The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1891-10-09
NUMBER Al.
w.B.HALL & co.'s GREAT STORE.
Detailed Description of the Interior Guide for
Purchasers


which occupied the corner of Main and
Cannon streets in 1873. Then the build
ing was but 80 feet in depth, quarters
were crowded, there being hardly enough
room for the large stock of goods which,
even at that time, the firm kept on hand.
Little by little the business grew. First
was added the basement, then followed
in natural sequence the ground floor of
the Y. NJ. C. A. building, then the old
historic house on the roof, upper floors
of the Y. NJ. G. A. building, followed by
the so-called chapel annex. Even these
were insufficient, the steady but rapid
growth of the business necessitating even
larger and more roomy quarters. These
at length have been obtained and, as one
enters the two large roomy stores on the
ground floor well lighted and ventilated,
belief comes over him that here indeed
is the model dry goods store of the coun-
try. Entering by the eommodious arch
ed doorway at the corner of Main and
Cannon streets, the customer is for the
moment at a loss which way to turn, so
great has been the transformation from
the old quarters.
Glancing down the long aisle to the
left, ones eye soon takes in the fact that
here are arranged, convenient of access,
the ribbons, ruchings and art goods on
the one side. while, on the other, the
large assortment of kid gloves, laces,
dress trimmings and Innings are ready for
inspection. Turning to the right or main
aisle, one passes in succession the gen.
tlemen's underwear furnishings and hos
iery, followed by the ladies' underwear
and hosiery departments, directly oppo-
site being the notion and fancy goods
space, where a lady can replenish her
dressing case from a pin to the most cost
ly knicknack. just beyond this wide
range of shelving, one finds to the right
a small wing devoted entirely to the la
dies and childrens articles. This de-
partment is especially appreciated by the
ladies, as it is removed from the business
part of the store. To the left of the ele-
vator, one notices large display of do
mestic goods and linens and then, pass
ing on few steps, the chapel annex lies
before him in all the brightness of its
many colored goods. This portion of the
store is devoted exclusively to fine dress
goods, a speciality being made of silks
and mourning goods. In the gallery at
the northern end, large supply of But
terick's patterns are on sale. The whole
building is admirably lighted on all four
sides; in fact, the entire store is except
ionally favored in this respect, light and
air being freely admitted to every part.
Taking the elevator to the second floor,
one is amazed at what confronts him as
he steps from the car. There, in orderly
profusion, lie numberless cloaks, seal
skins and furs, each one when sold being
fitted to the purchaser before leaving the
rooms. Attached to this well equipped
room is private seal room, which,
though small, contains at least $4,000
worth of sealskin goods varying in value
from $3.50 to $500. The fitting depart
ment is equipped with full length mirrors
and is in charge of Mrs Benjamin, she
having been at its head since its estab-
lishment several years ago.
The third floor, to which the visitor
next ascends, is, however, the brightest
star in the group, for here and here only
are to be found those gems of custom
made clothing and dresses which il so
gladdens the hearts of the daughters of
Eve to secure. AS one steps into the
central room, his eye at once is attracted
To t.h hla -nnvarod xxith fnb b.ioc Of ba
most delicate and charming shades.
These are goods, among which there are
no duplicates, imported by Messrs w. b.
Hall & Co. ana the purchaser of these
fine dress goods rests secure in the knowl-
edge that no others like them are to be
obtained in the city.
Turning to the right, one enters the
apartments devoted to custom cloak-mak-
ing. Mrs Hartshorn, who is i'm charge
of this department, is without a peer i'm
this line, her taste being of the very
highest degree and customers being al
ials, Bedford, camel's hair and embossed
cloths, are being daily made up in ex-
elusive styles. Turning from this charm
ing display, one enters the sanctum of
Mrs NJ, r. Connor, whose name is indis-
solubly connected with the success of w.
B. Hall & Cos dressmaking department.
Early in the Spring, Mrs Connor sailed
for Europe, entrusted with the mission of
purchasing for Hall & Co. many exclus-
i've styles of dresses, made nowhere else
but in that center of fashion, Paris. The
fruit Of Mrs Connor's trip is laid before
ones eyes in such profusion as to cause
the imagination to think Alladin's lamp
has once more been called into service.
The creations of Worth, Felix. Randritz
and Pingat are such as only these artists
can produce, while the novel designs of
Mrs Connor, as carried out by them, re-
ally bewilder the masculine mind. 1t is
with reluctance that the studio of Mrs
Connor is left behind and the seal sacque
fitting room entered. Mrs Maby, who is
in charge of this work, has been identi-
fled with the firm since they started in
business and her work is much appreci-
ated by customers. This completes the
tour of the upper floors and, entering the
elevator, one descends and views, last
but not least, the basement devoted to
lace and chenille curtains and rugs, both
of foreign and American manufacture
and high class art goods.
Glaneing up, one notices the new rap
id moving cable cash system lately put
in by the firm, which greatly expedites
the making of change. New toilet rooms
have also been put on each floor. while a
large double faced clock points out with