Bloomington Telephone, Volume 14, Number 10, Bloomington, Monroe County, 16 July 1889 — Page 2

BLOOMINGTON.

A Review of the Favorite City of Monroe County,

Special Advantages of the Place,

Prominent Business Men.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, &C, AC.

To writea history of Bloomington, and to enter into a minute enumeration of its vast resources, its superior advantages, doing justice alike to the town and writer, would require a volume containing much more space than we are able to devote in a newspaper article. We will therefore omit any reference to its early settlement, but content ourselves in showing its many present advantages. OUR RAILROAD FACILITIES. Railroads are important factors in the prosperity of any city, and in this regard Bloomington possesses one of the best railroads in the state, the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago, which gives it direct communication with Chicago, Louisville, Indianapolis and airpointsof the country, bringing to our doois trade from all the surrounding towns and villages, both in this and surrounding counties. CUR EDUCATIONAL ADVAN

TAGES: The educat onal facilities of Bloominuton cau truly be said' to be the bcft in the State. Our public schools are unsurpassed in capacity and efficiency; our city school building is one of the finest in the country. Beside, Bloomington is the seat of the Indiana State Univerisity, where a classical education is given to all, tuition free. Thus the resident of Bloomington is enabled to pass his children from the primary grade in the common toluol through to graduation in the State University almost without money and without price. The city schools ae under the management of Miss Margaret McCalla, and David S. Jordan is president of the University. Prof. A. J. King is Principal of the Colored Schools. OUR CHURCHES. In churches Bloomington is well represented and our citizens, as a rule, are christians and church going people. There nnmber and character will indicate that the higher and nobler part of nature has kept pace with the secular thrift,

which has been so marked in the last

few years. The following are the names of our churches and the pastors of each: The AL E. church, Rev. W. R. Halstead; Christian, Elder-Wm. F. Ross LUnjted Presbyterian, Rev. S. R. Lyons; Presbyterian, Rev. W. B. Minton; Catholic, Father Bogeman; Baptist, Rev'. G. W. Terry; Episcopalian, No Regular pastor; 7th St. Christian, no regular pastor: Reformed Presbyterian, Rev. Skaw;'6th St. A. M. E., Rev. James Simpson. There are also two other Colored churches, one a Baptist. BLOOMINGTON AS A RESIDENCE POINT. As a desirable residence poinTmr city hag few, if any, equals. The low death rate, the healthy location, excellent society, beautiful drives, cheapness of living, low rents and prices of real estate, pure wa?er,and its unparalleled school advantages, all combine to make it the most desirable and pleasant residence point in the State. Indieatioi s of Natural gas have already been found, ami the drilling of the well is now in progress. STONE INTERESTS OFBLOO MIXGTON. Bloomington and vicinity is completely underlaid with a tine quality of Oolitic building stone. Quite a number of quarries are in constant operation, and the product of some of them is unsurpassed by ti at of any of the quarries of the State or United Slates, being used in the manufacture of the costliest mantels, grate settings and furniture finishing, and yielding to quarry owners a fancier price than is paid for any similar stone. Bloomington has, heretofore, depended more on other resources, but hereafter her raagniticient stone supply will undoubtedly be the source of lier largest industry and the accumulation of vast wealth There is no place where capital car.

be more safely and profitably em-

THE GROWTH OF THE TOWN. Blooming o now has over 4,000 inhabitants, h population having increased 1 00 in the last three years. In tl past year over 100 houses have ben built, and all are occupied. In two years six additions have been added to the city. A new "library building" for the State University, is now going up at a cost of $00,000, and will be the finest educational building in Indiana, WHAT WE NEED. This would be a splendid location for a Canning Factory ,a Butter Dish Factory, a Creamery any kind of wood manufactory. Or in fact the advantages offered by this town, to persons desiring to locate with any kind oi a manufacturing institution, are unsurpassed by any city in the country. Bloom

ington not only welcomes outsiders to come, but stands with outstretched arms leady to receive them. AS A TRADING CENTER. As a trading center, Bloomington can offer unequalled indueements,as her merchants not only carry a larger and more complete stock of goods

than do those of any towns in the surrounding country, but arc live, enterprising, energetic, industrious business men. They believe in the favorite motto of large sales and small profit. Their stock of goods are all larger and more complete,and they sell more so they necessarily buy more and as a result, receive large discounts. This enables them not only to offer to the public a larger stock from which to make their selections, but to sell to them at much lower prices. In the numerous branches oi business that follow, the reader will find in each account something ot interest relative to the personal efforts of the men who now transact much of the business done in our city, and who gave to Bloomington its prominence ma business uav: Showers Brothers,

The history of an industry which, from a small beginning, has .tjrowu to mammoth proportions is, also, and necessarily, the pleasing part oi the biographies of its owners and managers whose lives and energies have been devoted to its interests. Fourteen years ago two young men. James IX and Wm. Showers, laid the foundations of a business whose destined importance as a tactcrin the development of Bloomington was not conjectured or even dreamed of. In a building of small proportions

yet, in that respect, in keeping with all else but their own industry and determination, they began the manufacture of common bed -Meads.

! Although their labor was reasonably

rewarded, they were made to realize that the struggle in whiea they wen

engaged was to be, if successful, a

hard and protracted one. The qua

distinction of being the largest isonsinners of German looking-glass plates in the United States, with two exceptions, while their finished products are sold iu every State and Territory in the union, and are finding their way into the provinces of SouthAmerica as well. The value of this iudustry to the city of Bloomington and the surrounding country is incalculable. By reason of its expenditures for labor and niaterials,its working-men have been enabled to own their homes, the mercantile iuterests of the city have realized a great and

continuing benefit, and the remoter sections of the. rownty have been furnished a market for their forest products and employment for their unemployed, so they now enjoy a degree of prosperity which would otherwise have been impossible. Of Showers Bros., personally,they are sterling, christian gentlemen, genial, courteous and public spirited having at all times the confidencG and esteem cf their fellowcitizens. S C Dodds & Co. In most of the essential requisites

for commercial growth and manufacturing process, Bloomington is more favored than her sister cities in this vicinity of the country, h is blessed with some of the best and most enterprising manufacturing concerns to be found any -where. Among those, we find that the Chair and Table manufacturing establishment of S. C. Dodds fc Co. takes a very high rank. This Company was organized and began business in a mod erate way i ; i th e year 1 3 s I , Their success has been far above the average. This, however, -can easily be counted for from the fact that thev made it a point from the very first to manufacture a class of good which were all that they appeared to be, and that would sell on their

merits. For the first two years tins house manufactured chairs exclusively. The kind thai they made were tine walnut, o:ino and perforated seat chairs, in oil finish or varnish. They hava saw-mill and saw their own lumber from logs bought from our neighboring farmers and land-owners. TiVey make a great saving of timber by being able to convert all their scraps- into chairrounds, knobs, leg:;, &c. In this mill their lumber is i-awed, sticked and seasoned, and no lumber is used while there is anv danger of further shrinkage. They have increased their capacity and facilities from time to time as the demand for their goods has increased. In 18'-i they began in connection with their other business

'I he house under consideration was established in 1805 by its present proprietor, W. J. Allen, and is the oldest house in Bloomington, retaining the same old name during all these long years. The business was begun on a very small scale,and to compare its present dimensions with that of its past, shows a contract that at once prove the efficiency and competency of its management, and gives evidence that the proprietor understands the business thoroughly, and is eminently qualified to handle the same.

The premises occupied consist of a large three-story brick; the ground tloor is the general sale's room, is large and commodious, its dimensions being ls fevt front by feet deep. It is devote to the storage and display of ail kinds of shelf goods; tinwvre and builders hardware, as well as affording, storeroom for many specimens of the large stock of agricultural implements, kept constantly on hands. The assortment in this branch of the trade embraces may of the best makes to be found on" the marketanywhere. They are agents for the celebrated Buckeye Binder, Mower and Reaper. At this house is the

onty place in Monroe County where the universally popular Studebaker Wagon can be had. This renowned wagon has many points of value not possessed by any other wagon. First, every piece of timber entering into the construction of its running gears is thoroughly boiled in oil, which hardens the timber and effectually prevents any shrinking, making it more durable. Then it is the easiest running wagon tc be found anywhere. It is tiie lightest and the strongest. These points alone make it the cheapest and the best. Besides thesL-, Mr. Allen carries a full line of Plows, Harness, Cultivators, Buggies, Carts, etc. The

second tloor is occupied by his la rite tin-shop where three tinners are employed making all kinds of tinware, &c. In roofing, guttering, and all outdoor work, a specialty is made and satisfaction guaranteed.. The third tloor, also :oxSi, is entirely devoted to the storage of building material, such as timber, window-glass, hardware in short everything is kept here that is uod in the construction of a house. Just at present the stock of screen doors and fly screen material is kept in large quantities. In short this house is a. substantial, well managed, and thoroughly responsible one, and well deserves tin- popularity, prosperity and notable success that has always atterded it. The proprietor of the house is a solid business man, and has a

the manufacture of Tables, since

which time this department of the j well deserved reputation for honorhouse has become a very . important '' just dealings with all per-

f actor. The reputation ot these chairs and tables has been so multi-

;l j j died and extended that to-day they aN i find a sale in all nans of the United

ity of thsir product, fiowever, soon

won for it a ready sale and the object became not to find a market but to supply the demand of a market already found. Had capital been accessible tor their needs, success would

at once have yielded her crown but : ure.Sts but to double then- pivsjnt

States, and are even finding their way into the Canadian and South American markets In order to supply their customers throughout nl! this vast territory, it has been found

necessary to attain not onlv to iu-1

sons i hat tins popular house will liourish in the future as in the past, and always be a blessing to legitimate trade and commerce, there can bo no doubt.

stocked ClothingJIouse of the above named firm is deserving of special notice. This establishment is a new one and supplies a long-felt want in our city, as it affords buch unparalleled opportunities to our people to procure at a reasonable cheap price, some of the newest and latest novelties in the market, in the way of first class fitting and durable Mens', Youths' and Children's Clothing, as well as all kinds of Gents' Furnishing goods, in which line their stock is complete, and of the latest and most fashionable designs. Their stock of hats and caps is very large,

embracing every style and grade, from the cheapest straw to the finest silk and felt hat They also carry a full line of Trunks and Valises. Although their house has been in existence but about two months, it is having a heavy and constantly increasing trade. This is. however, easily accounted for from the fact that their goods are all new and stylish, and are being sold cheaper than the price asked by some for old "culled-over" stock. This, together with the kind and courteous treatment, as well as the h-mest, truthful advice given to patrons, makes it one of the most desirable places in the city at which to deal. Charles Tourner, the active man

ager of the business, is an oil clothing dealer, having been engaged in the clothing business here, either as cltVk or proprietor, for the last 12 years. Their location is on the west .dde of the square, first dcor north of the alley. J. G. Doian & Co. We are obliged to follow public

opinion in some respect as to the degree of satisfaction given in ail different lines of business. The extent and growth of a business can only be gained now-a-days by enterprise and a thorough undertaking of the business engaged in. Then" byhard work aud honest dealing, success is sure to follow. During our rounds of the city our attention was called to the large, extensive and constanly increasing stave business of J. C. Doian & Co. and the rapid growth of the same as illustrating the idea above expressed. This gentleman is enterprising and has had an experience of 15 years in the business, which has enabled him to so manage his establishment as i secure a large patronage, this business has increased from year to year, he has continued to add to ins facilities and capacity for doing

SRI -V:

1 :

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of their affairs than the firm of J.

Dolan it Co., which by its faird

ing and untiring devotion to b ness has done much to build up J

accelerate the business and comm

cial interests of Bloomington

surrounding country. Mr. Dolan fc J ,

one of our leading and most influ& tial citizens, always foremost in as;Venterprise that has for its object tkjC advancement of its interests. Hei f ' in business life a gentleman of 8or;''X1 pulous honesty and integrity, and mMfM politics a democrat from true com

vicuoiH ot right and justice, liesid being numbered among1 our leadin

business men, he is one of the imj daunted, unwavering: and faithfuMIw:

exponents of true democracy and highly has his services been apprecifej

last election chosen, by a larae ma-i?V?

loritv. to renresent h A

' ' i -w- I J

the htate Legislature, the duties of f$'$ which office he performed withfit credit to himself and entire satis-iflS

it7-1-

faction to his constituents,regardkssV; of party affiliation. A

In the elements of business inter-

ests thai go to make up the general traffic of the daw groceries rank as

the foremost. otapJes, their actual re

sales being the create l. The im- l

portauee uf a well conducted, well F$' stocked rucerv house in any citrt

where the houe keeper can always 'V find a fresh suppiy of eatables from which to mike her selections, and which can always be depended upon f fef for the best in the market for every --?''i thing in the lino of nrovisions, is f - well known. That liJoomington f v - " possesses a lurise of this character is beyond question. We refer to v'W; the uotmlar and deserving establish-

aeut of J. B. Clark, which is one of hi'Jikl!

the largest and most prominent of its class in Indiana, ilr. dark is a pti

natural grocery man. lie determined to make this his business dar-?

ing life, and with the object of per--fectiug himself lias been very atten- v i V tive to the Uisbies. even" to the ( : t ,

hiu.wiuM, uenu. ;ie Ji-is aaa a uie. time experience in this line, and his establishment now stand in the front rank among the houses of its kind. The large stock, the reasonable prices am: liberal treatment of -patrons, has caused the house to be come known as ons of the first in this city, with a trade extending all over Bloomington and the surrounding country. This tiou.se has had strong competition, but has maintained its present position, in spite of nil diuiculties. The premises

business, until to-day his establish- j aii uiiijcuiiies. j ne premises ment is one oi the most complete in j occupied by th: s ostabiKshment are

E. P. Cole, The book trade in Bloomington is one of moi than extraordinary

j importance, as this place is noted for

without th.it all Powerful aid. ro- : "1 . r .. X . ... .1. ,uL eunoauonai tenacncie 01 tne peop.,e,

, k 1,0,1 ! U:M sul . - . and if anyone thius more

"' 1'1UO, T are now erectnii; new, large and! 1,., . (,niitl.

maiiii-cjmnnt ard patient, uniiag-

commod:(Ms buildings?on a more fav

than an-

tnbuted to this result.

e.iueia!. i nee u nuemen .,r. , (inviniint mat nnvth , . :.

1 1 I rv r fl 1 11 'i h a '

were equal to the occasion and soi.

had thffesurti;d theii- business standing on a tinner basi and giving promise of a healthy growth. In 1 To, four years after the beginninhey were joined in business by their younger brother, Charles li. Shover.SjWho continued to be associated with them until his death in DccembKr 18S7 when his widow, Mrs. M. K. Shower.?, Kucceeded him as a member of the firm. The business had already become prosperous. The small building, which at tim contained it, had been replaced by others of subsuxutial and commodious character and many hands found constant employment. lis beniticient influences were being felt throughout the city. Such was its status, when in ls84, it was totally destroyed by tire. Such a calamity ,vas calculated to crush the spirit of men. But instead of despondence and surrender, Showers Jiros. determined to begin anew. They selected a sight more conveniently situated aud in sixty davs from tno date of the disaster the whistle of their factory announced their triumph over difficulty and discouragement. Three large buildings were completed and in ?very department men and maoninery were in motion. "After the darkness, the dawn;" after adversity. Prosperity smiled the reward of courageous action -,u enterprise. In JH87 additional buildings were erected and the manufacture of Jureaus. Dressing Caees, Wash-stands aud Chamber Suit was begun, add-

ing magnitude auu consequence to

r , 1 7 -V' A H i 1 A ' . ., U , 1

ot tne i.. i. a. y. Mii iu.m,in .u j ou h.,11(1 by the :iboved named Ken-

norm pari ot tne city, xnuy erojnoy llein:Ul. This lace is the oUlwt of atprwoiitaW-JOliandsatthff tac- 'hc kind in MJonroe wountyt And tory . besides quite a number of per- he alat) carries the !ar ,csl stock in the s..nr who are given employment at v0llIJt e thftt is omplete in vM their Jiomes canniR chairs. I hey 1 :ts! thtU Mnh-n , hnn

pay out a large amount 01 money, j Qf aU kiml a the pric of whlchit is kaiK frr vw materia and iRhnr

out iair to say nc nas always kept

both for raw material and labor.

This institution is of great benefit to our cily, and to the farmers of the surrounding country. Its gen

down to the lowest rates, making a

saving to the people of hundreds of dollars annually; for this Mr. Cole

this great industry until it has be- i every advance and improvement m

come, not only the leading maun-1 the business. And of all the old-

factory of Bloomington, but the 1 established and highly reputable

largest of t he kind iu th j State of

Indiana. Seven acres of ground are

ployed than in tho development of occupied by its buildings and ma-

this boundless natural resource at teriaJf. hcvcnty-hve ihousand Jol-

Bloomington All of our stone ts

susceptible of a high grade of pol-,

ish and the product of some quar-

nes, wnen pousnea, rivals in oeauty . i a .1 . 1

the finest of New England and Italian granite and marble.

lr are annually required to handle the lumber it consumes, while Sixtyve Thousand Dollars go into the sockets of its employes in the same nod of timeShowers Broi. enjoy the proud

tlcmanly proprietor arc among the I deserV4!S ureat creait. He makes a

specialty or supplying college students, and keeps a full line of such goods as they need, viz., bocks of all kinds, blank books, gold pens, pens & pen-holders,oencils, scratch -books, ink, etc. Beside the3e Mr. Cole has a large line of Bibles, albums, crayon, oil paintings,and a full lino of fancy novelties;in fact anything that might be called for in his line. In station ery his stock is the largest in the city, embracing somo of the most delicate tints and unique styles known to the trade. The wall paper and window shade department of this house is deserving of special notice as it is of the latest designs, largest variety and most approved shades to be found in Bloomington, Mr. Cole before engaging iu the book business was one of our leading most earnest and best qualified educators and was for a number of years principal of the Bloomington schools. Truthfully be it said that he has donhis full share to give to our city the leading and enviable educational reputation which it to-day enjoys. After engaging in the book business he was for a several years a member of the Board of Education and has never lost his interest in educational matters. This intimate acquaintance with school industries has given him a full knowledge of the requirements and demands of the trade. His place is of great benefit to our town and surrouuding country, and is situated on the west side of the public square.

best and most enterprising citizens

to n hich our city can lay claims. W. J. Allen. The growth of the trade in every description of ioods classed under the head of hardware, while wonder lul in its development, is only in keeping with the progress of the country iu general. Bioomington is the leading trade-center in this section of the country, and one of the 'argest houses dealing in this kind of goods is located here. Probably the most prosperous and evidently one of the most reliable concerns in this pan of the State i.-, the Hardware and Agricultural Implement house of W. J. Allen. The history of this house is the usual one of skill and a knowledge of tho demands of trade, carefully and continually applied to conservative and upright business methods, resulting in pecuniary and moral success. Twenty-four years of active experience in the trade has made this house one of the most extensive and reliable tiims in the country in its specialties,and enableed iu proprietor to avail himself of

merchants and business houses

brought to our mind, there is not one inre worihv of notice, r that holds a more conspicuous and honorable posit .ion before the trade. In advantages offeied in immensity and variety of Htookt u:id in the dimensions of his lari: store, the business would do credit to the capital of the State.

JP" Tourner & Co In our review, the new and well

this portion of Indiana. This business was established in by J. C. Dolan iVt (Jo., who purchased the plnnt of the American lioon-dressitiLr Co. of Boston, and changed to a stave business which was beaun in a small wav. Once a

stave-bucker was all the machinery in their possession. Mr. Dolan, however, was thoroughly experienced and from the first the business prospered, grew aud extended itself with alarming and unexpected rapidity. At first,' only ten men wore employed but, as the business grew more help was needed, until the number of hands employed at preseht will reach an average of 55. In

1887 Sir. Ticrnan became a partner and the firm name was changed to Dolan, Tiernan & Co. This partnership lasted until 1S89 when Mr. Tiernan retired, leaving Mr. Dolan sole proprietor. During all this time the business has grown until the proprietor finds a market for his product in all parts of the country, even from New York to San Francisco. New machinery of the latest and most approved patterns have been added from time to timy until now they have full sets of stave machinery of the latest improved patterns. And they turned out last year over 4,00C,00(J staves. The demand for their goods basso inoreascd of late that they are compelled to mn day and night that they may

keep their orders filled. The plant of this establishment covers four acres of ground and the mill is run by an eighty horse power Blundy engine. Besides this Mr. Dolan owns and operates two portable stavemills. The territory from which his supplies are drawn is larg, and the extra inducements that he offers the people in the way of high prices and honest measurement, brings to his establishment timber not only

from every pan. oi Monroe county, but also from all the surrounding counties. Mr. Dolan makes all kinds of tight barrel staves of any desired size, shape or kind. He makes a specialty of filling all orders of every kind. This he does with remarkable promptncsvising great care to make everything just as odcred. He has a drying kiln where his staves are thoroughly seasoned before placed on the market This enables him to give his customers a class of staves of which there is no danger of further shrinkage. The business of this mill will reach about $75,000 per annum at present and business is constantly increasing. And among all our manufacturing enterprises and institutions of a manufacturing nature, we can with confidence assure the public that none are more deserving of credit for the highly honorabled, straight forward energetic and buiaes& like conduot

on the south side of the s ptare and

very convenient, y located. The store room is larg iiud commodious

it is riindy and tastefully fitted up with i largo and complete assortment of goods, full to overflowing with groceries i.nd queeusware. The list embraces all kinds of staple and fancy groceries, queensware, glassware, etc. A special feature being made of teas, coffee, and canned and bottled goods. The choicest tropical fruits aud vegetables are handled . during their season, and the first and last of every luxurv that jotues on tiie market is secured for the custo- -inersofihis house. Flour of the very Uest manufacture is always found here, and sugars which are bought by the firm in such large quantities that -hey are enabled to sell at prices which astenUh umpetitors. Th fc hue of tobacco is complete, and t list of customers whp know a good cigar when tkey smoke it, is large and constant. The china, glas: and queens ware depnrtmentis given particular atten tion. The assortment is ooLisaatly being added to with the frosh and ; new novelties of the season, and the stock is large enough iu supply ail demands promptly This gentleman has been a very close b server in this departmint,aud berni: - well acquainted witl the mauu :urers

and importers as well as v various makes and qualities goods haudiedt enables him advantage of every desirab connected with the purcL

stock and givs him a decided advantage over the average deah. A fine showing is made iu the

establishment of ohainbtrand dinner sets in al; the latest designsaud shapes and decorated in the

most elegant manner. Also a complete and excellent stock of table cutlery, knives., forks and spoons.

which are sold at very reasonable prices. The business of J. B. OUrk is unusually extensive even for this thriving community. Ho has built up a reputation for honest an 1 satis factory dealing with bis customers which has made him many warm friends. This house is financially a solid one, and enjoys an enviable credit at home .nd abroad. Besides calling particular attention to this establishment &t one of oar leading, concerns in its line, we mo.st cheerfully commend it to our many readers as well worthy of their patronage. Prices on all goods compare favorably with those of the larger cities, and are certainly as low a in any similar boutie in this part of the State. Mr. Clark enjoys Urge patronage in the city and gives special attention to the farmer trade. We have no hesitation in saying that persons who estabUah business relations with J. B. Clark

urn

x the : the take ?oint - i of

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