From the Hamilton Times of December 18, 1883, the reporter was given ample space to describe what he had learned during a whirlwind tour of several Hamilton businesses :
“While Christmas comes but
once a year, people have often to think twice ere they can decide where and
what to buy to make glad the hearts of the dear ones to whom the expected
treasure is not the least enjoyable among the many blessed features of Merry
Christmas. The Times, as usual, is always willing to be of all possible
assistance to perplexed minds in this often difficult matter. It is assumed, of
course, that all gifts are the more acceptable if they are pretty or attractive,
and it will be equally admitted that if they are useful as well as attractive,
their acceptability is all the greater. The object, therefore, of gift givers
should be to spend any money they have to spare for this purpose where such
articles can be procured as shall be of the most real advantage to the
recipient – articles which, in short, are both useful and attractive. There can
be no such hesitation in naming such establishments as that of
Messrs. A.
Murray & Co.
King street, as a central emporium where such articles
can be procured in a variety and at such prices to suit the most fastidious as
well as the most economical purchasers. This reliable old establishment is so
well known and its importations so often advertised in the Times that it is
hardly necessary to do more than advise the readers to call early and secure
the more than usually large and attractive assortments of holiday goods now on
exhibition by the firm. But it may be mentioned that special consignments of
new and fashionable articles have been arriving daily in every department
specially for the holiday trade, that prices for all desirable goods never have
been so low, that unprecedented reductions have been made in dress goods,
silks, manties and millinery, and that the house has never been more resolved
than now to maintain its old reputation for first class goods at the lowest
possible cash prices. In millinery and mantle goods many attractive seasonable
articles are being offered at literally half their value. In the dress goods,
such desirable material as all-wool camel’s hair serges are offered at 25 cents
a yard; a good black silk at $1 a yard, and rich-colored silks at 90 cents and
under. In the lace goods department, among many lovely and cheap things, are
shown 25 dozen pure linen handkerchiefs, with colored borders, at 15 cents each
or $1.65 per dozen; 75 dozen of same, with colored and black borders,
handstitched, at 18 cents each or $2 per dozen; beautiful silk ties from 35 to
70 cents each. A grand assortment of general lace goods for ladies’ and misses’
wear has just been received direct from New York specially for the Christmas
trade. But further detail is needless. It may be assumed that a large holiday
trade at Messrs. A. Murray & Co.’s is assured, and that no house better
deserves it.
Messrs. Finch Bros.
“The young and
enterprising members of this firm (who do business at No. 18 King street west) advertise a great sale all this week and
next, at which they promise their customers the best of bargains in every line
of goods. The Messrs. Finch, with true business instincts, believe in being
their own importers, for which purpose one of other visit the English markets
twice a year. By this means they are able to purchase at the best advantage the
exact description of goods suited to the requirements of their trade, and
consequently are in a position to offer their customers the freshest of goods
in the latest and most fashionable styles. To meet the holiday rush, they have
their immense stock of goods conveniently displayed for the inspection of
visitors; and not only so, but the pruning knife has been at work slaughtering
many of the prices. It has cut deep into the prices of the fine line of black
silks, which are being sold off at greatly reduced prices. The velveteens are
the best manufactured, are warranted fast pile, and are guaranteed to give the
best of satisfaction. The laces, lace ties and lace Oriental fichus are all
superb goods and deserve the inspection of the ladies of Hamilton. In corsets,
the firm make a large display, having in stock these articles in English,
American and Canadian manufacture. In the shape of gloves, every novelty is on
hand (this is neither a joke nor a pun) for the season’s wear, including lined
and unlined kids, as well as mitts of all kinds. Piano and table covers, of
which a large variety is shown, have also been reduced in price, and those in
need of such could not do better than see their stock. Something new in ladies’
fancy aprons have just been imported. A large lot of them has been received, as
they are regarded as among the novelties of the season, for which there will be
a brisk demand. Ladies’ black fur capes have also been imported. These are
superior goods and no doubt will meet with a ready sale. Blankets and flannels
and every description of stable goods are here to be found in every variety and
at the lowest of prices. The assortment of ladies’ and gentleman’s silk
handkerchiefs deserve special mention. It is a healthy sign to note that Finch
Bros. have found it necessary to enlarge their premises. The store is now one
of the best lighted in the city. Those in quest of holiday goods couldn’t do
better than give this firm a call.
Drugs and Perfumery
“Messrs. Calder &
Co.’s drug store, on the corner of York and Merrick streets, contains a very
neat assortment of goods usually kept by druggists in addition to the ordinary
line of drugs. The proprietors have displayed them to the best advantage, and
holiday purchasers will find many things here suitable for Christmas gifts. They
keep in stock a fine of brushes of all kinds, whisks, feather dusters, every
description of perfume and toilet soaps, combs, jewel stands and cases, vases,
ladies’ toilet sets, odor cases and ornamental work baskets. All the different
patent medicines are to be had here. Nothing but the purest of drugs, it is
guaranteed by Mr. Calder, are sold by them, and prescriptions are obtainable
night and day, made up by a practical dispenser of twenty years’ experience.
Telephone connection is established with the store, which is a convenient
arrangement for parties doing business with the firm.
Messrs. J. & B. Kilgour
“This is not only an
organ manufacturing firm; Messrs. Kilgour are also agents for some of the best
pianos made, such as the New York Weber, the Boston Miller, the Toronto
Heintzman & Newcomb, and the German Rombildt. They are also importers of
band instruments and musical merchandise. The factory is Nos. 63 and 65 Hughson
street south, and the warerooms at No. 64 John street south. Mr. T. J. Bain has
charge of the retail department, and is always to be seen at the warerooms,
where all the fine instruments of which the Messrs. Kilgour are placed for
inspection.
Some Handsome Jewelry
“Mr. F. Claringbowl,
Copp’s Block, has some beautiful goods from which Christmas gifts can easily be
selected. Among the many great articles of beauty and elegance expressed in the
show cases are gem and band rings of many patterns and sizes, a well-assorted
`stock of watches, a very handsome list of imported silverware, colored gold
sets, elegant watch-chains, neat and attractive clocks etc. Mr. Claringbowl
makes a specialty of spectacles and eyeglasses, with gold, steel and silver
frames, which are made to order at his establishment. He also takes special
pride in the workmanlike repairing of all kinds that is done under his
direction.
Messrs. G. Eastwood & Co.
“Christmas is
peculiarly the season for giving and receiving gifts, whether it be a trifle or
costly offering, the fitness of the gift and the feeling which goes with it
make it an important symbol. The probably is the reason why bookstores are so
largely patronized at this time of year, for here you are sure to find
something suited to the tastes of all. There is no more popular store and none
more largely patronized by all classes than that of Messrs. J. Eastwood &
Co. This firm, for twenty-five years, have catered to the citizens of Hamilton
at the Xmas season, and have been constantly advertisers of this paper since
its first issues. They have a large and varied stock to offer their customers.
In their showcases are fine displays of albums, from the most reliable makers in
rich plush, Russia, calf and morocco leathers; ladies’ and gents’ pocketbooks;
purses and card cases; ladies’ hand satchels; a very large and beautiful line
of church sets of prayer books and hymns (Ancient and Modern), the finest ever
imported. Bibles, the Oxford, Cambridge and Bagster editions in inexpensive as
well as rich Levant morocco, kid-lined bindings. Family Bibles ranging in all
prices. The book department is very attractive, and a make a mong books none
are more pleasing, varied or interesting than the juvenile holiday books.
Messrs. Eastwood & Co. make a specialty of children’s books, and here you
will find stacks of ‘Chatterbox,’ ‘Wide Awake,’ “Babyland,” and all the popular
annual volumes, as well as a great many others, the latest arrival being Marcus
Ward’s new color picture book, ‘London Town,’ a companion book to the
celebrated “At Home,’ and ‘Abroad,’ published in previous years. Hey have also
sets of Thackery, Kingsley, George Macdonald, Dickens, Waverley, Charlotte M.
Yonge and other popular standard authors, and a large display of birthday text
books, in new and pleasing bindings. In writing desks, there are some handsome
inlaid and finely-pointed styles of wood and a neat and good line of leather
goods. The Christmas cards have been selected from all the celebrated
publishers. Among the novelties of the season are the ivory tablets with
beautiful etchings of Scotch and English places of note. Many other things are
worthy of mention but Messrs. Eastwood & Co. extend a hearty invitation to
call and see their stock. The store is kept open in the evening during the
holiday season for the convenience of those who cannot call during the day, and
the Times is sure that those going to Messrs. J. Eastwood & Co.’s, 16 King
street east, will find many pleasing things to purchase for holiday gifts.
Henry Ward Beecher says: ‘A book is not merely so much printed paper and the
binding. Right books are the epitome of
men’s lives. They are the grain; straw and chaff driven away. The best moods,
the final learning, the inspiration of the noblest hours of men with whom the
world has dealt as a furnace deals with ore; they are the treasury in which men
have heaped the golden ingots, seven times refined. Books outlive empires; they
fly without wings; walk without feet; houses of supply are they, that without
money or price feed men suffering from soul. They feed thousands without
diminishing the supply; they give and yet keep. Leaves that increase as they
are broken, and after feeding thousands are ready for thousands more.’
Messrs. Joseph Mills & Son.
“The strange, mild
weather that prevailed up to Saturday made folks forget that such a thing as
fur is a desirable commodity in a Canadian winter; but the recent cold snap has
had the effect of bringing about a strong realization of that undeniable fact.
The stores of the furriers are now well-patronized by those who feel the
necessity of ‘thatching’ their bodies against the polar air. No establishment
is no more numerously visited than that of Joseph Mills & Son, 7 James
street north. For nearly half a century this firm has supplied the people of
Hamilton with furs of all Kinds, and no more liable firm can be found in the
city. Messrs. Mills & Son’s present stock is large and well-made. They are always sure of their goods, for they
make up all their best furs from imported skins. The seal saques and dolmans that
are shown by them are extremely elegant as well as comfortable-looking, and are
sufficient to strike terror to the heart of a man who knows that his wife has
set her affections upon a sealskin saque, lest the garment chance to meet her
eye. Sea otter and Persian lamb caps are to be seen here made up in many
different styles, and a specialty seems to be made of children’s fancy furs,
which are exhibited in great variety. Though we have not enjoyed much sleighing
recently, it is well to provide for what must come, and those who wish to get
sleigh robes could not do better than to inspect Messrs. Mills’ bear, raccoon,
and musk ox-robes, of which they have a large stock. It is unnecessary to
mention their well-selected and extensive assortment of American and English
hats, for all the latest styles are kept at their establishment at all times. Useful
as well as ornamental Christmas gifts can be purchased here.
Mr. W. Farmer
“Lovers of the
beautiful and the fine arts will hardly miss paying a visit to Mr. Farmer’s
photographic rooms, corner of King and Macnab streets, while making their
Christmas rounds. Here are to be found every facility for the perfect
production of everything in the photographic line from the smallest carte to the biggest thing in
enlargements attempted in the city. Mr. Farmer prides himself on the lightning
rapidity with which, with the aid of Old Sol, he can duplicate the figures and
visages of his patrons, and little wonder, when it is considered that a Times
reporter was shown by him four little babies in a row, the features and forms
of which had been transferred with life-like perfection to the card before they
even had time to wink. His statuette photographs must be seen to be properly
appreciated. They are exceedingly beautiful and an actual representation in
statuette form of the party photographed. His illuminated cartes make excellent Christmas cards. Mr. Farmer has recently
enlarged his premises and added a picture framing department to his business.
There are eleven artists employed in his establishment, but no apprentices, so
that all work is gotten up in the highest style of art. Mr. Farmer’s windows
will be well worth seeing during the holidays.
Messrs. J. A. Barr & Co.
“The proprietors of
this neatly arranged and centrally located store, on the corner of York and
Macnab streets, have put forth special efforts this season to provide every
requisite in their line for the holiday season, with the result that the store
is stocked with an assortment of the finest goods appropriate for Christmas and
New Year gifts, many of which are especially suitable for presentation to the
juvenile portion of the community. Besides the usual standard goods, the firm
show plush and satin goods of various handsome designs, in perfume cases,
ornaments, covered bottles and ladies’ and gents’ dressing cases, shaving mugs,
ladies’ work baskets, jewel caskets, handkerchief and glove boxes, French,
English and American perfumery, vases, toilet sets, hair brushes and combs in
stock form a strong temptation to purchasers to call at the store. Mr. Barr
attributes the success of the firm to the fact that none but the purest of
drugs are kept on and, and that the prices are such as to place the goods within
reach of all.
Canadian Musical Instruments
“Canadians have no
longer to depend on foreign manufacturers for their musical instruments. In a
vast number of Canadian homes are to be found organs and pianos of native
manufacture which are capable of expressing, powerfully and sweetly, the sublimest
compositions of the masters of music. Messrs. Hutchison & Pilkey, of No. 10
King street east, make a specialty of these Canadian instruments. In their
establishment can be found the Rainer piano, which has been manufactured at
Guelph for twenty-five years, and has taken first prizes at a myriad of
exhibitions since its manufacture was commenced; the Heintzman piano, made in
Toronto, a very fine instrument, of which more are made, perhaps, than any
other in the country; the Dominion organ, manufactured at Bowmanville; and the
Bell organ, manufactured in Guelph, the oldest organ factory in the Dominion.
All these instruments are a credit to the country, and it is safe to say that
they give better value for the money than any imported American instruments.
Mr. A. Hunter’s
“store, 52
James street north, is one of those establishments which are almost wholly
devoted, at this season of the year, to the Christmas trade. For here, nearly
all the goods are Christmas goods – that is, nearly all are peculiarly adapted
for Christmas presents. To give a list of the beautiful things that Mr. Hunter
has to show that would be appropriate as Christmas gifts would be to give an
inventory of his establishment; but special notice might be made of the fine
collection of family Bibles, ranging in price from $4 to $15; the splendid
editions of Dickens, Cooper, and other novelists at reasonable prices; the
handsome editions of the poets; the books of engravings, in which nature in all
her aspects is pictured to the life; the immense array of books, specially
prepared for the Christmas trade; then the numberless articles of useful
bric-a-brac, such as handkerchief and gloves, ornamental inkstands, gold pens
and pencils, card cases, ladies’ dressing cases, photograph albums,
stereoscopes, etc. etc. All the Christmas annuals are kept here, and, of
course, a large assortment of Christmas cards to suit all tastes and purposes.
Mr. Hunter’s store is one of the best patronized establishments in the city at
the present time.
Mrs. Hinman
“This lady’s
establishment – No. 4 King William street – is a perfect little repository for
all those classes of goods that ladies most love to buy.She deals in many lines
of fancy articles besides articles of wear and ornament – jewelry of gold,
silver, jet, etc; feathers, pompoms, birds and millinery ornaments; knitted
goods of all kinds; children’s jackets made up and to order; evening fans, card
cases, and many other nice little articles appropriate for presents. Mrs.
Hinman announces that for the balance of this month she will allow 25 per cent
off on sales of trimmed and untrimmed millinery and woolen goods, and that she
will sell ostrich plumes, birds’ wings and pompoms at wholesale rates. Those
who done business with Mrs. Hinman will know that these terms offered by her
are genuine, and will be faithfully carried out.”
“Christmas Emporium : A Splendid Exhibit of Merchandise : Rich and Artistic Presents”
Hamilton Times. December 18, 1883.
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