The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-12-10

Never since Scranton's greatest store
that of Jonas Longs Sons-was
opened to the public, has it contained
such a mass of people as congregated
there last evening to celebrate the
firms completion of their first year of
business i'm Scranton. The event had
been heralded for several weeks and
was much prepared for consequently
when the doors of the Big Store opened
at o'clock, after having been closed
for two hours to make final prepara-
tions, there was a great audience wait
ing to gain admittance. From I O'Clock
until 10, there was one vast throns
of people passing to and fro through
the great building.
At s o'clock two special excursion
tarins from Wilkes Barre brought a
delegation of over a thousand. includ-
ing the entire force of employees of the
Wilkes-Barre store. Mayor Nichols ac-
companied the Wilkes Barre party
The building with its big rOtunda Of
white and supported by massive col
umns, afforded much opportunity for
decorative art, and II was made the
best of by the tWining and intor-twin-
ing of roped evergreen. Near the main
entrance to the store on wyoming
avenue size was another decoration
that attracted much interest, being in
the form of a Gondola built out of
white handkerChicfs. in which was
seated Columbia, gem of the ocean.
The effect was heightened by the ad-
dition of several clusters of electric
lights. This was only one of several
decorations that helped to add 10 the
interest of the occasion and to the
stores attractiveness.
EXCELLENT CONCERT
The concert given by Bauer's band
augmented by the Schubert Quartette,
was one of the finest ever heard in
Scranton. Both organizations were
seated on a raised platform on tn"
second balcony, and the music could
be heard to a nicety throughout the
building.
one of the most pleasing features
of the evening was the presentation
by the employees of the Scranton store
to the members of the firm of a mag
niiiCent floral anchor, on which was
inscribed the word, Success" The
employees gathered around the firm just
previous to the evening opening when
Floor Manager George w. Dunn ad-
dressed them in a few well chosen
words and presented them with the
store emblem. His remarks were re-
sponded to by Mr.. Louis Long, who
said in part:
Had this manifestation of good will
come from our Wilkes-Barre employees,
with whom we have been associated for
many years it would have ocCasioned no
surprise. But coming from those who
have been gathered in our circle for the
snort space of one Year, We cannot ten
you how We are delighted and pleased.
That you should step to remember us in
the hoigEth of your busy holiday prcpa'
rations gives color to more than words
can express. We have been employees and
employers together now for one year
with no fault to find of you. You have
done well the tasks assigned to you, and
| by your efforts of devotion and attention
| to duty have laid the foundations of lust
what this tribute typihes-"Success
| Right here wish to tell you, and proud
| ly, that our business has been a sue
cess beyond our most sanguine eXpeCta-
| tions; We have reason to be thoroughly
proud of the record we have made, large
proportion Of which is due to you. and IN
looking into the future Of the new year
before us we can but hope that the same
measure of success may come to us. On
|
mas Longs Sons, | again thank YOU.
ONE YEAR AGO.
| Jonas Longs Sons opened theil
| Scranton store Just one year ago this
morning for business. Some people
| looked upon the enterprise as u bis
! venture and not to be presaged with
| success. Prediction of the few, how.
ever gave way to the confidence of the
many, and today there is no more sue.
cessful institution in Scranton than its
! Great Store.
The firm has been enterprising ant
! aggressive from the start; they have
| introduced methods into their busines!
| that have caught with the people
! They have furnished instruction and
| amusement through various mediums
| bringing to Scranton a modern metro,
| politan department store i'm all its de,
| tails. That their future here is brigh
| goes without question; from now ol
| the Great store can be considered a
| ore Of the city's natural institution!
for the public good and public profit.
The members of the firm all of whom
were present, are Louis Long, and Har
~ Long, of New York: Bernard Long
| Charles j. Long and Edward Long, u
Wllkes-Barre, ANA Arthur Long, u
| Scranton.
Shortly after the Great Store CLOSED
at o'clock last night, the BUYERS 70
the firm and many of its employs
gathered in the spacious millinery par
lors. Within their circle on a tabl
I'd a magnificent solid silver desl
service. superintendent Hawthorn fol
| ln,red hN COlonel Arthnr Long III