The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1885-09-13

In the dialect OF q former PERIOD opposite the
"Mash ~ Market recently stood a building which had
the Avenue House. The site had formerly been
morass, and the settling OF the structure caused
large crack in the wall which gave rise to the cee-
brated litigation OF Jones rersus Dermott, which
lasted a period of fifteen years. The Supreme
Courts dictum settled number OF important points
that MIR. Andrew Saks, who had but recently es-
tablished himself In q part OF this building as a
he now returns, having about year ago g secured
this site by lease for the erection of structure with
out rival in the clothing business on the Atlantic
Coast. Notwithstanding the predictions OF many
experts that the foundation was insufficient to bear
the contemplated weight, the result has shown that
in this respect we have improved on the methods of
our forefathers.
Letus enter the upper door, on the seventh-street
side, and examine in detail all the parts OF this
magnificent edifce.
The first thing that strikes the visitor is wilder
ness Of gilt gas fixtures of graceful FORM Then
the grand staircase of oak, with its minute
paneling, and the newell post lights claim attention.
Under the staircase s are the principal dressing;
to hats and an eaps Se anS
tables for which are OF highly polished cherry.
The seventh-street side is handsomely fitted up
with shelving and showcases also Of cherry, for the
furnishing goods department. The back OF this
shelving is handsomely paneled in cherry for a
reached through the medium of mirrored doors at
convenient places In the row OF shelving The west
wall Of the principal part OF this immense room next
claims the attention Of the visitor by of the
huge mirrors Imposed thereon. The larger part of
this floor is arranged for mems and youths suits
We are now at the elevator shaft, with its cherry
and strapped brass nclosure-a work OF art with its
intricate carvings and imposing columns. Let us
snieTn s o i lighted y %e
now at the nth floor, cunnngly hid by the architec
ure the outside casual observer. This is the point
of safety for all purchasers for here amid the clouds
everything is thoroughly examined before exposure
for sale. The stock-room for surplus stock is here
also.
Let US walk down the oak stairway to the floor be-
low. This is the tailoring and manufacturing de-
partment also fitted up in oak, ASH and cherry. The
light here affords the most ample opportunity for the
examinations of wares so that no hidden defects
may escape the most ordinary observation.
AS we descend Que more flight we are In the over
courtroom, similarly fitted up with lightcolored ma
tive woods
We now take the grand staircase, with the dim
religious light afforded by the elaborately stained
windows to the second oor perhaps the most beau
tful OF all, and devoted exclusively to the sale Of
boys and children'S wares, including furnishing
goods and caps. The richly upholstered CHI airs and
sofas harmonize with,ihe carved cherry surround
ings. The elevator Enclosure, the handsome tables,
the ladies' toilet and boys dressing rooms make up
charming whole
Entirely across the front of this floor are the bust
ness offices OF the firm, now composed of Andrew
Saks, Isadore Saks, and George c. Henning. The
middle or first room entered Is the business recep-
tion-rOom. On the left Is the bookkeepers office,
and to the right the private office Of the firm. The
latter room has unique bronze mantel, surmounted
by large and handsome mirror. These rooms are
handsomely carpeted and furnished with chairs
The gas pendants on this and the upper floors are
entirely new in design and specially made to order
The gas system this and the first floor is arranged
in sections SO that by the aid of the electric spark
produced by frictonal machinery the whole series
burners in any one system may be lighted stimuli
taneousy.
were, into the bowels of the structure. Here is
where the safe foundation was laid amid ever
sprnging water. The footing is of concrete, as solid
as cement and broken stone can make 1t into one
homogeneous mass. The width is immense at the
points where the principal piers rest which uphold
the weight OF the structure As these piers rise u
the height OF each story they are surmounted by
immense iron and wood Orders to the topmost moor
support the moor joists, the stretch being too great
The engine-room, with two immense boilers, sepa
rate, but which may be connected, produce the steam
which warns the building throughout, supplies The
waier-tank which furnishes the motive power to III,
elevator machinery, and feeds the engine which rum
the dynamo for The electric lamps by which th'
building Is lighted.
portion Of the basement is finished and set aside
for the sale OF rubber and economical clothing
Here also is located the bureau of information
dominated by the entry and despatch clerk, who Il
ready 10 give information about articles missent
found, the time OF train and steamboat departure
bundles left TO be called for, etc.
look the Imposing outside as 1t rises to the heigh
OF ninety feet from sidewalk 10 caves. Every win
dow and transom Is OF the French plate glass, evol
wing pleasing shimmering In the bright sunlight
The windows are hung on centre pivots, SO by oh
serving proper angles air may be admitted am
shades attached to the sashes and move with then
out and IN.
Inc main pier Oh Inc corner OF TWO thorough
fares contains two Of the most handsome signs II
America, specially plated by the Gorham Company
The two show-window panes on the south front ar,
80 large that shipment could only be made \!
steamer, and the company were obliged to enlarg
their shed openings TO let them through
Mr.. John Fraser was the architect, and Messrs
Kenderdine a Paret the builders OF this supeIstruc
ture, Of which they have reason to be proud.
This immense establishment WAS thrown open I
the public yesterday, and all day long until far int
the night throngs of visitors testified their apprecia
ton OF Washington enterprise and taste, and we ar
sure all OF our people wish the new nrm SUCCESS /
their formidable undertaking
We must not fail TO render our thanks to GU
courteous guide, Mr.. George C.. Henning Their
are many who will miss Mr.. Hennings old store
where he had gained the soubriquet Of sold Relia
bty." He Is, however, pleased to say that hi
friends will md better facilities under his manage
ment at present than ever before.