davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-10
WESTERN WIS k,cKAPoo LiHs

g. p. PROCTOR, e. E PACKARD
President. Cashier
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-10

Figures by she treasury bureau Of sta
t;stins show the total exports for Septem-
Der. 1902. to be S115.521, 9S4, the largest
ever shown for this month with the one
exception of September, 1900. when the
high water mark was $500, 600 more
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-10

An official report from Robert Watch
orn. a government inspector. was made
public at Washington which discloses
a scheme by which certain steamship
lines are securing Europe for ineligible
emigrants. taking them to Canada in
order that they may thus get into the
United States Illegally.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

their especial use, which is filed with all
the latest improved machinery, and have
not only built up their own business but
helped to build up what we, as Washing
tonians are all so proud Of the finest
cleanest and best-ordered city in the world
Something about the personnel of the
firm-John G. Judd. who died about six
years ago, was a native of England; born
in 1924 and educated in London. He came
1855. more thorough and accomplished
master of his business was hard to find,
and his demise is only truly mourned by
those who knew him best. T. NJ Det-
weller was born In Mddletown Pa In
1890, and after serving his apprenticeship
in Philadelphia took up his residence in
Washington in 1850, where he worked as
journeyman until 1868. In the interim filling
various responsible positions, and is one
OF the very few survivors that assisted to
ofganize the government printing office,
and IS still actively engaged at his daily
routine work. Mr.. George II. Judd, who
has succeeded his father in the office, has
been educated under the tutelage Of the
firm; has had an experience OF over twenty
six years, and Is thorough and progress
slve printer and business man. Mr. F. F.
Detweiler, who has had charge of the rec
ord room for more than eighteen years
and has brought with him large expert
ence, having been connected with the Of
flee from boyhood. Mr.. John c. Detweiler
has also been reared In the office and has
charge of the press department, Is a thor
ough pressman and has also charge of
much Of the paper stock, etc.
1t has been the boast of the firm that in
all these thirty-four years they have never
failed to pay every cent due to each en-
ploye every Saturday night
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
FREEBORN c. smith
From Cabin to Palace From
Poverty to Millions.
SHOWS WHAT HARD WORK WILL
ACCOMPLISH.
The Claims Made for the Bradbury
Pianos Are Fully
Justified.

At least one of the great music houses Of
the country, that Of Freeborn G. Smith.
saw the future greatness of Washington
q quarter of century ago, for 1t was In
the year 1877 that Mr.. Smith opened an
establishment here for the sale of the justly
famous Bradbury Pianos, of which Mr..
Smith Is the owner and manufacturer. The
original location chosen was at the corner
of 18th street and Pennsylvania avenue,
in what was then known as the Shepherd
building. Washington could not then have
been called musical center, but in recent
years it has kept pace with the remark
able growth Of the country In general. a
growth so rapid that the whole world Won
ders. Freedom G. Smith had something to
do with this advancement. He was one OF
those who had an abiding faith in the future
Of Washington, and from his very first ac-
quaintance with the city contended that 1t
would, sooner or later, be the educational
and artistic hub Of the universe.
Shortly after Mr. w. P. Van Wickle took
charge here the Bradbury warerooms moved
to HOB Pennsylvania avenue, the Shepherd
property having passed into other hands.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

while others lights may blaze and flash be-
fore our eyes to dazzle and blind, only in
the end to leave few ashes. 1t is not SO
in the case of Mr.. Brown. for when his
light goes out people will only then realize
the friend, comforter and substantial giver
the quiet, unpretentious. self-sacrificing
man he was. He processes no especial re-
ligion, but 1t would be safe to say there is
not a church in Washington that has not
some poor member who could tell tale of
some kind act done by this man Of few
words and modest MEN,"
In his business Of real estate agent, con-
tractor and dealer In government, munich
pal railroad. steamship. engineers and
general supplies. Mr.. Browns dealings
with individuals. companies. municipalities
and the general government have been ex-
tensive, involving vast sums of money. In
all these varied and extensive transactions
his course has been one Of unbending fealty
to the interests OF his patrons. His offices
are In the Kellogg building. 1416 3 street
northwest
He has carried into his business life the
Same integrity Of purpose that has marked
his career In private life. and which has
resulted In his substantial upbuilding as
a citizen and a business man.
Austin Peters Brown was born In North
BluehilI, Hancock county, Me-, December
&. 1s43 He is the son Of Samuel Peters
and Charlotte Metcaf (Mason) Brown.
bsdng Of English descent ON both his pa
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

The business Of the company, due not only
to the intrinsic merit OF the instrument
manufactured, but to the popularity and
energies Of Mr.. Van Wickle, soon outgrew
these latter quarters. and in 1887 another
move was made to 1925 Pennsylvania ave-
nue., where the firm Is still located. So
great had been the success, in fact, that Mr..
Smith felt justified in tearing down the old
structure and erecting the present hand
some building. The building is as complete
a piano warehouse as could be made. 1t is
artistic in design, with five stories on Penn
sylvania avenue and four on E street.
depth of 210 feet and ground floor space of
5000 feet. The height of the ceiling of the
ground floor. eighteen feet, combined with
a depth of 21O feet, makes an ideal place for
showing the superior quality of tone of the
Bradbury instruments. On this ground floor
alone there is ample space for the display
ing of something in the neighborhood of 100
pianos and this too, without any sugges-
ton of crowding. The upper floors are used
for displaying Uprights, Baby Grands,
Quarter Grands and the Chickering Of
which piano the Bradbury people are the
District agents.
The claims made for the Bradbury Piano
are fully justified. 1t is the result of the
life work of William B. Bradbury, who, in
his day, was celebrated composer Of
church music and a singer of merit. In
undertaking the construction of piano It
his expressed determination to secure
an instrument that would combine the mel
low. holding tone Of the organ with the
vibrant, incisive effect of the best pianos.
That he succeeded in this ambition was
quickly demonstrated, for his Bradbury
Piano jumped into almost immediate popu-
larity. So successful was he, in fact, that
shortly after the war he was able to retire
from business. being succeeded by Mr..
Smith. The latter took up the thread where
Mr.. Bradbury had left it and did his work
nobly for the Bradbury Piano of today Is
"a thing of beauty and Joy forever" It
is an instrument of beauty of tone as well
as Of beauty of design, so constructed that
1t will stand the severest use.
The life story Of Freeborn Garretson
Smith reads like fairy tale. It is .
story of a journey from cabin to palace,
from poverty to millions, from the ignor-
ance Of untutored youth to education, from
mechanics to the arts and science. 1t Is a
notable fact that in this country our great
est men, particularly those who have made
their success in commercial life, were rear
ed in humble surroundings Very few men
deserve greater credit for the success OBJ
tanned than does Mr.. Smith, now the multi
millionaire of the piano trade. Born seven
ty-five years ago in log cabin just out
side of Baltimore his first work was in as
sisting his father at blacksmithing, a work
so distasteful to him that he shortly secured
a position In a printing office in Baltimore
where he remained for four years. Mr.
Smith often refers to the great benefit his
experience as a printers devir' was to
him. But his love for music naturally lead
him to a piano factory and he wanted to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

opposite side of Mr.. Smiths working bench
was David Decker. one of the founders of
the famous old house of the Decker Bros,
which has now passed out of existence
From the quite modest Bradbury plant OF
thirty-siX years ago Mr.. Smith has builded
and is now the sole owner Of three great
factories and seventeen distributing houses,
having an invested capital of more than
$2OO0UO. His piano case factory at Leo
minister, Mass, is the largest and most ex-
tensive Of this or any other country. Its
capacity is 200 cases per week.
His seventy-five years weigh lightly upon
him. His health is excellent. He spends near
ly all Of his time at his factories, personally
experimenting the details Of his business.
He has in his employ in his various inter
ests between 800 and 600 men, In fine he
is one Of the youngest men in spirit and
one Of the most active in body that there
is in the piano industry of the United
States. With one exception, Mr.. Freedom
G. Smith is the oldest living piano forte
manufacturer In this country. That single
exception is Mr.. Charles Fisher. the head
of the house Of j. & C. Fisher of New York
city. Mr.. Smiths wealth is estimated to be
81 100000, all accumulated by untirfng and
Intelligent effort in the piano industry.
He is now heavily interested In banking
and financial institutions throughout the
country. and is still planning new enter
prises FOR his great business with the same
Skill acumen and earnestness that placed
him on the very top round of the ladder of
success.
The name OF Mr.. Freeborn G. Smith is
certainly a potent factor 1t has become a
trademark in the piano industry. 1t is a
synonym for honesty, energy and Unsuitable
ambition. His career is one Of singular
interest to the young men Of the country,
and can be read not only with pleasure but
with profit. 1t proves that with high pur-
pose and resolve, that with intelligent effort
and persistency of purpose. a man, in this
country can carve out for himself what
ever. in reason. he may wish to obtain.
Mr.. f. G. Smith, jr., has inherited his
fathers genius for mechanics and has de-
veloped remarkable executive ability. He
his entire charge Of all the office work and
looks after their many branch houses, the
later necessitating a great deal of travelling
about the country. This brings him into
close contact with all the employees, and it
Is pleasant to be able to testify to his uni
versal popularity with. those under him.
In these and many other ways Smith. jr.,
is like Smith, ST. He is a veritable chip
Of the old block" The father was deter
mined that the son should know the piano
business as he had become to know 1t,
through practical experience, and put the
son to work as apprentice boy in the
factory. The wisdom of this policy has
certainly been demonstrated, for the son
is now thoroughly equipped to manage the
entire business whenever the father shall
be ready to retire on his well-earned laureis.
Mr. Smith has been remarkably success
full in the selection of managers, but in no
case has hiI Judgment borne better fruit
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
WATERPROOF ROOFS.
Problem Solved by Grafton & Sons
Paint

For many years the question Of getting
a durable and practically waterproof roof
paint troubled the trade. After many and
costly experiments the difficulties have been
surmounted by the firm of Grafton & Son,
and today you will find their preparation,
known as the Graf-tonic Roof Paint, on
the roof of pretty nearly every big building
in the city. The unquestioned success of
this preparation is now generally conceded.
and the best evidence of its work is to be
found in the gratifying success and In
creased growth in the business Of the firm
of Grafton & Son.
The firm was established in 1888, and was
then composed Of A. w. Grafton & Son.
e. w. Grafton. Since the unfortunate death
Of the son the business has been conducted
by Mr.. A. w. Grafton. Their first place of
business was in the premises located at
lt-3 Sth street northwest From here they
removed not long since to the more central
location of ia 9th street northwest. This
is the main office for the firm has already
established branch Offices in Brooklyn and
in New York. They are roofing experts.
This Graf-tonic roof paint is a heavy, dura-
BILE and elastic covering for light metal
roofs.
Among some of the thousands Of testi-
monials in possession Of the firm Is one
from the B. H Warner Company. in which
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

non-residents who have selected WASH
tngton as their home, and where they Will
invest from time to time. The investment
Of outside capital in real estate in this city
will surely continue. Such a condition will
greatly improve the city, besides adding to
the firms large volume Of business.
This firm handles the business placed in
its care with intelligence of a high order.
Through its liberal policy and extensive ad-
vertising, and other methods of presenting
what 1t has to offer to the public. there has
been a great demand for the firms serv-
ices 1t Is said that 80 per cent OF those
desiring to buy, sell or rent apply to them
before finally concentrating a transaction.
Stone & Fairfax were the pioneers In the
development of Columbia Heights and
Bloomingdale. More property has been sold
by them in these localities than by any
other firm. The rapid growth OF these Sec
tons has been unparalleled, due to the con-
struction of modern and conveniently PLAN
ned houses and excellent street railway
facilities. So confident was this firm OF
the future popularity of these sections. that,
to encourage the builders who first started
operations they guaranteed the sale of all
houses within thirty days after completion.
The result greatly exceeded their expecta-
ton. and hundreds of houses were disposed
Of before the buildings were under roof.
That Messrs. Stone & Fairfax are close
students of their business has been proved
by the interviews had with them by The
Star and other papers. In which they pre-
NiCttu GIL iCeSCN NS4l4sh4iN III
Washington real estate. and equal to the
present active market.
Both members of the firm are young men.
Both were born in Virginia. Mr.. Stone re-
sided for a number Of years in Pennsyl-
vania and New Mexico. They are firm In
their belief in the future of Washington al
a manufacturing city, where capital VIII
seek investment and labor employment. at
the same time retaining its present reputa-
ton as an educational center and home for
people Of means.
Both are connected with several local In
situations, and Mr.. Fairfax Is member OF
all branches Of the Masonic fraternity.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

than in the selection OF Mr.. W. P. Van
Wickle, having charge Of the Washington
branlh.
Mr. Van Wickle was literally reared in
the Bradbury piano business, and is one of
our most persistent and enterprisng bust
ness men. He talks Bradbury with con-
fidence and enthusiasm that shows his abid-
ing faith in its general superiority. 1t is
largely through his efforts that the Brad
bury has come to be regarded so highly
among the best people OF Washington. By
many 1t is known as the Administration
Piano." for it was used in the White House
during the terms of eight Presidents, and
has had a large patronage among the vari-
GUS cabinets and government officials.
Mr.. Van Wickle was born at Lyons,
Wayne county. N. Y. He went to New
York city in 1876 and entered the Bradbury
plano factory as shipping clerk, and after
ward worked in the repair department and
general Offices In 1915, he opened branch
piano wareroom In Brooklyn, and another
In Jersey City. In August, 1879. he came
to Washington to take charge Of the Brad
bury warerooms. which MT. Smith had
the understanding Of remaining but short
time. but has remained over twenty-three
years. - ri
The success Of the Bradbury piano at the
Wickle's personal acquaintance with pub
Ito men and high officials. from the chief
executives down. Sc
He is a director and treasurer Of the
Washington Board of Trade, a member of
the Columbia Historical Society and the
National Geographical Society. and was
secretary to the reception committee that
welcomed Admiral Dewey to Washington.
He was appointed associate secretary Of
the national capital centennial committee.
which commemorated the hundredth ami
versary Of the establishment Of the seat OF
government in the District Of Columbia ON
December IL. 1900.
Mr.. Van WickIe was appointed chairman
OF tho committee on marking points of his
torio interest in Washington during the
''thirty-sixth national encampment Of the
Grand Army Of the Republic held here
October last. Over 200 sites were marked
with suitable signs, and the work Of this
committee was highly appreciated by all
visitors to the national capital.
Mr. Van Wickle has been ably assisted In
his success by competent star Mr. Vic
tor j. Becker, the head salesman, has been
associated with Mr.. Van Wickle for twenty
three years. and knows pretty much every
thing worth the knowing about pianos. Be
sides he is a good musician. Mr. Becker's
large acquaintance has been of incaIculable
value to the firm. Mr.. Edwin K Stealey.
who has charge of the accounts, has been
with the house over ten years. Mr. George
Sheriff. Mr.. Arthur C. Hindle and Mr.. Ed
win n. King are the other members OF the
stan
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

firms name. indicating by their presence
the extent Of its operations
Mr.. Charles p. Stone, the senior member
of the firm, opened an office at 500 street
in 1885. and though successful he desired
to enlarge his business. In 1897 he entered
a partnership with Mr.. Charles w. Fairfax.
who had previously been connected with his
Office. The partnership has proved a sue
cessful and happy one. From the begin
ming Of the partnership the firm has made
rapid strides and in a short time has placed
itself in the foremost rank of real estate
companies. The business grew SO rapidly
that in March. 1900. the firm was COM
PEELED to acquire larger quarters. The adj
joining Office, S0S F street. was therefore
added. and extensive Improvement were
| made. The offices are now thoroughly equip
ped and modern in every respect.
One of the offices is devoted exclusively
to the rental branch of their business, while
| the other office is used as a sales depart
ment. Both offices are arranged with strict
regard to the proper management of prop
erty placed In the firms hands.
Each department receives the personal
and undivided attention of a member Of the
firm, who Is assisted by numerous en-
ployes, who are thoroughly competent to
handle the details Of the business. Clients
Of the firm have the benefit of careful and
prompt attention to their affairs.
Messrs. Stone & Fairfax have q we'll
| established insurance branch Of their bust
ness. Some Of the largest local and out
of-town insurance companies are represent
ed by them.
A carefully managed loan department Is
also run in connection with the general
business, and this feature has added not a
little to the firms sound business reputa-
ton.
The rental business Of this firm has ad-
vanced at a rapid rate. The sales of real
estate have been phenomenal. During the
past two years their record has been unsur
passed. They have contaminated over 600
sales, aggregating several millions of dol
lars. These sales embraced both business
and resident property in every section Of
the city.
Many of their recent sales have been to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

Mr.. Thomas r. Newbold Is secretary and
treasurer Both of these gentlemen have
had the best and most thorough training
in all branches OF the enterprise.
The directors Of the corporation are Mr..
J. L. Newbold. Mr.. T. R. Newbold. Mr..
John E. McLeran of the firm of Heiskell &
McLeran; Mr. Frank B. Noyes then Of The
Evening Star; Mr.. j. Herbert Corning, mer-
chant; Mr.. G. Thomas Dunlop, attorney;
Mr.. John L. Prosise, at the head of the e.
Morrison Paper Company, and Mr.. Paul
Starrett. general manager OF the George A.
Fuller Company.
The capital of the company is one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars (s150l0OO.
The stockholders of the corporation num-
Der many of the most prominent business
men of the city, among whom are Thomas
Hyde of the Riggs National Bank; John A.
Swope vice president of the Washington
Loan and Trust Company; s. H. Kaufman,
president of The Evening Star Company;
Emil G.. Shaeffer of the firm of E. G. Shaef-
fer e. Co.; Carl A. Droop of the firm of e.
+. Droop & Co: +. NJ. Detweiler of Judd Il
Detweiler; d. c. Phillips, Arthur G. Peter
of the firm of Marsh & Peter, architects; q.
t. Dunlop, president of the Capital Trac-
ton Company, and many others.
The building. of the company Is the
largest fireproof storage house in the city,
being eight stories high. with storage
capacity of over ,000, 600 cubic feet.
Storage Department.
The storage branch of the business Is the
most prominent, and the facilities afforded
for the safe keeping of household furniture
of every description are most complete. The
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
THOROUGHLY KNOWN
Stone & Fairfax Leaders in
Real Estate.
no A LARGE BUSINESS
THIS FIRM has WELL-EQUIPPED
ESTABLISHMENT.
They Were Pioneers in the Develop
ment of Columbia Heights and
Bloomingdale.

Many Of Washington's leading business
men have been engaged in the real estate
business, but no firm has achieved greater
success than Stone & Fairfax whose office
is situated at SO6 to S0s F street northwest,
opposite the United States patent office. The
firms office is desirably and conveniently
located and is accessible by all the lines Of
street cars; two transfer corners are within
a few seconds walk of their establishment.
From the picture herewith, showing two
front offices, their energy and ability are
illustrated; no other real estate firm in the
city occupies as large frontage on this
prominent thoroughfare. There is scarcely
a section Of the city that does not contain
placards on houses or on lots bearing the