Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-12-02
in A BLAZE OF LIGHT,
Young & McCombs' New EN-
porium is Thrown Open
to the Public.
A METROPOLITAN IsrABLIsHNEHT.

Meets the Ideal % the People and Raldlls
the Ambltsoa Of the Dnssrpsising Pro-
prissers, Whess Business Has Grown
Prom Small Beginning 60 One Of the
Lasgas and Most Cenplsts In the West.
a blaze Of light shown through the
plate glass windows from base to
roof Of the new Peter Fries build
ing on Second avenue last evening,
illuminating that cosmopolitan bust
ness thoroughfare for blocks either
way and rejecting the lustre that
was within. 1t was the occasion Of
tho opening to the public Of Young
& McCombs' metropolitan depart
ment store. embracing the entire
new building designed and erected
BY Peter Fries for their accommoda-
ton. The building. which is three
stories high. with 60 feet in width
on Second avenue, was designed by
Drack & kerns. is Italian Renais-
ssnce in style Of architecture. and is
built OF pressed buf brick With
trimmings Of stone and terra Gotta.
The front is largely of plate glass
from the first floor to the roof, and
this contributes largely to the up
to.date appearance. II is such q
building as is in keeping with the
progressive spirit Of the times in
Rock Island, the needs Of her people,
and the ideas, ends and aims OF the
propristors, Messrs. +. G. Young
aud W. S. McCombs. This firm has
grown from its small beginning q
few years ago until its business, ex.
banding as It has developed, has be-
come one OF the most extensive in
the general store line ia this entire
section, and when il attained those
requirements that demanded more
space. Rock Island capital was ready
to provide Ii. The event Of last
night, therefore, became one Of mu.
tusl qualification aud pride. An.
other great commercial enterprise
had been completed, another OF the
foremost business firms had seen its
enterprise rewarded.
mtg stores Inspected.
Thousands thronged the building
during the hours OF the opening.
Bleuer's orchestra, stationed on the
second floor, discoursed enchanting
music throughout the evening. The
fragrance Of beautiful flowers was
waited through the assemblage and
added charm to the brilliancy OF the
scene. Tho elevator was busy travel.
ing, carrying people tc and from the
upper floors, the cash carrier system
vas in working order, the accom- mo.
dating lady and gentleman cler kl
assisting the enterprising proprie.
tors. were At their respective coun-
tiers, and all contributed to i'm press.
ing those present with the magnitude
OF the new establishment. The
building was beautifully lighted
throughout by electricity. On the
first floor Of the east portion,
which is occupied by the crockery
department, Q new feature to this
section Of the country is presented
in the form Of large and beautiful
mirror, with electric light attach.
ment, the purpose Of which IL to dis.
play cut glass. This is located on
the east side near the entrance, while
on the west side 10 IN electrical ar
rangement. the object of which is to
display lamp shades. The crockery
department is laden with every de.
scription Of rich and rare wares.
The second floor of the east section
Of the building is given over to the
toy department. which presents q
feast for the Juvenile eye. The first
floor Of the west section is occupied
BY the dress, fancy goods. notions
and gents furnishing departments.
On the next floor Is the cloak de-
partment. The third is given owe,
principally to unpscking, etc., and
it is expected will eventually be oh.
sorbed BY other departments, which
the firm will add as business war.
rants. On the third floor 10 also 10.
Gated the clerks dining room and
wardrobe.
The store 10 finished in polished hard
wood, while the fixtures are rich and
harmonious. The building il
equipped with one passenger and
two freight elevators. On the Sec
oud floor Of the west section IL the
ladies waiting and toilet rooms,
which are deliberately and com.
fortably furnished. The office and
cashiers desk is on an elevation .,
the rear Of the store. The firm hal
installed the Boston pneums tic sys.
tenn Of cash carriers, the latest thing
in this lice. 1t is operated BY o q
horse power electrical dynamo which
Is stationed in the basement. The car.
riers are transported through tubei
BY means Of compressed cir and
travel ct the rate Of IS feet per sec
ond. No sooner Is the little
brass carrier, which has o rubber
arrangement Ut either end. placed In
the tube, which 10 on the counter,
than 10 il delivered ct the cashiers
desk. The tubes are run beneath
the floor. There are two skylights
| in each of the east and vest aections