Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
neutrality-suspicious.
THE MOTTO OF A MODERN UP
To-DATE PRINTING HOUSE.
Byron S. Adams the Head Of Widely
Known and Successful
Establishment.

For years the business men OF Washing
ton and the public generally have been
familiar with the emphatic declaration In
print Il never disappoint." This phrase
is the motto and trademark Of Byron 3.
Adams. whose printing establishment has
turned out fine specimens Of typographical
and preSswork art. As the phrase quoted
above would indicate, Mr.. Adams is both
sure of himself and sure of the ability OF
his establishment to back up the claim he
boldly makes That the claim Is justified
can be substantiated by the leading MGR
chants of this city for whom Mr.. Adams
has done much to help them succeed
Mr.. Adams was born here and learned the
printing business under Polkinhorn, who
was at that time one of the oldest print
ers in Washington. Leaving Washington
position with Rand, Avery & Co., which
was then the largest printing house in New
England and the official printers for the
commonwealth of Massachusetts.
After spending year and half in the
employ of the above firm Mr.. Adams came
back to his old home and went into bust
ness on his own account.
With a capital of $1,000 and a great
amount Of determination he began in q
small way to cater to the public. A room
in the basement of the old LIE Droit building
on the Sth street side was the place Sc
lected by him to make his first appear
ance in the printing business and WOO the
tickle goddess of fortune.
From the first he recognized the wisdom
of keeping promises made to customers.
AS result his name became a synonym
for promptness, reliability and excellence
in the production OIL printed matter. In those
days many printers AaU no system. The
work that was brought to them was done
at their conve nience, which caused delay
to their patrons and gave birth to much
wrath. Mr. Adams avoided the mistakes
of his contemporaries, with the result that
in one year he found it necessary to seek
a larger Held Of action. Anticipating this
he had put every dollar he made into his
business which so increased his facilities
he moved two doors below to an old build
ing which was previously remodeled to suit
his needs. His business continued to grow
and the building was enlarged in the rear
from time to time until all the available
ground was utilized.
After remaining eight years on Sth street
and still requiring more room Mr.. Adams
walked over the city searching for a place
to permanently locate, where he could feel
that he could grow and yet not be stopped
In his expansion. Upon the wise advice Of
his brother-in-law, r. Q. Hoffman. he
purchased the property on 18th street In
1889, which he now occupies. He bought
two small stores and threw them into one
room, adding also a second story to the
building. In 1897 he built to the full ex-
tent of the lot in the rear Of his esta blish-
ment. This gave him more space for his
office in front end and doubled the capacity
OF his press and composing rooms
About five years ago travelling salesman
called Mr. Adams attention to the motto
Of a printing house in Baltimore, I'VE
never disappoint." It impressed him as
being the very thing needed here. Although
he realized the responsibility Of adopting
such an uncompromising motto. he never
hesitated, but boldly scratched it on his
shield, and continued his way The motto
meant capable. intelligent and expensive
assistants in every department and in
creased details to handle In the office, but
the adoption and defense of his motto has
ans
Mr. Adams is proud Of the fact that he
never employed canvasser to drum UP
of printing house in another city, I'VE
trade, but advertises regularly. It takes sill
his time looking after the business that
comes to him.