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Music Stores | Jewelers | Photographers | Other Retailers

The retail store is the heart of the business community. While variety stores catered to general needs, more specialized establishments offered luxury items like jewelry, or services like portrait photography. Many such retailers carried a wider selection of stock than we usually think of today, combining books and tobacco or sewing machines with musical instruments; jewelers commonly also served as opticians.

 Music Stores

 R. V. Slauson, Books, Musical Instruments, Cigars

In every community there are men whose enterprise, activity of mind and strong business talents bring them into prominence-men in whose hands a branch of business ordinarily common place, is built up and managed with such skill that it assumes a prominent position in the mercantile history of the city. Such a gentleman and such as business is that of Mr. R. V. Slauson.

Nineteen years ago he started this business and by prudent management has brought it to its present large and growing proportions. The premises at No. 9 North Main street, are conveniently fitted up, and here Mr. Slauson carries a large stock, embracing books, stationery, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, small musical instruments, sheet music, and music books, cigars and tobaccos.

The musical department is most replete, and the news stand is the only one in the city. Mr. Slauson makes a specialty of prompt and satisfactory service, and is held high in public esteem and popular favor.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 E. G. Doane, Pianos, Organs, Sewing Machines

While the applied principles of mathematics and classics may promote intelligence and give breadth and character to mind, it is left for musical culture to produce those refining influences which contribute to social enjoyment. With this end in view Mr. E. G. Doane established in business her 14 years ago. His business quarters, opposite Hotel Brown, are well ordered and he offers low and liberal terms on pianos, organs and sewing machines. He makes a specialty of the celebrated pianos and organs made by A. B. Chase, of Norwalk, Ohio, the Bush & Gerts famous pianos, and of the Standard Sewing machine, which has no superior. Prompt and satisfactory dealings have made this house a favorite with the people of Wood County, and a large and valuable trade has been built up. Mr. Doane is in every way qualified to carry on such a business, and our citizens have assisted in making his business a permanent success. He is prominently identified with public affairs, is active in the K. of P., Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges and is esteemed by all who know him.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Long & Brinkerhoff, Pianos and Organs

While the caption of this article does not call for complimentary allusions, yet we feel that as a matter of local pride we can speak more freely of this house than we otherwise would. Success in any business naturally carries with it good results, and since organizing under the above style 11 years ago, this firm has defied competition. Pianos, organs and musical merchandise are among the few articles of commerce in the purchase of which buyers must, to some extent, rely upon the integrity of the dealer. Hence it becomes a matter of most vital importance to patronize dealers whose reputation and standing furnish a perfect guarantee of reliability.

Messrs. Long & Brinkerhoff's stock furnishes an unparalleled opportunity for obtaining an instrument from the factories of such reliable makers as Weber, Shaw and Sterling, and everyone of which is warranted to give entire satisfaction. Besides, this house carries a full line of piano case organs, upright parlor organs, and a number of reliable makers of medium grade piano in connection with their high grade goods. The establishment, located at No. 55 North Main street, is an attractive one in all its appointments, and the stock carried is the largest and only exclusive one of its kind in Wood county. A large and substantial trade has been developed and Mr. S. L. Long, who has had 11 years experience, and Mr. A. W. Brinkerhoff, who has been in the trade for 25 years, are known to be the most honorable, industrious and reliable gentlemen, and their popularity in business and financial circles extends far and wide.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Jewelers

 E. E. Hunter, Jeweler and Engraver

No more important evidence of Bowling Green's commercial supremacy can be found than by reference to the house of E. E. Hunter, which is devoted to a branch of trade designated to satisfy the requirements of refined and luxurious tastes. This house was started 18 years ago, and is the recognized source of supply for an annually increasing source of supply list of customers. If you want a tooth pulled you don't go to a blacksmith; if you want drugs you don't go to a shoe store, and if you want jewelry buy it of a jeweler who knows his business and keeps the best goods.

Mr. Hunter is a jeweler, skilled watchmaker and engraver, and a leading feature is made of doing repairing in the most satisfactory manner. The premises at No. 6 South Main street, Millikin block, give evidence of the artistic taste of the proprietor, while the stock carried is comprised of diamonds, watches, clocks, rings, silverware, and novelties, on which the lowest prices are quoted to all.

Enterprise and honorable dealings have always characterized the operations of Mr. Hunter, and he is closely allied with the material advancement of the commercial prestige of the community.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 J. P. Phillips, Jeweler and Watchmaker

It is in pursuance of a desire to give prominence to worthy houses that special mention is here made of the widely known and leading establishment of J. O. Phillips, opposite the Opera House. Mr. Phillips has had sever years' experience in the jewelry business and has been connected with the business interests of Bowling Green since May, 1899, intending to make this his permanent home. He has ever maintained a high reputation for the general excellence of goods carried, for his skill in repairing, and for his straight-forward and liberal methods.

As a jeweler and watch repairer Mr. Phillips has few equals, and in doing this class of work he guarantees to give satisfaction or to refund the money. In watches, as in all other goods, he can save you money, and makes a specialty of high grade discontinued movements at cut prices. Throughout, everything is up-to-date in this popular establishment, and the high regard in which Mr. Phillips is held for sound business principles, strict probity, enterprise and energy, makes his success easily understood.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 F. Von Kanel, Jeweler, Optician

Few cities the size of Bowling Green can boast of such an establishment as that in which is done the business of F. Von Kanel, at No. 13 South Main street. This is one of the handsomest, oldest and most extensive jewelry houses in this section and is filled with a large and elegant assortment of diamonds, watches, clocks, jewelry, silver ware, and in fact everything that a first-class jewelry house carries.

F. Von Kanel has a large trade and believes in selling goods at a bargain so as to have them moved quickly. A large acquaintance is enjoyed with jobbers and manufacturers, and buying at very close figures, they in turn give their customers the advantage of low prices. The business has been successfully conducted for the past 23 years, and besides the lines names, the house also makes a specialty of fine repairing, of carrying a large line if optical goods and of fitting glasses. An experienced optician is employed and glasses are adjusted to all forms of myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, etc, with the most beneficial results.

This is a popular and as liberally patronized store as any in Wood county, is a credit to Bowling Green, and the house of F. Von Kanel has the confidence of all.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Photographers

 N. W. Low, Up to Date Photographer

In recent years the progress made revolutionized the old methods, and demands for successful results ability from a pronounced order. Today the successful photographer requires a thorough knowledge of chemistry, an artistic eye, and a natural appreciation for neatness and ornamentation. The gallery of Mr. N. W. Low, over Duket's Kandy Kitchen, suggests, in its appointments, the refined and cultured taste of the proprietor, and this is borne out in the handsome array of work, which the eyes rest upon admiringly. In the five years that Mr. Low has been located here he has given Bowling Green a thoroughly progressive establishment, which reflects the very latest suggestion in the artistic and mechanical progress of modern photography. Mr. Low's honorable career has won for him the usual results of every well directed effort, and his patronage is drawn from all over the surrounding country.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 R. P. Morrison, Photographer

Modern photography represents the advancement of the present age. The subject of this sketch, Mr. R. P. Morrison, has during a career covering the period since 1865, and since 1870 in Bowling Green, been alert for every new idea, and this is reflected in his work which is made to compare favorably with that done in the largest cities. His studio at 33 ½ North main street is equipped with every convenience for doing all styles of photographic work in the most approved manner, as well as enlarging in crayon, water colors, pastel, etc. All work turned out is distinguished for correct pose, artistic shading and elegant finish, and Mr. Morrison has long been known as one of the leading photographers of northwestern Ohio. That his work possesses the lasting qualities desired in pictures is shown by the fact that a photograph of the Granville coronet band, taken by him in 1868, was reproduced in halftone in the Granville Times of February 1. Mr. Morrison's reputation for square business methods is such as to inspire the full confidence of the public, and he enjoys a well merited patronage.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 J. A. Walker, Fine Photographer

Mr. Walker is a practical artist and his love for the picturesque and the beautiful exhibits itself in every detail of his business. His parlor and studio are conveniently located in the Royce block, and are thoroughly equipped. Mr. Walker has been in this business here for the past 12 years, and by good work and close application has won a liberal and influential patronage among the best people. His fidelity to detail, brilliancy of touch and ability to preserve every feature proves that he is an artist of true genius. Mr. Walker makes a specialty of all styles of photographic work and the latest novelties, and it is only necessary to view his work to know that it is far superior to that to be had in most places. Mr. Walker has made many friends here, and is looked upon as one of the most worthy citizens of Bowling Green.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900

 Other Retailers

 A. E. Huffman, Wines, Liquors, and Cigars

Probably the most pretentious resort of its kind in Bowling Green is the sample room conducted by Mr. A. E. Huffman on East Wooster street. The establishment is fitted up in elegant style and everything pertaining to it is kept in the neatest and most attractive condition.

Mr. Huffman has been very successful since opening here 14 years ago, and has given to Bowling Green as fine a resort as can be found in this section. Only the best and purest brands of beer, wines, whiskies and cigars are kept in stock, among which can be found all those most popular with the people. Adulterated goods are not dealt in by Mr. Huffman and people who appreciate absolutely pure goods will find them here.

This entire establishment is conducted on strict business principles, and this, with Mr. Huffman's sterling qualities, accounts for the popularity of his well known resort.

--Wood County Democrat, February 16, 1900