Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-12-22
CHRISTMAS OPENING.
At Spafford, Cole & iipke's New
Brick Block.

In the opening of their new store
chronicled another round on the ladder
of the city's prosperity. The new store
is 4Ox1G0 it.. and connected with the
two adjoining stores by openings near
the center, thus giving practically three
stores in one with the advantages of
three fronts The new store is fitted
up with the cash system, elevated office,
electric lights, elevator, and all modern
appliances for displaying and handling
goods. 4 double row Of shelves occupy
the central portion of the store as far as
the office, broad aisles on either side
are backed by shelves filed with a
fresh stock Of dry goods and groceries
in endless variety. The right hand
side being devoted to dry goods and
ladies' furnishings with lady clerks in
attendance The left hand side con-
tains fancy groceries and shelf goods,
while the center is devoted to fine
shoes, boxed goods, and gents furnish
side is the crockery department where
from delf to imported china, and from
common glass to fine cut crystal any one
can get their moneys worth. At the
rear are also to be found mems clothing
in great variety, carpets, rugs, etc,
lamps, and house furnishings in all lines
of department store goods are tempt
ingly arranged throughout the store
The large glass fronts are adapted to the
modern style Of window displays. At
the right is one filed with samples IN
elegant design, handsome shoe tree
shows at a glance the variety and
quality Of the stock carried. In the
center window linen, rugs, draperies
etc, are arranged on racks and ap-
pliances for their artistic display.
While the left hand window holds a
tempting array Of apetizing dainties and
luxurious table furnishings. The great
quantity Of goods the firm dispose of
ensures fresh goods constantly on hand
in this line.
A handsome showcase OF novelties is
designed expressly for the center front
of the store for fancy articles and dainty
lingerie. On the south side of the
store, near the rear, is the elevator, also
an arch opening into the old depart
ment where the staple groceries are
disposed of, and still beyond that de-
partment is the flour and feed store
making this the most complete depart
ment store in the city.
Messrs. Spaford ard Cole are old
residents and have built up their busi-
ness from small begiising by enter
prise and untiring industry. Mr.. Cole
conducts branch store in Rhinelander
Mr.. Spaford, and Mr.. Lipke the junior
partner, manages the business here,
giving personal supervision to the details
of buying and selling. Mr.. Spafford,
the senior partner, is one Of the old
timers here, and has q widely established
reputation for business integrity Mr.
L1pke served the public as clerk in the
store where his recognized ability
hewed the path to his present position
courteous and accommodating, he in
tuitively sees the obligations between
proprietor and customer, employer and
employee, hence his popularity.
The firm employs ten clerks, a num-
Der of them German speaking, among
them Messrs. George Laufer, Mat Anser,
Fred Weaver, Paul Menzel, Seth Spaf-
ford, Jr., and Misses Nash and McCartv,
and Mrs. Paul Bitmer, with extra help
on Saturdays. Miss Hasbrouck, who
has been with them three years, has
been promoted to the position of
cashier.
The REPORTER extends congratulations
to the firm on their successful opening
and continued prosperity, and bespeak
for them liberal patronage.