Business of DeWitt: Millinery, Dress-Making & Tailoring

From the end of January, 1880, until June, the Clinton County Advertiser ran a section called “Business of DeWitt” in which they tell quite a bit about the local businesses.

KELLOGG & CADY, MILLINERS. Although history is silent upon the point, we opine that little Miss Cady – Now Mrs. Dr. Kellogg, and the head of the house of Kellogg & Cady – was more particular about the taste of her bonnet than her dinner. At any rate, she appears to have taken to the millinery business as naturally as a duck to water. About 12 or 13 years ago she opened a millinery store in DeWitt, and she has twice been persuaded into retirement, and as many times compelled to yield to public pressure and cater to its fastidious demands. The present firm of Kellogg & Cady, dates from February, 1879, when they succeeded Bibbis & Potter. The at once let the fact be known through the ADVERTISER, and were at once thronged with customers from far and near. They believe in advertising, and at proper occasions will be heard from. They inform us that they will enlarge their business in the spring, and will keep everything in the shape of millinery and fancy goods one can ask for, and of all kinds suitable to deck a princess or a peasant. In knit goods and other fancy articles, this firm carries a good stock, which will be largely increased for the spring trade. They are assisted by Mrs. E. Bibbins, a lady of experience and excellent taste. Their store is second door north of Union block.

MRS. E. E. JACOBS under the Pacific House, keeps a good stock of millinery in connection with dry and fancy goods, which was noticed in these columns three weeks ago. In due time a competent milliner will be employed, and if the ladies cannot suit themselves it will be their own fault. The business of this house since it was established four years ago, has been constantly on the increase. Mrs. Jacobs wishes us to say to our readers, that in due time they will hear from her through the ADVERTISER. The millinery business of DeWitt is in good hands and should attract trade from a distance.

MISS E. J. CRANSTON, DRESS & CLOAK MAKER, over J. C. Reed & Co.’s store, has had about ten years experience at the business, and is generally driven with work. She understands the art of getting up dresses in artistic style, hence her success. At present she has three assistants.

MRS. JOHN CRAIG, DRESS-MAKER, corner of Washington and Dodge sts., is a great favorite with the ladies of DeWitt, and many will wait for weeks rather than place their work in other hands. She makes a specialty of fine dresses.

MRS. HARRY NEWLL, nee AMANDA PARTRIDGE, DRESS-MAKER, has her location over the Farmers’ Store. She has had a large experience in dress-making, and seldom finds any idle time. During the hurrying seasons she calls in competent assistants. Her work recommends her.

MISSES HARRISON & KENDALL. Dress and cloak makers, came here about a year ago, and report that they have been successful in their line of business. They are using Mrs. Norman’s Centennial System for cutting and fitting garments, with which they succeed so well that they seldom make the least change from the original draft. They will teach this system to a few pupils on reasonable terms. On the first of March they will move from their present rooms on Jefferson street, south of Clinton, to the 2d story of Stevens Block.

JOHN CRAIG, MERCHANT TAILOR. Forty years ago, in Scotland, John Craig commenced to ply the needle, and has kept it going at a lively rate ever since. Indeed, Mr. C. is noted for pushing things and keeping them on the move. In 1863 he came to DeWitt, and with William Schlabach, opened a shop where the bank building now stands, which we believe was the first merchant tailoring establishment in town. Mr. Craig is noted for the durability of his work as well as for getting it up in the height of fashion. Since last spring, Mr. C. has been assisted by John W. Howes, who commenced to learn his trade in Ohio in 1841, and was for some years in business in that State with ex-Mayor Fuller, now of this place. He is also assisted by other first class artists. He keeps a stock of cloths to make up, or will put his customers into goods that are brought him for that purpose. He should advertise.

C. M. MELLOR, MERCHANT TAILOR, who is well known to our readers through his advertisements, commenced business in a small way in the spring of 1877 in a little store opposite the Union block, and for a time had plenty of leisure, which led him to believe DeWitt was not a good point for business. Hearing his complaints, we gave him a little advice, all contained in the word – advertise. He took the hint and business began to improve, and finally the little shop was entirely inadequate for his business, and he moved to Langan’s building, corner of Jefferson and Dodge streets, where instead of samples, customers can find the goods themselves, and with little delay they will be made into good fitting, fashionable and durable garments. He carries a full line of foreign and domestic cassimeres and other cloths, gents furnishing goods, and will add a stock of ready made clothing in the spring. He employs none but first class workmen and warrants his work. See his advertisement.

CHAS. BORHM, MERCHANT TAILOR, a new comer, whose shop is opposite Union Block, learned his trade in Va???land when a youth. For the past four years he has been doing business in Rock Island. He keeps a stock of cloths which he makes up to order according to the latest mode. He also does cutting for others to make, and cleans and repairs old garments, making them look like new; indeed, the owner has to look three times before he can recognize his old duds. Mr. B. guarantees good fits. He should advertise and make himself known.

The ready-made clothing establishment of E. ANSORG, is in the south store of Cotton’s brick block. Mr. A. came here last fall with an entire new stock of ready made clothing, gents furnishing goods, hats, caps, trunks, etc., which he offers to the public at low prices. He would find it for his interest to advertise this new stock more extensively. Perhaps he will do so.

From the above it will be seen that with the large stocks of ready-made clothing carried by Chardavoyne, Drew & Co., Wallace Bros., T. F. Butterfield, J. C. Reed & Co. and the Farmers’ Store, there is no need for people in this part of the world complaining of nothing to wear. The low rates at which these goods are sold, together with the reputation of our merchants for square dealing, should attract trade her from a distance.