The herald., 1897-09-12
4 FLOURISHINd FIRM

The firm, Stephens & Hickok exemplk
fies the old saying that from little acorni
large oaks do grow. On Feb. 2, 1894, the
firm of Stephens & Hickok came into exist,
ence. Mr. Lester e. Hickok. who fol
many years was confidential traveller fol
the Pope Manufacturing company of Hart.
ford, makers of Columbia and Hartford
bicycles while on a business trip 10 the
coast was favoraby impressed with the
possible future of wheeling in Southern
California. He decided that 1t was for the
best interest of his firm to establish here
a permanent agency for the Columbia bi.
cycles.
He associated himself with Leonidas p.
Stephens, who is member Of one of the
oldest families in the south, and they to-
gether opened a small place at 212 West
Fifth street few months experience In
business in Los Angeles was sufficient to
show that the move had been a wise one.
Soon they found 1t necessary to seek larger
quarters and, on looking around, decided
to take the large and handsome store.
No. 433 South Broadway, in the Wilson
building.
The new place was fitted up in modern
style and a large rental department was
added, besides putting in a line of bicycle
supplies and sundries for retail purposes.
The season of 1895 was one to be long re-
membered in the cycling world, and the
firm prospered handling more bicycles
than any house on the coast.
In the early part of 1896 Arizona terri
tory was given to them to look after, which,
coupled with all Of Southern California,
made the firm one of the largest dis.
tributing houses in the country Agencies
were established, and in a few months full
charge of Sonora state. Mexico, was added.
About this time they secured the services
of John c. Rieger who is the pioneer in
the sundry and supply business. to look
after their wholesale business in supplies.
Mr.. Riegar's familiarity with the line and
his having warm friends all over the coast.
built up this branch until now it is one Of
the largest concerns on the Pacific coast,
as he covers the whole Pacific slope.
Early in this year 1t was found neces-
sary, owing to the extraordinary growth
of their business, to secure more room.
This was provided for by taking in the
adjoining store. These stores have been
newly fitted up on the department plan,
and one may spend several hours with much
pleasure and interest looking over their
large establishment. On the main floor,
the front is taken up by the retail depart-
ment, where their large and varied assert.
ment of novelties pertaining to the bicycle
are on display. On the left, as you enter,
there is cozy little corner, where one
may rest, plentifully supplied with easy
chairs and wickers Further on are the
late models of Columbia bicycles, the
standard of the world. Too much cannot be
said in praise of the construction and
finish of these wheels-they are perfect
dream and rightfully named Standard Of
the World. With their perfect workman-
ship and excellent finish they speak for
themselves.
The Hartford bicycles come next, which
are as good as most hgh-grade wheels.
These can be had in children's sizes, and
are, indeed, beautifuA
The rear portion of the main floor is taken
up by the main offices and counting room,
where complete record of every wheel