The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-12
THE OLD AND THE NEW.
Difference Between the Furniture of Our
Grsndfathers and Our Own.


In no direction has the combination OF art and
utility been developed more thoroughly or hap
PLY than In the matter of household furniture
80 true, in fact, is this that in frst-class furn
ture establishment much may be found that, en-
tirey aside from its ptilitarian character, is
worthy to be studied a true work of art, as re-
CARDS design combination of colors, carving, etc.
To prove that this statement is not oyerdrawn
one has but to visit the establishment of King &
| Elder, at 43 and As South Meridian street,
whose attractive window on North Pennsyl-
vania street arrested the attention of so many
! passers a short time ago. That they found their
old quarters too limited is proof in itself that the
energy displayed by the young members Of this
firm has been tempered with Judgment which is
| equivalent to diploma declaring them pecu-
liarly fitted to manage the line of business which
they have chosen. 1t is their ambition to put be-
fore their patrons only that which is intrinsic
ally mertorious, and which will bear
witness for the establishment long after
1t has been put to the use designed.
Their new salesrooms finely adapted to
their line of trade, being SO we'll lighted that a
defect in any article on exhibition would at
once declare itself to the most casual observer,
bnt as the firm in question proposes TO handle
only such goods as will bear the closest inspec-
tloH, they consluer InlS IacG an advantage 10
themselves well as to their customers En-
terlng their doors one looks down u long vista
OF furniture OF all characters which has GER
1a,ny been oe. arranged by sr, one
could hardly be improved upon, resulting in
general effect decidedly pleasing in contra
distinction to the chaotic confusion which fire.
quently reigns supreme In "the dim cathedral
gloom" of many establishments of a similar
character. While King & Elder carrya general
line OF furniture, they handle several speclalties
OF sucn a grade that IndlanapOitan need
leave the Hoosler capital ito procure that
which would not be shamed by Introduction into
the Vanderbilt mansion, Upon the south side
or the first floor il ranged from front to rear
line of bedroom furniture upon which the deco
of the world have been laid
constructed. One feature worthy of note in con-
nection with the goods of this house, Is that,
however profuse the ornamentatl0n, in no
instance Is 1t of bizarre character, but such as
does no violence To the tenets of true art. This
applies with especial force to their mantel cabl-
nets and wood mantels which might we'll lave
been designed, and, in fact must have been, by
artists or no mean grade Tits, OF course, impos-
sible, in short article like this to catalogue the
goods kept by this house, or to convey an ade-
quate idea of the beauties of the furniture with
which their rooms are crowded. Nothing short
oil personal Inspection can; OF course, do this
wants and tastes of all classes of purchasers.
The goods which are designed for ornamental
ton, based upon a minimum of actual utility
which they carry, are of a character IN Keeping
with articles before mentioned as to artistic de-
sign and excellence of material Certainly
could have no well defined idea OF ones wants II
they could not find that in this establishment
which would meet their views in the furniture
line. In upholstered goods, 1t may be
said, without fear of contradiction
by the facts that mechanical or decorative
art In this direction has not gone beyond what
can be displayed by King & Elder on the second
floor of their warerOoms, and those desiring the
best afforded by the market IN this direction, are
putting themselves to needless expense and
trouble by going out of Indianapolis therefor, so
long the establishment in question keeps the
character of goods now on display. Throughout
every department this house is complete and
compact, working rooms being in immediate con-
tIguity to the salesrooms, and all being of size
and character well adapted to the use to which
put. 1t may be said, without leaving the field of
fact to trench upon the borders OF puff
ferry, that this firm has O just reason
for pride in the success which has met their eff
forts during their short term of business life as
furniture dealers. 1t is also pride in which the
city has right to share, from the fact that II is
through such enterprise that ite growth is accel-
Grated and its Importance maintained trade
center While the growth of this house is
largely due to the business capacity of its man
ayers, they are bound to divide the credit, the
character of the goods which they handle having
been no unimportanJ factor in the general re-
suit.