National Republican., 1881-09-03
BARBOUR q HAMILTON.
A Look NJ Their New EstabIisbnient-En-
ierprlae md spirit


Thirty-one years ago Messrs. Barbour &
Semmes established themselves in the grocery
business on Louisiana avenue near Seventh street,
and in very brieftme II was apparent they had
made success Of their venture Upon the death OF
Mr.. semmes, some years ago, Mr.. Hamilton who
had been In the employ of the firm, was admitted
to partnership aud the present firm OF Barbour &
Hamilton established. Neither Of these gentlemen
believed In the stand.stlll, let-wel enough alone
policy, and the result Of their enterprise and
spirit is TO be found in the splendid new quarters
in which from this day they will supply their hosts
of customers. The new store is on Pennsylvania
avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and
has been entirely remodeled to suit the con-
venience of the firm and make 1t the largest
and most complete establishment Of the kind ever
opened In this city
THE BUILDING
Is four stories high, has frontage Of i5 feet on
Pennsylvania avenue and depth Of 40 feet, rum
ming back TO street north. The frontis oppressed
brick, with heavy cornicc, the door.and window
frames Of hard wood oiled, and the glass heavy
plate. The first floor, or salesroom, while not
pecially snowy, is fitted up with taste. Near the
Avenue front in the centre of the building, is the
Office Of the firm and the cashiers desk. This is
built of walnut, mahogany, and plate glass, the
design aud appearance being especially effective.
To the right is the retail branch for fine goods.
hognDy and oak neatly designed and polished.
Sixteen large tea. .caddies made expressly for the
house by II. Trocmner, Of Philadelphia and em-
bellished In genuinely artistic manner, attract
deserved attention, while the four tea scales made
by the same manufacturer, arc mArvels Of their
kind. The shelves are laden with
TuB CHOICEST DELEGATES
Of foreign aud domestic fancles, goods which q
reporter can afford to look at but seldom purchase.
on the left side of the room cigars, crackers and
| other light articles monopolizc the counters and
shelves Under the stairway is tall lattice work
through which cnn be seen box upon box Of fne
wines, and these arc only samples, spacious cell
lar containing the bulk Of the goods Of this class.
In the rear portion of the room is large rcfrger
ator capable Of holding between fourand five hun
drcd kegs OF sweet Illinois butter which is one Of
the specialtcs of the nrm On the solid oak floor
are huge piles OF boxes sacks, barrels, and other
packages containing all manner OF articles per-
tanning to the grocary business. In the front por-
tion Of the second story Is the Office OF the book
kee per,which Is connected with the floor below by
spenking-tubes and dumb waiter. The remain
der ofthe floor is filed with miscellaneous goods
and will be used for salesroom and for packing
purposes
THE STAFF OF LirE.
The third story is devoted exclusively TO -four,
with a capacity for 5000 barrels, and the room is
now we'll filled. on this floor is the boiler and
engine which supplies power for the steam elevator
and coffee -roasters The fourth story is devoted
to liquors of all kinds, and the array in this
branch, although at the top of tho building, is q
large store in itself skylight and well about the
centre Of tho building supplies light and ventila.
tion, and furnace in the cellar will supply the
heat All goods will be received and delivered a.
the street 'front.' and by this means the retail de-
partment will always be as neat and clean as
parlor floor. Taken oil in oil, the stock, fixtures,
building, and location the best that experience
can suggest or money buy, and the firm will Ger.
tainly be rewarded for their enterprise by tho in
creased patronage the people ofthe District.