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TRADE OF 1889 - HOW IT COMPARES WITH THAT OF 1888

Mansfield's Manufacturers, Merchants and Business Men

During the year of 1889 it was a common thing to hear people complain of "hard times".  Complaints of this kind tend to induce hard times rather than stimulate business even when there is little cause for dissatisfaction.  Times could not have been so bad after all, judging from observations of leading business men of the city who have been questioned by NEWS reporters since the close of the old year.  These observances are given below and will serve as a reliable trade review of the past year.

J.P. RUMMEL, of the Western Suspender Co. -- Sales for 1888 and 1889 about the same.  We are not yet through our annual invoice, so I cannot tell exactly how the invoices of the two years will compare.  The past year was dull at the close and dealers will probably carry over considerable stock which will make the beginning of the year rather dull for us, but will undoubtedly be followed by good trade.

S. LOWENSTEIN -- Our November, and December trade, was no better, but the former part of the year was so much better that, notwithstanding a couple dull months, we are still far ahead.  Business of the city is increasing.  People all seem to have more work and consequently more money.  The outlook is encouraging for 1890.

C.L. IRWIN -- My trade was fully ten per cent better than the former year, due to hard work and advertising in the NEWS.  Prospects are encouraging.  We are just beginning to reap the benefit of the new factories established in Mansfield the past year or two.

JOHNSTON & BORTZ -- Our trade was better because we carried a larger stock and a better assortment.  The city is growing and there is more demand for furniture.  Prospects for 1890 are certainly favorable.

JOHN W. WAGNER -- We are just making an inventory and expect to be very well satisfied with the year's business, which was certainly better than the year previous.  Prospects are favorable for more building and good prices this year.  We feel very hopeful.

GEORGE S. HARRIS & SON -- Business was not so good in the stove trade.  Our job work, roofing and plumbing business was as good but no better.  Prospects for 1890 are good.

L.O. THOMPSON, of Boston Store -- Our sales for the first eight months of 1889 aggregate an advance over the corresponding time for 1888.  Our early fall business was satisfactory.  Part of November and early December did not reach our expectations.  This we attribute to unseasonable weather and the inability of our friends in the country and small towns to reach us owing to the condition of the country roads.  Keep up agitating the question of piking the country roads.  The farmers agree that the roads should be improved and the city would see a material benefit.  Cannot yet anticipate what the spring trade will be.

IRWIN GEDDES -- Business hasn't varied much in the two years.  It has been very satisfactory and I hope to do as well if not better this year.

H.L. REED, of Reed & Ink -- Up to the past two months our trade was much better for 1889 than for 1888.  Haven't made a careful comparison for the full year.  During the past two months unseasonable weather and bad roads have cut off a good deal of country trade and there has not been such a demand for heavy woolens.  Yet we have had no reason to complain for trade was much better under the circumstances than we expected.  In fact I've wondered where so much trade came from.  There are good prospects for this year.

O.B. JAMISON -- We have only been nine months in the business, yet trade was much better than we expected.  This year I expect to do twice the amount of business.

J.J. KING -- Have not compared the two years carefully, but my business was much better last year than the year before.  The holiday trade was a great deal better.  I suspect 1890 to be the best year we have ever had.  In fact I feel a presentiment that 1890 and 1891 will both be good years.

H.M. WEAVER -- The wholesale trade was not as good as in 1888, but up to Nov. 1, it was much better.  Since that mild weather has hurt the shoe trade.  There ought go be good trade this year.  I am hopeful for it and I believe we'll have it.

C.C. RUNYAN -- Trade was about the same, but think that last year will over-run the year before.  Prospects look very bright.

MOSES BLACK -- In heavy winter goods and woolen trade was not so good, but we sold more carpets and the total will amount to about the same.  I do not see anything to indicate much change either way for 1890.

LeROY PARSONS -- The business I make the most effort in - life insurance - was much better, caused by hard work.  The outlook for 1890 is promising.

F.L. CASSELBERRY -- My business shows a very satisfactory increase over 1888 and prospects are good for 1890.

W.M. HAHN, of Douglas & Hahn -- Our losses in 1889 were almost double what they were in 1888.  As a general thing thoughout the United States losses were from a third to a half heaver and will probably reach the losses of 1871, during which year the great Chicago fire occurred.  The insurance companies that thrived the best made their money on investments.  Locally our business has largely increased.

Miss LOUISE RUESS -- The past year was very much better than 1888.  I have not felt the effect of bad weather so much as I did during the fall of 1888.  My trade has been steadily increasing.

Mrs. G.R. BANGE -- I had an elegant trade all year, almost double that of 1888.  Think trade will be good for 1890.

J.A. RIGBY -- My business increased about 15 per cent.  It was the most successful year we ever had.  If I sell as many goods in 1890 as I did in 1889, I will be well satisfied and I expect to do it.

R.B. MAXWELL, of Maxwell Bros. -- Our trade was as good and we had a much better holiday trade.  The week before Christmas trade was 25 per cent better than it was the same week in 1888.  Prospects are good because the country people have not done so much trading as they could not very well get in to the city on account of the bad roads and they will consequently have more trading to do hereafter.

E.J. POTTER -- I think 1889 was the best year I ever had, especially before the holidays.  From Dec. 1 to 20, I lacked just $10 of doing double the amount of business I did the same time the year before.  The outlook is favorable.

H. HARROUN -- 1889 was an improvement over 1889 and I see no reason why 1890 should not be equally as good as the year just closed.  I anticipate the decided improvement in the first half of the year over the first half of the year just closed.

J.S. HEDGES, of Farmers' National Bank -- The two years were about the same.  1889 was possibly better.  Deposits have increased during the past year.

W.H. GENNET -- Throughout the year and especially during the fall, trade was much better.  I believe the country people had more money, bought more liberally and they always had the money to pay cash.  The outlook is good if we ever get new roads.

H.B. DIRLAM, of the Mansfield Building and Loan Association -- Our business more than doubled.  Rates of interest were lower and the plan was more satisfactory.  We changed the plan in July and since then we have done twice as much business as we did in 1888 for the entire year.  Everything indicates a prosperous future.

J.E. UPSON, of Upson Brothers -- We did more business last year than we did in 1888, but the net profits were no better.  Profits on everything have been working down.  The general feeling is that there will be good trade this year.

LOUIS FREUNDLICH, of Freundlich & Wertheimer -- Business was better with us last year than it was the year before.  We naturally expected that, as we are becoming better acquainted.  If we had had good weather and good roads our winter trade would have been far better.

A.J. WHITE -- Trade was just as good but no better.  It was steadier.  We do not have "big days" as we used to have.

C.T. McCUE, of McCue, Dickson & Co. -- Our business was very successful the past year, showing a decided improvement in the breeding interest over former years.  However we expect to sell all our stock at Brasford's February sale at Lexington, Ky., to close out the partnership.

J.M. BELL -- It being our first year in the notion and supply trade, business was fully as good as we anticipated.  I should think business ought to be much better this year.

PETER BERNO -- Business for 1889 was just fair, about as good as 1888, but not as good as I expected it would be.  People seem to be buying only what they actually need.

A.W. REMY, of A.W. Remy & Co. -- Our business was fully as good.  The holiday trade for two weeks was about the same except about three days before Christmas which were a great deal better.  If roads had been good and weather cold, I think Mansfield would have had the biggest holiday trade it ever had.

S.A. JENNINGS, of Citizens' National Bank -- Financial matters were very successful.  We declared a 4 per cent dividend for the past six months, with a 3½ per cent surplus.  Net earnings for the year amounted to 13½ per cent.  There was a good demand for money the past six months, but not so much during the first half of the year.  Deposits have been a great deal better. The financial outlook is very good.

T.I. COCHRAN -- Business has been unsatisfactory and I am going to quit business April 1.

FRANK COULTER -- Have been in business here but little over a year and have done better than I expected to do.  Have had a nice trade and a good glass of each business.  Prospects look flattering to me.

M.O. GATES -- Business for 1889 was much more satisfactory than the year past.  The spring season opened earlier.  The fall trade was good, especially in overcoats.  Business for 1890 depends upon seasonable weather.

H.W. STROCK, of P.L. Harrison's -- Trade was not up to 1888.  Unseasonable weather and other difficulties were the principal causes.  The business outlook is encouraging rather than otherwise and stock will be increased, shortly, to include several lines of goods not heretofore kept by the old firm.

J.H. PHELPS, of J.H. Phelps & Co. -- Our business has increased every year and it was much better last year than it was the year before.  we expect, this year, to have a better trade than ever.  We were stranger when we started in and as we got better acquainted our trade increases.

J.L. HOTT -- Very well pleased with my trade for 1889.  It was much better than it was for 1888.  Nearly all my stock has been renewed and my holiday trade was a great deal larger than it was the year before.  But we must have better roads.  If we had good country roads Mansfield would have had the heaviest December trade ever known.  I see nothing to prevent much better business this year.

J.H. BLACK -- The average for the year is fully as good as it was the year before.  The only falling off was in cloaks and blankets.  What we need in this county to sustain the town is better roads.

A. SCATTERGOOD, of Scattergood & Son -- The holiday trade was fully as good.  Could not give a very close estimate on the year as my son is away and he attends to that part of the business while I pay little attention to it.

RICHMOND SMITH -- The volume of business was fully up to the average.

L.A. STRONG, President of the Mansfield Gas Light Co. -- The business for the year has been satisfactory, in view of the very low price the company sells gas, especially in the increased use of gas for cooking and heating purposes.  The company put in a plant last year for a rapid manufacture of a high candle power gas, and in view of such expenditure reduced price from $2 per 1000 feet in 1888 to the present price of $1.25 net.  The company reports a gain of 135 meters since the price was reduced last spring and experts to be able to make further reductions with increase of patronage.

L. HAUTZENROEDER & Co. -- Our business has been about equal to that of '88.  The first six months it was away behind that corresponding period of the year before, but in the last six months it picked up so that it is fully as good if not a little better.  Mansfield's slow and sure growth leads us to believe she will be as good a city as there is in the state.

CRAWFORD & TAYLOR -- The cracker business all over is poorer than a year ago.  During the months of October, November and December, we should have had a harvest, but the unseasonable weather knocked us out.  The city's prospects are very bright.  Every industry, save one, (and in all probability that will be resumed soon) is prospering.

OHIO BRASS AND UNIQUE LUBRICATING CO. -- We can't make a comparison with '88 for the reason that we were not in existence, but since we have started a shop we have had all we can do, it being necessary to run the shop until 9:30 p.m.  We'll resume night work this week.

JOSEPH NEW -- Every month of '89 shows a large increase in business, which is attributable to a wider acquaintance and honorable way of doing business.  The city's prospects are on a par with those of any of her size in the state.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION -- Our business has been very satisfactory.  We have added 3,427 members to our assemblies and have written over $8,000,000 of insurance, doubling the membership.  The prospects are that we will double again during '90.  The city has a steady and healthy growth so that her business future is assured.

SAVINGS BANK -- We have done the largest business in the history of the bank's existence.  It has been increasing right along with the growth of the city.  Can't see why Mansfield's steady growth does not assure for her a permanent and healthy business.

HICKS BROWN CO. -- We made a good many more thousand barrels of flour last year than we did in '88.  This increase is attributable to the increase of territory.  We don't know where you can find a better Ohio city than Mansfield or one with as bright prospects.

LINDSEY BROS. -- Our business is just about the same.  The drug business is overdone in Mansfield.  The city's prospects are very bright but her prosperity would be increased by having better streets, more light and piked roads.

BRANYAN BROTHERS -- The coal business is a little awkward just now on account of the weather, but we have done more than we did in '88.  This is probably attributable to the increase in population.  The city from a business standpoint is all right and will continued to be so.

GILBERT, WAUGH & CO. -- The flouring business, with us at least, is, if anything, a little better than it was in '88, which may be accounted for by the increase in population.  The town's prospects are excellent and if we can get rid of the Philadelphia schedule and some kindred nuisances, they will be better.

A.G. ROUDENBUSH -- This is my second year and of course it is better than the first.  It took some time to get the people to come to Fourth Street, but they are coming.  My holiday trade really surprised me.  For three days it was a jumping.  Mansfield's prospects are very excellent.

H.& A.M. YOUNG -- We have been established only since April, but our business has been very satisfactory, considering the unseasonable weather.

E.H. KEISER -- The two years' business is about a stand-off on account of the warm weather.  There is no sale for winter goods, but holiday and light goods have been in excellent demand.

A.J. HEINEMAN -- My business falls a little short of '88 on account on my three months' absence in Europe during the summer.  Mansfield, with her great natural advantages and railroad facilities has a brighter business future than any of her size in the state.

KEMP, BURSON & CO. -- Between $4,000 and $5,000 represents the increase in our business.  This may be attributed to the addition of the carpet department and to the fact that we carry a larger stock than we did in 1888.  Mansfield's prospects are bright.

A. SCHAD -- Of course I've done more business than when I was on Fourth Street.  That was to be expected but the clothing business has been pretty dull.

THE MECHANICS BUILDING AND LOAN CO. -- Business of '89 very much better than the year before.  Prospects good.

SHONFIELD & FRIEDRICH -- We can't compare the years '88 and '89 for the reason that we were not together then.  But taking '87 and '89, our business during the months before cold weather should have set in, is very much better.  The rain has spoiled the sale of winter goods, even though the weather doesn't become cold.  A man who has worried along until January 1 never buys a new suit until spring.  He makes his rags do to work around in, in the mud.  Farmers do not come in because they can't, and Mansfield is not so large but that she must depend upon the adjacent territory for trade.  Give us piked roads and they will do as much good as a half dozen shops.  We will agree to pay $1,000 toward piking roads, in five years in payments of $200 per year, if a proper move is made to do it.

W.J. JACKSON & CO. -- There is a slight increase in our business over '88, due probably to a greater consumption of fruit right in Mansfield, which we consider a town with very fair prospects.

E. CHATLAIN -- I've extended my business and it has increased so that I have no reason to complain.  The increase is probably due to the branching out and the growth of the town, which is steady and the indications are that it will continue to be so.

A.F. REMY & CO. -- Our business has increased fully twenty-five per cent.  This is probably due to the hustle we made after the business and the extension of territory.  What do we think of Mansfield's prospects from a business standpoint?  Well, we believe she is the best city in this section of the United States and she has the best prospects.

BODINE ROOFING CO. -- There is no special change in our business over that of '88.  Mansfield's prospects are very good and there is no reason why she shouldn't always be a thriving business town.

VOEGELE BROS. -- Our business is lighter than that of '88 and it is probably all due to the summer weather we're enjoying.  The city's prospects were never better, real estate is steadily going up and everything points to a good future.

COSS MANUFACTURING CO. -- We have been established only a few months and therefore can't talk about the business therefore can't talk about the business of '88, but since our shop has been in operation we have had all the orders we can fill.  We believed and still adhere to the belief, that Mansfield's prospects are of the best.

MANSFIELD BUGGY CO. -- Our business has increased every year and '89 was no exception.  The year's transactions are much larger than a year ago.  We have never made anything but the best goods which we have introduced into much new territory.  Mansfield's railroad facilities alone are enough to keep her to the front.

OHIO VALLEY FOUNDRY CO. -- As we were out of business eleven months in '88 and '89 and have been here only four months, we can't say anything concerning that time, but in the four months we have been here our business has been very satisfactory.

VOEGELE & DINNING -- Our business has been just about the same.  With her class of merchants who are able to hold their own with the business men of larger cities, we can't see why Mansfield will not continue to be one of the best towns in the country.

HUMPHRYES MANUFACTURING CO. -- 1889 was a better year than the predecessor <<illegible text>> have made greater efforts and have extended our territory.  Mansfield won't go backward by any means.

BAXTER STOVE CO. -- $15,000 represents the increase in our business but it ought to have been $25,000 or $30,000.  The bad weather has blighted our harvest.  Most of our stoves ultimately find their way into farmers' hands and they can't haul such heavy goods and besides many won't need any as long as the mild weather continues.  Just think of the sales 800 agents would have effected had the weather been seasonable and you can figure the loss.  Mansfield is now the best town of her size and her prospects are bright.

MILLS, ELLSWORTH & CO. -- Business is one fourth better.  This is probably attributable to better trade in all lines.  Collections are easy and prompt, and the year is much better than '88.  Mansfield should have 40,000 people by the time 1900 comes and the outlook warrants the opinion.

M.J. McINARNA, of Seibert Soap Works -- The business is much better than in '88 and this is due to an increase of the demand for good soap.  In my travels as far west as Denver, Col., this spring, I didn't see a town with brighter prospects than Mansfield, and I don't know where one could be found.

S.N. FORD & CO. -- There is not much change in the amount of business in the two years, in fact not in the last four years.  There has been no boom but the steady growth of the town keeps everything moving about the same.  The outlook is that quite a number of good buildings will be erected.  Speaking about Mansfield's prospects, there is only one time in her recent history and that was just before the Baxters located here, when there were any signs of the go-backs in Mansfield's prosperity.  She's been growing steady since then.

H.B. BOYLE -- Hotel business all over the country is better and we have been getting our share.  The increase is 33 per cent.  The town's all right.

J.R. BROWN & SON -- Business was not so good.  Woolens are a drag on account of the beastly weather.  The town's prospects are good.

M.B. BUSHNELL (P.F.) -- Comparison between 1888 and 1889 show increased freight business for every month in the year past, and some months the increase is very large.

S. SMITH (B. & O.) -- Oh yes, freight and passenger business was much better than in '88, which was considered a great year on account of the Chicago convention and the Columbus G.A.R. encampment but '89 eclipses the record.

G.W. SNYDER (Erie) -- I can't see a great deal of difference in the business of either year.

BARNETT BRASS CO. -- The business of the two years compare very favorably for the latter year and the prospects are that during 1890 we will do more business than in either year because we now have more unfilled orders than on Jan. 1 of either year and in order to get out the work we will employ more men.

MANSFIELD LUMBER CO. -- Our business was much better than during 1888.  The town is growing so that there is great activity in the lumber business.  I've been in quite a number of cities and in none d the business interests appear to be as healthy as in Mansfield.

DANFORTH & PROCTOR -- So many houses were built last season that our business was much larger than the year before.

BISSMAN & CO. -- We sold during the year just past one hundred thousand dollars worth more goods than during 1888.  We attribute this increase to our better establishment of the business and to the natural increase of flow of trade to Mansfield.  We think Mansfield is better located for business than any town in Ohio and that trade will tend to increase in its favor.

JOHN H. TODD -- Business was better but how much am unable to say, as I have not yet made footings for 1889.

J.W. SHARP - 1888 was the best year in all my history.  Taking the year through 1889 was a little ahead, although the last three months were not as good.  The outlook is good.

L.J. BONAR -- Our business for 1889 was better in two respects:  First, premium receipts were larger and losses were less thereby making 18889 a fairly prosperous year and the first we have had for several years.  I can see nothing discouraging in the outlook for 1890.  Prospects are certainly as promising as they were for 1888.

FRED. T. BRISTOR, of the Citizens' Savings & Loan Company -- Our business increased over one half and nearly doubled the past year over a total of seven years prior.  Prospects never were brighter.  Demands still keep up and paid up stock is coming in as freely as we could ask.

H.E. CAVE -- Having been in the business only since August, 1888, I can't compare for the full year, but my trade from August, 1889, to January, shows a good gain over the same period in 1888.  Trade for the entire year was satisfactory.

W.S. WARD -- I have only been here a year but have found business very good.  Real estate has not been very brisk, but, after all, a good many cheap lots and desirable residence properties have changed hands.  Prospects look quite flattering for the coming year.

THE NEWS PRINTING CO. -- Business exceeded that of last year by 33½ per cent.  1889 being the second year the NEWS has paid a profit since it first appeared nearly five years ago.  This success against combined opposition is due to attending to its own business with energy and enterprise, getting out a first-class newspaper, causing a demand for it among the people, resulting in the larges and best circulation and gaining the business confidence of the advertiser.  Its publishers are satisfied with the past, pleased with the present and confident of the future.  The latter is evidenced by the intention of the NEWS to be in its own building before another year rolls by.  In the meantime the publishes will see that the NEWS readers are supplied with everything good that is going in the newspaper line, at only ten cents a week.

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