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Grocers in 1900 offered staples like flour, sugar, and coffee, fresh produce, and an ever-widening selection of canned goods. Before the days of the housewife's weekly trip to the supermarket, grocers often delivered orders themselves. With reliable refrigeration still in the future, a trip to the butcher's ensured fresh meats and poultry for city residents. Bakers often supplemented their breads and pastries with ice cream, candies, and perhaps a tea room for casual luncheons. Then as now, low prices brought return customers.

 Grocery Stores

 M. L. Abbott, Grocery, Provisions, Crockery

The grocer is the apostle of good cheer and the missionary of home comfort. Pure food and food products are essential to the health and happiness of every human being, and the attractive grocery of M. L. Abbott is justly one of the most popular in Bowling Green, and has been serving the public for the past ten years. The storeroom at No. 25 South Main street, is ample in size and the patronage is good.

Only the freshest and best goods are handled and these embrace everything in the way of staple and fancy groceries, provisions, vegetables and good things to eat generally, as well as crockery, lamps, chimneys, and country produce.

Throughout this store is clean, up-to-date and first class, and Mr. Abbott is justly regarded as one of the leading and most meritorious citizens of Bowling Green.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Bankey & Fearnside, The New Grocer

On the grocery trade the whole civilized race depends for daily supplies, and as one of the best known and most reliable firms engaged in this line here we mention that of Bankey & Fearnside. They are located at No. 3 South Main street, and their new and fresh stock embraces full lines of the purest and best the markets afford in staple and fancy groceries, table

delicacies, glassware, chinaware, crockery, dinner sets, and chamber sets. The store room is handsomely arranged, the stock is new and tempting, the prices are the lowest possible and every convenience is at hand for the accommodation of patrons. Straightforward business methods have drawn to this house a large trade and customer always obtain the best goods at low prices. The business was started five months ago, by Messrs. Gus H. Bankey and Geo. W. Fearnside, two of the most energetic and prominent citizens of Bowling Green. Mr. Bankey is an old grocery man and is township treasurer, while Mr. Fearnside was formerly assistant cashier of the Commercial Banking Co. and both gentlemen are prominent in I.O.O.F. and Masonic circles, and are held in high esteem by the public generally. --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 English Brothers, Groceries and Provisions

An old saw has it that "The nearest way to a man's heart is through his stomach," and still another saying goes, "The nearest way to a man's heart is through his pocket." Which of the two is the shortest cut we will not undertake to say; neither does it make much difference, because English Bros. catch their man "a coming and a going." If it is the stomach route they have him sure by the excellence of their wares, and they'll please his pocket by the big saving effected on his grocery appropriation for the year. Their main object is to make steady customers, and to that end they carry most desirable lines of coffees, spices, flour and provisions.

Messrs. F. A. and J. S. English are the members of the firm of the oldest grocerymen in Bowling Green and they are highly honored and substantial citizens who enjoy the confidence of their fellow men. They are conveniently located at 29 South Main street, and we believe that a trial order of their goods will insure continued patronage.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Kershner & Patty, Groceries and Provisions

Conspicuous among the numerous groceries of the city, and one that is well known to the local trade is that of Kershner & Patty at No. 14 North Main street. The present firm, composed of Messrs. Geo. W. Kershner and Harry L. Patty, succeeded the firm of Kershner & Co. about one year ago, and has steadily gained popularity and prestige for quality of goods, large variety and general excellence. The premises are neatly arranged and the stock is filled with a choice of

everything pertaining to the grocery trade, in staple and fancy goods, provisions, coffees, teas, spices and table delicacies, while leaders are made of the famous White Star coffees and Bowman's buckwheat flour. All patrons are waited on promptly and in a polite manner, and orders are delivered to any part of the city. Messrs. Kershner & Patty are fully posted in all the details of the business and the requirements of the trade, and are meeting with most gratifying and well merited success. They are capable and honorable gentlemen, who have many friends and are regarded as most exemplary and worthy citizens. --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Jim Marshall, Groceries, Seeds, Etc.

The establishment of Jim Marshall & Co., at No. 38 South Main street, exhibits in catering to the needs of the people all the elements of progressiveness. The standard preparations and productions in the food lines are kept in stock, and low are instrumental in popularizing the establishment.

Beside their large line of groceries the house also owns extensive green houses, and is prepared to furnish in any quantity desired, and at lower prices than can be had in the large cities, every variety of farm, garden and flower seeds and bulbs that are grown in this section. They also have such blooming plants as Narcissus, Primrose, Calla Lilies and Cinerarias, which they furnish for funerals, weddings, receptions, etc.

The business was started three years ago by Messrs. J. P. Marshall and Geo. South, and each month has shown a gratifying increase in patronage, for with the best goods the best trade has been catered to. By industry, perseverance and reliable representations, the firm of Jim Marshall & Co. has built up a patronage of large proportions and their future is bright with success.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Red Front Groceries

Standing in the front rank as one of the leading establishments of Bowling Green is the Red Front grocery of H. E. English & Co. No concern enjoys a better trade, as it is a house which in the excellence of the stock carried is fully up to the highest standard in the lines of staple and fancy groceries, fruits, teas, coffees, flour, and provisions. This house handles only the freshest stock of the best brands of goods on the market, and their trade has been extended to all parts of Wood county.

This enterprise, which was succeeded to 18 months ago by Messrs H. E. and A. R. English, has been conducted upon the broad plan of equitable dealings, and its usefulness has been greatly increased.

The business quarters at No. 38 North Main street, are ample in dimensions and conveniently and neatly arranged, while popular prices prevail and patrons receive the most courteous treatment. Messrs H. E. English & Co. are gentlemen of large practical experience and are widely known and highly esteemed in business circles as energetic, clear-headed business men, honorable in all transactions.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 J. P. Rothgeb, Staple and Fancy Groceries

Few branches of commercial enterprise are more important or representative than that of the retail trade in groceries, canned goods, fruits, teas, coffees and table delicacies. Mr. J. P. Rothgeb has a nice establishment at No. 45 North Main street, and backed by a nice, fresh stock of these goods he successfully caters to the favor and patronage of the people of Wood county.

In the year and a half that he has been established here he has become so prominently and favorably known for carrying the best goods at low prices, that his custom is drawn from all sections of the county. Only fresh and reliable goods are handled, and by honorable, energetic and liberal business methods Mr. Rothgeb has built up a large patronage.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 J. C. Stevenson, Groceries, Produce, Fruit

A large and neatly arranged store room stocked with an abundance of the many articles which enter into the food line, prompt and accommodating services in the order department, and everything first-class and reliable-these are all hard facts that suggest a business of remarkable proportions. This busy store was started by Mr. G. C. Stevenson about two and a half years ago, and with his characteristic enterprise and push he has built up a nice trade. The relations of the establishment with the public are all that could be desired. A specialty is made of carrying everything in the way of table delicacies that are used by the people of this section, and the general excellence of the goods and low prices have resulted in a large and growing trade. A specialty is made of paying the highest prices for produce, and here the farmer can always find a satisfactory market for his goods

Mr. Stevenson is one of the most representative men of Bowling Green, and his establishment is second to none in excellence of stock, prompt service, enterprising methods and honorable practice. He takes an active and influential interest in public affairs, and is popular and honored throughout the community.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 S. T. Wiggins, Groceries and Provisions

Probably there is no branch of the mercantile trade that is so essential to the complete accommodation of the public as a first-class grocery store. Mr. S. T. Wiggins, whose well stocked grocery is located at No. 61 North Main street, knows how to keep a first-class store in all that the term implies, and with the very liberal terms quoted it is not surprising that he has become the recognized base of supply for many people hereabouts. No similar concern in Bowling Green handles a higher grade of goods, or can offer more attractions to that class of buyers who want to get the best and the most for their money. Mr. Wiggins began here two years ago, has built up a nice trade, and is a popular and responsible gentleman who deserves the success that he has won. --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Butchers

 Lehmann's Market

This is one of the best kept meat markets in the state of Ohio, and purchasers here are always assured of getting a superior article, satisfactory treatment and courteous attention. The Main street store is the

most handsome in the city, tile flooring and wainscoting, steel ceiling and handsome refrigerators. The large stock which is constantly carried includes all kinds of fresh, salt and smoked meats, and, as the firm does its own butchering, freshness and purity are assured. The business was started 28 years ago, and is owned by Messrs. William and Frank Lehmann. Both gentlemen are experts in the business, are courteous and capable business men and every attention is shown to the wants of their many customers. Messrs. Lehmann Bros. are also worthy and substantial citizens, and they are liberally patronized by an appreciative public. --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Jacob Schlicher, Meat Market

Mr. Schlicher has the distinction of conducting one of the largest and most liberally patronized meat markets in Wood county. At 35 North Main street he has on hand at all times a choice stock of fresh, salt and smoked meats, lard,

sausages, and poultry and game in season. All goods are noted for their freshness and purity, and this, with a reputation for promptly filling all orders, have won for him a patronage of large proportions. Mr. Schlicher has been in business here for the past year, and faithfully looking after the wants of all customers and making a specialty of the choicest cuts, he is prepared to give the most satisfactory service. Mr. Schlicher is an affable and popular gentleman, whose success is due to his well directed efforts, and is merited --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 G. T. Sterling, Fish, Oysters & Poultry

This enterprise was established about one month ago, and is much appreciated by our citizens. The North Main street store is ample in size and well arranged, and here Mr. Sterling carries a choice stock of fish, oysters and poultry. These goods are the best to be obtained, are received fresh each day, and are sold at the lowest possible prices. Customers always get the best good, the lowest prices and the most courteous attention, and Mr. Sterling is meeting with the success his efforts deserve. He is well known to our people as a man of energy, ability and honor, and he enjoys the respect of all who know him. Mr. Sterling also operates two large moving vans, and does an extensive business in moving pianos, organs, household goods and the like. Orders left at the above fish market are attended to promptly.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Bakeries

 A. Schwartz, Bakery & Confectionery

If there is any one thing that is of importance to the average citizens it is to know where to get the best the bakery affords at moderate prices. The above is one of the best bakeries in the country, where the hungry wayfarer may obtain the most wholesome of breadstuff and delicate pastries. Mr. Schwartz also carries choice lines of confectionery and tobaccos, operates a parlor where his own choice ice creams are served, and his new quarters in the Von Kanel block are handsomely arranged and equal to any in the city.

The department devoted to baking is under the personal supervision of Mr. Schwartz, who is a gentleman who has gained an eminence in the mercantile arena only attained by the strictest adherence to honest principles, coupled with enterprising and careful business methods. He has been established here for the past eight years, supplies those delicious edibles always so desirable at weddings, balls, banquets and the like, and has gained an enviable reputation. Mr. Schwartz is ever public spirited and enterprising in promoting the welfare of the city, and is admired and looked up to by all his fellowmen. --Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 William Shepherd, Bakery

Light, wholesome bread is desired by every one, so it is no matter of surprise that Wm. Shepherd has made a success of his business. He has been in the bakery business here for the past eight years, and the people have come to know that he is a leader in his line. Located at No. 23 West Wooster street, he has one of the best equipped bake shops in this section, and he turns out the choicest bread, cakes, doughnuts, pies and pastries. Customers are supplied with fresh bread each day, and Mr. Shepherd's goods are in such favor that his patronage extends all over the city.

Mr. Shepherd has had the experience necessary to make him a most expert baker, and is prepared to furnish the finest of bakery productions for weddings, parties and the like. Mr. Shepherd's success is due to his own efforts and ability, and he has the confidence and esteem of the public.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

Restaurants are listed separately.