Year: 1873




The greatest of Grecian philosophers de-
clared that man was simply biped without
feathers, and one of the chief objects of exist
ence of large class of men among civilized
communities seems to be, most tastefully to
make up for this deficiency. "What to eat, I"
and Wherewithal shall we be clothed?' are
the two great questions which make up the sum
of man 5 temporal wants. AS we advance in
culture We also improve in dress. and our per-
fection in the latter is no bad criterion of our
position In the scale OF civilization and refine
ment.


The ready made clothing business in this
country has made prOdgi0us strides; and under
the stimulating influences of taste combined
with energy and capital this country can claim
to be one of the best dressed nations on the
globe. New York City for many years had
almost exclusive control of this influential
branch OF trade, and vast firms have been
established and grown in wealth and influence.
In the course of our investigation we have had
occasion frequently TO make mention of such
houses, and We now with much pleasure yield
the space for an apprecative notice of an
establishment which for marvellous rapidity of
growth and unexampled prosperity may be
fairly called one Of the wonders of America.


New York may we'll be envious of the great
tame which has been achieved by the we'll
known firm of WANAMAKER & Brown, whose
famous establishment in Philadelphia, called
Oak Hall, has perhaps the widest reputation
of any clothing house in America. The success
of this house has been due to the perseverance,
and untiring industry of Mr.. Wanamaker, the
senior member of the firm, it is especially re-
| markable from the unprecedcntedly short time
| in which that success has been attained
When he determined to embark in this bust
ness old merchants shook their heads, and
even the most ventureSOme felt doubt as to
the expediency of entering upon new projects.
The rebellion was ust on the eve of its COM
mencement and the whole future of the coun-
try seems envelOped in doubt and danger.


But Mr.. Wanamaker had too sure an instinct
to feel any doubts as to the final triumph OF
the right, and having associated with himself
the late Mr. Nathan s. Brown, he leased
three rooms in an old and unsightedly building
| on the site OF their present immense establish
ment. Mr.. Browns interest in the business
expired with his death five years ago.


In the short space of two years the business
increased to such degree, that the firm were
obliged to add to their premises the rest of the


building on the corner of Sixth and Market
streets. Before the expiration of the term
(6ve years., for which the original lease had


been given, an extension of the same was


obtained with the privilege Of purchasing


together with the right to expend $4,000 in


improvements upon the property. rather


doubtful privilege and large sum for SO


young firm.


The next step was 10 purchase the adjoining


property on Sixth street extending TO Minor


street shortly after that on Market street was


added. The whole buildings were then remod


eled into q large and imposing structure 80 feet


front and rear on Market and Minor streets,


and leo feet deep on Sixth street and six


stories in height. Large as were these premi


SEES they were but one half the size Of the
present Oak Hail. Another building Of equa
size was added and the whole connected and
thrown into one vast establishment.


] We have as yet spoken nothing of the details
OF the enormous business transacted by this


house. System is the soul Of everything, and
, is one OF the primary elements which have
, conducted TO its wonderful success. This
business is divided into twenty distinct depart
ments in which are employed over two thou
sand hands. Every branch OF the trade il
carried on within the building, and under the
immediate personal supervision of the proprie
/ tors. The goods are received in the piece
directly from the mills and the completed
garments are delivered in the wareroom with 4
rapidity which is truly astonishing In add
ton to the department Of ready made clothinl
4 the house does q large business in its ordel
) department, and the the excellency of its work
men is no where more perfectly displayed thar
E in tho graceful and becoming garments which
> are here made for some of the best dressed
: gentlemen in Philadelphia.


r We venture the assertion, without fear Of con
tradiction, that no establishment 10 this coun
. try does finer or more stylish work, better Gu
/ better make, than can be found in this depart
!, ment of Oak Hall.


One great idea is the underlying principl
!, = upon which this vast business has been bull
+ up. And that is perfect conscientiousness an,


honorable dealing with the public. No old