People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 April 1894 — Page 5

OUR LIVE BUSINESS MEN!

Who Make the Liveliest Town of Northern Indiana. An Impartial Review of Our Principal Business Houses. RENSSELAER, A TOWN OF 2,500 POPULAT lON Surrounded by a Rich Agricultural Country, With Solid Banking Institution*, Progressive Merchants, Good Public Improvements, Railway Facilities, Excellent Schools, Fine Church Edifices, Beautiful Homes and a Growing Population. We present to-our readers this week an elaborate review of Rensselaer and its business interests, and we trust it will be fullv appreciated by all who have the pleasure of perusing the columns of the Pilot. It is our aim to give an impartial account of each live business within the borders of our town, and we can heartily recommend our citizens to all those whose names follows. Rensselaer, situated as it is in the very heart of the richest agricultural district of the state has great prospects for the future, and we hope to see all these fully realized. The rich and fertile soil of the surrounding country, which is constantly being developed, cannot be surpassed by any country upon the surface of globe. It is richness in any sense of word, and, is peculiarly adapted to the raising of certain products. Years ago when this entire county was what was considered as swamp lands, little did the early settlers think that- the present high development of the farming lands would ever be reached. Land at that time could be purchased at your own price, but by drainage and other late improvements, it has reached a high state of cultivation and brings from $25 to SSO per acre without any trouble whatever. Drainage has been the outlet by which the price of land has advanced to its market, and every month in the year brings forth more land redeemed from the swamps of the past ages. There is no doubt but what Rensselaer can compare in many different ways, with any town of its size in the state. We do not hesitate to say.that a better class of citizens cannot be found anywhere, than those who claim their homes among us. Good citizens undoubtedly make a good town. In the way of manufacturing establishments, our town does not rank as high as it should, but there are splendid openings for enterprises of any character and our people will aid any person or persons who will consent to place a paying business of this character in our midst. Among the things most needed is a canning factory, which we have no hesitancy in saying would be a paying investment for any corporation. This has been fully shown by other towns in this section of the country. We solicit outside capitalists to our town and can offer great inducements to all who would care to locate among us. Our schools are models. Every department is complete and success throughout the entire system is the result of the'work pursued by our efficient board of education Rensselaer points with pride to her educational facilities, and we can turn 'back to those who have passed through its courses of learning and received the laurels of a high education, who are now pursuing the .loftier walks of life. Two fine brick edifices, fully equipped in every particular, are handsome for the eye to behold. As to instructors, we have eleven, who, under the capable direction of Prof. E. W. Bohannon, are efficient in the different branches of learning taught hero. While reviewing our school system, it might be well to notice St. Joseph’s College, also the Indian School, situated about one mile south of Rensselaer. The college building is a beautiful piece of modern architecture, grand, sublime, stately in every appointment, and is beautifully situated on elevated ground, making it an attraction for the eye for several miles in all directions. There are about two hundred students enrolled at this place. In the Indian school there are seventy-five young Americans, who are being brought up in the ways of the civilized world. Rensselaer has eight religious denominations, all of which have comfortable buildings. The following denominations are represented: Methodist. Presbyterian, Catholic, Christian, Free Will, Missionary and Primitive Baptists, and Church of God. This part alone speaks well for the town and further comment is unnecessary. We must here mention an industry of which every citizen speaks with praise, and that is the Separated Butter Company. Our farmers, who, of course, are its lai’gest patrons, think it one of the best institutions in our midst. At the World’s Fair, it received awards on butter making, which we think is evidence enough as to the completeness of the plant. The towm is well supplied with professional men in the different lines that are all one can ask for. Our medical men are all successful practitioners, skilled in the different ideas of surgery, and medicine.

We next mention with considerable pride, our beautiful streets and residences. In late years, the citizens of Rensselaer, have taken great pains in building, and residences of modern appearance'greet the eye in every direction. All are models of the builders’ plans and present a view which we may well be proud of. The town is furnished with both the arc and incandescent system of electric lighting. The company has an excellent plant which gives the best satisfaction. It would not be doing justice to our review to fail to mention the secret societies in our midst. There are organizations of Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Eastern Star, G. A. R. Woman's Relief Corps, D. of R, and Pythian Sisters, all of which are in a flourishing condition, ,and we count among its members prominent citizens of our town and county. Having reviewed a greater portion, in brief, of the town and its surroundings, we now desire to acquaint the readers with those whom we consider our live business men.' We can recommend each and every one of them and you will make no mistake by calling on them. In their places of business, as well as out, you will find them courteous and obliging and always ready to cater to the wants of their patrons. They are noted for their fair, square and upright dealing which draws to them customers, notonly from our own vicinity, but from all the surrounding coumties. This shows conclusively, that the people in general have become convinced that Rensselaer, as a trade cente, has few equals. We now direct you to the following business men who merit your patronage in the future.

ELLIS & MURRAY. In putting before the public an edition of the Pilot dedicated to a general review of the business interests of the town, we will first give space to a reference to our leading merchantile establishment. This is a large and magnificently equipped dry goods and clothing house, doing an extensive trade. The advantages it offers to the people has always exerted a marked influence in drawing trade to the towm. It ranks as one of the leading establishments of northern ludiana. Messers. Ellis & Murray have beeu established here about ten years. They are merchants of ability and influence, and of high commercial standing. They buy to advantage and the public find in dealing here every advantage which capable management can secure. The store is noted especially in one respect for carrying a superior stock. The newest, latest and best goods are found here as soon- as they appear on the wholesale market. Want of space prevents giving any adequate description of the commodious double store and extensive stock which fills it, embracing staple and fancy dry goods, carpets, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, ladies’ jackets, ladies’ and gents’ furnishings, etc. Those who fail to inspect the stock on hand for tills season’s trade will be doing themselves an injustice. B. IL ZIMMERMAN. This enterprising gentleman, though he has not completed his first year in business here, has accomplished results which reflect great credit upon his energy and ability, and has built up a trade which other establishments might be proud to possess. We claim for this house that in it Rensselaer can justly boast of having of one of the best tailoring establishments of northern Indiana. Besides his large local patronage he has built up from outside places a large and growing trade. Mr. Zimmerman is a hustler in business. His abilities amply qualifies him to make a success of his enterprise. The establishment has become noted for the superior made and fitting clothing turned out, while the prices were never discounted. We note especially his beautiful spring stock of all the latest lines and novelties of woolens, etc. Money is saved and satisfaction guaranteed here.

JAY W. WILLIAMS. In the purchase of household furniture our citizens and the people of the surrounding country have superior advantages at the large and extensively stocked warerooms of the enterprising gentleman above named. This establishment is known as the best place to buy furniture in the country.- Mr. Williams has, during the G years established here, met with phenomenal success, and afforded the people the benefits of an establishment creditable to the town. He is a competent buyer and purchases his stock from the best manufacturers. This store is filled with a large and varied line of the latest designs and styles of. all kinds of household furniture for the parlor, dining room, bed room and kitchen. This reliable and meritorious dealer has, by his upright principles won the esteem of everybody.

DR. J. W. HORTON. Having reviewed our various business establishments, wej would say in referring to the' professional lines that the dental professionhas for a number of years back been ably and worthily represented by the gentleman above named, who is known as one of the most successful dentists of this section of the state. Dr. Horton has built up an extensive practice and his professional abilities have won for him the entire confidence of the people Familiar with all

branches of dentistry in its most improved methods, any dental operations intrusted to him are performed in the most skilful manner. Dr. Horton is one of our most esteemed citizens. MISS MAE PORTER. We next made a call at the nicely equipped photographic studio successfully conducted by Miss Porter. One has to admire the excellence of t-lie work displayed here, which at once places Miss Porter among the leading lady artists of the state. Portraits in all styles and sizes are executed. Family groups a specialty. Miss Poi’ter thoroughly understands the photographic art and also of posing and how to produce the best effect. We find at her command the latest appliances, fine scenery, etc. This gallery has a good patronage.

JOHN R. YANATTA. Rensselaer’s popular harness m anu factu ring es tabl i shm en t, successfully carried on by the enterprising gentleman above named, deserves special mention in our review. Farmers and horsemen generally speak in the highest terras- of the work turned out, and it is a well known fact that the harness manufactured gives the greatest satisfaction. Mr. Vanatta is an excellent workman and anything which leaves his establishment may be relied upon. He uses the best of material and manufactures all kinds of harness, light and heavy, double and single, collars, etc., and keeps on hand everything to be had in a first class establishment as all kinds of horse goods. This is the best place to buy your harness.

LARUE BROS. In referring to the grocery trade .of our town no establishment is more deserving of a permanent and complimentary mention than the popular store of Laßue Bros. This store is always rendered attractive by fine invoices of choice, fresh groceries, provisions, fruits, also crockery and queensware, etc. Messrs. Laßue Bros, are courteous and obliging to customers, and deal fair and square with all their patrons. This store is kept in a neat, clean and tasty manner, and is much appreciated. As an evidence of its merits many who commenced dealing here years ago are among its best patrons to-day. Messrs. Laßue Bros, have amply demonstrated the merits of a strictly cash business.

MEYER SISTERS. It is congratulatory to the ladies of Rensselaer and vicinity to be able to note the existence here of such an excellent millinery business, as that conducted by the Misses Meyer, who have recently removed into Sam Pendig's dry goods establishment. They are splendidly prepared for the spring trade. Their beautiful display of stylish and fashionable millinery needs only to be seen to be appreciated. No lady of Rensselaer should fail to inspect it. The ladies in charge are competent milliners and well qualified to make a success of their business. They have in addition to their millinery establishment, a tine dress making department.

DR. H. L. BROWN. In referring to the dental profession, as represented in our town, we would make prominent mention of the gentleman named above. Dr. Brown established in Rensselaer about two years j ago, after a course of study at the Ohio College of Dental Surg- j cry. at which institution he grrd-; uated witli honors. lie has risen to eminent standing in his profession, and has been very successful, having at his command a large practice. His abilities have won for him the entire confidence ol the people. He is familiar with the latest and most improved methods of dentistry, which he performs in the most skilful manner.

COLLINS & SAYLER. Our town possesses the advantages of this first class roller flouring mill, which is one of the best equipped and best conducted of this section of the state. This mill is comparatively new. having been erected last summer. the old one having been destroyed by fire. It is owned and operated by Messers. Collins & Sayler, experienced and practical merchant millers. It is a fine, commodious and substantial building, equipped from top to bottom with a complete set of machinery of the improved roller process, and is noted for the superior quality of Hour it turns out. The highest cash prices paid for wheat, and a large commercial business done, flour being shipped to different parts of the state. Special attention is given to custom milling. The best brands of flour constantly on hand for sale or exchange. The industry is in a flourishing condition. Inquire for River Queen flour at any grocery in the town or at the mill, which is our special brand, taking the lead over Butterfly and rnanv hard wheat brands.

C. C. SIGLER. It may be of interest and profit to our readers to note a few points about the flourishing furniture business transacted by C. C. Sigler. We can say at the outset that Mr. Sigler has and is offering advantages to the people in the purchase of furniture that never was offered before in Rensselaer. To be convinced of this it is only necessary to visit his ware room and inspect his stock and prices. It is only because of his advantageous buying that furniture can be sold at the ligures lie offers. After the closing of the World’s Fair a large amount of furniture was thrown on the market for cash sales. Most of this is first class furniture. ■ Mr. Sigler’s Saturday sales have scored a great success. Save money by calling here.

MACKEY A BARITS. Our lown possesses the advantages of a first class marble and granite works. This industry is in capable and enterprising hands, and in a flourishing condition. The firm has been established a number of years, ami has built up an extensive trade. The industry is noted for the superior quality of work turned out. They manufacture from the best material, all kinds o! monumental work, which, in style, color and finish is unsurpassed. Anyone contemplating buying will save money by callng on this firm.

MRS. M. E. LECKLIDER In the establishment conducted by Mrs. Lecklider, the ladies of Rensselaer and vicinity have superior advantages in the purchase of their millinery. This is a first class millinery store, conducted in a capable, enterprising manner. Mrs. Lecklider has been established here about four years. She has done the leading trade of the town, and her store is held in the highest appreciation. She is a first class milliner and a capable buyer, and we would call the attention of our lady readers to her beautiful spring stock, which is one of the finest displays of stylish and fashionable millinery ever showm in the town. A fine

line of ladies’ and children’s furnishings,. fancy goods, etc. In connection we wish to commend the business conducted by Clarence Lecklider. who does a nourishing trade in portieis, i lace curtains, rugs, jewelry, ; watches, albums and other fancy goods He can deal to the greatest advantage aud on easy* terms with his patrons on the installment plan, from 25c to $1 per week, and a liberal discount fur cash. C. W. COEN. Our well known grain merchant and dealer in baled hay, is conducting a business of great importance and benefit to

the town, as he has done much in making Rensselaer the excellent market it is. This establishment is known to almost every farmer in the county. He has a suitable elevator for the handling of grain, for which he pays tlie highest cash price, also a commodious barn for storing hay, which he bales and ships. This business causes the circulation of a vast amount of money in this vicinity. In addition Mr. Coen does a largo trade in coal. He has been established in business the longest of any firm in his lino in the town. JOS. BECK. Mr. Beck, late of Middletown, Ohio, is a gentleman, whom we wish to introduce to our readers. Mr. Bock is possessed of rare musical talents and attainments. He came hero to give musical in structions to the Symphony Club. Mr. Beck is an expert and prepared to give lessons on the following instruments: gui tar, mandolin, banjo, violinceilo, autoharp, etc. Instruments nu y be ordered through him to ti e best, possible advantage. He is thoroughly competent in the work of repairing, etc.

UUAfM.v MALO") . We arc pleased to note in Our review the success attending this popular end growing groc cry business. Mr. Maloy is oue of the latest established of our business men, commencing only a few month-, ago. The popularity of the store with its customers. and its growing trade is ovidence of iis merits. Here the public find the choice.-l and lies*, groceries, provisions, fruits, etc., that can be obtained and fair, upright dealing. Lunch counter in connection,, where you can get a square meal or a “piece"’ if you want it. MISS .1 LSSlil’ A li'l’OO.

It affords the IN lot pleasuro to note the success of ibis excellent photographic studio. In no branch of art lias greater progress boon made during the last decade, than the art of photography. This is very well illustrated in the studio conduce.*!.! by Miss 1 5artoo, popularly known as Pavilion, which is.one of the finest equipped and best conducted photographic studios of northern Indiana. Miss iJjpino easily lakes rank as the lending lady art ist, of the stale, A n in ■ spent km of the magnificent display of photographic art here, jvidenoes this. The studio is .quipped with all the latest accessories. If you appreciate first class work, call on Miss Bar too. W. A. I'lL’L. lie preson ten oy th is'establishincut, the jewel <■./ b. j id; of oar tnerchauiile Lad, i* in a Ajar..suing condition. This budiuess is of long standing before the propie and is well ;.n i favorably known. The present enterprising proprietor, Mr. Huff, succeeded to tires business by purchase about three years ago. Since coming under his management it has been very successful and is known as one or. the best places to buy anything in ti e line in the county. Mr. Huff is a practical jeweler and thoroughly understands the business. He buys to advantage and handles a well selected stock of everything found in a first class establishment. Repairing is done in the best manner. The business is very popular with the people.

JUDGE HEABEY. Our review would be very incomplete did we not make special mention of Mr. Heaty's popular custom boot and shoe business. This gentleman lias been .established over thirty years. He is a most excellent workman. If you appreciate well made, durable foot vear call on him. Always on hand is a complete stock of leather findings, ladies and gents gaiters, shoe polish, etc. We mention the Healy Orchestra in connection with this review. Their work is equal to any city organization and are always open for engagements on any occassioa.