The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-03-16
An Extensive and Elegant Establish
ment

Last fall, Messrs. Lipscomb u SOmervillt
purchased of the city, the large and valuable
lot on Main street, known as the Witt & Holt
lot On the 18th of November the work Of
erecting a store house thereon was commenc
I'd and by the 18th of February following the
job was done. On the 1st of this month the
firm moved in. The entire work was com.
pleted IN the three mid winter months.
The building is of brick, very handsome and
imposing in appearance, SO by 80 feet, two
stories high and has large, well-lghted and
ventilated basement, occupying the entire
space under the first floor. The first floor has
been specially arranged for the display of the
firms elegant and beautiful stock. The room
is the largest in the valley, splendidly lighted,
and afording every facility for handling a
heavy trade. The front of the lower floor is OF
glass with the exception of the centre
door leading up stairs. On each side
of this entrance is large glass door opening
into the store-room. Each of these doors is
set between deep windows displaying some
little part of the immense stock. On entering
the east door, the visitors attention Is arrested
by handsome velvet-lined glass cabinet, 10
by 10 feet and feet deep, in which are exhib-
tied the finer specimens ofsilver- plated goods
These goods are arranged in tiers and each
separate piece is thus shown to the best ad-
vantage. Just beyond this cabinet. and imme-
lately under the steps leading to the second
story, is the office, enclosed in a neat railing
and having in it the proprietors and cashiers
DESKS safe, &C. Beyond this is another large
centre glass cabinet containing beautiful spec
linens of slver-plated ware of all styles and
designs, and near it is the clerks desk, where
orders are noted and the day book kept. To
the left Of this is long line of show cases In
which are displayed the stock of cutlery and
fiat silver ware, such as spoons, butter knives,
SC. Farther on is the stone china, and at the
end Of the room is the department of
fancy gas fitting. Opposite this is another
long counter, extending almost the entire
depth of the room. This is devoted to French
china sets, an immense assortment of beauti-
full designs, majolica and decorated ware, fan.
cy glass ware. vases, statuary, SC. These two
counters run parallel. near the centre of the
room. The three walls from ceiling to floor
are lined with the china goods in all varieties,
housekeeper's supplies, and fancy goods with
out number. The entire room is one I'M
mense mass of all sorts, designs and qualities
Of plated and china ware. gas fixtures &C.. taste
fully and conveniently arranged, reminding
me of a department at the world 8 fair.
The lower, or basement story, opens on
Water street and is designed for the storage.
Of the heavy goods, such as crockery. stone
china and stone ware. 1t is supplied with tiers
Of large bins, in which an almost indefi-
mite quantity Of goods car he packed away
On this floor is the water and gas pipe de-
partment in charge of a competent mechanic
prepared to turn out all kind 8 of work at the
shortest notice. The gas engine is also on
this floor. 1t will be used in furnishing artifi-
cial light to the entire establishment, and is
capable of supplying $50 burners.
The upper story ofthe building is at present
unoccupied. 1t consists ola hall go by SO fee,
with rooms fronting on the street, suitable for
offices, &C. Each story is supplied with water,
and every thing that convenience could sug-
gest.
From cellar to roof the building is complete
Every detail has received careful attention
and nothing has been left undone that would
contribute to the convenience and desirabili-
ty ofthe house. The enterprfsing firm have
supplied it with a stock commensurate with
the proportions of the building They are
better prepared to handle goods now than
any other house in the State, and their facil-
tiles have induced them to make their store
one ofthe chief ornaments of our city. In ex-
tent, variety and quality the stock surpasses
anything ever exhibited in their line outside
of the large wholesale houses. They have ex-
ercised admirable taste In their selections. and
with years of experience in supplying the
wants of this community. are determined &c
make this house not only the largest. hut III
cheapest and best in VIRGINIA