The Portland daily press., 1885-10-01
Allen & Co,

Iva oViiiO tihiS pdSt tAC hlduollOSTluCdllOU OF
the plain four stored brick structure on the
corner OF Middle and Plum streets, formerly occu-
pied by the First National Bank, into building
possessing all the style of frst-class New York
establishment, has been watched with attentive
and wondering eyes by many of our citizens. Yes
terday the work was completed, the new occu-
pants had moved in, and were ready to accord
hearty greeting to their many friends who throng-
ed their beautiful store.
Allen Co., the well known clothiers and deal
srs In gentlemen's furnishing goods, is the firm
who control the finest store ON the street, one of
the most attractive in the city, and not surpassed
by anything this side of New York. The externa,
appearance of the edifice has been greatly chang.
ed. The brick work has been oiled, and now as
suries dark red hue, much warmer in tone and
better adapted to our severe climate. The front
of the building has been converted into the Queen
Anne style OF architecture and at night an electric
light will bring it out in strong contrast with its
surroundings. Immense plate glass windows dec
crate the front and Plum street corner of the
store while the long semi-circular windows on the
sides and rear remain, giving abundance of light
by day. These windows, of the finest plate, are
IL feet deep, 8 feet wide and feet high in the
clear, and are surmounted by 4 feet more of win
dow, composed Of English bullions, 22o in num-
Der, in which are set panels of the most expen-
siye, ornamented stained glass, on two of which
are marked No 2o4, the number of the street
over the front entrance, in stained glass, Is en-
grayed in fancy lettering the firm name, Allen g.
Co., ClothlerS. The upper one of the show win
dows is filled with the finest, most expensive and
most tasteful array of gentlemens neckwear in
all shades and patterns, handkerchiefs, under
wear, hosiery, gloves, etc.. while that on the
corner Of Plum street exhibits great variety of
imported fabrics in all shades taken from the
tailoring department. These goods are skilfully
grouped, and in the rear OF the window is solid
gilt rod from which hangs rich portiere as q
background
The first floor of the store is devoted to the re-
tail department. The wall decorations are most
artistcally chosen The handsome oddly-paneled
ceiling Of the room, frescoed in delicate cream
color, with its stucco ernamentation and heavy
succeed cornice brought out into prominence by
golden bronze figures, has been allowed to re-
main. Then comes a frieze, four feet Deep in In
dia red and Quaker drab, while the body color of
the walls is a myrtle green, the combination pro-
ducing very happy effect. The long apartment
Is Sox22 in sixe and 15 feet In height. Its show
tables, loaded with the finest garments to be seen
In this State, manufactured in the most thorough
manner, lined and quilted with silk, number four
teen, all of imitation cherry. The counters and
show cases are of real cherry the latter also dis
playing the finest plate glass On the shelves be-
hind the counters, are arranged boxes with
handles, so much more easy to use in exhibiting
goods, and in which the fine wear is kept from
selling so much better. Shirts, underwear, hand
kerchiefs Of all prices and styles may here be
found. At the end Of the room Is delightful old
fashioned fireplace with its closed SETTLE cosy
dressing room with full length mirror, and the
allowed cutting department. Opposite the fire.
place Is the portion of the store rallied off for the
use Of the office, and on one side the handsome
spiral iron-gt stair case ascending to the upper
stories. At night this floor is lighted by elegant
gilt gasaliers with crackle-glass shades, while the
whole building Is heated, night and day. by steam
from the Falmouth Hotel adjoining.
The second floor is appropriated to the whole
sale department. the wholesale trade of the firm
extending through Maine, New Hampshire and
Vermont for the past thirteen years.
The third floor contains two large, well lighted
rooms for the tailoring department, one for the
manufacture Of custom clothing, the other for the
cutting and trimming of clothes of the firms own
manufacture.
The fourth floor is devoted to the wholesale de-
partment, and here the surplus stock is stored.
The heavy entrance doors to the first floor from
the street should not be forgotten. They are of
solid cherry. Inserted in the centre are very
handsome and unique brass signs, one bearing the
inscription Zine tailoring" the other 'Fine
clothing" These signs were made by Ciley of
Boston
To Mr. Calvin Stevens, the architect who drew
| the plans, and Mr.. Will Allen the praise belongs
| for the fine taste which devised the decoration
and saw them carried out, as well as the exquisite
| furnishings of the beautiful store. Washington
Libby didthe carpenter work knight & Redlon the
| stone mason work; W E. Howard the painting; w
| 81. Sanborn the cabinet work and plate glass; F.
| o. Bailey & Co. the show cases; Redding, Baird g.
| Co. Of Boston the stained glass; T. W. Emerson,
of Loring, Short s. Harmon, the papering,
Mr.. c. G. Allen will have charge of the manu-
| featuring and wholesale departments Mr.. Will
Allen Of the retail department; Messrs. c. G..
Allen and E. e. Benson of the financial depart
mcnt and Mr.. w. B. Bucknam of the tailoring
department The latter gentleman comes from
Dover, N. H.. where he has been engaged for the
past three years with the largest establishment