Norwich bulletin., 1915-03-20

into foreign fields, where their success has been equal to that achieved here. | The liberality of mana cement, which | gained at once, public favor here, | prGved potent in the other undertak- | are now interested in four stores, the other three being located respectively in Grand Rapids, Mich., Fort Wayne, Ind, and Portland, Me. The store at Grand Rapids is in charge of Charles Trankla, a native of this city, and a man who gained his train ing in the local store of the company. He was given charge of the Michigan store upon it's establishment in 1885 and has conducted it under the firm name of Charles Trankla & Co. with signal ability. The Fort Wayne branch is directed by Henry Beadell, who has shown much skill in it's management. The Portland store, which is known as '"The Porteous, Mitchell & Braun Co.," is under the management of Robert Braun and John B. Porteous, both of whom are natives of Norwich and gained their knowledge of the business with the parent house in this city.
 Advantageous Buying Connections.
 It is not only by these several branch stores that The Porteous & Mitchell Go. has increased its buying capacity; they are one of the founders of and hold a membership in the Dry Goods Union of New York city, with a cen tral office at 432 Fourth avenue. This is one of the largest organizations of it's kind in America, with a purchasing power of more than twelve millions of dollars, annually. In their New York office a competent force of buyers is maintained who are in daily commun- ication with the largest producers of every kind of merchandise that is handled by department stores. The members of the Union form a pur- chasing unit, the magnitude of which is known and respected by every job Der and manufacturer. This import ant connection gives the patrons of the local concern, a service which, from a standpoint of neWness in mer- chandise and economy in prices, is unsurpassed by any other store in & Mitchell Company has always en- joyed reputation for fair dealing and of selling only merchandise of we'll known dependability. They believe that nothing is cheap that does not have sufficient quality to give an hon. paid for it.
 By Main and Telephone.
 In addition to the large patronage which they enjoy from the many thousands who visit the store during
 
 extensive business by mail and tele phone. They have a very complete telephone service with every floor of the establishment, enabling patrons to partment in the store. Orders by mail are given careful attention by experi- enced shoppers, thereby insuring sat- is factory service. Those who do not find it convenient to visit the store at all times in person, realize that they f-o6 6n hNy 0~ fn1 this up-to-dat store and be assured of right goods at right prices, and the privilege of a willing exchange of goods or a refund of money whenever anything is unsatisfactory. And now that the parcel post is in operation the people of eastern Connecticut, all of whome live within the first zone, thereby being entitled to the lowest rates, are enabled to have all their purchases delivered at a minimum delivery service of the company, as it has always been a part of the store policy to pay all freight expenses and mail charges anywhere in Connecticut on all purchases of $500 or over.
 The Two Founders.
 As the cereer of a business estab- lishment is due entirely to the men who direct and control it, something of the personality of thse two men will be of interest at this time. As has been said, both are natives of Scotland. Both came to America when young men after having laid the foundation for their business training in their na- tive land. The mastery of detail which they acquired in Scotland was of the utmost value to them in entering busi- ness in this country. It was just the preliminary training necessary to fit them for the energetic business life of America. Another thing which has contributed largely to the prosperity of this company has been the judicious | thorough efficiency in every depart ment. MT. Mitchell had general fnan- cial direction of the business and with an executive ability of high order he has proven himself a wise and at the same time, a conservative fnancier | MT. Porteous gave his attention to the buying and the distribution of stock among the the several stores. In this very important branch of the business MT. Porteous has displayed remark able sagacity. Having rare ability ir | judging goods and a complete knowl- edge of values he adds an uncommon l skill in anticipating the tastes of the public. He is generally regarded as one of the most competent buyers o1 general dry goods in New York anG other markets. His acquaintance witt | dry goods merchants all over the | country, gained from an experience o1 42 years is very extensive.
 l Incorporated in 1906.
 Tn line with the progressive policy of the firm, the business was incor- porated in 1906 under the title of "The Porteous & Mitchell Company" ant | two of the employees that had beer in the service of the firm a number o1 years were taken into the company a | that time.
 The present officers of the company | are: John Porteous, president; Archi- bald Mitchell, vice president; O. D Wulf, secretary and treasurer; Joh1 Porteous, Archibald Mitchell, O. E l Wulf, and John M. Lee, directors. Active in Civic Interests.
 Both Messrs. Porteous and Mitchell have been identified with a. number O. l enterprises which are active in thu business life of the community. MT 1 Porteous is a director of the Thame! National bank. director of the Nor
 wich Savings Society, and president O | nf