Iron Block

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Building Name(s):, Iron Block, Wadsworth Block
Life Span: 1855-1871
Address: 34-62 Lake street, between Wabash and State. north side
Block and Subdivision: 8, Fort Dearborn Addition
Architect: W. W. Boyington

D. B. Cooke & Co.’s City Directory for the Year 1859-60

Davis, Sawyer & Co.

(See adv’t. p. 106)

Henderson Charles M. & Co.

(See advt. p. 172)

Burley & Tyrrell

Hunt H.W.& Co.

Condict, Woolley & Co.

Halpin & Bailey’s City Directory for the Year 1863
Field Benedict & Co., (Benjamin M. Field, New York Amzi Benedict and Peter W. Field,) clothes, cassimeres and vestings, 34 & 36 Lake
Wadsworth Philip & Co. (Philip Wadsworth and Gilbert R. Smith,) whol. clothing, 34 and 36 Lake
Wells F. C. & M. D., (Frederick C. and Moses D.,) boots and shoes. whol. 38 Wells
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. (See adv. op. p)
Johnson, Spencer & Co., (Henry T. Johnson, William E. Spencer, and A. B. Oxenham,) manufacturers and importers of Table and Pocket Cutlery, Files, Spoons, Pressed-Ware, Fancy Hardware, and Notions, Guns, Pistols, Revolvers, Sporting Apparatus in every variety, Gunsmith’s materials. Agents for Joshua Moss & Gamble Bros., Sheffield Files and Steel, 44 Lake.
Gillette, Whitney & Co., (Horace C. Gilette, Charles A. Whitney, L. L. Whitney and James L. Watson,) whol. dealers and mnfrs. boots and shoes, 46 Lake.
Burley & Tyrrell, (A. G. Burley & John Tyrrell, crockery,) 48 Lake
Gore, Wilson & Co., (George P. Gore and John Wilson,) whol. boots and shoes, 54 Lake.
Welsh Archibald H., clothing, 58 and 60 Lake, up stairs, bds. Briggs House.
American & Smith, (Oscar L. American and Mrs. Jetta Smith) dry goods, 60 Lake and 62 W. Randolph.
Tuttle, Hibbard & Co., 62 Lake

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.
Wells F. C. & M. D., (Frederick C. and Moses D.,) mnfrs. and dealers in boots and shoes. whol. 38 Lake
Tuttle, Hibbard & Co., (Nelson Tuttle, Wm. G. Hibbard, George M. Gray, and Frederick Tuttle,) hardware and tinplate, 62 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.)
Hibbard & Spencer (William G. Hibbard and F. F. Spencer), importers and whol. dealers in hardware, 62 Lake

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1867
Wells M. D. & Co. (Moses D. Wells, R. Benedict and H. J. MacFarland), mnfrs. boots and shoes, 38 Lake
Davis, Sawyer & Co. (Samuel C. Davis, Charles B. Sawyer & ———), boots and shoes, jobbers, whol. 40 Lake
Kohn H. A. & Brothers (Henry A. Joseph A., David A. and Julius A. Kohn) mnfrs. and jobbers of clothing, and cloth, casimere and vesting goods, 42 Lake
Johnson, Spencer & Co. (Henry T. Johnson and William E. Spencer), mnfrs.
and jobbers in guns, cutlery, etc. 44 Lake, and Arundel Lane, Sheffield, England
Tuttle, Thompson & Wetmore (Lucius G. Tuttle. Wetmore G. Thompson and Cavalry L. Wetmore), men’s and boy’s, clothing and furnishing goods, whol. 58 and 60 Lake

John C. W. Bailey’s Chicago City Directory for 1867
Wells F. C. & M. D., (Frederick C. and Moses D.,) mnfrs. and whol. dealers in boots and shoes. 38 Lake
Clark, Whitehouse & Co., (Amos M. Clark, Junot J. Whitehouse, Josiah C. Mooar, Silas S. Whitehouse,) mnfrs and jobbers men’s furnishing goods 62 Lake
Tuttle, Thompson & Whetmore, (Lucius G. Tuttle, W. G. Thompson and Calvary L. Whetmore,) mnfrs and jobbers of men and boys clothing 58 and 60 Lake

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
Wells F. C. & M. D., (Moses D. Wells, Russell Benedict, Henry J. Macfarland and Simon P. McIntyre), boots and shoes, whol. 38 Lake
Levy & Lederer, bag mnfrs. 38 Lake
Sawyers Charles B. & Co. whol. boots and shoes, 38 and 40 Lake
Price, Rosenblatt & Co. gents’ furnishing, 42 Lake
Biggs, Spencer & Co. mnfrs. and imps. cutlery and guns, 44 Lake
Burley & Tyrrell, crockery, china and glass, 46 and 48 Lake
Page, Bro. & Co. whol. leather and findings, 50 Lake
Slocom Bros. straw goods, whol. 52 Lake
Tuttle, Thompson & Whetmore, (L. G. Tuttle, W. G. Thompson and C. L. Whetmore,) mens’ and boys’ clothing and furnishing goods 58 and 60 Lake
Seeberger & Breakey (F. A. Seeberger and B. A. Bteakey), hardware and tinners’ stock, whol. 62 Lake
Mooar J. C. men’s furnishing goods, whol. 62 Lake, r. 197 Warren

Chicago Magazine, April 15, 1857

Iron Block—North side of Lake St.

Chicago Tribune, May 27, 1857

Removal.—Buel, Hill & Granger
Dealers in Boots and Shoes, have removed to the new and spacious fire story iron front store, No. 62 Lake street, corner of State.

TO RENT-Three or four desirable Offices. Also, one floor, 22 by 140 feet. Enquire of Buel, Hill & Granger, 62 Lake street, cor. of State.

Weekly Chicago Tribune, March 15, 1860

MESSRS. TUTTLE, HIBBARD & Co.—This old established house in the Wholesale Hardware line have just removed from the corner of Lake street and Wabash Avenue to the corner of State and Lake streets, No. 62 Lake street, where they occupy one of the finest stores in the Northwest, in the five story iron front block, and are better located than ever before for the extensive trade they have won during years of successful business relations with the trade seeking Chicago as a commercial centre.

This firm is one of the numbers of our leading houses which has kept steadily on tbrough the crisis, always carrying a heavy stock and retaining their position and prominence. In their new stand they are admirably accommodated, as all pronounce who have looked in upon their present quarters. They are in the field for the Spring trade with one of the largest and most extensive stocks in their line ever offered in this market.

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 Tribune, February 28, 1865

HARDWARE AND METALS.
Messrs. Hibbard & Spencer, No. 62 Lake Street.
The well known firm of Tuttle, Hibbard & Co., so long identified with our Western trade in hardware and metals, has dissolved partnership. The Messrs. Tuttle retire from the business, the house has changed hands; the firm will be in future “Hibbard & Spencer,” being composed of Mr. W. G. Hibbard, the second member of the late firm, and Mr. F. F. Spencer, who for ten years past has conducted the establishment of Messrs. Jewett & Root of this city.

The change merits more than a pasting notice. The firm which has now dropped into the domain of the past was one of the few pioneers of that wholesale system of business which has now attained such colossal proportions in our midst. When, ten years ago, the house opened its stores of wrought mineral wealth to the public, Chicago had just begun to grow; and though a center to which a portion of the West looked for its supplies, it filled the demand with a very small bill. But there were those who saw that that demand was destined to a rapid increase The members of the firm of Tuttle, Hibbard A Co. were among these, and determined to do their share of the building up of the now magnificent fabric of our Chicago trade. How well they have succeeded, the constantly-increasing circle of their business connections, and the annually-multiplied extant of their sales, will attest, while the safe basis on which their operations arc conducted is shown in the fact that when others were forced to contract their circle of action, or ceased altogether, this firm always exhibited a steady increase, a healthy vitality.

The new firm succeeds to the business in the hope. and with the confident expectation, of being enabled to achieve a still higher position for the house than it has yet attained. The members bring with them a long and varied experience—one extending over periods of great fluctuation in values, and change in requirement. They commence with a much larger circle of business acquaintance than was possessed by the old firm; they have a capital ample to meet all the probable—we had almost said, “all the possible”—demands to be made on it for employment; and they will renovate and enlarge greatly their stock and means pf supply. And joined to all these they commence with that invaluable stock in trade, the confidence of all who know them, a confidence to be acquired only by years of constant honor in the fulfillment of all engagements, a clear business record, without one spot or stain.

We do not therefore need to ask for the new firm a cordial reception at the hands of the community—that is already accorded. It needs to say nothing more than that the change is made, and that while the retiring members are falling back on their bard earned competency, Messrs. Hibbard & Spencer are pressing forward to fill the breach thus made. The business will be continued at the old stand. No. 63 Lake street, on the corner of State. Their stock of general hardware, cutlery and metals will be, as heretofore, unexceptionable in quality, and will be still larger in variety and fullness. They make their bow to their numerous friends this morning.

Chicago Tribune, April 24, 1865

GENTS FURNISHING GOODs.—Messrs. Clark, Whitehouse & Co., have recently made some important extensions in their warerooms, No. 62 Lake street. which are now refitted and furnished with a large and well selected assortment of gent-furnishing goods, embracing every variety of under wear of the newest styles. This stock is one of the most complete to be found in the city, or indeed west of New York, and is well worthy the attention of country merchants. who will find an excellent variety of linen, woolen and jean goods, at prices which cannot be beaten. Messrs. Clark, Whitehouse & Co., are gentlemen of well-known business ability and energy, and the business being under their immediate superintendence, customers may be assured of every attention. Merchants from the country will do well to give them a call before completing their spring purchases. Orders may be addressed to Clark, Whitehouse & Co., No. 62 Lake, corner State street, Chicago.

Chicago Illustrated, June, 1866

On the north side of the street is the row of ten iron-front buildings. The buildings extend from Lake street 180 feet to an alley 30 feet wide. These were the first iron-front buildings erected in Chicago, and they were commenced in 1857-8. These buildings are owned by various persons, and are occupied by wholesale establishments. East of the iron buildings are three stores with marble fronts. East of Wabash Avenue, extending to Michigan Avenue, is a marble block occupied by wholesale establishments. At the corner of Michigan Avenue, is the Adams House, a large five-story hotel, which extends to Depot place, upon the east side of which is the great depot of the Illinois Central, Michigan Central, and other railroads. The south side of the street is improved by buildings of the same class, and occupied also by wholesale houses.

At the south-east corner of State and Lake streets is the City Hotel, a celebrated hotel in Chicago in former days. It is the only one of the comparatively small buildings of former times that has not been replaced by the stately and costly edifices which adorn the other parts of the street.

Chicago Tribune, September 27, 1867

WHOLESALE HARDWARE TRADE.—We call special attention to the card of Seeberger & Breakey. wholesale dealers in hardware, No. 62 Lake street, in this city. This firm, although only in the fourth year of its existence, has, by close application to business and uniform integrity in its dealings with the trade of the Northwest, attained a recognized position in the in the very front rank of the trade in this city. Their facilities to purchasing goods, and their large and varied stock, render this one of the mort desirable of houses to transact business with. The firm is composed of energetic and upright business men, who, as such, richly merit the encouragement with which they are meeting.

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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