A Historical Sketch of Norwood-Part IV-This Day In Norwood History-October 30, 1898

R. J. JOYCE, DRY AND FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, ETC.

There are no commercial enterprises that add so much to the importance of a town as do the modern dry goods houses of the present day. Norwood is not behind the times in this respect, as may be seen by a visit to the establishment conducted by Mr. R. J. Joyce, located on Washington and Nahatan Streets. Mr. Joyce hus had a lifetime’s experience in the dry goods business, having entered it at the age of thirteen years. He has been employed by some of the largest and most reliable dry goods houses in the United States, and for five years was superintendent for E. J. Denning & Co. of New York City, successors to A. T. Stewart. He enjoys the most favorable relations with manufacturers and importers, and is in a position to buy and sell to his customers’ best advantage. On coming to Norwood he immediately built the store he now occupies. It is fitted up with a special reference to the dry goods business, has large plate glass windows, giving an abundance of light. The stock embraces a diversity simply impossible to describe—dry and fancy goods, ladies and gentlemen’s furnishing goods, corsets, underwear, ribbons, notions, millinery and miscellaneous merchandise pertaining to this important branch of trade. The business is steadily growing, and the success attained may be attributed largely to the honorable and liberal methods employed and a strict adherence to every representation made. Mr. Joyce has made himself very popular with all classes in the community, and his success is well merited.

BOSTON BRANCH GROCERY, M. H. SELLER, PROPRIETOR.

It is the aim of the writer of this review of the chief industrial, commercial, and general business interests of Norwood to give place and prominence to houses, firms, and concerns in a relative degree to the standing they maintain in their respective lines of trade, and it is in pursuance of this design that we here make mention of the well-known Boston Branch Grocery as conducted by Mr. Al. H. Seller, located at corner Railroad Avenue and Washington Street. The store is 40 x 05 feet in dimensions, w-11 lighted and systematically arranged, while the stock carried is complete in every particular, and includes all kinds of standard and fancy groceries, coffees, teas, spices, cereals, canned goods and table luxuries, butter, eggs, flour, and a full line of everything usually found only in a first-class grocery store. Mr. Seller is well qualified by experience to preside over the destinies of his business. His relations ith importers and producers are of a strictly first-class character, and as he does a cash business, both in buying and selling, he is in a position to quote the lowest city prices on till articles handled. That this is appreciated is evinced by the first-class patronage this house controls. Mr. Seller is a native of New Brunswick, and succeeded Mr. I. T. Snow as proprietor of this establishment one and one-half years ago. He is already well known throughout Norwood and vicinity and is highly esteemed as a citizen as well as an honorable and wide-awake businessman.

F. M. DOUGLAS, CARPENTER AND BUILDER.

A question frequently asked is, How can I build the best possible house for the least possible money or at least that, is the sum and substance of the question, although it is often complicated by the considerations of time and trouble, for many men wish to get a house as soon as possible, and with as little trouble to themselves as circumstances will permit. The answer is in a nutshell: Employ a thoroughly competent, reliable and responsible carpenter and builder. Don’t think you have done all that is necessary when you have secured the services of an architect and obtained satisfactory plans, and given builders an opportunity to bid upon them, but satisfy yourself of the competency, good faith and responsibility of the lowest bidder before you place your work in his hands. There are several such in Norwood, among the most prominent of whom is Mr. F. M. Douglas. As a carpenter and builder he has won a reputation of doing his work thoroughly, promptly and accurately, and of figuring as closely as any other man in the business. Mr. Douglas is a native of the state of Maine. He located in Norwood eight years ago, and commenced business here in 1803, since which time he has built over one hundred houses in the town and at he present time is at work on tlic new school-house. He lias had many years of practical experience in the business, and gives nil work his personal supervision, guaranteeing the same to be done exactly as the contract calls for. In conclusion we can but say that Mr. Douglas is a conscientious worker, and enjoys tin enviable reputation for comity and strict business veracity.

NORWOOD FURNITURE CO., JOHN F. CALLAHAN, PROPRIETOR.

One of the best-appointed and most popular houses engaged in the furniture business in Norwood or vicinity is that popularly known as the Norwood Furniture Company, located at No. 018 Washington Street. The premises utilized include store floor and basement, are well lighted, and a carefully selected assortment of furniture, etc., is curried, including parlor, chamber and diningroom furniture, tables, chairs, rockers, plain and roll-top desks, parlor stoves and ranges, glass, crockery and tinware, and a general assortment of everything pertaining to the business in hand. These goods are bought direct from the most reliable manufacturers and are sold at lowest Boston prices. This house does not sell one article low and make it up on others to draw trade, but quotes the lowest prices on nil consistent with the quality of goods handled. The Norwood Furniture Company was founded three years ago, and from the start has gained a reputation of dealing fairly by every patron. Its proprietor, Mr. John F. Callahan, is a native of Norwood, and is one of our best-known citizens and merchants, being popular in both social and business circles.

IDA J. PHELPS, PORTRAIT STUDIO.

There are many people in Norwood and vicinity who, contemplating having their pictures taken, think it is absolutely necessary to go to Boston in order to get a first-class portrait. This, however, is a great mistake, as a visit to the studio conducted by Ida J. Phelps, located at 21 Maple Street (two minutes walk from Washington Street and business centre), will at once show. Miss Phelps is an artist of more than ordinary ability, and has been actively engaged in business in Norwood since January. The studio is neatly furnished and appointed with all conveniences available, while the apparatus and appliances used are of the most improved character. Since locating here, Miss Phelps has acquired an excellent reputation for superior workmanship, and when asked as to what her specialties were, replied, “I make photographs,” thus implying that she turned out everything pertaining to photography. Miss Phelps is introducing something new to Norwood, namely, the celebrated carbon prints. It is high-class work, absolutely permanent, and is without doubt the most beautiful of photographic processes. Those desiring first-class work can do no better anywhere than to have it executed at this studio. She is quick to discern possibilities in posing, and shows good judgment in this respect. Miss Phelps personally is a pleasant lady, is well known, and numbers among her steady patrons many of the best families of Norwood and vicinity. She well deserves her success as an artist and photographer.

J McKinnon, carpenter and BUILDER.

In reviewing the industries of a place, the business of carpenter and builder is deserving the special attention of the writer, as it represents a very necessary branch of trade. In this connection, we wish to call attention to Mr. J. McKinnon, carpenter and builder, whose shop is located in the rear of Hartshorn’s Market on Market Street. A question frequently asked by those who contemplate building themselves a home is, How can I build the best possible house for the least possible money? and the answer is in a nutshell: Consult an experienced carpenter and builder. Mr. McKinnon is an experienced mechanic in his line and is prepared to furnish plans and estimates and to enter into contracts for work of any magnitude, guaranteeing first-class material and reliable workmanship in. every instance. He employs only experienced help and personally supervises all work entrusted to him. All kinds of carpenter work, jobbing and repairing are also done at short notice and at reasonable prices. Mr. McKinnon personally is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman and is well liked by all who are brought into business relations with him.

POST OFFICE SQUARE GREENHOUSES, W. ALLEN TALBOT, PROPRIETOR.

The great increase in the demand for flowers of late years is one of the most noticeable indications of the pronounced gain in culture which is so evident on every side and so astonishing to foreign critics in this country, who are unable to understand how culture can be so general in a land where practically everyone works for a living, and where there is no recognized aristocracy. Flowers are now in demand for all occasions, whether of joy or sorrow, and everyone who goes into society at all will find it very useful to know where appropriate floral designs can be obtained without delay and at reasonable prices. Most residents of Norwood and vicinity are already acquainted with the Post Office Square greenhouses as conducted by Mr. W. Allen Talbot. The greenhouses occupied cover 8,000 feet of glass, and arc equipped with especial reference to the business in band. Here can be obtained all kinds of bedding plants, palms and potted plants of every description, shrubs, roses, carnations, violets and other cut flowers, etc. Funeral and floral designs are given especial attention, are promptly delivered, while the most reasonable prices only are asked. Mr. Talbot is an experienced and practical florist and nurseryman. and personally supervises all the details of his business. He employs only capable assistants, and is in a position to offer advantages both in quality of plants and prices. Mr. Talbot is a native of Sharon, born in 1829. In 1857 he located in Norwood, and for fifteen years clerked in Gay & Bigelow’s general store, at one time the only store in the village. He has been established in his present business since 1874, has filled the position of superintendent of the cemetery for the past fourteen years, to the utmost satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Talbot is highly regarded for his integrity and honorable method of conducting his affairs. He will shortly retire from business entirely, when it will be continued by his son, Frank Talbot. He was brought up in the business and understands its every detail.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)