Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-08-03
Prominent Republicans OF
Waterville and Vicinity,
NO. 1-FRANk REDINGTON.

various designs. In those days set
comprised some ten pieces of furniture,
all matched. Now three pieces comprise
set, and as is apt to be the case none
of the pieces match. Then again, take
the character of the parlor table. Back
in those days nearly all the better grade
of tables had marble tops. In 1908 they
can scarcely be found in an up-to-date
furniture establishment. For woods, oak
and mahogany are the chief material
used now. the former being more ex-
tensively in use than the latter. For mod
ern style finishes there is the 10th Gem
tury, the Golden, and the weathered.
something of new departure is that Of
the Mission furniture consisting of mas
sive types of a square line and plain
makeup. That's the simple life in furni-
ture. Many people are now furnishing
their dining rooms throughout with the
Mission type.
Then there's another change from %
TO !" years ago, namely. that of the char
acter OF the parlor suite. Seven pieces
formerly made up the suite. where now
there are three, the sofa and two chairs
Tie remainder is of different woods, fin
1sheS and types which affords pleasing
variation from the single pattern of pas:
days. The black hair-cloth upholstery
| has given place to the plush, as well as to
the brocade and the brocatellc, and the
silk damask.
But In the carpet line perhaps has been
the greatest revolution. Formerly we
used to sell more carpets of the Brussels
and tapestry ana wooden, but now the
large rug and the fibre mating has su-
perceded it. The wooden carpet may have
seen its last day, for the calls for a SUBJ
stitute are insistent In almost every
modern house there are all the way from
six to eight hardwood floors, covered with
large and small rugs. In the sleeping
rooms the China and Japan straw mat
ing is even now extensively used. This
is considered by many as far more sanf-
tary than tapestry, wool, or straw as
floor coverings.
You can find similar alterations goin,
on III the crockery line. The plain ware
is sold less and ,he decorated dinner set
more. Odd fancy pieces are bought large
~ today, and this manner of setting the
table dlspenSeS to q greater or less ex-
tent with the set of the past. There is Il
constant demand all the time for cut
glass and this is relieving the pressure
of the call for silverwnre.
There seems to be progress all along
the way" continued Mr.. Redington, "fOr
even in the undertaking business the
methods employed are not those of the
former days. Embalming has in these
latter days become a science, and we re-
gard it as Il profession. Tho State has
had considerable to do with the progress
in this department of our work, for the
law now requires that the undertaken
shall pass an examination before he can
| practice, in precisely the same manner
as the dentist or the doctor OF today
Progress is what we like 20 see," con-
cluded Mr.. Redington. but it sometimes
puzzles us to know what to expect in its
wake. Inventions and improvements
come crowdinG thick and fast upon the
| markets and there is never any telling
| what the public wants twenty-four hours
| in advance"
| Mr.. Redington Is q firm believer in the
future growth and prosperity of Water
vile and stands ready Il, all times to d.
/ whatever may he within his power to
promote the city's best interests.