied stock, utilizing the spacious premises at No. 11 Main street, and No. 22 Water street, and sparing no pains to keep his assortment as complete as possible in every department. It is very generally understood that it is practically impossible in the majority of instances for the ordinary purchaser to distinguish between the good and the bad in rubber goods by superficial examination, and as their quality is apt to vary greatly with different manufacturers, the advantage of buying from a responsible dealer who guarantees his articles to prove as represented is obvious. Dodge & Holloway, Clothing and Gent's Furnishing Goods, No. 132 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The estab lishment conducted by Messrs. Dodge & Holloway, at No. 132 Main street, is a very old stand indeed, and was occu pied by Mr. Pliny Brewer for more than forty years before he was succeeded by the present concern in 1889, but were its age its only recommendation we would not take up the time of our readers in writing about it, for this book has to do with the live concerns of to-day and not with the relics of a bye-gone period. But Messrs. Dodge & Holloway do not depend upon the past to distinguish their establish ment, on the contrary they are fully alive to. the demands of the present day and offer inducements to purchasers of clothing, gentlemen's furnishings, etc., which are by no means easy to parallel elsewhere. The store is almost sixty feet deep, and contains a stock which must truly be seen to be appreciated, for it includes nothing but fresh, seasonable and fashionable goods, selected expressly for city trade and sure to give satisfaction to the most critical. The prices, too, are " right " in every respect, and not the least commendable feature of the management' is the prompt and polite attention assured to every caller. Mr. Frank I. Dodge is a native of Norwich and has a very large circle of friends in this city, while Mr. George A. Holloway was born in Groton, and is also widely and favorably known in business and social circles. The People's Industrial Insurance Co. Paid up Capi tal, $100,000; Authorized Capital, $500,000. 15 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Were all corporations conducted on the same general principles which have characterized the management of the People's Industrial Insurance Com pany since its organization, there would not be that wide spread jealousy and mistrust of corporate enterprises now so evident among the people, for the company in question has steadily and rapidly gained in popularity from year to year and has repeatedly proved itself to be worthy of every confidence. It created a favorable impression at the out set of its career by beginning operations as a strictly inde pendent company; not bound by the rules of any trust and therefore free to carry out whatever contracts might be made; and this independence has been steadily maintained up to the present time. Being, as its name indicates, a " People's" company, it seeks to avoid all unnecessary red tape and unessential formalities, the result being that one is not obliged to be a lawyer in order to understand the contracts, while policy holders may safely depend upon having claims paid immediately on completion of proofs of loss at the home office. Industrial insurance meets the wants of the people and thousands insure in the People's Industrial who would never think of taking out policies in ordinary insurance companies, for under the plan followed by the People's Company the cost of insurance is from five cents per week upwards and no increase of payments is required. Dues are collected weekly at the houses of the policy holders, thus obviating all trouble and loss of time. Five cents per week is so small a sum that no family would miss it, and yet it will insure a child aged from one to thirteen years, for various amounts up to $120. Ten cents per week will insure a person aged twenty for $202. Twenty-five cents per week will insure a person aged thirty for $390. Fifty-five cents per week will insure a person aged twenty-one for $1,078. This being the case, who will say that small sums of money cannot be profit ably invested ? Another point worthy of mention is that this company affords "insurance that insures." The directors are men who are very widely and favorably known in the community and who would never lend their names to any enterprise not carried on in accordance with sound and honorable business principles. The company has a paid up capital of $100,000, and authorized capital of half a million, and is easily able to meet all demands made upon it. The home office is located in this city, in Carroll Block, No. 15 Main street, and callers will cheerfully be given any information desired. The following list of officers and directors will show the kind of men identified with this popular and deserving undertaking: President : Hugh H. Osgood. Vice President7 Wm. Fairbanks. Second Vice-President and Treasurer, Andrew E. Carey. Secretary, Sherman B. Bishop. Counsellor, Jeremiah Halsey. Actuary, Levi W. Meech. Medical Examiner, William Witter, M. D. Board of directors. Hugh H. Osgood, Ex-Mayor of Nor wich; Sherman B. Bishop, Secretary; Andrew E. Carey, Second Vice-President and Treasurer; William Fairbanks, Vice-President; A. L. Williston, President First National Bank, Northampton, Mass. : S. Henry Whitcomb, Presi dent Whitcomb Envelope Co., Worcester, Mass.; John E. Warner, Secretary Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Company; Henry H. Gallup (Gallup & Ulmer), Norwich Belt Mfg. Co. ; J. Palmer Story, General Insurance Agent. Norwich agents, Butler Bros, and A. A. Hayward. 3S LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Ill iiiSiSiii B. A. Herrick, Wauregan House Pharmacy, Norwich, Conn. — The Wauregan House Pharmacy is doubtless pleasantly familiar to many of our readers, for it has for some years ranked very high among local retail drug stores and is to-day unquestionably as well managed an establish ment of the kind as can be found in this State. The patrons of a pharmacy have a right to expect the utmost caution on the part of the management when they are called upon to compound physicians' prescriptions, and we are happy to say that this expectation is fully realized in the case of the establishment in question, for the pro prietor, Mr. B. A. Herrick, spares no pains to guard against the possibility of even the slightest error, and has provided the most elaborate and improved facilities for the measuring and general handling of the drugs and chemi cals dealt in. The preparation of physicians' prescrip tions is recognized as the most important feature of the business, and Ihe many orders daily filled show that the public are appreciative of the advantages here offered. Mr. Herrick is a native of this State and has conducted his present enterprise since 1883. He gives close personal attention to the supervision of affairs, and employs three competent and polite assistants, so that despite the magni tude of the business, every caller is sure of receiving immediate and careful attention The stock includes not only drugs, medicines and chemicals of every description, but also toilet and fancy articles, etc., the latest novelties being represented and moderate charges being made in connection with all the various articles handled. T. J. Falvey, Hats, Caps and Gents' Furnishings, 74 Main Street, opposite Post Office, Norwich, Conn. — It would, of course, be a most excellent thing if all of us had so large an income as to render it entirely unnecessary to practice the close economy which is now the rule rather than the exception, but as this desirable condition of affairs is out of the question, the next best thing is to manage so as to make our present income go as far as possible. So far as the purchase of hats, caps and gents' furnishings is concerned this can be brought about by placing orders with Mr. T. J. Falvey, doing business at No. 74 Main street, opposite the Post Office, for Mr. Falvey carries a large and varied stock of such goods and quotes the very lowest market rates on them at all times. He is a native of Lebanon, Conn., andhas been identified with his present establishment since 1885. The premises in use have an area of 1000 square feet, and afford ample opportunity for the display of the heavy stock to excellent advantage; making the task of selection both easy and agreeable. Mr. Falvey makes it a point to offer his customers the very latest fashionable novelties to choose from, and those who wish to dress in accordance with the very latest dictates of fashion and yet do not care to pay exorbitant prices can possibly find no more advantageous establishment at which to deal. Edward D. Fuller & Co., dealers in Groceries, Provis ions, Flour, Wooden Ware, Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Butter, Cheese, etc., etc., Nos. 45, 47, 49 and 51 Water Street, Norwich, Conn.— The liberal space we have given in this book to notices of the representative retail grocery houses of Norwich and vicinity, shows how we appreciate the importance of this branch of trade and gives amply sufficient reason why we should make mention of such an establishment as that conducted by Messrs. Edward D. Fuller & Co., for our retail grocers are of course directly dependent upon local wholesale houses for the nature of the service they are prepared to offer, and the concern in question ranks with the leading wholesale grocery and pro vision dealers of the State. The business was founded more than sixty years ago, operations having been begun by Messrs. Backus & Norton, in 1827. The firm of Case & Fuller assumed control in 1878, and the present style was adopted in December, 1888. An immense stock is carried, as indeed may be judged from the size of the premises occupied, these being numbered 45, 47, 49 and 51 Water street, and being fitted up with all necessary facili ties for the handling and the storage of goods ; which lat ter fact has much to do with the reputation the firm enjoys for filling all orders at short notice and with perfect accu racy. Among the more prominent commodities handled may be mentioned staple and fancy groceries, provisions, flour, wooden ware, foreign and domestic fruits, butter, cheese and country produce in general ; and we may add that no concern is better prepared to supply canned goods, put up by the most reputable packers, in quantities to suit and at positively bottom prices. The store has telephone connection and five assistants are at hand to ensure the prompt and satisfactory filling of orders. Second National Bank, Norwich, Conn. — First-class banking facilities may not produce business, but they cer tainly tend to develop it largely, and there is no question but that, other things being equal, the community having the best banking facilities will gain the most prosperity and prominence. It would, of course, be absurd to main tain that our local manufacturers and local commerce have reached their present development solely through the operations of the various banks here located, but it would be equally absurd to deny that these institutions have exerted a very appreciable influence in stimulating the industrial and mercantile growth of the city. The Second National Bank may fairly be taken as a representative Norwich financial institution for it has been carried on for a full quarter of a century, and stands to-day high in the confidence of the general public. This bank was incor porated in 1864, with a capital of $300,000, and it has established such favorable relations with correspondents throughout the country as to be in a position to offer un surpassed advantages to patrons as regards the promptness, accuracy and zeal with which all business entrusted to it is transacted. The bank has a very large surplus, and its financial condition could hardly be improved upon, while the experience and standing of the officers and directors form the best possible evidence that, in the future as in the past, tbe credit of the institution will steadily be preserved above suspicion. The capital is $300,000 and surplus $60,000. The following list of those concerned in its man agement is made np of the names of business men thor oughly identified with Norwich and her interests, and prominent in manufacturing as well as in financial circles ¦ President, E. R. Thompson. Vice-President, C. P. Cogswell. Cashier, Ira L. Peck. Directors, E. R. Thompson, C. P. Cogswell W R Burnham, W. R. Austin, Lyman Gould. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 39 Alfred Hough, Specialties in Dress Trimmings, Laces and Fancy Goods. Orders will receive prompt and per sonal attention ; 13 Main Street, Carroll Building, opposite Breed Hall, Norwich, Conn.— The phrase "a long-felt want," has been used so often and worn so threadbare that it deserves honorable retirement from active service, but it is so compactly descriptive a term that it can hardly be -spared and we must utilize it once more in referring to the enterprise conducted by Mr. Alfred Hough, 13 Main street (Garroll Building, opposite Breed Hall), for this undertak ing most certainly has supplied a " long- felt want," as is -evidenced by the cordial support given to it since its incep tion in March, 1889. Mr. Hough handles specialties in •dress trimmings, laces and fancy goods, and his stock is worthy the careful inspection of every lady in the city, for it is remarkably complete and desirable, and comprises not a few articles which it would be difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere in this vicinity. The premises occupied are •35 X 45 feet in dimensions, and the stock on hand' is dis played to excellent advantage, being tastefully and con veniently arranged so that examination is easy and pleasant. Mr. Hough makes a practice of giving p-ompt personal attention to orders for goods not in stock, matching trim mings, ribbons, etc., etc., and with the aid of two assist ants is prepared to assure immediate and courteous service to all who may favor his establishment with a call. Henry Allen & Son, Undertakers; Residences, 92 and 94 Main, and 49 Church Streets. Office 98 Main Street, Nor wich, Conn. — The enterprise conducted by Messrs. Henry Allen & Son, at No. 98 Main street, upstairs, is most cer tainly deserving of prominent and favorable mention among the leading and typical undertakings of this section, for it was inaugurated more than a quarter of a century ago and for many years has held its present leading posi tion. Operations were begun by Mr. Henry Allen in 1862, and in 1871 the existing firm-name was adopted, Mr. Amos D. Allen being admitted to partnership. Eleven years later Mr. William H. Allen became a member of the firm which now consists of Messrs. Henry, Amos and Will iam Allen; the first-named gentleman being a native of Windham, while both his sons were born in this city. The premises utilized comprise three buildings, one of which contains one floor, measuring 70 X 40 feet, the •other two having three floors of the dimensions of 80 X 35 feet. The firm have four fine hearses, one costing $1,500, being the finest in Eastern Connecticut. All the newest ¦and best improved methods have been added to the equip ment of the establishment and the finest undertaking work is executed. They are located at No. 98 Main street, nearly opposite the Western Union Telegraph Company's office, and as the residence of the members of the firm is at the west end of the same premises, orders may be left at all hours with the certainty of their receiving immediate and careful attention. Employment is given to three -competent assistants, and as for the facilities at hand it is only necessary to say that they are amply sufficient to fully maintain the old-established reputation of this con cern for promptness and thoroughness. The stock com prises coffins, caskets, robes and funeral goods of every description, these articles being handled both at wholesale and retail, and being furnished at the lowest market rates at all times. The entire charge of funerals will be assumed when desired, and entirely satisfactory service will be ren- ¦dered at uniformly low rates. Geo. W. Kies & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, 80 Main Street (directly oppo site the Post Office), Norwich, Conn. — A man who has carried on a certain line of business for more than a score of years should certainly be thoroughly conversant with it ¦in every detail and should therefore be in a position to •offer unsurpassed inducements to his customers, and we are sure that no one familiar with the facts will dispute that snch is the case with George W. Kies & Co., doing business at No. 80 Main street. This enterprise was inaugurated by Mr. Kies in 1866, and the present firm was formed in 1883 by the admission of Mr. James L. Coffee, who had been connected with the business in the capacity of salesman for thirteen years previous to that date. The senior partner is a native of Danielsonville, and his asso ciate was born in this eity. The premises now occupied are located directly opposite the post-office, and as they have an area of about 1500 square feet, are capable of accommodating a large and varied stock. Considering the long experience of both the proprietors it becomes almost unnecessary to state that this stock is composed exclusively of reliable and desirable goods, and that the prices quoted are as low as can be named on dependable footwear. The latest fashionable novelties are at hand to choose from, and a large force of competent assistants assures immediate and polite attention to every caller. C. J. King, dealer in Flour, Grain, Meal, Feed, Baled Hay, etc., No. 41 Commerce Street, Norwich, Conn. — There are many reasons why the enterprise conducted by Mr. C. J. King, at No. 41 Commerce street, should be regarded as a truly representative one, for during the more than sixty years that it has been carried on it has been honorably and intelligently managed, and is to-day with out doubt as generally popular an undertaking of the kind as can be found in this city. Operations were begun about the year 1829, and the present proprietor has had control for nearly a score of years, he assuming possession in 1871. Mr. King is a native of Greene county, N. Y., and is one of the best-known of our resident merchants, both in trade and in social circles. He has very appreciably developed his business in every department, and gives it that close and careful personal attention which is indispensable to the attainment of the best results. Four floors are made use of, each of which measures 35 X 60 feet, and this large amount of space is all required in order to properly accom modate the very heavy stock, which comprises flour, grain, meal, feed, baled hay, etc., and is always complete in every department. Mr. King does both a wholesale and retail business and offers unsurpassed inducements to both classes of buyers. He employs about nine assistants on the average, and is always pre pared to meet all demands upon him, his facilities for filling orders at short notice being all that could be desired. John F. Parker, Insurance Agency, Room No. 3, Chel sea Savings Bank Building, Shetucket Street, Norwich, Conn. — The insurance agency conducted by Mr. John F. Parker, in room No. 3, Chelsea Savings Bank building, Shetucket street, was founded just about a quarter of a century ago, operations having been begun in 1865 by Mr. Thomas H. Perkins. The mere fact that this agency has received public support for so extended a period is of itself enough to establish its representative position, without taking into account the prominence due to the magnitude of the operations carried on. Mr. Parker represents fire and life companies having aggregate assets of over $30,000,- 000, and among these organizations are numbered some of the very strongest insurance companies in the world ; lead ing English as well as representative American corpora tions being acted for. As might reasonably be judged, in view of Mr. Parker's long and varied experience in his present line of business, he is in a position to offer induce ments second to none in the line of strictly dependable insurance at strictly equitable rates. Callers are always assured immediate and courteous attention, and an idea of the character and scope of the business may be gained from the following list of companies represented : Hartford, Hartford ; Connecticut, Hartford ; Orient, Hartford ; North British and Mercantile, England ; Queen, England ; Imperial, England ; Northern, England ; Fire Association, Philadelphia ; American. Philadelphia ; Al bany, Albany, N. Y. ; Trans- Atlantic, Hamburg, Germany; Middlesex Mutual, Middletown ; New London County Mutual, Norwich ; Travelers' (Life and Accident), Hart ford. Aggregate Assets, $30,000,000. 40 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. ESTRBLISHED lS-^S. Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, -OF- HARTFORD, ASSETS DECEMBER 31, 1889, ' $57,874,971.71 LIABILITIES, 52,794,795.10 SURPLUS BY COMPANY'S STANDARD, - 5,080,176.61 SURPLUS BY CONNECTICUT STANDARD, 5,530,000.00 NUMBER OP POLICIES IN FORCE, 68,830, - 151,739,494.00 Ratio of Expense of Management to Receipts, 9.98 per cent. RECEIVED FOR PREMIUMS IN 1889, $4,418,336.47 RECEIVED FOR INTEREST AND RENTS, 3,065,405.44 PROFIT AND LOSS, - 217,479.3ft $7,701,221.27 Total Paid to Policy Holders, - - - $5,839,3i3-3I> OR 11,420,976.84 MORE THAN PREMIUM RECEIPTS. The Company make a specialty of Low Mate Endowment Policies. Dividends Paid Annually or cant be left with Company at 4 1-2% Compound Interest* THREE PER CENT. RESERVE. During the year 1883, in view of the tendency to a gradual decline in the rate of interest, and of the long time* many life policies have to run, and in order to provide against every contingency arising therefrom, the Company changed its standard of solvency as to new business, basing its calculations on earning three per cent., instead of four per cent., which is the highest legal standard— the only instance in this country of a conservative change of basis by any company. This higher reserve means larger accumulations of money to earn interest, larger future returns of surplus, and the highest security known. It affords larger paid-up and cash surrender values, when such surrender is desired. Its effects upon future dividends is very marked, and will be: most satisfactory to the insured. IMPORTANT TESTIMONY, " The worthiest and most truly successful Life Company, in the near future, will be the one ¦which; rries on its affairs at least expense. "—[Hon. John K. Tarbox, Insurance Commissioner. "The only possible way to make insurance cheap, is to make the expense of management as. light as the nature of the business will warrant." — [Insurance Commissioner of Penn. "Too much stress cannot be laid upon the question of expense. It is the key to the whole situation* How much has been received, how much judiciously invested, and how much paid out for conducting the business,. the most vital of all the questions involved in the practice of life underwriting." — [U. S. Review. WILLIAM H. PROTHERO, Agt. for Eastern Connecticut, "BULLETIN" Building, Norwich, Conn. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 41 Elias H. Chapman, dealer in Boots, Shoes, etc., 104 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— There is no single article of dress which the average person exercises more care in choosing than that of foot-wear, and there is excellent reason for this, for not only one's personal appearance but one's comfort also is largely dependent upon the boots or shoes worn. Those who have made a study of Ihe matter assert that no two individuals' feet are exactly alike, there being certain peculiarities of shape in every instance, the same as there are certain peculiarities of feature which render every individual distinguishable from his fellows ; and as this is the case it is evident that the only way to properly cater to all tastes and all requirements is to Carry so large a stock that the most varying demands can be satisfied. In this connection we may properly call atten tion to the assortment offered by Mr. E. H. Chapman at No. 104 Main Street, for this is complete in every depart ment and is composed of the productions of the best- equipped and most popular manufacturers. Mr. Chapman is a native of Griswold and founded his present business in 1888. He at present is Treasurer and Clerk of the town of Griswold, and ia very generally and favorably known throughout this vicinity. The premises utilized comprise two floors of the dimensions of 35 X 20 feet, and the stock is displayed to excellent advantage, making the task of selection an easy and agreeable one. Employment is afforded to two efficient assistants and prompt and courte ous attention is assured to all, bottom prices being quoted on all the goods dealt in. Mr. Chapman has also been a partner for the past thirteen years of the firm of Potter & Chapman, of Jewett City. The Gates Photo Studio, Miss E. M. Gates, Proprie tress; W. D. Hickmott, Operator; 161 Main Street, Nor wich, Conn. — Wonderful progress has been made in pho tography of late years, but the taste of the public has advanced as rapidly as has the art itself and consequently only the very best of work is now in request among tbe most desirable class of patrons. This is as it should be, for such a condition of affairs stimulates operators to do their best and assures continued and rapid progress. It is because we know that no better work is turned out in this city that we take especial pleasure in calling attention to "The Gates Photographic Studio," at No. 161 Main street, for this studio is equipped with the latest improved appa ratus, is in charge of an experienced and skillful operator, and is well worthy of the generous patronage it has thus far received. These premises have been utilized for photo graphic purposes for many years but only came into the possession of Miss E. M. Gates, the present proprietress, in April, 1889. Miss Gates refitted the studio throughout, sparing no expense and neglecting no precaution that would tend to ensure more uniformity of excellence in the results attained. Under the present management first-class work only is done; all work being guaranteed satisfactory in every respect. The prices are as low as is consistent with the carrying out of such a policy; being $5 00 per dozen for cabinets, and $2.50 per dozen for cards. A specialty is made of large work, and elegant life-size por traits may be obtained here at moderate rates. The ope rator, Mr. W. D. Hickmott, has had long and varied expe rience, and the best voucher of his skill is that afforded by the work on exhibition at the studio. Mr. Hickmott is just as anxious as his customers to attain the best results, and offers the following suggestions to intending sitters. They are the outcome of practical experience and are worthy of being strictly followed: Tbe best dress materials, and those which give the rich est effects are silks, satins, reps, cashmeres and brocades. The most suitable colors are black, the different shades of green, brown, gray or slate for elderly people. For chil dren, light colored costumes are the most suitable. Avoid dressing the hair in an unusual style. The operator can best determine the most graceful pose; and having his own reputation at stake, all may safely be left to his care. Cloudy weather is just as suitable. The Wm. H. Page Wood Type Co., New Patented! Process Type, 286-296 Franklin Street, Norwich, Conn. — The perfection of wood type has been a great boon to printers and has aided so materially in the attainment of the highest possibilities of job printing that there is not an office in the country, making any pretensions to a place in the front rank, which does not make some use of wood type. This line of manufacture was in a very crude state when the firm of Wm. H. Page & Co., was formed to carry it on in 1856, and the influence which this concern has- exerted in developing it, may be gauged from the fact that the Wm. H. Page Wood Type Company (which succeeded the parent concern in 1876) now does more than half of all the American business in this line. The president of the company is Mr. S. T. Dauchy, the treasurer being Mr.. Wm. H. Page, and the secretary Mr. Wm. E. Page. The- company utilize spacious and well-equipped premises- located at Nos. 286-296 Franklin street, and turn out their New Patented Process Type in large quantities, as the demand for it is brisk and increasing, requiring the- operation of a large plant of improved machiner}' driven by a forty-horse engine, and the employment of forty assistants. Puller & Story, Insurance Agency, opposite Norwichc Savings Society. Entrance No. 15 Shetucket Street, and 161 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — The advantages of fire insurance have attained such general recognition that the- question at the present time is not, " Shall I insure 1 " but rather, " Where shall I place my insurance ? " This is also rapidly becoming true of life insurance as well, for ten men have their lives insured to-day where but one did a> score of years ago. There seems to be no question but that the insurance of the future will be placed exclusively through agents, or at least very nearly so for a larger pro portion is placed in this way every year, and the practice entails so many solid advantages that it is bound to con tinue to grow in popularity. Every agency which has- been in operation a year or more must have some sort of a local reputation which will materially aid the public ia deciding whether it is best to patronize it or not, and here is one powerful reason for the popularity noted, for it is- much easier to investigate the standing of a local agency than to look up the record of several far away insurance- companies, and it goes without saying that agents who- have a high reputation for promptness and reliability will , represent none but first-class companies. We doubt if a better-known insurance agency than that conducted by Messrs. Fuller & Story can be found in this county, and we are positive that not one has a more enviable record to refer inquirers to. The enterprise had its inception about 1850, and is therefore the oldest agency in Norwich; it- came under the control of Messrs. James E. Fuller, and J. Palmer Story in 1881. Both these gentlemen are natives- of Norwich, and have a very extensive circle of acquaint ances throughout this section. Their office is located opposite the Norwich Savings Society, and has one entrance at No. 15 Shetucket street, and another at No. 161 Main street. It has telephone connection, and com munications can thus be quickly sent from any part of the- city. The office hours are from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., and any information relative to insurance matters will be cheerfully given on application. This firm have placed an immense amount of insurance to the entire satisfaction of all con cerned and are prepared to write fire, life and accident policies in the leading companies at the lowest rates. As an indication of the facilities enjoyed we take pleasure in presenting the following list of companies represented r iEtna, Hartford; Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Springfield, Springfield; American, New York City; American, Bos ton; Merchant's, Newark; Merchant's, Providence;; Traders, Chicago; Grand, Philadelphia; Anglo-Nevada. San Francisco; Royal, Liverpool; London & Lancashire,. Liverpool. MUTUAL COMPANIES. Windham County, Tolland County and Hartford County. 42 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. N. D. Sevin & Son, Druggists and Dispensing Chemists, 118 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is well for any com munity to have such an enterprise as that conducted by Messrs. N. D. Sevin & Son within its borders, for this undertaking has been carried on for about twenty-five years and its management has been such as to fully justify the unbounded confidence reposed in it by the public The firm do a large wholesale drug business, and carry a very extensive and valuable stock, but it is in their capac ity of dispensing chemists that they are the best known and most highly regarded by the general public. No intel ligent person needs to be told how important it is that physicians' prescriptions should be compounded of mate rials of standard strength, in the most careful and accurate manner, and as Messrs. N. D. Sevin & Son have every facility at hand for the proper filling of such orders, and «re in a position to guarantee the quality of the agents -employed, it is but natural that many residents of this sec tion should make it a practice to have all their prescriptions ¦compounded at this well-equipped establishment, especially as all undue delay is avoided and moderate charges are uniformly made. Mr. N. D. Sevin is president of the State Board of Pharmacy and has been identified with his present establishment since 1865, at that time being a member of the firm of Lanman & Sevin. He became sole proprietor in 1879, and ten years later took his son, F. D. Sevin, who is a graduate of the New York College of Pharmacy, into partnership, under the existing firm name. The enterprise is a truly representative one, and all will unite in wishing it the high degree of success in the future it has earned by long and faithful service in the past. The Buckingham, J. N. Weaver, Proprietor, Norwich, "Conn. — It is seldom that a new hotel has met with the immediate success that has attended the popular Bucking ham since it was opened to the public in the fall of 1889. The proprietors — both gentlemen of experience in the busi ness — clearly foresaw that there was a demand in Norwich for a hovise where everything in its appointments would be strictly first-class, and where gentlemen could meet and enjoy a fine cigar, the finest liquors, or partake of a dinner -such as is seldom served outside of Boston, New York, or the larger cities. The present building was taken therefore and ¦entirely remodeled. The first floor, beautifully finished in oak, consists of a fine office about 40x40 feet with marble ¦floor. In front is the gentlemen's reading room and in the rear is one of the handsomest and finest stocked bars in tbe State. From this floor we ascend to the cozy dining room seating about forty. Here the homelike character of the surroundings is at once apparent. Unlike the large, barn- like dining hall of many hotels the guest can enjoy a quiet meal promptly served by attentive waiters and from a bill ¦of fare comprising all the luxuries of the season. In fact it is for the aunine that tlie Buckingham is already noted, as each patron has given it the highest recommendation to bis friends and there is no class who appreciate a finely •cooked, well-served dinner more than the travelling men, among whom the Buckingham is already famous. The two upper floors are devoted to sleeping apartments and ¦consist of a number of well-ventilated rooms handsomely furnished with Brussels carpet and brass bedsteads with woven wire mattresses. Taken as a whole the popularity ¦of this house is easily explained. George R. Hannis, manufacturer of and wholesale and Tetail dealer in Cigars, Pipes, Snuffs, Tobaccos and ¦Smokers' Articles, 18 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— Per haps some of our readers may have heard the story of the man who sent an anti-tobacco publication to Mark Twain and asked him to abandon the use of the " vile weed " so that his example would not encourage others to smoke. Mark's reply was in effect as follows: "All of us have ¦some bad habits. Some poke tbeir nose into other people's business and some use tobacco. I smoke." There is a good deal of sound philosophy in that view of the matter and we commend it to the attention of those who let one idea dominate their minds to the exclusion of everything else. Tobacco using is often spoken of as an expensive habit, but in no other way can so much genuine enjoyment be had at so small a cost. Call at the establishment con ducted by Mr. Geo. R. Hannis at No. 18 Main street, and you will find he is prepared to furnish you with really excellent cigars at a very low figure. Mr. Hannis is a manufacturer and jobber of cigars and can therefore sell them at the lowest market rates, and at the same time guarantee that their quality shall prove as represented. He is also an extensive dealer in pipes, snuffs, tobaccos and smokers' articles in general, and offers so large and complete a stock that all ta3tes and all purses can be suited. He is a native of Springfield, Mass., a member of the Knights of Pythias, and established his present business in 1885. Abraham Plaut, importer and dealer in Diamonds, Gold and Silver Watches, Optical Goods and Cutlery, Musical Merchandise, Strings, and Sheet Music, Pocket Books, Bags and Fancy Leather Goods, 200 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— One of the oldest-established and most highly regarded enterprises of the kind in this section of the State is that carried on by Mr. A. Plaut at No. 200 Main street, Perkins Block. This was inaugurated about a quarter of a century ago and has gained great popularity by reason of the energetic and straightforward business methods which have ever characterized its management. Mr. Plaut is a native of Germany, and has a large circle of friends in this city. His store is 65 X 20 feet in dimensions, and contains a fine and varied stock, comprising jewelry, watches and precious stones; music and musical merchandise and many other goods too numerous to mention, both a wholesale and retail business being done, and employment being given to two efficient assistants. Mr. Plaut is in a posi tion to quote the very lowest prices on the various goods he handles, and careful buyers would do well to give him a call before purchasing as they will probably save money by so doing. An extensive brokerage business is done, liberal advances being made on personal property of every description and all business being transacted promptly, politely and satisfactorily to every patron who appreciates courtesy and fair dealing. P. A. Wells & Co., the great New England Combination Clothiers. 84 Main Street, Norwich, Conn — The import ance of an announcement depends so largely upon the standing of the individual or the concern making it, that the simple statement that a certain house in this city assert that they are prepared to sell clothing cheaper than any other concern in Connecticut, bears but little weight until it is added that the name of this firm is F. A. Wells & Co. ; and as this house has been in business here for a full score of years and has established a most enviable reputation for enterprise and fair dealing, any announcement that it may make is entitled to and will receive the respectful consid eration of the purchasing public. Mr. F. A. Wells is a native of Waterbury, Vt., and has had a wide and varied experience in his present line of business, having carried it on for some five years before coming to Norwich The premises utilized by him comprise two floors of the dimen sions of 75 X 45 feet, and the stock on hand is exceptional insomuch as it includes not only a heavy and skillfully chosen assortment of ready made clothing, but also one of the most complete and desirable collections of harness trunks, bags, carriages, etc., to be found in the State! Clothing suitable for all ages, all uses and all conditions of wear may be obtained at this popular store and in every instance at positively bottom prices. Employment is given to three efficient assistants and all callers are assured im mediate and polite attention. The prices quoted in the trunk and bag department are also as low as tbe lowest and the purchaser has the satisfaction of knowine that every article will prove strictly as represented LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 43 «? i vG?u ' ^h,?Jfs?le dealel' in Woolen Rags, Paper Stock, Rubber and Old Metals, 118 Franklin Street Nor wich, Conn— Rags, paper stock, old metals and such unconsidered trifles," may seem of but little importance to the casual observer, but tbe collection and sale of them forms one of the most useful of all blanches of industry •and exercises a very powerful influence on tbe price of sta tionery and other paper we use, the machinery we buy -and the books and periodicals we read. The enterprise conducted by Mr. P. G. Gordon, at No. 118 Franklin •¦street, is one of the longest established of the kind in Eastern Connecticut, it having been inaugurated very ¦many years ago. It was for some time carried on by Mr D. M. Dickinson, who was succeeded in 1884 by Messrs Gordon & Stowe, the present proprietor assuming sole possession in August, 1888. Mr. Gordon utilizes two floors of the dimensions of 130 X 60 feet each, and carries ¦an immense stock, comprising woolen rags, paper stock rubber and old metals of all kinds. Employment is afforded to some eighteen assistants, and no house in the State in a similar line of business has a higher reputation for filling the very largest wholesale orders promptly accurately, and in short— satisfactorily. Pequot Brass Foundry Co., all kinds of Brass and Com- -position Castings, Pure Babbitt and Stevenson Metals con stantly on hand. Office with Robert Brown, Pequot Building, Central Wharf, Norwich, Conn.— The demand for brass and composition castings is continually on the increase, and a well-equipped brass foundry is so useful an ¦establishment to have in any manufacturing community that the enterprise conducted by the Pequot Brass Foundry Company is deserving of every encouragement as this is undoubtedly one of the best managed undertakings of the kind in Norwich and vicinity. It was founded in 1881 by Mr. Robert Brown and is carried on by a company consti tuted of Messrs. R. Brown, F. E. Green and F. E. Brown. The first named gentleman is a native of South Kingston, R. I., the second of Worcester, Mass., and the third of this city. The business manager of the company is Mr. F. E. Green, and the office is at the store of Mr. Robert Brown, Pequot Building, Central Wharf. The foundry •occupies premises fifty feet square, and is supplied with the most improved facilities for the making of brass and ¦composition castings at the shortest possible notice and in the most accurate manner. Pure Babbitt and Stevenson metals are kept constantly on hand and will be furnished in any desired quantity at the very lowest market rates, while order work and general jobbing will be done at uniformly moderate prices. S. P. Keppler, Practical Tailor, Clothing Cut, Made and Trimmed in the Latest Styles. A fine assortment of Cas- -simeres, etc., on hand. Chambers 99 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Mr. S. P. Keppler does not charge the fancy prices •which those who are fond of calling themselves "artist tailors," are so apt to quote, but his work is strictly first- •class just the same, as will be agreed by any of our readers who are familiar with it. Although not calling himself an " artist tailor," Mr. Keppler does claim to be a "practical " tailor, and to cut, make and trim clothing in the very latest styles — a claim which we have no hesitation in saying is fully warranted by tbe facts in every respect. He is a native of Germany, and has carried on his present •undertaking for more than a score of years, having founded it in 1869. The premises made use of are of the •dimensions of 50 X 35 feet, and contain every facility for the prompt and accurate filling of orders, as well as an •extensive and skillfully selected assortment of cassimeres and other fabrics of foreign and domestic manufacture. Mr. Keppler will make a suit or a single garment in a supe rior manner and at a very reasonable price, guaranteeing ¦satisfaction as to fit, durability, etc. Particular attention is paid to tbe renovation of faded, misshapen or otherwise injured garments, these being cleansed, dyed and pressed so as to look practically as good as new, at charges within the means of all. Laighton Brothers, Photographers, Shetucket Street, Norwich, Conn. — Those who look upon photography as a purely mechanical business (as some affect to do) must be puzzled to account for the vast difference noticeable in photographs made by those having equally good apparatus and having equal experience in its use, for although me chanical expertness will explain this difference to a certain extent, still after this has been given due consideration there remains a palpable discrepancy in the results attained by the two photographers which can only be satisfactorily accounted for in one way — one operator is an artist, the other is not. Compare the portraits made by Messrs. Laighton Brothers with those ¦ produced at certain other well equipped photograph galleries and an illustration will be given of what we mean. These other photographers may reproduce the features with mechanical exactness, they may make a highly finished piece of work in every respect— but that is just the trouble ; it is nothing but " a piece of work" and not a portrait. Of course we do not mean to assert that Laighton Brothers are the only artistic photographers in town, but we do assert that they have very few equals and no superiors, while their prices are remarkably low considering the quality of the. work. We speak of "Laighton Brothers" for it is by this firm name that the enterprise to which we have reference is known to the public, but Mr. William S. Laighton is now sole pro prietor, Mr. John Laighton having recently died. The present owner is a native of Farmington, N. H., and has been identified with the business since 1874. He employs two competent assistants and spares no pains to maintain the enviable reputation so long associated with the enter prise. Premises measuring 110 X 30 feet are occupied, conveniently located on Shetucket street, and photography in all its branches is carried on, orders being filled at short notice. B. Shoninger &. Co., Pianos and Organs, 101 Main St., Norwich. — Of all unsatisfactory investments that can be made, putting money into an inferior piano or organ is about the worst, for not only is such an instrument neither useful nor ornamental after a year or so, but the purchaser can not help thinking every time he sees it that had he only expended a few dollars more he could have secured something entirely and permanently satisfactory. We by no means approve of the policy adopted by some manu facturers of quoting fancy prices on their products, but still if one had to choose between paying $100 too much for a really first-class instrument, and paying $150 as the entire cost of one of the showy but worthless instruments far too common in the market, the former course would be decidedly the wiser one to take. Happily there is no need of taking either alternative, for the firm pf B. Shon inger & Co., are prepared to supply strictly first class pianos and organs at prices as low as can be named on instruments of thoroughly dependable quality. At their spacious warerooms, No. 101 Main street, this concern show a full line ofthe productions of the famous B. Shon inger Piano and Organ Company, also the world-renowned Weber pianos, for which they are agents, and we can assure our readers that for quality of tone, combining sweetness and brilliancy, ease of action, susceptible to the most delicate touch, elegance of design, excellence of construction, fineness of finish, durability, and in fact all the qualities that go to make up a desirable instrument, these pianos and organs have no superior in this or any other country. The company operate an immense factory in New Haven, and have carried on business for forty years, during which they have attained a most enviable reputation for keeping faith with the public, and giving more genuine value for money received than any other piano and organ manufacturers in the country. Visitors are always welcome at the Norwich agency, and every opportunity will be given to try the instruments so as to enable deliberate, intelligent and satisfactory choice to be made, while every one sold is fully guaranteed for a term of six years. 44 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. I ¦/ -ki- J-,->- . ^L-Jd C. E. Brady, Hack, Livery, Boarding and Sale Stable, 2 and 4 East Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— Norwich is famous for its long-established business enterprises, but comparatively few of these can look back on so extended a career of usefulness as can that conducted by Mr. C. E. Brady on East Main street, near Bridge, for this is one of the oldest undertakings of the kind in this section of the State, having been founded very nearly a century ago. The present proprietor is a native of Canada, and has been in possession since 1880. He is very prominently iden tified with the stable business, owning an extensive estab lishment at Eastern Point in addition to the one already mentioned. Mr. Brady is proprietor of twenty-five horses, fifteen of which are kept at the East Main street stable, where there are also twenty to thirty carriages adapted to livery and backing purposes, embracing landaus, English victorias, coupes, landaulettes, coupe rockaways, wagon ettes carrying nine people, and every style of light carriage to be had. The cut above illustrates a pair of thorough breds, one of Mr. Brady's favorite teams. A very extensive hack, livery, boarding and sale business is done, and every thing in and about the premises is kept in first-class condition, employment being given to four experienced assistants. Hacks will be furnished for parties, weddings, funerals and other occasions at very short notice, and at prices that are sure to prove satisfactory. The stable has telephone connection and orders sent thus or by mail are assured as prompt and painstaking attention as if given iu person. Mr. Brady has some fine single and double teams for livery purposes, and those who want to go out on tbe road and " look as well as their neighbors," will find his turnouts just suited to their taste, as they will compare favorably with the large majority of private equipages. Mrs. E. Oantle, Millinery and Fancy Goods, 23 Broad way, Norwich. — We are often told that the highest suc cess in any given line of business is only possible to those who understand it thoroughly in every detail, and a very prominent illustration of this fact is that afforded by the leading position held by Mrs. E. Cantle, among the fash ionable milliners of this State, for although this lady has been located in Norwich only about five years, she now conducts what is conceded to be the representative estab lishment of the kind in the city, the premises measuring 18x90 feet and being fitted-up in the most tasteful and elaborate manner, while the stock on hand will compare favorably with that carried at many pretentious metropolitan stores. Mrs. Cantle was born in England, and had become an expert milliner when shift- arrived in this country in 187a, ana opened a store near Rhinebeck, on the Hudson river, removing to Norwich at the date before given. Her busi ness is steadily developing from year to year, and it is a noteworthy tact that her patronage is as select as it is- extensive. A heavy stock of the very- latest fashionable novelties in milli nery goods is constantly carried, ands silks, laces, flowers, velvets and trim mings in general are largely dealt in, as are also fancy and hair goods. Mrs. Cantle is agent for Buttenck's Pat terns, and always has a full assort ment in stock, the latest numbers- being promptly received, and the- prices being identical with those- quoted at the home office in New York. Custom millinery work is a* very prominent feature of the busi ness, and the popularity of this- department is so great that a large force of skilled assistants are require* during the busy season to attend to the many orders. received. G. F. PRENTIS, ^•D ENTIS T-te 91 Main Street. Over Hislop, Porteous & Mitchell, Norwich. W. H. Oardwell, Wholesale and Retail Groceries, Flour and Grain, 3 to 9 Market Street, Norwich, Conn. (See cut of building on opposite page.) — Were we asked to- name half a dozen of the most prominent grocery houses in this section of the State, one of the first enterprises we would mention would be that conducted by Mr. W. H. Cardwell, for this was inaugurated fully thirty years ago- and has long been looked upon as a representative under taking of its kind, both as regards the methods employed in its management and its exceptional popularity through out the community.' The proprietor is a native of Mont ville, Conn., and has been identified with his present busi ness since 1859, originally as a member of the firm of CardL well & Tracy, later as Cardwell & Wait, and since 1883 as sole owner. He certainly needs no introduction to our Nor wich readers, and his enterprising business methods have made him known by reputation at least, throughout this- vicinity. The premises utilized are located at Nos. 3 to 9 Market street, and are so spacious as to admit of the carry ing of an immense stock, composed of fancy and staple- groceries in almost endless variety. This stock is a* exceptional in quality as it is in magnitude, and it is gen erally conceded among consumers that goods obtained at this establishment are sure to prove entirely satisfactory. Mr. Cardwell does both a wholesale and retail business and is prepared to fill the most extensive orders without delay and at positively the lowest market rates. He employs four experienced and efficient assistants and every facility is at hand to ensure the prompt handling of goods. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 45 ¦smmmm :U Iiii',', 'llll'li' who was born in this city and is very generally and favorably known here. The institution is rapidly gaining in popularity and influence, and already ranks with the leading business colleges of New England. There were 169 scholars the last school year and there will be more than 200 during the year ensuing. The course comprises instruction in single and double entry book-keep ing, business mathematics, plain and ornamental penmanship, stenography, verbatim court report ing, business correspondence, political economy, commercial geography, languages, etc. The col lege is conveniently and pleasantly located at No. 99 Main street, eight spacious apartments being utilized. The terms of tuition are reasonable and the corps of instructors is adequate and competent. TERMS, AS FOLLOWS: I3A.-X- SESSION'. EEDULAK COMMERCIAL COURSE, COMPLETE, $SO.OO Eighty Dollars $80.00 This includes all text-books and stationery, and embraces every study necessary for a thorough knowledge of business. Time unlimited. STENOGRAPHIC AND TYPE-WEITINS OOUESE, From correspondence to verbatim reporting, $35.00 Thirty-five Dollars $35.00 PENMANSHIP-BUSINESS AND OENAMENTAL, In its entirety, $25.00 Twenty-Five Dollars $25.00 Snell Business College, Nob. 99 to 105 Main St., Norwich. FRONTING MAIN AND MARKET STREETS. This is a handsome building, made of Philadelphia pressed brick, with white granite casings, situated in the very heart of the city, commanding a perfect view of the harbor and the city's principal thoroughfare. There is no dearth of "commercial colleges" in this country, but there are comparatively few institutions at which a really valuable and practical training in business principles and practices is to be obtained The consequence is that in certain quarters a prejudice has grown up against commercial schools, they being condemned as pretentious and inefficient. This merely furnishes another illustration of the fact that an entire class is apt to be judged by the acts of individual members of it, and while such judgment may be entirely natural, it is none the less liable to result- in injustice being done to certain persons or certain insti tutions Take, for instance, the Snell Business College of Norwich Ct., we believe that the more fully its workings are investigated the more clearly their common sense and -practical results will be made manifest. Confined, as the present notice must be. to narrow limits, it is quite impos sible to give an understandable summary even of the plan pursued here, but suffice it to say it is correct in principle, Tbroad in scope and faithfully carried out in every detail A personal visit will convey more solid information than could be given in pages of print, and Messrs Snell and Burchard, the proprietors of the college, extend a cordial invitation to all interested to call and see for themse ves. This enterprise was inaugurated in 1885 by Mr. Daniel W. Snell, who is a native of New Hampshire and had formerly carried on similar colleges in Worcester, Mass and 1 renton, N. J. In 1887 he became associated with Mr. liurcnara, B "V E IN 1 1ST Or SESSION. EESULAE COUESE-TIME, SIX MONTHS, $30.00 Thirty Dollars $30.00 STESOQBAFHIO AND T7FE-WEITINU OOUESE, Complete, for $30.00 Thirty Dollars $30.00 PENMANSHIP— BUSINESS AND OENAMENTAL, Fifteen Dollars $15.00 Note —Remember, these prices are for both tuition and stationery, and time unlimited. Catalogue Mailed Free. $15.00 Seniok Practical Department. 46 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. George A. Smith, dealer iu Fine China, Glassware and Crockery, headquarters for Royal Worcester and French China for Decorating, 17 Main Street, Carroll Block, Nor wich. — The store recently opened by Mr. George A. Smith at No. 17 Main street, Carroll Block, is one of the most attractive to visit in the city, for an exceptionally handsome and complete stock of fine china, glassware, and crockery is there open to inspection, and those in search of the latest and most artistic novelties may save time and trouble by coming to this well-appointed establishment in the first place. Mr. Smith makes a specialty of Royal Worcester and French china for decorating, and is determined to maintain the reputation already won of making his store the headquarters for such goods. Within our necessarily narrow limits it is quite impossible to give an adequate idea of a stock so large and varied as his, and even could we spare space to catalogue it, the result would be of but comparatively slight utility to our readers, for the assort ment is constantly changing, although of course certain standard styles in white and colored goods are always kept on hand. Mr. Smith enjoys very favorable relations with manufacturers and is in a position to quote tbe very lowest market rates on all the articles in which he deals, whether they be of foreign or domestic origin. His stock is by no means confined to the higher-priced goods, but on the con trary includes practically all grades of china, glass ware and crockery, so that all tastes and all purses can be easily and entirely suited. J. F. Conant, manufacturer and dealer in Cigars, Tobacco, Snuffs and Pipes, and Smokers' Articles, 235 Main Street, Norwich. — There is but one sure way of dis tinguishing a good cigar and that is to smoke it, for in spite of the claims of self-styled " experts," we question if there be a man living who can infallibly judge by any other means. Examination will tell whether a cigar is well made or not, and whether it is well seasoned or not; but beyond this it avails but little, and therefore the smoker has one surety that he will not be imposed upon, and that is tbe reputation of the dealer from whom he buys. Mr. J. F. Conant has long had the name of selling thoroughly satisfactory cigars at moderate prices, and this name is so well deserved that we feel that we can do our readers no greater service than to call their attention to this gentle man's establishment at No. 235 Main street, for here may be found a remarkably complete assortment of cigars, pipes, tobaccos, and smokers' articles of all kinds, and the prices are as satisfactory as are the goods themselves. The store is 45x20 feet in dimensions and contains, among other things, as fine an assortment of genuine meerschaum goods, as this city can show. Mr. Conant has carried on this business since 1879, at that time succeeding Mr. Frank B. Conant who had started it in 1876. The present owner is a native of Massachusetts and is connected with the Odd Fellows. He makes a specialty of the " Louise " cigar, which is a celebrated and popular brand, of remarkably uniform quality. Employment is given to two assistants and callers are assured prompt and polite attention. I. W. Carpenter, Agent for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, Mass. No. 3 Richard's Building, Norwich.— Public sentiment concern ing life insurance has reached a point where it is no longer a question of "Shall I insure or not?" but rather "In what company shall I take out a policy ? " This is a decided change from the time when life insurance was regarded as immoral— a tempting of Providence and all that— but it is in line with tbe growing liberality noticeable on all sides and shows that broader views of existence are held throughout the community. Doubtless tbe Massa chusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company has done much towards attracting attention to the advantages of life insurance, for this company has carried on operations for nearly forty years and has disbursed millions of dollars in the payment of death claims and dividends. The guiding policy of the company is indicated by the following sen tence from the last annual statement—" What the insuring public want is absolute security and after that end is attained, to receive what dividends can be reasonably paid them." Certainly no more conservative a position as to- the functions of a life insurance company could be held, and it is not to be wondered at that an investment in the- Massachusetts Mutual is considered by able business men to be "as good as gold." The company has had an agency in this city for about six years, Mr. I. W. Carpenter having- been resident agent from the beginning. A better choice could not have been made, for Mr. Carpenter is universally- known throughout this section and has been very success ful in extending the company's business in this vicinity. He was born in Norwich and has held various public; offices, among them that of Mayor of the city. Mr. Car penter's office is at No. 3 Richard's building, 91 Main, street, where be will be happy to give all information desired on application. We give below the financial standing of the company at the last accounting: eeceipts in 1889. Premiums $1,913,230.8& Interest and Rents, 505,125.90 Profit and Loss, 39,495.05- Total Eeceipts, $2,457,851.83. DISBURSEMENTS. Death Claims (less $25,495 Ee-Insurance), .. $585,402.00 Matured Endowments, 102,589.00 Surplus returned to policy holders in Divi dends,. _ 225,777.57 Surrendered and Canceled Policies, .-... 178,240.72 Total payments to Policy Holders, $1,092,009.29" Commissioos, Salaries, and other expenses, 473,858.92^ Taxes and Licenses paid Massachusetts and other Insurance Departments, $30,422.94 Taxes on Eeal Estate, 5,246.25 35,fi69.19> Expenses on Eeal Estate, 20.793.83- Re-Insurance, 45,683.63. Total Disbursements, $1,668,014.86- ASSETS. First Mortgage Loans on Eeal Estate, $3,576,257.43 Loans secured by Collaterals, 701,200.00 Loans on Company's Policies in force, 319,082.00 Massachusetts Armory Loan Bonds, 110,000.00 City, County, Township and other Bonds,., 843,152.60 Gas and Water Bonds, 502,850.00 National Bank Stocks 83,850.00 Eailroad Bonds,. 1,794,116.16' Eailroad and other Stocks, 795,516 00 Eeal Estate, 459,218.08 Premium Notes on Policies in force, 547,027.02 Cash on hand and in Bank 201,917.27 Premiums in course of collection (less cost of collection) • 122,485.44 Deferred Premiums (less cost of collection), 207,065.74 Interest and Rents accrued, 152,079.90 Total Assets, $10,415,817.6* LIABILITIES. Reserve by Massachusetts Standard, $9,502,188.00 Claims for Death Losses and Matured En- _ dowmeuts in process of adjustment, 23,828.85 Unpaid Dividends, 30,358 80 Premiums paid in advance, _ 2J099.98 Total Liabilities, $9,558,475.63-. Surplus by the Massachusetts Standard, $857,342.01 Number of Policies issued in 1889, 4,443, insuring,.... $15,032,200 00- Number of Policies in force December 31, 1889, 20,626, insuring (including Eeversionary additions), . 56,320,503.00> Springfield, Mass., Jan. 15, 1890. The undersigned have carefully examined the cash, securities and balances of The Massachusetts Mutual Life- insurance Company, and find the same to agree with the- above statement. H. S. Hyde, ) John R. Redfield, [ Auditors. E. D. Metcalf, ) M. V. B. Edgerly, President. John A. Hall, Secretary. Henry S. Lee, Vice-President. Oscar B. Ireland, Actuary. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 47" The Ponemah Cotton Mills, Taftville, Norwich.— We frequently hear ofthe phenomenally rapid growth of west ern communities and the slow and painful development of eastern towns and cities, and the comparison is made inva riably to the disadvantage of the residents of the latter sec tion, but leaving out of the question the significant fact that in most cases western development is due in a great measure to eastern capital, we can show instances of rapid growth here in the east, which are all the more noteworthy from the fact that the results attained are as permanent as they are phenomenal. Our Norwich readers will not have to go away from home to find a prominent case in point for in the village of Taftville, about three miles from the centre of the city, is located what is to all appearance a small city, containing many handsome buildings and giv ing every evidence of healthful development and solid prosperity. Yet, a score of years ago, there was hardly a house to be seen here, and that such is not the case to day is due to the far-sighted enterprise of those who originated and put into practical operation the vast undertaking car ried on by the Ponemah Cotton Mills. These mills form the second largest cotton factory in the Union and prob ably in the world, and represent the expenditure of hun dreds of thousands of dollars for buildings alone, to say nothing of tbe enormously costly plant of machinery con nected with them. They are located on tbe Shetucket River, and the building of the dam was commenced in 1866, the machinery first being put in operation in 1871. The mill is of such immense size that figures give but au inadequate idea of its proportions, but some conception of their magnitude may be gained from tbe fact that the total length is nearly one-third of a mile. Various stores, store houses and buildings of varied utility are used in more or less remote connection with the enterprise, and the com pany own some 170 tenement houses which are leased to some of the 1500 operatives. The corporation has a capital of two millions, and manufactures a choice quality of cotton goods which are known and appreciated throughout the United States. Carrying on operations on so immense a scale and having the most improved facilities of all kinds, it goes without saying that the greatest possible economy is attained in production, thus putting the company in a position to quote positively the lowest market rates, while the processes of manufacture are so thoroughly systema tized and so carefully supervised as to result in a product not often equalled as regards uniform excellence. Nearly half a million dollars is paid in wages every year and 120,- 000 spindles are operated; there being some 6,500 bales of cotton consumed and no less than 20,000,000 yards or nearly 11,400 miles of goods turned out annually. J. F. Cosgrove & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, Fine Goods a Specialty, Orders by Mail or Express promptly filled, 206 Main Street, Nor wich Conn.— Although there are many purchasers of boots and shoes who pride themselves on their expertness in judging the quality of such goods from a merely super ficial examination, there are also many who recognize the fact that but little real dependence can be placed upon the results of such examination; the real insurance held by the retail buyer against deception being that afforded by the character of the concern with whom he deals. Ihe old proverb assures us that "A good name is better than great riches," and a business firm is very apt to realize that in the long run a good name is essential to the building up ot a permanent trade of any magnitude. The popularity of the establishment conducted by Messrs. J. F. Cosgrove & Co. is of course due to some extent to the enterprise the firm show in offering tbe very latest fashionable novelties, etc., but it is principally owing to the fact that the com munity know that whatever representations are made here may be implicitly relied upon. This business was founded in 1877 by Mr. J. F. Cosgrove, who became associated with Mr D W Cosgrove under the present firm name mi»/y. Both partners give close attention to the business, and are too generally known in this vicinity to call for extended mention. The store is located at No. 206 Main street, and is 75X25 feet in dimensions, being finely fitted up through out. Both a wholesale and retail business is done in boots, shoes and rubbers, a specialty being made of fine goods. Orders by mail or express will be promptly filled, and the employment of three competent assistants ensures immedi ate attention to every caller. A very heavy and varied stock is carried, embracing foot-wear of every description, and both the prices and the goods are such as to give entire satisfaction to the most critical purchasers. The Norwich Savings Society, Norwich. — If there be a local corporation in which the residents of Norwich have especial reason to take pride, it is certainly the Norwich Savings Society for since the formation of this company in May, 1824, it has made a record which distinguishes it among even New England institutions of like character, — and New England stands second to no portion of the world as regards the scope and efficiency of her savings banks. Such institutions, however well managed, are helpless- without the aid and co operation of the people, and no small part of the pride which a citizen takes in the Nor wich Savings Society is due to his appreciating the fact that its success is proof positive that a large proportion of his fellow citizens have the disposition and the ability to put aside a portion of their earnings, and the discrimina tion to confide their savings to a bank conservatively, yet progressively managed. Few enterprises are altogether beneficent in their workings, but it seems to us as if well- managed savings banks should be numbered among these few, for to our mind their influence is distinctly and entirely beneficial. They inculcate economy, put the advantages of prudence into practical form, divert money from unprofitable to profitable channels and to a great extent counteract the American tendency towards extrav agance. A man who has a few hundreds of his own earning deposited in a savings bank must be a better citi zen than he otherwise would be, for he feels more secure regarding the future, has a clearer conception of the rights of property, and to some degree at least understands the- fundamental principles of finance. Therefore without attempting to deny that the Norwich Savings Society was- organized on a business basis and not solely for the public: good, it may still be consistently asserted that few distinc tively charitable enterprises have proved of equal benefit to- the community. Many leading merchants and manufact urers are members of the society, and their names and standing, taken in connection with the past record of the bank, afford positive assurance that the institution will continue to be ably and conservatively managed. There- is now held on deposit about nine millions of dollars, and that the disposal of this vast sum of money is in compe tent hands a perusal of the following list will show : officers. Trustees: Franklin Nichols, John T. Wait, Amos W„ Prentice, James A. Hovey, Jeremiah Halsey, Lucius W_ Carroll, Charles Bard, William G. Johnson, Elijah C. Kin ney, Levi W. Meech, John A. Morgan, Lewis A. Hyde, Samuel B. Case, Moses H. Sisson, John Brewster, John Mitchell, Henry Larabee, George R. Hyde, Stephen B. Meech, Lucius Brown, Charles Larabee, Costello Lippitt, Charles C. Johnson, Bela P. Learned, Asa Backus, Sidney Turner, Adams P. Carroll, John D. Brewster, Albert G. Mitchell, Norman Day, Calvin L. Harwood, Charles H. Kenyon, Luther S. Eaton, Oliver L. Johnson, Jr., Arthur H. Brewer, John M. Johnson, Willis A. Briscoe, Alfred A. Young, Jr., Lucius Briggs, Chas. L. Hubbard. President, Franklin Nichols. Vice-presidents: Lucius W. Carroll, Amos W. Prentice, John A. Morgan, John Brewster, Directors: John Mitchell, Henry Larabee, Lucius Brown, Bela P. Learned, George R. Hyde, Asa Backus, Sidney Turner, Charles Bard, Calvin L. Harwood. Secretary and Treasurer, Cestello Lippitt. Attorney, Jeremiah Halsey. -48 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Norwich Bleaching Dyeing and Printing Company, Norwich, Conn. — So vast an enterprise as that conducted by the Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing and Printing Company, \i not to be adequately described within the limited space sit our command, for even a single department of the com pany's business would require several columns of print to put its operations clearly before our readers ; so that all we shall endeavor to do is to convey some idea of the mag nitude of the undertaking and the important influence it -exerts upon the prosperity of this section. At the outset, it may be stated that the company carry on one of the largest establishments of the kind in America, and some idea of the immensity and costliness of the plant in use may be gained from the fact that the capital employed amounts to half a million of dollars. The enterprise had its inception in 1842, being started by the Norwich Bleach ing and Calendering Company ; the existing style being adopted in 1883. Mr. H. H Osgood is president of the ¦company, Mr. Charles Bard being vice-president, and Mr. -J. Hunt Smith, secretary and treasurer, these gentlemen being associated on the board of directors with Messrs. H. B. Norton, A. H. Young and Lucius Briggs. It will be seen that the company's interests are in the hands of rep resentative business men, and indeed the entire enterprise is representative to an exceptional degree. The premises utilized cover several acres and include twelve large build ings which are equipped throughout with the most effi- ¦cient and improved machinery, while employment is given to more than 400 operatives ; the annual production- of cotton goods amounting to over 60,000,000 yards— (the last -six months 33,347,994 yards were finished) — or more than -enough to encircle the earth at the equator ! Such enor mous productive facilities carry with them the ability to meet all honorable competition, and it is very generally known that the Norwich Bleaching, Dyeing and Printing -Company are always prepared to quote the lowest market rates and to fill the heaviest orders at comparatively short notice._ They produce a great variety of original and attractive styles and their goods are shipped to all sections ¦of the Union, being popular alike with dealers and con- .-sumers. O. D. Browning & Co., Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Paper Hangings and Boots and Shoes, 253 Central Avenue, and Groceries, Provisions and Drugs at 35 Sixth Street, Norwich, Conn. Branch Stores at Hallville (Preston) and Elanders (East Lyme).— The firm of C. D. Browning & -Co., doing business at No. 253 Central avenue and No. 35 Sixth street, rank with the most popular dealers in dry igoods, carpets, clothing, groceries, provisions, boots, shoes, *tc, etc., in this vicinity, and this popularity is directly •due to the thoroughness with which the firm carry out -every detail of their business. The Norwich double store is one of three established under their management, one being carried on at Hallville and another at Bast Lyme. The undertaking in question was established over fifty years ago by S. and A. S. Prentice, who were succeeded in 1849 by Mr. C. D. Browning. In 1869 Mr. T. A. Perkins -was admitted to the firm since which date business has been conducted under the style of C. D. Browning & Co. These gentlemen are both well known throughout the ¦community as reliable and enterprising business men Mr Browning is a native of North Stonington, and Mr. Perkins of East Lyme. Owing to the extensive business transacted two adjoining stores are occupied— the larger at 253 Central avenue is 60x40 feet in size and contains a large stock of dry and fancy goods, clothing, carpets, boots and shoes and paper hangings. The store at 35 bixth street adjoining, is well stocked with groceries, pro visions drugs, etc , etc. Orders by mail or telephone promptly delivered to any part of the city. Employment is given to several efficient assistants and patrons are sure of receiving immediate, polite and painstaking attention at all times Messrs. C. D. Browning & Co.'s facilities are ot the best, and as before intimated, they not onjy furnish Urst class goods but quote the very lowest market prices in ¦every department. v Norwich Belt Mfg. Company, Tanners and manufact urers of Oak Lealher Belting, Tanned and Raw Hide Lace Leather, Rubber aud Cotton Belting, Leather and Mill Supplies, 35 Water Street, Norwich; Branch, 33 North Canal Street, Chicago. — No experienced manufacturer needs to be told of the advantages of using first-class belt ing for he has had ample opportunity to learn from prac tical experience that "the best is the cheapest," in more ways than one. Appearances are as deceitful in belting as in many other things and the only sure way to obtain goods that will give entire satisfaction is to deal with a house that has the facilities, the determination and the ability to produce belting equal to any in the market. Such a house is the Norwich Belt Manufacturing Company, and as this business was established as early as 1845 it is not at all surprising that the enterprise should be univer sally known throughout this section of the country. The present proprietors assumed control in 1873 and have mate rially added to the high reputation the undertaking pre viously enjoyed. Mr. H. H. Gallup and Mr. Frank Ulmer are too generally known to render extended personal mention necessary, and that their methods are appreciated is evidenced by the fact of the annual sales exceeding $300,000 in amount. The manufacture of oak leather belting is very extensively carried on, a spacious and well- equipped tannery being maintained at Greenville, and a very large warehouse being occupied at No. 35 Water street, Norwich. Here five floors, of the dimensions of 110 X 20 feet are utilized, and an immense stock is car ried, comprising leather belting, tanned and raw hide lace leather, rubber and cotton belting, leather and mill sup plies, etc. A. branch establishment is located at No. 33 North Canal street, Chicago, and employment is given to about sixty hands. A specialty is made of dynamo belt ing, but all kinds and all grades can be supplied in quan tities to suit, at bottom rates and without delay. Wauregan Stables, D. 8. iTweedy, Proprietor (E. D. [Clark's old stand), Hack, Liv ery, Boarding and Feeding Stables ; Orders for Carriages lor Hacks, for any train, or at iny hour of the night, by Mail, Telegraph or Telephone, promptly attended to. Con veyances for Picnics, Base jBall Parties, etc. Particular attention paid to Funerals. Nos. 14, 16, 18 and 20 Bath Street, Norwich, Conn.— -The numerous delightful drives in the vicinity of Norwich, and the fondness of the people as a whole for this healthful form of recreation, have resulted in the establishment of many livery stables which range through all grades of good, bad and indifferent. The enjoyment of one who goes upon the road is so directly dependent upon the char acter of the team he has, that it is absurd not to use some discrimination in the placing of the order, and as this book will be widely circulated among those who visit Norwich occasionally but are not thoroughly acquainted with the merits of the various local stables, we take pleasure in aid ing them in such discrimination by calling their attention to an establishment at which the very best turnouts may be obtained at moderate rates— the Wauregan Stables located at Nos. 14, 16, 18 and 20 Bath street. These were opened a quarter of a century ago by Mr. E. Osgood, and came into the possession of the present proprietor Mr D S. Tweedy, in 1883. Mr. Tweedy employs six assistants, and does an extensive and steadily growing business The livery department is probably the most important, "but an extensive hacking business is also done, and boarding and baiting are prominent and popular features. The proprie tor spares no trouble to conduct what may truly be called a Metropolitan establishment, or at least one run on Metro politan principles, for teams may be had at all hours at very short notice, and the prices quoted are uniformly moderate. These stables certainly deserve their popularity •l-V-OHn.tt.t. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 49 C. E. CHANDLER, CIVIL ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR 161 MAIN STREET, NORWICH. Jewett Bros., dealers in Coal, 154 Main and 58 Thames Street, Norwich. — In theory it makes but little difference as to where an order for coal is placed under existing arrangements, but in practice it makes a good deal and many residents of Norwich and vicinity have discovered that the firm of Jewett Brothers are in a position to offer particular inducements to coal consumers, whether their wants be large or small. Messrs. Jewett Brothers handle both Lackawanna and Lehigh coal, and maintain an exten sive yard at No. 58 Thames street, where a very heavy stock is carried at all times. The office is located at No. 154 Main street, and orders left there or at the yard are assured equally prompt and painstaking attention. In the coal business, above almost all others, the facilities for delivery are of prime importance and a great part of the popularity of the concern in question among all classes of consumers is due to their ability to fill orders accurately and within the time promised. But little iuconvenience generally attends delay in the delivery of groceries or other staple commodities, but with coal it is different, and such of our readers as have experienced the consequences of delay in this connection will appreciate a service which is at once prompt and uniformly reliable. L. Ii. Chapman, Hack, Liv ery, Boarding and Feed Stable, ., , -A160 West Main Street, Nor- IMJ«i15WbhI ffl'flSHl'lwich, Conn.— We have no III .'¦-,-,. ¦.J':„,iMV[f'!ii*-'. '¦¦I" Ml f Idonbt but what it would sur- Vprise the large majority of our Sreaders to learn how heavy a S avoid doing so is to buy of such dealers as Messrs. Tomp kins & Murphy, for they have had sufficient experience to- be thoroughly familiar with the leading styles of heating: and cooking stoves and they handle none which they have- reasons to believe will not give satisfaction. This firm i» made up of Messrs. J. F. Tompkins and C. O. Murphy. The former began operations in 1887, and the present firms in 1888. The premises utilized by them are located at No. 26 Sixth street, a large stock of hardware, stoves, tin and wooden ware is constantly carried. The lowest market rates are quoted, and tin roofing, roof painting, plumbing,. and factory work, also all kinds of repairs for stoves, ranges, and furnaces are done in the most workmanlike- manner at very short, notice. Employment is given to- four competent and reliable workmen, and all orders by telephone, or otherwise delivered, will receive prompt and satisfactory attention. Pitcher & Maine, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes, Crockery, etc., 428 % to 434 North Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — There is a certain air about a. popular and well-patronized establishment of any kind that is easily distinguished by a careful observer, and although, it would often be difficult to define just what is meant by an "air of prosperity," still it is impossible to mistake- such an appearance after once becoming familiar with it.. If any of our readers wish an example of what we mean let them visit the establishment now conducted by Messrs. Pitcher & Maine, and they will find one of the most pop ular stores in this section. This establishment was- founded in 1859. Messrs. A. H, and H. A. Pitcher assumed control ; the present firm of Pitcher & M*une was formed in 1888. The premises occupied are 40 X 60 feet in dimensions and are located on North Main street, from Nos. 428J^ to 434, and afford opportunity for the display of one of tbe most varied and desirable assortments of dry goods; groceries, boots, shoes, crockery, etc., in Norwich.. Employment is given to three competent and polite assist ants, and in every department of the store the same scru pulous attention to details is noticeable, the result that. customers are always assured prompt and courteous atten tion, and that the goods offered are both fashionable in style, and low in price, the groceries being fresh and desirable. Messrs. Pitcher & Maine are fully aware that close personal supervision is essential to the maintenance of the admirable system in force in their establishment and may be depended upon in the future as in the past to give their best efforts toward assuring satisfaction to every customer. No misrepresentation is allowed, and prices* are made as low as possible. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 59 American House, A. L. Clark, Proprietor, Norwich, Conn. — The American House may properly be called one of the "institutions" of Norwich, for this hotel has been in existence so many years and has been so excellently managed from the start that it is well and favorably known to all whom business or pleasure call frequently to the city. We say "has been" so excellently managed, but by this we do not mean to convey the idea that such management is a thing of the past, and indeed such a judgment would be absurd on the face of it, for the present proprietor, Mr. A. L. Clark, has been in charge a full quarter of a century, having become identified with the enterprise in 1864. He is a native of Oneida County, New York, and there is probably not a hotel man in Connecticut more widely known and highly esteemed. Without making any lavish professions of friendliness he still endeavors to make every guest feel thoroughly at home, and considering his long experience in catering to all classes of people it is hardly necessary to add that he very seldom fails. The American House is a three-story structure, of the dimensions of 50x60 feet, containing thirty guest rooms and being con veniently and pleasantly located on Shetucket street. It is a thoroughly neat and well kept hotel in every respect, and the most fastidious can find no reasonable fault with either the house or its appointments, the beds and other furnish ings being modern and comfortable in style, while the ser vice is remarkably efficient, being prompt, intelligent and obliging. The cuisine will be found very satisfactory, the table being supplied with an abundance of seasonable food at all times of year. There is a good stable connected with the house, at which single or double teams may be obtained at moderate rates and at very short notice. Charles L. Baldwin, Hack, Livery, Boarding and Sale Stable, dealer in New and Second-Hand Carriages. Tel e p h o n e Connection. 127 Franklin Street, Norwich, Conn.— There is of course a market price for horse-hire as there is for flour, for sugar or for any other standard commodity, and those who think to obtain teams at from one third to one-half off the regular rates only deceive themselves, unless of course they are in a position to make special contracts or unless certain circumstances combine to favor them, but still, there is such a thing as paying fancy prices for livery service, and those who do tQls.£e,; no better accommodations than those furnished by Mr. Charles L. Baldwin, who makes it a point to quote the lowest market rates and to fully meet all honorable compe tition not only as regards prices but as regards the quality of the turnouts supplied as well. Mr. Baldwin was born in New Haven, and began operations in Norwich in IB 71. His stable is'located at No. 127 Franklin street and com prises two floors, measuring 110X40 feet. Employment is siven to two assistants, and there are twelve horses and an equal number of carriages available for livery purposes. An extensive hacking, boarding and sale business is also done, fine appearing carriages and experienced drivers oeing furnished at short notice and special attention being given to boarders and transients. The stable is one of the best ventilated in Connecticut, and with a window for each stall affords ample sunlight and healthy surrounding for the horses. New and secondhand carriages aie dealt into a considerable extent, especially low prices being quoted in this department. Mr. Baldwin gives .personal attention to clipping, and no better work than that done in ?hs stable is tobe had in the city. All orders are assured P" and painstaking aitentioi and telephone connec tion enables them to be sent without trouble from any point in this vicinity. Small's West Side Store, Nathan Small, Proprietor; Boots, Shoes and Rubbers; Dry Goods and Notions; 3- Thames Street, Small's Block, Norwich, Conn.— The stock to be found at the West Side Shoe Store conducted by Mr. Nathan Small, may be called one of the best " all around " stocks to be seen in this section, for it comprises- so great a variety of desirable foot-wear, that men, boys, youths, misses and children, all can find goods within it especially suited to their needs, Mr. Small is well known throughout Norwich, and the fame his new store has- already gained as an honestly conducted and liberally managed store, is the legitimate result of his efforts to- keep full faith with his customers, and make no announce ments not justified by the facts. Mr Small does not allow himself to be undersold by anybody, and therefore those who purchase from him have the satisfaction of knowing that not only are the goods sure to prove as rep resented, but that they have been bought at the very lowest market rates. The premises utilized are located at No. 3 Thames street, Small's Block, and contain in addi tion to the fine assortment of boots, shoes and rubbers- already mentioned, a carefully selected stock of dry goods. and notions of all kinds, the prices of which are guaran teed to suit all. Anyone thinking to purchase any such articles as those dealt in by Mr. Small should give him a call, for his goods are equal to any in the market and ares sold at very reasonable figures. Appley & Prentice, dealers in Choice Family Groceries- and Provisions, No. 88 Central Wharf, Norwich, Conn. — Among the many family grocery and provision stores to be found in Norwich and vicinity, that conducted by Messrs. Appley & Prentice is deserving of prominent and favorable mention, not so much on account of any single exceptional inducement which its proprietors offer to the public, as by reason of the " all round" character of the- advantages extended, or in other words, Messrs Appley & Prentice don't make a "leader" of any one line of goods,. selling them below cost and more than making up on other articles, but they do quote the lowest market rates on all the commodities they handle, and they spare no pains to furnish goods that will give the best of satisfaction. This- firm began operations in April, 1889, succeeding Mr. O. C. Dimmock who had been in charge since 1880. The present partners are Messrs. Chester Appley and G. C. Prentice, both these gentlemen giving careful personal attention to- the filling of orders. The store is located at No. 88 Cen tral Wharf, and measures 45x18 feet, being sufficiently spacious to accommodate a large stock of choice family groceries and provisions. Orders are promptly and accu rately filled and every article is sold under a guarantee that it will prove precisely as represented. Mrs. H. R. Sydleman, dealer in Ladies' Cloaks and Suits 281 East Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The estab lishment conducted by Mrs. H. R. Sydleman at No. 281 East Main street, may be said to be unique of its kind in this vicinity, for there is certainly not a store in this city of precisely similar character. As for the position held by the establishment in question that is very easy to define, — it being generally conceded to have no rival whatever. Mrs Sydleman began operations about a score of year* ago the business being founded in 1869. She has built up> a very extensive and desirable peimanent patronage m addition to ber large transient trade, and considering her experience, facilities and ability, it is hardly necessary to- state that she is prepared to quote the lowest market rates- on the goods she handles. The premises utilized are 40 X 20 feet in dimensions and the salesrooms are ele gantly and tastefully equipped, while the stock on hand is- large varied and eminently desirable, being made up of the very latest novelties in ladies' cloaks, suits, etc., many successful foreign designs being represented Employ ment is afforded to four efficient assistants and orders will be very promptly and carefully filled.every caller being; assured immediate and courteous attention. €0 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Brewster Bros., dealers in Choice Groceries, Provisions, "Teas, Coffees, Spices, etc., 147 Franklin Street, Norwich, Conn. — There is of course more or less resemblance between all family groceries, and yet each of them has ¦certain characteristics of its own which either commend it ¦or condemn it as the case may be. Take for instance tbe establishment conducted by Messrs. Brewster Brothers, at No. 147 Franklin street, and we believe it is not at all diffi cult to account for its popularity, for although other stores may carry equally large stocks, quote equally low prices and be equally prompt and accurate in the delivery of orders, still there are few others which combine all these jjjood points, and fewer still which possess another — that of handling only strictly reliable goods. This enterprise was inaugurated by Messrs. George H. and W. S. Brewster in 1879, under the style of Brewster Brothers, which is still retained, although the recent death of Mr George H. Brewster left his brother sole proprietor. He is a native -of this city, and is thoroughly acquainted with his business, to which he gives close personal attention. The store has an area of 1000 square feet and is heavily stocked with choice staple and fancy groceries, provisions, teas, coffees, spices, etc. Sufficient assistance is employed to ensure prompt and courteous attention to every caller and orders will be filled at the shortest possible notice, the goods being guaranteed to prove just as represented. Chas. D. James, dealer in Fresh and Salt Meats, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Mutton. Veal, Poultry, Smoked Beef, Ham, Bacon, Sausage and Bologna, 22 Market Street, Norwich, Conn. — There are very probably but few among our readers, outside of those engaged in that line of business, who have any adequate idea of the immense amount of meat consumed in this city every week, for although it may readily be imagined that the consumption is consid erable, still the real figures are much larger than one would think possible. One of the best establishments to visit in order to get a good idea of the magnitude and importance of the meat traffic, is that conducted by Mr. Charles D. -James, at No. 22 Market street, for this gentleman is a very prominent dealer in fresh and salt meats, beef, pork, lamb, mutton, veal, poultry, smoked beef, ham, bacon, •sausage and bologna, and does both a wholesale and retail business, principally the latter. He is a native of Griswold and has carried on his present enterprise since 1879. The premises occupied comprise lime floors of the dimensions ¦of 55x40 feet, and an immense and varied stock is carried at all limes. Employment is given to four assistants, and it is worthy of note that equally polite and careful atten tion is given to both large and small purchasers, while the lowest market rates are quoted in every department of the business. John M. Brewer, Pharmacist, Pure Drugs, Franklin Square, Norwich, Conn.— When deciding where to have a prescription filled it is very natural that the preference ¦should be given to an establishment which has been suc cessfully carried on for a score of years or so, for so pro longed a career argues the exercise of intelligent care as well as the possession of all necessary facilities. Mr. John M. Brewer has conducted his pharmacy in Franklin square since 1869, and the nature of the policy followed is indi cated by the steadily increasing popularity of the enterprise. A specialty has been made from the very first of the com pounding of physicians' prescriptions, and no pharmacy in town is better prepared to fill such orders promptly, accu rately and cheaply. Mr. Brewer carries a heavy stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals, and his laboratory is equipped with improved and delicate apparatus, capable -of positively assuring the nicest accuracy when properly used. That it is so used, the long and honorable record of tbe prescription department amply demonstrates, and those who wish to feel assured that the choicest.ingredients and the most intelligent care are employed in the compounding of their prescriptions, can gain such assurance by patron izing this popular pharmacy. Fancy goods, druggists sundries, toilet articles, etc., are well represented in the stock, and the employment of two efficient assistants assures prompt and polite attention to every caller. Mrs. E. Austin, Domestic Bakery, 86 Franklin Street, Norwich. — Economy is a virtue beyond a doubt, but like charity, it " covers a multitude of sins," or at least a mul titude of mistakes, for some people never seem to be able to practice true economy although they deny and stint themselves in a hundred ways. That it is not economical to do yourself what can be more cheaply and belter done by somebody else, would seem to be plain enough for the merest child to understand, and yet there are many housekeepers who bake their own bread, cake and pastry, when they are so circumstanced that it would be much cheaper to buy these articles at a public bakery. The objection .may be raised that home cookery is superior to that practiced at such an establishment, but that does not apply to tbe bakery conducted by Mrs. E. Austin at No. 86 Franklin street, for the cookery here will compare favorably with the best of that done in private families, and should any of our readers doubt this fact let them remember that " the proof of the pudding is the eating," and make practical trial of Mrs. Austin's productions. A full assortment of bread, cake, pastry, etc., is always on hand to choose from, and is constantly fresh and appetiz ing. Brown bread and baked beans Saturday night. Mrs. Austin quotes the lowest market rates, and employs three assistants. M. A. Barber, Machinist, 22 Ferry Street, Norwich.— At first sight it may appear strange that it is more difficult to get a steam engine properly repaired than it is to buy an entirely new one, and of course in the case of slight breakdowns this is not true, but every machinist of expe rience will agree that, generally speaking, it requires a higher degree of skill to repair a machine than to build it. The builder of a machine has only familiar and simple operations to go through with, while the repairer is con stantly having to solve new problems and to devise new combinations to attain the desired result. The high stand ing held by the machine shop carried on by Mr. M. A. Barber, at No. 22 Ferry street, is due in a great measure to the success met with in the repairing of steam engines of all kinds and machinery, for particular attention is given to this class of work. Mr. Barber manufactures machines of various kinds, a specialty being made of cork machinery and laundry machinery, which finds a ready sale all over the country. This "business was founded more than thirty years ago by Mr. J. E. Barber, who was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1877. The shop occupies two floors of the dimensions of 50 X 35 feet, and is equipped throughout with improved machinery. J. A. Stoddard & Son, dealers in Fine Groceries and Provisions, Fruit, Confectionery, Cigars and Tobacco, 100 Franklin Street, Norwich.— An establishment which is a marked and general favorite among families residing in its vicinity, is that carried on by Messrs. J. A. Stoddard & Son, and located at No. 100 Franklin street. This was opened iu 1884, and has steadily increased in popularity until it has attained a leading position among other stores of a similar character in this section. The premises made use of are of the dimensions of 55x20 feet, and contain a varied stock which bears evidence of careful selection in every department. It comprises choice fancy and staple groceries teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, etc., as well as a full line of provisions, fruit and vegetables, and a very desirable assortment of cigars and tobacco. 'This enter prising firm quotes the lowest market rates and make it an invariable rule to give every customer full value for money received. The partners are Messrs. J. A. and J. B Stod dard, both of whom are natives of this State. They spare no pains to keep the service up to the highest standard of efficiency, and employ two assistants. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 6t The Merchants National Bank, 71 Main Street, Nor wich, Conn.— The Merchants Nhtional Bank is one of those institutions which furnish the strongest possible argument in favor of tbe retention of our present banking system, for although this is not perfect by any menus still it is unquestionably far superior to any system that pre ceded it, and no system has as yet been proposed which in its practical workings would enable tbe record made by the Merchants National Bank to be bettered. Not that the management of that institution have made no mistakes whatever, to assert that would be equivalent to asserting that they were more than human, but the point of the matter is that no system can insure infallibility, while given intelligence, experience and public spirit, the present system is capable of yielding most beneficent results. The Merchants Bank was incorporated some fifty-five years ago, being opened as a State bank in 1834. It was re organized under tbe national banking laws in 1865, and is the oldest national bank in Norwich. It has been of incalculable benefit to the various enterprises carried on in this vicinity. The policy of the management has been and is to aid local undertakings worthy of help, whenever possible, and other things being equal, to give the prefer ence to Norwich business houses. As may readily be imagined, such a policy is-bound to be popular if ably car ried out, and the present popularity of the Merchants Bank proves marked ability as well as good intentions on the part of those having it in charge. We give below a list of the officers and directors, and those familiar with the business houses of this section will recognize tbe fol lowing names as those of men prominently identified with such concerns : President, J. Hunt Smith. Cashier, Charles H. Phelps. Directors, Costello Lippitt, Chas. F. Setchel, Calvin L. Harwood, J. Hunt Smith, Geo. F. Bard, John D. Brewster, Lucius Brown, Chas. H. Phelps, E. G. Bidwell. The bank has a capital of $100,000, and is in the very best condition financially, as may be judged from the fact that the surplus amounts to no less than $37,000. R. Peckham, Groceries, Every Variety at Lowest Prices, 118 Water Street, Norwich, Conn.— Comparatively few of us are able to judge of the merits of groceries before using them, and even those who are competent to do so do not care to minutely examine every article submitted to them before accepting it, and therefore it is obvious that, other things being equal, the dealer who is entirely trustworthy and who takes pains to see that his customers get just what they pay for, will build up tbe largest as well as the most desirable patronage. This being the case there is no occasion for surprise at the great magnitude of the business done by Mr. R. Peckham, for the enterprise conducted by this gentleman was founded in 1850, by Messrs. Smith & Cottwell came into the possession of the present propri etor in 1869 and from the very first has been managed in an able and straightforward manner. Mr. Peckham is a native of Middletown, R. I., and in view of his long expe rience it is superfluous to say he is thoroughly familiar with his business in every detail. He is naturally proud of the honorable record of his establishment arid it will be no fault of his if the service rendered in the future is not even more economical and efficient than that extended in the past The premises made use of are located at JNo. 118 Water street, and comprise two floors and a basement ofthe dimensions of 55 X 25 feet. A very heavy stock of staple and fancy groceries is constantly carried, and every variety of such goods is offered at the lowest prices quo ed in the market. Some wholesale trade is enjoyed but the vast bulk of the business is retail, and particular attention is naid to the requirements of families, orders being promptly delivered and every article being guaranteed to prove just as represented. Bouquet Millinery and Fancy Goods Store, 92 Franklin; Street, Norwich, Conn. — It requires a very fine window display to attract more than passing attention in these- days when window dressing has been reduced to a science. and is carried on by trained professionals without regard to expense, but there is something in the exhibit commonly made in the Bouquet Millinery and Fancy Goods Store,. 92 Franklin street, which attracts admiring comment from, passers by, and which indicates to some degree the exquis ite taste noticeable in the arrangement and execution of the millinery work coming from this popular establish ment. It was opened in 1888, and the proprietors have reason to congratulate themselves on the character no less. than on the extent of the patronage, for among their cus tomers are numbered ladies who have a more than local reputation for careful and artistic dressing, and to cater successfully to such patrons is no slight proof of ability.. A heavy and varied stock of millinery and fancy goods is- carried at all times, the very latest foreign and domestic fashionable novelties being represented. Particular atten tion is paid to custom work, and the fact that from eight to nine skilled assistants have to be employed in the busy season, shows how liberally this department is patronized.. Orders can generally be filled at short notice, and the prices quoted are very low considering the quality of the: work turned out. Maxson P. Lewis, wholesale and retail dealer in Sash,. Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, Paints, Oils, Glass, etc., Central Wharf, Norwich. — One of the representative enterprises of this city is that conducted by Mr. Maxson P. Lewis, on Central Wharf, and this is especially worthy of prominent mention, not only by reason of its present magnitude but also because it is of very early origin, having been inaugu rated over half a century ago by Mr. Joshua Shepherd. This gentleman was succeeded by Mr. F. Rogers, and he by Messrs. Fanning & Willoughby, who gave place to Willoughby & Co., and they to Messrs. Lewis & Baldwin, this firm being succeeded by Messrs. Crowell, Lewis &. Co., and the present proprietor assuming sole control im 1886. He is a native of Plainfield, and is very widely known in business circles as an enterprising merchant who- adheres strictly to legitimate methods. Mr. Lewis is a wholesale and retail dealer in sash, doors, blinds, mould ings, paints, oils, glass, etc., and carries a very heavy and complete stock at all times. Estimates will be cheerfully furnished on application, and as Mr. Lewis is in a position. to get dependable supplies at bottom prices, and figures very closely on all plans submitted, those wishing anything- in bis line would do well to give him an early call. He deals largely in pure white lead, and colors dry and ground1 in oil, and offers a complete assortment of the very best mixed paints in Ihe market. S. J. Stevenson, Birds of all kinds, Confectionery,. Lunch, Cigars, etc., 372 Main Street, Norwich.— The establishment of which Mr. S. J. Stevenson is the propri etor, located at No. 372 Main street, does not make any great pretensions, but still were all the business enter prises in the city to be arranged in the order of their use fulness, that carried on by Mr. Stevenson would be by no means the last on the list. As it was opened but a. few months ago it has not had a chance as yet to develop to its full capacity, but it has been well-received by the public, and under its present management is sure to con tinue to grow in popularity. The proprietor is a native of Norwich, and works hard to give prompt and efficient service to the public, giving close personal attention to every detail of his business and making it a- point to treat all alike. He deals iu bakers' goods, confectionery, fruits, cigars, etc., and also makes a specialty of birds of all kinds, both canaries and wild birds, also cages, bird foods, etc Mr. Stevenson handles superior bread and pastry and renews his stock so frequently that it U always fresh and attractive. His prices are uniformly low and those who place a trial order with him are sure to call again. 62 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. The cut represents an imaginary Show Window of a Shoe Store, fitted up with the fixtures of the Norwich Nickel aud Brass Works. The Norwich Nickel and Brass Works. Salesrooms, '702 Broadway, N. Y. ; Office and Factory at Norwich, Conn. Catalogues on application. — Even the least observ ant of our readers can hardly have failed to notice the great improvement which has taken place in the character of show window displays within the past few years, for the changes which have been brought about are equivalent to a revolution, the whole art of window dressing having undergone a vigorous revival. What is known as "tran sient trade" is very largely influenced by the window dis play made, and even regular customers are apt to desert an •establishment which allows itself to be outstripped by its ¦competitors in this respect. Good taste is of course essen tial to the proper arrangement of a show window, but many who fail to produce a satisfactory effect, do so not because they don't know how to arrange their goods, but rather because they lack the necessary facilities to display them attractively without injury. Therefore the appli ances manufactured by the Norwich Nickel and Brass Works are worthy of the careful inspection of every store keeper, for these include frames and stands in nickel and brass of convenient and ornamental design ; the styles being exclusively confined to this concern. These frames are especially adapted to. the use of dealers in men's fur nishings, fancy dry goods, hats, caps and furs, boots and -shoes, etc., and are sold at prices that put them within the means of every business man. Their new and elegant illustrated catalogue and manual of window dressing com bined in one book, will be cheerfully sent on application to any responsible merchant, and all orders will be given prompt and careful attention. The office and factory are located in this city, the salesrooms being at No. 702 Broad way, N. Y. This business was founded about 1874, and was carried on under the style of the Norwich Nickel Works until January 1, 1889. Electro-plating on all metals is done in first-class style and at very short notice. The premises utilized comprise three floors of the dimensions of about 100x36 feet each. The proprietor is Mr. William A. Aiken, who gives careful personal supervision to affairs and proposes to fully maintain the leading position now held by his products throughout the country. Bruce & Baird, Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, 114 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Among the many enterprising concerns engaged in tbe retailing of boots, shoes and rub bers in Norwich and vicinity we know of none which is more active, more reliable or more generally popular than that of Bruce & Baird, doing business at No. 114 Main street, and the universal popularity of this firm is all the more significant from the fact that they have carried on operations here for a score of years — certainly long enough for the residents of this section to become thoroughly familiar with their facilities and their methods. The busi ness was founded many years before the present proprie tors assumed control, in 1870, and indeed is one of the oldest-established enterprises of the kind in this vicinity. Mr. Bruce was born in Brimfield, Mass , removed to Web ster in 1849, he at one time held the position of town clerk, and in Norwich has been secretary West Chelsea board of education for five years. He is a member of the Odd Fel lows, the Knights of Pythias, and the American Mechanics ; while Mr. Baird, his partner, is a nativeof Milford, Ct., and is connected with the Free Masons and the Grand Army. Both members of the firm give close personal attention to customers, and callers will find that the phrase "light expenses, low prices," as used by this concern means something, for no lower prices are quoted in this portion of the State on dependable foot-wear than Messrs. Bruce & Baird are prepared to name. Their stock is " clean " in every department, and comprises full lines of staple goods in adition to the very latest novelties in fashionable foot wear. Callers are assured prompt and polite attention, and buyers have the satisfaction of knowing that every article is fully guaranteed to prove as represented. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 63 John P. Barstow & Co., dealers in Stoves, Furnaces, Ranges; Seeds, Farm Implements and Fertilizers, Nos. 23 and 25 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — Mr. John P. Bars- tow is thoroughly identified with the sale of stoves, ranges, furnaces, etc., if anyone in this city is, for he has dealt in such articles for not far from half a century, beginning operations in 1846 as a member of the firm of I. Backus & Co. The style afterwards became Backus & Barstow, then Barstow & Palmer, Mr. Barstow then assumed sole control, the present partnership being formed in 1876, by the association of Messrs. John P. Barstow, Frank H. Smith and George S. Byles. The firm do an immense business, both wholesale and retail, and carry a tremen dous stock, as is evidenced by the size of the premises utilized, these comprising one building having four floors of the dimensions oi 35 X 60 feet, and two buildings con taining three floors measuring 40 X 70 feet. Stoves, fur naces and ranges of the most improved type may be bought at the lowest market rates at this time-honored establishment, for it goes without saying that Messrs. John P. Barstow & Co. are prepared to offer exceptional inducements to customers, as they enjoy the most favor able relations with manufacturers and do business on a very liberal basis. Farm implements are also very exten sively dealt in, together with fertilizers and seeds of standard merit, these commodities being supplied in quan tities to suit, without delay, and being guaranteed to give the best of satisfaction when properly used. Employment is given to five competent assistants, and the members ot the firm give careful personal attention to the supervision of affairs, sparing no pains to fully maintain the enviable reputation of this representative establishment. F. W. Tracy, dealer in Meats, Groceries, 30 Main Street, Preston, Conn.— In analyzing tbe popularity that the enterprise carried on by Mr. F. W. Tracy unquestionably «nioys, we find that it does not seem to be due to any one thing but rather, to the impression made by his methods of doing business, when considered altogether, ior instance, Mr. Tracy does not claim to sell cheaper than everybody else, although he does offer his gooas at the lowest market rates. Neither does he claim to carry the largest stock in this section of the town, but nevertheless the variety on hand is such that all tastes can be suited. He strives to fully satisfy every customer and give a dol lar's worth of value for every dollar he receives, and it may he said that this is probably one of the chief causes of the popularity referred to. Mr. F. W. Tracy is a native of Preston and has had considerable experience in his present liusiness. He has been sole proprietor of tbe establish ment since 1883, at that time succeeding Mr. John Tracy Kvho had carried it on for over forty years. The premises utilized are located at No. 30 Main street, and are 50 X 25 feet in dimensions, and contain an extensive and varied Btock of meats and groceries in general. All classes of trade are catered to, the prices are placed at the lowest [figures consistent with the handling of dependable goods, feud prompt and courteous attention is assured to every caller, there being two competent and polite assistants employed. I B. H. Palmer, dealer in Dry Goods, Fine Groceries, Boots and Shoes, Crockery, etc. Satisfaction guaranteed. B98 and 400 North Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The establishment now conducted by Mr. B. H. Palmer, was ppened in 1863, by the firm of Main & Palmer, and in 11864 the present proprietor, Mr. B. H. Palmer, assumed pull and entire management of the business, and it is safe ¦to say was never more generally popular than has been the lease during the past year. He is a native of Lisbon, Conn. , land is universally known throughout Norwich and vicinity. [His establishment would not be one-half so well patron ized as it now is unless the inducements extended were of la solid and genuine character. The stock on hand embraces a skillfully chosen assortment of merchandise, [and so varied and complete is it that there are few articles in common family use that is not included within it. Mr. Palmer is a shrewd and successful buyer and pursues the policy of sharing the advantages so gained with his patrons. The public have long since learned that a dollar will go at least as far at this store as at any similar estab lishment in this vicinity and they have also learned that all representations made can be implicitly relied upon. This establishment is located at Nos. 398 and 400 North Main street, and contains an extensive stock of dry goods, fine groceries, boots and shoes, crockery, etc. Three reliable assistants are constantly employed, and the details of the business which is both wholesale and retail is most ably handled. " Honesty is the best policy," according to the proverb, and certainly the success attained by the enter prise under mention would seem to prove that "sharp practice " is by no means essential to the building up of a large and permanent trade. Charles E. Gaskell, Pharmacist, North Main, corner Fifth Street, Norwich, Conn. — People are very apt to wonder how the proprietor of a "general store " can keep track of all the articles he handles, and are not slow to excuse the frequent mistakes made in such establishments, on the grounds that errors are unavoidable under such cir cumstances, and yet we question if the average general store contains a much larger variety of articles than may be found in a first-class modern pharmacy. Such a one for instance as is conducted by Charles E. Gaskell, at the corner of North Main and Fifth streets. The extreme rarity of errors in a well-equipped drug store speaks vol umes for the ability and care of those having such estab lishments in charge, but the public accept this condition of affairs as a matter of course and give but little credit to those to whom credit is due. Mr. Gaskell carries a very large and varied stock, including an extremely complete assortment of drugs, medicines and chemicals of every description. Special attention is given to prescription trade and no pains is spared to fill all orders in this depart ment in an absolutely accurate manner, and at very reason able prices. The store is 25 X 35 feet in dimensions, and contains in addition to the goods already mentioned, a fine stock of toilet and fancy articles, druggists' sundries, etc. Mr. Gaskell is a native of Munson, Mass. He established his present undertaking in 1885, under the firm-name of Gaskell & Fitzpatrick, and six months after assumed the entire control and management of the business, which he has largely developed since that date. 64 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Utley's Printing Office, Artistic Printing of all kinds, 111 Water Street, Norwich. — Practically everybody is inter ested in knowing where orders for printing may be placed in the full assurance that they will be filled in the most artistic manner at short notice, for the business public need bill-heads, letter-heads, etc., those active in social circles often require ball programs, etc., and wedding invitations and other jobs of fine printing are in constant and general demand. The familiar maxim " the best is the cheapest" has a very wide application, but is especially worthy of being borne in mind when one is placing orders for print ing, as the public have become so accustomed to first-class typographical work of late as to be quick to observe any lowering of the standard. Good taste of course demands that ball programs, wedding invitations, etc., should not give the least evidence of "cheapness" in their appearance, and sound business policy as strongly demands the avoid ance of the same appearance in bill-heads and other com mercial printing, for a "cheap " bill or letter head argues a " cheap " firm and vice versa. At Utley's Printing Office a specialty of artistic printing is made, and this establish ment at No. Ill Water street, can therefore be unreservedly recommended to our readers who will find it thoroughly well equipped in every respect, and the management all that could be desired. Careful personal attention is given to every order and five assistants are employed, the facili ties at hand being such as to admit of commissions being executed at exceptionally short notice in cases where haste is essential. John P. Murphy, dealer in Fine Groceries and Provi sions, 4 West Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Main street is a very busy thoroughfare and there are many well- equipped grocery houses located upon it, but 'among these there is not one more deserving of the popularity it has attained than is that conducted by Mr. John P. Murphy. The business in question was founded a good many years ago, having been carried on for a long time by Mr. P. D. Murphy, who was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1878. The premises made use of are located at No. 4 West Main street, and are very spacious, two floors of the dimensions of 50x40 feet being occupied, giving a total area of 4000 square feet. The stock is in harmony with the premises, for it is very extensive and is so complete in every department that no trouble is met with in suiting all tastes and all purses. Mr. Murphy caters especially to family trade, and obtains his supplies from the most repu table sources thus being in a position to guarantee satisf ac tion to his customers both as regards the quality and the price of the goods offered. These include not only groce ries and provisions of all kinds, but also as fine an assort ment of pure liquors, wines, etc., as the city can show. No fancy prices are quoted, but the articles are guaranteed to prove as represented, and prompt and courteous atten tion is assured to every caller. Norwich Steam Laundry Company, all kinds of work received; Faultless Work, Perfect Satisfaction or no Pay Required; Collars and Cuffs two cents each; S. & J. Greg- son, Proprietors, 193 Franklin Street, Norwich, Conn.— The enterprise conducted by the Norwich Steam Laundry Company is rapidly and steadily gaining in popularity and patronage under its present management, and for reasons so obvious that they must be apparent even to tbe most careless observer. The objections commonly raised against the ordinary public laundry, are that the work is some times only partially done, the goods are apt to be injured by chemicals or by improper handling, and the delivery is uncertain. None of these apply to the establishment in question, tbe proprietors of which guarantee perfect satis faction or no pay and are prepared to carry out that guar antee to the letter. All kinds of work are received, for the laundry is equipped with the most improved machinery, skilled and careful assistants are employed and in short the facilities at hand are fully equal to tbe best. This enter prise was inaugurated in January, 1887, by Messrs. S. & J. Gregson, and was originally located at No. 51 Shetucket street, but has since been removed to the present more commodious quarters at No. 193 Franklin street. These comprise two floors of the dimensions of 80 X 40 feet, and are so admirably arranged as to obviate all confusion, and make any errors in the handling and delivery of work of very rare occurrence. Both partners give close personal attention to tbe business and spare no pains to maintain. the service at the very highest standard. Very reasonable rates are quoted, and those who place a trial order at this- establishment are sure to become regular patrons. Powers Brothers, dealers in Fresh Fish, Oysters, Clams, Lobsters and Vegetables, New Place, No. 10 Rose Place, Norwich, Conn.— It is considered as one uf the axioms of business that excellent goods can always be obtained by those who are willing to pay for them, but as a matter of fact this does not invariably prove to be the case, for there is doubtless not one among our readers but what has found difficulty at times in securing first-class- goods at any price. Take it in tbe matter of fish alone and every experienced purchaser knows that there are dealers who, while quoting the highest market rates, still do not handle really first-class goods excepting occasion ally. On the other hand there are some who follow an opposite policy, and among these must justly be placed the firm of Powers Brothers, for this concern spare no- pains to supply their customers with the choicest goods- obtainable, and at the same time quote prices which will compare very favorably with those of dealers by no means so careful in this respect. Messrs. Powers Brothers began operations in 1881, and have built up a thriving and desirable trade. The partners are Messrs.- R. M., and J. T. Powers, the former being a native of Norwich and the latter of Michigan. Two floors of the dimensions of 45 X 20 feet are occupied, at No. 10 Rose Place, and the stock on hand comprises all kinds of fresh fish in their season, together with oysters, clams, lobsters and vege tables. It is safe to say that when this firm cannot supply a certain article in the line of fish it is not to be had in the Norwich market, and it is also safe to assert that at no- establishment in the city is better value given for money received. Breed Hall Ladies' and Gents' Restaurant, Randall & Hewitt, Proprietors. Regular Dinner, 35 cents. 14 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is often said that " The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," and certain it is- that we are so constituted that an appetizing and abundant meal has a wonderful effect in making us feel at peace with all mankind, while on the contrary a badly prepared or scanty dinner is very apt to stir up whatever ugliness- there may be lying dormant in our breasts. Therefore we feel that we are doing something towards making mankind happier when we call attention to the service rendered at the Breed Hall Ladies' and Gents' Restaurant, for the pro prietors of this establishment not only believe in feeding their guests well but have the facilities and ability to do so- to the best advantage. The premises are 75 X 55 feet in dimensions, and are very completely fitted up, being sup plied with every facility to enhance the comfort and con venience of patrons. Messrs. Randall & Hewitt, the proprietors of this popular restaurant, have carried it on since 1885 and deserve unstinted commendation for their intelligent efforts to cater to all their tastes, and their pol icy of producing substantial and palatable food at prices- satisfactory to the most economically disposed. Both members ofthe firm are natives of Preston, and both give tbe many details of their business careful personal atten tion, the result being that the service is maintained at the highest standard of efficiency and the popularity of the enterprise is constantly and rapidly increasing. The bill of fare is so varied that all tastes can be suited, and the regular dinner provided for 35 cents is a marvel of cheap ness considering the variety and excellence of the viands it comprises. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Miss A. S. Mitchell, Millinery and Fancy Goods 10 Shetucket Street, Norwich.— It is difficult and in fact prac tically impossible to give an idea of the nature of the inducements offered at the establishment conducted by Miss A. S. Mitchell, at No. 10 Shetucket street, within the limited space at our command, for the lady in question deals in millinery and fancy goods and any verbal descrip tion of such articles must, even under the most favorable circumstances, be inadequate and unsatisfactory. She utilizes very spacious premises, the store being 85x30 feet in dimensions and carries an unusually extensive and varied stock comprising the very latest fashionable novel ties in the way of millinery goods, ribbons, velvets, laces, flowers and other trimmings, besides a very carefully selected assortment of fancy goods. Miss Mitchell will supply both trimmed and untrimmed hats and bonnets, but makes a leading specialty of custom work and even during the height of the season can fill orders at compara tively short notice, for at such times she employs fifteen experienced assistants and of course can handle a great deal of business. No more tasteful or thorough millinery work is done in this city, and as Miss Mitchell s prices are moderate it is not at all surprising that her business should be steadily increasing. N. Tarrant, Real Estate and Insurance Agent, No. 45 Main Street, Norwich— The real estate branch of the bus iness conducted by Mr. N. Tarrant was founded in 1870 and the insurance department was added in 1886, so that the public have had ample opportunity to become conver sant with Mr. Tarrant's methods and to judge intelligently concerning his facilities and ability. That the verdict is distinctly favorable is evidenced by the present magnitude of his business, and indeed but few inquiries are necessary in order to demonstrate the fact that Mr. Tarrant is con sidered a competent authority on real estate matters, mak ing his co operation of great value to those seeking dependable and " inside " information concerning this class of property. His office is located at No. 45 Main street, and as he always has on his books some very desirable real estate to sell, rent or exchange, those wishing to invest in, to dispose of, or to hire a house, store or tenement, may save themselves time, trouble and perhaps money by tak ing advantage of the facilities here provided. Information will be cheerfully and courteously given and we are confi dent our readers will have reason to thank us for calling their attention to this well-equipped and popular agency. Mr. Tarrant represents the American Insurance Co. of Newark, N. J., the Norwich Union, of Norwich, England, and the Scottish Union of Edinburgh, Scotland, and is prepared to write policies at the very lowest market rates on " insurance that insures." H. D. Avery, dealer in Choice Groceries, Fruit and Pastry, 202 Franklin Street, Norwich, Conn.— There is no difficulty in deciding what position to assign the establish ment conducted by Mr. H. D. Avery when classing it among the many retail grocery stores to be found in this city, for even on the most superficial examination it becomes evident that this must be given a prominent and leading place, and the only result of more careful investi gation is to strengthen its claim to such a position. Mr. Avery was born in Poquonnoc, Conn., and has been iden tified with his present business for about a decade. He occupies spacious and well-arranged premises at No. 202 Franklin street, and carries as attractive an assortment of family stores as this city can show. It is made up of choice staple and fancy groceries, foreign and domestic fruit and superior pastry, and is so complete in its several departments that it is obvious all tastes are catered to. Mr. Avery employs two efficient and courteous assistants, and spares no pains to assure prompt and polite attention to every caller. He delivers goods free to any part of the city, and this service is so reliable that when an article is promised at a certain time it will surely be forthcoming— a fact appreciated by all experienced housekeepers. The prices are in strict accordance with the lowest market rates, so that economy as well as convenience is served by patronizing this deservedly popular store. J. A. Hiscox, Architect, 12 Shetucket Street.— That the services of a competent architect are, as a general thing, worth several times what they cost, is a fact upon which practically all who have had experience in building are agreed, and therefore we will not stop to set forth the advantages to be derived from the employment of such aid, but will proceed at once to call attention to the facili ties possessed by Mr. James A. Hiscox, whose office is located at No. 12 Shetucket street, for this gentleman is prepared to undertake any thing in the line of architec tural designing, etc. , and his record is such as to assure entire satisfaction to customers. He was associated from 1887 to October, 1889, with Mr. E. A. Cudworth, and enjoys an enviable reputation for giving close and skillful attention to tbe interests of clients. Those wishing infor mation concerning building, alterations, specifications, drawings or decorative designs of all kinds, may profitably consult Mr. Hiscox, who is prepared to furnish complete supervision including all necessary working drawings, details, scale drawing, tracings, blue prints, estimates, specifications and contracts at a very reasonable percent age. Should any of our readers contemplate building or alterations they would do well to call on Mr. Hiscox, who will make them sketches and estimates, and a perspective in color or ink, giving a correct idea of how the work will look when completed. There are many details to be set tled upon before building operations can be begun, and much time, trouble and expense may be saved by consult ing an architect at the earliest possible moment so as to have an opportunity to study the plans before making defin ite choice. The following residences were erected under the personal supervision of Mr. Hiscox : The residence of Mr. F. H. Smith on Washington street (see illustration elsewhere), and Mrs. Loomis' at East Great Plains. Among those erected since, we would mention the follow ing : Dr. Clapp's on East Broad street, Mrs. Roath's on Hamlin, and Dr. Brewer's six new houses on Oak street. He has also erected a number of fine buildings in neigh boring tewns, among which are Mr. Whiting's residence in New London, Stonington school building (costing $30,000), and a number of sea shore cottages at Eastern Point and Watch Hill. Mr. Hiscox also gives prompt attention to communications by mail, and will at once wait upon those who find it inconvenient to call at his office. J. Ct. Standish, dealer in Harness, Trunks, Bags, Rub ber and Oiled Clothing, 115 ! Main Street, Norwich, Conn. -Mr. John G. Standish con- WW ducts an enterprise which de- W mands prominent mention in # these columns, both on account ^ of the length of time it has f been in operation and the lead- ? ing position it now holds among similar undertakings in this section. It was inaugu rated just about half a century ago, by Messrs. Warren & Standish and was continued by Messrs. Standish & Barnes, finally coming into the sole possession of the present owner in 1850. He was born in Hebron, Conn., and has long been ranked high among the business men of this city. The premises made use of are located at No. 115 Main street, and have an area of about 1200 square feet, affording ample room for the accommo dation of a large assortment of harness, trunks, bags, rub ber and oiled clothing, etc., as well as for a well-appointed shop in which custom work and repairing are done in a superior manner at short notice. Considering his long experience it is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Standish is in a position to sell dependable goods as cheap as any body can, and considering the enviable reputation of bis enterprise it seems almost superfluous to add that every article bought at this establishment is sure to prove pre cisely as represented in every respect. 66 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. §§The Ossawan Mills Company, manufacturers of Braided and Twisted Worsted, Silk, Cotton and Wire Cords, and of the Crown Solid Braided Cord, 185 East Broad Street, Norwich, Conn.— Few of those not immediately connected with the business in one form or another have any idea of the enormous consumption of picture, shade and furniture cords, but it is a subject in which the residents of Nor wich should take particular interest from the fact that one of tbe oldest-established and most truly representative of our city factories is devoted to this branch of production, and ranks as the most prominent establishment of the kind in the country. We refer to the business carried on by the Ossawan Mills Company, this having been founded in 1859 by Mr. John Turner, who conducted it for a score of years, being succeeded by the present company in 1879. The factory building erected in 1861 has been several times materially enlarged and it is significant of the continued prosperity of the company that further addition is to be made in the immediate future, a commodious structure now being in process of erection. It has ever been the pol icy of the management to keep fully up to the times as regards their mechanical equipment, and as a natural con sequence the plant of machinery now in use is composed of the latest improved appliances and is unsurpassed for accuracy and general efficiency of operation. Both steam and water- are utilized as motive powers and the annual product is very large in amount and great in value, it com prising braided and twisted silk, cotton, worsted and wire cords, for pictures, shades, furniture, etc., a great variety of sizes and styles being made, and the goods being accepted as the standard in their special lines wherever introduced. Specialties are made of braided aud twisted wire and the Crown solid braided cord, this latter having a national reputation for uniform strength and durability. The company employ fifty assistants, and when the con templated addition to their factory is completed (which will probably be before this article is put into print) they will be prepared to fill orders more promptly than ever and to offer a greatly improved service in many ways. The goods are shipped to every portion of the world and are highly esteemed both by dealers and consumers, as they prove as represented and consequently give uniform satisfaction. The company are in a position to quote bottom prices as well as to furnish goods of unsurpassed quality. This enterprise is properly in the hands of repre- sentative Connecticut business men; the treas urer being Mr. Elisha Turner; the president, Mr. F. C. Turner; and the secretary Mr. E. P. Turner. They give close personal attention to the supervision of affairs and are evidently determined to fully maintain the en viable reputation their undertaking has held so long. John Troland, dealer in Plumbing Goods and Gas Fixtures, Stoves, Ranges and Furnaces, Plumbing, Gas Fitting, Tin Roofing and Jobbina of all kinds, 23 West Main street, Norwich, Conn. — The business now carried on by Mr. John Troland was found ed some thirty years ago, it having been inaugu rated by Mr. James Tro land in 1859. Troland Brothers assumed con trol in 1873, and were succeeded by the present proprietor in 1878. He is a native of Norwich, and is one of the best known men in his line of business in the city. The premises made use of are located at No. 23 West Main street, and contain a very extensive and carefully chosen stock of plumbing goods and gas fixtures, stoves,' ranges and furnaces, for Mr. Tro land deals largely in these and similar articles and is pre pared to fill both wholesale and retail orders at short notice LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 67 and at the very lowest market rates. He bandies cooking- and heating apparatus of the most improved type and is in -a position to guarantee satisfaction to those who will acquaint him with tbeir wants and allow him to select the kind best suited to their needs. Employment is given to lour assistants, and plumbing, gas fitting, tin roofing and general jobbing will be done in a thorough and workman like manner at short notice. We would call special atten tion to Mr. Troland's facilities to do plumbing, for such work must be skillfully and honestly carried out or the ¦consequences may be serious, and the most absolute confi dence may safely be placed in that done under Mr Tro land s direction. Mrs. S. M. Howie, dealer in Fancy Goods, Toys, Jew elry, Glassware and Housekeeping Goods. Picture Fram ing a Specialty. 96 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The ¦establishment conducted by Mrs. S. M. Howie at No. 96 Main street, has long been a prime favorite with the pur chasing public, and its popularity is so thoroughly well -deserved that we take pleasure in making favorable men- lion of this excellently managed enterprise The business was founded about a decade ago by Mr. J. E. Stewart, and passed under the control of Mrs. Howie in 1886. The «tore is very conveniently fitted up aud contains as care fully chosen a stock as can be found in this city, for Mrs. Howie is an experienced and discriminating buyer and is "very successful in selecting just such articles as her cus tomers require. The assortment is so varied and so abun dant that detailed mention of it is impossible in these col umns, but some idea of its character and completeness ~may be gained from the fact that it comprises fancy goods, toys, jewelry, glassware and housekeeping goods. The latest novelties are well represented and the prices are in •every instance in strict accordance with the lowest market Tates. A specialty is made of picture framing, such work lieing done to order in a superior manner at short notice. All styles of plain and fancy frames are made and the results attained cannot fail to satisfy the most critical. ¦Callers are assured immediate and courteous attention at all times, goods being invariably warranted to prove just as ¦represented. Hamilton & Pratt, Fine Mercantile Printers. Fine Work and Prompt Attention. 103 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. — There are a few business men who claim that such "trifling -details," as they call them, as the printing of bill and letter 3ieads, cards, etc., are unworthy of serious attention, as the public don't care a snap what kind of cards or bill heads a firm uses as long as they sell dependable goods at bottom prices, but this is a very short-sighted view of the matter, ahd one which if logically carried out would put a stop to the building of elegant stores, the artistic dressing of show windows and the many other deferences paid to the uni versal habit of judging largely from appearances. The standing of a firm is judged by the character of the printing sent out, much as the standing of an individual is estimated from his dress or from the appearance of his visiting-cards, and although a worthy and well-bred person may in rare instances be satisfied to use too showy or too mean looking -apparel or stationery, still the chances are all tbe other way. There are styles in printing as in everything else, ^and in order to be sure of being fully "up with the times," it is an excellent idea to place your orders with such a firm as that of Hamilton & Pratt, for they make it a rule to keep their office well supplied with the latest novelties in "type, etc., and are looked upon as authorities in all that -concerns mercantile and job printing in general. The premises utilized are located at No. 103 Broadway and are -equipped with the most improved and efficient presses, etc., while employment is given to a sufficiently large force to enable the most extensive orders to be filled at very short notice when haste U particularly required. Messrs. Hamilton & Pratt are uniformly moderate in their prices, and we can unreservedly guarantee that all work will give enlire satisfaction. H. M. Durfey, Fine Groceries, Provisions, Flour, Grain, Feed, Fruits, Vegetables, Crockery, Glass, and Wooden- Ware, Corner of Central Avenue and Seventh Street, (Greeneville), Norwich, Conn.— There is no need of our say ing that the undertaking now conducted by Mr. H. M. Durfey is one of Greeneville's representative enterprises for the fact is too well known to require argument or even statement. Mr. Durfey was born in Greeneville, where he is the oldest native-born resident, and began operations here in 1882, having at that time succeeded Mr. T. D. Phillips. During the eight years that the establishment has been under Mr. Durfey's management it has main tained its position among the leading enterprises of a simi lar character. The premises utilized are located at tbe corner of Central avenue and Seventh street and comprise a store 50x50 feet in dimensions. Fine groceries, provi sions, flour, grain, feed, fruits, vegetables, etc., are handled very iargely, and crockery, glass and wooden-ware are also extensively dealt in. As might naturally be supposed in the case of so old established an enterprise, the most favor able relations are enjoyed with producers and wholesalers, buying everything for cash, and as a consequence the inducements offered to customers are many and pronounced. Three competent assistants are employed and all orders are filled with the utmost promptness, the quality of the goods being in all cases guaranteed to prove as represented. Mr. Durfey is thoroughly conversant with every detail of his bus iness, and gives close personal attention to its supervision, rendering truly valuable service to the public by conduct ing a first-class establishment and offering reliable goods at fair prices. Mr. Durfey has served three years in the army and since then has taken a great interest in G. A. R. affairs. Has been for twenty-three years a member of the relief committee of Sedgwick Post No. 1 G. A. R. Has also been for a number of years a notary public and gives his services as such to veterans and their families gratui tously. Has served two years in common council and has been an officer in tbe Connecticut department of G. A. R. S. L. Geer, Dentist, 59 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. — If people would spend half as much money on their teeth as they do on articles calculated to injure or destroy them, a sound, white and even set of teeth would not be a rarity, but in spite of the warnings, counsels and examples given by those in a position to instruct the public on this point, the majority of the community will still persist in eating and drinking what they should not, in failing to give their teeth proper attention, and in short in abusing these useful servants steadily and badly. The Consequence finally is that they rebel. Suddenly a violent toothache begins; the sufferer is astonished that such an infliction should come upon him "without cause," and probably, finally accounts for it by ascribing it to a cold — as if sound, healthy teeth could be made to ache by any cold or exposure. It pays to keep the teeth in good condition, and failing to do this, it pays to consult a competent dentist on the first symptom of trouble. Should a tooth begin to ache don't put off visiting the dentist until the pain has continued so long as to have become unbearable, until the gums have become swollen and sensitive and the entire nervous system has been put "on edge," but go at once. Either that tooth should be extracted, or it should be filled, and in either case " delays are dangerous." There is no lack of compe tent dentists in this city, but it is safe to say not one of them is better known or has enjoyed a larger experience than Dr. S. L. Geer, located at 59 Broadway. This gentle man has practised his profession for thirty years and has made a most favorable impression since beginning opera tions in Norwich. His office is fitted up with the most improved apparatus and tools, and the most difficult opera tions can be performed in an entirely satisfactory manner. Gentle but thorough methods are practised, and as the charges are uniformly moderate we can unhesitatingly recommend this office to all in need of the services of an experienced and skillful dental practitioner. 68 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. I John C. Perkins, Man ufacturing Confectioner, Perkins Block, 202 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Without question the rep resentative establishment of its kind in this section is that conducted by Mr. John C. Perkins in Per kins Block, Main street, md it is no discredit to other houses in a similar line of business that such should be the case, for the enterprise to which we have reference was inau gurated many years ago and has been conducted with marked ability almost irom its inception. Oper ations were begun in 1859 by Mr. David L. Gale, he being followed by Messrs. S. B. and H. G. Ransom, who gave place to Mr. H. G. -Ransom, who was succeeded by Messrs. Perkins & Root ; the present proprietor assuming sole control in 1864. He built the elegant edifice now occupied, in 1871, the prem ises comprising five floors of the dimensions of 75 X 33 feet. Mr. Perkins is a manufacturing confectioner, and utilizes one of the most completely equipped factories in New England. He does a very heavy wholesale and retail business and has a most enviable reputation for offering strictly reliable goods at the very lowest market rates. Among the more prominent specialties handled may be mentioned the celebrated "English Wafer Lozenges," which have gained such great and abiding popularity. Mr. Perkins was the first and the originator who introduced these elegant goods into this market and his products have never been successfully imitated although many at tempts have been made to do so. Employment is afforded to ten competent assistants, and every caller is assured immediate and courteous attention. The Howe Cement Co., manufacturers of Fine Shoe Dressings, 32 Talmari Street, Norwich, Conn. — It will never be known exactly how many thou sands of dollars have been spent in the improvement of cements for leather, rubber, etc., but the total sum must be very large indeed for almost numberless attempts have been made to discover new compounds, and experiments have been carried on for prolonged periods and almost without regard to expense. The ideal cement is unaffected by moisture or a reasonable degree of heat, hardens quickly, but not too quickly, is easily applied and contains no ingredient in the least degree harmful to leather or rubber. In the opinion of many practical men and thor oughly competent judges, the compounds produced by the Howe Cement Company more nearly approach this ideal than any others in the market, and the proof of this is to be found in the large and rapidly increasing demand for the company's goods. Operations were begun in 1874. and the business has increased until now three floors of dimen sions averaging 30X25 feet each are utilized for manufac turing purposes, and employment is given to a number of experienced assistants. The office and factory are located at No. 32 Talman street, and are equipped with aU neces sary facilities for the manufacture of leather and rubber cements, thus enabling orders to be filled at short notice and at moderate rates. The company also manufacture the celebrated Daisy Shoe Polish which is warranted perfectly harmless to ladies' and children's fine shoes and gives a durable and brilliant gloss. It is put up in attrac tive form, and if desired it can be procured in a wooden safety box which prevents breakage. They also manufac ture the Eagle Dressing, which is equally harmless and the best ten cent dressing made. The proprietors are Messrs. S G. and W. R. Howe, the former being a native of Maine and the latter of Massachusetts. Brewster & Bur nett, Stoves, Tin, Ware, Agricultural Implements, Seeds of all kinds. Sole Agents for the "Good News" and "Magee" Ranges. Tin Roofing and General Jobbing, 5. and 7 Water Street,. Norwich, Conn. — The comparative standing of a busi ness house can gen erally be quite accu rately judged from the character of the articles for which it acts as agent, for the manufacturers of goods of national reputation are not liable to risk their good name by putting them in the hands of any but first- class concerns. Therefore when we say that Messrs. Brewster & Burnett are sole agents for the " Good News " and the " Magee " ranges we have already established their claim to a leading position among other houses in their line of business, for it goes without saying that these ranges have no superiors in the market to-day. Messrs. Brewster & Burnett began operations in 1881, and as both partners were thoroughly familiar with the practical details of their business and were determined to offer the best possible service to the public, it is no wonder that they soon attained a flattering degree of success or that the business should have continued to steadily increase. The premises made use of comprise five floors of the dimensions of 85X40 feet, and are located at Nos. 5 and 7 Water street. The stock includes not only stoves but also tin ware, agricul tural implements, seeds of all kinds, etc. , and is so exten sive and so carefully selected that all orders, either whole sale or retail, can be filled without delay. Employment is given to six competent assistant!, and tin roofing and gen eral jobbing will be done in a superior man»er at the low est market rates, under the personal supervision of either E. M. Brewster or W. H. Burnett. The former is a native of Griswold, Conn. , and has been connected with the board of aldermen, while Mr. Burnett was born in Scotland,. Conn., and, like his partner, is extremely well known per sonally in this section. Troy Steam Laundry, 145 Little Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — That public laundries have "come to stay" is of course evident to even the least observing person, but those who are not especially interested in the matter have no idea of the rapidity with which the practice of sending family washings to such establishments is spreading, — a. rapidity so great that it is apparently only a question of a, few years when practically every ordinarily well-to-do family will adopt this course. It certainly has much to commend it, and it receives the powerful aid of physicians of all schools, who agree that doing the family washing at home is a fruitful cause of diiease, for reasons which should be obvious to every intelligent person. There are public laundries unworthy of patronage no doubt, but these are the marked exceptions, the majority of such establishments bemg honorably and skillfully managed. Prominent among this latter class should be placed the Troy Steam Laundry located at No. 145 Little Water street, for the work done here is equal to the best ; the finest fabrics are not injured in handling ; the service is prompt and reliable, and the charges are uniformly mod erate. The manager has had long practical experience iu his present line of business and is consequently well quali fied to attain thoroughly satisfactory results. The prem ises utilized comprise two floors of the dimensions of 65X55 feet and are fitted up with the very latest improved machinery, driven hy a six horse engine. Employment is. given to six competent assistants. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 69 Wauregan House, Ober& Leland, Proprietors, Norwich, Conn. — Of all the varied information given in this book concerning Norwich and her interests, probably none will be more highly appreciated by out-of-town readers (among whom the bulk of its circulation will probably be had) than that relating to hotel accommodations; for those who contemplate a visit to this city for the first time or after an interval of years, will of course turn to its pages for coun sel concerning which house it is best to put up at. Now, it is often difficult to properly advise even a personal friend in this matter; for " different people have different tastes " and what may suit you may prove objectionable to another and vice-versa, but still we have no hesitation in recommending the Wauregan House, for the simple reason that it is a city hotel, run on metropolitan principles and the policy of its management is consequently acceptable to all classes of patrons. You may be as quiet as you please within its walls, or you may mix in with enjoyable, con genial company, and in either event you are sure of receiv ing respectful treatment from the attaches of the house and of " getting your money's worth," as the saying is, in every respect. The Wauregan House is a handsome five- story building, having a frontage of 85 feet on Main street, and 120 feet on Broadway. It contains about 100 guest> rooms, and is equipped with all necessary facilities for comfort and recreation. From thirty to forty assistants are employed, and guests are served with a promptness and politeness which might very profitably be imitated at other hotels which could be mentioned. For the further accommodation of patrons, extensive improvements are contemplated, among which is enlarging tbe office to twice its present size and taking an adjoining store for the barber shop which will be one of the finest in the State. The present proprietors, Messrs. Ober & Leland, have been in ¦charge for some years and have made the Wauregan pleasantly familiar to hosts of travelers. They spare no pains to satisfy every reasonable guest, and tbe terms of the house are remarkably low. considering the accommo dations provided. Joseph Bradford, Practical Blank Book manufacturer, Paper Ruler and Book Binder, 85 Main Street, Bulletin Building, Norwich, Conn —It is sometimes of no small importance to know the address of one who is prepared to make blank books of all kinds to order at short notice and at moderate rates, "and our readers would do well to note the fact that Mr. Joseph Bradford is located at No. 85 Main street, Bulletin Building, for he is a practical blank- book manufacturer, paper ruler and book binder, and is in a position to execute all commissions in a workmanlike, prompt, and generally satisfactory manner, Mr. Bradford was born in Brooklyn, New York, and in 1886 succeeded Mr. Charles A. Burnham, who had carried on the business since 1880. The premises utilized are 75 X 25 feet in dimensions and contain all necessary facili- ities and appliances for the making of blank books, the ruling of paper to any desired pattern, and book binding of all descriptions. Particular attention is paid to the accurate numbering to order of checks, notes, coupons, drafts and tickets of all kinds in any colored ink desired, and another important feature of the business is the binding of all magazines, peri odicals and newspapers in any style that may be preferred. Back numbers will be furnished to com plete volumes, and the charges made are uniformly moderate. Old books will be repaired and rebound in a neat and durable fashion, and a specialty is made of fine lettering in gold or silver, on rrfbroccos, silks, satins or velvets. Estimates are cheerfully furnished and prompt and careful attention is given to every order. B P. LEARNED, *H NSURKNCE^ Office Over Thames National Bank, Shetucket Street, Norwich, Conn. It is of course not to be wondered at that the public should give the preference to insurance agencies of long and honorable standing, for no one likes to experiment in insurance matters and there is no inducement to transact business through untried channels as long as tried and approved ones are easily available. For this reason the popularity of the agency conducted by Mr. B. P. Learned, at the Thames Bank building, Shetucket street, is easily accounted for, as the enterprise in question was inaugu rated just about forty years ago, and has an enviable record from the very beginning. The founder was Mr. E. Learned, who was succeeded by his son, the present pro prietor, in 1866. Mr. B. P. Learned served four years in the army during the Rebellion, and is now well known and popular in Grand Army circles. He represents various leading fire insurance companies and is prepared to write policies on the most favorable terms, his facilities being unsurpassed. Mr. Learned is agent for the largest surety company in the world, American Surety Company, of 160 Broadway, New York. Cash capital, $1,000,000. Those who are required to give bonds in positions of trust, and who desire to avoid asking friends to become their sureties, or who may wish to relieve friends from further obligations as bondsmen, or those who may desire bonds and undertakings required in the courts, should apply in person or by letter to Mr. Learned. He is also agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, and represents the following well-known fire companies: Insurance Company of North America, Philadelphia; Insurance Company, State of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Home Insurance Company, New York ; Hanover Fire Insurance Company, New York ; Citizens Insurance Company, New York ; National Fire Insurance Company, Hartford ; Lan cashire Insurance Company, England; Guardian Assur ance Company, London. As may be imagined, Mr. Learned is thoroughly well-informed on insurance matters, and he will cheerfully give any desired information on application. A specialty of this agency is the insurance of securities, money, and other valuables by registered mail, which sys tem is being largely used by bankers and other shippers, the rates being much more favorable than those of the express companies with equal security. 70 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. The Chelsea Savings Bank, Norwich.— There are few institutions which commend themselves more heartily to the respect of the community than a well managed sav ings bank, and the history of the Chelsea Savings Bank, during its existence of nearly one third of a century is one in which its founders and managers and the com munity at large may feel an honest pride. There are enterprises which seem highly beneficial at the outset, but which eventually prove to be unworthy of support ; there are others which fail to develop their innate capacity for usefulness, but so far is this from being the case with the . institution in question that we doubt if its founders ever anticipated the full measure of good it has worked in the community. Wage earners have been encouraged to save a portion of their money; the virtues of frugality and economy have been inculcated by practical example, and thousands of dollars' worth of wealth is now in existence which owes its being to the operations of this bank. He who makes two blades of grass grow where one grew before is said to be a public benefactor :— surely an institu tion which steadily and largely adds to the public wealth is deserving of a similar title. The Chelsea Savings Bank was incorporated in May, 1858, and perhaps the most sig nificant indication of the degree of confidence now reposed in it by the general public is that afforded by the fact that deposits amounting to $4,342,720.70 were held March 1, 1890. This enormous sum of money belongs to a great many individuals, for the bank is conducted in the inter ests of the people rather than of capitalists, and the average individual holdings are but about $727. Dividends are payable in March and September, and the bank hours are from 10 a. m to 1 p. m. and from 2 to 3 p. m. daily except Saturdays, when the bank closes at noon. The financial condition of the bank is shown by the following statement of March 1, 1890: liabilities: Deposits $4,342,720.70 Surplus 150,000 00 Profit and Loss 79,929.57 Total $4,572,650.27 assets: Loans on Real Estate $1,257,519.00 Loans to Cities and Towns 45,796.00 Loans on Personal Security. 8,700.00 Loans on Collateral 699,600.00 United States Bonds -100,000.00 State Bonds 60,000.00 Municipal Bonds 867,000.00 Railroad Bonds 1,093,000.00 Bank Stocks 91,300.00 Real Estate by Foreclosure 179,494.67 Banking House '. 23,450.00 Insurance and Taxes 1,267 .17 Cash in Bank .137,085 24 Cash on Hand 8,438.19 Total $1,572,650.27 When it is considered that all the stocks and bonds owned by the bank are held on its books only at par, though the market value is much more, the strength of the bank will be more fully appreciated. The following are the officers of the bank : President: Henry Bill. Vice-Presidents: John T. Wait, James A. Hovey, Edward Harland. Directors: John P. Barstow, O. J. Lamb, Oliv the establishment conducted by Mrs. E. K. Reynolds, at No. 159 Main and No. 17 Shetucket streets, for here may be found an immense and tastefully chosen assortment oJ crockery, china, glassware, lamp goods, etc., and the prices are certainly low enough to suit the most economi cally disposed. The premises comprise one floor and a* basement, of the dimensions of 60x30 feet, and the heavy- stock is arranged to such excellent advantage that exami nation is easy and pleasant. Employment is given to froms three to five assistants, and goods are cheerfully shown at any time, every caller being assured prompt and polite attention. This enterprise was inaugurated in 1877 by Mr. E. K. Reynolds, who was succeeded in 1884 by Mr. J. H; Edwards, Mrs. E. K. Reynolds assuming control in 1886. A very large business is done and the patronage is steadily- increasing, both wholesale and retail orders being filled at short notice and at bottom rates. O. H. Tubbs, Fruits, Candy and Cigars, 235 Main Street, Norwich.— The residents of Norwich and vicinity must be very fond of confectionery and fruits for there is an enor mous consumption of these articles, and what is even more significant, this consumption is increasing much faster than> the increase in population. Well, provided the public be furnished with honest goods there is nothing to be sorry about, for despite the position taken by a few "cranks there is no doubt but that candies and fruits are as whole some as they are delicious. As for obtaining honest goods: that is no difficult matter in this city, and no surer way of doing it can possibly be found than that of placing orders. with Mr. O. H. Tubbs, as his prices are as reasonable as his goods are acceptable. Mr. Tubbs is a native of this. State and has been connected with his present line of busi ness since about 1848. His stock comprises fruits, confec tionery, cigars, game in season, etc., and it seems as though all tastes could easily be suited. A fine stock of imported canary birds is carried; also bird cages, seed, and every thing in this line. The store is located at No. 225 Main street, and is popular not alone on account of the excel lence of the goods and the lowness of the prices, but also> by reason of tbe prompt and courteous attention extended to every caller. C. W. Barnes, Grocer, 45 Main Street, Preston, Conn. — After vi«iting the store carried on by Mr. C. W. Barnes, at No. 45 Main street, it is easy to see why the establishment is very popular among all classes of purchasers, for it becomes evident on examination thai, the stock on hand ia very carefully selected and comprises a full line of choice family groceries, and the prices quoted confirm the favor able impression previously made. Mr. Barnes certainly ought to know pretty well what the Preston public wants, for he has been connected with his present business for the past twenty years, having established it in 1870. The premises utilized are 80 X 35 feet in dimension's, and are supplied with all necessary facilities for the accommoda tion of the stock and the serving of customers promptly and accurately. Teas, coffees and spices are given partic ular attention and are offered in a variety of choice grades at exceptionally low rates, while all Ihe many articles dealt in are fully guaranteed to prove as represented andi are supplied at prices as low as the lowest. Three compe tent assistants are employed and all orders are accurately and promptly delivered. Mr. Barnes is a native of Nor wich. He has held many public offices in this community, such as selectman, representative, town treasurer and sen ator. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 71 volunteer. Combination Heat ing Company, Nor wich, Ct.— This little portable boiler is espe cially designed for heating offices, con servatories and small cottage houses. It has a fifteen inch fire- pot and the Smyth Patent Triangular Grate. It will carry 150 feet of direct steam radiators. The heaters produced by this company have an unsurpassed reputa tion for efficiency, and are also fully equal to the best as regards durability, and econ omy of maintenance. Steam heating appa ratus is becoming more widely popular every year, and it is apparently only a question of time when the, large majority of private residences as well as all public build ings will be equipped with it. H. D. Rallion, dealer in Choice Family and Fancy Gro ceries, wholesale and retail, 10 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. — The number of articles which can properly be included under the head " staple and fancy groceries " is increasing every year, and tbe consequence is that the dealer who really carries a full assortment of them has to keep an extensive and extremely varied stock, and to exercise con stant care to see that it is kept complete in every depart ment. As a matter of fact, there are comparatively few who do carry a full assortment, and among these, promi nent and favorable mention must be made of Mr. H. D. Rallion, for this gentleman is a representative wholesaler and retailer of groceries, and offers customers a remarkably heavy and desirable stock to choose from. He is a native of Massachusetts and has been identified with his present enterprise since 1884. Very spacious premises are occu pied at No. 10 Broadway and employment is given to some half a dozen efficient assistants, goods being delivered to any part of the city and all orders whether large or small being assured prompt and painstaking attention. The stock is far too large and varied to describe in detail in these columns, but we may refer at least to the exceptional inducements offered in the line of canned goods, compris ing meats, fish, fruit,- vegetables, soups, etc., put up by the leading packers of the world. Sauces, preserves, jellies, and other relishes are also largely handled, together with sugars, coffees, teas, spices, soaps, fruits, vegetables, wood and willow ware, flour, etc., etc. Every article bought of Mr. Rallion is warranted to prove as represented, and is supplied at the lowest market rates in every instance. Mrs. S. A. Chapman, dealer in Bread, Cake and Pastry, 7 North Thames Street near West Main, Norwich.— We are desirous of calling the attention of our readers to the well known bakery located on Thames street, near West Main street, Norwich, which has been from its inception successful in building up an extensive trade in bread, cake and pastry. This establishment was started fifteen years ago by Mrs. S. A. Chapman, at its present location. The premises are fully equipped with all the necessary require ments for the successful conduct of the business, the extent of which gives employment to thoroughly experienced assistants. Mrs. Chapman carries a fine stock in all branches of her business, and is prepared to supply cus tomers at short notice, with any goods in her line, and per fect satisfaction is guaranteed as to both quality and price. This establishment is largely patronized by families throughout the city, who appreciate first-class bread, cake and pastry of all kinds. Mrs. Chapman is well known throughout Norwich and vicinity. She is a lady of excel lent business qualifications, and in her special line offers inducements to purchasers not easily duplicated. Andrew Millea, Merchant Tailor. Suits Cut and Made in the Latest Style and Warranted to Fit. Also Shirt Pat terns Cut. 43 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The idea that economy consists of paying as low a price as possible for everything that is purchased is a very mistaken one, and there are few who have had any experience in buying who entertain it. There are many other things to be taken into consideration besides the first cost, especially in the buying of clothing, for in the selection of garments, style, neatness and durability should all be provided for. There are some few who can get a good fit in ready-made cloth ing and are perfectly satisfied with such garments, but the large majority would have their clothing made to order if they thought they could afford it, and we are convinced that more can afford it than now believe they can, for as a call at the store of Mr. Andrew Millea will prove, first-class custom clothing can now be obtained at but little more than is asked for dependable ready-made garments and the superior wearing qualities of the former more than com pensate for the slight difference in price. Mr. Millea has carried on his present business since 1868 and should cer tainly be in a position to satisfy the most critical both as regards price and workmanship. He carries a fine and varied stock of foreign and domestic fabrics, and a visit to his establishment, No. 43 Main street, will show that all tastes and ages can be suited. A perfect fit is guaranteed and every garment is cut in the very latest style. Shirt patterns also are cut here, and as employment is given to six competent assistants all orders are assured immediate and satisfactory attention and can be delivered at short notice. JSI^ mm eiBif^fKiisisrifE©. J. E. Hawkins, dealer in Hats, Caps, Furs and Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods, sole Agent for Dunlap's Celebrated Fif'h Ave nue Hats, 146 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — Theory and practice are supposed to agree of course, but it is notorious that they sometimes diverge in a most singular and noticeable manner. In theory, every dealer in certain goods in a certain community should have to sell at uni form rates, as otherwise those who charged the higher prices would do no business at all, but in practice all of us know that such is far from being the case. Probably in no line of business is this more noticeable than in that devoted to the sale of hats, furnishings, etc., for precisely similar goods are sold at greatly varying prices by different dealers. Of course the wise man buys where he can get the most for his money, and in this connection we may fittingly call attention to the establishment conducted by J. E. Hawkins, successor to Frink & Main, at No. 146 Main street, for here are quoted prices as low as the lowest, on goods that will surely give entire satisfaction. This enterprise was started about forty years ago, and came under the control of the present proprietor in 1889. He caters to all classes of trade, carries a very extensive and varied stock of hats, caps, gloves, and men's furnishings in general, handles the very latest fashionable novelties and guarantees every article sold to prove precisely as repre sented. 72 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OP NORWICH. J. B. Merrow & Sons, makers of the Merrow Special Crochet Machine, 18 and 20 White's Court, Norwich- Such wonderful progress has been made within the past half century in the invention and introduction of machin ery, that it would be a rash or an ignorant man who would set bounds to possible achievement in this direction. We often hear a machine referred to as doing its work with " human accuracy," but as a matter of fact, " human accu racy " is far exceeded by some of the more perfect appli ances now in everyday use, and they make results possible which would be quite out of the question under different conditions. One of the most original, efficient and useful pieces of apparatus which has been put on the market for years is the Merrow Special Crochet Machine, which is designed to be used for finishing knit goods, and which does its work with an ease and rapidity which are really marvelous when the difficulties to be overcome are con sidered. We will attempt no description of this machine; first, because verbal descriptions of machinery convey no ideas whatever, unless phrased in technical language and addressed to trained mechanics ; and second because such Of our readers as are sufficiently interested have only to call at the factory where this machine is made, Nos. 18 and 20 White's Court, or to communicate with the makers, Messrs. J. B. Merrow & Sons, in order to be put in the way of becoming thoroughly familiar with the appliance as it appears in practical operation. The machine will finish the edges of all knit goods, from the finest to the heaviest, and is so rapid, simple and satisfactory in opera tion as to commend itself on sight to every practical man. In these days of sharp competition, any machine that will tend to reduce the cost of production is of vital interest to manufacturers, and it is safe to assert that the advantages gained by the use of this machine are marvelous. The mechanical construction of the machine is worthy of the reputation of its makers, it being manufactured from care fully selected material by skilled workmen, aided by the latest improved machinery. Every machine leaving the factory is guaranteed to be as represented and perfect in all its parts. Messrs. J. B. Merrow & Sons are prepared to fill the largest orders at short notice and will be happy to give information on application. Bisket & Meech, Pharmacists, corner Main and Sixth Streets, Norwich, Conn. — The pharmacy carried on by Messrs. Bisket & Meech, at the corner of Main and Sixth streets was established in 1876, by Mr. Bisket, the present firm having been formed in 1878. This establishment has long ranked among the representative ones of the kind in this portion of the State. Mr. Bisket is a native of Scot land, and Mr. Meech of Southbridge, Mass. They are both members of the Odd Fellows ; Mr. Bisket is also con nected with the Knights of Pythias, and Mr. Meech with the Red Men. Much of the success they have attained in building up a large and desirable trade is due to their habit of giving close personal attention to the many details of their business. The premises made use of are 55 X 20 feet in dimensions, and are excellently fitted up for the purposes to which they are devoted. A heavy and com plete stock is at all times carried, comprising drugs, med icines and chemicals in great variety, the goods being obtained from the leading producers and wholesalers, and being fully up to the highest standard in every respect. Prescriptions are compounded in the most methodical and skillful manner, no pains being spared to ensure absolute accuracy in even the most trivial details. 75. B. KINGSBURY, JEWELER. Watches, Clocks and Silver Ware. 172 Main Street, Norwich. Norwich Lock Mfg. Co., manufacturers of Locks, Knobs, and Builders' Hardware, Norwich, Conn. — The business conducted by the Norwich Lock Manufacturing Company was founded in 1865, and for some time was carried on by the Norwich Lock Company, the present corporation having been organized in 1872. This is one of the largest concerns in the United States engaged in the manufacture of locks, padlocks and builders' hardware. An idea of the popularity of these goods is to investigate the facilities for their production, and certainly it is obvious that the demand for them must be immense when it is necessary to employ 250 assistants, aided by the most efficient machinery obtainable, in order to fill the orders received. Motive power is furnished by an eighty-horse engine, and the premises utilized include a foundry of the dimensions of 200 X 50 feet, a factory three stories in height and 150 X 50 feet in size, and other smaller build ings. The capacity of the works is 300 dozen locks, an equal number of knobs, and various specialties in builders' hardware daily, and immense as this capacity is it is often none too great to properly supply the demand. The com pany has a capital of $75,000 and its business is largely increasing every year. The president is Mr. H. H. Osgood, and the secretary and treasurer is Mr. Charles H. Beebe ; these gentlemen being associated on the board of directors with Messrs. Sidney Turner, E. N. Gibbs and Charles A. Converse. George A. Lewis, dealer in Fancy Groceries, Fruit and Oysters, Ice Cream at wholesale and retail, Corner Central Avenue and Fourth Street, Norwich, Conn. — As fine an example of a business enterprise, having a gradual and extensive growth, as we know of in this vicinity, is that afforded by the undertaking conducted by Mr. George A. Lewis. This gentleman ranks with the leading dealers of fancy groceries, fruit and oysters in Greeneville, and has gained his present position from small beginnings, the enterprise being inaugurated in 1885. The premUes util ized are located at the corner of Central avenue and Fourth street, and comprise one floor 40X35 feet in dimensions, being admirably adapted to the handling of the varied stock dealt in, which comprises in addition to fancy gro ceries, fruits and oysters, and ice cream, which is sold at both wholesale and retail. Two competent assistants are employed, and the enterprising business methods pursued puts the proprietor in a position to successfully meet all competition and push his specialties with vigor, and to tbe complete satisfaction of customers. Mr. Lewis is a native of Lisbon, Conn, and is well known in this community and bears an honorable and enviable reputation for the unvari- able employment of strictly legitimate business methods, as well as the accuracy and promptitude with which orders entrusted to him are filled. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 73 A. T. Otis, dealer in Groceries, Provisions, etc., 261 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is no discredit to the other excellent grocery and provision stores in Norwich to say that that carried on by Mr. A. T. Otis has hardly its rival in town, for this business was founded fully half a centuiy ago, and so long a •' start " is not easily to be made up by competitors. The present proprietor has had control for more than a quarter of a century, or since 1864, and con sidering the present status of the enterprise, it is hardly necessary to say that he has never depended upon the past prestige of the establishment but has spared no pains to meet all honorable competition, tbe result being a general knowledge on tbe part of the public that in no store in the county can a dollar be spent to more advantage in the pur chase of dependable family food supplies. The premises made use of comprise one floor and a basement of the dimensions of 65X30 feet, and are conveniently located at No. 261 Main street. Employment is given to three expe rienced and careful assistants, and orders will be accurately filled and delivered at short notice. The stock comprises staple and fancy groceries in almost endless variety, obtained from the most reputable sources, and admirably adapted to the requirements of the most select trade, while no exorbitant prices are quoted in any department, the lowest market rates being closely adhered to. Miss E. Congdon, Ladies' and Gents' Restaurant. Meals Served at All Hours. No. 6 Franklin Square, Norwich, Conn— One of the mysteries of life in our American cities has always been the poorness of the restaurant facilities. It is not so in other countries— in England, Germany or France— for in all of those nations may be found many excellent public eating houses where good meals may be obtained at moderate expense, but in the United States it is really difficult to find a well-managed and moderate- priced restaurant. We therefore take all the more pleasure in calling attention to that carried on by Miss E. Congdon at No. 6 Franklin street, for this is an establishment which can be unhesitatingly commended to all who appreciate carefully selected and well cooked food, prompt and polite service, and uniformly reasonable prices. The premises made use of are of the dimensions of 60X30 feet and are very neatly and conveniently fitted up. Employment is given to four assistants, and meals are promptly and politely served at all hours. Miss Congdon began opera tions here in 1886. and is to be congratulated on her success in building up her present extensive and steadily increas ing business. She gives it close personal supervision and is constantly striving to improve the service rendered, while her prices will compare very favorably with those demanded at many other establishments offering decidedly inferior accommodations. J. C. Monroe, Blacksmith Shop, Central Wharf, Nor wich Conn —Mr. J. C. Monroe is a native of Norwich, «d has Tug been prominently identified with the black smith's tradS, being known as one of the most expert bUcksmitbs in the city. Since he opened his new ^ shop on Central Wharf, in rear of C. B. Rogers foundry he has materially added to both his reputation and his busi ness for his improved facilities enable him to fill every order without long delay and to do work cheaply as well as durably and neatly. The premises made use of are 65*35 feet in dimensions and are thoroughly equipped in ^velvmrt especially as regards the facilities for heavy work ^wMch a specialty is made. All kinds of carnage Zning and woodwork Je done in VX^twoTSrlo short notice employment being given to from two to tnree competent assistants. Mr. Monroe S^es particular atten tion to the shoeing of horses and is prepared to do such work ma manner fhat will suit ciutomers, no rigid ru e heinff followed but the individual needs of each horse be nf carefully considered. The prices quoted in the various departments of the business are as low as is con- Ifsten"withtlieuseof selected materia and he employ ment o7 skilled labor, and we may say in closing that aU work done at this establishment is fully warranted in every repect. Ansel Clark, Contractor and Builder, wholesale and retail dealer in Stone, Brick, Slate, Cement, Lime, Hair, Plaster, Fire Brick, Fire Clay, Beach Sand, Drain Pipe, Sheathing Paper (Dry and Tarred); Marble and Slate Mantles, and Center Pieces. Prompt attention given to orders for Mason Work of all descriptions, and Slate Roofing. Manufacturer of the Avery Low Pressure Improved Steam Heater, 13 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — It is of the very highest importance to have mason work properly done in the first place, for alterations and repairs are bound to be expensive and it is obvious that the stabil ity of a house with the experience of that of Ansel Clark assures the best of work in every department of the business During the more than half a century tnas he has carried on his present business he has estab lished a wide-spread reputation for skill and thoroughness. He was born in Hebron, Conn., and came to Norwich in 1836, beginning business as a member of the firm of Leonard & Clark and assuming sole control in 1859. Mr. Clark has been connected with the city government and is almost universally known hereabouts. He is a contractor and builder who is in a position to figure very closely on specifications, and those contemplating building would best serve their own interests by communicating with him. Mr Clark is also manufacturer of the Avery Low Pressure Improved Steam Heater, which fully solves the problem of steam-heating without the least danger and is remark ably economical and efficient. The premises utilized are located at No. 13 Water street, and comprise two floors measuring 55 X 25 feet, together with sheds, wharf room, etc for a very heavy and varied stock is carried Mr. Clark being an extensive wholesale and retail dealer in stone, brick, slate; Roman, Portland and Rosendale cement ; lime for all purposes, hair, plaster, fire-brick fire clay beach sand, drain pipe, dry and tarred sheathing paper marble and slate mantels and centre-pieces, etc The office has telephone connection and orders are acted upon without delay. 74 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. W. H. Vincent, manufacturer, jobber and retailer of Fine Confectionery, No. 58 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. — There is no doubt but that the consumption of confectionery is steadily increasing, even faster than the increase in pop ulation, but it is equally unquestionable that this increased demand is for goods of superior merit and not for the "grocer's candies," which were at one time so popular. The fact is, not only are the people getting richer and hence having more money to spend on luxuries, but the standard of taste is being raised, and choicer and more delicately flavored candies are being demanded annually. Mr. W. H. Vincent of No. 58 Broadway, has built up a very large and desirable trade during the comparatively short time that he has conducted his present establishment, and this success is the natural consequence of his recog nizing the facts to which we have referred. He at all times carries a large and varied stock, and spares no pains to offer goods that will surely suit tbe most fastidious. Mr. Vincent is most excellently prepared to do this, as he is a manufacturer as well as a jobber and retailer and hence knows just what he is furnishing to his patrons. The premises utilized are 55 X 18 feet in dimensions and are tastefully and conveniently fitted up, the stock being displayed to excellent advantage and being renewed so fre quently that the goods comprising it are always fresh and attractive. The lowest market rates are quoted both on wholesale and retail orders, and every article sold by Mr. Vincent is guacanteed to prove precisely as represented. Louis Salomon, dealer in Clothing and Gents' Furnish ing, Trunks, Valises, etc., etc., No. 29 Shetucket Street, Norwich, Conn. — An experienced and discriminating buyer can obtain clothing and gentlemen's furnishings nowadays at very low rates, for clothing is cheaper to-day probably than it ever was before, and one only has to pat ronize the right establishments in order to get a good deal of value for a very little money. But it may be asked, "whose are the right establishments?" These are not hard to find for one who will use his eyes, his ears, and his commousense, and as good a one as can be named is that conducted by Mr. Louis Salomon at No. 29 Shetucket street. This gentleman was born in Germany, and has carried on his present enterprise since 1878, during which time he has built up an enviable reputation for handling dependable goods, quoting bottom prices, and extending equally prompt and courteous attention to large and small buyers. The store is 75 X 30 feet in dimensions and at all times contains a large and carefully chosen stock of clothing, gentlemen's furnishings, trunks, bags, valises, etc., the latest fashionable novelties being represented and a sufficient variety being at hand to enable all tastes and purses to be suited. Employment is given to two expe rienced and polite assistants, and goods will be cheerfully shown at any time. Mr. Salomon does an extensive busi ness, and certainly no one can begrudge success so hon estly and thoroughly deserved. Henry B. Gray, Livery, Boarding and [Sale Stables Nos. 8- :12 Bath Street, Nor- jwich. — The premises utilized by Mr. Henry IB. Gray have been used for stable pur poses for many years, these stables ranking wwith the oldest estab lished in the city. Ihey came into the possession of the present proprietor in 1884, and it is but fair to say have not only maintained but largely increased their popularity under his liberal and skillful management. Mr. Gray was born in Ledyard, Conn., and has a very large circle of friends in Norwich and vicinity. He has from the very first made a practice of using his customers well, and as a natural consequence his reputation for fair dealing is of the very best. The premises made use of comprise two floors of the dimen sions of 100 X 60 feet, and are very conveniently fitted up„ Mr. Gray does an extensive livery, boarding and sale busi ness, and employs three competent assistants. He is prepared to furnish first-class single or double teams at very short notice, and at rates that can but prove entirely satisfactory to every reasonable patron. Horses boarded here are assured the best of care and an abundance of suitable food, while the stalls are roomy and well venti lated. Special accommodations are provided for those wishing to bait their horses, and a fine office is at the dis posal of ladies wishing to leave bundles or to wait for their team. The stable is also centrally located near the prin cipal stores and banks. Mr. Gray often has some very desirable animals to sell, and those who are looking for a. good roadster and can appreciate the advantages gained by buying of a perfectly responsible party would do well to give him a call. J. P. Holloway, dealer in Fine Groceries, Flour, Tea, etc., 267 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — The business con ducted by Mr. J. P. Holloway at No. 267 Main street, was founded about 1874 by Mr. J. F. Crittenden, and in 1879 came into the possession of Messrs. Holloway Bros., this firm being composed of Messrs. G. A. and J. P. Hol loway. The former gentleman retired in February, 1886, since which date the present proprietor has had sole con trol. He is a native of Groton, and has a very large circle of friends throughout Norwich and vicinity. The business has developed greatly since its inception, and now requires the employment of two competent assistants and the carry ing of a heavy and varied stock, comprising fine groceries, flour, tea, coffees, canned goods, etc., etc. Premises of the dimensions of 60x30 feet are occupied and the goods are displayed to excellent advantage, the store being neat and trim and supplied with all necessary facilities for the storage and handling of the commodities dealt in. Mr- Hollo way is in a position to meet all honorable competi tion, and his prices will be found to bear the closest com parison with 1hose quoted elsewhere on goods of equal merit. Making a specialty of family trade, he spares no pains to handle reliable articles only, and customers appre ciate this fact and know that all goods coming from his, store are sure to prove precisely as represented. M. Hourigan, Undertaker and dealer in Furniture, Car pets, Oil Cloths, Wall Papers, Coffins, Caskets, Robes, etc., 66 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— It is undoubtedly true that house furnishing goods are cheaper to-day than they ever were before and that about every man can now afford to furnish his home comfortably and even handsomely, but it is also true that many practically worthless goods are in the market and that the only safe course to take is to phce orders with a dealer who has proved himself to be worthy of every confidence. In this connection we may very properly call attention to the establishment conducted by Mr. M. Hourigan, at No. 66 Main street, for here may be found a large and exceptionally complete stock of fur niture, carpets, oil cloths, wall papers and general house furnishings, and during the score of years that Mr. Houri gan has carried on this business he has attained a well- deserved reputation for representing things just as they are and for quoting the lowest market rates in every department of his business. Operations were begun by him in 1869, and the enterprise afterwards came under the control of Messrs. Hourigan & Doyle the present owner resuming sole possession in 1878. The premises utilized comprise two floors, measuring 85x45 feet, and employ ment is given to three competent assistants, no pains being spared to assure immediate as well as polite attention to every caller. Mr. Hourigan does an extensive undertaking business and constantly carries a complete stock of coffins, caskets, robes and funeral goods in general. Orders are acted upon without delay and moderate charges are made under all circumstances. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 75 O. L. Offenheiser, wholesale dealer in Foreign and Domestic Fruit of all kinds; Post-office Box, 1142- 42 Market Street, Norwich, Conn.— Fruit has been called the only perfect food with the exception of milk " and there is no doubt whatever but that the judicious eating of fruit will do much to fortify the system against disease by promoting digestion and otherwise assisting the various processes incidental to the maintenance of life. The United States has long been known as " a nation of dys peptics," but if fruit continues to gain here in popularity, this term will soon be no longer applicable. Both foreign and domestic fruits may now be had at a very low price, for steam and enterprise have worked wonders, and the productions of tropical countries and of the southern por tion of our own country are now offered in the northern markets at rates within the means of all. One of the lead ing wholesale dealers in foreign and domestic fruit, doing business in this section, is Mr. C. L. Offenheiser, located at No. 42 Market street. This gentleman is a native of New York City, and has been identified with his present establishment since 1885. He handles all kinds of fruit, and employs three competent assistants. Mr. Offenheiser is in a position to fill the heaviest orders at short notice, and to quote positively bottom prices at all times. Com munications addressed to P. O. Box, 1142, will receive immediate and careful attention, and retailers would do well to look into the advantages that Mr. Offenheiser is prepared to offer. Richard F. Goodwin, successor to Goodwin & Parker, manufacturers of Machine- Cut Corks, 93 and 95 Chestnut Street, Norwich, Conn. — Perhaps some of our readers may have been curious at one time or another to know where all the corks come from, for it is obvious that an immense number must be manufactured in order to satisfy the extensive and constantly increasing demand for them. One of the largest manufacturers of corks in eastern Con necticut is Mr. Richard F. Goodwin and his factory is a very instructive place to visit for those who are interested in the subject, for it contains a complete plant of improved machinery which is capable of turning out machine-cut corks, granulated corks, seine corks, cork washers and sliced cork, with a rapidity and accuracy which are fairly amazing. This business was founded in 1867 by Messrs. Goodwin & Parker, and has been under the sole control of the present proprietor since 1884. The premises made use of comprise two floors ofthe dimensions of 90X50 feet, and are supplied with steam power, some twenty horse-power being required to drive the machinery in use. Mr. Good win deals largely in corks for all bottling purposes and makes it a rule to keep a full line of such constantly on hand. He also deals in hand corking machines, and makes a specialty of cork washers and sliced cork, being prepared to fill the most extensive orders for these or in fact for any thing in his line, without delay and at prices in strict accordance with the lowest market rates. Fellows & Rice, Masons and Builders, Plain and Ornamental Plasterers; dealers in Brick. Lime, Cement, Hair, Sand, Marble and Slate Mantels and Center Pieces, Brackets and Ornaments, 149 and 151 Water Street, Nor wich, Conn.— The firm of Fellows & Rice was formed in 1885, and it is safe to say that the reputation since built up is second to that of no concern in a similar line of business in the city. Messrs. Fellows & Rice are masons and build ers, plain and ornamental plasterers and dealers in brick, lime, cement, sand, hair, etc., as well as marble and slate mantels, center pieces, brackets and ornaments. The premises made use of comprise two floors of the dimen sions of 70 X 25 feet, and employment is given to fifteen competent and careful assistants, so that all orders can be filled without undue delay and in an entirely satisfactory manner. Mr. G. E. Fellows was born in New London, and Mr'. F. G. Rice in this city, both these gentlemen being very thoroughly acquainted with the practical details of their business. Particular attention is paid to orders for mason work of all kinds and as estimates will be cheerfully and promptly made on application, those contemplating building should by all means give this rep resentative firm an opportunity to bid. Slate roofing is also done in a superior manner at short notice, and the charges made in every department of the business will be found to be moderate and fair in every instance. James Murphy, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Fine Wines, Liquors, Ales, Cigars and Tobacco, 3 Water Street, Norwich, Conn. — The business of which Mr. James Murphy is proprietor was founded by him just about ten years ago and has steadily developed until it has reached quite extensive proportions. He is a dealer in groceries and provisions of all descriptions, and also handles fine wines, liquors, ales, cigars and tobacco, being well prepared to furnish first-class goods at reasonable prices. The premises utilized have au area of 1500 square feet and are very conveniently fitted up, enabling orders to be filled at short notice and in a thoroughly accurate and satisfactory manner. The stock is so uniformly good that it is difficult to single out certain articles for individual mention, but we may at least call attention to the assortment of teas, coffees and spices, these being of standard purity, of fine and delicate flavor and of comparatively low cost. Fresh vegetables and other country produce are also always well represented in the stock, and those who appreciate good butter and cheese should most certainly test the goods offered by Mr. Murphy at No. 3 Water street. Pure liquors for medicinal and family use are a leading specialty, and will be supplied in quantities to suit at low figures. C. W. Perkins, Carpenter, Builder and General Jobber. Orders promptly attended to; Office, Central Wharf, 65- W.Main Street, opposite Edw. Chappell &Co , Norwich. — Mr. C. W. Perkins is a native of Norwich, and has carried on his present enterprise since 1885, during which time he has attained an enviable reputation for filling orders at short notice, at moderate rates and in a thoroughly work manlike manner. He is in a position to figure very closely on plans and specifications, and those who propose to do any building should most certainly give him a chance to estimate as to the cost of the work, for such estimates will be promptly and cheerfully furnished and one may save money, time and trouble by submitting his plans to Mr. Perkins. There is one decided advantage in placing orders with him and that is the certainty that every agree ment made concerning the work wiU be carefully respected and fully carried out. This assurance entirely obviates- the anxiety which is sure to result from the awarding of a contract to a less dependable builder, and even if Mr. Perkins were not prepared to make bottom figures it would still be worth while to take advantage of the facilities he offers. Employment is given to four or more assistants, according to the season, etc., and as care is taken to hire reliable help only, the results attained are sure to be entirely satisfactory. C. W. Hill, Grocer, 19 Franklin Square, Norwich, Conn. —Among those grocery and tea bouses which, both on account of the character and extent of the stock carried and the low prices named on the articles comprising the same, are worthy of especially prominent and favorable mention, must be classed that conducted by Mr. C. W. Hill on Franklin square, for this gentleman caters to the most fastidious trade, while his prices are as low as the lowest in every department, quality of course being con sidered. The premises are of spacious dimensions, and afford ample accommodations for the heavy assortment of choice flour, staple and fancy groceries, teas, coffees and spices, which is constantly carried. A full selection of everything usually carried in a first-class grocery store is- always to be found here. Employment is given to thor oughly experienced assistants, and orders will be promptly and courteously filled at all times. Mr. Hill gives the details of bis business careful personal supervision and spares no pains to assure complete satisfaction to the most critical customers. 76 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. A. F. Howard, Dentist, 197 Main Street (over Boston Store), Norwich, Conn. — This is neither the time nor the £>lace to discuss the causes of defective teeth, but it is gen erally believed that the unenviable distinction possessed •by the Americans of having the poorest teeth of any mation, is the consequence of a combination of hereditary influences, bad habits of eating, improper selection of food and unpardonable carelessness in caring for the teeth. Of late years there has been a sort of hygienic "revival," which has undoubtedly accomplished great good already and is sure to continue to spread that knowledge of the prime laws of health which is essential to the physical well-being ¦of a community. If Americans have the worst teeth in *the world, they have the best dentists, and so true is this =and so generally conceded and widely known, that foreign ers come here to study dentistry as we send our sons -abroad to finish their education in medicine or in art. Where the standard is so high it is of course difficult to gain an exceptional reputation, and yet we believe that Dr. A. F. Howard, of No. 197 Main street, fully deserves the reputation he holds for superior skill and gentleness. At all events, we know that those who have availed them selves of his services speak in the highest terms of the methods he employs, and certainly they should be in a position to render intelligent and convincing judgment. X>r. Howard was born in New York City, and succeeded Dr. G. G. Bishop here in Norwich in 1885. He utilizes two good-sized apartments — a thoroughly equipped ope rating room .and an elegantly furnished reception room — and has every facility at his hand for the practice of den tistry in all its branches in accordance with the most approved methods. All work is fully guaranteed, and the *cale of prices is moderate and satisfactory. J. C. Worth, wholesale Commission Merchant in Foreign and Domestic Fruits and Vegetables ; Strawberries and Peaches a specialty in their season ; 34 and 36 Market Street, Norwich, Conn. — The development of the trade in foreign and domestic fruits has been one of the most remarkable commercial changes occurring of late years, for although foreign fruits have long been a staple com modity in the market, still it is only recently that their handling has engaged the attention of men of such energy and such capital as to have caused imported fruits to retail =as low, and in some cases lower, than fruits raised right here in the North. One of the men most prominently identified with the handling of foreign and domestic fruits And vegetables in this vicinity, is Mr. J. C. Worth, doing •business at Nos. 34 and 36 Market street. This gentleman is a native of Fayal, Azore Islands, and began operations in 1873, as a member of the firm of J. C. Worth & Co., assuming sole control in 1884. He does a wholesale com mission business and utilizes two floors, each of which measures 45 X 30 feet. Mr. Worth makes a specialty of strawberries and peaches in their season ; and at all times carries a large and seasonable stock. His store has tel- ¦ephone connection, and orders are assured immediate and -careful attention, as employment is given to four com petent assistants, and the heaviest commissions can be •executed at short notice. F. L. Gardner, dealer in Fine Groceries and Teas, Provisions, Flour, Grain, Fruit, Wooden Ware, etc., cor ner Market and Water Streets, Norwich, Conn.— Probably one of the oldest established businesses of the kind in this ¦city is that conducted by Mr. F. L. Gardner at the corner of Market and Water streets, for this enterprise was inau gurated very nearly half a century ago, its inception occurring in 1841. The present proprietor is a native of Norwich and has become thoroughly identified with the undertaking in question, he having carried it on ever since 1869. The premises utilized comprise four floors measur ing 45 X 20 feet each, and a heavy stock is constantly on hand to choose from, it being made up of choice staple and fancy groceries, selected teas and coffees, pure spices, flour, grain, fruit, provisions, wooden ware and many other commodities too numerous to mention. Mr. Gard ner employs three competent assistants and is in a position to assure immediate and courteous attention to every caller. He caters to no special class of trade but strives to offer a sufficient variety of goods to suit all tastes and purses, and to quote positively the lowest market rates at all times. He has built up an extensive business during his long and honorable career and has an unsurpassed reputation for selling goods strictly on their merits, no misrepresentation being practiced under any circumstances. N. D. Lamb, Confectioner and dealer in Toys, Fancy Goods, Fruit, Nuts, etc., 48 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. — There is a great deal of nonsense spoken and written concerning the food we eat and the beverages we drink, and probably what has been said in connection with the use of confectionery, contains a greater proportion of non sense than can be pointed out in any other line. For tunately the commonsense of the people is not to be easily led astray by even the most ingenious theories of so called " scientists," and therefore the consumption of confection ery has steadily continued to increase despite the frantic efforts of sensationalists and alarmists. It is a noteworthy fact however that the quality of the confectionery now in general use is much higher than was the case a decade ago, and the leading confectioners report that the demand for the higher grades of candies is constantly and rapidly increasing. It is largely owing to his appreciation of this fact that Mr. N. D. Lamb has built up so desirable a busi ness since beginning operations in 1874, for he has spared no pains to offer goods that would satisfy the most fastid ious, and as a consequence has a select as well as a large circle of patrons. Mr. Lamb was born in Norwich. He does a retail business in confectionery, fruit, toys, etc., and a wholesale business in ice-cream, supplying the latter commodity in any desired quantity and at the lowest mar ket rates. The premises are located at No. 48 Main street, and measure 45 X 30 feet, a portion of them being taste fully fitted up as au ice-cream saloon. A fine stock of doll carriages, toys, fancy goods, etc., etc , is handled. Patrons are assured prompt and courteous attention, and no better candy or ice-cream is obtainable in this city. J. P. Collins & Co., manufacturers of Collins' Improved Jouval Turbine, with First Transmitting Machinery, Nor wich, Conn— The many and valuable water privileges to be found in New England were of course what gave that section its prominence as a manufacturing section, and the only way in which this prominence can be maintained is by the proper utilization of the local water powers. Steam has, of course, worked great changes in manufacturing methods, but water-power — when suitably availed of — is still the most economical power known and this gives its user a decided advantage in the close competition of the present day. Many a mill privilege which is now practi cally abandoned might be put to practical and profitable use by the employment of Collin's Improved Jouval Tur bine, and many a mill which is now only partially run by water-power might dispense with the use of steam alto gether were this apparatus introduced. These assertions are not made lightly, for practical experience proves them to be fully justified by tbe facts. Mr. Collins has devoted himself to the designing and construction of water wheels for many years and is the inventor of a past-gate guide which is acknowledged to be superior to all others, it being the only one which has been applied successfully to the Jouval Turbine. The firm have turned out many wheels during their business career and it is estimated that one fourth of all the cotton spindles in this country run by waterpower are driven by the Collins Improved Jouval Turbine. Any mill in New England will be visited on application, free of expense, all necessary surveys, etc., being made and estimates furnished. Orders can be filled at comparatively short notice and no pains will be spared to fully maintain the enviable reputation thus far held. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. 7T W. W. Sheffield, D. D. S., Harris Building, New Lon don.— Without denying for a moment that artificial teeth on a movable plate are far superior to no teeth at all, it may still be confidently asserted that such teeth are clumsy, uncomfortable, comparatively inefficient, and in short unsatisfactory. The popular prejudice against cov ering the roof of the mouth with a plate is not at all diffi cult to understand, and that such a plate impairs the sense of taste is too thoroughly established to admit of successful denial. Various attempts have been made to obviate the necessity for such plates but none of the devices as yet pro duced have met with even a small proportion of the success attained by those incidental to what is known as Dr. Shef field's Perfect Crowning System. The merits of this system are established by years of practical experience, for during the past decade more than 30.000 crowns and bridges have been inserted without a single failure. This system con sists of the permanent attachment of artificial gold and porcelain-faced crowns to the roots of the natural teeth, and the attachment of artificial teeth to bridges. The fun damental operation on which the lasting success of this system is based, is the treatment and permanent cure of all diseased conditions existing, after which the crown and * bridge work may be applied with a certainty of satisfactory results. The inventors, projectors and proprietors of this valuable system are W. W. Sheffield, D. D. S., of this city, and Lucius T. Sheffield, D. M. D., of New York. Dr. W. W. Sheffield is a native of N. Stonington, Conn., and has long been one of the leading dentists of New England. His rooms in the Harris Building are magnificently fitted up, and are among the best-equipped in the country. Three operating rooms are available, and seven thoroughly competent assistants are in attendance, for the doctor does an immense business and carries on dentistry in all its branches. He is universally known throughout this sec tion. Dr. Sheffield has made a life-long study of the teeth in health and in disease, and has produced two prepara tions—" CrSme Dentifrice " and " Elixir Balm " which are designed to promote the health of the teeth and gums, perfume the breath and prevent decay. They are sold at a moderate figure, may be used together or separately and are of genuine and decided value, besides being perfectly harmless and far superior to anything else in the market. Can be found at all the druggists. E. D. Harris, dealer in Anthracite and Bituminous Coal. Offices at 207 Main Street and 449 North Main Street, Norwich, Conn.— The increasing popularity of open fire-places is greatly to be commended for it is based on commonsense, although of course, many use this method of heating simply because it is fashionable We speak of the use of open fire-places as a " method of heat ing," and so it is, but it is still more a method of ventila tion, and one that thus far is without a rival. Not one city house in a hundred is properly ventilated, and several well-placed open fires will do more to change the air and carry off the germs of disease than four times that number of stoves or furnaces. Coal cannot be burned so econom ically in this way of course, but medicines cost even more than coal, and good health is cheap at any price. In order Xo get the greatest possible benefit from open fires a suDerior quality of coal must be ust d, and as much that is oKthU purpose is quite unsuitable and is apt to preju dice the public against the use of open grates altogether we take pleasure in calling attention to the coal offered by Mr. E. D. Harris, for he makes a specialty of handling coal adapted to open fires and is prepared to supply a supe rior artfcle in quantities to suit and at positively the lowest Set rates. Mr. Harris is a native of Preston, and besan operations in 1884. He has offices at No. 207 Mam sS and No. 449 North Main street, and employs ten assistants all orders large or small being assured imme- dia e and careful attention. The storage facilities ava la- be are sufficient to accommodate 5000 tons, and all the Standard grades of anthracite and bituminous coal are constantiygcarried in stock, so that the wants of all classes of consumers can be satisfactorily supplied. Whaley's Cafe, 6 Shetucket Street, Norwich.— There are not so many first class dining rooms in Norwich as to- make such establishments too common to call for particu lar notice, and indeed this city is not exceptional in this- respect for although the United States leads the world in some things, it makes a sorry showing in comparison- with other civilized countries as far as public restaurants- are concerned. The difficulty of finding an establishment where good food, good cooking and courteous service are assured to every caller, has frequently been referred to by strangers traveling in this country, as well as by native writers, and we will not dwell upon it, preferring the much more pleasant task of informing our readers where a. thoroughly satisfactory dining room may be found. " Whaley's Cafe " is of course well known to many of our readers, but to those who are not familiar with it we have simply to say that its superior is not to be found in this- section, as a trial will conclusively prove. Mr. Charles H. Whaley, the proprietor is a native of Hartford, and founded his present business in 1876. He has developed it by giv ing careful attention to the wants of the public, sparing no- pains to provide an efficient, economical and satisfactory service. The bill of fare is varied, and skillfully made up, and the food is of the choicest quality and is very attract ively served. Mr. Whaley carries a large stock of baker's. goods, fruits, confectionery, cigars, etc., and quotes low prices on all the goods he handles. C. W. Scott, Jr., successor to B. F. Brewster, Practical Horse-shoer, Shop on Chestnut Street, rear of Broadway Church. Particular attention paid to Shoeing Gentlemen s- Driving Horses, Norwich, Conn.— This is a very old stand and was utilized for many years by Mr. B F. Brewster before the present proprietor assumed control m 1873. It is very thoroughly fitted up, and as employment is given, to three efficient assistants the extensive business done can be easily and promptly attended to. Mr Scott gives par ticular attention to the shoeing of gentlemen's driving- horses. A specialty made of all lameness and diseases or foot Variety of shoes and expanders to rectify the gaits- of horses and restore the foot to its natural shape. Op account of the demand and beneficial results, we find it necessary to keep all sizea of Dr. Roberges patent Hoof Expanders in stock. They may be applied by us in alf sizes at reasonable terms. I have used them for a number of vears. I can safely recommend them if properly applied The peculiarities of each horse are. carefully studied and the shoe is made to fit the hoof; the hoof not being pared, burned and hacked away to fit the shoe. No fancy charge* are made and we can safely guarantee satisfaction to every customer. Constantly on hand, condition powders, lini ment and hoof ointment. 78 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWICH. Photographic and Art Studio. Photographs made in Every Style, and all work promptly and satisfactorily fin ished. Special attention given to large work, such as Crayon, India Ink, Water Colors, or Solar Photographs. Copying done in all its branches. No. 197 Main Street, Williams Block, Norwich, Conn. — An absolutely perfect portrait is rarely produced, either by drawing, painting or photography, and despite the remarkable progress made in the last named profession of late years, it is safe to assert that there are to-day more bad than good photographs pro duced. Not but what the people are capable of discrimi nating between a good and a bad picture, but because (on account of some curious notions of economy) they put up with an inferior portrait simply because they can get it a little "cheaper." Of course there are thousands who do not allow themselves to be led into this error, but still there are even more who do, and this latter class are the salvation of the many incompetent and careless photog raphers which are unhappily to be found in this country. The very best portrait, we say, is none too good, and the very best portrait is also the very cheapest, for a poor por trait is certainly not worth bringing home. The difference in price between really artistic and miserably inferior work is after all but trifling, and those who cannot afford to pay this difference would unquestionably adopt the wisest course should they go without any portraits what ever. Believing as we do that in photography even more than in anything else "the best is cheapest," it is natural that we should cordially recommend to our readers the establishment conducted by Mr. J. O. Durgan at No. 197 Main street, Williams' Block, for this is as finely equipped a studio as the State can show, premises comprising two floors, 100 X 40 and 20 X 40 respectively, are occupied, ¦consisting of operating, reception and printing rooms, etc., and especial facilities are at hand for the doing of large work, to which particular attention is given. Mr. Durgan is a native of Bath, Maine, and has been identified with his present establishment since 1880, but has been thirty- five years in tbe business. He employs an able corps of assistants, and is prepared to fill all orders at very short notice. Photographs will be made in every style, and copying is done in all its branches. A specialty is made of crayon, India ink, water colors and solar photographs, and the prices quoted are very reasonable when the uni form superiority of the work is considered. M. A. Potter, Agent, dealer in Fresh and Salt Fish, Oysters, Clams, Canned Goods, Vegetables, Fruits, etc., IMain Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, Greeneville, Conn.— Fish is one of the most popular articles of food we have, and it is well that it is so, for it is both cheap and healthful. The only disadvantage connected with the use of it is that it must be perfectly fresh in order to be pala table and nutritious, and there is no difficulty in obtaining perfectly fresh fish if you only know where to look for it. For instance make a call on Mr. M. A. Potter, doing busi ness on Main street between 6lh and 7th streets and you will find that his stock of fresh and salt fish, oysters, clams, etc., is full and complete, and that every article sold by him is guaranteed to be satisfactory and to prove as repre sented. Mr. Potter is a native of Norwich, and is at pres ent a councilman. He inaugurated the enterprise to which we have reference in 1879. He has built up a very large and growing business, and is now better prepared than ever before to supply anything in his line, at the low est market rates, and to give prompt and careful attention to orders. Employment is given to only competent assist ants and all customers are assured prompt and courteous service. Canned goods, vegetables, fruits, etc. , are largely handled, and all orders will be delivered when promised, and will be accurately and carefully filled. John F. Sevin, dealer in Fine Groceries, Provisions and Notions, 190 and 192 East Broad Street, Norwich, Conn.— Mr. J. F. Sevin has been identified with the establishment he now conducts for twenty one years, and he has gained a high and well deserved reputation for handling strictly reliable articles and quoting the lowest market rates in every department of his business. The premises are cen trally located and spacious, but none too much so to prop erly accommodate the heavy stock carried, which com prises groceries, flour, teas, coffees and spices, and other commodities in general use. Mr. Sevin enjoys a large family trade and naturally caters expressly to that class of patrons. The assortment of staple and fancy groceries offered by this firm includes everything in that line in common use, and as the goods are without exception obtained from the most reputable sources, they may be confidently depended on to prove just as represented. Special inducements are given to purchasers of flour, the most popular brands being quoted at bottom prices, and the teas and coffees offered are also sure to give satisfac tion, both as regards their quality and their cost. Employ ment is given to a competent force of assistants, and callers are sure of receiving immediate and courteous attention at all times. Fred L. Ramage, dealer in Meats, Vegetables and Canned Goods, 19 Ann Street, Nor wich, Conn. — Mr. Ramage is a native of Norwich, and established his meat market in 1887. The store contains a well selected stock of fresh and salt meats, beef, pork, mutton, lamb, veal, canned goods, etc. Also vegetables in their seasons. The prices quoted are always in accord ance with the lowest market rates, and as the goods are of excellent quality and custom ers are promptly and politely attended to, it is perfectly natural that a large and grow ing business should be done. | Lack of space forbids our giving the goods constituting his stock the detailed mention their merits deserve, but no doubt the majority of our readers residing in Norwich need not be told that be faithfully carries out the policy of giving every customer the full worth of his money. Jacob C. Benjamin, Ice Cream Manufacturer. Ladies' and Gents' Dining Saloon; Parties furnished with every Requisite; 14 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. — The residents of Norwich may well take pride in the dining saloon con ducted by Mr. Jacob C. Benjamin, at No. 14 Broadway, for there are very few dining-rooms in the State that can compare with this in the various points which go to make up a first-class establishment of the kind. Mr. Benjamin is a native of the island of St. Helena, and inaugurated his present enterprise in 1871. He is a caterer of long and varied experience and enjoys facilities which enable him to fill all orders at short notice and in a satisfactory style. LEADING BUSINESS MEN. 79 Reiss & Wholey, successors to Myron Sears dealers in Stoves Ranges, Tin, Iron and Granite Ware Tin Roofing Plumbing and Jobbing promptly attended to. Ordered Work a specialty. No. 12 Ferry Street, Norwich, Conn.- The firm of Reiss & Wholey began operations in 1888, but the business carried on by them is of very old establish ment having been founded many years ago by Mr H I Roath, who was succeeded by Messrs. Roath & Denison' this firm giving place to Messrs. Roath & Bates, and thev to Messrs. Roath & Sears, Mr. Myron P. Sears assuming sole control m 1869 and continuing it until succeeded bv the present proprietors. Mr. James W. Reiss is a native of Brooklyn, NY., and Mr. Andrew J. Wholey of Mont ville, Conn., and both these gentlemen are well prepared to maintain the honorable repute of the establishment, for they understand their business thoroughly and are enter prising and straightforward in their business methods the premises made use of are located at No. 12 Ferry street, and comprise three floors, measuring 40x50 feet thus affording ample opportunity for the carrying of an exceptionally large and varied stock of stoves, ranges, fur naces, tin, iron and granite ware, kitchen furnishings plumbers' materials, etc. The firm warrant every article they sell to prove just as represented, and are in a position to quote the lowest market rates on all the commodities handled. Ordered work is made a specialty, and tin roof ing, plumbing and general jobbing will be done in first- class style at moderate rates. TWO POPULAR HOTELS. Crocker House, Hale & Co., Proprietors, New London. — It is not at all difficult to define the position held by the Crocker House among other Connecticut hotels, for this famous hostelry hMs for years been " the leader of the leaders," and is not out-classed by any hotel in all New England. It is pleasantly familiar to hundreds of the traveling public, and it is safe to say that among the most pleasant remembrances held by a large proportion of those who annually visit New London at the time of the college races, those associated with the Crocker House are by no means to be left out of the account. This hotel is the centre of excitement on such occasions, and one is not at all apt to forget the scenes following the winning of a race by either Yale's or Harvard's representatives. The building is one of the most attractive and substantial in the •city; being constructed of brick with granite trimmings, and comprising five floors of the dimensions of 180 X 110 feet. It was erected in 1872, by Mr. S. H. Crocker, and ¦continued under his management for about a year ; after several changes in its management the present proprietors, Messrs. A. R. and A. T. Hale, assumed control in 1881. The senior partner is also the owner and manager of the •celebrated Watch Hill House, of Watch Hill, R. 1., and that they fully appreciate the wants of the public and are •competent aad determined to cater to those wants in a thoroughly satisfactory manner, the leading position held hy both their houses amply proves. The interior appoint ments of the Crocker House are, like everything else con nected with that establishment, strictly first class ; the "furniture bting tasteful and elegant and all the modern improvements, including steam-heat, electric bells, electric lights, elevator, etc., being utilized. The dining ball will seat 250 guests, and there are 150 sleeping rooms on the premises. The cuisine of the Crocker House has always Tieen one of its strong points, and the accommodations offered at this house are first class in every respect. Watch Hill House, Watch Hill, R. I.— The attractions of Watch Hill have come to be generally recognized, and the grand beauty of its coast line is attracting summer sojourners from all over the country. Not alone the love for the beautiful is gratified, but the bodily health is ben efitted as well, for the cooling ocean breezes bring strength, and the opportunities for driving, fishing, bathing and other inspiriting exercises, are too tempting to be resisted. Notably so in its combination of beautiful ocean and inland scenery. Its beach is conceded to be the finest on the coast, and the surf, while wild and impressive, being particularly suitable for the use of bathers — a fact that hundreds take advantage of daily. Beautiful drives over fine roads are an additional attraction, and the crowning inducement — a first-class hotel — is not wanting, for the " Watch Hill House " is clearly entitled to such a descrip tion by the record it has made since its opening. This famous hotel may well be taken as a representative house, for in the opinion of competent observers, it is as near perfection as any similar enterprise on the coast. Accom modations are provided for 300 guests, and the location of the house is well described by its name, it being literally a " sea shore " house, facing on the ocean, and considered the best location on the hill. The bathing beach and the other hotels are within easy walking distance. The fine table is not the least attractive feature and is managed with liber ality and intelligence. A number of first class cooks, under a competent chef, prepare a very attractive bill of fare, while the service is all that could be desired. The fine music affords every opportunity for dancing. Mr. A. R. Hale, the proprietor, is one of the best-known land lords in New England, and is looked upon as an authority on hotel-keeping matters. so LEADING BUSINESS MEN. GENERAL BUSINESS AGENCY. Fire, Life and Accident Insurance, Bills and Eents Collected, Real Estate bought, sold and managed. NOTARY PUBLIC. J\ W. HARTSHOR1T, P. O. Box 943. No. 3 Bank St. (with Postal Telegraph), New London. ' Agent for Building, Loan and Saving Association of Geneva, N. Y. Authorized capital $5,000,000. 1PJJTT1>TJL1\A. FTJBlTITirRE CO^IP.A-lsry 126, 128, 130 BANK STREET, NEW LONDON. It is said that "Different people have different tastes," and as they also have different incomes, the only practi cally satisfactory way to cater to all classes of trade, is to carry a stock so large and so varied that it comprises all grades, all styles and all kinds of really meritorious goods. Such is the policy pursued by the Putnam Furniture Man ufacturing Company, and that it meets with the favor of the public, is shown by the immense business built up since operations were begun in July, 1889. Tbe company utilize the New London Opera House building, 126-130 Bank street, and have at their disposal, show rooms double the size of any others in the State. The capacity of these rooms is well tested, and those who want anything in the line of housekeeping goods, will make a big mistake if they don't at least make this establishment a call. Inspec tion costs nothing; callers being politely received and no one being importuned to buy, and we can assure our read ers that a great deal can be learned in the course of an hour's visit to this well-managed store. High-cost goods, medium-cost goods, and low-cost goods are all well-repre sented, and the prices quoted are as low as the lowest, every time. Goods will be sold for cash or on weekly pay ments, and the employment of six competent assistant* assures prompt and polite attention to every caller. Goods will be made to order or repaired at short notice, no pains being spared to satisfy the most critical. The head of this worthy enterprise is Mr. Nelson S. Putnam, a native of Newton, Mass., and Geo. N. Putnam, the manager, a native of Boston, and a member of the Odd Fellows. He is an experienced and energetic man of business, at * '? to be congratulated on the grand success the undertake ia* won. YALE UNIVERSITY a39002 ' V m '