Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-10
A nopE1 HARDWARE STORE.
Description OF the New E-tn bIishms mt In
central Block, of =. y. Brooks q 60.

/ Description OF the New Establishment mt In
central Block, Of =. y. Brooks q 90.
Messrs. S. S. Brooks 4 Co., the well known
! Hardware dealers. having removed TO their new
stoIe in Central Block, which has just been com
letcd for their occupany, it may be proper at this
i,, 10 allude to the AID ticral facilities. this en-
~. prising and reliable fi,m now possess for the
l.usis.cton Of business.
TIE building is four stories in height on the
street, and six stories in rear. As it is nearly in
the centre of Central Block the additional story
gives the finishing touch to the entire block, and
added beauty to the whole. The building is q
by Y feet, and, with the exception of one office,
is TO be entirely devoted to the business of the
establishment.
The first basement story IS entered from the
river street by doorway 9 IL feet wide so
that goods are dumped from the vessel on to
the Transfers jigger, and driven right into the
story and unloaded. There are now 200 casks
of nails piled in this story, which is to be used
for the storage of the heavy goods. Here appears
| the strength of timber work and solid masonry
| which enter into the construction of the entire
edifce, making it of the most substantial build
ings in town. Here is the 36-irch upright steam
boiler, made by +. Hodge 4 Co. of East Boston,
which utilizes its own exhaust, and furnishes
steam for the building.
The second basement story Che first below the
street floor, will be devoted 10 mon, nails paints
oil, aud varnshes. At the east end is iron
rack with 1872 places for the different sizes of bar
IRON; there are 20 places for keeping Norway
iron, and special departments for band and oval ron
In the west half of this story is the sales
department for paints, oils, varnishes, etc
The building is supplied with water from the
Augusta W alter Cos. works. A convenient water
closet is in this story.
In the street story, entered from Water street bv
| spaci ous doorway, we find the general sales
room, running the entire length of the building.
This is finished in oak, with black walnut trim
mlngs, havirg birch floors and counters. 1t is
neatly -heabed with spruce which Is oiled A
counter runs the entire length on the south side
| 1t has recess in front, handy for storing goods
| and available for many other purposes. On the
| north side the departments for carriage hard
ware, steel and glass, stationary shelves. boxes
draws. and apartments being provided for each
and every assortment. The wide and spacious
floor affords room for displaying specimens from
nearly every department, which may be drawn from
| in stock or hulk as needed for the wants of the
trade. w. H. Brooks, one of he active members
OF the firm, may be found here, experimenting the
large trade and under his management the ma
ch inery of each department goes forward like
clock work. The counting room in the rear, has
a fire proof vault for the safe, feet By 4, and *
feet deep. In this place will be found the junior
,ha. Of 6p., L 4 Al,
kept books bespesk the model bookkeeper.
ln the front part ofthe next story above is Office
finished in an elegant manner Tor the use of w.
p. Whltehouse, Esq, and in the rear the private
office Of the senior member of the firm. one of the
most stfa ghtfoiward and successful business men
IN the kennebec river, ;. 5. Brooks, Esq The
open space between the Offices, VII be used as
general ,alesroom for all kinds of goods, carriage
ha DWARF, oil cloth capeing, farming utensils, &c.
The next story, the thId, is designed excla-
,.yey for hardware and agricultural nipple me nts,
and the fourth story. for general storage for all
all kinds of goods in their line, giving ample
loom for every purpose.
The various stories are connected from cellar
TO attic by brord stairs, on the north side about
midway the building. Goods are transferred
from one steiy to another by means OF a power
full hosting apparatus, connecting with all the
floors. Besides being warmed by steam and sup
pied with water, the building is fitted with gas
and lighted by spacious " indows. In all its ap
point menls and arrangements it is undoubtedly
the most complete hardware store this side Of
Boston And il is emincntly proper that business
men of the well know ability of S. S. Brooks
Il Co., should possess facilities for doing a bust
ness, both wholesale and retail, that extends
over a WIDE region of country, and that is con-
stantly on the increase. Success to them.