Visitor
The principal hotels of the city are shown in the illustration. All are in the business center of the city. These are the Hotel Hattie and the Palace, both of which are under the management of J. C. Flanders, one of the oldest and most successful hotel men in the South. His tables are largely supplied from his own splendid farm northwest of the city. Both of his houses are furnished with all the modern conveniences and are popular resorts for traveling men and visitors to the city generally.
The Hotel Vendome is located within half a square of the Postoffice, on Clinch Street, South. This elegant hotel of modern design and modern appliances has been open only a short while, but receives a large patronage.
One of our most popular hotels, the
New Schubert, is located on Corner Gay and Cumberland Streets, South, and opposite
Staub's Theatre. It has electric lights, steam heat, transfer office,
barber shop, and other modern equipments.
Newspapers
The press is ably represented by three daily papers -- two morning editions, one evening -- and six weekly papers.
The morning dailies are the Knoxville Tribune (Democratic), the Knoxville Journal (Republican) and the afternoon paper is the Evening Sentinel (Democratic). Each of these papers also publish a weekly edition. The other weeklies are the Knoxville Republican, the Holston Methodist (organ of the Holston Conference M. E. Church, South), and the Negro World (published by and in the interest of the colored race).
The Tribune and Journal,
both the descendants of a long line of ancestry, are respectively the political
organs, in this section, of the two great political parties. Their editors,
Mr. W. C. Tatom, for the Tribune, the youngest editor on a morning daily
in the State, and Mr. William Rule, for the Journal, are too well and
favorably known in this country to need any further introduction here. The
Evening Sentinel has been only recently established, but is a popular,
wide-awake representative evening paper. Its editor is J. L. Pennington.
These papers all enjoy an excellent circulation and wield a strong influence
throughout this section.
Chamber of Commerce
Knoxville has a large and flourishing
organization of this kind, in which all the leading mercantile, manufacturing
and professional firms are represented. The President is Hon. M. L. Ross
and the Secretary, Mr. J. W. S. Frierson. The Chamber, as a body, is a
wide-awake organization, taking the lead upon all important questions affecting
the city's welfare and progress, and is in direct communication with the leading
organizations of this kind throughout the country. The work done heretofore
and that being done now has been of great service to the city.
Commercial Relations
For many years the wholesale jobbing trade of Knoxville has been one of the largest in the South, standing about third in this respect. The volume of business done is very large, amounting to many millions annually. The combined trade of the city will reach, it is thought, about $50,000,000 per annum. There are several wholesale firms that do a round million each.
The territory supplied by the wholesale trade of Knoxville is very large, reaching in the main Southeastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia, Western North Carolina, and the northern parts of Georgia and Alabama, as well as the whole of East Tennessee. Many of the largest firms carry their trade all over the South, even to the boundaries of Mexico.
The business houses of this city will compare favorably with those of the leading cities of the country, as various illustrations will show. On the east side of Gay Street, South, many of these establishments can be seen. The first tall double front building is the well known and popular shoe firm of Messrs. Haynes, Henson & Co., who easily compete with the largest Eastern houses. The second building is that of Messrs. McMillan, Hazen & Co., wholesale shoes, whose business reaches a territory second to none. The fourth great building, with white front, is the handsome "Meek Block," built and owned by Hon. J. M. Meek, one of the leading attorneys and capitalists of this city. This handsome structure is not only an ornament to the city, but one that reflects great credit upon the builder. The Meek Block is occupied by Messrs. George, Dismukes & Co., wholesale hats; Hazen & Lotspeich, wholesale grocers; and Daniel Briscoe, Bro. & Co., wholesale dry goods. Farther down the street are the wholesale houses of George, McMillan & Co., wholesale notions; C. M. McClung &.Co., wholesale hardware; Cullen & Newman, wholesale china and glassware; M. L. Ross & Co., wholesale grocers; W. W. Woodruff & Co., wholesale hardware; Sanford, Chamberlain & Albers, wholesale drugs; and, lastly, the great wholesale dry goods house of Cowan, McClung & Co. The spire shown in the background is that of the First Baptist Church.
Other large wholesale houses are the "Commerce Building," where are located Carpenter & Davis, hardware; Haynes Bros., harness, saddles, &c.; Adams Bros., hardware; and Anderson, Littlefield & Steere, confections. The great wholesale clothing firm of McTeers, Payne, Hood & Co. is the largest clothing house in the South.
The large wholesale grocery firms of W. B. Lockett & Co., H. B. Carhart & Co., and J. W. Borches & Co., are on Jackson Street, South, fronting on the East Tenn., Va. & Ga. Ry; that of Knaffl & Locke, corner of Gay and Commerce Streets, South.
The above list is only part of the many wholesale houses of this city. The retail firms will compare favorably with those of cities much larger than Knoxville. Of the many wholesale firms of this city, especial and full attention is to be called to the following:
Cowan, McClung & Co. The commercial history of Knoxville could not be written without mention of the great wholesale dry goods house of Cowan, McClung & Co. Indeed, a general history of the city would be incomplete without a rehearsal of what this house has done towards the upbuilding of Knoxville. In the early days of the town, the worthy sires of the present senior members of the firm were its first merchants, and as such stood in the front rank of early traders. After a long and successful career, they passed away, leaving a legacy of wealth and a reputation for sterling integrity which have been the pride of their successors ever to maintain.
A few years after the civil war had ended, the business of this house having grown to such large proportions, the firm determined to build and occupy their present magnificent quarters, Nos. 500, 502 and 504 Gay Street, South. This building is shown in an illustration. Not only does this building occupy the space of three great stores in one, with an enormous basement, but there are besides a court and a large warehouse in the rear, which fill out the balance of the square to the next parallel street, giving a storage surface of many thousands of square feet.
After moving into these commodious quarters, the already large stock was increased many fold, filling the immense structure from basement to roof. Soon their representatives began spreading out, reaching every town in East Tennessee, and those of the surrounding States, until today the firm of Cowan, McClung & Co. is one of the best known in the South. The firm has always carried a stock complete in every respect, embracing everything demanded by the trade in this section. So perfectly has this policy been carried out, with the additional feature of giving the trade every benefit of new goods and new styles, such as are enjoyed by other commercial centers of the country -- that the merchants of this section have long since come to regard this house as headquarters for everything in the dry goods line.
The immense business done by this firm is ample proof of this statement. For many years it has exceeded in volume that of any other wholesale house in this section. It takes the proud position of being one of the largest wholesale houses south of Mason & Dixon's line.
The present members of this great dry goods house are Messrs. James A Cowan, C. J. McClung, V. H. McClung, Matthew McClung, Perez Dickinson, R. M. Rhea, and Jacob L. Thomas, all gentlemen of wealth, of the highest integrity, and of eminent business ability.
W. W. Woodruff & Co. This well-known firm is located in an imposing edifice. The great hardware house of W. W. Woodruff & Co. was established in this city in 1865. The proprietors, Messrs. W. W. Woodruff and W. R. Gibbins, were among the many soldiers of Burnside's army corps who were charmed with the village of Knoxville during the hostilities of 1863, and who, when the war was ended, came and cast their lot with the future metropolis of this section. The wisdom of this choice has been shown by the great business they have established. The building occupied by this firm was erected for the especial use of the hardware trade. The stock it contains is immense, filling the building to its fullest capacity, from basement to roof.
Nearly every conceivable article in the hardware line, or more especially that most suitable to the trade of this section, is to be found in their stock. For many years past this firm has been the sole agent in this section of several of the leading agricultural implements, such as the Oliver chilled plow, etc. The same is to be said of many of the leading brands of edged tools, gunpowder, etc.
Mr. Woodruff, the senior member of the firm, is prominently connected with many of the leading financial institutions and various other associations of this city, among which may be mentioned the Savings Building and Loan Association, one of the strongest and best local building and loan associations of the city, of which he is president. Other financial institutions are, the Knoxville Fire Insurance Company, and the East Tennessee National Bank, both of which are mentioned in another part of this book.
Mr. W. E. Gibbins, the other member of the firm, is also prominently identified with other leading interests of the city, among which may be mentioned the Covenant Building and Loan Association, described upon another page, of which he is the vice president.
The business record of the firm of W. W. Woodruff & Co. has been one of the most successful in the history of Knoxville. The firm has always been popular, both locally and throughout this section. The gala attire of the building and street shown in the illustration was during the memorable "Reunion of the Blue and Gray," October 7, 8 and 9, 1890, in which surviving members of Burnside's and Longstreet's men met in friendship where once they had met as foes. That event is one long to be remembered in the annals of Knoxville. Well known speakers and prominent men from many parts of the Union were in attendance, among the many noted visitors being the aged Confederate veteran, Gen. Longstreet.
C. M. McClung & Co. This new but now well known wholesale hardware house occupies the handsome four-story brick and marble front building, Nos. 412 and 414 Gay Street, South. This building is shown in the illustration.
The firm of C. M. McClung & Co., although established only a few years ago, is now one of the largest wholesale houses of this city. The career of this house has been successful from the beginning, and the close of each year's business has found a greatly increased result, until now it enjoys a trade second to none.
The main store building, it will be observed, is a double-front structure, four stories above the street. Beneath the ground floor is an enormous use of another building as a warehouse, which is nearly as large. Within this combined space, equal in area to four large stores, the extensive stock of hardware is kept. This stock is as complete as it can be made, embracing nearly everything kept by first-class hardware houses anywhere. The policy of this firm has always been to keep abreast of all new inventions in their line, thus giving their customers the benefit which such improvements bring. This policy has been highly successful.
The gentlemen composing the firm are all young men, full of ambition and energy. They are Messrs. C. M. McClung, W. P. Smith, Bruce Keener, C. J. McClung, Jr., and F. H. McClung., Jr. They are all among the most highly respected of our citizens, and are men of the highest integrity, coupled with fine business ability.
Mr. C. M. McClung, the senior member of the firm, is also connected with several of the largest and most successful financial and manufacturing insterests in this city. Prominent among these may be mentioned the Knoxville Fire Insurance Company, the East Tennessee National Bank, and the Knoxville Woolen Mills, all of which are described upon other pages of this review. It is to be said to the credit of each member of this firm that he is imbued with a spirit of progress looking to the upbuliding of this city and section.
McTeers, Payne, Hood & Co. Among the many large mercanctile establishments of Knoxville, there is none more deserving of especial mention than that of Messrs. McTeers, Payne, Hood & Co. This firm enjoys the distinction of being the largest wholesale clothing house in the South. They are manufacturers, as well as wholesale dealers in, men's and boys clothing. Their massive double-front store house measures 53x150 feet and is six stories high. It is situate at Nos. 200 and 202 Commerce Street, South, on the corner of State Street. A partial view of this splendid building, one of the finest in the city, is shown in our illustrations.
The members of this great house are Messrs. Joseph T. McTeer, Charles E. McTeer, R. S. Payne, and Wm. M. Hood. The Messrs. McTeer are noted all over the South, and in many of the strongest Eastern commercial centers, as among the most experienced and trustworthy clothing men whose judgment as to the value and quality of clothing is unsurpassed anywhere. From long experience and extensive travel over the South in this line of trade, their acquaintance with the merchants of the country is among the broadest possible.
Mr. R. S. Payne, another member of the firm, is one of Knoxville's foremost citizens, socially and commercially. For several years past he has occupied the responsible office of president of the East Tennessee National Bank. He is also connected with several other large and successful enterprises in this city. He was mayor of Knoxville in 1882.
Mr. Wm. M. Hood, the other member of the firm, is one of the substantial young business men of this section. As an experienced bnsiness man he stands second to no one of his age. Mr. Hood numbers his friends by the thousands throughout this section. In short, the personnel of this firm is such that no combination could be more popular.
The trade territory of this firm is about the most extensive enjoyed by any Knoxville firm. They employ, besides a large force in the house, thirteen traveling salesmen. Financially considered, the firm is one of the very strongest in Knoxville.
Knaffl & Locke. The business house of Messrs. Knaffl & Locke, one of Knoxville's most popular wholesale grocery firms, is composed of Messrs. Rudolph Knaffl and E. C. Locke, both of whom are wealthy and influential citizens of this city.
The firm was established several years ago, and from the first began a career of prosperity that has grown in strength each succeeding year until now the volume of their trade, and the reputation for integrity in business which they enjoy, is among the first in this city. Every foot of space of their entire building is crowded to its fullest capacity with the very finest class of groceries handled in any market. Their stock is always full and very select. It has been well said that no firm in this city is more popular with the merchants throughout East Tennessee and the balance of Knoxville's territory than that of Messrs. Knaffl & Locke.
The reputation of these gentlemen is not confined alone to the grocery trade, but extends to other prosperous interests as well. Mr. Rudolph Knaffl enjoys the distinction of being one of the youngest bank presidents in this or any other State. He is president of the Knoxville Savings Bank of this city, one of our most successful financial institutions -- a description of which will be found upon another page of this book. He is also highly connected with several other incorporated concerns of this city.
Mr. R. C. Locke is one of the best known of Knoxville's business men, having been engaged here for many years in the mercantile line. He has also for many years past been identified with the largest coal mining interests of this section.
The business house of Messrs. Knaffl & Locke is located at No. 300 Gay Street, South, corner of Commerce Street, in nearly the wholesale center of the city.
Sam W. Graves. One of the leading houses in Knoxville dealing in furniture and house furnishings, is that of Sam. W. Graves, who occupies the three-story double-front stores, Nos. 624 and 626 Gay Street, South.
Mr. Graves has been engaged in business in this city only a few years, but his career has been in every way highly successful. As a thorough business man and courteous gentleman, no one stands higher in this community.
One element of his marked success here has been in the class of stock he selects for his trade, which is always of the latest style and of artistic design and finish. Another element is his rigid rule of recommending each article for just what it is and no more.
The stock carried by Mr. Graves is very large, embracing every species of furniture for halls, bedrooms and parlors; every grade of carpets and lace curtains; and every other article used in furnishing the house.
Mr. Graves makes a specialty in fine cabinet mantels and brass fire sets, and other brass goods for household use and decoration. His stock of this class of goods is the finest ever brought to this city.
Brandau, Kennedy & McTeer. This firm, whose business house is located at Nos. 510 and 512 Gay Street, South, is the leading retail clothing and gentlemen's furnishing establishment of Knoxville. Their store is shown in an illustration. The chief corner stones of this line of trade: Honest goods, latest styles, lowest prices-to which we may add, polite attention to customers, is the rule of this house.
The members of the firm, Messrs. Edwin M. Kennedy, Alex. L. Brandau, and Richard P. McTeer, are all young in years, but old and experienced in the trade. In fact, it is their superior knowledge of this line of business that contributes largely to the immense trade which they enjoy. The appointments of their establishment are very inviting, the great array of goods in the large and elegant double store room presenting a most attractive appearance.
M. L. Ross & Co. This well known wholesale grocery firm occupies the commodious three-story brick building, No. 422 Gay Street, South. The firm is composed of Messrs. M. L. Ross and S. B. Dow, both of whom are experts in the grocery trade, and are well and favorably known throughout this section of the South. The firm of M. L. Ross & Co. is one of the oldest grocery houses in this city, having been established many years ago. The stock they carry is one of the largest in Knoxville and embraces everything usually carried by first-class grocery houses throughout the country. Owing to this fact, and to their long career in business, coupled with their high reputation for integrity, this firm enjoys one of the largest shipping trades for which this city is noted, reaching, parts of Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, as well as the whole of East Tennessee.
The senior member of the firm, Mr. M. L. Ross, is identified with several of the largest financial institutions of this city. Prominent among these connections may be mentioned the Mechanics' National Bank, one of the oldest and strongest National banks of Knoxville, of which he is the vice president; and the Southern Building and Loan Association of this city, the largest institution of the kind in the United States, of which he is the treasurer. For several years past, Mr. Ross has served as president of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, being annually re-elected to that important position, as a deserved tribute to his wide-awake and progressive spirit in upbuilding this city and section.
Mr. S. B. Dow, the other member of the firm, is one of the most popular citizens of this city. His popularity is not confined to this section alone, but extends throughout this and other States, he being one of the leading Masons of Tennessee. The building occupied by Messrs. M. L. Ross & Co. may be seen in an illustration. It is the first house northward of W.W. Woodruff & Co.
Frank J. Callan. Among the many prominent business firms of Knoxville, that of Frank J. Callan, the leading merchant tailor, is to be mentioned. It is always a matter of special pride for every community to point out those of its citizens who by diligence and honesty in business have arisen to the foremost rank in their chosen professions. It is in thisrespect that Mr. Callan is deserving of special mention. Fifteen years ago he came to Knoxville from Baltimore. At that time he was known to but few in this city. Now his establishment is one of the best known in Knoxville, his business career having been highly successful. Such business progress as his, in this day of strong competition, does not come by accident. It can only come as a result of talent and correct business methods.
One reason of Mr. Callan's success lies in his perfect knowledge of the merchant tailor's business; another is his artistic taste as a draper. Through the combined force of these two very necessary factors in this line of business, his word has come to be the highest authority in this community and the surrounding country as to matters of dress. His trade, as a result of these happy conditions, is not confined to this city, but is drawn from all East Tennessee and parts of the surrounding States. He is constantly receiving orders from former customers who reside in other States, a striking proof of his ability to please, and of the class of goods he carries.
Mr. Callan's place of business is No. 522 Gay Street, South, in almost the exact business center of the city. Here is to be seen the largest stock of piece goods ever held by any establishment in Knoxville or other cities of this State. His stock embraces every class of goods in this line, and includes the finest imported varieties of cloth, as well as the best American makes. By constant accessions of new goods to his stock, all the latest styles make their appearance here as soon as they do in Eastern cities.
Mr. Callan is a practical workman, as well as an artist, having been a cutter for twenty years. In the rear of his large store room is the work shop, where a large force of the best workmen are constantly employed. His cutters are the best in the profession. It is to be said to the praise of Mr. Callan that he is highly progressive in public matters, always taking a lively interest in all worthy enterprises, looking to the prosperity and development of this city and section.
McCrary & Branson. In this rapid age of material development there is no more sure indication of the disposition and the aspirations of a people than that shown by their love of the beautiful. Wherever art is appreciated and cultivated, there will be found refinement and the fostering of ennobling influences.
In matters of art the people of Knoxville have always shown a fondness and a never-failing appreciation which has been highly creditable. This is plainly visible to all in the extent and the high order of her art establishments. Standing in the very front rank in this line is the well known house of Messrs. McCrary & Branson, No. 604 Gay Street, South. You will find this house among the illustrations.
The members of this firm are Frank B. McCrary and Lloyd Branson. Mr. McCrary is one of the. best known photographers in the South, and is widely known among the fraternity throughout the United States, having been for a long while one of the vice-presidents of the National Photographers' Association, in that capacity representing the State of Tennessee. His work as an artistic photographer has been extensively praised far and wide. Mr. Branson is one of the coming young artists of America. Several of his studies "in oil" have been hung in the Academy of Design in New York, receiving high and honorable mention by that institution as works of art. From the Academy his paintings have passed into the hands of wealthy connoisseurs in Eastern cities. The fine statue of a Confederate soldier on the new monument in Bethel (Confederate) Cemetery, this city, was modeled by Mr. Branson. It has been much praised. As a portrait artist, Mr. Branson, has but few, if any, equals in this country.
Under the charge of Mr. George W. Tatum, this firm are extensive dealers in photographers' and artists' supplies, picture frames and mouldings. In the line of fine frames, the manufacturing department of this firm does an extensive business annually.
Visitors to Knoxville always find the establishment of McCrary & Branson one of the most interesting places in the city.
Peter Kern. The name we have just announced is one of the best known in this city, the whole of East Tennessee,and the surrounding country.
For more than a quarter of a century, Mr. Kern has been engaged in business here in the same line, and for a greater part of this time his has been regarded as the leading wholesale and.retail confectionery establishment in this part of the South. Such has become the reputation of the goods he makes that the name "Kern" stamped upon them is taken as a sure guarantee for their richness, purity and wholesomeness. As a natural result no one enjoys a larger local and foreign trade. His delicious wedding cakes, his ice cream and sherbets, his caramels, creams, and French candies have always been eagerly sought for by young and old alike.
Mr. Kern's elegant double-front three-story business house is one of the most imposing and best equipped business blocks in this city. One part of the building is devoted to wholesale trade exclusively, the other to the retail department. In the rear and the large basement are the engines and machinery used in the manufacture of much of the elegant stock. A large force of experienced workmen are engaged upon all the finer handmade goods. One part of the building devoted to the retail trade deserves special mention here, not only because of its arrangement and finish, but because in certain seasons it is the resort for thousands of people. This is the large hall on the second floor used as an ice cream parlor. Its floor is beautifully finished in polished woods of various colors; the deep wainscoating around the hall is of the beautiful Tennessee variegated marble, highly polished; the upper part of the walls are hung with artistic paintings and fine engravings, while brilliant jets of light reflect every color of the rainbow from cut glass chandeliers. Around the white marble tables scattered all over the great hall youth and beauty meet, until it has been said that cupid has done more effective work within this enclosure than any other one place in the land.
In all his business relations, those who know Mr. Kern best say his successful career in this city as a business man is attributable to his ever present desire to please his customers, both in the quality of the goods they purchase and the attention they receive when visiting his establishment.
For many years past, Mr. Kern has been one of the most active of our citizens who labor in the cause of general progress in the upbuilding of this city and section. The people of Knoxville, recognizing his labors in behalf of this city, have called him to serve them in various capacities of the city's government. He has been a member of the Board of Public Works and was elected to the office of mayor of Knoxville, a position held to the great credit of himself and the city's good from January, 1890, to January, 1892.
W. B. Lockett & Co. The well known and popular wholesale grocery house of W. B. Lockett & Co. is situated at No. 107 Jackson Street, South. The building is a commodious three-story brick structure, with a rear frontage upon the East Tenn. Va. & Ga. Ry., thus giving the most ready means for handling freight.
The firm of W. B. Lockett & Co. was established several years ago, in 1882, by the late W. B. Lockett, Sr., one of the most popular and one of the best business men of this city, and two of his sons.
Under their skillful management the business grew rapidly, and within a few months after the new firm had been inaugurated the sales had reached proportions second to none.
Three years ago, Messrs. W. B. Lockett, Jr., Edward Lockett and A. Percy Lockett, brothers, became the sole proprietors of the immense business. The career of the house under their management has been eminently successful, until today their representatives reach the utmost limits of this city's wholesale territory, and are everywhere warmly welcomed. It is a pleasure to speak of the work accomplished by these young men, for they are among the youngest merchants that ever stood at the head of a large and prosperous wholesale house. They are all, socially and commercially, personally popular.
The stock carried by this firm is one of the largest, and at the same time one of the most select, of any in Knoxville. This house possesses many superior advantages in the jobbing trade, ample capital and large experience, and have acquired the reputation of easily competing with the leading Eastern houses. Their annual sales are among the largest of any grocery house in Knoxville.
Mr. W. B. Lockett, Jr., is also connected with several of the largest financial and commercial institutions of this city, among which are the Third National Bank, one of our strongest moneyed institutions, of which he is a director; and the Knoxville Provision and Sugar Company, of which he is one of the principal stockholders.
J. W. Borches & Co. One of the most familiar names in this city, as well as one of its most prominent business men, is J. W. Borches, the wholesale and retail dealer in staple and fancy groceries. Mr. Borches is not only one of the largest wholesale dealers, but his retail establishment is not surpassed by that of any other firm in the city. His wholesale house is located at No. 111 Jackson Street, South, fronting upon the East Tenn., Va. & Ga. Ry., from which some of the largest shipments from this city are made daily. The stock carried by his wholesale house is among the largest and most select of any in Knoxville, and is in every way complete. His shipments reach throughout the whole of East Tennessee and the surrounding States.
The retail establishment is situated at No. 32 Market Square, and, as already stated, is one of the largest and most select of the many retail establishments of Knoxville. As in the wholesale trade, the amount of annual business done by this department is very large.
Mr. Borches is in every respect what is called a self-made man. His business career during the past twelve years, in point of success, has been truly remarkable. Nor has this success been confined strictly to the grocery trade, but has extended to various financial operations. Mr. Borches' success has been to the good of his adopted city. One of the handsomest store and office buildings in Knoxville is the property of Mr. Borches. An illustration of this building is included. The large double arch front is of white marble, as are the various other trimmings. The body of the building is of fine pressed brick. This building is located corner of Wall and Prince Streets, opposite the City Hall. The third floor is occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also owner of other valuable real estate.
Mr. Borches is a director of the Mechanics National Bank, one of the strongest National banks of Knoxville. From 1890 to 1892, Mr. Borches was a member of the City Council, representing the Sixth ward, one of the wealthiest wards of Knoxville.
Allen, Stephenson & Co. One of the oldest and best known furniture and carpet houses of this city is that of Messrs. Allen, Stephenson & Co., No. 623 and 625 Gay Street, South.
The members of this firm are Messrs. Jno. M. Allen, Robt. J. Stephenson and Mrs. I. R. Boyd. They are successors to the old firm of Boyd, Allen & Co., with the distinction that all the present members have been connected with the older firm for many years past.
The business house of Messrs. Allen, Stephenson & Co. is one of the most imposing structures in Knoxville, and every available space within it is filled with the finest lines of furniture, carpets and various other articles of house-furnishing goods. The stock carried by this firm has always been the largest handled by any Knoxville house, and is regarded complete in nearly every respect.
Messrs. John M. Allen and Robert J. Stephenson are among the most experienced furniture and carpet men of the State, and constantly aim at giving their trade every advantage which such knowledge brings. As a result, the popularity of this house as headquarters for furniture, carpets and lace curtains extends throughout this section; and as a further consequence, their wholesale trade is very large. No similar house enjoys a greater retail trade in the city. It is impossible here to enter into a description of the various articles of furniture they carry in stock, for the list embraces everything to suit the tastes and requirements of all classes of purchasers. The same is to be said of the curtains and carpets, and various other articles well known in every household.
The firm make a specialty of all the modern inventions in furniture, such as folding beds, &c., which are now coming into such general use. Socially and commercially, the standing of the members of this firm is among the best in Knoxville.
Shields Brothers. One of the largest and most prosperous wholesale grocery houses that has come into existence in this city within the past few years is that of Messrs. Shields Brothers, No. 428 Gay Street, South.
The members of firm, Messrs. James T. Shields, Joseph S. Shields, and Milton L. Shields, are all young men noted for their sterling integrity and fine business ability.
While this firm is among the younger business establishments of Knoxville it enjoys the distinction of doing one of the largest jobbing trades of any grocery house in the city. The success that has attended this house during its business career has given it a wide reputation throughout this section.
Such prominence, business men readily understand, can only come through correct business methods, coupled with a stock complete in every respect to suit the trade. This is the character of the house of Messrs. Shields Brothers.
In addition to their large grocery business, the firm make a specialty of fine imported and domestic cigars, smoking and chewing tobaccos, and smokers' articles generally.
The building occupied by Messrs. Shields Brothers is the first house on the right, one south of Messrs. W. W. Woodruff & Co.
Mr. James T. Shields, the senior member of the firm, is one of the directors of the City National Bank, described on another page. Commercially and socially, the Messrs. Shields Brothers are among the most prominent people of this city.
Cullen & Newman. Among the many large and prosperous wholesale houses of Knoxville, the most generally known throughout the Southern States is that of Messrs. Cullen & Newman, located at Nos. 418 and 420 Gay Street, South. Their business house is the handsome four-story, double-front building shown in the illustrations.
For many years past they have been known far and wide as the most extensive dealers in china, glassware and kindred articles for the household, of any house in the South. In fact, a very large per cent of the merchants scattered throughont the Southern States receive their supplies of this class of goods from Messrs. Cullen & Newman.
It can be readily imagined by the reader that a trade so large as theirs must be drawn from a stock of immense proportions, and one that is nearly perfect in every respect. Such is the stock they carry. Adescription of their stock, owing to its endless variety, is impossible here. It embraces nearly every article of table ware, from the ordinary varieties to the most costly known to the art of the present day. Messrs. Cullen & Newman are importers direct from some of the largest factories in the world, as well as wholesale jobbers of all the best American made articles in their line.
They are also extensive dealers in lamps and fancy goods, clocks and plated ware, and hundreds of other articles for household use and ornamentation.
Messrs. Cullen & Newman are the sole proprietors of Dr. C. C. Roc's Liver, Rheumatic and Neuralgic Cure, one of the best medicines ever offered on the market for the cure and alleviation of these diseases. This preparation is one of the most popular medicines today in the Southern States, many thousands of gross being consumed annually. The firm will mail books of testimonials to applicants.for them. As a medicine of the highest merit, its curative qualities are well known and highly endorsed by citizens of this city.
The firm of Messrs. Cullen & Newman employs a very large force of assistants. Besides the large number in the building, they have ten salesmen upon the road, traversing all the Southern States, even to the borders of Mexico.
The proprietors of this great house, Messrs. Curtis Cullen and Charles S. Newman, are both natives of Virginia, but have been residents of this city for the past twenty years. Commercially they both stand in the forefront of Knoxville's business men; personally, no two men were ever more popular in this city.
Haynes Brothers. The business house of Messrs. Haynes Brothers is in the illustrations. This firm is one of the largest wholesale jobbers and manufacturers of harness, saddles, &c., in Knoxville. The members of this firm are Messrs. D. M. and T. W. Haynes, both young men of high standing and splendid business ability.
During the past few years they have built up the present large business in which they are engaged. From a small beginning they have become one of the largest houses in their line in this part of the country. They are well known and popular throughout the Southern States, where they are extensive shippers. Their stock is very large and complete, embracing everything demanded by the extensive trade of the Southern States.
Mr. D. M. Haynes is one of the directors of the Knoxville Savings Bank, a description of which will be found on another page.
Knaffl Brothers. This is a firm name now widely known throughout East Tennessee, because of their artistic work in photography. Indeed, the reputation of these young men is not confined to this section alone, but they are well and favorably known to the fraternity throughout the United States, some of their studies in artistic photography having received the highest mention at National conventions.
The firm is composed of Messrs. Joseph and Charles Knaffl, both of whom are highly popular. Their establishment is No. 522 Gay Street, South, and is one of the best equipped for the business of any in the State. They also carry a large and varied line of fine picture frames, mouldings, engravings, &c.
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