National Republican., 1885-11-14
A MAMMOTH CONCERN.
Bnum's ,Great Millinery and Notion
House Described.

"Thosc are 81" pleasant voice was
heard to say as representative of the RE-
PUBLICAN entered Baum's store yesterday
afternoon. Looking up a pretty blonde
lady was seen standing back Of the counter,
and in her outstretched shapely hand was
pair Of gloves. Before hsr was we'll
dressed gentleman inclined to purchase,
but who, at the moment, gave little atten-
tion to the gloves, evidently finding some
thing more attractive in the vender, but
with the tue instincts Of gentleman he
gave look Of admiration, aud then came
back TO business. Not tarrying to
see " sale was effected or not,
the newspaper man passed on. Considera-
bic has been said Of late Of Charles Baums
store, 4lG Seventh street, of the extentive
space II covers, great variety and immense
stock carried, the large force OF employees
required to conduct the establishment, aud
the extensive business done by the house.
To ascertain the correctness Of these state
mcnts and see whether or not there might
not be some overcoloriug Of them was the
secret Of the quiet ''dropping In" 1t did
not require much time to become convinced
in regard to the extent of the establishment.
From the street It looks large, but tho vast
ness Of 1t can only be comprehended by per-
sonal inspection. The store now looks out
upon three streets-Seventh, Eighth, and ID.
With thirty feet width IL runs through the
entire square. Midway 1t meets an annex
that passes back Of the large "Dayis build
ing,n and comes down alongside Of the
hotel at the Eighth and ID streets cor
ner, and abuts on the latter street. II
space at his command Mr.. Baum, II not
oyer-supplied, would at least not find him
self crnmped for room; but 1t seems that
with all the extensions made he could utilize
more If lie had it.
This can be attributed to business
which, now remarkably large, is steadily in
creasing, and there is every reason for be-
lieying will double itself ere the winter is
over.
The Seventh street main building consists
OF three stories and basement. In the
latter can be found every description of
popular books which have come from the
press, and, as the prices are moderate, the
department has steady visitors and frequent
sales. As one enters the store, from the
street, on the right, running back some
sixty feet is the ladies' button and dress
trimmings department, completely stocked.
Directly opposite is the gentlemen's fur
nlshingss, hosiery, merino underwear, SC,
complete In every respect. Through the
center Of the store, running between these
two departments, can be found ladies' glovei
Of every shade, size, and make; handker
chiefs Of the most choice aud exquisite
make, and neckwear OF. every conceivable
design.
Immediately back Of these, on the same
floor, is the notion department, where any
person difficult to please should make q
halt for II there is anything on earth they
want they will likely find it has been listed
there.
The second floor front is taken up with
lady's cloaks and suits, making a rich and
attractive showing. This department re-
presents considerable money. Many of the
goods on sale are not only elegant in style
and finish, but made of the finest worsted
the market can produce.
The third floor is as busy place as can be
found in the building. This is termed the
factory, where all the suits and many of the
cloaks and coats are made.
The Eighth street extension is 30x100
feet, and the first floor is used exclusively
for silks, velvets, and dry goods, and the
department carries not only the best goods
obtainable In its line, but remarkably
large stock from which to make selections.
The floor above is termed the children's
bazaar, where n complete outfit is to be had
for all ages and sizes.
In the d street annex, which is 30 by 125
feet,is combined the departments for cotton
wear, millinery, and upholstery goods
which in quality and quantity are in keep
ing with the other departments. To run
| tie entire establishment and give proper
| DsteDtion to customers requires the services
| Of $50 employees. Each department has IL
| manager who is held responsible for IL and
| works in harmony with the other.