State Street
Life Span: 1875
Location: The Chicago River to the Second Burnt District (Van Buren Street)
Chicago Tribune, July 25, 1875
State street is the pride of the city. It is more than any other the thoroughfare of the city—the representative street which combines and concentrates the elements which make Chicago great and beautifu. As Broadway is to New York, Fleet street to London, the Boulevard to Paris, and the Ring to Vienna, so is this great artery streaming from morning till night with life, and pleasure, and business, to Chicago. While it bears the same relation to Chicago as the streets above-named do to their several cities, it is unlike them in that it is broader than either unless, it may be, the Rings and the Boulevards, and its facade show a nobler, fresher, and more graceful architecture. Again, the shops upon the Boulevards even bear no comparison, as to size and beauty, with our Field, Leiter & Co.’s, Gossage’s, Hamilton, Rowe & Co.’s, Peacock’s, Schweitzer & Beer’s, Kimball’s, Housekeeper’s Row, and the man other elegant establishments between Van Buren and the river.
The most notable buildings of Chicago are located here. The Palmer House, fire-proof from turret to foundation-stone, the handsomest hotel building in the world. Bookseller’s Row presents the most imposing front in the whole city; the Singer Building is a palace devoted to the dry goods trade; while the First National Bank Building is a fortress, impregnable to fire and burglar, an ornament to the street, and a monument to the Great Fire. A separate mention of each of the noble edifices that line State street, would extend this article almost indefinitely, for there is not one within the limits mentioned that, were it not surrounded by others more magnificent, would not be regarded as a model of architecture.
The heaviest, most prominent dealers in nearly every branch of trade are located here. It is the bazar of streets. All quarters of the globe contribute to itswares, and the shopper will find here whatever is rare and unique that takes the form of merchandise.
It is the common centre of Chicago. Every street-car and ‘bus line passes over it, and gives easy access to all sections of the city, even the most remote.
The estimation in which property on this street is held may be judged when it it is known that the front foot here is higher than in any other portion of the city, and the wise men among real-estate dealers contend that the street has has not yet reached its greatest value. Nearly everything on the South Side tends toward State street. If one cannot locate there, he pitches his tent as near as possible. In that way the street has grown, and is growing continually, by accretion, so to speak. An improvement anywhere in the South Division, or anywhere in the city, it might be claimed, adds something to the value of State street property. Its possibility for advancement by this means is only limited by the power of the city for self-development, and it seems inexhaustible.
It is with the intention of showing our readers the importance of the trade of this street, and the general tendency of the whole city towards it as a commercial centre, that The Tribune has opened its columns to this article; and we append the names of all the most prominent merchants and business men whose interests are located on that thoroughfare.
The Singer Building, known as the Field, Leiter Building (far right)
1879
Field, Leiter & Co.
A crowning glory of State street is the noble structure on the northeast corner of Washington, occupied by the retail establishment of Field, Leiter & Co. Conspicuous and beautiful, it is a chief ornament of the thoroughfare in question; a monarch of architectural grace and finish. The business of Field, Leiter & Co. is second to one only in America. Its sales last year reached the stupendous figures of $20,000,000, including the business of the retail and wholesale departments. The system under which the vast amount of business is achieved has been elaborated by the present proprietors, and the work in the two mammoth establishments moves with a precision and lack of friction which itself is an evidence of the perfect administrative genius behind all.
The retail house is the acknowledged home of all that is useful and elegant in dry goods. It is a place wherein every order, from a spool of thread to the magnificent bridal trousseau, is met with like alacrity and courtesy. The humble request of the poor sewing-woman and the grand demands of the millionaire’s family receive the same prompt, respectful compliance. Field, Leiter & Co.’s establishment is at once an honor to Chicago and to the mercantile interests of America.
Messrs. Howard & Co.
This firm is located at No. 126 State street. corner of Madison, and deals in Waltham, Elgin, and imported gold and silver watches and jewelry of every grade. Having special arrangements with manufacturers, Messrs. Howard & Co. are enabled to send these goods to purchasers in the country at from 25 to 75 per cent less than country jewelers sell them, in the States or Territories, these goods are shipped C.O.D., with orders to express agents to allow all packages to be opened and the goods examined by the parties ordering before payment is required, thus securing the purchaser beyond the possibility of any risk. A guarantee from the manufacturer is also sent with the movement of each watch, proving the goods to be bona fide and genuine in every particular. Messrs. Howard & Co. bear an excellent reputation in the business community, and their goods may be depended on as being all they are claimed to be. An illustrated catalogue and price-list has just been issued by this house, which is sent free to any address, giving an accurate and detailed account of their goods and method of business.
Housekeepers’ Row.
The favorite resort for those in search of elegant housekeeping goods is on the east side of State street, between Adams and Jackson. No more convenient congregation of elegant establishments exists in any city of any country. First in the line going south is
- Colby & Wirts.
This well-known firm do business at Nos. 217 and 219 State street, where their superb warerooms are open for inspection to all who are interested in fine furniture. They make furniture to order in any design without extra charge, and keep a force of over seventy men at work throughout the year. Just now they are selling unusually low in order to keep this small army of workmen employed till the busy season. Theirs is one of the finest furniture establishment in the country, and they make a specialty of upholstery. Housekeepers can find here any article of furniture they want.
Hollister & Gorham.
This is one of the most reliable carpet and curtain houses in Chicago. Not only are the richest of goods always to be found here, but the assertions of proprietors and employes as to the quality and make can always be implicitly depended upon. Messrs. Hollister & Gorham keep one of the most complete stocks of fashionable carpetings, curtains, bedding, etc., to be found in America. The rare and beautiful Turkish rugs are a feature of their establishment. The firm should be visited by all who desire elegant goods at honorable prices.
Allen, Mackey & Co.
Long ago, when Chicago was not anything like the vast metropolis it is to-day, the great carpeting and upholstery house of Allen, Mackey & Co. held undisputed control of the house-furnishing interest of the city. It has grown with Chicago, and more than kept pace with her mammoth business houses. In their gorgeous show-rooms at No. 233 State street and Nos. 49, 51, and 53 Jackson street, if anywhere, can be understood the enormous wealth of the city and the rare taste and refinement of its people. The paper-hangings, bedding, and curtain goods, as well as the carpets, most distinctly set before strangers the sort of domestic appurtenances desired Western millionaires, while the least expensive though not less tasteful varieties for moderate housekeepers show more plainly than words what good taste will accomplish at little cost. Their warerooms are among the handsomest in the United States, and accomplished travelers are accustomed to declare that the Capitals of Europe—Paris, London, Vienna, Berlin, and St. Petersburg—contain no more luxurious upholstering houses than Chicago, which can boast of Allen, Mackey & Co. The block which they do business is called Housekeepers’ Row, and an hour spent in studying their showrooms will be more than profitable.
Dr. J.O. Trine’s Movement-Cure Institute.
Entirely in accordance with the progressive element so prominent in hicago, is the novel and unique application of mechanical power in addition to the ordinary movements and processes for the cure of chronic dideases, as seen at the movement-cure institution of J.G. Trine, 105 and 107 State street.
Dr. Trine, a regular graduate, has devoted his entire professional life the past seventeen years to the practice of this special method of treatment, and the success attendant upon his efforts has placed him beyond rivalry, and his institution in a position which commands the respect of medical men, and the patronage of the most intelligent and influential people of this city.
This system of treatment seems to us most wonderfully adapted to any and all cases, from the broken-down, nervously exhausted woman, to the sedentary but less invalid man.
It is not merely “hygienic,” but eminently medical in its fulfillment of special indications of disease with positiveness and certainty.
As Dr. Trine remarked, it is a remedial power for which there is no adequate substitute, and must afford new hope to the invalid, because of its agreeable and effective methods.
Without impugning in the least other methods of medical treatment, it would seem that the movement-cure, in its more modern developments, is capable of supplying the most essential aid that art can bring for the benefit of the chronic invalid.
The Doctor invites inquiry, and visitors are always welcomed. The movement-cure rooms are reached by a fine water-balance elevator. They are spacious, and supplied with variety and amount of mechanical devices and facilities superior to any movement-cure in the world.
W.W. Kimball
Southeast corner of State and Adams streets
1873
W. W. Kimball.
A prominent feature on State street is the piano and organ establishment of W.W. Kimball. This situated at the southeast corner of State and Adams streets. Here may be found the superb Hallet, Davis & Co. pianos, instruments which are known admired in America and Europe. The musical kings of the world, artists like Liszt, Strauss, Gottschalk, Bendel, Joachim, and others, indorse them, while they are the central ornaments of thousands of happy homes in two hemispheres. Mr. Kimball is General Western Agent for these noble instruments, and also for the world-renowned Smith American organs, as well as for the Kimball and Union pianos. He has methods opf trade adapted to every condition of purse.
Hamilton, Rowe & Co.
Chicago Tribune
1874
Hamilton, Rowe & Co.
It is hardly necessary to state that the above-named firm is one of the three leading jewelry firms of Chicago, for their elegant establishment on State street, southwest corner of Washington, has long been one of the most attractive sights on that thoroughfare. Their stock comprises one of the handsomest collections of jewelry and precious stones ever brought to this country. The interior of their store is a glittering display of all that is most beautiful in the jewelry line. Special attention is directed to their silver and plated ware, watches, and great variety of other articles in the jeweler’s line. Mr. Hamilton has been long in business in this city, and is well and favorably known to the business community.
Hamilton, Rowe & Co.
Hale Block
SE Corner of State and Washington Streets
Mandel Brothers.
The house of Mandel Brothers is now one of the oldest in Chicago. Older readers will remember that it was established in the year 1855. Subsequently, at the corner of State and Harrison, an elegant building was erected by the firm. This was destroyed in the July fire of last year, after which the energetic proprietors found temporary quarters on Washington street until their removal to the present elegant establishment 121 and 123 State. The building now occupied by them is conceded to be one of the chief dry-goods houses of the country. A choice and varied stock of goods, uniformly courteous attention to customers of every grade of life, a willingness to refund money when articles do not prove as represented, and a determination not to be undersold, are the distinguishing features of this excellent institution. These characteristics have given the firm of Mandel Brothers an enviable position in the esteem of the entire community.
Mandel Brothers
121 and 123 State Street
NE Corner of State and Madison
C.D. Peacock.
The elegant jewelry establishment of Mr. Peacock, corner of Washington street, opposite of Field, Leiter & Co.’s, is one of the most ornamental stores in the whole city. It is also the oldest jewelry house in the city, being established in 1838. Mr. Peacock was born in Chicago, and has always enjoyed the very highest social and business standing among our citizens. He carries one of the finest stocks in his line to be found in any store in Chicago, and the store itself is most elaborately fitted up. The side cases are the repository of the choicest silverware that can be found in the West. The gold chain stock is also very large and handsome.
Chicago Lakeside Directory, 1876
Julius Bauer.
The superb warerooms of Julius Bauer are on the southeast corner of State and Monroe streets, the handsomest location in the Palmer House. At this elegant establishment may be found the world-renowned Knabe pianos, which have been tested and approved by the greatest masters of Europe and America. Mr. Bauer is the sole Western Agent for these magnificent instruments. At his place may also be found a choice and comprehensive variety of musical merchandise of all kinds. The church and parlor organs sold by him are of the finest grade known to the musical world. The Bauer pianos, beautiful in finish and perfect in tone, are manufactured only by him. These instruments are favorites everywhere, in conservatory, concert-hall, and homes. They are referred to with admiration everywhere.
Julius Bauer & Co., will occupy three stores in Potter Palmer’s Grand Hotel, 60 by 145 feet, with a large stock of the celebrated Knabe and Bauer Pianos, Organs and all kinds of musical instruments. These stores will be fitted up in a style to render with the finest musical warerooms in the world.
The Root & Son Music Company
is the consolidation of the three large music firms of Root & Sons, Root & Lewis, nd Chandler & Curtiss, which took place on the 1st of January last. The new company embraces the well-known names of George F. Root, E. Towner Root, and Charles O. Curtiss, Mr. Curtiss being manager of the new firm. The entire stocks of the three firms have been consolidated at No. 156 State street, occupying the entire building, of which the basement is devoted to music-books, the first floor to sheet-music, office, etc.; second floor, pianos and organs; third floor, imported goods, etc., etc. The stock is almost endless in variety, including violins, guitars, accordeons, flutes, banjos, harmonics, brass and German silver band-instruments; a complete stock of foreign and domestic sheet-music, music-books without number, including their own well-known publications; the Steck piano, which so recently gained the only gold medal at the Vienna Exposition, and the Dtandard organ, made by Peloubet, Pelton & Co. This is the only music-publishing house now in Chicago.
Story & Camp.
Judges by the rule laid down by Shakespeare that unusual persons are ripe for “treasons, stratagems, and spoils,” the American people is little disappointed to subvert Government, for a nation in which music is more popular does not exist on this planet. The instrument best adapted to general family is the piano, and no well-regulated household is at all complete without one. Chicago, as a centre of culture and refinement, would be unable to support her claims were she lacking in this respect. No city in the United States, however, is able to exhibit such superb depots. Prominent among these is the musical establishment of Messrs. Story & Camp, No. 211 State street, who occupy an entire building 27×140 feet and five stories high. The two lower stories are devoted to pianos, especially the celebrated and now favorite Weber piano. The three upper stories are occupied by the organ department. Messrs. Story & Camp are the General Agents of the famous Estey organ, and are the largest organ dealers in the Northwest, if not the world. They sell more organs than all the other musical firms in Chicago combined, their average sales of these superb instruments being 400 a month. One-third of all the Estey organs manufactured are sold by them. Their magnificent trade has been acquired not only by the unexcelled reputation of the instruments they deal in, but by an energy and determination to excel which have ever characterized the firm.
The Improved Home Shuttle Sewing-Machine.
Messrs. Johnson, Clark & Co., No. 141 State street, are General Agents for the above mentioned machine, which has now come to be regarded generally as one of the best, if not the very best, sewing-machine that is made. It has received the unqualified endorsement of the best judges of the work of sewing-machines, and has had encomiums without number from the press. Its greatest points of superiority are its simplicity, durability, the ease with which it runs, and the excellent quality oif its work. The price asked is less than for any other machine offered to the public, and a warrantee accompanies each one that is sold, guaranteeing to replace, feee of cost, any part that may fail or wear out with fair usage within five years.
P.M. Almini & Co.,
No. 246 State, are too well known to need especial mention, being everywhere regarded as the leading fresco-artists of the Northwest. They employ constantly ninety artists, principally frescoers, thought he firm is commissioned frequently to do more artistic work. They import artists’ materials direct from Europe, and have on hand besides a full line of architects’ supplies and wax-flower goods. This firm has furnished the frescoing for all the large buildings of Chicago, and is now engaged in elaborately decorating the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Frasier’s Mercantile Collection Agency.
One is the prominent institutions of the street is Frasier’s Mercantile Collection Agency, located at the corner of State and Monroe streets, which has been in successful operation ever since 1872. It occupies one of the largest offices in the city, elegantly fitted up in solid walnut and ground glass, and employs a clerical force of from twelve to fifteen men, under the personal supervision of Mr. Frasier himself, who is the originator and sole proprietor.
The business of the agency is confined entirely to collecting and adjusting claims of every description, and is very extensive, its correspondence covering every city, town, and hamlet in the United States and Canadas, and extending even in Europe.
The system is complete in theory, and in active detail prompt and exhaustive, it being apparently an impossibility for a debtor to escape its network of agents.
Standing at the head of all agencies of this character, it is a fair exponent of Western ingenuity and enterprise.
Charles Gossage & Co.
The dry-goods house of Charles Gossage & Co. is one of the best known in the country. It occupies the whole of of an imposing building fronting on State and Washington streets. The establishment is at once reliable and comprehensive. Its range of goods cover every article of use and luxury, and the scale of prices in every department is conceded to be among the lowest known to the trade. The Tribune representative, in his tour of State street, saw no mercantile institution of more genuine interest; none in which a more thriving trade was being conducted, than was witnessed in the elegant establishment of Charles Gossage & Co.
Ovington’s.
The Ovingtons, 122 State street, are universally acknowledged to have the richest and most varied assortment of fine fancy goods and of plain and ornamental china and glassware to be found in any store in this city. They are constantly kept supplied, through their branch houses in Brooklyn, Paris, and Vienna, with all the latest and choicest novelties in bronze, Parian marble, Bisque, Fayence, Majolica, and Wedgewood. Their store is one of the principal resorts of the city for lovers of art and admirers of rare and delicate china and glass.
The Remington Sewing-Machine Company.
The Western office, of which Mr. E. Lathrop is manager, of this Company is at 237 State street, where may be found a fine stock of the articles of their manufacture. The Remington sewing-machine is believed by many to possess numerous points of superiority over all other sewing-machines manufactured, and it is meeting with great favor. The Remington typewriter—is destined to rank high among labor-saving machines, and must eventually come into general use. The Remington rifle has gained a world-wide reputation by its success in the hands of American riflemen at Creedmore, Dollymount, and Wimbeldon. It is the best rifle in the world.
The Huntington Bed.
W.F. Huntington, No. 272 State street, is the pioneer in the manufacture of double frame beds, having the advantage of spiral springs. He began the their manufacture in 1860, and now makes them for all the leading hotels throughout the West, from the cheapest slat-bed to the best canvas top. He possesses facilities for making from thirty to fifty per day, and his trade extends all over the Northwest and East to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. He also sells large quantities of cots for hotel use.
Carlo Gentile, Photographer
Stereoview of The Gardner House
Gentile—Photographer.
Gentile’s photographic establishment is one of the features of this street. It is situated on the southeast corner of State and Washington; is easily accessible by means of a fine water-power elevator, and is one of the most complete establishments of its kind in the country. Gentile’s photographs are conceded to be superb specimens of art. He does magnificent work at the most satisfactory of prices.
Charles A. Allen.
This gentlemen’s establishment is at No. 182 State. Parties having old silver can take it to him and have it manufactured into knives and forks, spoons, &c. Mr. Allen is a superior workman in his line, and can make duplicates of any piece of silverware that may be lost or broken. This is often a great convenience to such as have met with the loss of a part of a set or when a piece has been broken.
Barry & Cushing, Painters.
At No. 145 State street may be found Messrs. Barry & Cushing. This enterprising art firm does some of the finest fresco, sign, and house-painting accomplished i the West. The firm is one of the oldest in Chicago, having been organized since 1840. This makes it really the oldest of all painting establishments in the city. The character of the beautiful work executed under the direction of Messrs. Barry & Cushing is too well known throughout the West to require an extended notice here. It is one of the leading painting firms of the country, and we know of none which achieves more elegant and durable work.
Dr. Sherwood’s Dental Rooms.
Nos. 18 and 19 Dore Block, northwest corner of State and Madison streets, are patronized by the very best class of people, the Doctor having a reputation in his profession second to none in the city. He is thoroughly educated, and has had many years’ experience. He gives vitalized air in the extraction of teeth, and the operation is performed skillfully, and without pain. The very best artificial teeth are furnished from his laboratory.
M. Anderson—Show-Cases.
Mr. Anderson, at No. 59 State street, has on sale the finest stock of show-cases to be found in Chicago. He manufactures these to order, and is therby able to suit the wishes of the most exacting customers. The show-cases kept and made by him combine usefulness and artistic beauty to a rare degree. Nothing isnso convenient in a store, and nothing adds more to its elegance, than an assortment of Anderson’s superb show-cases.
Great Central Photographic Warehouse.
This establishment located at 158 State street, is one of the most prominent of its kind in the country, supplying the profession with all the necessities for sun-painting. Mr. Charles W. Stevens, the proprietor, is veteran in his line of business, and enjoys an enviable reputation in the trade. He is also publisher of the Western Photographic News, a journal of acknowledged merit and of great value to photographers.
Willis & Stevens.
Photography may be either an art or an imposition. A photographic picture is as likely, in the hands of an incompetent artist, to be a caricature as, under the management of an artist, to be a reflection of actual life. The elegant and tasteful studio of Willis & Stevens, corner of State and Madison streets, in Dore’s Building (77 Madison street, corner State), shows at once the stamp of the artist. Their portraits have a finish and beauty surpassed by no other photographer in Chicago.
Gray’s Invisible Wigs and Toupees.
Mr. Gray’s manufactory and salesroom is now located at No. 74State street, where he has the most complete assortment of ladies’ ornamented hair-work, wigs, beards, whickers, mustaches, etc., in the city. Mr. Gray is the pioneer in this branch of business, doing nearly all the work for the different theatres throughout the Northwest. Wigs and toupees are manufactured on physiognomical principlas, and parties are always guaranteed satisfaction.
Messrs. Cross & Carson
have one of the finest photograph establishments in the city, located at No. 224 and 226 State street. Their work will bear comparison with that of any artist in the world. Mr. D.H. Cross will be remembered as the artist who for the past two years has taken the fine exhibition pictures for C.D. Mosher; and Mr. J.P. Carson was for eight years sole operator for E.L. Brand & Co. Especial attention to ladies’ and children’s portraits. The equipment, furniture, mechanical outfit, and general accommodation of this gallery are elaborate and complete, and a superior class of work in all departments may be relied on. The popular styles known as “Antique,” “Souvenir,” L’Avenir,” etc., etc., made promptly at prices suited at all times. The services of talented artists in oil, pastel, crayon, India ink, and water-colors, have been secured, and satisfaction is guaranteed in all cases.1
John S. Stott—Stationery, Etc.
Mr. Stott is a wholesale and retail dealer in staple and fine stationery at No,. 158.He also keeps an elegant assortment of Russia goods, albums, card-cases, etc. He has ample facilities for doing all kinds of printing, binding, etc. Wedding orders and card engraving a specialty, doing handsome and fashionable work at the most reasonable rates. There is no dealer in his line of goods in the city who is attaining greater success, or who deserves it more.
Henry Schultz—Paper-Boxes.
At No. 51 State street, between Lake and Randolph, is situated the well-known paper-box manufactory of Mr. Henry Schultz. The work done by Mr. Schultz and his large able corps of assistants is of the most satisfactory order. Only one thing equals it in satisfaction, and that is the list of prices which prevails at the same place.
Theodore Schrader, Diamond-Setter.
Mr. Schrader, who is one of the most competent diamond-setters and manufacturing jewelers in the country, has his establishment at Room 35 Dore’s Building, northwest corner of State and Madison streets. He makes a specialty of manufacturing rare jewelry and setting precious stones in unique designs, different from the ordinary stone patterns. He does superb work to order, giving magnificent effects.
Messrs. Le Vin & Swartley
have recently established at No. 182 State street a manufactory of scientific instruments, possessing facilities for making dental, surgical, mathematical, philosophical and electrical instruments unequaled by any other establishment in the West. They are the patentees of an improved Dental Automatic Mallet Plugger, acknowledged by dentists to be the best instrument of the kind in use. The confidential manner in which they prepare models for the United States Patent-Office justly merits the attention of inventors.
Buckminster’s.
This celebrated restaurant, after having been burnt four times within as many years, now welcomes its many patrons at No. 210 State street. Chicago hasn’t a man better posted in the art of restaurant-keeping than Buckminster. His bill of fare is elaborate, embracing all the delicacies of the season, and his wine list is liberally stocked. His rooms are always tidy, and the same may be said of all parts of his place.
Messrs. Hotchkin, Palmer & Co.,
of Nos. 137 and 139 State street, make a speciclty of millinery, dress cloaks, ladies’ furnishing goods, etc. They were burnt out at No. 91 State street i the great fire.
State Street, Looking North toward Washington Street
About 1876
The Nonotuck Silk Company.
The next visit was to the Western office of the Nonotuck Silk Complany, No. 147 State street. One may well be surprised to learn from the genial agent, Mr. M.M. Merrick, the extent of their business and variety of their stock. They are the most extensive manufacturers of sewing-silk in the world; and their Chicago office carries full lines of all grades, embracing 175 colors and shades of spool silk. The unequaled Corticello silk, so favorably known throughout the country, is one of their leading brands.
Prof. Henry Olin.
Prof. Henry Olin, a skillful oculist, who stands at the head of the profession, has convenient and easily accessible apartments at No. 104 State street.
The Philadelphia Collar Co.
Mr. C.A. Watson, of No. 149 State street, is the sole Western Agent of this well-known Company. This is the only direct agency of manufacturers in this city, and is the oldest house in this line in the West.
Ellis & Young.
These gentlemen (Drs. J. Ward Ellis and J.H. Young), among the oldest, most popular, and successful dentists in Chicago, are located in elegant apartments at No. 209 State street.
William J. Ralph,
manufacturer and dealer in saddles, harness, bridles, collars, etc., corner of State and Adams streets, has just completed an elegant four-story and basement stone-front building at an expense of $15,000.
Messrs. Stanton & Mitchell.
Some of the best oil paintings, chromos and engravings in the city can be found at the establishment of these gentlemen. No. 262 State street. They manufacture mantels and pier looking-glasses, etc., new and beautiful designs.
Schweitzer & Beer.
Messrs. Schweitzer & Beer, at No. 188 and 190 State street, have a magnificent, extensive stock of all kinds of European and domestic toys and fancy goods; also, baskets, musical instruments, druggists’ sundries, etc. Their establishment—a grand double-store building of five stories and basement—is not surpassed by any house in this country in regard to size or assortment of goods. Mr. Carl Beer has just returned from Europe, where he stayed five months to make the purchases for the house, and the firm is now preparing for the coming season.
Choice Teas and Coffees Cheap.
At the long-established and well-known tea-store of Horace Meech, now located at No. 256 State street, the public will find the best Mocha and O.G. Java coffee, fresh roasted and ground daily; also, the choicest green, black, and new Japan teas at prices claimed to be lower than anywhere else in the city.
Bangs Brothers.
These enterprising gentlemen have a complete assortment of house-furnishing goods of every description. Richmond parlor rangers, Golden Sun heaters, hot-air furnaces, and other specialties in their elegant establishment, corner of State and Van Buren streets.
Messrs. Miller Bros.,
manufacturers and wholesale dealers in cigars, No. 290 State street, employ about fifteen men, and turn out over 400,000 of the weeds annually. They are the manufacturers of the favorite “Forget-Me-Not” brand.
Mr. A. Eaton,
manufacturer of shirts and gents’ underwear, No. 176 State street, has a large trade both in city and country. His shirts are among the most popular in the market, because they fit perfectly and are durable.
Sandmeyer & Klassen, No. 214 State Street,
notwithstanding they have been twice burnt out, are yet among bthe most prominent State street tobacconists. They make the very best brand of cigars; chewing tobacco and smokers’ articles constantly on hand.
William R. Prosser,
No. 215 State street, offers to the public a superior quality of pianos and organs both to rent and for sale. He was the first in the city to rent pianos, and he still makes it a specialty. His instruments are of all grades.
The Metropolitan Hotel.
The Metropolitan Hotel, opposite Field, Leiter & Co.’s, is one of the best-kept and most popular $2.50 houses in Chicago. Ira T. Swift and John E. Rowland are its proprietors, and understand to perfection the art of pleasing their guests.
The Metropolitan Hotel, Corner State and Washington Streets. Also the shop of C.D. Peacock & Co.
J.G. Langguth,
optician, 88 State street, has a fine stock of the very best pebble spectacles.
SW Corner of State and Madison
J.G. Langguth, Optician, 88 State street
Chicago Evening Journal, July 15, 1874
Map of the 1874 Fire in relation to the Central Business District.
NOTES:
1 Additional description, Chicago Tribune, May 30, 1875
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