The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-03-23
The New Premises Of the oliver Dit
son Company.
fBoston journal. j


The Oliver Ditson Company. so we'll known
throughout the United States for its promi.
hence as centre for musical publications,
musical instruments ard all else appertain.
tanning to the divine art Of music, has lately
perfected movement which not only gives
the company additional room In which to
carry on their constantly increasing bust
ness, but also one of the finest buildings for
the purpose in the city. The premises were
originally numbered 453 to 1853 Washington
street, and at the time Of their construction
were occupied as dry goods store by Chur-
chill, Gilchrist. Smith & Co, the firm occu-
plying the whole building. Later. changes
have occurred. alterations were made where
by number of parties became occupants Of
the same; those giving way to the altera-
tions and changes which, in taking posses.
sion of the building, were found necessary
for the new business to be conducted there
In.
AS now arranged, there is but one main
entrance to the structure, which opens direct
into the retail department, where every
facility for handling the immense quantity of
music demanded by the constant influx of
patrons Is to be noticed and appreciated.
The counters, shelving, and in fact all the
woodwork of this floor is of chestnut, and
gives light, cheerful appearance, conform.
Ing with the ceilings and other surroundings,
all of which are the best that experience
could suggest. Near the elevators, which
are directly In front of the entrance, is the
office of Mr.. Clarence Woodman, Superin-
tendent OF the store; and at the rear Is the
entrance to the express and mailing depart
ments, which are convenient and of good
size, and apparently all that is needed for
this portion OF the work Of the establish
ment. On the floor above Is the office of Mr..
y; Z. Haynes, and the counting room; also the
pianoforte sales room. In charge Of Mr.. S. A.
Gould recently Of New York, which is one of
the best In size, light and space to be seen any.
where, and which, In its fitting up. includes
a suite OF three parlors, carpeted, finely
lighted, and otherwise made attractive, and
IN which parties purchasing pianos can have
them tried, and thereby get the same tone
and effects as they would on the floors of
their own homes. From this floor enter
ance is mad to the second story of the build
ars, m which the concern has been so long,
naut mnete VIII be found the publication de-
ranged on shelves In this and stories ahoua
ioI illeuiate use as the retail and whole
SAFE departments may require. On one side
Sate viii be bTt5n floors at the little later
retail departments Of the large business anu ~
John @. Haynes d Co., which, as Is we III
known, is a branch Of the Oliver DItseen1
Company, and which will, by this cbas Son
have excellent facilities for the display ana
sale of the various musical instruments car.
ried In the large and general assortment of
the house. On the fourth floor, which is adj
mirably arranged to handle the great stock
Of music, Is also the advertising room Of the
concern, which has been made very pleasant
by neatly tinted walls and pictures and
which Is presided over by Mr.. j. c. johnson:
and on the upper story there is still more
stock, all of which is placed for quick hand
ling as may be desired. The whole building
is lighted by electricity and fitted with cleo
trio bells, having sufficient power In the
basement for all the wants of the establish
ment. In summing up 1t can be stated that
the building has frontage Of seventy feet,
Is elegantly appointed from basement to top,
and In the alterations made, care has been
had 70 have convenience and comfort 60
nana IN hand, so that In receiving goods
preparing them for sale and In meeting
tne demands from customers, the easiest and
pffe ~ methods for the accomplishment
o. o., tne same have been secured, and cannot
Iall 70 meet the approval of both those who
serve and those who are served,