Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-05-07
s. $. SMITH 1 CO.
GARDENERS Magnificent Dry Goods Establish
,ment. An Honor 10 the City and Credit to
It's Enterprisins Propriesors-it Leads Any
Similar House in the Kennebec Valley.


goods" The speaker was lady. and
the place she referred to was F. s.
Smith & Cos. dry goods emporium in
Gardiner. They keep an excellent line
of goods. save us the annoyance of
sending to Boston. and they sell them
at reasonable prices" continued the
lady, who Is a prominent resident of
Augusta. This observant and keenly
critical lady simply voiced the senti-
ment of every one of the thousands of
customers who monthly crowd this ele
giant store The class of goods carried
in stock embrace every conceivable ar
ticle that a first class dry goods store
can be expected to carry. The finest
domestic and imported silks and satins
are found on the shelves and counters
of F. s. Smith & Co. They are there in
endless profusion, wonderful variety Of
color, and various designs. Their show
window display is a marvel of artistic
arrangement, and really an exhibition
of fine art. Their store, which occu-
pies one of the largest blocks in the
city, is in dimensions 45x90 feet. em-
bracing the first and second floors. 1t
is divided into a number of depart
ments, such as silks. satins, dress
goods, lining and trimming, lace
glove, cotton, linen, ribbon. notion,
clock and numerous others. The store
is nicely arranged, and the business
mechanism runs like clock-work. F. S.
Smith & Co.'S dress goods department
has become no less than celebrated in
and around this vicinity. Herein is
where they make a speciality and easily
surpass any house on the river. They
have from the plain, modest patterns,
to the richest and most exquisite i'm
ported patterns. This to the fair sex
means a great deal, and is greatly ap-
preciated, as they avoid the vexation
and annoyance of having their dress
patterns duplicated. Another feature
that characterizes this department is
that dress Innings and trimmings are
carried to match any dress pattern in
the store. The cloak department, To-
Gated on the second floor. is conspicu-
Gus for its handsome line of shoulder
capes and wraps. There are dainty
imported novelties trimmed with laces
and jet that would grace the shoulders
of queen. The firm gives employ
ment to a large number Of statesmen
and attaches They are liberal with
THEIR tIuplOycS, dIlu III consequence
every person in their employ is zeal
ously loyal to the interests of the firm.
and feel just pride in the high repu-
tation it enjoys among it's numerous
patrons. 1t is remarkable how quickly
some firms can gain the trade and con-
fidence of the public. Messrs. F. S.
Smith and S. Boothby. who comprise
the firm. began business here in $780,
and from that date it steadily pros
pered and grew. They also conduct
stores at Houlton, Biddeford and Ellis
worth. Although Mr.. Boothby's resi-
dence is maintained at Portland, his
time is evenly divided between the
three last named stores. while Mr..
Smiths entire time and attention is de-
voted to the Gardiner store There are
numerous elements entering into the
popularity of this noted firm, chief
among which are the following facts:
They are liberal advertisers, and carry
a stock of first-class goods, which they
sell at reasonable prices. They fulfill
every promise advertised, and are
keenly alive to the requirements of the
Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner
trade, which they thoroughly under
stand. They know the value of cour-
tesies and all patrons receive the most
considerate and polite attention. 1t
matters not whether the customer is
clad in calico or silk they are treated
with uniform courtesy by proprietor
and employees. and every effort made
to render visits to the store pleasant
and agreeable. Persons who trade
with this firm once. usually return
and, in nine cases out of ten, become
constant patrons. f. S. Smith & Co.
have no room for "shoddy" in their
establishment, and patrons always re-
ceive an equivalent for their money
This firm, by honorable dealing, has
long since established itself firmly in
the confidence of the public. and being
possessed of ample financial resources
is enabled to purchase for cash, at the
lowest rates, and thus are placed in a
position to give its customers the
benefit of desirable bargains which
other houses are not able to du-
plicate. The success of +. S. Smith
4 Co. in this business is phenomenal
From moderate beginning, they have,
by indomitable pluck. keen business
sagacity. rare judgment. and constant
desire to please. secured an enviable
position among the great mercantile
houses of the State. Their trade is of
desirable class, and their goods of
that quality and design that attract
and captivate those who visit their
splendid establishments Mr. Smith.
who takes full charge of the Gardiner
house. is an enterprising and pushing
business man. He is very popular
with all patrons and accords them a
hearty welcome.