The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-09
wANAMAKER's WORKING DAY.
How q Merchant Prince Tolls from
Morning Till Night.

How q Merchant Prince Tolls from
Morning Till Night.
Philadelphia Inquirer.
John Wanamaker, the merchant prince
Of Philadelphia and New York, is a man
whose working capacity seems unlimited.
He has built up his immense business by
sheer pluck and keeping everlastingly at
work. He began as a penniless boy and -
Though sixty-one years of age Mr.. Wanna
maker looks hardly fifty. His figure is full,
stalwart, straight as an arrow. His hair Is
brown, close cropped and tinged with gray
Here is the story of Mr.. wanamaker's
working day:
or ride on horseback before breakfast at
$50; eats little at all times: arrives at the
office on the Juniper-street side Of his Phil
LOOKING over and answering letters. His rule
Is to answer each letter received as quickly
as possible. Receives callers and confers
famous for his courteousness to callers. and
also for his quick yet pleasant method OF
dismissing them TO make room for others.
During the noon hour he often attends bus
mess. political or religious meetings OF one
kind or another. Takes a light lunch In q
private room In a corner OF the store with
his son and some distinguished guest veee-
tables and fruit constitute his principal ar
ticles OF diet He rarely drinks tea or coffee.
The afternoon Is usually spent In his
sons office, seeing only the most urgent
callers. and actively supervising the work
of the fifty-four different departments OK
the great enterprise He walks much about
the store, speaking kind word here. over
seeing that alteration there, always watch
full alert, planning. organizing, scheming.
Leaves the store about $40. Has dinner at a.
Spends the evening In conversation with
family or friends. in reading or quiet rec
reation. or possibly returns to the city TO
deliver an address
During the summer and fall Mr.. Wanna
maker lives at "Lindenhurst." his beautiful
country home, situated in the midst OF the
historic Chelton hills. A ride OF half an
hour on the Reading Railway takes you TO
pears the red thing on the cupola of the
mansion.
An intimate friend gives this account OF
the merchants home life:
Always, Mr.. Wanamaker has made n
point of leaving his business cares behind
him when he enters his home. and doing
there, his happy, thoughtless moments. Il
is no unusual sight to see him running nimb-
ly over the lawn of his beautiful home at
people in hot pursuit: and a lively chase he
caught
larry dear TO both Mr.. and Mrs wanamak-
er. and there the happiest hours in his busy
life are spent among the flowers. and trees.
and birds. 1t Is his custom. when at home.
to rise early each morning and spend a few
minutes at least walking about the grounds.
He says IL makes the day easier when he
his Office with him. For every one. from the
old fagman at the station. TO the dogs about
the place. he has a kindly greeting when he
meets them, and they all feel better for
having seen and spoken TO him.
Mr.. Wanamaker knows no day of rest.
On Sunday he attends church in the MORN
Ing and in the afternoon teaches a Bible
class numbering two thousand I'm Wanna
makers Sunday school, which has the rep
utation of being the largest Sunday school
In the world. When asked whether he had
seen Gods hand guiding him in his career.
Mr.. Wanamaker said TO me:
Many times and most distinctly with
His help I have accomplished tasks which
otherwise would have been absolutely inn
possible"
His life motto Is a verse from the Bible:
He is a rewarder OF them that diligently
seek Him."