Field Leiter Building (Potter Palmer Block)

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Field, Leiter Building, Potter Palmer Building
Life: 1868-1871
Architect: John Van Osdel
Location: NE Corner of State and Washington

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1869-71
Field, Leiter & Co. (Marshall Field, L. Z. Leiter, L. G. Woodhouse, H. J. Willing and Henry and J. N. Field), drygoods, whol. and ret. State, ne. cor. Washington

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870-71
Field, Leiter & Co. (Marshall Field, L. Z. Leiter, L. G. Woodhouse, H. J. Willing and Henry and J. S. Field), dry goods, whol. and ret. State, ne. cor. Washington

Chicago Tribune, January 7, 1865

Chicago’s Dry Goods Market.
Since the commencement of the new year, several important changes have taken place in the Dry goods trade in this city. The firm of Farwell, Field & Co., has been dissolved by the withdrawal of Messrs. Field and Leiter, and is succeeded by the firm of John V. Farwell, C.B. Farwell, S.N. Kellogg, W.D. Farwell and J.K. Harmon. The latter gentleman is a young man long and honorably connected with this house, and who would be an acquisition to any wholesale establishment in the city. We are glad to see him attain a position which he has long since earned. The other gentlemen are well known to the trade.

Messrs. Field & Leiter, we understand, have purchased the wholesale establishment of Potter Palmer, and will take possession immediately. The stock of goods is very heavy, and is an enterprise of no common magnitude; but Messrs. F. & L. are young and active, and having all that experience and thorough business qualifications can impart, there is not much doubt but they will be successful.

Potter Palmer Building, John M. Van Osdel Ledger, 1866

Chicago Evening Post, December 18, 1867

THE POTTER PALMER BUILDING, situated on State street, between Madison and Washington streets, and erected by the gentleman of that name, bids fair to eclipse any building of the kind in the city. Mr. Palmer claims that he will have the finest structure in the world—not confining himself to the United States. The block is in two parts, the larger being 135 feet front on State street, and the smaller 46 feet on the same thoroughfare.

The plans for this structure are by the well known architect, Mr. John Van Osdel, of Masonic Temple, and the building is, in style of architecture, somewhat Italianesque, being a combination of the Grecian-Tuscan and the Italian schools. The structures are to be five stories in height, flat roofed, with a French roof over the main building, giving it a total of six stories in height. They are intended solely for mercantile purposes, and are not divided into offices or suites of apartments, the same person or parties being expected to take the whole building, from “summit to foundation stone.” The front is composed of of Joliet marble, and will be ornamented by brackets, and a handsome balcony in the center of the main building. The mason work is under the superintendence if Mr. Peter Button, and is progressing in a rapid and satisfactory manner. It is but a little over eighty days since the breaking of ground, and the smaller building is nearly done, having reached its last story, and being ready for the roof. The average amount of brick laid per day is sixty thousand. The mortar for the use of the builsing is hoisted in large tubs by a powerful little engine placed on the first floor; and the whole work goes on so rapidly, in spite of the unfavorable weather, that the owner soon hopes soon to see this fine addition to our city’s already fine buildings complete and ready for inspection and occupation.

The probable cost of Mr. Palmer’s buildings will be not less than $250,000, the whole being done by days’ works.

In addition to the above, and forming a part of the same concern, Potter Palmer is erecting another block on the opposite side of State street, which will be extended when the lease now held by Charles Toby expires. These buildings will be six or seven stories high. The stone for the front is manufactured in New York and shipped here and will alone cost $92,000.

Many smaller blocks of business buildings as well as several large blocks of dwellings and handsome single residences have sprung into existence within a short space of time, adding much to the beauty of the city, and showing its rapid growth, but they will be left for a second article in the Post.

Chicago Evening Post, August 17, 1868

The elegant block of white marble-front buildings, now nearly completed, on the northeast corner of State and Washington streets, for Mr. Potter Palmer, under the supervision of Mr. John M. Van Ordel, in on all hands acknowledged to be the finest building in the city, and in the Northwest, and will compare in beauty, strength, durability and size with any edifice in New York.

The building is elaboratelately finished. and towers above all surrounding edifices, causing them to look small beside it. From the base of the French or Mansard roof which adorn the building, & magnificent view of the city and the groat lake is obtained. The summit of the Court House is the only accessible eminence in the city equally lofty with this structure, which is a noble addition to the city, and will stand as a monument pf the wealth and public spirit of Mr. Potter Palmer. He deserves the gratitude of the public for erecting it.

The block will contain two stores, five stories in height, having a front of 160 feet on State street and 150 on Washington. The corner store 100 feet front and 150 feet deep, is now nearly complete. The basement story extending under the sidewalls and to the center of the alley in rear, making the floor of basement 114 feet by 190. This room is well lighted by Hyatt’s prismatic lights, extending around the three sides of the building; also by large areas of floor light in first story. The basement is a foot high in the clear. First story, 18 feet; second story, 15 feet 6 inches; third, 14 feet; fourth, 13 feet 4 inches; fifth, 12 feet 8 inches; sixth, 12, making the elevation 89 feet high from the sidewalk to the balustrade, above which is a mansard roof 17 feet high, making the entire height of the building 106 feet. The fronts of the first story are of iron Corinthian columns, 16 inches in diameter. The windows are of plate glass, 6 feet wide and 14 feet 9 inches high, in one light each. The second, third, fourth and fifth stories are of white marble, from the celebrated quarries of Canaan, Connecticut, out in the city of New York, and transported by rail to Chicago. The cost of the marble fronts was $105,000. There are six marble balconies each twenty-six feet long, and eight balconies eighteen feet long, supported on carved consoles, with marble balustrades. The pedestals of the balustrade will be surmounted with marble urns of elaborate pattern; the windows are recessed two feet, giving the front a massive appearance, relieved by pilasters. The total cost of this palace will be about $300,000.

Chicago Tribune October 13, 1868

The formal opening by Field, Leiter & Co., of Potter Palmer’s new marble palace on the corner of Washington and State streets, last evening, was the grandest affair of the kind whichever transpired, even in Chicago, the city of grand affairs. The public was informed some time since through the columns of The Tribune of the fact that the premier is so long the exposure of admiring eyes, native and foreign, had been rented to the popular proprietors of the largest and most fashionable dry goods house in the city; and the elite have been all agog with anticipation of the time when the white portals of the retail department should be thrown open, an dan opportunity afforded for a gorgeous revel in the mazes of inextricable finery. The attendance of wealth, beauty and fashion assembled last evening to take the benefit of the grand opening was something, unparalleled in Chicago’s history,and the even was one long to be remembered. One would have thought that the opening last night was an adjourned meeting of the “Charity Ball,” judging from the long line of carriages, filled with the cream of the avenues. The attractions were unusual!—a dry goods store in a marble palace, and in a new dress at that. Enough to turn almost any female head. It was the first of a series of grand affairs destined to transpire in the course of Chicago’s progress, and, as the inauguration of an era, deserves especial notice.

Potter Palmer.
It seems indispensable, in connection with the removal of the wealthiest firm of Chicago into the finest business palace in America, that some allusions should be made to the life and fortunes of the owner and proprietor of this gorgeous adornment to Chicago’s architectural grandeur. Potter Palmer has unquestionably done more that any other citizen of Chicago, not only to build up its trade, but also in the erection of substantial improvements and in the projection of liberal plant for the permanent benefit of the city. He is called the “Father” of the project for widening State street, which originated with him, and from him has received unremitting encouragement and support. He would make State street the Broadway of Chicago, not less by the widening process, than by the character of the structures he would have it entail; and of his intention in this direction ample proof has already been afforded. The bulk of his Chicago real estate is located on this street, covering a frontage over three-quarters of a mile in length. This property was purchased by him about two years hence, at a cost upwards of $2,000,000, and at a moderate valuation is now worth nearly twice that sum. What its value will be twenty years hence at Chicago’s present rate of progress, can scarcely be estimated. No better idea of his position relative to contemplated improvements can be gained than by a recent conversation with a friend, in the course of which Mr. Palmer remarked that the building of the marble palace had given him great pleasure, not merely from the profitableness of the investment, but in the satisfaction of having contributed this structure toward the adornment of a city in which had been laid the scene of his prosperity; and he further remarked that his ambition for the improvements of Chicago was not yet gratified., but he should continue to build and ornament the city, intending soon to construct a hotel which shall bare his name, and shall to say the least, not to be inferior to any on the continent.

Personal and Characteristics.
In personal appearance, Potter Palmer looks to be precisely what he is, a successful business man, whose battle with the world has left the honorable scars of added seriousness, and but little else to indicate that the struggle has worn upon him. In height he stands six feet, slender and erect; in age, about forty years; and save the the slight sprinkling of gray in his beard, looks not a day older; hair brown and curly; forehead wide and full, with indications of caution, prudence and capacity fully developed eyes of a hazel hue which impart a pleasant cast to the otherwise serious countenance; nose well shaped and regular, though not unduly prominent; the lips and chin a study, a puzzling combination of sternness, strength of purpose and refinement, together with an appreciation of the good things, recreation. The latter, however, is by no means a leading trait, for there can be seen on his well-precerved physique no traces of draught, but temperate and judicious, moderation. Looking at the spare, elegant figure of Potter Palmer, one would not be apt once to recognize one of the most business men of the age, for he is young yet, and packs the complacent aspect which characterize the ideal millionaire; but, taking his features in detail, there is no inconsistency, nothing to contradict his character as it is.

How He Spends His Time.
Possessed of a vast fortune, and personality occupied in supervising the employment thereof in business improvements, Potter Palmer’s habits would naturally be thought to be business habits, but this is by no means the case. How to manage millions and find time for ordinary pleasures of mortals would puzzle most men. Perhaps it puzzles Potter Palmer; whether it does or not, he certainly finds time. Bachelor though, he is, it does not follow that he excludes the society of ladies. On the contrary, the fair ones claim a reasonable share of his attention at the opera, in the drawing room, and on public occasions in general. Why he remains single, save himself, no one can tell, unless to surmise that {unreadable} more absorbing have prevented his entering the blessed state. He is friendly and amiable in society; {unreadable} in business. Delight in horseflesh is a noticeable trait, and he turns out the most dashing four-in-hand in the city, on frequent occasions managing the reins himself, and evidently enjoying the sport hugely.He is a liberal patron of the turf, and puts in a frequent appearance at the Dexter Park races. Although cultivating but few intimate friends, he is known among these as a valuable companion and generous friend. He an incessant worker, and his prominent characteristics may be summed up as industry, great foresight and indomitable energy. In liberality toward public and private charities he is by no means recusant, as the quadruple figure opposite his name on many a subscription list will show.

Early History.
Potter Palmer is a native of Albany County, New York. His parents were Quakers, strict and uncompromising, and the little farm they tilled was made, by close economy and prudent management, to yield its maximum of support to the family and profit at the end of the year. Of the boy, Potter’s vicissitudes in planting corn, hoeing potatoes, etc., we know but little; suffice it that his first and only longings were to become a merchant, and at the age of eighteen, he obtained the consent of Friend Palmer to exchange the pitchfork for the yardstick, and accepted a situation at Durham, Greene, Conner, as a clerk in the employ of Hon. Pratt Adams, with whom he remained for three years, developing such a degree of business tact and veracity, that, during the last year of his connection with Mr. Adams, he was vested with the entire charge of the affairs of the store. At the age of twenty one he had succeeded to scraping together three thousand dollars, which was the nucleus of his subsequent accumulations. With this sum as his capital he entered business for himself at Oneida, where he remained for a time, and then proceeded to Lockport, from whence, after having operated on his own account for three years.

He came to Chicago, reaching this point in 1852, with a capital of $5,000 in gold and bank notes, constituting his entire possession. After looking about for a time, he opened a retail dry goods store at the building No. 137 Lake street, where his business prospered through the growth of the city and his own skill and capability. In 1857 he removed into the store adjoining, remaining there until bought out, when he transferred his now large and rapidly increasing business, meantime having added a wholesale department to Nos. 112, 114 and 116 Lake street, the establishment just vacated by his successors, Field, Leiter & Co. Here, with increased room and added facilities, his business rapidly increased until within twelve years after beginning here with a capital of $5,000, the energy, perseverance and fair dealing of Potter Palmer had made his the largest dry goods house in Chicago.

Potter Palmer and the War.
The beginning of the war of the rebellion found him possessed of an immense stock in trade, and his consummate judgement foresaw the inevitable result of war—an enormous rise in prices of goods of every description. With unlimited credit at the East, and controlling, besides, a vast amount of ready capital, he at once set about making the most of the situation. In connection with his business here, Mr. Palmer operated largely in New York, purchasing almost fabulous bills of goods, and in many cases realizing enormous profits without removing the consignments from the custody of their former owners. Not being in the confidence of Mr. Palmer, we are unable to particularize {unreadable} transactions; we only know that mainly through these uniformly successful business operations, in New York and Chicago, his vast fortune has been axquired.

Retired From Business.
In 1864 Potter Palmer retired from business, selling out his stock to Messrs. Field, Leiter and others, and only returning a special interest in the business through his brother, Milton J. Palmer, whom he installed as a partner. Upon leaving the dry goods trade he at once invested heavily in Chicago real estate; as, in fact, he had done more or less, during his career in this city, plainly foreseeing the size and importance which Chicago was destined to attain. Potter Palmer’s business career has been a truly remarkable one. Commencing at the age of twenty-one, with but three thousand dollars of capital—and this the result of unwearying industry and careful economy, he is today beyond question the possessor of a larger fortune than is owned by any men of his age in America as the result of personal endeavors.

Field, Leiter & Co.
The firm of Field, Leiter & Co., is composed of Marshall Field, L. Z. Leiter, Henry Field, H. J. Walling and L. G. Woodhouse, the two first named being the active, managing members, and the other three holding a working interest by reason of being connection with the firm as employees. The business history of Messrs. Field and Leiter is one of peculiar interest, as showing how, from small beginnings and through various {unreadable}, the firm has attained to its present position of wealth and strength. We shall not enter into details concerning the life and experience of these Western dry goods princes, further than to briefly follow them until they became connected a partners, after which they must be mentioned jointly.

Beginnings.
Marshall Field was born in Conway, Mass., in the spring of 1835, and Mr. Leiter in Leiterburg. Washington county, Md., in the fall of 1834, their ages varying but slightly, and both being still in their prime of their life. The parents of both were in moderate circumstances, and both served apprenticeships as dry goods clerks. Mr. Leiter came to Chicago in the fall of 1854, and entered the dry goods house of Downs & Van Wyck as a clerk, and after remaining with them something over a year, in the spring of 1856 went to Cooley, Wadsworth & Co. He remained in this house through various changes and stages of advancement until 1861 when the firm was changed to Farwell, Field & Co., Mr. Leiter, becoming a partner. Mr. Field reached Chicago in January, 1851, and at once obtained a clerkship with Cooley, Wadsworth & Co., where his future partner was already installed as a clerk, and where, in 1864, the latter became a partner in the business, Mr. Field having been the first to obtain an interest in the firm.

As a Firm.
From this time forth their individuality ceases and as a firm their fortunes became joined. For nearly a year they devoted their energies to the work, adding vigor and system to their business, which increased and prospered in consequence. On the 31st of December, 1864, Messrs. Field & Leiter sold out their interest in, and withdrew from the firm of Farwell, Field & Co., and immediately bought the stock goods held by Potter Palmer, taking in his brother, M. J. Palmer, as a partner, under the firm name of Field, Palmer & Leiter. In 1866 M. J. Palmer retired, and, adding their faithful and valued employees Messr. Henry Field, Mailing and Woodhouse, the firm name became what it is now, Field, Leiter & Co.

Growth and Prosperity.
Subsequent to 1865, the history of the firm has been one of advancement and prosperity seldom surpassed in legitimate business. Their only reverse was during the first four months after purchasing the immense stock of Potter Palmer. The war drew steadily to a close from January, 1865, to April, and price of dry goods tumbled down, down, down bringing in their train the ruin of hundreds of wealthy firms all over the country. Within the period of four months, Field, Palmer and Leiter suffered a loss of nearly three hundred thousand dollars, solely from depreciation in value. The blow staggered but did not floor them. With that consummate foresight and and judgement for which they have gained a national reputation, the firm at once settled upon its plan of action, and action was precisely what they settled upon. No effort was spared to push their business forward and turn into money their depreciated stock, constantly purchasing more, until, as they had rightly predicted, the return of the army to private life, wares in pocket, so stimulated business throughout the entire North, that, at the close of 1865, Field, Palmer, and Leiter had not only fought off the threatened ruin, but also realized a handsome profit for the year, and now stood upon an impregnable basis for credit unimpaired, and a greater trade than ever before. From that time forth, the firm has employed uninterrupted prosperity, until today the dry goods house of Field, Leiter & Co., stands third in the United States, the houses of Claflin and Stewart of New York, being the only ones who outrank them in the volume of business transpired. The sales of Field, Leiter & Co., for 1867, amounted to $7,000,000; those of 1868 will reach in round numbers, $10,000,000—a total, for four years, of upwards of $35,000,000.

The Building.
This imposing structure, the interior of which described in detail, in connection with the uses to which it is to be applied, deserves even a fuller description than our space permits of giving, though it would seem almost unnecessary to say much of a building, which owing to its central, commanding position, has been already seen and admired by many Chicagoans and strangers from abroad. The ground owned by Potter Palmer, at the corner of State and Washington streets, has a frontage of one hundred and sixty feet on the former, and one hundred and fifty feet on the latter thoroughfare. On this land two stores are to be erected, one of which has just been commenced and which occupies one hundred feet of the footage on State street. The second, third, fourth and fifth stories are constructed of white marble brought from the celebrated quarries at Canaan, Connecticut, and costing (sic) $105,000. The fronts pf the first story are Corinthian columns, sixteen inches in diameter. The fronts are decorated with six marble balconies, each one twenty-six feet in length, and with eight eighteen feet long, supported on decorated console with marble balustrades of a very elaborate pattern. The building is surmounted with a noble Mansard roof, seventeen feet high, and which combines with modern convenience many of the decorative attractions of ancient detail. The height of the basement is fifteen feet; first story, eighteen; second story, fifteen and a half; third story, fourteen and two=thirds; fourth story, thirteen and a third; fifth story, twelve and two-thirds, making with the roof a total elevation of one hundred and six feet and two inches. The balconies, which have been previously mentioned, in addition to their value as ornaments, cast a shadow upon the deeply recessed windows below. They are recessed two feet, and are relieved by pilasters. The windows are of plate glass, six feet wide, and fourteen feet and nine inches high. The entire cost of the structure, including certain fixtures in the inner arrangement, has been nearly three hundred thousand dollars.

The Interior Arrangements.
Many people have amused themselves, during recent years, in attempting to guess at the causes of the prosperity of Chicago, and in trying to get at the reasons for her gain in commerce and in population. They have concluded this development to her position, to her railroads, to constant puffing, and to a dozen other things. Bit it is very rarely that credit is given to one of the greatest causes of her advancement, and that the merchants the enterprising business men of this city, receive the credit which is due them for their devotion to the interests of Chicago, and for their correct appreciation of the way in which these interests were to be furthered and nursed into a healthy growth. It is owing to them that Chicago has become a central point for trade, and that the dealers of the Northwest look no longer to the seaboard for their goods, but obtain the products of European or Eastern manufactories from Chicago merchants as cheaply as from New York ones. We owe much to our location, but more to those enterprising citizens. So, when we speak of the prosperity, the flourishing condition of any of our great mercantile houses, we are not merely describing them, we are also making them slight return for what they have done, and we show that we are aware of their efforts. It is therefore a matter of public interest and of public pride, when a firm like Field, Leiter & Co., leaves the place it has long occupied and is compelled by its increasing business to move into, and use from garret to basement, a building like the one recently erected by Potter Palmer, at the corner of State and Washington streets. This is a thing gratifying to us all. The success of this house, which is now the third in importance of the wholesale dry goods establishments in America, has been won not only by the ability of its members, but by a persistent adherence to the rule originally laid down, of selling goods at extremely low prices and for cash only. In order to be enabled to carry out this first mentioned rule, the various articles composing their stock are procured directly from the European or the American manufacturer in large quantities, for cash, and thus all the profits of middle men are saved. Their foreign goods are of their own importation. Selling for cash as they do, thus avoiding all bad debts, they are enabled to save the freight between here and the East, and thus offer goods just as cheaply as is done at the seaboard. It was owing to an adherence to these rules that Field, Leiter & Co. found that it was almost out of their power to carry on business in their quarters on Lake Street, which were rapidly becoming too small for them, and they began looking around to see where they could move. Fortunately at about the same time Potter Palmer had seized the idea of building, at the corner of State and Washington streets, the best store in the world. The work was pushed forward with rare energy by all employed on it, and as it advanced Messrs. Field & Leiter saw that it would answer their purposes admirably, and leased it for a moderate rental considering the great advantages and conveniences obtained. A few days ago it was essentially completed, and the leasees began the work of transferring themselves thither from Lake Street. One week ago the wholesale department was in the new building. Between six and twelve o’clock on Saturday night the retail department was moved there and was prepared for the grand opening of last night. The removal was carried on without the slightest interruption to business, closing one night on Lake Street and opening the next morning on State Street. It is unnecessary here to describe the exterior appearance of Palmer’s new building. It has been seen and admired by a majority of our citizens, and one can get a fair idea of it only by a personal examination.

The Sixth Floor.
Of the interior more can be said, and less is known, and we therefore propose to describe briefly, commencing with the sixth and uppermost story., the way in which Field, Leiter & Co., are utilizing the amount of room placed at their disposal. This sixth floor, which is all in one room, one hundred and one feet by one hundred and fifty and a half—the size of all the rooms excepting the larger basement one—is used solely for packing purposes. Here all the goods consigned to country dealers are boxed and prepared for shipment, after which they are lowered to the ground floor, to accomplish which there are a couple of steam elevators, running from basement to garret, and of such strength that an immense safe, weighing three tons, was safely lifted on one of them. On tis same floor are boilers containing thirty hogsheads of water, which, with the steam pumps in the basement, would drown any incipient fire.

The Fifth Floor.
The fifth floor is at present occupied by piles of boxes of goods received, but it will bot be long before a warehouse will have to be erected for their accommodation, and the space thus gained will be used as a wholesale salesroom.

The Fourth Floor.
The fourth floor is given up entirely to “notions,” and is noticeable that this house does a larger trade in articles classified under that head than any house that makes a specialty of dealing in them. Upon the long counters are heaped up ample supplies of Balmorals, hoop skirts, soaps, perfumery, hosiery, and the countless articles called fancy goods. This floor, like the one below, is divided into two department, each one with its head, who is responsible but to the firm, and who has the exclusive control and management of his special province. Here it is that one first has an opportunity fairly to notice one of the things that makes this the best building of its kind in this country, that is, the admirable manner in which it is lighted. Thanks to the windows on three of the four sides, and to the high ceilings, it is possible to see absolutely the color of any article in any part of the rooms, and no clerk is compelled to take a piece of goods and carry it from his desk to a better lighted portion of the room. Good light, that great necessity of such an establishment, has been fully secured.

The Third Floor.
The third floor is given up to gloves, white goods, linens, woolen cloths, cashmieres, flannels, blankets, etc.

The Second Floor.
On the second floor are the staple cotton goods, dress goods, silks, muslins, & c. Here also are its wholesale office, the private office of the firm, and the offices of the heads of departments.

First Floor and Basement.
The first floor is purely retail, and contrasts admirably with the cramped and darker Lake Street quarters. Yet it was soon found that this, large as it is, would not accommodate the retail trade, and hence the front part of the basement had to be used for the sale of flannels, cottons, & c. This basement, which extends so far under the sidewalks on every side as to be one hundred and twenty-six feet by one hundred and ninety, is finely lit, and no person can object to aaking purchases there.

How Groups are Handled.
In the rear of this room are the two large engines which work the elevators for goods, to which another is now being added on which persons may be conveyed, thus saving their customers the trouble of climbing long flights of stairs, and making the building one vast floor. Here too are the boilers by which the building is heated with steam—no stove being used on the premises—and the steam pump to be used in case of fire. A position of the space is also used for the storage of goods. To facilitate handling the immense quantities of goods arriving daily, a chute is being constructed leading from the basement to the alley in the rear so that the entire load of a wagon can be instantly placed in the basement store-room, and from thence distributed by the steam elevators to the departments to which they belong.

Informal Opening.
The informal opening, for purchasers, took place at 10 o’clock yesterday forenoon. Long before the the appointed time large numbers of people crowded about the edifice, and when the doors were opened, there was a perfect rush. In a few minutes hundreds of sight seers were scattered over every part of the capacious building, and every counter was lined with purchasers.

A mid-day view of the establishment gives a true idea of its genuine worth. At night, when the thousand-and-one gas jets throw their light upon the scene, the eye, blinded by brilliant surroundings, is apt to convey false impressions. The establishment can afford to be seen in daylight. It will have nothing by any real comparison. It is superior to anything in the country, and that ought to suffice. The goods were all arranged on their respective shelves in the nicest order, everything looked so neat and tasteful that it was a cheerful sight to look upon. The hundreds of clerks were all in their places, looking their best, and the lady clerks looked their very sweetest.

The cloak and shawl department received the greatest amount of attention from the lady visitors, and their surprise and delight at the wonderful and beautiful garments and coverings on exhibition was expressed in the most extravagant terms. How high and airy are the monster salesrooms; what perfect harmony and unity was observed in making each part conform to the general whole. Such establishments are a delight to the eye, and a profit to the purse, since no obscure light gives a fictitious value in any part of the monster edifice. It is a prodigy of light.

All day long hundreds continued to throng about the building, and at one time in the afternoon it was crowded in the retail departments to a degree of discomfort. A fabulous amount of goods were sold during the day, and everybody connected with the establishment was put to his or her utmost to meet the demands of the deluge of customers. The best of order, and a most complete system for the comfort of both buyer and seller will prevail at the counters, and the treasury desks are so arranged that there will be none of the ordinary bustle of running hither and thither of the youths that oscillate between man and cashier.

The Formal Opening.
The formal opening last evening was a grand success. In the matter of attendance it could not have been greater, for hundreds thought the building too crowded for any degree of comfort, and admired the sights and scenes from the sidewalk and street. No institution in Chicago, whatever its character, ever drew so large an assemblage together at its opening. Politically speaking, it was a spontaneous outpouring of the people, come to view styles and fashions. As has been said before, the enormous edifice, from basement to garret, was crowded to discomfort and the opportunities for anything like a careful review were best limited.

The Ladies.
It is to be taken for granted that the ladies were largely in the majority at the opening last evening. On this occasion they came not so much to be seen as to see. With what a critical eye a woman reviews everything that comes in any way within her peculiar domain, and what at Field, Leiter & Co.’s does neat. Here’s a bevy of the loveliest would be congregated about a beautiful display of Sultans silks, and what woman, with a woman’s heart, does not speak in terms of ecstacy of these gorgeous fabrics. Another knot would over flow with admiration over beautiful chamelions, while a third was absorbed over poplin plaids.

The Scene Outside.
If an inquiring lady acquaintance should ask her friend, “Oh, Julia, where did you get that superb shawl?” The reply will be “At Field & Leiter’s, my dear.” There is not such a place to do a little or a great deal of shopping in the Great West. We congratulate the Chicago ladies upon their rare good fortune. They have good cause now to thank God that they are not as other cities are—for instance, like the dear creatures of Cincinnati and St. Louis, and other suburban villages. In fact, New York, cannot boast such a gorgeous palace for the display of dry goods as that of Potter Palmer’s, and even Lord & Taylor, and A. J. Stewart, the great, himself, must hide their diminished heads and acknowledge the supremacy in their peculiar lines, at all events, of the Garden City. Although for several days thousands of our citizens and citizenesses have viewed the inside and the outside of this chief pride of Chicago’s architecture and given to it unqualified praise and admiration, yet last night was the night of all nights to see it all in

Its Grandeur and Magnificence.
Brilliantly lighted from garret to basement, it stood out in bold relief to the mere shanties, which, to speak comparatively, surrounded it. It looked palatial fairy-like, and, for all the world, as if it had been brought into existence by the magic stroke of an enchanter. The illuminated lights encircling it on the west and south cast a lured and subdued light upon the vase of the building; but these underground rays had no sooner reached the surface of the earth than they were driven back, so to appear, by the dazzling and all powerful rays emitted from hundreds of gas sets on the first floor which, bursting through the immense and magnificent window panes flashed across the street, making the opposite sidewalk as light as day and facilitating the picking up of a pin, if there happened to be a stray one on the sidewalk, by a passing pedestrian as much as as in the full glare of the midday’s sun. Story after story, until the beautiful and tasteful French dormer windows of the attic were reached was illuminated in the same way. To admirers of

Architectural Beauty.
last evening, must have afforded a rare opportunity for enjoyment. Corinthian columns, marble pilasters, balconies with their clear cut and beautiful balustrades, pilaster curiously carved and of snowy whiteness, were so brought out as to remind one of the Alhambra by moonlight or the production of the ??? in the time of Haroun Alraschild. Then, the moving throngs of men and women, who, dressed up in the very styles so lately and graphically described by our fashion contributor, promenaded the sidewalks, gave an animated appearance to the scene.

Lomg Lines of Carriages
consisting of barouches, landaus, phaetons, clarences, and every conceivable style of fashionable conveyance, were drawn upon on either side of State street, between Washington and Randolph. The drivers on their high seats had to wait long and patiently, for their owners were hours and hours in examining the treasures within the palace and it was nearly midnight before many of them were satisfied with feasting their eyes upon the good things within the building.

The Retail Department.
This department occupies the ground floor, together with a portion of the basement, the walls being beautifully frescoed, walnut counters, low shelving neatly furnished, and every fixture of tasteful style and elegant finish. Upon entering from State street, the eye is met with a vast expanse of goods artistically displayed. An attendant politely directs the purchaser to the desired department, and one soon begins to feel at home in the spacious establishment.After taking a brief survey of the wares exhibited, the visitor’s glance will light upon some special attraction, and it will be strange if he or she be not irresistibly drawn toward that portion of the store where are displayed the

Silks.
There are varietoes and novelties most interesting to be seen here. In new designs, imported by Field, Leiter & Co., were noticed some beautiful satin striped silks, plain and embroidered, of black and sultans, Metiernich and other colors, flowers in purple, scarlet and straw, at $9 per yard. A moon-on-the-lake silk embroidered in green, pink and scarlet, at $9. Chamelions, in Bismark and black, Bismark and Pridel, Aceive and Cresese, $8.50 and $9. A shot silk basket pattern at $8. An embroidered robe in rose and white at $125; another, Meiternich and white, $125; maize and white, $125′ black ground, with black and jet embroidery, very handsome, at $4.75 to $6.25 per yard. Some fine grosgrains in colors at $8, in black at $12.

Cloaks.
The cloak department of the establishment has been on a very extensive scale and is fitted up and filled out with the proper articles in magnificent style. A finer and more varied assortment has undoubtedly never been seen in Chicago. The space set aside for the display and sale of these very necessary garments is in the northeastern corner of the store, and is divided from the rest by a railing. This space is beautifully carpeted and fitted up with a stand of the most elegant large-sized mirrors. It is a cosy little nest, and will certainly prove a favorite resort with the ladies. The department is superintended by a number of efficient young ladies, who take a great delight in explaining all the the little (sic) eurlemagiga attached to stupid reporters. One of them desires to make his acknowledgements. There are so many different textures and styles that it hithers one where to begin. First, to speak of cloaking goods, there are striped plushes in all colors, lambs’ wool cloths in all colors, including sultans, flame, orange, & c. In cloaks, one that attracted a good deal of attention was of the finest velvet, in sacque form, with an over cape of velvet, looped in the back with a sash of elegant black silk. The edge was finished with beautiful crochet fringe about eight inches deep. A striped plush Bedouin opera cloak received its full share of attention. It was trimmed with a handsome cord and tassels to match. Then there were elegant cloaks, trimmed with sable fur; seal skins of the most expensive sort, columbiers shaped of royal purple cloths trimmed with black satin, in a very elaborate style; black and white (sic) Asirochans in full sets. In opera cloaks there is a splendid assortment, in sack and Colleen Bawn styles, made of plushes, velours, and velvet cloths, many of them trimmed in colors. Arabian shapes there are also in abundance. Likewise a large assortment of Moscow beaver, in different styles. A majority of the cloaks affect the panier. This department also contains a large and beautiful assortment of children’s cloaks; genuine furs, suitable for street and evening wear. In house-jackets all ladies are interested, and of these the establishment contains both a large and an elegant assortment. They are in every color, and bordered by hand. These jackets attracted more than ordinary attention, and the like of them, the ladies examined, had never been seen.

Shawls.
The shawl department, adjoining the cloak department, embraces the entire catalogue of this article. It contains camel’s hair or Persian cashmeres, varying in price from $400 to $1,200; Paisley’s ranging from $45 to $275; point lace, from $50 to $300; ordinary cashmere, some at a very low figure; every description of wool shawl, both long and square; black Thibets, both long and square, and beautiful grenadines. Also, an immense assortment of Prairie State shawls, manufactured at Lacon, Ill. These shawls are considered in no way inferior to the best Eastern make, and have an extraordinary sale. Of

Curtain Goods.
there is a splendid variety of the costliest fabrics and richest hues.This department is in the immediate vicinity of the shawls, and in many respects may be considered an adjunct. There are also beautiful piano covers of ordinary and the best qualities, and damasks, that put the ladies it to rapture.

Field, Leiter Building
1871

Full Suits.
Of these a small number of the most costly and elegant were on exhibition, and excited the unqualified admiration of the ladies. It would be an interminable task to mention all or even many of the more prominent in detail. A few deserve special mention. One was of green and black striped satin; blazed flounce of the same material, headed with folds of the striped satin to match. Another suit was composed of a gold and black striped underskirt , trimmed with biased folds of the dame material; the upper and over garment made of rich black silk and trimmed with a rich silk fringe. Finally, we would mention a striped shot silk, panier-shaped, trimmed with biased folds of green silk, and finished with a fringe to match. Underneath the panier a deep flounce dropoped with rosettes.

Poplins, Etc.
Here are new and fashionable shades of cerise, maize, rose, Metternich green, Sultan garnet, et., and at the right of these the fancy dress goods, among which were noticed some elegant cashmere robes.

Gents’ Clothes.
In this line some novelties of marvelous beauty and great interest are shown, among them French diagonal twills, with broad bands at the side; French meltens; Canada gray colors, with broad stripe; English diagonals, plain, for suits; Scotch tweeds in great variety for suits, green and brown predominating; French cashmeres, gray mixed with broad blue band, very tasty; Elbenf light, with stripe; Hilger’s chinchillas, all colors; piques, granites, trecos and crepes, all colors; English serge coating, plain, diagonals and figures; beavers and English and French broadcloths in endless variety—all the above novel and neat.

Linen Goods.
At the extreme left are the linens, among which were remarked some admirable designs of Scotch manufacture. Two sets represented, one a hunting scene, with horses, dogs, etc., and the other a game scen, woodcock, quail, pheasants, rabbits, etc.—napkins and doilies to match in each case. Double damask cloths in sets, and damask towels were rich and elegant.

Ribbons, Laces, Etc.
Here are novelties and new styles, satin ribbon, plaid and striped; sash ribbons of new patterns; standard styles very handsome; satin and plain silk of the fashionable shades. In the way of fancy dress trimmings there are some pretty and tasteful designs. Among the laces was noticed a teal guipure net at $6 per yard, for capes, over skirts, etc. with trimmings to match; fichu capes, ready made; interesting nets with colored spots; new designs in lace tidies; fine lace embroidered nets, etc., all worthy of especial attention.

Gloves, Hosiery and Underwear.
A fine lot of fancy cloth gloves, for fall and winter wear, new styles and fashionable colors were neat and attractive, and the (sic) kids were faultless, of course. In the way of hose, there are new varieties, such as Paris, Prince of Wales, Balbriggan, silk and opera hose, fleecy lined, & c. In underwear for ladies, children and gentlemen there is great variety.

Gentlemen’s Furnishing Goods..
A new department, and one not usually found in a dry goods store, that of gentlemen’s furnishing goods, has been added, and occupies a prominent place toward the front. A splendid collection of cravats, scarfs, and neck-ties, among them a novelty called the Norwood watch guard, are to be found here, including some extra fine Cardigan jackets. This department will doubtless prove popular.

In the Basement,
the admirable arrangements of which, as to light, ventilation, etc., are attended to elsewhere, may be found the prints, flannels, blankets, and other staple goods. The apartment is spacious and airy, and will prove by no means the least attractive portion of the establishment.

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Left to Right:

Singer Building I

Singer Building II

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