Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-03-10
ENTERPRISE IS REWARDED.
Remarkable Growth of c. A. SPencer's
Bicycle and Sporting Goods Business.

Remarkable Growth of c. A. Spencers
Bicycle and Sporting Goods Business.
1t is with pleasure that THE ARGUS
calls the attention of the public to the
energy and ability, coupled with abso-
Lutte business fairness, displayed
by c. A. Spencer in the upbuilding of
his bicycle and sporting goods trade.
Beginning very modestly in 1892 with
single make of wheels, he has in
creased his facilities and added TO his
stock until last year the entire base
ment beneath the Rock Island Ma
tional bank was occupied by his sales
and storerooms. and he had one of the
largest trades in bicycles and sporting
goods enjoyed by any firm in the three
cities.
During the past winter he has leased
the best store available in that part of
the city in which he wished to locate.
the store at 1909 Second avenue, and
has fitted it up for a salesroom, re-
tanning a large apartment in the sec
oud story of the Masonic Temple as a
stsrerOom.
The store on Second avenue is GEN.
trally located and thoroughly m odern
in all its appointments. The arrange
ment of the stock and the embellish-
ment of the walls have been done in
an artistic manner, very pleasing to
the eve. In the rear of the store is
partitioned off a repair room fitted up
with all tue appliances and devices
used in the business for which it is
designed, including electric motor,
oven for enameling, drills, lathes, etc.
In 1898 Mr.. Spencer took the agency
for the Stearns bicycle. making it his
leader, which it has remained ever
since. When one notices the mum Der
of Yellow Fellows on the streets, and
remembers that they have, almost
without exception, passed through
his hands, he can realize the business
MIR. Spencer has done in handling this
particular make of wheel. Among
other machines handled are the SYRIA
cu.e, Patee Crest, Fealherstone, Trim
itv and the Acme.
Besides bicycles, Mr.. Spencer keeps
the very best makes of shotguns,
rifles, revolvers, gymnasium supplies,
fishing tackle, cutlery. ammunition,
sweaters, golf goods, supplies for
basel ball, football, basket ball, tennis
and polo, and numerous other arti-
cles; in fact. everything that properly
comes under the head of sporting
goods. Only small portion of the
stock is exhibited in the store for lack
of space. In addition to his retail
tide, MIR. Spencer is building up a
large jobbing business, particularly in
bicycles and golf goods. Further
changes are contemplated that will
bring the store and salesrooms closer
together, enabling customers to more
easily examine the entire stock. While
Mr.. Spencer cannot be personally at
his place of business all the time. he
has been very fortunate in securing
the services of two thoroughly relia
bic young men. Fred Idle and Will
Mooney. who attend faithfully to the
business. The former is an expert
bicycle maker. having been employed
several years in factories in Peoria,
and he personally superinteuds the
repair shop.
There are many progressive bust
ness men in Rock Island; many who
bad started with humble beginnings
and risen through their own efforts to
a high standing; but few. if any. are
more worthy to be pointed out as ex-
amples of what push and business
ability, coupled with integrity and
common sense. can accomplish in
Rock Island than C. A. Spencer