Denver labor bulletin., 1917-09-01
Application of Wholesome Sentiment In Broad Gauge
Way Builds Great Western Store

Il want a job
I'VE don't want any more boys"
But, Mr.. Daniels, 1 have work. l
want to work for you. 1 want to learn the
dry goods business"
"All right, young fellow you can go to
work, but you won't get any pay for it"
I'll take the job
The above conversation took place more than
thirty years ago between of the greenest tow
headed boys the of commerce shown upon
and Mr.. Daniels of the Daniels and Fishers Store
which at that time was the largest store in Denver
The boy Aaron Dennison Lewis, who is today
president and principal of the A. T. Lewis
Son Dry Goods Company. And the vim with which he
tackled the Job referred to great factor in the
growth of the present business.
Mr.. Daniels thinking try the lad who asked
for nothing but Job gave him number of blankets
to sell on the sidewalk-not an uncommon custom in
those days.
But A. D. Lewis was undaunted. His determine
ton work for Mr. Daniels and learn dry goods
business held 1t three months before Mr..
Daniels for him. paid him three dollars week for
the time he had been there and put him the regular
pay roll.
That happy moment in the life of the boy,
perhaps of the happest for it proved he max
ing good he had struck the right gait.
His work Daniels and Fishers carried him into
nearly every department. After six years of hard work
find him assistant buyer of the small depart
en including handkerchies, neckwear laces notions,
Jewelry embroideres stationery leather goods, etc
During all this time he particularly popular
with his fellow workers He was always finding some,
thing to do, something he wasn't paid for doing and
for which he would not receive pay Nevertheless it
in the of the youngster do the things he
ought to be done, and innately he seemed
realize that the way to get ahead.
The custom in department stores that time
for every department to keep its records, its
purchases, stocks, etc. and write its advertise
nlents. Owing to certain combination of circum-
stances this work devolved upon Lewis and gave him
insight into every detail of the work of the various
departments including the making up of memoranda
for his buyer to take to New York
The selection of goods when travelling men came
into Denver, and many other things of which buyers
assistant today knows little nothing came to him as
a matter of This the foundation of his
ultimate knowledge and preparation for his later
After six years. the demand of his nature to have
business of his out strong, and find
him on his way Breckenridge, a lively gold camp
Leadville. There in equal partnership with Mr.
Curtice, he opened general dry goods and mems fur
nishing business on S2,5 10000 borrowed capital.
Lewis young of twenty three years at
that time but he realized did his partner in that
venture that twenty-five hundred dollar stock wasn't
big enough for the town. they Immediately increased
their stock and business humming.
When jobbers began to get uneasy about the ac-
count and representatives to investigate cordial
reception always given them. They were always
told frankly the condition of affairs how much
owed; what their business amounting to- etc.
These representatives would often stay around two
three days investigating. In such Lewis would
set them to work selling goods during rush hours