34-44 Lake Street

34-44 Lake street, Wadsworth Block
Life Span: 1855-
Location: 34-44 Lake street, between Wabash and State
Architect: W. W. Boyington

Halpin & Bailey’s City Directory for the Year 1863

Field Benedict & Co.

Wadsworth Philip & Co.

Davis, Sawyer & Co.

(See adv. op. p)

Halpin’s Chicago City Directory for 1864
Davis, Sawyer & Co., (Samuel C. Davis of St. Louis, Nathan W. Perkins of St. Louis, and Charles B. Sawyer,) whol. dealers in dry goods, and jobbers in boots and shoes, 40 and 42 Lake.

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1866
Davis, Sawyer & Co., (Samuel C. Davis, of Boston, Charles B. Sawyer,) mnfrs and jobbers of boots and shoes, 40 Lake. (See card in Business Register.)

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870
Wadsworth Philip & Co. (Philip Wadsworth, Gilbert R. Smith and B. B. W. Locke), clothing and furnishing goods, whol. 34 and 36 Lake

Chicago Tribune, January 6, 1862

The New Buildings of 1861.
Reports from the Architects.
Below we present our customary annual exhibit of the building improvements in Chicago during the year 1861, and the amounts expended, as derived from the reports of architects whose names are appended below. We egret that our statement is not entirely complete. The war has had a marked effect upon building improvements, and architects complain that never, since their location here, has business been so dull. On this account a portion of them have declined furnishing statements, but sufficient are set forth to give the public an approximate idea of the immensity of puhlic and private improvements, even in war times.

During the year several structures have been reared, which are not only ornaments to the city and monuments to the public spirit of their owners and the skills of their architects, but may safeky challenge comparison. Without running the risk of partiality, we may single out the Sherman House, which has been finished during the past year. This splendid structure has provoked the admiration, not alone of our citizens, but also of strangers,—accustomed to palatial hotels, and good judges of architectural effect. We should also do injustice to the architectural beauty of the city, if we omitted to particularize the block of three stores of Messrs. Wadsworth & Keep, which is now complete and partly occupied. It is without doubt one of the best blocks of wholesale stores in the city, containing as it does, two stores of Messrs. Keep, each 26×135 feet, with high basements, enclosed and lighted by Hyatt’s patent illuminating tiles, and supplied with Johnson’s patent rolling shutters, for store fronts above. Mr. Wadsworth’s store is 40×140 feet, fronting on Lake street and Wabash avenue. Two of the stories, the first and second, are self-supporting. The floors are free from columns, which gives them a finish superior to any in the city or State. The basement is a high story enclosed and lighted by tiles on both streets and in the rear, which gives a room in the basement, 162×65 feet wide. This takes in the entire surface under the sidewalks, and makes most complete and commodious salesrooms. The store fronts are closed by Letz’s patent rolling shutters, a very superior article, patented by George Letz of this city. This is the first block in which they have been used.

W. W. Boyington, Office, 82 Dearborn street.
Block of two stores, corner of Lake street and Wabash Avenue, marble front, five stories high, for Henry and Albert Keep, Cost $24,000.

Store corner of Lake street and Wabash avenue, five stories high—marble front; for E. S. Wadsworth. Cost $26,000.

Western Railroad Gazette, April 2, 1864

Clothing at Wholesale. Philip Wadsworth & Co.—This is a pioneer house in the wholesale clothing business of Chicago, and the successful result of thirteen years assiduous application and industry in this branch of trade, is evidenced by the high and honorable position this Firm holds and has maintained in the esteem of the mercantile community, not only here, but all through the northwest wherever their acquaintance extends. Their large and commodious sales rooms are at Nos. 34 and 36, Lake street (corner of Wabash Avenue,) in the heart of what now constitutes the principal headquarters. for the wholesale business of this city. Their present stock of goods is large, complete, and carefully selected to supply the wants of the western trade. These goods are consigned to them from their own manufactory at 95, Devonshire street, Boston, and from other of the oldest and best Eastern Houses. They will bear a close inspection, and are warranted to wear as well as they look.

The Department for Gentlemen’s Furnishing Goods is equally well filled with a varied and extensive stock, embracing the latest and most fashionable styles. Country dealers visiting Chicago to replenish depleted stocks for the ensuing Summer, will find that Philip Wadsworth & Co. will sell the finest goods at the very bottom of the market, and we solicit in their behalf a call, before purchasing elsewhere.

Of Philip Wadsworth, we would say he has the reputation of possessing one of the soundent, and longest business heads on Lake St. He is eminently thorough going, practical and energetic, combining the most genial and attractive personal qualities. with more strongly defined business characteristics The other members are alike popular and influential, whose efforts have largely contributed to its career of uninterrupted prosperity, and the reputation it bas so deservedly won.

In regard to our “tried and never found wanting” old friend, Billy Mills, B. W. Locke, and Geo. F. Fuller, a word or two will not be inappropriate. Their uniform courtesy, good nature, and experience renders them unequalled as salesmen. Their acquaintance through the northwest is extensive, and their devotion to the interests of the house they represent, is only equalled by the disposition they show, to oblige customers and make of every patron, a firm friend. The reciprocal relations between employers and assistants have always been pleasant and kind Their mutual confidence is not misplaced. If the latter cherish a laudable ambition to secure large business sales, they never stoop to methods other than what are strictly justand honorable. In this House we find a thorough, General supervision and a faithful and capable Staff. They work together admirably, and their past success is a solid guarantee of many triumphant campaigns in the future.

Chicago Illustrated, December, 1866

After the Fire, Field, Benedict temporarily moved to 892 Wabash avenue, then in February, 1872, to its permanent location at the corner of Market and Washington streets.

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