The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-08-26

clared that man was simply biped with
out feathers, and one of the chief objects
of existence of large class of men among
civilized communities seems to be, most
tastefully to make up for this deficiency.
"What to eat" and Wherewithal shall
we be clothedP'' are the two great ques-
tions which make up the sum of mans tenn
poral wants. AS we advance in culture we
also improve in dress, and our perfection
in the latter is no bad criterion of our po-
sition in the scale of civilization and refine
ment.
The ready-made clothing business in this
country has made prodigous strides and
under the stimulating influences of taste
combined with energy and capital, this
country can claim to be one Of the best
dressed nations on the globe. New York
City for many years had almost exclusive
control of this influential branch of trade,
and vast firms have been established and
grown in wealth and influence.
New York may well be envious of the
great fame which has been achieved by the
whose famous establishment in Philadel-
phia, called Oak Hall, has perhaps the
widest reputation Of any clothing house in
America. The success of this house has
been due in very great degree to the per-
severance and untiring industry of Mr..
Wanamaker, the senior member of the
firm, and it is especially remarkable from
the unprecedentedly short time in which
that success has been attained. When he
determined to embark in this business old
merchants shook their heads, and even the
most venturesome felt doubt as to the
expediency of entering upon new projects.
The rebellion was just on the eve Of its
commencement, and the whole future of
the country seemed enveloped in doubt
and danger. But Mr.. Wanamaker had too
sure an instinct to feel any doubts as to
the final triumph of the right, and having
associated himself with the late Nathan
8. Brown, he leased three rooms in an old
and unsightly building on the site of their
present immense establishment. Mr..
Browns interest in the business expired
with his death five years ago.
In the short space of two years the bus
mess increased to such degree, that the
firm were obliged to add to their promises
the rest of the building on the corner of
Sixth and Market Streets. Before the ex-
piration of the term five years., for which
the original lease had been given, an exten-
sion of the same was obtained with the
privilege of purchasing, together with the
right to expend $40, 900 in improvements
upon the property. A rather doubtful
privilege and large sum for so young
firm.
The next step was to purchase the ad-
joining property on Sixth street, extending
to Minor Street, and shortly after that on
Market street was added. The whole
buildings were then remodeled into large
and imposing structure 38 feet front and
rear on Market and Minor streets, and
1870 feet deep on Sixth street and six sto-
ries in height. Large as were these prem
ises they were but one half the size of the
present Oak Hall. Another building of
equal size was added and the whole con-
nected and thrown into one vast estab-
ment.
We have as yet spoken nothing of the
details of the enormous business transact
ed by this house. System is the soul of
everything, and is one of the primary ele-
ments which have conduced to its wonder
full success This business is divided into
twenty distinct departments in which are
employed over two thousand hands. Every
branch of the trade is carried ON within
the building, and under the immediate
personal supervision of the proprietors.
The goods are received in the piece direct
ly from the mills and the completed gar
ments are delivered in the wareroom with
a rapidity which is truly astonishing. In
addition to the department of ready-made
clothing the house does large business
in its order department, and the excellency
of its workmen is no where more perfectly
displayed that in the graceful and becom-
garments which are here made for some of |
the best dressed gentlemen in Philadel-
phia.
One great idea is the underlying prin-
ciple upon which this vast business has
been built up. And that is perfect con-
scientiousness and honorable dealing with
the public. No old stock is crowded ON
the market after the fashion is changed. |
If no other way remains the prices are
marked down at the close of the season to
Il