Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
40 YEARS PROSPEROUS
T. G. SWAINE & SON RANK HIGH
IN GROCERY BUSINESS.
Firm Established in 1862 and Has
Reached Commanding
Position.

The widely known and reliable firm Of F.
g. Swaine & Son, wholesale and retail
grocery merchants. 932 Louisiana avenue,
was established in Alexandria, Va, in 1862,
by Mr. F. G. Swaine. Unlike the majority
of business houses, this firm commenced
business on a larger scale than others
usually do.
Mr.. F. G. Swaine was born in Alexandria,
Va, in 1889. He received his schooling from
the variety Of educational institutions
which existed in those days, and after at
tending the public schools he entered St.
Johns Academy. After graduating from
this institution Mr. Swaine entered the en-
ploy Of an old established wholesale and
retail grocery house in Alexandria, where
he worked for number of years, acting as
clerk and general manager OF the firm s
large interests and trade. When the civil
war broke out the members IF the firm de-
cided to abandon business.
1t was In 1862 that Mr. Swafne purchased
the business to which he had given his
best services and In which he had laid the
foundation for his success. By hard and
energetic work he was able to continue the
business on a still larger scale than it had
previously been enjoying, and in a few
months time Mr.. Swaine did the largest
business of it's kind in Alexandria. In 1882
Mr.. Swaine removed his business to Wash
ington, believing that a location in this city
would give him broader scope and trade,
and also owing to the inadequate accommo-
dations and facilities Of his former loca-
ton. Mr.. Swaine then removed his stock
Of goods to 93S Louisiana avenue northwest.
the center of the commission houses of the
city At this place the business increased
with rapid strides.
In 1890 Mr.. Swaine found that his In
creasing business demanded larger and bet
ter facilities and quarters, and in that year
he removed his business to 932 Louisiana
avenue northwest, but still continued busi-
ness at the original location, 93S Louisiana
avenue, until disastrous fire destroyed
the building. Mr. Swaine then built large
addition to his establishment at 932 Louis
lana avenue, and today he carries the
largest stock Of any wholesale and retail
grocery establishment in the city. The,
house differs somewhat with similar dealers
in that it does nothing but a strictly cash
business, buying and selling directly
Associated with Mr.. Swaine is his son, Mr..
J Ed. Swaine, who is widely and favorably
known to the trade. The managerial part
Of the business Is under Mr.. Swaine's direc-
tion and under his careful and strict at
tention to the business here is due, in a
large measure, the success of the house
Mr. J. Ed. Swaine was born at Alexandria,
Va. in 1863 and after attending the public
schools of that place he graduated from St.
Johns Academy. He further pursued his
studies and graduated from the University
Of Virginia in 1881. 1t was Mr.. SWaine s
intention to study for profession. but
with his fathers ever-increasing business
he decided that his services were needed by
him Therefore, at the expiration of his
college course, he entered active business
with his father, and has proved an apt and
able assistant.
The firm has twelve buyers in Virginia
and Maryland. who are constantly collect
ing all kinds Of poultry and eggs for the
house. Messrs. Swaine have finely equip
ped building in the rear Of their store,
where they have twelve people employed
preparing for the market the vast number
Of poultry daily received from the sur
rounding country In the handling of their
poultry everything is done with the most
approved methods, and no fowls are killed
unless they are in the very best condition.
1t Is interesting to note the marvellous
growth of this house from its inception.
Today it stands as representative of the
wholesale and retail grocery houses Of the
city, owing to the fact that from the begin
ming the members of the firm have exercised
good Judgment tact and energy, and also
by giving to the trade nothing but the very
best of product