The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-03-27
GRAND OPENING OF THE PEOPLES
STORE, DANVILLE.

The "opening" of The Peoples
Store (W. c. Frick ~ Coy on Mon
day night was the most striking event
Of the year. From the hour when the
doors were thrown open to the public
until late at night continuous stream
of people poured in and out the large
double set of folding doors, while in
side the huge caravansary mass Of
humanity surged hither and thither
The rays of the many arc lights lit up
the scene brilliantly, and in front Of
the store along the spread of plate
glass and inside the big room the
scene was one long to be remembered.
Visitors there, were from all parts; our
neighboring towns sent large delega-
tons; the country districts furnished a
big contingent: while our townspeople
were present in swarm. From half
past six in the evening till about elev-
en- o'clock S,II7 people visited what
is now the finest store in this section
OF the State. 1t must be seen to be
fully appreciated, and to one who has
in mind the old Company Store the
metamorphosis will be found most
wonderful.
The entire front--except the recess
where the folding doors give access
and egress-is on the lower floor a
mass of French plate glass, behind
which are compartments in which are
tastefully displayed the goods from diff
ferent departments Of the store, and
to light up these windows three arc
light swing over the pedestrians head.
Along the Centre street side wide
walk leads from Mill street to the rear
of the building, with store entrances
on the side to the grocery and meat
departments, and the lights swung out
here brighten Centre street as it never
was lit up before.
But once inside the beauty and ex-
celenee of the Transformation strikes
the visitor. The old low ceiling has
been completely torn away, and the
room has now height of I9 feet, the
ceiling finished ir hardwood. The
main room is o2 feet in width by II
feet deep, while the groce,y depart
ment has depth of 2Io feet And
back Of the grocery department is
room for farmers and meat cutters,
which is yet but partially finished. In
the main rooms are the different de-
partments of goods, except carpets,
for which gallery has been reserved
at the back end. access to which is
gained by stairway. From the bal
cony of the carpet dep ,rtment one
can get comprehensive view of the
major part of the establishment The
offices are back Of the main room and
opposite the rear end of the grocery
department. The Interior is lit up by
six arc lights at night, but during the
day the big win..ows and the sky-lights
have driven away the dimness that
was wont to reign in the old store.
Over the display windows in front
inside runs a gallery which will be
used for the display Of the inner fabrics
On Monday night this gallery was oc-
cupied by large orchestra that at in
tervals discoursed music for the enter
tainment of the visitors. Mr.. H. H.
Tyler, of Lester Co., Binghamton, N.
Y during the evening, favored those
present with vocal music, am: as the
gentleman was an excellent singer, his
efforts were much enjoyed.
The Peoples Store is the biggest
piece of mercantile enterprise that our
city has ever seen put into effect, and
Central Pennsylvania can now boast
of a store that will compare favorably
with the best in the metropolis. The
credit for this enterprise is due solely
to Mr. VIM. c. Frick, the head Of the
firm. He has shown himself far in
advance of his contemporaries, recog
nzied and supplied one of the great
needs of the town, and should and
will reap the success which intelligent
enterprise demands and achieves.
The store will be under the personal
direction of Mr.. George German, one
of the most competent men in that
line Of business.
My good luck attend "The Peo-
pies Store" is the general wish.-Sun