r \ 2-s AMSTERDAM AMSTERDAM, ITS REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN AND POINTS OF INTEREST. NEW YORK: MERCANTILE ILLUSTRATING COMPANY. 38 TIMES BUILDING. 1893. / ^^■^'^ KS h'' Isl •^ "K^ ~>V.- '^^^«^s;&mgfei^ fi; Hmsterdhm 5 of THE EARLY SETTLEMEHT. V.,, The energetic, pushing Dutchmen, who followed Henry Hudson, the bold navigator, the first white man to see and describe the grand river which flows from the North through the most beautiful country he ever beheld, lost no time in forcing their way into and through the grand territory stretching far to the northward of New Amsterdam. As early as 1623 they had built a fort at the place where Albany now stands, and from there they went up the beautiful Mohawk valley, establishing villages, and trading points. The exact date upon which the site of Amsterdam was first settled is a matter of doubt. It is probable that there was no permanent settlement until toward the end of the seventeenth century, though here, as elsewhere, there is evidence that some of the Dutch traders who pushed up through the valley from Albany or Schenectady, in pursuit of furs and other things, the natives wished to exchange for less valuable, but to the latter more attractive merchandise, stopped here, and having married Indian maidens became more or less identified with the Mohawks, the tribe then occupying this section. Thefiist mention of a permanent settlement in the valley, above Schenectady, is in connection with the history of the German Palentines, who were forced to flee, first to England, as a result of re- ligious wars with the French, and who were afterward, in 1708, sent to America by Queen Anne, of England, to assist in colonizing that monarch's possessions in this country. A large number of these emigrants were brought by Gov. Hunter, her majesty's representative, to this place. A fort, to protect them against hostile demonstrations from the Indians, was erected at the mouth of Schoharie Creek, in 17 II, and three years later, land grants were issued to the colonists, who seem to have prospered, their settlement, by the time Governor Burnett succeeded Hunter, in 1720, being a large and flourishing vil- lage. They appear to hav-- led an uneventful life, following the peaceful occupation of agriculturalists, the fertile ground, bordering the river, yielding abundant harvests. But before this time the Dutch had 4 AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. discovered the advantages of the vicinity on account, both of the facilities it gave for trading with the friendly Indians, and the great possibilities it possessed as an agricultural district. To the Dutch must be given the credit of having established the village which was the real foundation of the busy city, now known as Amsterdam Albert Veeder, a member of the numerous family of that name, whose descend- ants are to be found in all the towns and cities along the upper Hudson, erected a saw mill near the outlet of Chuctenunda Creek, and about 1795 the village which grew up about this place was called \'ih\v UN Chuctanunda Crekk. V'eedersburg, in his honor. The settlement, however was of slow growth, and had but a hundred and fifty inhabitants ten years after Veeder's mill was located there. In 1S04 the name of the village was changed to Amsterdam in commemoration of the restoration of the capital of Holland to the Dutch, or the conclusion of the Peace of Amiens. It was not, however, without some opposition that the change was made. At a meeting of the vil- lagers to decide this momentous question, the vote resulted in a tie, and had not the presiding officer casi the deciding vote in favor of " Amsterdam," the city might have been known as Veedersburg until this day. Perhaps not one person in ten among the busy workers who make up the bulk of the population at the present tiine, know that the place was ever called by any other name than that vvhich it now bears. With increased means of transportation and communication with other neighboring towns and cities, Am- sterdam took on a new growth and forged ahead rapidly. The impetus of this growth was given in 1825, when the Erie canal was completed and opened to traffic. Before that time the villager had to depend upon stage coaches travelling along the old Mohawk turnpike, the only respectable road passing through that territory and giving access to Albany ; or the batteau.x, large size row-boats, which supplanted the birch bark canoes, which for hundreds of years were the only craft in which the river could be navigated. About 1780, the channel of the river was greatly improved, and, canals having been built at Little Falls and at Woods Creek, the difficulties of navigation due to the rapids in the river were overcome, and it became possible to use larger and more serviceable boats. .After the Erie canal came the railroads, the first of which, the Mohawk and Hudson, was completed in 1813, and ran between .Albany and .Schenecta- dy. It was subseiiuenlly carried on to Utica and thence to Buffalo, coming under the control of the New York Central Railroad in 1836. AMSTERDAM AND ITS POIMS OF INTEREST. 5 Amsterdam became a chartered village in 1831, through an act passed by the Legislature of the Stale in April of that year. The boundaries, as given in the charter, were as follows : beginning at a point in the Mohawk river, on the south line of the town of Amsterdam, where the lands of Isaac Jackson and G. W. |. Bronson corner ; thence along the west line of Jackson's land to and across the turnpike to the east line of a lane ; then on the same course al )ng the east line of fhe lane to the curve in the west line of the Amsterdam and Fish Hou^e plank road ; thence diagonally across to the east line of the plank road ; Division Stkf.et, Looking East. thence up and along this line to the north line of Ranser road near John Ranser's house ; thence along the north line of Ranser road to the west line of Union road, near John Van Dyke's house ; thence south to a corner on James E. Reid's land ; thence south by west to a corner of E. Mathias' farm, and along the west side of this farm to the south line ot the town of Amsterdam, in the river, then up the river to the starting point. The territory within these boundaries was almost a parallelogram, about a mile square. The village was divided into two wards and was governed by a president and six trustees, three to each ward, and they were assisted by three assessors, a police justice, a chief engineer of the fire department, two fire wardens, a treasurer, a village clerk and several other minor officials. Prosperity continued to smile upon the village, and it grew amazingly within a few years from scarely more than a hamlet to a large, enterprising and bustling town. From time to time manufacturing enterprises were located here, attracted by the excellent location of the village, and the foundation was laid for the erection of Amsterdam into an important manufacturing center. Under the excellent and progressive methods adopted by the village government, great improvements were made everywhere. Streets were laid out, graded and paved in the most substantial manner. Sewers were built and a fine water service established, so that long before a city charter was sought, Amsterdam compared more than favorably, not only in size and population, but in general appearance, with many places the date of whose city charter is much older. THE AMSTERDAM OF TO-DAY. We have already shown how Amsterdam grew while yet a village. Tt is now our jtleasing duty to tell something of her progress as a city. In 1885, the population had grown to about 18,000 or 19,000, and the advisability of seeking a city charter was then considered, although perhaps not for the first time, by the progressive people of the town. On April 16, 1S85, an act to incorporate the City of Amsterdam was passed by the State Legislature. By this act five wards were created and the following officers designated : A mayor, recorder, overseer of the poor, treasurer, two just ces of the jieace, three 6 AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. assessors, three commissioners of excise and five constables, to be elected by the city at large ; one supervisor and two aldermen in each ward ; a city cL'rk, superintendent of streets, fire warden, pound master, sealer of weights and measures, a chief of police and not less than six nor more than eight police officers. The mayor holds office for one year and the term for alderman is two years for one representa- tive of each ward and one year for the other. The appointment of the city attorney, city clerk, police, city engineer, city physician and Board of Health rests with the mayor. Remuk.nce of J as. T. Slvuex, E!-:g. To speak of the city government as excellent is putting it very mildly. P>oni the mayor to the least officer, each seems to be imbued with a sense of his responsibility, as not only a guardian of the city's interests, but a promoter of her welfare and influence. The result is that all departments are gov- erned with an intelligence and zeal in which self interest has no part, and the scandals that shock and mortify the residents of so many other cities are never heard of here. The same desire to beautify and improve the city that was noticed under village government is observed by the present officials, and as a natural consequence there are few cities that have as neat or attractive appearance as Amsterdam presents. The streets are broad and a number of them are paved with asphalt, doing away with the noisy racket inseparable from cobble stone paving. Both electricity and gas are used to light the streets, the former predominating. An excellent sewerage system is and has been for many years in use here, and is kept in thoroughly serviceable condition by a Board of Sewer Commissioners. About twenty miles of sewer pipe have been laid within the city limits. T he system is claimed to be the best that money and experience could provide, and this claim is borne out by the lessened rate of mortality in Amsterdam since its introduction. Unlike other towns not so celebrated for healthfulness, Amsterdam does not draw its water supply from the Mohawk river, but is furnished with an abundance of pure spring water. In April, 1881, the village authorities were empowered by a special act of the Legislature to provide and maintain a public water service. Stephen Sanford, John Kellogg, Davis W. Shuler, Henry E. Greene, Gardiner Blood, John McClumpha, Jr., Walter R. McCowatt, Augustus Clark and John McFarlan were named as a Board of Water Commissioners for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the act. They were to serve AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. for from three to five years, and were instructed to examine and consider all matters relating to sup[ily- ing.the village with pure and wholesome water. They were authorized to raise the necessary funds by borrowing money on bonds issued by the village. They were also authorized to appoint a Superin- tendent of Water Works, define his duties and fix his compensation. The commissioners at once entered upon the discharge of their duties. They concluded not to use the river water, which they con- sidered not to be so pure as that from the mountain streams. An examination of Rogers, McQueen and Hunn creeks convinced them that these offered an abundant supply of wholesome water. The construc- tion of a reservoir was immediately bet^un and the work was completed in November, 1882. No pump- ing is retpiired, the water being conveyed to the city by gravity, and with such a head as to force it to the tops of the tallest buildings in the city. The reservoir has a storage capacity of nearly 81,000,000 gallons and covers an area of eighteen acres. Twentv miles of mains have been laid since the work was begun. According to analysis the water is the purest of any public supply in the country, the percentage of organic matter being exceedingly light. In addition to the citv water service, the manufacturing establishments in the city have an abundant and never failing supply in the waters of Chuctenunda creek, which is fed by numerous small streams in the hills, and passes down to the Mohawk through the center of the city It has a fall of 500 feet, and flows with such force as to furnish ample and permanent motive power to the mills situated on its banks. In 1848 a reservoir was built by subscrip- tions raised among the mill owners to insure an ample supply at all times of the year. In 1S55 another and larger reservoir was built at a point on the creek about ten miles north of the city. A still larger one was constructed in 1865, covering 550 acres, but within ten years this proved to be inadequate, :ind it was further enlarged, its capacity being nearly doubled, and there is no longer any danger of a failure of the supply. The flow of water is so regulated that there is no waste, a full head being maintained during the working day of ten hours, and the gates closed at night. .\msterdam is justly proud of her fire dejiart- ment, which is one of the best equipped and best drilled of similar organizations in the State. In the early days of the village the bucket brigade, com- posed of citizens, who were compelled to serve in case of fire, whether they wished to or not, made feeble attempts to extinguish the flames or to prevent them from spreading. Then came the hand en- gines, which were little more than big pumps over wooden boxes mounted on wheels. The water boxes had to be constantly supplied, and the water had, frequently, to be passed in buckets, from wells or cis- terns many hundred feet from the fire. The apparatus was improved in the fifties by the introduction of the suction engine, which was also worked by hand. From this time also dates the beginning of the improvement in the fire department, which has since been carried to such a high point of development. The city charter, granted in 1S85, provides for the establishment and maintenance of an efficient fire de- partment in Amsterdam, consisting of a chief engineer, two assistant engineers and a treasurer to be elected by the members of the various companies, subject to the approval of the Common Council; and such numb.r of firemen as the Common Council should determine to be necessary. There are at pres- ent six companies, which number may be increased at any time at the discretion of the Coinmon Coun- cil. The old hand engines have been displaced by steamers, of which the city has two, but their services are not often required, as in n.Mrly all parts of the city a sufficient force of water can be obtained direct Thk Firemen's Monument. 8 AMSTERDAM AND ITS POIATS OF INTEREST. from the fire hydrants to send a copious stream above the highest house. There are seven hose carts, and, altogether, a force of about three hundred men. I'he efficiency of the department is attested by the fact that no serious conflagration has ev^r occurred in the city, and that all fires are promptly brought under control. The statement of the chief engineer for one year shows that the thirty-seven fires occurring during that period caused an aggregate loss of about $50,000. The police force of Amsterdam is a remarkably fine body of men, intelligent, faithful to their du- ties, and thoroughly competent. It might strike the stranger, that with such a small number of police- LHUKCH ^IKKET. men, Amsterdam must be very poorU |)rotected. But the fact remains that no more are needed. The population is mainly composed of industrious people, noted for sobriety and intere^ted in the develop- ment of their city, (lood order is a prominent characteristic of the place, and a larger force would only mean an additional tax on the people without any compensating advantages. What better evidence of the character of a people can be found than in the number of churches 10 l>e found in their city? In this respect Amsterdam is notable, and takes high rank as a moral and re- ligious community. Every denomination is represented by one or more churches, and each has a large attendance. The oldest church society in .Amsterdam is the Presbyterian, which, as ealy as 1813, was a flourishing organiza- tion, and is now one of the most prominent in the city. The denomination now has two churches, both of which are fine buildings, on prominent thoroughfares. Methodism was early introduced in Amsterdam and has taken a strong hold on the people, as is shown by the two prosperous societies, one of which is composed of German families. Their church buildings are centrally located, and are beautiful e.xamples of architectural art. The Protestant Episcopal Cnurch is represented by -St. Ann's, which, although a compar- atively young organization, has a large membership. Its church edifice is one of the handsotiest structures in the city, and is a large and commodious building. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, with the school building and rectory adjoining, stands on a large plot of ground in a convenient and central location. The grounds are well kept, and although the buildings do not show much attempt at architect- ural display, they are substantial structures well fitted to the purposes for which they are used. The Bap- tists and the German Lutherans each have flourishing societies and fine church buildings, and their mem- bership is fully as large as that of the other denominations. AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 9 Next to the churches, if not of first conse(iuence, as indicating the stage of progress made by a community, are the schools, of which Amsterdam possesses a large number. The school system of the city is of a high order, and has reached an almost jierfect state of development. This state has been ap- pro.ichedby gradual stages; the greatest advance being made withm the past twenty years. In the olden times the opportunities for obtaining an education in the village were limited, and the character of the in- struction not of a very high order. The earlier schoolmasters were men engaged in other callings, with East M.\ix Street, i-kum Sr. Marv'^ Chlklh. sufficient spare time on their hands to devote to teaching the urchins of the village the rudiments of education, which have been summed up as "the three R's." About 1802, William Reld came from Scot- land and opened a school " on the rocks " at Rock City, where he taught for several years. This is the first school of which there is any authentic record. A public school was opened on lower Main street about 1808, and continued to the present time, being known for more than fifty years as "the red school- house of District No. 8." A young ladies' school was opened about 1829 by a Mrs. Fischer, the widow of a clergyman, and a cotemporary school for boys was presided over by a Mr. Thompson. A few years later, in 1832, the most pretentious school Amsterdam had known to that time, was started. It was the Amsterdam Academy, and was established by Mr. Horace E. Sprague. The first building was a three story structure standing on High street, but subsecjuently the school was removed to the corner of Main and Chuctenunda streets where it remained until 1865. In that year, the handsome and spacious building it now occupies, was completed at a cost of $25,000. The academy has a widespread reputation as a high grade educational institution, and it draws pupils from far and near. Its officers and trustees are among the most prominent and substantial citizens of Amsterdam, and its faculty consists of teachers of acknowl- edged superiority in their departments of instruction. Up to 1854 the public school system in the State was m a chaotic condition, and Amsterdam enjoyed no exception to the rule, although here, perhaps, the facilities offered to pupils were somewhat better than in other places of its kind. The old red school house, in District No. 8, which had been destroyed by fire, was replaced by a brick building and became a Union Free School when the act pro- viding for the Union Free School System was passed in 1853. It served for many years as the only public school house in the village, but in 1876, the number of children of school age having so largely to AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. increased, the Board of Education was induced to erect a commodious brick building, on modern prin- ciples of construction, and which to day attracts the attention of visitors passing on East Main street. This for a time answered the needs of the children, but as population multiplied, as it has done rapidly during the past fifteen years, additional school houses had to be erected, and the city is now well equipped in this respect. The building on Spring street, which is a large brick structure, was completed in 1876, and the large modern school house, which is also of brick, at the corner of Spring and Bayard \. m^-- ^^:\^•;>^ Upi'Er MAKKEi' Street. streets, was built in 1885 to accommodate the children of the western portion of the village, which section had been growing at a rapid rate. In the latter school a two years' course in the higher English branches has been added to the regular studies. The Fifth Ward School, in the southern portion of the city, is housed in a large frame building, which will ultimately be replaced by a brick structure. To quote from a recent report of Professor J. G.' Serviss, Superintendent of the Amsterdam Schools, "' All the public schools of the city have a prescribed course of study extending over ten years' work, at the completion of which the young people are well prepared for an advanced course of study, either in High school or Normal school. Much attention is paid to graduation, and with two divisions of each grade, or year's work, the matter of proper classification is made easy, for every pupil is placed where his work will be pursued most successfully." Vqcal music is taught in the various schools, a special teacher being engaged for the purpose. Drawing lessons were introduced a few years ago. Prang's Course in Form Study being adopted as the most desirable system. The Amsterdam schools were among the first in the State to adopt the school savings bank system. The first deposits were made in the Amsterdam Savings Bank, April 4, 1887, and on January 9, 1 888, the aggregate deposits reported were $6,373.75. Who will say that the system is not a most admirable and a most beneficial one ? The school connected with the parish of St. Mary's was established on April 20, 1881, and is another evidence of the well expressed desire of the Catholic Church to further the work of educating the masses. The school from the beginning has been highly successful, the excellent system of instruction in use affording opportunity for a substantial education. The school is known as St. Mary's Institute, and is under the control of the Regents of the University of the State of New York, who grant diplomas to its graduates. The Rev. J. P. Incrow is president of the school, and he is assisted by a staff of secular AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. n teachers and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Its building, which was considerably enlarged in 18S4, stands between the church and the priest's residence, and is one of the most commodious, as well as the best equipped school buildings in the Mohawk Valley. An industrial school was organized by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1888, under the supervision of Mrs. J. V. Marcellus, assisted by Mrs. H. P. Kline, Miss Nisbet, Mrs. Dr. Tilton and Mrs. E. P. White, as a Board of Directresses. The school is maintained by small fees obtained from the M.M.\ Street, Looking Eas^t. members of the association. Meetings are held every Saturday afternoon, at which instruction is given in sewing and other branches of useful work. The Amsterdam Business College was opened, in 1888, with the object of affording opportunity to voung men and woinen to obtain a practical education. In addition to the commercial course, in- struction is given in the common and higher English branches, together with a course in penmanship, and one in stenography and typewriting. For a city of its size Amsterdam has a remarkably long list of societies and associations of the beneficial and social character. The masons, odd fellows, and in fact all of the older orders are well represented, and in addition there are very many flourishing societies of a religious, literary or social nature connected with the various churches. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union as already in- dicated, has a branch here, and has done and is doing good work in many directions. The city without a Young Men's Christian Association is difficult to find in these United States, and if the strength and influence which this country possesses, could be traced through the various con- tributing causes, it would be found that no small portion of the power it wields, conies from the moral- izing and elevating influences exerted by these organizations. In the city of Amsterdam the Voung Men's Christian Association flourishes like a green bay tree, and each succeeding year finds its influence for good wider and yet increasing. It was organized June nth 1S5S, and has been constantly growing ever since, the membership at present being over two hundred, and composed of some of the best young AMSTERDAM AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. I / ■^%^'^ men of the city. The association is comfortably established in the old opera house on Market street, where it has spacious reading rooms, a fine library and a well equipped s;ymnasium. The large audience hall, formerly used as a theatre, makes a fine lecture and general assembly room, and here, during the season, many entertainments are given, and some of the most prominent speakers of the day are heard. Amsterdam has a fine public library, which, from its c ntral location, is well patronized by the citizens. It was established in 1S20, when the village v.as little more than a hamlet, and has grown with the growth of the place. Its shelves are well stock with works of history, science, religion, fiction and, in fact, every class of literature to be found in a well equipped library. Its reading rooms are light, airy and comfortable, and the attendants in variably courteous and helpful to those in search of information or the knowledge to be gleaned from the well filled cases. Amsterdam's chief glory and pride are her extensive manufacturing interests. As a business and manu- facturing city, she long ago assumed a first place antong her sister cities, and has held it since by the magnitude and importance of her productions. Starting at the latter end of the last century as a little hamlet clustered about a saw and grist-mill on the shores of Chuctenunda Creek, she has grown into a great city of 21,000 inhabitants, and to-day the leaping waters of the creek hurrying down from the hills, turn the spindles of the scores of busy mills lining its banks on either side. Foremost among the industries of the city are her knitting mills, in which innumerable pieces of men's, women's and children's knitted underwear are turned out every year. The goods are chiefly of the higher grade, and find ready and increasing sale in all parts of the world. The largest carpet factory in the United States is located in Amsterdam, and gives employment to over a thousand hands, the annual production reaching millions of yards. There is also another mill of the same character and of large capacity. The manufacture of linseed oil, which is one of the important staple products of several of the Stales, and particularly of New York, is carried on extensively here, the mill engaged in this industry being one of the largest in the country, hav- ing a producing capacity of about 2,000,000 gallons, or over 40,000 barrels of oil per annum, besides man- ufacturing about 20,000 tons of oil cake, which is used chiefly as cattle food. There are probably more brooms made in Amsterdam than in any other place in the world, and the production here is constantly in- creasing. Formerly, a great deal of broom corn was grown in this section, but the increasing value of land drove the industry to Illinois. Nebraska and Kansas, in which States the combined annual output reaches something like 25,000 tons per year. Fully one quarter of this vast quantity is consumed by the broom manufacturers of .■\msterdam. The industries we have mentioned are but a few of the scores of enterprises that contribute to the importance and wealth of the city. It is not alone in manufacturing, however, that Amsterdam takes high rank as a commercial center. The wholesale and retail commercial houses lining the principal streets do a large business, their custom being largely derived from the numer- Makkei' Stkket, Lookinc Nredicts as great success for discreet real estate investments in the future as has ever been enjoyed in the past. It will pay anyone intending to make real estate invest- ments or to speculate in real estate, to consult Mr. Hartley's judgment regarding directions and locations as well as about prices. Many of the largest transactions in Amsterdam realty within the past twenty years have been made through Mr. Hartley's agency, and many of the trades and exchanges which have proved mutually beneficial to the parties concerned, have either been originated or consummated through him. In addition to the sale and exchange business, Mr. Hartley also represents modern systems of life insurance, combining safety and economy, and gives some attention to placing the best class of real estate securities. THE PERKINS FOUNDRY CO., Foundry and Machine Shop, Iron and Brass Founders and Jobbers, Manufacturers of Calendar Frames and Wash Boxes for Knitting Mills. Cold Rolled Shaft- ing, Pulleys, Hangers, Couplings, etc., a specialty. P. O. Address, Box 1057. Works, 44-48 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, N- Y. There is probably no more thoroughly equi|)ped brass and iron foundry in the State than The Perkins Foundry Co., which is conducted by Messrs, John \\ . Perkins and E. L. Schmidt, at Nos. 44 and 48 Bridge street, and the work turned out is worthy of the facilities provided for it has no superior in its special line, and, indeed, some of the concern's productions are conceded to be by practical men unrivalled for efficiency of design and excellence of workmanship. This enterprise was founded in 1834 by Messrs. J. M. Harvey & bon, they being succeeded in 1867 by the present proprietors, who are both natives of this State and are very generally known in business circles in this town. Employ- ment is given to about twenty assistants, and the facilities are such that all orders can be filled at short notice. A general brass and iron foundiy business is done, and all kinds of foundry work is furnished at moderate rates, while estimates will be cheei fully and promptly given on application. Calendar frames and wash boxes for knitting mills will bemade to order. Cold rolled shafting, pulleys, hangers, couplings, etc., a specialty. The premises utilized for the foundry measure 150x300 feet, the works being driven by a twenty-five horse power engine, and the office covers an area of 12x12 feet in size. W. B. W1L]\I0T, Palace Livery and Boarding Stables, Telephone Connection, 38 Spring Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Some livery stables are conducted on such unbusiness-like principles that a man who is accustomed to do business in a business way is sure to be profoundly disgusted whenever he has anything to do with them. When a man wants a team, is willing to use it properly and pay a fair price for the use of it, he is justified in expecting that his application for a turnout at a public stable will receive prompt and careful attention, and that if a team is available, it will be handed over to him after reasonable precautions have been taken to find out who he is, what he ie, and where he proposes to go. But some stable keepers act as if they were doing their customers a personal favor in giving them a team at all, and seem to consider every caller a horse-thief in disguise. The successful stable proprietor can " size a man up " without learning his entire family history, and one prominent reason for the popularity enjoyed by Mr. W. B. VVilmot, proprietor of the " Palace " Livery and Boarding Stables, is to be found in his possession of this faculty, and his consequent avoidance of the long string of questions which are exasperating as they are useless. Mr. Wilmot is a native of this State and has carried on his present enterprise since 1881. His stable is located at No. 38 Spring street. Two floors, 60x90 feet, are occu- pied and contain twenty stalls, and some fin -. horses and carriages for livery service. H jrses are boarded at reasonable rates, while the care taken is first class. Three competent assistants are employed, and the charges for livery service are fair in evey instance, and we can cordially recommend this well-managed establishment to all our readers. i6 REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. g^fi Aark'5 6ons. 1 i'juuiiuinnmr ImmuLcuu uiuiuuiuau! illl^Bll'E S S< (&) »aE'i;^-'-ii..ii=— r=^ MARK. ISAAC MAR MORRIS MARK 66-68-70 EMain 5t. MAEK'S BLOCK is one of the most promi- nent buildings in Amster- dam, not only because it is one of the handsomest and best equipped mer- cantile edifices in the city but because it is owned and occupied by what is conceded to be the rep- resentative dry goods house of Amsterdam. It was erected in 1884, but the business carried on in it was founded many years before that date, it having been inaugurated in 1862 by Mr. Alexander Mark, and having steadily grown until it has reached a magnitude that would once have been looked upon as impossible in any city that did not number its population by hundreds of thousands. The business is now carried on under the style of A. Mark's Sons; this firm having been formed in 1885, and consisting of Messrs. Charles Mark, Isaac Mark and Morris Mark. All these gentlemen are natives of Amsterdam, and are almost universally known liere, as they are very prominent in social as well as in business circles, but they are especially widely known as mem- bers of the firm of A. Mark's Sons, for the trade of that house is by no means entirely local, hut extends throughout this portion of the State, as the concern have a most enviable reputation for furnishing desira- ble goods at bottom prices, for carrying a remarkably varied and complete stock, which includes the very latest fashionable novelties, and for filling all orders — large and small, given in person or by mail — prompt- ly, carefully and accurately. The premises utilized are located at Nos. 66, 68 and 70 East Main street, and comprise three floors, each of which is 66x120 feet in dimensions. They are well lighted, admirably arranged, and equipped with all facilities to enable a heavy business to be promptly transacted, and it is an open secret among the residents of Amsterdam that delays are fewer and shorter in this great establish- ment than at most stores that are extremely small in comparison with it. Employment is given to about fifty assistants, and the business is thoroughly systemized in every department, so that mistakes are of rare occurrence, and when made they can be easily and promptly corrected. The stock includes imported and domestic dry and fancy goods, ladies' and gents' furnishings, millinery, cloaks, carpets, shoes — in short, all the articles one expects to find in a first-class metropolitan department store. Additions are constantly being made to it, one is sure to find the latest " correct" styles in every department, and the prices quoted are such as to make this representative establishment especially popular among the most ecomical buyers. MRS. BELLE VAN DERVEER, Elocutionist, and Instructor on Piano or Organ. Studii). No. II Church Street, Amsterdam, N. Y, It is true that proficiency as a pianist or as an organist is not to be gained even under the most skillful tuition, excepting by faithful and steady practice, and it is also true that the use of the most efficient system does not insure satisfactory results unless employed by an experienced and expert teacher, who studies the individuality of each pupil, and has that true interest in the art of teaching which is essential to the attainment of the best results, but, nevertheless, it is by no means so difficult to become reasonably proficient in piano or organ playing as many persons believe, it being positively assured by earnest effort under the direction of a competent instructor. In this con- nection we take pleasure in m iking mention of Mrs, Belle Van Derveer, whose studio is at No. 1 1 Church street, for she is certainly a thoroughly competent instructor on the piano and organ, andean be cordially recommended to all who desire instruction in the use of either of those instruments. The German method is used exclusively in the giving of instruction on the piano, and proficiency in the shortest | ossible space of time is guaranteed. Mrs. Van Derveer is also an elocutionist, and gives private lessons in vocal cuhure and als 1 in what may be called " the art of S|)eaking correctly," or in other words, of speaking in an agree- able voice and pronouncing and articulating the words clearly and plainly — a thing which comparatively iti\s of us do, but all of us appreciate and admire. She is a native of Macedon, N. Y.. has carried on operations in Amsterdam since 1890, and has many pupils, for not only are her methods eminently sat- isfactory, but her terms are uniformly reasonable. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 17 E. T. LEAVENWORTH, PEOPLE'S CO^L Y^RD, GILLAND AVENUE, AMSTERDAM, N. Y. KIBBE, Photograpber, 13 and 15 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Althougli great im- provements have been made in photographic apparatus of late years, so that results are now attained which would have been regarded as wonderful but a short time ago, it still remains a fact that portrait photography presents many difficulties, so many that inferior portraits are the rule and good ones the distinguished exception. As nothing is more unsatisfactory than an inferior portrait, it is well worth while to exercise careful discrimination in the placing of orders, and we feel that we are doing our readers a genuine service in calling their attention to the quality of the work turned out by Mr. Kibbe, for it is strictly first class in every respect and cannot fail to win approval from even the most critical. This business was founded fifteen years ago by the present proprietor. He is a native of New York State, and well and favorably known in this locality. The premises occupied comprise one floor 25x50 feet in dimensions and are located at Nos. 13 and 15 East Main Street. Every necessary facility is at hand to enable operations to be carried on to the best advantage. All orders are assured immediate and careful attention and uniformly moderate charges are made all round, and two reliable assistants are em- ployed. A. L. COLLAMER, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Hats, Caps, Trunks and Furs, Furnishing Goods, etc., 48 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Also Cohoes, N. Y. The goods coming under the head of "gents' furnishings '" are so varied in character that, were we to attempt even to catalogue all the articles comprised in the stock carried by Mr. Collamer at his establishment. No. 48 East Main Street, Amsterdam, we would soon exhaust all our available space, for this gentleman offers one of the most complete assortments of hats, caps, trunks, furs and furnishing goods to be found in this section, and is constantly receiving late and fashionable novelties. The premises occupied by him comprise two floors, each 20x90 feet in dimensions, and the stock contained therein is so arranged as to make it easy to choose intelligently from the great variety of goods opened to inspection. Mr. Collamer is a native of Albany, N. Y., and succeeded Mr. J. W. Bussing in his present business in 1892. He now does an extensive business, which is both wholesale and retail in character, by supplying desirable and reliable articles at the lowest market rates, and the most careful dressers speak very highly of the advantages to be gained by patronizing this establishment. Four competent assistants are employed, and every caller is assured prompt as well as courteous attention. CHARLES A. LUTTON, Undertaker and Livery Stable, 22 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It would not be stating the case with entire accuracy to say that the business of funeral under- taking has increased in importance of late years, for it has always been of the very first importance in all civilized countries, but still there is some reason for making such a statement, inasmuch as the duties of a funeral undertaker are now more numerous and more efficiently rendered than was the case a score of years or so ago. Thorough training, as well as natural ability, is essential to any considerable degree of success in this indispensable occupation, and the uniform efficiency of the service rendered by Mr. Charles A. Lutton is due in a great measure to his varied experience, as well as to the perfection of his facili- ties. His office and wareroom are located at 22 East Main Street, and stables in rear of Central Hotel, Market street, and all orders left at either address are assured immediate and painstaking attention. Mr. Lutton has some fine teams to let for either business or pleasure purposes. He is a native of Amster- dam, being well known in both business and social circles. Mr. Lutton employs five thoroughly reliable assistants, and is fully competent to take entire charge of and furnish everything needful for the largest public funeral, as well as the smallest private ceremony. Mr. Lutton has a great advantage over his competitors by being on the second floor, his rent is very light, and he is the only undertaker in the city owning his own horses. This makes a great saving to his patrons. There is also a lady assistant. The office is always open, day and night. i8 REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. McCAFFKET BROS., Insurance and Real Estate Agency, 56 East Main Street, corner of Church Street, Amster- dam, N. Y. One of the busiest concerns in this busy city is that whose card we print above, and the indications are that their business will steadily continue to increase, for the public know when they are well served, and better service than that given by Messrs. McCaffrey Brothers is not to be obtained anywhere. The insurance business came under the control of the present firm, which is composed of Messrs. Edward A. and Thomas F. McCaffrey (both of whom are natives of Tribe's Hill, N. Y.), in 1887, while the ticket agency was founded in 1885. The busi- ness comprises many important departments, but we will simply state that Messrs. McCaffrey Brothers represent the leading fire, life, accident, tornado and plate glass insurance companies, and are prepared to place insurance promptly and at the lowest rates. The following are the companies represented : Liverpool, London and Globe, London Assurance Corporation, Manchester of Eng- land, Pha?ni,\ of London, Norwich Union of England, Lancashire of Manchester, Phenix of Brooklyn, Springfield Fire and Marine, Merchants of Newark, N. J., Firemans' Fund of California, Frank- lin of Philadelphia, Agricultural of VVatertown, Niagara of New York, Peoples' of Manchester, Equitable of Providence, Commerce of Albany, Mechanics' and Traders' of New Orleans, British America of Toronto, United States of New York, The Traveler's Life and Accident Co. of Hartford, Conn., Lloyd's Plate Glass of New York, and The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. of Newark, N. J. They also do an extensive real estate business; buying and selling city, country, farm and grazing land, and negotiating loans. All the principal steam- ship companies are represented, tickets to and from all foreign countries being sold ; and the firm also buy and sell foreign currency and coins and issue drafts and money orders payable in nearly all foreign cities and villages. They are the local managers for the Postal Telegraph Cable Co., and — to " sum up" — whether you wish to insure, to buy or sell real estate, to negotiate a loan, to go abroad, send money abroad or to send a message by wire, this firm is prepared to render you prompt, efficient and economical service. Besides the firm members five competent assistants are employed to look after the interest of patrons, thus ensuring promptness and accuracy in all business transactions. JOHN K. SHEEHY, Ciotliier and Men's Furnisher, Trunks, Hats and Caps, 20 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The establishment conducted by Mr. John K. Sheehy is one that may be highly and unreservedly recommended to all who wish to obtain men's clothing, for, being a dealer in ready made clothing and gents' furnishings, this gentleman is prepared to suit all tastes and all purses, and can furnish garments cut in accordance with the latest styles, fitting to perfection and thoroughly and durably made in every detail. So far as prices are concerned we need say but little, for Mr. Sheehy makes no extravagant claims that he sells cheaper than any other house in the State — he simply claims to meet all honorable competition in this respect and to give full value for every dollar received — a claim that is heartily endorsed by all his customers, for since lie began operations here in 1888 he has indis- putably proved his disposition and ability to cater satisfactorily to the closest buyers. A large and varied- stock is carried, it including not only ready made clothing, but also gentlemen's furnishings, hats, caps, trunks, etc., and if you wish to see the very latest novelties in such goods you can do no better than to inspect the very carefully selected assortment displayed at this store. The premises occupied by Mr. Sheehy are located at No. 20 East Main street, where employment is given to two well informed assist- ants and orders are filled at short notice, while all callers may confidently rely upon receiving prompt and polite attention at all times. HANSON & DICKSON, Dealers in Furniture, Rugs, Silverware, Clocks, Lamps, Bibles, Albums, Mirrors, Curtains, Bedding, Bed Springs, Wringers, etc., 29 Spring Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is good policy to patronize a home establishment whenever possible, and especially so when anything in the line of furniture is to be bought, for such articles are intended to be used for years, and it is but common sense to obtain them of somebody whom you know to be reliable and who guarantees his goods to prove as represented, and has the name of carrying out his or their guarantees to the letter. Such men are Messrs. Hanson & Dickson, both of whom are natives of this State, and have carried on their present enterprise since 1891 in this town. The premises occupied are located at No. 29 Spring street, comprise three floors 25x85 feet in size. Besides carrying a heavy and varied stock of furniture, th's house deals in rugs, silverware, clocks, lamps, bibles, albums, mirrors and curtains, bedding, bed springs, wringers, etc., and other house furnishings, while new novelties are constantly being added, and no pains being spared to handle only such articles as can safely be guaranteed to prove as represented. Two polite and REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. '9 competent assistants are employed and prompt attention is assured to every caller, while the goods are sold on so small a margin of profit that the closest buyers will find it well worth their while to give Messrs. Hanson & Dickson a call at tlieir popular store on Spring street, Amsterdam. F. W. CLARK, Dealer in Staple and Fancy C-rroceries, Canned Goods, Etc., Corner Divison and Bayard Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The grocery and provision store carried on by IMr. F. VV. Clark, and located at the corner of Division and Bayard streets, is a pronounced favorite with the residents of that vicinity, and it would be strange if such were not the case, for the proprietor spares no pains to sat- isfy every customer and his goods and prices are such as cannot help proving satisfactory to every e.xper- ienced buyer. The stock comprises staple and fancy groceries, pure teas, coffees and spices, choice flour, superior butter and reliable canned goods, together with all articles usually included in a first-class as- sortment of this kind, and the goods are obtained from the most reliable sources, and are fully guar- anteed to prove as represented. Bottom prices are quoted on all the articles dealt in, and equally careful attention is given to large and small buyers, "first come, first served" being one of the principal rules of the management. The establishment was opened to the public some ten years ago by Mr. P. D. Wood, who was succeeded in 1893 by Mr. Clark, who is a native of New York, and has gained a high reputation in Amsterdam as being a thoroughly reliable, honest, and progressive business man, and one with whom it will be found advantageous to deal. Main SruEKi, fkom Railroad. A. R. VANDERBILT. The Live Jeweler, 28 East Main Street. Amsterdam, N. Y. Auiuns the best known and most reliable establishments of its kind in Amsterdam is that conducted by Mr \. R. Vanderbilt, and located at No. 28 E ist Main street. This establishment has a well earned re|iutation for the excellence of its wares, and the fidelity with which orders entrusted to it are filled, hence its business is prosperous and steadily increasing. This enterprise was started some forty years ago by Mr. A. Martin, who was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1S82. Mr. A. R. Vanderbilt is a New Jersey man by birth and very well known throughout .Amsterdam and vicinity. With the advancement of any community in wealth, intelligence and culture, the fine arts of decoration and adornment prosper, and the skill and taste of the jeweler is brought more constantly and generally into requisition. Twenty years ago it would have been impossible to have found customers for that class of goods, which are now really in the greatest demand. The stock carried by Mr. Vanderbilt comprises the finest grades of watches and a beautiful selection of jewelry of all kinds. The premses utilized are conveniently located at the above address and cover an area of 1,200 square feet, where the choice stock constantly dealt in is most attractively displayed. Two thoroughly competent assistants are employed, but the entire manage- ment of the establishment is under the personal direction of the proprietor, who is a man of judgment, and sound business principles, and of superior taste in the selection of his stock. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. W. J. KEART, The Clothier, Clothing, Gents' Furnishing, Hats and Caps, 69 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. An establishment that is most admirably situated to meet all the de- mands of the public as regards the various lines of goods it handles, is that of Mr. VV. J. Keary, located at 69 East Main street. From the incep- tion of this enterprise it has been managed in a manner which argues a perfect knowledge of the business on the part of its proprietor, and the result has been that it has rapidly e.xtended until it has reached its present proportions. Fine ready-made clothing is extensively handled, as are also gents' furnishing goods, hats, caps, etc. A steadily increasing retail business is done, and the enterprising proprietor is a native of Canada, although he has lived in Amsterdam and Fort Edward, Washington County, N. Y., since his early days. He is one of the best known men in the trade in this section of the State, and was with Mr. Charles C. Yund, the leading clothier, who recently retired from the business, for nine years previous to his opening his present establishment m 1893. The premises occupied are located at 69 East Main street, they are conveniently arranged, and three well informed and reliable assistants are employed, all orders being filled with accuracy and dispatch. This house is noted for its low prices and as for its goods — well, an in- spection of them will satisfy the most critcal. JOHN E. LARRABEE, Dealer in Hardware, Iron and Steel, Blacksmith and Carriage-. Makers' Supplies, Builders' Hardware a Specialty, Sanford Homestead Building, 5 Market Street, Am- sterdam, N. Y. Mr. John E. Larrabee has had control of the extensive hardware store located at No. 5 Market street for the past three years. The premises occupied comprise two floors 25x80 feet in dimen- sions, and both a wholesale and retail business is carried on in hardware, iron and steel, blacksmith and carriage makers' supplies, while a specialty is made of builders' hardware, and the stock is sufficiently large and complete to enable all orders to be filled at very short notice. Mr. Larrabee is prepared to sell as low as the lowest, and goods furnished by him are sure to prove precisely as represented in every re- spect. So great a variety of articles is included under the head of "Hardware," now-a-days, that it is difficult to carry what may be called with any show of truth, "a full assortment," but Mr. Larrabee suc- ceeds admirably in doing so, and as he quotes moderate prices on all the goods handled, it is not at all surprising that his store should be widely known and extensively patronized. Employment is giveii to eight competent assistants, and callers may safely depend on receiving immediate and careful attention, as Mr. Larrabee gives the business close supervision, and maintains the service at a high standard of efficiency. He is a native of Amsterdam, and very well and favorably known. E. W. CLARK, Chemist and Druggist, No. 24 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The establishment now conducted by Mr. E. VV. Clark was originally founded by N. C. Becker about twenty years ago, having come into the possession of Mr. Clark in 1886, and has ever borne an excellent reputa- tion, which was never more thoroughly deserved than it has been since the present proprietor assumed full control. Mr. Clark is an Amsterdam man by birth, and is a thoroughly experienced chemist and druggist and is also a well-informed and progressive business man — which many excellent pharmacists are not. He proposes to make his store, located at No. 24 East Main street, one of the most popular pharmacies in Amsterdam, if close attention to business, prompt and accurate service, low prices, and the carrying of a large and complete stock of family medicines, drugs, chemicals, etc., etc., will do it, and his steadily growing trade indicates that his inducements are generally appreciated. Mr. Clark is the proprietor of " Pine Tree Cough Cure," and carefully and promptly compounds prescriptions of all kinds. No fancy charges are made, the prices being put as low as is consistent with the use of drugs, etc., obtained from the most reliable sources. Adequate assistance is employed and callers are assured prompt and courteous service. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 21 COMMISSION HOUSE of ISTew and Second-Hand Goods. Goods Bought, Sold and Ex- changed or Sold on Commission. N. B. — We tackle any legitimate business, even when given up as im- possible, 23 Chuctanunda Street, Amsterdam, N. Y., R. La Mura, proprietor. The commission house carried on by Mr. Richard La Mura is one of the most popular establishments in the city, and it cer- tainly deserves to be, for it is a great convenience to the public, and one can save a great deal of trouble and money by making use of the facilities offered. The proprietor is a native of Italy, but has resided in Amsterdam for the past twenty-one years, and has been engaged in his present business about five years. His store was formerly located on East Main street, but is now at No. 23 Chuctanunda street, where spacious premises are occupied and a choice and extremely varied stock is always to be found. Mr. La Mura is prepared to buy, sell or exchange goods, or to sell them on commission, and his meth- ods and facilities are such as to satisfy every reasonable customer. He will furnish any kind of new or second-hand goods very cheap, and by notifying him you can have buyers brought to your own premises for anything you wish to sell. His stock is constantly being renewed, and it includes pianos, organs, furniture, carpets, refrigerators, baby carriages, stoves, house furnishing goods, bric-a-brac, antiquities, etc; so all tastes can be suited and all purses accommodated — the prices being low enough to suit the most economically disposed. M. C. BEEBE, Leading Photographer, Society Groups and Large Work a Specialty, 24, 26 and 28 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is much easier to recognize what is commonly known as "a good photograph " than it is to describe one, for even the most careful and detailed description will not convey an adequate idea of the difference between good and bad photographic work, and hence we do not propose to go into details concerning the photographs produced by Mr. M. C. Beebe, but will simply say that they will not suffer by comparison with the best work in the market, either as regards fineness of finish or excellence of likeness. Mr. Beebe has a studio located at Nos. 24, 26 and 28 East Main street, and here may be seen a complete collection of the various styles and sizes of photographs which he produces, so that those who hold to the old adage, "seeing is believing," will here find satis- factory proof of ihe assertions we have made. Mr. Beebe was born in New York State, and succeeded Mr. C. W. Kennedy in his present business here in Amsterdam in 1889. The premises now occupied by Mr. Beebe cover an area of 6,300 square feet, comprising a suite of rooms which are conveniently fitted up both for the comfort of patrons and the attainment of the best results in artistic photography. Mr. Beebe makes a specialty of society groups and large work, giving close personal supervision to all the many details incidental to his profession, and is thus prepared to guarantee entire satisfaction to every patron, both as regards artistic finish and truthful likeness of the photographs produced at his establish- ment and the moderate prices quoted on the same. Mr. Beebe is well known throughout this vicinity. J. H. PETTIT, Wholesale Confectioner, No. 9. Market Street, Amsterdam, N". Y. Those who have ever attempted candy making at home (and who has not ?) need not be told that even the simplest confections require care and skill on the part of those who would attain the best results, and that some- thing besides the use of the best materials is essential to the production of strictly first class confectionery. An elaborate and costly plant of machinery is required in order to conduct this industry in accordance with modern methods, and one of the best equipped establishments of the kind in the State is unquestion- ably that carried on at No. 9 Market street by Mr. J. H. Pettit, the premises utilized being two floors 25x70 feet in dimensions, and being fitted up with the most approved appliances, etc. This enterprise was started three years ago by the present proprietor, who is a native of this town, and a large wholesale and jobbing trade has been built up in all kinds of confectionery, while with the aid of six assistants and so many years of experience, Mr. Pettit is prepared to supply pure and skillfully made articles in this line. No one can compare the candies in the market to-day with those offered a decade or so ago without being astonished at the great advance which has been made in this manufacture, while those who appreci- ate the demands of the public and cater to it cannot fail to do a large business. CROS & BEYER, Butchers, No. 21 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is now twelve years ago since the establishment at present conducted by Messrs. Cros and Beyer, was opened as a market, they having bought out the business from Mr. W. I. Hammond. Both the present proprietors are natives of this town, and well and favorably known. The premises occupied are located at No. 21 Market street, comprise one floor 25x35 feet in size, and the stock handled is beef, mutton, veal, lamb etc., game in season, besides poultry of all kinds, sausage and corned meats. Competent assistants are em- ployed and goods are delivered promptly free of charge. There are many well stocked and well man- aged meat markets in this town, but not one can be named where the most fastidious purchaser is more sure of getting goods to suit him than at the one under consideration. A specialty is made of handling choice cuts and the prices are always as low as can be named by any dealer in goods of equal excellence, for the proprietors enjoy the most favorable relations with producers and wholesalers, and share all bene- fits thus obtained with their patrons, and well deserve the success they have so far attained. Mr. Geo. Cros, the senior member, was in the army. 22 REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. DANIEL OSTROM, Dealer in Choice Family Groceries, Teas, Coffees, Canned Goods, Etc., No. 188 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Shakespeare asks "What's in a name?" and it must be, confessed that in many cases there's nothing in a name, and especially in names given to business es- tablishments, for these are apt to be decidedly misleading, but this does not by any means apply to the store of which Mr. Daniel Ostrom is proprietor, for this family grocery, as it is called, is really a family grocery in fact as well as in name, for choice family groceries are made a specialty as well as teas, coffees, canned goods, etc. Farnily trade is very intelligently and liberally catered to, and it is the patronage of families rather than of boarding houses, eating saloons or hotels that is desired and is secured. It is the policy of the proprietor to handle no goods that there is reason to believe will not give satisfaction, to fill orders promptly and to quote as low prices as can be named on articles of standard merit — and as this policy is very ably executed the popularity of the store is only what might naturally be expected. It is located at No. 188 East Main street. Employment is given to thoroughly capable assistants, and we need hardly say that prompt and courteous attention is assured to every caller. This business was founded some twenty-three years ago by Mr. L. Ostrom, and for the past ten years has been conducted by its present projirietor Mr. Daniel Ostrom, who is also connected with Crane & Ostrom's carriage de- pository located on Pulling street. J. A. BARK HUFF, Ph. G., Druggist and Cliemist, 42 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. This gentleman is a native of New York State and has carried on business in .Amsterdam for seven years. It is quite imijossible to give a detailed notice of his establishment within the limited space at our com- mand, so we will simply say that it is of special interest to the medical profession and to the general public —to the first because Mr. Barkhuff is a manufacturer of compressed tablets, tablet triturates, sup- positories, etc., and his products have an unsurpassed reputation ; to the second because he is a dispens- ing chemist who uses only the best material obtainable, carries a large and complete stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals, and compounds prescriptions carefully, accurately, promptly, and at uniformly reasonable rates. The premises utilized are located at No. 42 Market street, and comprise two floors each 25x80 feet in dimensions. Every facility is jjrovided for the proper storage, handling and measur- ing of the almost innumerable drugs, chemicals, etc., that are essential to the satisfactory carrying on of such a business as this ; and employment is given to an ample number of thoroughly competent assist- ants, so that orders are assured prompt attention. Toilet articles are largely dealt in, and in this connec- tion mention should be made of Barkhuff's "Fragrant Dentifoam;" Barkhuff's " Cuti Le otion," for the skin ; and "Addison's Tooth Powder," all of which are manufactured and sold here. Mr. Barkhuff is prepared to furnish promptly all pharmaceutical jireparations or chemicals, and he gives special attention to the manufacture of private formulae for the medical profession. The following list of specialties will be of interest to physicians, and particularly so. as Mr. Barkhuff uses great care in the selection of drugs and chemicals, and furnishes his goods at the lowest price consistent with the use of first-class material ; no effort being made to compete with parties offering manufactured goods for less than cost of good quality of crude material : Specialties — Compressed Tablets, Compressed Triturates, Compressed Hy- podermic Tablets, Compressed Ophthalmic Tablets, Compressed Veterinary Hypodermic Tablets. Sup- posnoKiES — Rectal, Vaginal, Urethral — Cold Process Compressed. Elixir Gentian with Tr. Chloride of Iron, Syrup Hypophosphites Comp. Absorbent Cotton, Antiseptic Gauzes, Medicinal Oxygen, Oxygen with Nitrogen Monoxide, Taylor's Clinical Thermometers, " Ross " Hypodermic Syringe. MULUOWNY & JENKINS, Tailor Made Clothing, 38 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. There is a popular saying to the effect that nobody but millionaires and paupers can afford to dress shabbily, and, like most popular sayings, it is solid common sense, and the principles it embodies is worthv of be- ing carefully studied. The world has neither the time nor the inclination to look far beneath the surface, it judges almost entirely by appearances, and hence, he who wishes to make a favorable impression upon those with whom he has dealings (and what young business man does not ?) cannot afford to dispense with the ]jowerful aid of neat and fashionable clothing. The cost of such clothing is directly dependent upon the care and good judgment exercised in the placing of the order for it, for it is no more necessary to pay fancy prices in order to obtain strictly first-class garments than it is to pay exorbitant fees in order to secure competent medical advice. .Among those dealing in tailor made clothing in .Amsterdam, not one firm is more reasonable in their charges than are Messrs. Muldowny & Jenkins, of 38 East Main street, and as regards the quality of their clothing, we A-ill simply say that entire satisfaction is guaran- teed to the most fastidious. There is but one sa isfactory way in which to judge of the merits and re sources of a tailoring establishment, and that is to visit it in person ; note its general appearance ; examine some of the finished work on hand, and then, if favorably impressed, leave a trial order. A visitor to Messrs. Muldowny & Jenkins' store will find a skillfully chosen assortment of seasonable for- eign and domestic fabrics for gentlemen's wear, will receive prompt and courteous attention, and will be given every opp irtunity to form an intelligent judgment of the facilities and service available. Mr. Mul- downey is a native of .Amsterdam, and Mr. Jtnkins of New Hampshire, and both are too well known in this vicinity to require any personal comment from us. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 23 TEFFT & BOSWKLL, Clotliiers, &c., Corner West Main and Market Streets, Amsterdam, N. Y. The undertaking carried on by Mr. H. J, Boswell under the firm name of Tefft and Boswell was established ten years ago by this firm, and so conducted up to 1892, when owing to the death of Mr. W. E. Tefft, the firm was dissolved, though the business is still carried on under the old name by Mr. Bos- well, who is a native of this State, and well known in this vicinity. The premises utilized are located on the corner of West Main and Market streets, comprise two floors 4o.\ioo feet in size. A very carefully selected stock is carried, comprising fine ready-made clothing, fashionable hats, caps and gentlemen's furnishing goods, etc. The clothing sold at this store has a well deserved reputation for uniform su- periority, and this reputation is due not only to the excellence of the materials used, the shapeliness of the garments and the perfection with which they fit, but also to the honest workmanship shown in every detail of their making, for this causes them to be as durable as they are handsome. Low prices are quoted not only on clothing, but also on all the goods handled, and should any of our readers wish a complete "outfit," at a very reasonable expense, we can give them no better counsel than to visit this popular store. Six polite assistants are employed and prompt attention is assured to every caller. H. CLARK, Fine Shoes and Slippers, 79 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Altliough Mr. H. Clark was born in England, he has lived in Amsterdam for many years and has carried on busi- ness for himself since about 1873, so it is not at all surprising that he should be one of the most widely known merchants in this town. He is as highly esteemed as he is well known, for his methods commend him to all who appreciate fair dealing and an energetic policy, and very few of the residents of Amster- dam and vicinity need to be told that goods bought from Mr. Clark may be depended upon to prove just as represented, for that fact has become almost universally known during the years elapsed since he suc- ceeded to the management of the business. The store now occupied by Mr. Clark is located at 79 East Main street, and is some 1,500 square feet in dimensions. The stock is not only laige and carefully chosen, but remarkably varied, it comprising fine boots, shoes and slippers of every style and kind, the productions of the leading manufacturers being represented, and the latest novelties as well as a full line of staple goods being on hand to select from. Competent assistants are employed, and every caller is assured of receiving prompt and polite attention, and goods will be cheerfully shown and prices quoted at all times, inquirers being always welcome. C. H. TILTON, Denti.i^t, Main and Market Streets, Amsterdam, N. T. Americans have been so frequently informed th;it they have the worst teeth in the world, that the fact should be pretty generally understood, and that American Dentists are the best in the world is also a matter of common knowledge. There is nothing contradictory in this state of affairs, for demand and supply follow the same laws in professional as in mercantile life, and it is as natural to find many dentists in a country where their services are in great request, as it is to find the most lawyers in lands where labor affei ting persons and property are most perfectly executed. Our American ttmperature has much to do with the poorness of our teeth as a nation, but there certainly has been a marked improvement since more atten- tion has been paid to the care of these useful inembers. Decay of the teeth is invariably progressive, and no one, once noticing symptoms of such decay should hesitate a moment to place himself under the care of a thoroughly competent dentist. There are many in this town, and one of the most popular of these is Mr. C. H. Tilton, for this gentleman is not only an experienced and skilled operator, but is noted for the gentleness and consideration with which he discharges his responsible duties. He is a native of New Hampshire, and has been established here since 1867. He is president of the Board of Education and has been a member of that board for fifteen years, so is very well known. Those need- ing the services of a good dentist, can do no better than to consult with him at his office, corner of Main and Market streets. He employs one competent and courteous assistant. MADAME L. OESSWEIN, Instructor in Languages, Painting and Drawing, 11 Church Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is by no means an easy task to distinguish the "luxuries" from the " necessities" of life, for what are luxuries to one are necessities to another, and the same rule applies to " accomplishments" and to what may be called the "necessities" of education, but it is a noteworthy fact that what were once regarded in this country as accomplishments are now considered necessities, and an education which does not include knowledge of at least one foreign language is now looked upon as — to say the least — incomplete. Hence it is but natural that there should be an active and steadily increasing demand for instruction in languages, and as Madame L. Oesswein is an experienced and successful teacher of no less than seven languages it goes without saying that her services are very largely availed of. She gives instruction also in oil and water color painting and in drawing, hei studio bemg located at No. 1 1 Church street, and being open Thursdays only, as the magnitude and character of her duties are such as to render her unable to be there at other times. Madame Oesswein is a native of France, and is extremely well known in Amsterdam and vicinity, she having had a studio here for about five years. 24 REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. FRANKLYN HOUSE, H. Tavernick, Proprietor, 86 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. People who care more for style than they do for comfort, and who judge of the desirability of the service offered at a public house entirely by the charges made in connection with the same, will not be especially interested in the Franklyn House, and will hardly find it worth there while to read this brief notice of the same, but the majority of our readers are not included in this class, and, therefore, we need no apology for devoting space to a consideration of the hotel in question. The proprietor, Mr. H. Tavernick seems to have but one object in view, and that is to make his guests feel entirely comfortable and at home. Of course he is not in the business for the fun of the thing, and he proposes to make a fair profit on his in- vestment, but he evidently believes that a liberal policy pays the best in the long run. This house was opened thirteen years ago by Mr. John Gafney, he being succeeded by the present proprietor in March, 1892. He is a native ot this town and well known. The Franklyn House is very pleasantly and conveniently situated at No. 86 East Main street, measuring 65x100 feet in size, and containing twenty well furnished rooms for the accommodation of guests, which are nicely kept, eight competent assistants are employed and all guests are treated in a civil and polite manner. The table is supplied at all seasons with an abundance, the bill of fare showing a good variety, the cooking and service is first-class, and the prices reasonable, being $1.50 per day and the house is open day and night. F. N. RROWN, Dealer in Beef, Mutton, Lamb, Veal, Pork, Hams, Bacon, Corned Beef, Tongues, Etc., Poultry and Game in Season, Goods Delivered Free of Charge, 50 Bridge Street, Am- sterdam, N. Y. The policy pursued by this gentleman of handling none but dependable goods, and of quoting the very lowest prices that can be named on such articles, has had the natural result of gaining great popularity for this establishment, which was founded seven years ago by Mr Henry Lape, he being succeeded in 1890 by the present proprietor, Mr. F. N. Brown, for the public are quick to appreciate liberal and honorable methods, and may be depended upon to patronize any enterprise conducted in ac- cordance with such principles. Mr. Brown employs one assistant, and as he also gives close personal attention to the various details of his business, is enabled to insure prompt and polite attention to all eall- ers. The beef, lamb, veal, mutton, hams, bacon, corned beef and poultry and game in season, etc., offered at this house are selected from the most reliable sources, and are hard to equal for their freshness and superior qualities, and as Mr. Brown is a careful buyer and has become familiar with the tastes of his regular customers, he has no left over stock to accumulate, which he is obliged to force upon those who patronize him. He also has all kinds of vegetables in their season which are kept in a fine and in- viting condition. The premises occupies are located at No. 50 Bridge street, comprise one floor 25x60 feet m dimensions. Gooas are delivered free of charge, and every effort is made to make this store a favorite with the most economically disposed as well as with the most fastidious. MES. M. T. MORSE, Fashionable Hairdresser, 13 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It would be decidedly for the advantage of the public were such establishments as that conducted by Mrs. M. T. Morse much more common than is the case, for it is often difficult to have children's haircutting done as it should be, and even in shops where the work is well done the surroundings are seldom such as are agreeable to the gentler sex ; and of course young children must be accompanied by mother or sister in the great majority of cases. Mrs. Morse is a native of New York and began operations here in 1891, though she has had previous years of experience in her present line of business. The premises made use of are located at No. 13 East Main street, and comprise one floor 20x30 feet in size. They contain a skillfully chosen stock of hair goods, embracing the latest fashionable novelties, and also contain facilities for children's hair cutting and for ladies' hairdressing and shampooing and the doing of hair work of all kinds. Mrs. Morse is conceded to be as artistic a hairdresser as can be found in this section of the country, and the character, no less than the extent of her patronage, shows that her skill is generally appreciated. Ladies will be attended to at their homes if desired, and uniformly moderate charges are made under all circumstances, while one polite and attentive assistant is employed. M. KAVANAGH & CO., Dealers in Groceries, Provisions, Coal, etc., 219 East Main Street, corner Morris, .\msterdam, N. Y. The establishment now conducted by M. Kavanagh & Co. may be truthfully said to be one of the old business houses of Amsterdam, having been founded twenty-five years ago by the firm of Kavanagh & McGrath, the present style being adopted in 1889. Mr. Kavanagh is very widely and favorably known throughout .\msterdam, and is connected with the city government as alder- man. The premises occupied are located at 219 East Main street, corner of Morris street, and comprise a store 1250 square feet in dimensions and a coal yard 100x150 square feet. An immense stock is carried, made up of choice family groceries, fresh provisions, coal, etc. This firm does an extensive retail busi- ness and employs only thoroughly competent assistants. As for their methods, these should certainly be well understood in this vicinity by this time and hardly call for description in these columns. Suffice it to say that the governing principle of the enterprise is the returning of full value for money received, and so ably is this carried out that an honestly dissatisfied customer is a great rarity at this popular store. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 25 ADELBERT PAYNE, Practical Wagon Maker, General Repairing, Saw Filing, etc. Shop, 24 Chuctanunda Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Whether it pays to have a carriage or wagon made to order or not is the question that bothers many who have decided to procure such a vehicle, and we are confi- dent that those who decide to have one made expressly for them never have reason to repent their decision ; that is to say, of course, providing they use discrimination in the placing of the order and so obtain a thoroughly well made carriage or wagon at a fair price. Some of the ready made vehicles in the market are excellent, but more of them are made simply to sell and are dear at any price. Mr. Adelbert Payne, doing business at No. 24 Chuctanunda street, is a practical wagon maker, being prepared to make thoroughly satisfactory vehicles at reasonable prices, and all orders placed with him are assured prompt and painstaking attention. The business now conducted by Mr. Payne was originally started about fifty years ago by Mr. De Graff, the present proprietor assuming entire control of affairs in 1892. Competent workmen are employed, thus enabling all work to be neatly and durably done at short notice. This gentleman makes a specialty of fine hand made cutters. ALONZO WILKES, Newsdealer, Stationery, Books, Sheet Music, Etc., No. 7 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. A newspaper delivery service that is not prompt, accurate and absolutely reliable, is little better than an aggravation, for it is a continual source of bother, and had best be disposed with altogether, but a thoroughly satisfactory service is a most valuable and decided accommodation, and hence there is abundant reason for the pronounced popularity of that tendered by Mr. Alonzo Wilkes, for it is thoroughly satisfactory in every respect, this gentleman furnishing all the leading daily, weekly and Sunday papers, by the day, week, month or year, delivering them as soon as possible after publica- tion, and at uniformly moderate rates. Fine stationery, magazines and periodicals of all kinds will also be supplied, subscriptions for the two latter being received at publishers' rates, and the publication being mailed from the printers direct to the subscriber. Any American book of comparatively recent publica- tion will be furnished at short notice at the regular mail price, and many of the standard and popular books are carried in stock, together with blank books, stationery and sheet music, etc., etc. This en- terprise was established here four years ago, by Mr. Wilkes, who is a native of New York, and the prem- ises occupied are located at No. 7 Market street, comprise one floor 20x30 feet in size. Ten reliable assistants are employed, and prompt and courteous attention assured to all callers. "HOTEL SUITS," N. T. SUITS, Proprietor, No. 67 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is by no means an agreeable task to recommend a hotel to a man unless you know what his tastes are, for some individuals go in for "style " alone and will put up with comfortless accommodations and poor service as long as they know they are in a "high toned " house, while others put comfort before style and don't care how exclusive and aristocratic a house is as long as it is home-like and respectable. But in recommending the " Hotel Suits " to our readers we will avoid all possible misunderstanding by saying at the outset that this hotel is run on the assumption that the public want pleasant rooms, comfortable beds, an abundance of good, substantial food and prompt and polite service, and that they don't want to pay fancy prices, but are willing to pay a fair price for home-like accommodations. The hotel is very conveniently located at 67 Bridge street, being a two story building 50x100 feet in size and having ten fine sleeping rooms. The table is bountifully supplied at all seasons, while the cooking and attendance are excellent. The pro- prietor of the house is Mr. N. T. Suits. He is a native of this State and has been identified with his present enterprise for the last seven years, and does all in his power to secure the comfort of guests, and is very popular among the patrons of the hotel, who speak in the highest terms of his readiness to furnish any desired information and to make things easy and pleasant for strangers. Six assistants are em- ployed, and the rates are $1 .50 per day for transients. CLARENCE BORST, Dealer in Fruits, Confectionery, Cigars, Tobacco, Soft Drinks, Etc., 56 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Generally speaking every penny paid out for fruit is well invested, tor no one article of food is more healthful, and fresh ripe fruit used in reasonable moderation will save many a doctor's bill, as well as a good deal of discomfort and even positive suffering. But it is of the first importance that the fruit should be sound and ripe, and therefore some discrimination should be ex- ercised in its purchase, for dealers who do not give special attention to the handling of fruit are apt to keep what they do handle so long that it becomes in some cases totally unfit to 6at, although it may not appear so. Mr. Clarence Borst, makes a specialty of fruits of all kinds, and his assortment will always be found fresh and desirable. He quotes the lowest prices, and, those wishing anything in the fruit line would do well to call at his store, No. 56 Bridge street, and there make their selection. Mr. Borst is a native of this State and became identified with his present enterprise in 1892. He does not confine himself to handling fruit by any means, but also deals in confectionery, cigars and tobacco, etc., so a visit to his store will prove both pleasant and profitable. The premises comprise one floor 25x30 feet in size, and all callers are treated with courtesy and politeness. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. A. NOLD, Dealer in Clioice Beef, Pork, Lamb. Mutton and Veal, Butter, Eggs, Poultry, Lard, etc. Choice Home-made Sausages, Bologna and Frankforts a specialty. 124 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. It is said that every man who has never tried any of them, is confident that he can do three things — drive a horse, run a hotel, and edit a newspaper — and it is probable that about every man who has never "been there " thinks that he could manage a meat market, and so undoubtedly he could, after a fashion, but the chances are that the fashion would not be acceptable to the public or prof- itable to himself, for there is an immense amount of detail in the meat business, and it is no easy task to look after it as it should be looked after. For this reason, really first-class meat markets are rather scarce articles, but Amsterdam has her full share of them, and one of the best may be found at No. 124 East Main street. This establishment was opened to the public sixteen years ago by the present propri- etor, Mr. A. Nold, and contains a fine stork of choice beef, pork, lamb, veal and mutton, butter, eggs, poultry, lard, etc., choice home- made sausage, bologna and frankforts a specialty. These g( ods are carefully chosen and obtained from the most reliable sources, so they can be confidently guaranteed to suit the most fastidious. No fancy prices are quoted, on the contrary, the goods are offered at the low- est market rates, and the most economically disposed buyer can trade here to advantage, especially as four competent assistants are employed, ensuring prompt and polite attention to every caller. The prem- ises utilized comprise one floor 25x60 feet in dimensions, affording ample room for a large retail business. Mr. Nold is a native of Germany, and well known in this town. CALVm WHITCOMB, Dealer in Fine and Staple Groceries, Provisions, &c., No. 65 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The retail grocery business is not one to be chosen by a man who dislikes exertion, for if there is a business outside of sawing wood, or shoveling dirt that demands hard work and plenty of it from those carrying it on, it is just that which we have mentioned. This may seem an ex- treme statement to those who have not " been there," but we have no fear that any one who has had any per- sonal experience in the trade, will contradict us in the slightest degree. Grocers who really strive to accom- modate their patrons earn every cent they make, and it is therefore with pleasure that we note the prosperity of Mr. Calvin VVhitcomb. He has conscientiously endeavored to render an adequate equivalent for every cent paid to him, and fully deserves the large measure of success he has attained. His store is located at No. 65 Bridge street, comprises three floors 30x75 feet in size. A large stock is carried, including fancy and staple groceries and provisions of all kinds, flour, teas, coffees and spices. Mr. Whitcomb is a native of Johnstown, New York, and began his present enterprise here in 1871. He was Supervisor of the town of Florida, also this town in the Fifth Ward, and is one of our most energetic and public spirited local dealers, and one who has the respect and confidence of the people. With a well stocked and equipped store, with every facility for handling goods economically and expeditiously, customers can rely on having their orders promptly filled, as two competent assistants are employed all the time, while the prices are always as low as the lowest. J. E. McNAMARA, Wholesale Liquor Mercliant and Jobber in Cigars, Etc., 67 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. In compiling a review of the leading business houses of Amsterdam it would be wrong to omit making mention of that carried on by Mr. J. E. McNamara, for this is an acknowledged leader in its special line and it most certainly deserves such a position. Operations were begun some twelve years ago by Messrs. Whitehead & Van Ness, and the present proprietor assumed control in 1889, Mr. McNamara is extremely well and favorably known in Amsterdam, both in business and social circles, and as a wholesale and retail dealer in wines, liquors, etc., he has repeatedly proved his ability to easily meet all honorable competition. He is also a jobber in and a retailer of cigars, and is prepared to fur- nish fine and medium grades in quantities to suit and at positively bottom prices. The premises made use of are located at No. 67 East Main street, and comprise two floors, measuring 25x65 feet. They are well equipped and ample assistance is employed, so orders are filled promptly although a large business is done. ODD FIGURE BAZAAR, A. R Ney, Proprietor, Ladies' and Gents' Furnishings, Tinware, Crockery, etc., 3 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The "Odd Figure Bazaar" was started here five years ago by Messrs. Bemis & Wagner, who were succeeded soon after by the present proprietor, Mr. A. R. Ney. He is a native of Oneida, N. Y., and it is not to be wondered at that he has a large and growing business, for the advantages gained by dealing with him are so many that there is little chance of the most careless buyer failing to appreciate them. The store occupied at No. 3 Market street is large and attractive, affording excellent facilities for the display and examination of goods. It is well lighted and comprises two floors 30x100 feet in size. The stock is varied and desirable. It embraces ladies' and gents' furnishings, tinware, crockery, etc. It would be useless to attempt to describe this stock, as late novelties are continually being added, and the articles are constantly renewed. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the goods dealt in. They are selected with special reference to the demands of the many patrons of the .store, with whom Mr. Ney, from his long experience, has become familiar. He em- ploys six assistants, who are courteous and polite to all callers, and guarantees his goods to prove as rep- resented and offers them at low prices, while orders are solicited and promptly filled. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OE AMSTERDAM. 27 WM. H. KAUFMAN, Manufacturer and dealer in all kinds of Vienna Bread, Cake and Con- fectionery, Caterer for Weddings and Parties a Specially, First-Class Ice Cream Parlors, 37 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Many families purchase all their bread, cake and pastry at bakeries, and the proportion of them that do so would be even greater were it not for the short-sighted policy pursued by those bakers who apparently believe in giving customers the smallest possible return for their money. Nevertheless this is not the fact wiih Mr. Wm. H. Kaufman, at No. 37 Market street, for he has always put quality before quantity in catering to the public and spares no pains to produce articles that will compare favorably with the best" home-made" productions. This enterprise was established in 1884 by the present proprietor, who is a native of Germany. The premises occupied comprise two floors 20x154 feet in size, and is equipped with the latest improved facilities, for Mr. Kaufman does a very large retail trade, in manufacturing and dealing in Vienna bread, cake and confectionery, etc., besides catering for weddings and parties, of which he makes a specialty, and is prepared to fill the largest orders. Con- fectionery is also dealt in and fresh candy everyday is to be found here. First-class ice cream parlors are attached to the other business and private families are supplied at very reasonable prices, while four polite assistants are employed and all callers assured prompt attention. ^^pSiW ^•**^^^' L.. East Main Street, looking East fkom Market. A. E. PAYNE'S CANDY KITCHEN, 142 East Main Street, Conservatory Block, Ami-ter- dam, N. Y. There is no doubt but that the consumption of confectionery is steadily increasing, even faster than the mcrease in population, but it is equally unquestionable that this increased demand is for goods of superior quality and merit, and not for the "grocers' candies " which were at one time so popu- lar. The fact is, not only are the people getting richer and hence having more money to spend on lux- uries, but the standard of taste is being raised and choice and more delicately flavored candies are being demanded annually. Mr. A. E. Payne, of No. 142 East Main street, has built up a very large and de- sirable trade during the comparatively short time that he has conducted his present establishment, and this success is the natural consequence of his recognizing the facts to which we have referred. He at all times carries a large and varied stock and spares no pains to offer goods that will surely suit the most fas- tidious, while nothing but the very best of materials are used, and all orders are filled at short notice and nothing but the best is made and sold. The premises occupied and known as " Payne's Candy Kitchen " comprise two floors 25x90 feet in dimensions, are tastefully and conveniently fitted up, the stock being displayed to excellent advantage and being renewed so frecpiently that the goods are always fresh and at- tractive. Mr Payne is a native of Rome, N. Y., and became identified with his present enterprise here in December, 1892, and has already built up a large retail business. Four reliable and obliging assistants are employed, and all callers are waited upon promptly. 28 REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. McBRIDE & CONNEY, successors to Thomas F. Kennedy, General Grocers, 105 and 107 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. The wholesale and retail grocery houses of Amsterdam and vicin- ity are many in number and high in character, and taken as a whole will compare with those of any other section of the State, in every essential of enterprise, energy and reliability, and therefore it is with no intention of disparaging other houses in the same line of business that we make especially prominent mention of the undertaking carried on by Messrs. McBride & Conney. The business was originally established by Mr. Thomas F. Kennedy about twenty-six years ago, who was succeeded by the present firm in 1893. These gentlemen are both natives of New York, and transact an extensive and desirable trade throughout the State, are familiar with the wholesale and retail business in all its branches, and as they give close personal attention to the selection of goods and the filling of orders, it is natural that this firm should have gained a high reputation for supplying commodities of standard merit at short notice and at the lowest market rates, especially as a very heavy and complete stock is carried. The premises utilized are located at 105 and 107 East Main street, comprising three floors, each 6,000 square feet in dimensions, and are very conveniently arranged and equipped, so that with the aid of five assis- tants the firm is enabled to fill orders at both wholesale and retail, in the most prompt and accurate man- ner possible. These gentlemen make a specialty of fancy creamery and dairy butter, including Peck's Creamery in 5 lb. pails, Grandy's Creamery, any size crocks, Hartts' Jersey Dairy, also in any size crock — together with Nathway's Alderney Dairy, any size crocks. Sole agents for Mandan Roller Mills Cele- brated Gold Heart Flour. J. J. FERGUSOX. Practical Ilorseshoer, Jobbing in all its Branches Promptly Attended to, 20 Chuctanunda Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. One of the things that are sure to be noticed and commented upon by a person who is visiting a "country blacksmith shop " for the first time, is the manner in which horses' hoofs are used during the process of shoeing, for they are cut and ripped, scraped and burned and hammered as if they were made of stone, and indeed even if they were made of stone they could not escape serious injury under such treatment, and, unfortunately, that method of shoeing is not confined to country shops, so that even a horse owner residing in or near a city has to exercise care in the placing of orders if he wants to be sure that the work will be properly done. In this connection we may fittingly make mention of the shop carried on by Mr. J. J. Ferguson at No. 20 Chuctanunda street, Amsterdam, as this is devoted entirely to horseshoeing, and is one of the best equipped, most carefully managed and most reliable establishment of the kind in this vicinity. This business was founded in 1856 by Andrew Zeller, and came under the control of the present proprietor in 1867. Mr. Ferguson has built up so high a reputation that many owners of valuable horses make it a rule to have them shod exclusively at his shop. He employs two thoroughly capable assistants and gives particular attention to the suitable treat- ment of stumbling, interfering, speed cutting, corns, quarter cracks and other defects of the feet. Owners' directions are strictly followed, and we would advise parties having lame or interfering horses to give him a call, he being moderate in his charges and fills all orders at short notice. Mr. Ferguson is a native of Amsterdam and very well known throughout the vicinity, and was at one time trustee of the village. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 29 DR. G. H. INGRAHAM, HEALER !N Drugs and Medicines, Chemicals, Paints and Oils, Varnishes, itc . 78 E. Main St . Amsterdam, N. Y. broRi,, Every experienced physician will agree that the cure of disease would be much more easy than is now the case were the drugs and medicines sold by every dealer uniform in character. The public are apt to sus- pect that a physician who directs them to a certain pharmacy does so because he receives a percentage of the cost of the medicines sold, but this is so seldom the case as to be unworthy of considera- tion. The fact is a physician learns that a certain pharmacist obtains his supplies from reliable sources, renews them often enough to prevent serious deterioration from age. and is skillful and careful in compounding of ]jre- scriptions. As these things enable the effects of prescriptions put up at this establishment to be more accurately prepared than would otherwise be possible, and as the professional reputation of the physician is directly dependent upon prescriptions having the desired effect, what more natural than that he should direct where they should be compounded. Dr. G. II. Ingraham is one of the most popular pharmacists in this section, not only among physicians, but also the general public, for he has had long experience in the business, having been a practicing physician for eight years previous to his present undertaking. His methods are uniformly reliable. He is a native of this State, and became identified with his present enterprise tvvelve years ago. This gentleman makes a specialty of fit- ting trusses and shoulder braces. He also is manufacturer and pro- prietor of the celebrated Sarsa- parilla, Cascara Bitters, Cough Syrup, Emulsion of Cod Liver Oil and Carbolic Salve. The premises utilized comprise one floor, 25x90 feet in dimensions, and are lo- cated at No. 78 East Main Street. A large stock of drugs and medi- cines is constantly earned, pre- scriptions being carefully com- pounded at reasonable rates. Paints, oils and varnishes are j- , .. also dealt in. Residence. 3° REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. CITY JE^V^ELER, 33 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. As the City Jeweler, Mr. VV. E. Cross's name has become familiar, not only to the people of Araster dam, but to those of the surrounding country. He is a native of this town and started operations here three years ago. and the premises occupied at No. t,-!, Market Street comprise one floor lo.xSo feet in dimensions, where his excellent and tastefully selected stock of watches, diamonds, jewelry, etc.. presents an attractive appearance. Beside articles almost innumerable in gold and silver, he presents a fine assortment of novelties in jewelry for the choicest trade, and keeps constantly on hand a full line of watches with all the popular works in cases of different materials, and to all watches sold by Mr. Cross he fits a new movement designed and constructed for him, which has all the latest improvements, four pair extra jewels, compensation balance, Breguet hair spring, and is guaranteed lo last a lifetime. Three expert workme nare employed and watch, clock and jewelry repairs of every description are neatly and thoroughly done. Mr. Cross has had many years' experience in his present line of business, is a practical man familiar with all its details. His store is attractive and excellently stocked and his already large patronage, which extends to all the neighboring towns, is still fast increasing. J. WETTER AU, Dealer in Choice Family Groceries, Provisions, Yankee Notions, Cigars, Tobacco, Candies, Etc., Etc., Herkimer Co. Butter, Cheese and Eggs a Specialty, No. 71 Bridge Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. One who has had a long and varied experience in the grocery business in Amsterdam ought to be well qualified to cater to the demands of local trade, and the popularity of the establishment conducted by Mr. J. Wetterau, affords convincing evidence that the experience of its proprietor has not been thrown away, and also shows that the residents of Amsterdam and vicinity are prompt to recognize efficient and reliable service. This enterprise was founded in 1885, by Mr. J. J. McKinley, who carried it on until December, 1892, when the present proprietor took full management. He is a native of New York, and is well known in this town. He was School Trustee in the town of Stark, N. Y., and gives very close supervision to every detail of the business, is where business expenses are very low and cus- tomers are accorded the benefit, and as three competent assistants are employed orders can be promptly and accurately filled at all times in spite of the magnitude of the trade. Three floors, 25x75 feet in di- mensions are occupied at No. 71 Bridge street, and a heavy stock of choice family groceries and provisions, Yankee notions, cigars, tobacco and candies, etc.. etc., etc. Herkimer Co. butter, cheese and eggs a specialty, is always on hand to choose from, the goods being especially selected for family trade, and being guaranteed to prove just as represented. The prices are invariably as low as the lowest, quality con- sidered, and the service is so carefully systematized that delay or mistake in the delivery of orders is of very rare occurrence — a point experienced housekeepers will thoroughly appreciate. N. D. SIMPSON, Manufacturer and Dealer in Bread, Pies, Cakes and Pure Confectionery, Fruit Cake, Plain or Ornamented for Weddings or Parlies, Ice Cream Parlors, 27 Market Street, Amster- dam, N. Y. No unhealthy community can be thoroughly prosperous, and as the public health is depend- ent to a great degree upon the quality of the food supply, it necessarily follows that good food is essential to the attainment of the highest prosperity. Amsterdam is fortunate in having her food markets lavishly supplied at all times of the year, and she is also fortunate in having some of the best equipped public bakeries in New York, for bread, cake, pastry, etc, of course form a very important part of the food sup- ply, and a large proportion of city families buy practically all their supplies of this kind, finding it both cheaper and easier than to bake at home. Any mention of representative local bakeries must of necessity include that located at No. 27 Market street, for this is one of the best known establishments in this town, and has ranked among the leading ones for many years. It was established twenty-five years ago by Messrs. Kibbe & Young, and passed into the possession of Mr. N. D. Simpson, the present proprietor, in 1873. He is a native of this town, and has shown both the desire and the ability to more than main- tain the old reputation of the establishment. The premises in use comprise two floors 15x115 feet in dimensions, which are as well equipped as they are spacious and well kept. Five competent assistants are employed and both a wholesale and retail business is done, and the use of carefully sekcted materials assuring the production of first class goods. Bread, pies, cakes and pure confectionery of all kinds are carried in stock, the goods being daily renewed, and being unsurpassed for delicacy of flavor. A specialty is made of fruit cake, plain or ornamented for weddings and parties. An ice cream parlor is also at- tached to this well known establishment. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. 31 THOS. G. McCaffrey, GROCERIES, WINES AND MEATS, 120, 122 East I^ain Street, Amstepdam, D. V. It is a pleasant task to chronicle the continued success of an enterprise inaugurated many years ago, always carried on in accordance with progressive and honorable methods, and steadily in- creasing in patronage and influence. Such an undertaking is that conducted by Mr. Thos. G. McCaf- frey, at Nos. 120 and 122 East Main street, and so thoroughly does it deserve its present prosperity that its high standing is as much of a credit to the community as to the proprietor of the business in ques- tion. Mr. McCaffrey is a native of New York, and has been identified with his present business for the past four years, having succeeded Messrs. Butler & McCaffrey, who founded it ten years ago. T*-" premises utilized at the address above named comprises two floors 6o.x8o feet in dimensions, thus affor ; 1 .. ^.^..^rt.ir^i't,- ir^r y\\ o ^ -i r r\7 i II fr r»f o lorrrf* ctrirV f\^ xjc\c\Av. rnmTincina arnrprips U'lnp'; and mpa he fford- S f e premises utilized at tne aaaress aoove namea comprises two noors oo.xoo leei in uiiiicasions, luus duuiu ing ample opjiortunity for the carrying of a large stock of goods, comprising groceries, wines and meat; of all kinds. Twelve experienced and courteous assistants are employed, and despite the magnitude o the business, orders are filled with promptness and accuracy. Mr. McCaffrey does an extensive wholesale and retail businsss, quoting the lowest prices at all times, and sparing no pains to maintain the enviable reputation his establishment has gained. NICHOLAS FLEIG, MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN FIRST QUALITY CIGARS, 36 Market Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. Mr. Nicholas Fleig, is a native of this town, well and favorably known, having been an Excise Commissioner, founded his present business eight years ago and has since carried it on. He has long been known as one of the leading manufacturers and dealers in first quality cigars in Amsterdam. Mr. Fleig does an extensive business, which is both wholesale and retail in character. He manufac- tures the cigars he handles. His establishment being located at No. 36 Market Street, which comprises two fl ors, 25x75 feet in dimensions, and is consequently in a position to know just what he offers to his customers. (;reat pains are taken to secure uniformity of merit, and smokers speak in the highest terms of the dependable quality of all cigars manufactured by Mr. Fleig. k large stock is carried, consisting of fine cigars and tobacco. Five competent and reliable assistants are employed in the various depart- ments. Low prices rule and prompt and polite attention is shown to every customer Mr. Fleig has had so many years' experience in the cigar business he feels confident that his goods cannot be excelled in quality and workmanship, and are acknowledged by all judges to be the best and cheapest in the market. MISS C. CURRIE, Millinery, No 3 East Main Street, Amsterdam, N. Y. One of the most attractive stores devoted to the sale of millinery goods is that of which Miss C. Currie is the proprietress. This lady is a native of this State, and is well adapted to manage the enterprise which she has undertaken. She began operations here during the early part of the current year, and has already gained an enviable reputation for superior business methods and unsupassed skill in her work. Her establishment is located at No. 3 East Main street, comprises one floor 20x30 feet in dimensions. A well selected and varied stock of fine millinery goods of all kinds are to be obtained here and at prices that are surprisingly low, when the quality of the goods is taken into consideration. Miss Currie employs three experienced assistants, and assures all customers prompt and polite attention. She guarantees all goods leaving her store to prove exactly as represented. All who have had business dealings with the lady in question have expressed themselves in the highest terms of praise, and we can safely say that those who call at her place of busi- ness will have no cause for regret, and will be treated with courtesy and respect. Trimmed and untrimmed hats and bonnets are exhibited in great variety, and those wishing work done to order can have their wishes gratified at short notice and according to the latest style and fashion, while the prices are always considerably below those generally placed upon articles of such undeniable merit and novelty. REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN OF AMSTERDAM. A. T. VAN HEUSEN & SON, Insurance. Fire, Life, Accident and Tornado Insurance Placed for any amount, and Lowest Rates, in the Largest Companies. Post Office Building, corner East Main and Church Streets, Amsterdam, N. Y. The general insurance agency carried on by Messrs A. T. Van Heusen and Son was established by the senior member of the present firm in 1881. Six years ago, he bought out the oldest agency in the city and took his son, F. V. Van Heusen, into the firm, and formed I he present name. The former is a native of Albany, N. Y., while the latter is a native ot this town, and both arc well and favorably known in this locality. A very large amount of insurance has been placed through this agency during the past twelve years, and its record for efficient service and prompt and sat- isfactory settlements of fire losses is one of which those responsible for its management have every rea- son to be proud. Both members are very pushing, energetic business men, and have been very successful in placing insurance in a manner which has given entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. They represent a goodly list of strong fire, life, accident and tornado companies, and are prepared to write policies at the most favorable rates. Their three offices are located in the post office building, comer East Main and Church streets, and thoroughly experienced clerks are employed, so that all communi- cations by mail or otherwise are given immediate and careful attention. The following list of compan- ies shows the nature of the service. Messrs. Van Heusen & Son are prepared to render : ^-Etna Insu- rance Co, Hartford. Conn.; American Fire Insurance Co., New York, N. Y.; Home (Fire and Tornado) New York, N. Y.; Harttord Fire Insurance Co., Hartford, Conn.; Insurance Co. of North America, Phila., Pa.; Nortn British & Mercantile Insurance Co., London, England ; Orient Insurance Co., Hart- ford, Conn.; Pacific Fire Insurance Co., New York, N. Y.; Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co., Phila., Pa.; Queen Insurance Co. of America, New York; Western Assurance Co, Toronto, Canada; .\ccident and Plate Glass, Steam Boiler and Employers' Liability Insurance ; Fidelity and Casualty Co. of New York. NELSON BROTHERS. Dealers in Fresh and Salt Meats, Poultry and Game in Season. No. 50 Market Street, .Amsterdam, N. Y. In analyzing the popularity that the enterprise carried on by Messrs. Nelson Brothers une^uestionably enjoys, we find that it does not seem to be due to any one thing, but rather to the impression made by their methods of doing business when considered altogether. For instance these gentlemen do not claim to sell cheaper than everybody else, although they do offer their goods at the lowest market rates. Neither do they claim to carry the largest stock in this section of the town, but nevertheless the variety on hand is such that all tastes can be suited. They strive to fully satisfy every customer and give a dollar's worth of value for every dollar they receive, and it may be said that this is probably one of the chief causes of the popularity referred to. This enterprise was started about eight years ago. In 1888, the present proprietors, John P. and Chris. Nelson, succeeded to the business ; they have had considerable experience in their present line. The premises occupied are located at No. 50 Market street, comprise two floors 25x80 feet in dimensions, and contain a large and varied stock of fresh and salt meats, poultry and game in season. All classes of trade are catered to, the prices are placed at the lowest figures consistent with the handling of dependable goods, and prompt and courteous attention is assured to every caller, there being six competent and polite assistants em- ployed, while all orders are filled at short notice and without undue delay. N. C. BECKER'S MARKET STREET DRUG STORE, Drugs, Paints, Oils, Window Glass, Wall Paper. Established 1873. Amsterdam, N. Y. It is impossible to have extended dealings with Mr. N. C. Becker without feeling that he thoroughly understands his business in every detail ; and indeed it is no wonder that he is thoroughly acquainted with it, for he has had an experience of twenty years. Mr. Becker is a native of this State and established the "Market Street Drug Store " in 1873. He is very well known throughout Amsterdam and vicinity. The premises used are located at Nos. 9 and 11 Market street, com- prise four floors 35x106 feet in dimensions, and a heavy and most skillfully selected stock is carried, com- prising drugs, paints, oils, window glass, wall paper, etc., while specialties are made of Ed. R. Squibb's goods, Jno. Wyeth & Bro.'s goods, celluloid trusses and physicians" supplies. Mr. Becker employs fifteen competent assistants and with their aid spares no pains to make this establishment entirely trustworthy in every respect and to give all customers complete satisfaction. That he has succeeded admirably is proved by the liberal patronage received, and there can be no doubt that the methods will be continued that have gained the popularity for this establishment. Prescriptions are compounded with the utmost care, and those who desire to feel assured that they can rely upon the manner in which their orders of this kind are filled should by all means patronize this store, as Mr. Becker is as skillful and experienced as he is careful, and so is especially well fitted and equipped for the carrying on of work of this kind. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir«