Brenham weekly banner. [volume] (Brenham, Tex.) 1877-1907, 1897-08-26
A PROSPEROUS FIRM.
Some Interesting Facts About One OF
Brenham's Big Department Stores.

following period of unpre-
cedented business stagnation it
is pleaeing to note that at least
one firm in BRENNAN has en-
countered the wave of prosperity
so long delinquent. Reference
is had to the old reliable firm of
Brockschmidt G. Hohlt, whose
name is a household word with
the trading public throughout
Washington county, and whose
continued and increasing success
their many friends are glad to
applaud.
The firm under the present
name was organized July 31st,
1884. Before moving to the
present commodius quarters the
firm did business for several
years in the Schlottmann build
ing, corner of Main and North
streets. This building was then
less than half its present size.
At present the firm occupies
more floor room than any other
mercantile establishment in the
city, and is domiciled in its own
handsome two story building in
the heart of the northside of the
square. The work OF adding an
extra story to the rear of the
building has Just been completed
by which room 30x90 feet has
been secured which will be
utilized for storing duplicate
goods. This department. is
reached from the first floor by
means of an elevator. The
clothing and shoe departments
are on the same floor, which is
also utilized for two special de-
partments, those of sewing
machines and picture frames.
The store is now arranged al
together on the department plan
Bacon and country produce are
arranged in one department..
Lard and molasses and kindred
substances have a place to them
selves. One department is de-
voted to croekery, queensware
and glassware, of which very
large stock is carried. The dry
goods side of the house is
divided into furnishing goods,
hosiery, dress goods, notions and
millinery departments. Each de-
partment has an electric signal
and the duties of each clerk is to
keep his particular department in
order. The Bar carrying system
will be added in short time,
minus the parcel department..
Order and system are in evidence
throughout the establishment.
In the center OF the store a.
handsome Office 18x20 feet has
been arranged. At one window
cotton will be bought and at an
other it will be paid for. the
office, circular in form, is con-
yeniently arranged for paying
teller, bookkeeper, cashier and
other accountants. In the rear Of
the main office a private office
has been arranged for correspon-
dence, with all the conveniences
required by modern business
methods. The firm has spent
about $1,000 on interior i'm
provements and as result have
secured conveniences not sur
passed by the great department
stores in the large cities.
One feature of the firms BUSH
ness should not fail of mention
They are pioneers in the business
of issuing their own money and
their ''double eagles are readily
taken in exchange for country
produce, being used for no other
purpose. With a merry twinkle
in his eye Mr.. Hohlt explained to
a BANNER reporter that the use of
this money saved a great deal OF
as well as mistakes in
purchase of country produce for
which trade is given. Instead Of
the farmer trading butter and
eggs for coffee and calico, he is
paid spot cash for his stuff, and
can keep the money in his pocket
ill he gets ready to spend it.
The firms milliner, Mrs. Irby,
will go east this week to purchase
fall stock. An announcement OF
the opening will be made later.