davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25

company. The stock held by Mr.
Eberle was purchased by the Des
MoineS men.
Successful in every respect the Hill
Furniture company grew until its
quaters on Third avenue became to
small and the need for a newer and
better location impressed itself on the
stockholders. Last August the com
pany decided to remove to 1615-1617
Second avenue, where the store is now
located.
Before entering the new home the
company had the store entirely remod-
eled and redecorated and new fixtures
were installed, so that it is now one
of the handsomest salesrooms in the
city The change the stockholders
found an excellent one and each month
the business grew even beyond expec-
tation.
The company is incorporated with a
capital stock of $4,000 and household
furnishings of the very latest design
are kept in stock. Three floors, main,
basement and second story, are used
as display rooms and owing to the
large floor space an excellent oppor-
tunity for variety of stock to please
all is offered.
The store has adopted the policy of
square deal and the customers can
visit the place, inspect the stock and
know that what is offered is of the
best for the price asked
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
PALACE DYE WORKS.

The Palace Dye works at 1914 Sec
ond avenue is the working headquar-
tiers of a string of branch agencies in
many cities in Illinois, Iowa, and Wis
eonsin
Abraham Aronson. proprietor of the
works, has had II years experience
in the Cleaning and dyeing business
and employees a dozen people at the
headquarters here.
Until about a year ago the main
working plant was located in Chicago.
However, as all of the cleaning and
dyeing was sent to the headquarters.
a place more centrally located, where
better and quicker express service
could be secured. was sought by the
owner, and ne finally decided to locate
in Rock Island.
The Palace Dye works has a reputa-
ton for the quality of the work turned
out. Particularly expert in the con-
Germ in the cleaning or dyeing of the
more delicate textures. Ladies' wear
ing apparel as well as mems is attend
ed to. and besides cleaning and dye
ing large patronage in the pressing
department has been gained.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
BOWLBY MUSIC HOUSE.

For the past 81 years the Bowlby
Music house has stood for quality in
musical instruments. Today the Bowl
by Music house is located at 1909 Sec.
ond avenue. where that quality drays
forth customers seeking that which
VIII bring them the best in music.
The story of the late David Leroy
Bowlby who founded this house, is one
OF interest. Years ago he was travel
Ing salesman for the W. H Kimball
Piano company. He travelled in the
territory In which Rock Island was To-
Gated.
Desiring to give up the life of the
road. and make a more permanent
home. where he could spend all of his
time, he resigned the avocation of
commercial traveller and under the
Harper house In 1877 established the
Bowlby Music house
With keen knowledge of all must
cal instruments. the likes and dislikes
or the buying public. he built I'D for
himself a patronage that continued to
grow and which is still expanding each
year. The public soon learned of his
knowledge OF the stock he had for
sale, and they conferred with him be-
fore buying. They needed his advice.
and as he never misrepresented any
article In his store they placed great
faith in him and with this confidence
came more patronage,
II was not then strange that the
quarters under the Harper house be-
came too small. In two years he re-
moved TO 1926 Second avenue, where
he had larger fionr snaca ThfS xpas In
the Robinson building. and for ten
years he remained there, but again he
found the store too small, 90 he remov-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25

ed to 1909 Second avenue, where the
business is still conducted.
In 1905 Mr.. Bowlby died, and his
son, Sam w. Bowlby, the present own
er, who had been reared into the bus
mess, receiving the benefit of his ia
Tiers instruction, and a practical ex
perience, became the proprietor of the
music house.
He continued in the policy establish
ed by his father. The house contains
a fine line of pianos, organs, and all
other musical instruments. Sheet mu.
sic, both popular and classic, and mus
ical instruction books are kept in
stock. A large line of the latter is one
of the features of the merchandise and
the proprietor makes a speciality in
handling the books meant for teach
ing.
The Kimball instruments are sold at
the store. While other makes are al
so kept in stock the Kimball are the
leaders in the sales.
The floors are used in the display of
the instruments. Three statesmen,
bookkeeper and a piano tuner, John
Flanagan, are in the employ of the
firm. Mr.. Flanagan became connected
with the firm 81 years ago, and with
the exception of four years during
that time, has been a constant work
man for the concern.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
HILL FURNITURE COMPANY

The Hill Furniture company. occu-
pying one OF the largest stores in the
1000 block, was established In Rock
Island In 1910. Jacob Hill. now man
ager and secretary-treasurer OF the
company, and G. Eberle instituted the
business four years ago at 1916 Third
avenue.
For eight months II was conducted
under the firm name OF Hill & Eberle
and then the Hill Furniture company
was Incorporated. the stock holders
being Mr.. Hill and the S. Davidson
Bros, who operate a large furniture
store in Des Moines. Iowa. j. David
son OF Des Moines, 10 president OF the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
PLAYHOUSE HERE
LEADING IN CITY
Illinois Theater ExceIled by Few
in Towns Size of Rock
Island.
BUILT DOZEN YEARS AGO
In Seating Capacity, Stage Accommo-
dations and General Faeil-
ties It Ranks High.

In the Illinois theatre, located at
1902 Second avenue, Rock Island has
a playhouse that compares favoraoIy
with that of any other city of its class
in the west. For artistic finish. ar
rangement and capacity, both in the
matter of seats and stage rooms, II
is not ,excelled anywhere outside OF
the cities of first magnitude.
] The theatre was erected in 1901 oy
George H Johnston, of st. Louis, on
the advance seat sale plan. which mas
the advantage of adding to the puoic
interest in its care and management
through a feeling of personal pro
prietorship engendered.
The close of the advance seat SAT-
was effected early in 1901 after can
vass had been conducted by the Rocs
Island club, assisted by the Retaii
Merchants association. ft.f'
The terms of Mr.. Johnston called
for a sale of seats for the opening play
at $40 each. amounting in the aggre-
gate to $4,000. upon which he agreed
to erect a $4,000 playhouse.
AS soon as the sale was finished tne
erection of the theatre was begun ana
carried rapidly on. the opening play
being given December 26, 1901. On
that occasion every seat in the house
was taken and society was o.; In NV
force
Stage is Roony.
Seldom has such an audience gain
cred beneath the roof of any piey'
house, and few new buildings wnen
first thrown open TO the public nave
ever ELECTED more favorable commen'
from all beholders. The seating "a
pacitv of the house is 400 Incubus
the galleries, and the stage AFFORDS sur
flcient room for the handling Oh lAe
most elaborate scenic productions,
Acoustic properties are as nearv
perfect as the science OF the arcLiteca
and the builder could make them.
Public appreciation of the theaire
has been amply shown By the attehs
ance that has greeted every ereo,
table production that has appeareu
within its walls since its erection.
William j. Klink is present MANAGES
of the theatre and during the season
Just passed offered TO Rock Island PEG
pie a variety OF the latest plays. W
eras. dramas. musical comedies, hisn
class burlesQue, and moving pictuNs
were shown at the house.
The first manager was Archie COY
and the others who acted in that CO.
paeity prior to Mr.. Klinck were Georss
German and r. III. Taylor.
From the beginning the Illinois has
been under lease as one of the Cham
oerlain- kindt chain OF theatres.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25

The first to open a store was Fahne-
stock & Lewis. This firm conducted
an establishment where the Leo Vic
tor shoe hospital now stands. Later
c. a. Fahnestock purchased the inter
ests of his partner and conducted the
store alone. In the early COS Charles
Benser purchased the store.
Paid $500 Year Rent.
About 1863 Mr.. Benser removed his
store to the corner of Illinois and
Eagle streets, where the Thomas Drug
company is now located. The building
had previously been used as a grain
warehouse and was a very desirable
location as in the early days the farm
ers all drove into Market square, and
naturally the big portion of the trade
then was that of the tillers of the soil.
Mr.. Benser signed a lease for the
building for three years, paying a rent
OF but $500 per annum.
John BengstOn. who was then in
Mr.. Benser's employ. urged his en-
ployer TO sign a 10-year lease. claiming
that at the end of the three years the
rent would be increased, probably
doubled. The prediction came true.
and at the expiration of the lease the
owners increased the rent.
Conrad A. Speidel, who had been
located in the Buford block, where the
Best building now stands. removed to
the present store OF A J. Riess, in the
7O's.
The best hotel in the old days was
the Rock Island house, situated in a !
wooden building where the present |
hosiery bearing that name is now To- |
Gated. The hotel then occupied the /
western half of the structure, and the |
L. Simon & Co, later Simon & Mosen-
ielder. clothing merchants, occupied
The eastern half
The hotel was owned and conducted
1y Stephen WoOdin, and many of the
older residents can still remember the
I'D frame house. Isaac Negus, father
'f William o. Negus. present owner.
II the Rock Island house. purchased
he old frame hotel and in the early
Y0's erected the present brick struc-
.ure.
Coat Made Here Preserved.
Isaac Heinsfurter conducted a cloth
ng store where the candy kitchen now
stands. Mr.. Heinsfurter gained a big
equation for his place OF business, as
lie was not only a clothier but a mer-
,hant tailor as well. John Volk, the
still has in his possession
N overcoat which was made for him
~ Mr.. Heinsfurter.
William Kale was also an early bust
less man In the city who occupied
quarters IN the 1000 block. He con-
ucted a barber shop and later a sa-
DON on the second floor of the build ,
ng occupied by Mr.. Heinsfurter. Mr.. 1
iale was the father OF Henry Kale,
rho now conducts a buffet at the cor {
er OF Second avenue and Seventh q,
treet.
Schweiber & Reed were also early :
usiness men in the 1000 block They {
Onducted a stove and hardware store q
4 the south side OF the street near c
le center OF the block. d
Following the erection OF the Rock Il
land house the new business firms
eking quarters built up the 100
ock. but for years the 1000 block con-
med the largest and most representa- C.
e business houses In the city. IA
practically all or the build 10
Is now standing IN the 1000 block o'
re erected over half a century ago. ID
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
1900 BLOCK WAS
CENTER OF CITY
BEFORE THE WAR
Built Up Almost Soidiy With
Brick Stores in Early
Part of the COS.
GOT BENEFIT FIRST BOOM
Many Well Known Pioneer Business
Concerns Had Quarters on
Old Illinois Street

When Rock Island was a mere vii
Iage. before it was known as Rock Is
land. in fact, the place where the 1000
block now stands was the business
center OF the place. AS IS generally
known. Farnhamsburg was the first
settlement here and that was located
on the bank of Sylvan slough at the
foot OF Twenty-ninth street Later
Stephenson was laid out farther west
and the 1000 block was the center of
this for a number of years. After the
two villages were united under the
name Rock Island. the site of the pres
ent 1000 block continued 10 be the
center OF business activity. A row OF
wooden buildings on each side Of what
was then Illinois street. but which IS
now Second avenue. housed the main
business firms OF the city. Seven
teenth street was then known as Eagle
street.
When the Rock Island railroad en-
tered the town in 1855 the impetus for
a boom was started and soon business
houses OF brick were built on both
sides of the 1000 block.
AS far back as the early COS. with
the exception of the Rock Island house
and the Illinois theatre building. all
Of the buildings now located in the
1000 block lad been erected. The old
wooden structures were torn down and
more lasting ones were erected.
Big Dry Goods Store.
In the COS the largest dry goods
store in the city, in fact the biggest
within radius OF number OF miles
IN Illinois, was that OF Mitchell & Par
sons. This store is now occupied by
Billings & Herzog.
East OF this place Of business was
the clothing store OF hamburger &
Burgower. hamburger & Burgower
were the first occpants Of the store /
now leased by the Bowlby Music house /
Block & Newberger had a millinery \
and dry goods store where the Hill
Furniture company is now located.
Mrs. Caroline Kreis, mother OF Z. b.
xreis. was head milliner.
On the opposite side Of the street
rom Billings & Herzog's was the Don
( Elliott Hardware store. Later FL ]
lott moved 20 the west. and David {
ION purchased the interests OF his
arneT Z
AS now. two drug stores were locat- [
d in the block in the early days. In
act, the only two pharmacies of which n
.ock Island boosted were in this block. v
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25

yet they were constructed of a ma
terial which has proven durable.
The buildings have all been remod-
eled several times and new fronts
have been installed. Second avenue
was paved in 1889. being the first
street in the city to be so improved.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
LODGING ROOMS kept.

The 1900 block also possesses excel
lent rooming facilities. The Schmidt
hotel. 1881 Second avenue. Fred
Schmidt, proprietor. the ST. Johns
house, 16265e Second avenue, Tom
Kennedy proprietor. and John Formers
rooms at I6s2la, al furnish excellent
lodging at reasonable prices.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
AMERICAN EXPRESS co.

The ONCE OF the American Express
company is located at 1872 Second ave-
hue. NJ. J. Jones is the agent The
local ONCE handles express packages
over the Northwestern railroad via
Davenport
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25

Continued on Page i4.)
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-05-25
WELLS FARGO EXPRESS GO,

The Rock Island Office OF the Wells
Fargo Express company, is located at
1908 Second avenue. C. II. Hoskinson
has been manager for the last fiye
years. The company operates on the
Chicago, Milwaukee & st. Paul rail.
road and the Rock Island Southern i'm
terurban.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-04-09
DRlscoLL GOES TO BURLINGTON
Dead Man Shows Himself TO New
Field Of Admirers

Burlington. April S.-"Paddy" Dris-
coll the Montpelier man who was rel
ported as dead and buried In Keene.
y. H.. some days ago and who later
turned up at Montpelier much TO the
surprise of the people of that city.
was in town yesterday. The news OF
the mistake in the Discoll case has
been published in the various papers
of the state and the last account was
that Driscoll had left for keene but
had failed TO arrive there. He show
ed up in Burlington yesterday and he
told those with whom he made ac-
quaintance that he had slept in a
shaving shed on the lake front the
night before.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-04-09

Cormick. visitor, gave c. l.. Curtis.
a furniture dealer check for s45 on
a bank at Alton. y. Y Inquiries
were sent to the bank by the Wei
den bank, eliciting the information
that the check was worthless. There
upon. MacCormick was confronted
last evening as he was buying a
ticket for Montreal He made good
the check and was allowed 10 go
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-04-09
MADE THE CHECK GOOD
After II Had Been Proved Worthless
Through Prompt Work.

st. Adams, April S.-The sheriff's
office and the Weldon National bank
co-cpera.ed yesterday in a piece of
quick detective work. j. J. Mac
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-04-09
Tub Six Waist. sI.sS

Pretty stripes in al popular
colors. also plain white
very clever styles for eth
CT dress or sports wear.
Choice Let OF rev Crere
snd other hne Waists az
$50 10 S6S0.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-04-09
DRYsDALE

Very Pretty Waists
Al 500
Twenty late styles added
this week orepes. lawns.
batistes newest shoulder
and collar features.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-02
WHERE OPTIMISM
IS WELL FOUNDED
Builders New to Long Island Have
Lately Invaded North
Shore Sections.
BY FRANK CROwELL.
,r.r ~ Hirkcrt.rinlay Realty Company.

Manager Of Rickcrt-Tinlay Realty Company
The Same suburban realty optimism
that characterized the beginning OF the
voar 1913 IS noted at the opening OF 1919
and IN contrast with last year this coming
nov wear already shows prospects for the
betterment Of conditions that were lack
inc In the twelve months that are just
naesinp into history This is particularly
true regarding the North Shore OF Long
Island which should be the centre OF
STEADY activity during the coming year
There were no dealings OF sensational
nature along the North Shore OF Long
Island i'm 1913. but in the last few months
builders new to Long Island have been
attracted 10 The North Shore by the dual
subway system and the completion or the
through electrification Of the Port WASH
ington Division OF the Long Island Rail-
road.
Comparatively few people have any IDEA
Of The tremendous construction WORK
going on in Long Island City. The ele-
waited line following Second avenue, when
is part Of the dual subway system Is over
one-haIf completed. and operation over
this branch should be In effect not later
than the end of 1914. and will give to the
people residing In Long Island CITY ana
Astoria a hve-cent fare to all parts OF
Manhattan. The Bronx or Brooklyn.
We contemplate Immediately dressing
up our Norwood property. situated be-
tween Broadway and Grand avenue, Long
Island City. and paralleled by the Sec
ond avenue elevated line; also by the
trolley lines running on Second avende,
SteInway avenue, Flushing avenue and
Broadway. This particular piece OF prop
erty has proven TO be very attractive ana
has every city Improvement except as
! phalt pavements, and these we intend TO
| complete I'm the spring. The streets have
all been graded, cement sidewalks and
curbs have been laid and trunk sewers
have been built in every street, with
house connections to the curb line OF
every lot.
The section in close proximity to this
Norwood property is rapidly becoming the
centre for automobile factories and SER
vice buildings, and 1t is expected that
with the opening OF the Astoria branch
of the dual subway system values will
enhance very rapidly.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-02

fdence and again letting In our weicoihe
business guest people will soon become
too poor TO longer live in the city ana
goodly portion will have to look TO the
suburbs as an economic solution. and II
all the signs Of returning confidence ana
restoration of better business don't fall'
YOU will likewise see a goodly portion OF
city folks migrating suburbanward In the
hope of the fuller enjoyment OF lie Al
reduced expenditure; so you see, whether
general business conditions In 1914 con
tinue bad or change for the better the
attraction is naturally TO the suburbs anu
Long Island seems 20 have the CALL espe-
ciallv places we'll developed. where All
wear homes make for greater economies
and the added burden Of any city hoii'
AZ all is entirely done away with Lohs
Islands soil. climate, nearness 10 wv
metropolis land and sea recreatiVe lea'
ures. and many many other advantages
ore forecasting the wonderful futuie Oh
New York's logical suburb. and Bright
waters has received its full share, ana we
are thankful to an apprecistive puoic III
extending our best wishes for happ'
ard prosperous 1914
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-02

man stands on the merits of his PROPOSE
ton.
The fact that a man fails In the dry
goods business through lack of foresight
and judgment I'm buying the goods he
places on his counters does not create
the public belief that the drygoods busl-
ness is A dishonest one. I'm all businesses
there are risks, In all businesses there
are dishonest traders. The housewife does
not stop buying sugar for her coffee be
cause she finds that the grocer Is giving
her short weight She goes to another
grocer.
The inspectors of the regulatory depart
ments Of other states which have super
visory laws examine the books of the
American Real Estate Company whenever
they care to do so. and we are perfectly
willing that inspectors Of the New York
State Banking Department should do like
wise. But I'm these states all companies
issuing securities are bound by the same
law. Real estate is not held up to odiurn
as being the only basis for securities
which needs watching and the states
O *. So let us have all real estate securi-
ties and all other securities ISSUED in New
York state and all securities sold in New
York state, no matter who issues them
or where the issuing company is lncor-
porated come under the regulation OF the
State Banking Department guaran-
teed 5l2 per cent mortgage is just as much
of a real estate security as a per cent
real estate bond Let the State Banking
Department decide II the real estate on
which the 5I9 per cent mortgage or per
cent bond is issued is capable of earning
that per cent. II we are to have paternal-
istic legislation let it be all inclusive in
fairness to all concerned. not discriminate
ing or showing any special interest.