The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1885-10-07
TWO MEN OF ATHENS.
Description of Block they have
ju8t Completed.

Description of Block they have
Just Completed.
II really begins 10 look as though III,
village Of Athens W'n. once more to tpl4
nm important place n a commercial cen.
ter In the good old days that wc hea
Of Athens was thriving place for trade.
but of late years ii has gone back on its
early record New blood has lately been
infused into Its dormant veins and now il
Is taking determined start to the front.
With these evidences of improvement in
financial affairs come other marks Of an
Improved sentiment among the people.
The village has long needed hall for
public entertainments but nothing has
been furnished. Some time ago seine one
started project TO get mp stock com
pany for the purpose Of building hall
but this failed To he successful. Inst
spring Mr. Albert c. Wade and Mr. Ed
ward Wade, two Of the most cnterprising
citizens of the town, put their heads to-
gether and decided to erect the much
needed hall. They we'd knew what the
public wanted and not being hampercd
for want OF funds were enabled to fur
nish just what was required, 1t WAS de-
cidcd to bntld spacious block with a
handsome store on The FIRST floor and a
hall i'll the second and third stories. Work
was commenced in the early spring and
now The block is completed and thc fine
new store will be opened to-day. The
dedication OF the halls will come as soon
as they can be furnished. Let us look at
the block and see what Athens ha. every
reason to be proud Of.
The store in the first story of tac block
which is opened by Mr.. Wade to-day is
a marvel Of beauty and convenience. There
is no better store in Somerset. Skowhc-
gan not excepted. 1t is 70x3a feet with
large Store-room in the rear through
which all the goods are received. Plate
glass windows light up the store thorough
ly and well even on the darkest days. The
floor is of birch matched SO as to bring
some wood. The entire finish Of the store
is in black ash simply oiled and shcachcd
so as to bring out the grain in all its nat
nral beauty. The panels Of the counters
and the front of the drawers exhibit some
curious specimens of this natural beauty
The tops Of the counters are birch and
very handsome. TO the right as You ell
ter the door Is finely appointed counting
room in which, we suspect, that the Tn
tied States mail will find its way ere many
moons, for it's known to not a few that
Mr.. Wade is to receive the appointment
as postmaster of Athens very soon He
is most careful and accommodating
gentleman and cannot fail to please all
who have business at the Office Beneath
the store is a fine cemcntcd cellar where Il
huge refrigerator is to be placed for the
reception of butter and other perishablc
produce which the firm will deal in eXtcn-
Sivcly. Joining the main building is a
comnodious ell and connecting that with
a huge barn is 81 feet shed for the com
fort of horses. The store and all its APP
pointmcnts is amodel worthy to he copied
after. Now word as to what is to be
contained in this store and we will ascend
to the halls above. Mr.. Wade spent all of
last week at market where he selected an
immense stock Of goods to adon the new
store. With his long experience and
most excellent judgement rs 70 the wants
OF his trade. il would be strange indeed if
he has failed to meet the requirements of
the case. 1t is needless 10 attempt t. en-
the stock of goods he keeps for
he has full line of all kinds and Il far
larger stock than he ever carried before.
Goods are remarkably low now and he has
stocked up expecting a rise which is sulc
10 come.
On the north side of the block is IL hall
way leading up stairs This is of hard
wood finish and very attractive. TN the
second story we find a handsome ha!l-thc |
ong looked for public hall Ii is J0X3l |
feet with substantial hard wood floor
making Il fine smooth surface. Near the |
,ntrancc is Il connexions stage which /
AN be reached from the entry or from |
he iloor. Waiting and dressing rooms
lank it, giving every convenience Tor
lramatic representations. 1t is Il perfect
gem of Il hall with nothing wanting to
make it complete \ rear entrance iurm-
shes what we hope never viii be needed |
Il fire escape.
In the third story is a hall for ihc cN-
elusive use Of the odd Fellows. \ large |
room is entered at the head
If the stairs. Then comes several ante
'ooms and passing through these we come
10 the lodge room proper This Is room
,Sx33, but it is to he fitted up by the lodge
n fine style. They control the entire
bird story.
Thus in brief have we skctchcd this
block. but it must be seen to be
appreciated. No money has been spared |
o make it ample and convenient for the
purposes for which il was built. The
citizens Of Athens naturally feel grateful |
oward Mc>srs. Wade X Ware for erect
ne so fine Il block and at such large OK
1cnse. That the venture will prove pay |
ne investment there can be no doubt.