If the upgrowth of Fayetteville has not been as rapid or magical as some other centers of population and industry, the advancement of the town has at least been firm, and its commercial enterprises are noted for the stability and conservatism which mark their management.
Fayetteville is fully alive to the necessity of encouraging manufacturing and commercial enterprises. A place may be exceedingly beautiful in itself, may possess unnumbered natural advantages, charming homes, intelligence, wealth and all the improvements common to a high order of civilization but the eminent, practical spirit of the nineteenth century demands something more than these. It asks concerning a man: What can he do? and of a town very much the same question.
Fayetteville is justly proud of her beautiful situation. To new comers Fayetteville offers many advantages whether their coming be merely for residence or for making the town a base of operation for manufacturing or trade purposes.
In the important particular of school facilities Fayetteville is abreast of the foremost village in the state. Education and religion go hand in hand and side by side, with the means that furnish the one are the organization for religious work and worship. Indeed there is no lack of school or church accommodation in Fayetteville, and these advantages naturally prove a great advantage to the manufacturer or tradesman desiring to settle here.
Fayetteville is a most desirable place in which to locate. The town from its favorable situation, advantageous surroundings, its commercial facilities, its business opportunities, its advantages as a shipping and distributing point, its system of water works, its wealth and intelligence, refinement and culture of its people and the thousand and one things that tend to make a town a desirable place in which to abide are here to be found.
Fayetteville is now undoubtedly developing its resources and extending its commercial advantages to a remarkable degree. There is about the business men a spirit of enterprise, nerve, pluck, courage and mettle--a combination of many of the most essential elements of success.
The people are determined upon looking forward to the realization of greater achievements, and in the face of such determination and amid natural and acquired advantages favorable to progress, success is seldom beyond question.
The above shows in brief some of the advantages presented
by Fayetteville as a manufacturing and commercial center and a delightful
place of residence.
We now call the reader's attention to the beginning of
our Pen Sketches of our leading business enterprises. We will continue
these sketches from week to week until the entire field is covered.
There are few mercantile enterprises that add so greatly
to the importance of Fayetteville as the extensive house conducted by Messrs.
V. H. Nichols & Son, as may readily be discovered by a visit to this
popular emporium. This house is the leading headquarters for both
staple and fancy dry goods, shoes, hardware, groceries, etc., and making
a leading specialty of every one of its extensive departments. The
premises, occupied in the Beard block, comprise two stores of ample dimensions
and supplied with every convenience for the advanced requirements of the
times demand. So far as the character of the stock is concerned,
it may be stated that it is unsurpassed in this section and embraces a
diversity simply impossible to describe. In dress goods, from the
cheapest prints to the most expensive fabrics, ladies and gentlemen's furnishings,
hats and caps, linen, woolens, boots and shoes, house furnishing goods,
stoves for heating and cooking purposes, special mention being made of
oil heaters, wall paper, crockery, builders and shelf hardware, staple
and fancy products for everything throughout the entire stock bespeaking
order and excellent management. The trade of this house extends throughout
Fayetteville and the surrounding country, and by reason of this V. H. Nichols
& Son's marked facilities for procuring goods direct from manufacturers
and producers they are enabled to place them before patrons at prices which
are safe for successful competition. This firm is one of experience
in the business they operate, devoting their personal attention critically
to every detail. They are highly regarded in this community and their
enterprise is regarded as an important factor in the commercial life of
Fayetteville.
Prominent among the most successful business houses in
this vicinity, the reader's attention is called to the enterprise conducted
by Mr. J. M. Tillotson. This establishment had its inception in 1871
and in the period elapsed a large and influential trade has been the result,
due to the uniform excellence of goods, low prices and liberal dealings.
The premises occupied on Genesee street are divided into grocery and meat
departments and fitted up with all the modern facilities for the successful
carrying on of the business while a perfect system of order and cleanliness
pervades the entire establishment. The assortment of goods carried
embraces every known article in staple and fancy groceries. The food
products have been selected with great care and with special regard to
their purity and freshness and comprise choice teas and coffees, spices,
hermetically sealed goods in glass and tin, vegetables, farm and dairy
products, table delicacies, etc. While the market is stocked at all
times with prime beef, mutton, lamb, veal, pork salted and cured meats,
and the stock throughout conforms in every respect to the requirements
of the high class trade this house enjoys. Mr. Tillotson, the enterprising
proprietor, is a progressive gentleman, and is highly esteemed in this
community for his promptness, integrity and sound business principles.
A striking example of progress and what may be accomplished
by energy, fair dealing and honorable business methods is given in an account
of the house conducted by Messrs. Coon & Potter. This enterprise
was inaugurated in 1893, and under the energetic management of its proprietors
has been steadily successful from the outset. The patronage is derived
from all parts of the surrounding country, and is of an influential and
permanent character. The premises occupied on Genesee street, near
Mill street, consists of a commodious store, which is admirably fitted
up and complete throughout in all its arrangements, and an extensive stock
of superior staple and fancy dry goods is carried, embracing dress fabrics
in the newest styles and designs, underwear, hosiery, gloves, ladies' furnishings
and fancy goods in endless variety, also gentlemen's furnishing goods,
hats, caps, etc. In addition to the above this firm also keeps in
stock a general line of grocers, a regards domestic and staple groceries.
The stock is thoroughly comprehensive, covering the entire wide range and
including everything in its best quality. Boots and shoes for ladies',
gentleman and children's wear also form an important specialty of the stock.
The long, practical experience of Messrs. Coon & Potter gives them
exceptional facilities for procuring supplies, rendering it desirable for
purchasers in search of the best qualities to inspect their stock.
The copartners, Messrs. Arthur M. Coon and Fred S. Potter are gentlemen
of distinguished enterprise, thorough business ability and sterling personal
worth.
The trade represented by the above named house is second
to no other class which may combine with manual handicraft the richest
embellishment of art. The perfection now attained in this direction
may be plainly seen by the work turned out by Messrs. Boynton Brothers,
who have on hand a large variety of designs in monuments, headstones, etc.,
which evinces a combination of taste and skill rarely seen in domestic
manufacture of the kind. This business was founded some forty-five
years ago, and was conducted from 1870 to 1889 by Mr. John L. Boynton,
who was succeeded by his sons, Frank and Fred Boynton. The premises
occupied on Mill street are commodious, and with them is connected a spacious
yard. Ample accommodation is afforded for the manipulation and display
of the large and valuable stock of marble and granite that is constantly
carried. A specialty is made of cemetery and monumental work, and
in this branch this firm is thoroughly experienced. Success in this
field of industry requires special qualifications, which includes a taste
for the work and the genius to design, as well as the skill requisite to
execute accurate and artistic carving, lettering and ornamentation, which
gives durability and grace to both elaborate and plain work. In this
essential this house has stood long at the head of the trade. They
keep constantly on hand a full supply of Italian and American marble, and
Quincy, Barre and other granites, as well as imported Scotch granite, and
are prepared to make to order monuments, headstones, tablets, etc.
Specimens of this firms' handiwork exhibit decided genius and attract wide-spread
admiration for artistic workmanship in their executive. The copartners
are gentlemen of integrity and good business qualities, and bear an A1
reputation wherever known.
There is no branch of productive art in which such rapid
progress has been made in recent years as in the manufacture of fine and
artistic household furniture. A prominent establishment in Fayetteville
devoted to the sale of furniture is the one forming the caption of this
sketch. The business was founded in 1850, Mr. Knapp being identified
with the business since 1869, and has been very successful in acquiring
an extensive and influential trade. The premises occupying four floors
are admirably arranged throughout, and stocked to repletion with the latest
prevailing styles in cabinet and upholstery furniture, parlor suites, sideboards,
chamber suites, kitchen furniture, bookcases, desks, bedding, and in fact
everything to furnish a house complete from cellar to garret. The
carpet department is replete with everything new and fashionable in Brussels
and ingrain, oilcloths and mattings. Sewing machines and window shades
are also carried in stock. In the undertaking department of the business
every requisite is furnished; caskets, robes, hearse, etc. Mr. Knapp
is an expert embalmer, and is a graduate of the Clark, also the Oriental
school of embalming. He is very attentive to the duties of his calling,
and the able manner in which he attends to all details connected with funeral
directing, shows careful management and proficiency. The trade of
this house is by no means confined to Fayetteville, but extends throughout
this section and into neighboring towns and villages. Mr. Knapp possesses
every requirement regarding his business, he is a very popular and influential
gentleman, and is one of Fayetteville's foremost businessmen and representative
citizens.
It is almost invariably the rule that in all commercial
centers there are to be found certain houses which owing to the superior
energy and executive ability brought to bear in their management, have
outstripped all competition and attained a representative status in their
respective lines. Such is the case with the house of Oscar H. Will
& Co. This house has been successfully engaged in growing seeds
in Bismarck, North Dakota since 1882, and in June of the present year opened
their Eastern distributing point in Fayetteville with offices and warehouse
located corner Genesee and High Bridge street. They are extensive
growers of field, vegetable and flower seeds. The goods are shipped
to all parts of the United States and Canada and are sold outright to the
consumer and dealer, none being put out on commission. Consequently
they have no old stock being retained and set out as is the case with many
seed houses. The seeds sent out by this house are thoroughly tested
before being shipped, and the resources and connections of this house are
of such ample and influential character as to enable them to offer special
advantages to customers and planters, and to fill all order in the promptest
and most satisfactory manner. The establishment is widely respected
and universally popular, which results has been attained by years of inflexible
integrity and a strong adherence to honorable and legitimate business methods.
They carefully consult the best interest of their patrons, and are in a
position to offer the most desirable grades of seeds at terms and prices
which always command the attention of the most prudent buyers. Their
catalogue is ready January 1st of each year, to all those sending in their
names they will mail one free of charge as soon as issued.
Among the noteworthy representative business houses contributing
to the general sum of mercantile activity in this vicinity there is none
more worthy of special notice in this review than the spacious and well
ordered emporium conducted by Hoag Brothers and which is by common consent
one of the leading grocery stores in this section. This enterprise
was inaugurated by the present firm in 1880 and under their energetic management
has been steadily successful from the outset. The patronage is derived
from all parts of this village and surrounding country and is of influential
and permanent character. The premises utilized and as located, corner
Genesee and Mill streets, have dimensions of 25 x 60 feet are finely fitted
up and tastefully arranged throughout and an extensive stock of staple
and fancy groceries is carried. The assortment embraces choice teas
and coffees, spices, foreign and domestic fruits, table delicacies, etc.
In the canned goods department only such meats, fruits and vegetable are
handled as experience and test have shown to be perfect. The goods
throughout have been selected with the great care, expressly for a first
class trade. The co-partners, Messrs. Fred and Henry Hoag, are of
Fayetteville's leading business men, they take an active interest in everything
tending to promote the welfare of the village. They are gentlemen
of sterling integrity and reliability and are highly regarded wherever
known.
The success of the popular and well-known hardware, stove
and house furnishing goods establishment of Mr. Frank T. Mott is most creditable
to the enterprise and ability of its management. Its establishment
under its present proprietorship dates from 1892. The affairs of
the house are in a most flourishing condition, a large and substantial,
local trade, and a wide spread country trade is done. The premises
occupied comprise a store 25 x 50 feet in dimension, also two floors above
and basement of same dimensions, all of which are admirably arranged.
Connected with the store is also an ample workshop which is well equipped
for the business. It would prove a most difficult task to attempt
to give a detailed descrption of the immense stock displayed. We
may however note a few of the more salient features, which are general,
heavy and builders hardware, nails, paints and oils, building and roofing
paper, house-trimmings, shelf hardware, mechanics tools, agricultural implements,
various mechanical devices, stoves, ranges, and furnaces, of which mention
is made of the Acorn parlor stove and ranges, the Novelty range, the Round
Oak parlor stoves for wood or coal, which is one of the best general purpose
stoves on the market, also the Carton furnace, for which Mr. Mott has the
exclusive sale for this section. Holloware and housefurnishing goods
generally are carried in stock, also the Oakfield phosphates, a special
feature is made of every description of tin, copper, and sheet iron work,
roofing, plumbing, etc. Mr. Mott commands a position of enviable
character for the high principles which govern his business transactions.
He is greatly respected in social life, and is closely identified with
the commercial growth and prosperity of Fayetteville.
That a first-class pharmacy conducted with professional
skill and accuracy is a boon to every community is too palpable to admit
of question. In this respect Fayetteville is well provided in the
establishment conducted by Mr. F. W. Lamphere, located in the Baker block.
It is in all respects one of the leading business houses of the town none
maintaining a higher reputation, as few if any, receive a larger share
of merited recognition. The store is of ample dimensions, is complete
in all its appointments, and is fitted up in a handsome substantial style,
with ornamental fixtures and attractive plate-glass showcases, and is stocked
to repletion, with an assortment of pure fresh drugs and medicines, and
all those articles belonging to the business, including a judiciously selected
line of proprietary remedies of standard value and merit, also perfumes,
extracts, etc., while everything about the establishment betokens a thorough
system and practical judgment. Physicians prescriptions and difficult
formulas receive that intelligent and painstaking manipulation that are
so essential to a well conducted pharmacy. School books and supplies,
stationery and books of fiction, also prose and poetry, from reliable publishing
houses, also forms an important specialty of the house. Mr. Lamphere
who ranks among the foremost members of the pharmaceutical profession,
exercises close personal supervision over the laboratory and his business
in general. He is also the manager of the Western Union Telegraph
Co., with office at his store. He enjoys the patronage of all classes
of citizens, and has a fine business connection extending throughout this
section. Personally he is a gentleman of culture and refinement and
is held in the highest esteem in this community.
Among the leading mercantile houses of Fayetteville, mention
is made of the establishment conducted by Mr. C. L. Hueber. This
representative house was established in 1894, and from its inception a
trade has been developed that is far reaching in consequence of honest
dealing and low prices. The premises occupied on Genesee street are
well equipped and convenient in arrangement for display and sale, and embraces
everything in the line of staple and fancy dry goods, fine dress fabrics,
underwear, notions, hosiery, etc. In the large and complete assortment
handle may be found all that is new and fashionable. Here is also
kept a full line of crockery, lamps and earthenware, while a complete stock
of groceries is also carried, embracing new crop teas, coffee, table delicacies,
flour, canned goods, and in fact, everything to be found in a first-class
store of this kind. The goods of this house are noted for their purity
and uniform excellence, order, system and cleanliness are carefully observed,
and all business is transacted on a policy which has for its basis the
fostering of the interests of patrons. Mr. Hueber is highly regarded
in business and social life. He is active in everything that tends
to promote the welfare of Fayetteville and in conclusion we may say that
with a reputation of such a character, it is unnecessary for us to make
further commendation, other than to say that our readers are amply justified
in reposing the highest degree of confidence in this house and its products.
Among the many business enterprises which add much to
the credit of Fayetteville as a manufacturing and business center, the
Spring Roller Mills, which are operated by the Huntington Beard estate,
and under the progressive management of Mr. H. B. Crouse, stands among
the foremost. The great improvements that have been made in recent
years in milling machinery, have caused many milling firms, not able to
cope with their competitors, to remain in the background; but the Spring
Roller Mills have kept fully up with the times, and these mills are supplied
with the latest improved machinery and all the appliances for the manufacture
of the very finest quality of flour. That the flour made here is
unrivaled in excellence is shown by the immense quantities manufactured
and sold. This establishment has a large local trade and an extensive
wholesale trade that is constantly increasing. The mill contains
three floors, having dimensions each of 35:100 ft., and in connection with
the mill is also a large storehouse. The mechanical appliances of
the mills embrace a Hungarian full roller process, having a productive
capacity of 100 barrels per day, also one feed run producing 5 to 6 tons
of feed per day. The flour produced from these mills is known as
the Colonial, White Lily, Banner, Ivory, etc. Baled hay and straw,
and cotton seed meal and linseed oil meal is also wholesaled to the trade.
Employment is furnished to a competent corps of workmen. Mr. Crouse
thoroughly understands every detail of the business. He is an honorable,
straightforward business man, and is always ready and willing to contribute
to the advancement and upbuilding of the town.
The Beard House has secured a hold on public favor and patronage vouchsafed to but few hotels in this section. The Beard House is an old established hotel. It has been owned by Mr. Norris Griffin for the past four years, while the management of the house was assumed by him in November, 1894, and has been conducted with ability and success. The house is eligibly located in the center of the business portion of the town. The building is of brick, four stories high, and contains upwards of 40 rooms and has first-class accommodations for 60 guests. The house throughout is undergoing extensive repairs, and marked improvements are noticeable in every department. The rooms are nicely furnished, and the house is supplied with every convenience for families and commercial men. The rooms are pleasantly situated, and are in every way most attractive. The culinary department is presided over by experienced books, the furnishings of the house throughout are in good taste, and arrangements admirable. The rates are placed at the lowest point of moderation, and the house is just the place for out of town people to make a home while in Fayetteville. Good accommodations are at hand for stabling horses, and throughout the house is conducted in first-class style. Beard Hall is also connected with the hotel. Mr. Griffin is a most popular host, his genial manner and hearty reception of guests representing the comfortable stay his patrons experience.