Nixon’s Exchange, Nixon’s Block
Life Span: 1865-1871
Location: 150 Clark street, between Monroe and Madison streets
Architect:
- Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1866
John C. W. Bailey’s Chicago City Directory for 1867
Nixon’s Building, Washington e Chamber of Commerce
Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870
Higgins Hiram M. pianos, 150 Clark
Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1871
Lyon & Healy, music and musical goods, 150 Clark
Chicago Tribune, December 29, 1865
Nixon’s Exchange.—This building occupies the space on Washington street, east of the Chamber of Commerce and west of the edifice last described Smith & Nixon’s Hall. It covers an area of of ninety-three feet by one hundred and eighty-two on Exchange place. The Washington street front has the same height, as the Smith & Nixon’s building, and is flanked by a tower thirty feet square and rising to the height of the exchange olace facade. The building is constructed of stone, brick and iron. The fronts are faced with Chicago pressed brick, ornamented with iron quoins, key-stones, pillasters, etc. The cornice is of wood and elaborately carved. The basement and principal story have iron fronts, with plate glass windows throughout. These two stories are nine and fourteen and a half feet high, and divided into eighteen offices, a portion of them provided with iron vaults. The principal story is reached by ornamental iron steps from a stone sidewalk, surrounding the entire building. The second, third and fourth stories are reached from Exchange place by stone steps, twelve feet long, supported by heavy stone buttress blocks, with paneled faces. There is also an entrance to these stories through the large portico on Washington street. The three stories are divided into twenty offices and two large rooms, thirty by eighty-five each, to be used for Commercial College purposes.
The Washington street entrance is ten feet wide through the large portico. In this block is situated “Morse’s Exchange,” a large hall sixty feet square by twenty-five feet in height, with private rooms attached. The building cost somewhat over $100,000. O. H. Matz was the architect.
Chicago Evening Post, October 27, 1869
H. M. Higgins.
Over four years ago, the veteran dealer whose came heads this article began the manufacture of pianos for the Chicago market. He designed to and did produce an instrument first class in every respect, and, as a consequence, the “Higgins” stands to-day with hardly a rival among pianos. The judgement of skilled musicians, who have expressed themselves in our hearing, is that neither the Steinway nor Chickering surpasses it in tone and durability. With such an instrument, and under the live management of an energetic man, it is not to be wondered that the trade has outgrown all calculation, demanding to-day greatly enlarged quarters for its accommodation. The new rooms are just being occupied at 150 South Clark street, where our musically inclined readers will find by all odds the most elegant piano hall in the city. There is 30 feet width and 120 feet depth, with 16 feet ceilings, giving a splendid area for the exhibition and trial of instruments. The floor is of walnut and ash, 1¾ inch strips alternated, being both exceedingly desirable and handsome. The large windows are single plate French glass, that cost $400 each. In the rear, elegant offices are fitted, one for the use of the establishment, the other as an instruction room for that accomplished artist, Prof. Louis Meyers. This skillful performer, by the by, after thorough trial and investigation, adopts the Higgins piano, giving it in all cases an unqualified endorsement to his pupils.
It is the aim of Mr. Higgins to supply the demand in this city for first-class pianos, and to that end be guarantees to furnish instruments at from one to two hundred dollars less price each than other dealers dare make on goods of the same quality, Furthermore, he will lease his pianos for a fair monthly payment, stipulating that at the end of one jeer, if the lessee desires, the instrument maybe taken on purchase, less the lease money paid. We were shown beautifully toned instruments to be rented as low as eight dollars per month. The veteran tuner, Mr. L. Amman, is still in Mr. H.’s employ, backed by fifteen years’ constant, satisfactory service. Mr. A. is perhaps the best tuner in the city, and those having fine instruments to be taken care of, will consult their own interest by leaving their orders with Mr. Higgins. Remember the place, 150 South Clark street.
Chicago Tribune, September 11, 1870
Lyon & Healy.
The recent fire occurred at a very unfortunate time for this firm, as both partners were indisposed, and one of them (Mr. Healy) had scarcely been at the store at all during the previous two weeks. Yet such was the emergency, that while the fire was raging, telegrams were sent to Boston and New York for new stock, and diligent search made for new quarters. This latter problem promised to be even more serious than that of replenishing the stock. But after some consideration, it was thought best to close with Mr. Hiram M. Higgins’ kind offer, who proposed to relinquish to them the lease of his commodious store at No. 150 Clark street. The new store is 50×120 feet, and Lyon & Healy occupy four stories, including the basement. In point of space, the present quarters are even superior to those in Drake’s Block. This place will be occupied until a more suitable one can be found, or the old store is rebuilt.
The goods orderd by telegraph are arriving even faster than they can be stored, and in a few days more Lyon & Healy will be able to fill all orders for musical merchandise as promptly as ever. Meanwhile, by the kindness of city dealers, orders have been filled with very little delay.
Many of the prominent music dealers in the East express their sympathy and offer all assistance in their power. Oliver Ditson, one of solid men of Boston, and the largest music-publisher in the world, in his usual laconic style, closes a letter to Lyon & Healy wuth this assurance:
If you want money you know where to come for it.
Lyin & Healy desire us to express their obligation to the enterprising houses of Root & Cady and their clerks, and to A. Reed & Sons, for valuable assistance rendered; and to many friends, both residents to the city and visitors, who spared no efforts and avoided no risks in the attempt to rescue property from the flames.
They were also particularly gratified at the self-sacrificing efforts of their own employes, who labored night and day in complete devotion to Lyon & Healy’s interests.
- Nixon’s Building
150 South Clark
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
1869
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