The Newtown bee., 1888-11-02
DAVID M. READ.

The BEE takes pride in presenting sketch of Hon David M.Read and his vast business enterprises, The D. M. Read Go. and The Read Carpet Co.,, for to him is due much of the steady and permanent increase of Bridgeport's prosperity. For years, he has been president of the Bridgeport Board of Trade and no one familiar with the recent history of the Park City need to be told that his busi- ness sagacity and quick perception of that which will accrue to Bridgeports honor and advancement have often in- duced manufacturers and others to To- cate here, become identified with our in- dustries and do their full share toward maintaining the many excellent features for which the city is noted.
 David NJ. Read was born in Hoosick Falls, N. r., October 12, 1892. His ear ly days were spent on the farm and as clerk in village stores and he came to Bridgeport in 1852, entering the employ of F.. Birdsey X Co.,, at that time the leading dry goods house of Bridgeport. September l., 1851, he opened store at 227 Main street, directly opposite Bird sey's, remaining here until 1869, when the elegant corner store in Wheeler's building, Main street and Fairfield ave- nue, was occupied.
 In 1884, The D. M. Read Co. was form ed to carry on the business on a more ex- tended scale. At present, David M. Read is president, David F. Read vice president, Silas Burton secretary and Charles E. Read treasurer.
 At various periods in the firms exist ence, it has been necessary to alter and enlarge the rooms and, in 1886, a large annex was erected for them by MI Wheeler The grand opening of this an. nex, which is entirely devoted to The b M Read Co.,, took place in the Fall o1 1886 and paper published at that time speaks thus kindly of them:
 The improvements made in the several diff ferent branches of trade during the past few years are astonishing Stores have been en larged, stocks increased and departments ex tended. In the dry goods business, probably the most rapid growth is noticed and among the most prominent firms is the D. M Rcat Co. of Bridgeport. This firm is now about tt open a large addition, consisting of two regu lar stores, three stories high, on one of thu most slightly corners of the city. During th' past year so, this firm have more thar doubled their stock of dr ess goods and silks so that now there is no larger line shown thai is displayed over their counters.
 Cloaks and wraps of the most exquisite de signs and materials will occupy the maii fl oors, this Fall and it is safe to say that thi will be the largest space given to cloaks il the county. Particular and personal atter tion is given to every garment made by tn ID. M. Read Co.,, as to the selection of plush Things and trimmings and, after they aC cepted for the sales room, they are perfect i every detail.
 Carpets and upholstery goods will be eA tended into the new building, which gives thi department fully much more room as Ina been occupied before. It has always bee conceded that the D. M. Read Co. were tn leaders in carpets of all grades and this repl tation is fully sustained by them, as no wor Is allowed to go out without careful exam nation of every detail Their prices are qua anteed to be as low reliable goods can sold. The increasing trade of this firm
 highly fiattering to them and no doubt tho will grow still more in the future. tol through the Is departments will repay ar one when in Bridgeport.