davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

most phenomenal growths ever experienced
by any one section in the District of Column
bia.
That the opportunity for the display of
creative ability which the building of the
larger and finer houses afforded was fully
taken advantage OF by this firm is shown
by the fact that Keith's Magazine on Home
Building OF Minneapolis selected one of the
houses recently erected by them as not only
being representative of art in the building
line, but as showing that in planning a
house for a city lot 1t is possible to OBJ
tain sunlight in every room, and that broad
ton can be secured
striking example of modern improve
ment has been shown in the two blocks of
three-story houses built by them during
the past six months
In these houses they have introduced an
arrangement for the perfect lighting of the
dining room. which stands as one Of the
greatest achievements of modern archf-
lecture In the problem Of home building on
an inside city lot.
This feature has been made the subject
of copyright by the firm.
Disregard for precedent has contributed
largely to the remarkable success enjoyed
by this firm.
The quite marked contrast between their
methods and that of the oder firms of the
city, particularly in the matter Of adeertis-
ing. serves as an instance
It was this firm that originated the idea
and first printed pictures of houses offered
for SALE This innovation was SO strikingly
successful that 1t was adopted to such an
extent as TO almost revoiution1ze the method
of advertising that class Of property.
Ray Z. Middangh was born at Portvilie.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

taken constant and intelligent study to keep
abreast of the times. Compare, for instance,
the plumbing shop Of your youth with an
up-to-date establishment such as that Of g
S. Shedd & Bro. There you can find any
thing needed in the way Of artistic gas and
electric fixtures and plumbing supplies
The success Of this firm can be put down to
hard work and fair dealing Starting in q
modest way back in 1873 the elder member
OF the present firm has made a success out
of industry and brains, for he had practi-
cally no other capital.
Saml Simms Shedd started business for
himself In a small room in the rear OF the
old Lincoln Hall building, at the corner OF
9th and D streets. Seven years prior to
that. in 1871. Mr.. Shedd had entered the
employ of Hamilton & Pearson. While work.
ing for them a clerk he studied every
detail Of the business. Mr.. Shedd succeeded
from the start. Within a couple of years
his business had increased-so rapidly that
he had to take one of the large 9th street
stores, now 400 9th street.
Mr.. Shedd was burned out In 1885, when
the Lincoln Hall fire took place. He then
moved to his present location on May l,
1887. having taken into the firm his brother
John L. Shedd. The business has grown
and developed continually, and its interests
are so wide and varied at present that not
long ago 1t was found necessary to form an
incorporated company.
The officers Of the company are Samuel s.
Shedd, president; John L. Shedd, vice presi-
dent; Charles G. Lacey, secretary; j. Carl
Darnell foreman of the plumbing shop and
Henry l.. Streb foreman of the tin and fur
mace shop.
Owing to the large increase In the bust
ness they were compelled to take the entire
second floor Of this building.
The first job Of John l.. Shedd was as an
apprentice In the plumbing house of E. A.
Ridgeway, where he remained for nine
years. At the conclusion of his connection
with Mr.. Ridgeway he was appointed by
the District Commissioners, without his So
licitation, assistant inspector of plumbing
of the District of Columbia, which Office he
filled for five years, resignng in order to
Join forces with his brother
Mr.. John l.. Shedd lives In Mt. Pleasant
where he has a beautiful home He was
one OF the members Of the first town coun-
Gil of Hyattsville, Nd, when that town was
Incorporated.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

retired from the business. selling his entire
interest therein to the present officers. The
directors Of the company are: George W. r.
Swartzell president; Clarence B. Rheem.
vice president and treasurer; Alexander T
sci. and Luther A. Swartzell.
. The president Of the company, George w.
+. Swartzell, has been associated with the
business since December. 1876. Mr.. Swart-
Zell was born In Miffiin county. Pa, Feb
ruary 4, 1857, and there spent his childhood
and youth. His father, the late John
SwartZell, was county surveyor for many
years, and as he could find the time. be-
tween his studies at school and the Lewis
town Academy, the young man assisted his
father in the active work connected with
the profession. In 1876 Mr.. Swartzell en-
tered the bank of Doty, Parker & Co. at
Miffiintown, Pa, where he remained until
he came to Washington to join the forces
of B. II. Warner. He is connected with
many business corporations and other
organizations. He is trustee of Hamline
NJ E. Church and assistant superintendent
of its Sunday school; was for number of
years president Of the Methodist Union Of
Washington; is a member of the board of
managers of the Lucy Webb Hayes Train
ing School; trustee OF the Methodist Home
for Aged Persons; director OF the Young
Mems Christian Association, and president
of the Laymen's Association of the Baltt-
more Conference.
Clarence B. Rheem, the vice president and
treasurer OF the company, is native OF
Washington. He was born March 3. 1862
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

N. T. April q, 1870. He received his pre-.
Hminary education in the high school Of
that place. He was principal OF the State
Line public school of State Line. Pa, and
studied law in the law once OF w. v. q J.
E. Smith Of Olean, N. 7. He then entered
Cornell College under q scholarship secured
by competitive examination from Allegheny
and Cattaraugus counties, and after grad
uating removed to Washington, where he
engaged at once In the real estate business,
finishing his course Of law In the office OF
George Kern of this city. He was admitted
to the bar Of the Supreme Court of the Dis
trict of Columbia December %, 1898.
William E. Shannon was born in Bait-
more April 2, 1875, and came to Washington
with his parents in 1891. He was educated
in the public schools here His first work
was as page for the United Press. sta
toned on the floor Of the Senate and House
of Representatives; later he was employed
in the editorial rooms Of The Evening Star
as messenger. Then he learned the print
er's trade, and later connected himself with
a leading real estate firm of this city. after
which he conducted lucrative real estate
business of his own. His business interests
have been closely associated with that or
Mr.. Ray E. Middaugh since 1896.
The prosperity of Middaugh & Shannon
has been unusual. Intelligent and persistent
effort did 1t,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

mense in size and specially arranged as to
width of asles and providing sufficient light
and ventilation-an at an expense far above
the means of the then city government.
For several sessions of Congress the plans
for a new organization were under discus
sion. Many interests had to be consulted.
To temporarily displace during the period
of construction the hundreds of dealers who
had for so many years here served the pub
lie excited the bittereSt antagonism, while
the proposed transfer from public to pri-
vate control Of the market excited no less
bitter feeling To Senator Lot NJ. Morrill,
of Vermont then chairman Of the Senate
committee on the District of Columbia, Is
due great honor in connection with the
plans for this market. He had great faith
in the city's future. and for the buildings
of this market not to meet all reasonable
needs Of the city for many years to come
he believed, would be great mistake so
he and others, in the preparation OF char
ter, planned large and liberal things, ana
as a result the law calling for the present
structures was passed. The privileges OF
the charter were conferred upon the folloW-
ing men, all more or less identified with the
affairs of the city: Thomas Berry, D. w.
Bliss Henry D. Cooke, William B. Todd,
Peter Gardner. Henry 3: Davis George W.
Frederick P. Stanton. Thomas c. Connolly
s. P Brown. John 8. Croker, Alexander
r. Shepherd, William Clark, Hallet Xii
bourn John R Elvans, B. F. French. c. H.
Michner, James L. Barbour, I. T. Mitchell,
T T Fowler T. II. Alexander, ]. w. An
gus, w w. Rapley and Thomas Lewis.
For various reasons these men were I'M
able to devise means to take up and carry
on the work. Up to this time Mr.. Alexan-
der r. Shepherd had taken but little part
in the enterprise. Engrossed as they then
were with larger affairs of the city, he and
the then governor, Henry D. Cooke, had
permitted their names to be used as incor-
porators but they had taken no active in
terest in working out the details OF the en-
terprise With his characteristic energy,
Gov. Shepherd, having no interest in the
matter save the citys good. took up the
project in the effort to prevent its failure
He brought together many of the incorpo-
rators who had become discouraged; be-
sides, by personal appeals he sought the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

Yet there was no element of chance In the
selection of this locality for building opera
lions by Middaugh & Shannon They had
looked the District over from end to end. 1t
was not blind hunt, for they knew exact
ly what they were in search of. They
wanted high, healthy ground. within rea-
sonable distance of the center of the city
These they found here, and they set to
work to build a new city within city.
How well they have succeeded is best
shown by results, and the results in this
case tell a story scarcely parafleied in the
history of Washington ~-.--z,z. .
Although formal partnership was not
entered into between these young men UNI
til recent years their business interests
have been closely identified since turning
their attention to this section of the city.
In fact it was but three years ago since the
partnership was formed and the name Of
Middaugh & Shannon began to make itself
felt in the real estate world And how it
has grown. Still In its infancy, and yet
there isn't more widely known firm in the
District
THESE young men were the first to realize
the future Of this neighborhood, and they
showed the courage of their convictions by
making it the scene of their extensive oper-
atoms and investments In this section
today can be found total number of 500
houses and a population of 3,4S4 people
To them Is due the full credit for its rapid
development and growth
The first of their operations were devoted
to the erection of six and eight-room
houses. during which time they were sue
cessful in materially raising the standard
Of excellence in this class of property.
Their departure from old style methods
met with such hearty response from the
public that, Of the great number Of houses
built by them. nearly every house was sold
before completion.
The development Of the three-story section
In this part of the city, that is, the property
north Of street northwest. extending to
the government park and new reservoir,
was not begun until some time later, the
first improvement made by them in this
direction being a block Of fifteen houses
facing 1st street between w and Albany
streets northwest
This project was looked upon at the time
with little favor by the real estate fra
ternity. owing to the newness of the sec
ton, the utter lack Of car service north Of
street and the costliness of the buildings
erected.
Here, again, was demonstrated the accu-
racy of their business judgment and fore
sight in selecting this neighborhood as one
in which its natural advantages would
bring to 1t the best class of improvements.
This confidence has been more than jUsti-
fed by the activity which followed their
first investment, resulting in one of the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

boy OF eleven Mr. Rheem Is a member Of
Harmony Lodge +. A. A NJ: trustee OF
the Industrial Home School. secretary OF
the Crfswell Chemical Company. director
OF the Real Estate Title Insurance Com.
pany. director OF the Potomac Insurance
Company and member OF a number of edu-
trict
Mr.. Alexander T. Hensey. the secretary
OF the company. Is well known here. not
only in connection with the real estate
business. In which he has made such ex
cellent success. but as a former newspaper
man of considerable prominence. Mr.. Hen
sey was born In New York city on April "a
1851. but came to Washington as boy and
attended the public schools here. graduating
from the class OF 1878 Of the High School
He became the financial clerk of the
Washington post office, under Postmasters
Tulloch and Conger. In 1889 Mr. Hensey
became proprietor of the Washington
Sunday Herald, which he managed with
signal success until 1894. when he sold
his interest in the paper to enter the
real estate business. Mr.. Hensey has al
rect charge of the sales department OF the
company, which he handles with skill and
large success He is a born negotiator and
has been instrumental in concentrating
some or the most extensive sales and trades
ever handled here. He has fine executive
capacity and directs the company's large
force OF statesmen with splendid ability. Mr..
Hensey was married here February 10. 1885,
TO Miss Louise r. Rheem, daughter &C the
late John A Rheem of this city. He has
one child. son, sixteen years OF age.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

necessary financial aid Of capitalists out
side of the city.
In this way Mr.. Carlos Pierce Of Boston,
a man of great wealth and enterprise, be-
came actively interested in 1t; also Mr.. Ed
ward r. Tinker now president of the COM
pany. With these Mr.. Fisher A. Hidreth
of Lowell, Mass; Mr.. N. G. Ordway and
Mr.. William E. Chandler of New Hamp-
shire, both residents Of the city and active
in various city projects. came into the COM
pany. 1t is to these gentlemen. together
with Hon. Matthew G. Emery, that the
honors of the enterprise are due Mr.. En-
cry took the presidency of the company,
but upon Mr., Ordway fell the heavy task
Of personally supervising the construction
Of all the buildings and the foundations
upon which they were placed, many OF
these foundations being of enormous size
and very costly, owing to the sWampy
character of the site.
The enormous market buildings called
for were made more attractive than the
charter required-wider aisles, more album
dant light and ventilation, perfect drainage
in every part. Then to meet modern condi-
tions and give to every dealer better factli-
ties for handling his products and reducing
their cost to their patrons. the company, at
an expense of over $500 600. has added cold
storage facilities, with necessary refriger-
ating machinery, elevators, etc
The Center market lies close to the heart
of the city Of Washington. No city In the
world has in its very center one SO well ar
ranged and ample.
It's 300 dealers have on their 600 and more
known variety of food and table deIicacy,
brought from every latitude Its Hover
stalls have become famous.
It's doors open every week day from
sunrise until afternoon; on Saturdays until
10 at night.
People in every walk of life go to this
great market Some come in carriages,
others in street cars. that run around 1t on
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
ENTERPRISING GROCER.
F. A. Dodge Has Built Up Fine Bust
ness in a Few Years.

ness IN q rev ears.
One Of the enterprising merchants Of the
city, who has achieved success within a few
years, is F. A. Dodge, 7th and T streets
northwest.
Mr.. Dodge began business in 1900 at 1904
eth street. He was successful from the
start, and desiring to seek a better location,
he moved in July. 1901. to his present sit
uation. He had not been at his present
place long before he felt the necessity for
more space. A year ago he took in store
next door and one on T street. His estab-
lishment now occupies ono store on 7th
street and two on street
These stores he has fitted out in q very
attractive manner, one calculated to bring
him much custom, which. with his enter
prising methods, he will be able to retain.
Neatness and order everywhere predomi-
nate. and inspection Of this store will
convince prospective purchasers that here
is fine line Of groceries
He carries a complete line Of choice
meats and provisions-in fact, everything
that's good to eat
When Mr.. Dodge opened his store at his
present location he did SO feeling that It
would result in business coming to him on
account of its advantageous position. He
was not disappointed, for patronage came
literally and soon the wisdom of his step
was shown.
BY constant efforts on his part to please
his patrons and by continually adding to his
stock and improving his stores he has
built up fine trade.
His store is conveniently situated near
three lines of cars and his prices are at
all times as low as Is consistent with good
quality.
MIR. Dodge is a young man and has DEM
onstrated his ability to run a frst-class
store. He Is from Fairfax county, Va, and
thoroughly understands business methods
and the modern method OF conducting an
enterprise.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
GREAT CENTER MARKET
FOR THIRTY YEARS has SERVED
CAPITALS CITIZENS.
One Of the Largest and Best Equip
ped in tho
World.

For more than thirty years the Center
market has more than realized the liberal
idea of those who originally planned the
present structures. On this site, from the
time of the laying out of the city, there
has always been a market with buildings
of various shapes and szes-erected ard
enlarged from time to time as the city
grew and the dealers in this largest ard
most centrally located market of the city
prospered
Until the present corporation was given
its control this market was under the man
agement of the city government. and nell
ther dealers nor the public at large were
satisfied with the arrangement The low,
unsightly unincloSed structures. with their
dark and narrow aisles. excited no end OF
criticism and cenSurc.
After many years of discussion the city
authorities and the appropriate committees
of Congress seriously took up the project OF
a new market 1t was found that not only
would it be necessary to remove every one
of the sheds on the site, but, on new and
higher levels. erect new structures I'M
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
CANNON BALL, BEST OF ALL"
Whisky Made Famous by Patrick Can
non

Twelve years ago there came to this city
a young man whose only capital was his
pluck, probity and determination to win.
Today that young man. Mr.. Patrick Can
non. is numbered among the successful
business men of progressive Washington.
Mr.. Cannon Is possessed Of those quail
ties which, when properly applied, invari-
ably bring about prosperous conditions. His
first venture in the retail liquor business
was at 305 10th street northwest. At first
his business was small, but by selling only
tho best quality OF beers. liquors. wines
and cigars his trade grew SO rapidly that
after three years 10th street he was
compelled to seek larger quarters, and he
moved to his present splendid place, 1904
Pennsylvania avenue, which has become
one of the most popular resorts in the city.
Recently Mr.. Cannon found 1t necessary
to still further increase the accommo-
detions for his large and constantly grow
ing patronage and he made extensive addi-
tons to his avenue house besides greatly
identifying its interior.
Cannon Ball; best of an Is one OF his
specialties. This popular brand of whisky
Is pure and mellow old rye, which ID
now being used by the best people at the
capital His first-class goods are delivered
to all parts OF the city for public or prt-
waite use, and orders by mail, personal or
der or phone receive prompt attention. His
telephone number is Main 260S Y.
Mr.. Cannon's business success is due to
his direct personal efforts; his fair dealing
with all and his broad liberality and integ-
rity. He is one of the leading and influential
members of the Retail Liquor Dealers AS
sociation, the Knights Of Fidelity and
other organizations.
Mr.. Cannon has assuredly deserved all
the success that has come to him.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

every side and connect with every line In
the city-only a single fare being needed TOT
one to come to it from any part OF the DIS
trict. Multitudes come afoot. the nearness
of this market to the center of the city
population adding to It's popularity and It's
patronage.
The displays at Center market are kalei-
doscopic-eyer changing, always freSh al
ways beautiful. For stranger the dis
plays he here sees are among the city
many wonders, always to be remembered
with pleasure
In the preparation of plans for the great
structures Of Center market the committees
Of Congress. the authorities Of the District
and the incorporators depended greatly
architect of our city. To him is due the
credit of the best structures Of the city
built at that time, among these being the
Calvary Baptist Church. the Franklin
school building and the Agricultural De-
partment building. The wisdom Of Mr.
Cluss' liberal views as to strength OF the
proposed structures and the foundations
upon which they are built has been fully
indicated To the structures as originally
planned the company has made large add
lions, these being necessary for the In
stallation of lighting and refrtgerating ma
chinery and the large cold-storage facili-
ties, which have since proved such benefit
to dealers as well as the public. In the
work OF original construction and OF sub
sequent additions Mr.. Cluss has been the
responsible architect. and although now
well advanced in years his interest In the
company is in no wise lessened
The present board Of directors OF the
company is: Messrs N. G. Ordway, VIII
liam E. Chandler, John Cassels, Edward R.
Tinker, William G. Carter. Edward O..
Whitford, Frank q. wilkins, F. T. Cham
berlin, George w. Gray. Paul Butler, Lloyd
H. Chandler, William V. Cox and Samuel
w Curriden. Mr.. Edward r. Tinker
closely connected with the company since
its inception, is now president of the board,
Mr. Frank G. Wilkins, the superintendent
of the company, is secretary and Mr.. 8. w.
Curriden is treasurer. Mr.. Preston s.
Smith, who has been the clerk Of Center
market since its opening, continues In that
position, holding the confidence Of the COM
pany and the good will of every dealer.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
THE WEST END LAUNDRY.
A Modern Concern Controlled by Ed
ward B. Farren.

The West End Laundry was started some
twenty years ago in a very small way by a
Mrs. Walsh, and has run under various
arrangements since that time. 1t is now
under the management and control Of Mr.
Edward B. Farren. an experienced laundry
man. The laundry Is fitted out with the
most modern machinery IN all Its depart
ments, and is devoted to high-grade laundry
chfnery of the establishment is a twentieth
century collar machine, the only one of its
kind in Washington. 1t turns out a large
amount of work In day, and each piece
has strictly domestic finish. Stree Mr.
Farren assumed charge the business OF the
laundry has grown amazingly, due in a
large measure to the uniform excellence OF
the work done. In fact, the laundry makes
a specially of high-grade work. This excel
lent laundry Is located at l75s Pennslylva-
mia avenue northwest