davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Samuel IL. Lunt.

This gentleman is native Of Alex
andria, of the third generation. His
interests are very decidedly Alexan-
drian. And he has good reasons for
his faith in and admiration for the
city. A worthy son OF worthy sires, his
ambition is to see Alexandria enjoy the
full mete OF progress and prosperity so
justly hers because Of her natural loca-
ton. Since 1889 Mr.. Lunt has been
actively in the real estate business, at
the same time giving personal and
financial aid to commercial and indus
trial enterprises. He believes that Alex
andria can be made a busting and
thrifty city, where through practical
effort there will be a general distribu-
ton and uniformity Of all of the COM
forts Of life. He said in a talk with
q Gazette reporter:
"Home-getting and BODYBUILDING are
perhaps the most important questions
that men and women face in this coun-
try. It is the one thing that over
shadows all others. In industrial cities
there is usually better distribution of
wealth among the whole people. Alex
Sndria can be made a city of factories
with rolls of well-paid employees, whose
homes will be found along electric lines
running out over our neighboring hills
The era of real estate success is just
really opening in Alexandria. Money
in land improvements, in property bet
terments. in buildings, residences, bust
ness blocks, industrial plants, public
buildings. and social, benevolent, educa-
tional. religious. and scientific institu-
tons will be spent in vast sums in the
coming years, and the result will be
considered wonderful to those who only
see the completion, but to those who
have a part in it and secure their share
eN - 49,
the result will be glorious Our city Is
solid financially. our banks during tn:
recent. furry felt so much in othel
/ parts. went along doing business az
usual The demand for houses, rooms
and board is beyond the ability Of oul
| city to fully meet, and 1t looks as II W.
were on the eve OF a record-makinl
/ epoch. Let it be so. We want thu
{ procession 10 move and we want TO b.
] in IT,"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
THE HUNGER OF THE CITY.
This is Appeased by Good Hotels, hes'
taurants and Groceries.

Alexandria has several good hotels,
notably the tleischmann and the Ram
mel. The first named is conducted on
the European plan, ana the IatteI Oh
both the European and American plans.
The Rammels have two restaurants
one I'm the hotel and the other couple
of doors away, where a specially Is
made of sea foods in season There
are several other smaller hotels, and a
number of boarding houses.
The Braddock House. a structure OF
over ESQ apartments, is used for room
ing purposes, as also of the old Carlyle
House, around which the Braddock cir
cles on three sides. The Carlyle House
was built in 1892 and in ii the five
Colonial governors met with Braddock
and Washington in 1855 and planned
the disastrous campaign against the
French at Fort Duquesne. On the
street above the Braddock House Is the
old City Hotel, at which Washington
usually stopped when in the city, room
No. IL always being reserved for him
The Marshall House, made notorious
early in the civil war by the tragic
death of Col Ellsworth and OF Land
lord Jackson, partly burned some years
ago, is now a residence, the lower part
containing two store rooms occupied by
the mercantile establishment of G. ).
Elliott, 42S-30 King street. More than
four decades have elapsed since this
terrible dual tragedy. Millions have
died since it's enactment and the
friends OF both North and South, whose
passions have long since cooled. look
back to the sad affair as contingency
of war times which ended in the death
of two brave men.
To Judge from the tempting array
Of fruits, vegetables and other things
good to eat TO be seen in the many
grocery and provision stores of Alex
andria, no hunger exists. The retail
stores have no trouble to keep up their
stocks, because the wholesale stores are
in Alexandria and 1t matters not what
is desired it can be had If 1t IS mar
ketable article
Alexandria is also quite a fish center.
having several fish packing and ship
ping houses. Several dlHerent hrihs
are in the business of fishing In the
Potomac and neighboring waters and
there is no time, in season, when fresh
shad, herring, oysters, CLAIMS. crabs,
etc, cannot be had at prices within the
reach OF the poorest. And there Is
nothing to prevent Il man from going
out and catching a mess Of fish or gath
ering a basket of CLAIMS on his own ac-
count.
The man with a garden of half
acre can keep his table supplied with
vegetables, berries, fruits and green
things, for the climate is genial, and
permits the growth of great variety or
products. From the truck gardens
along the Potomac and farther South
the local markets are always supplied
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
NJ. B. Harlow Il Co.

This is the oldest firm and largest
operators in real estate on the south
side Of the Potomac River. The senior
member Of the firm was City Treasurer
for "a years, and also served in the
City Council He was long president
of the Business Mems League. which
did so much to present the advantages
Of Alexandria to the outside world. He
is also a director of the First National
Bank, and is connected with many or
the leading business interests OF the
city. He is also the originator Of the
movement to build what is known as
Mount Vernon avenue from Washing
ton through Alexandria to Mt. Vernon,
a project of splendid proportions,
which has had the attention Of Con-
gress and Of the War Department.
sided it is hoped that Congress will
begin the construction OF this boule-
ward, that will exceed in beauty ana
grandeur the Appian Way of Rome.
The Harlow Company. in addition to
having a large list of city and farm
properties, does q general loan and in
surance business.
Ross T. Elliott, treasurer Of the Har-
low Company, is a native OF Washing
ton. but most of his life. barring sew
eral years railroading in Pennsylvania,
has been spent in Virginia. He has
been in his present position four years,
and thorough believer in the coming
greatness of his adopted city and State
E. J. Fleming, secretary Of the COM
pany. is a native of this city. and has
been with Mr.. Harlow for II years
Mr.. Harlows ONCE has been a training
school and object lesson for a score OF
more Of efficient real estate men, who
are now doing things here, in Wash
ington and other cities.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
w. II. May & Son.

This firm was established over a
half century ago. and is now repre-
sented by the founder, w. H.. his son,
John w. and two grandsons, ]. VIM.
and c. H., the unusual Of three gen.
erations under one roof in the same
business. The grandson. c. H, attend
ed a medical school, but found his
fathers occupation offering a desifa-
BILE field, and professional life was CIV
en- up for business The firm deals in
agricultural machinery and seeds. with
a trade extending over a wide terri
tory, and the business is so methodi-
cally conducted that the beginning of
the year finds the house with clean
slate In the matter of liabilities.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Schneider & sIaymaker.

This firm. located at 313 King street,
Is a new one, but the business has
been established for many years. JUS
tus Schneider, the senior member, Is
German by birth, but has lived In
Alexandria for a half century. He Is
secretary Of the well managed German
Cooperate Building and Loan Associa-
ton and is also engaged In the fire in
surance business. 1t is in the latter
that +. l.. Slaymaker. the junior part
ner has taken an interest, but in adj
dition. on his own account. he writes
life and accident insurance and buys
and sells real estate. Mr.. Slaymaker
is native of Alexandria. but spent
several years in Washington, resign
ing from the chief clerkship In the office
of Comptroller Plant of the Southern
Railway to go into the well known
office of T. j. Fisher & Co, or the cap
ital City. to acquire knowledge OF tne
real estate calling, before entering
upon an Independent career OF his
own in Alexandria He remains the
Alexandrian representative of the Fish
or firms interests in Virginia. Why
he gave up a salary and went into
business in Alexandria on his own ac-
cord is told in these words:
within the past year 1 gave up
salaried position to go into business
for myself, feeling that with the same
amount of attention and energy nee
essary In work for a corporation. put
into work for myself l could make
my work more profitable, and at the
same time have freedom OF thought
and action, and be In a position 10
enter into affairs of interest outside OF
INV immediate work, thus avoiding the
narrowing influence Of salaried WORK.
and confinement of thought and action
10 the interests of the corporation VINO
owned my time.
after getting a general knowledge
NJ the new line Of work, / determined
TO make the originality Of action COM
plete by going into business for my
self absolutely, and seeing the ad-
vancing condition OF affairs In this
nv home town, felt that right mere.
where / was best known, there was an
opportunity of establishing myself, ana
making myself felt In time by alulns
in the development or TINS CITY, anu
at the same time build up my own
business. .
ON my opinion, with the increase
NJ the more up-to-date city spirit
which Is developing here, there Is a
very bright future for Alexandra with
its unusual position at the gateway 10
the South. ..,.,.,o,
what we need more than anything
else. is for all the people to awake 10
the fact that we have the possibilities
for a strong Industrial city. and to get
the industries here, those VINO nave
old. out Of date property. or vacant
property suitable for new buildings or
manufacturing plants, must be VIKING
to sell their property at such prices
that those who have the means and
Willingness to put up modern build
ings may be able to do so with proht'
and that new industries may be able
to secure sites, at prices that Will at
tract them"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
THE FEET OF THE CITY.
Money I'm Dirt and Opportunities Gre
Open 10 All.

The work of the real estate man is
wide reaching. If he who makes TWO
blades of grass grow where out one
grew before is a public benefactor' now
much more a benefactOr is ne 10 MS
race who puts a landless man on man
less land and makes nome 1or
family and changes the prohtless acre
into the producer OF cOIlIoIS an
wealth. The real estate men OF Alex
andrIa are as a rule among our repre-
sentative citizens, active always IN every
roovement helpful TO the community
and State. They have put men out OH
vacant. land and helped thereby 10
rnaka the city what II is Without the
farms there would be no Alexandria. The
real estate men give literally or their
time and money in getting settlers anu
nroducers. from whom they derive out
one profit, while other classes OF DUST
ness men have the new corners as reg
MAR customers. AS promoters OF the
growth of State and city, through which
every one has a standing, the real es-
tate men can we'll be classed as the
feet of the city"
Alexandria's incorporate nmlts are
among the smallest Of the cities in Vir-
ginia. only q little over 700 acres, ana
no CITY In the State is more compactly
built. therefore growth is going on out
side OF lDe CITY DOuhuai 10 - -
no seer to perceive that there is a future
for Alexandria which will mean steadl-
". If not .phenOmenally, advancing
prices of property. Those who foresaw
the present advance in real estate ana
made use of it a few years ago at OPP
perfume times have greatly profited.
Fortunes are TO be made in wise In
yestments in real estate in Alexandra
and in the surrounding country in the
next few years Some will do better
than others, depending on how wisely
the buying is done
The opportunities for doing well are
not confined to the men Of money alone,
but they are open for the man who
has q little or who is looking for an
investment in installments in property
toward which the city is growing rapid
" and which is bound TO enhance
greatly in value In the next few years.
Alexandria has enterprising real es-
tate men. They know how to transact
business in a way satisfactory to the buy
er and to be liberal and to lend every
announcement possible to the investor
Alexandria is headquarters for handlers
of timber, coal or other mineral lands
in the South, and also for farm lands,
and persons of the North or other
parts of the United States who are
seeking place where a greater variety
of farming can be done, close to market
and in a mild climate the year round,
find what they are looking for listed
with dealers in Alexandria.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Robert Elliott.

Seventeen years in the real estate
business is evidence that a man has
had experience. This is emphatically
true OF Mr. Elliott, whose office, 125
s. Royal street, is always open to Wis
itors. A native of Alexandria. he be-
gan his business career as a provision
broker, from which he left after seven
active years to engage in the handling
Of real estate. He is a large owner
OF city property, and is prepared to buy
or sell improved or unimproved proper
", or build houses for intending pur-
chasers or renters. He believes there
Is great future for his native city
In a talk with Gazette reporter he
said:
Il do not know Of a failure in Alex
andria among men who have given in
telligent attention 10 their affairs. OuI
city is an old one. but II has had its
setbacks. notably by wars, the last one
practically wiping out its commercial
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
THE SAFEGUARD OF THE CITY.
Insurance Is an Important Adjunct OF
Civilization.

In the great ship OF our civilization
insurance companies hang IKE me-
boats in the rigging. When the snip
goes down the life-boat Is Launched
and life is saved. In the great Tor
est Of institutions, in the paradise OF
modern civilization, the insurance com
pany grows like the tree OF life IN
the paradise of old. In the great held
of the worlds activity other enterprises
are merely shade trees. The insur-
ance company is the fruit tree. In
its shade not only do the weary lie
down to rest, but from its boughs help
less children pluck the fruit OF actual
health and actual life.
Insurance agents are the red BLOOD
corpuscles that carry life and Vigor ana
health to the diseased. paralyzed home.
The insurance companies were the
contractors, the laborers that gave to
the world a new Chicago from its
ashes; they helped to lift Galveston
from the foods: they. too, were the
builders of a new Boston from It's
shroud Of flames; they stood upon the
site of Marylands metropolis and said !:
Let q new Baltimore come forth
and forthwith a new city rose, more
beautiful than ever, in all the har-
mony and music OF architectural pro-
portions. San Francisco also found the
value of insurance in her late great
catastrophe.
In Alexandria can be found the rep
resentatives of the largest and best
companies, both fire and life. In the
world and every one should patronlze
these great magicians. which can thrust
their hands into an ash pile and gather
up sweet homes, commercial palaces
and temples OF God. while their col
leagues bring health and comfort 10
the starving widow and the wailing
orphan.
The Independent Mutual Fire In
surance Co. of Fairfax county, Va,
has its headquarters at 119 IL S. Roy
al street, Alexandria, where its Interests
are looked after by CORTLAND Lukens,
secretary. The company was organized
40 years ago by the "Woodlawn Farm
ers Club" which has its name from
the farm given by Washington to Mel
lie Gusts when she was married. Inc
farmers club in question was organ
ICED at the home of Mr.. Lukens, ~
years ago, on his farm two miles from
Mt. Vernon. The field OF operations
of the company was originally confined
TO Fairfax county, but is now extended
into Alexandria, Prince William and
Ioudoun counties, and carries over 49,
100000 Of insurance. in no instance
over $4,000 in one risk, confined mainly
TO farm property. To say that II Is
a safe company goes without saying
The president, James w. Roberts, Is
dairy farmer OF Fairfax county. The
directors are all prominent citizens OF
the counties in which the company
operates.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
,sr c,,1,pcu ALEXANDRIA, VA OF WHICH GEORGE WASH
Oni'0i IJSTroN AND ROBERT e WERE MEMBERS

interests Before the Civil War we
sold goods by wholesale to Baltimore.
What we are today in a business way
is the growth since reconstruction days
have witnessed this growth. At the
start Of my brokerage business l often
had TO take orders from a half dozen
houses to make up car lot Of meats,
canned goods, sugar rice, etc, but before
! quit it, individual orders OF a car or
more were common. but now goods
come by the train and ship load. /
need not compare the streets OF a
quarter Of a century ago with the
present, in the matter Of comfort for
man and beast. We are growing now
like a SNOWFALL rolling down hill. ex-
pect within the next decade to see our
river front from here to Washington
filed with factories and wharves, back
cd by homes Of the employees Of the
numerous Industries certain to exist be-
fore the census OF 1920 is taken"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
r,,o portner Brewing Company.

The original brewery, Inc hucIeus OF
the present extensive plant. was FOUND
ed by Robert Portner in 1893. me
TsS3 and its brewery is now the largest
and most complete in the South. The
product of this establishment is shipped
in Portner refrigerator cars. cooled
with ice from the Portner Ice Factory.
More men find employment IN this In
dustry than any other In Alexandria.
An idea OF the size Of this plant can
be formed by examining the ilIustra-
ton shoyyn in another column. The
executive officers of the company are
y q. Portner, son Of the founder, presi-
dent; P. Mex. Baldwin. secretary and
treasurer. and N. B. Greene. auditor.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
SNynn Brothers.

This enterprising dry goods firm, w.
r and C. b. Swan, came to Alexandria
eight years ago from Waynesboro. Au-
gusta county, Va, where their father
runs a Touring mill They occupied
their present commodious quarters last
fall, from a store just across the street
nv a study of the needs of the ladies
they have not only built up a large
trade locally, but attract fine business
from Washington and other places. So
satisfactory has been their relations
with outside customers that they al
ready enjoy a considerable mail order
business with ladies who always get
what they ask for and at right prices
Their store has a double front, with
fine show windows, while their sales
room is always light and attractive
with DISPLAYS Of goods.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Henry f. Robertson.

The three-story brick building, cor
ner King and Washington streets, Is oc-
cupied by the Robertson grocery and
provision store, where every staple
and delicacy required for family use
can be found Mr.. Robertson came
from Fauquier county, 8 years ago.
and until the opening of the Virginia
safe Deposit and Trust Corporation,
with which he is now associated. gave
his entire time to the conduct OF his
business, which is now looked after by
H. ~ Brawner and sons. Mr.. Rob-
ertson takes an active interest In
whatever concerns the welfare of his
city and state.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
The RammeI House.

This popular hotel, 1860, and Cafe,
112-114 N. Royal street. are managed
by W. L. and r. o. Rammel. The
hotel is thoroughly modern in appoint
ments, and guests have choice of either
the American or European plans. The
cafe is noted for serving oysters ana
other forms OF sea food. The KAN
Mi Brothers recently purchased the
r w. Brawner e. Co.'S Bottling Works,
we'll known for its speciality OF ginger
ale the University Club brand. famous
for its blending qualities. Mr.. w. l..
Rammel is a member Of the Chamber
of Commerce.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Alexander Bowie.

At the corner Of Washington and
Gibbon streets, Mr.. Bowie Is carrying
on a general grocery and provision
store. He Is a native OF King George
and had his earliest training
in business with p. Pullman & Co. In
1900 he bought branch store belong
ing to that firm and since then has
very much enlarged the trade. His
prosperity is evidenced by a complete
stock I'm his line and a pretty home
nearby. the result of attention to the
needs Of his customers.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20

The care Of the eye is receiving more
attention In these days and much suffer
ing is accordingly prevented. The oph-
thalmic cptician now adapts glasses to
the eye. after full examination. Alex
andria has a practical man in this
work. w E. Dienelt. los S. Washington
whose practice Of "a years includes six
in Pittsburg, Pa. preceded by a course
in the medical department Of the Co
lumbar University. DR.. Dienelt lives or
Seminary Hill, and mornings and even
ings finds him busy among his flowers
and berries.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Potomac Fish Co.

This is one of the most important
fish handling concerns in this section.
II gives employment, in season. to IL
fishing vessels and one tug, and has
five packing houses, two of them In
Alexandria, where the cOmpany's In
terests are looked after by B. b. Cline,
who can be found at the retail store,
the first one regularly opened in the
city, 100 N. Royal street. All ship
ments south are made from Alexandria.
Last year the company handled over
100000 herring alone
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Charles 8. Elliott.

This gentleman, whose business oc-
cupies Nos. 428-43O King street, in the
historic Marshall House. Is a native
of Wabash, Ind, and came here nine
years ago. He began life as a mes
senger boy in a railroad office and
after a varied experience in railroad
ing planned to enter the mercantile
trade and decided that Alexandria was
q good place, and he has never regret
ted his choice. He makes a specially
of china, glassware. lamps. counter
goods, woodenware. toys, stationery.
efc
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
Richard G. Acton & Sons.

This firm, engaged in the jewelry
trade. began it's existence in 1865. and
Is now managed by Richard e. and
Courtney Acton. sons of the founder.
The Acton brothers are practical watch
makers, and have a most attractive
store. which affords a rare opportunity
for obtaining what may be wanted in
high class jewelry, diamonds, cut glass
and silverware. The Acton Precision
Watch" Is a speciality.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
The greatest Piano Factories.

The Gable Company, of Chicago, the
greatest manufacturers of pianos. piano
PLAYERS and reed organs in the world,
have a district agency In Alexandria,
C. w. O'Meara, manager. Mr..
O'Meara is a Virginian, and was their
Territory travelling salesman before he
was located in this city. four years ago.
to take charge of the northern district
Of Virginia for this great company. He
sells instruments on terms to suit and
invites attention to his advertisement
in another column.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-20
THE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 90 1908

the activities of the city's life, on ene
CITY Council and as Police ComHilssssio. on
er. In public. as in his business affairs.
he brings zeal and earnestness 10 avery
detail. His firm was fortunate III
curing the wholesale agency II nol t,l,.
ern Virginia for the WashDurn-CrosDS
famous Gold Medal" and superb
tive" fiours. These brands OF hVu n5
are sold all over the world ana ie@u
all others in this territory.