partment was moved from the basement to the floor above, thus affording better light for the display of these goods, and making it easier of access to purchasers; their means for manufacturing and finishing cabinet furniture were increased so far as their always limited room would allow; their force of competent workmen was augmented, and every effort was made to keep abreast of the times. At this juncture they opened a branch establishment in Concord, N. H., and under the able management of Mr. W. C. Patten, their former head clerk, who now entered the firm of Higgins & Patten, a prosperous business was transacted for two years, when, owing to the ill health of Mr. Patten, this branch of the business passed into other hands. They now more clearly than ever saw in the near future the necessity of having still more commodious quarters and enlarged facilities for a constantly growing business. Various plans were thought of, discussed, and rejected; all feasible projects for securing the needed accommodations were eagerly scanned and then given up, until just as it was almost decided to remodel the building in which they were situated, the City Hotel, one of Manchester's best known landmarks, was offered for sale, and seeing in its purchase the consummation of a long coveted scheme, they quickly seized the opportunity, and in July, 1884, the old City Hotel passed into their hands. and became devoted to their uses. After several months' labor and the expenditure of a large sum of money, it was fitted for their business, and was occupied by them in October, 1884. The first floor front is devoted to crockery, china, glass, silver-ware, and kindred goods. Passing from the crockery department towards the rear, and ascending a short flight of broad steps, one enters the best lighted and most commodious carpet room in the state of New Hampshire. Here may be found im ported and domestic carpetings and rugs, in many grades and styles, and hard to suit is the person who cannot here find what he searches for. Passing to the next floor above, the purchaser, or visitor (for visitors are always welcome), is in the midst of a bewildering array of easy chairs, patent rockers, divans, and parlor suites, and after entering the drapery department one sees displayed upholstery goods, lace curtains, and drapery material in profusion, luxurious Turkish chairs, and the finest of parlor furniture, upholstered in plushes, spun silks, damasks, and various beautiful coverings. After resting and feasting one's eyes, the ascension of another flight of stairs brings one where lovers of fine cabinet work may see an elegant lot of chamber suites, side-boards, parlor and library tables, mirrors, bookcases, desks, and all the things which are needed to make a home perfect in its appointments. The firm had now nearly reached the goal of its ambition, that being to have a perfect house-furnishing establishment; but the senior member, notwithstanding his success in establishing and maintaining such a prosperous business, became desirous of seeking "fresh laurels in pastures new," and on the 1st of February of the present year he sold his interest in the business to Messrs. W. C. Patten and H. P. Crowell, whose long experience well fits them for the positions they now occupy in the concern. They, together with the remaining partner, Mr. H. F. Higgins, have put the business on a still firmer and more lasting basis by organizing a stock company, with the name of Higgins Brothers Company, and incorporated March 14, 1887. The new concern propose not only to maintain the high reputation of the former firm, but to add to its lustre so far as possible by giving their patrons more and better goods for their money than ever. Their wide experience enables them to purchase and construct their goods at the low- for years is a sufficient guaranty est possible cost. Their upholstering that all purchasers may safely enis all done by first-class workmen, trust their orders to him. At the under their personal supervision, and present time, although the season is every piece of furniture is guaranteed so backward, they have connected as represented. Mr. Crowell's long with their establishment, in various connection with the wholesale crock- departments, twenty-two persons, ery and glass trade, and more recently producing and selling goods, and with the furniture trade, eminently their enterprise well merits the sucfits him for the business, and Mr. cess in the future that has resulted Patten's connection with the old firm from their efforts in the past. as book-keeper and head salesman Furniture, Carpets, Crockery, Drapery. Old City Hotel refitted and remodelled, thus making the largest, handsomest, and most convenient store in New Hampshire, corner Elm and Lowell Sts. The Largest and Best Stock of House Furnishing Goods North of Boston. Higgins Brothers Co., . . Manchester, N. H. i American History, Statesmanship, and Literature. Logically compact in structure and development, scholarly and readable in thought and style, and withal pervaded by a lofty ethical spirit, they mark a most decided advance in modern English prose, and bid fair to settle many a literary question that has hitherto defied the wisdom of the wisest. - The Independent. American Commonwealths. A Series of volumes narrating the history of those States of the Union which have a striking Political, Social, or Economical History. V. MICHIGAN. BY THOMAS M. COOLEY. VI. KANSAS. BY LEVERETT W. SPRING. (Other volumes in preparation.) Each volume, 16m0, gilt top, $1.25. American Statesmen. A Series of Biographies of Men conspicuous in the Political History of the United States. Edited by JOHN T. MORSE, JR. 1. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. By JOHN T. MORSE, JR. II. ALEXANDER HAMILTON. By HENRY CABOT LODGE (Other volumes in preparation.) BY CARL SCHURZ. (Nearly Ready.) Each volume, 16mo, cloth, gilt top, $1.25. American Men of Letters. A Series of Biographies of Distinguished American Authors. I. WASHINGTON IRVING. By CHARLles Dudley WARNER. III. HENRY D. THOREAU. By FRANK B. SANBORN. VII. KALPH WALDO EMERSON. By O. W. HOLMES. IX. NATHANIEL PARKER WILLIS. By H. A. BEERS. (Other volumes in preparation.) Each volume, with portrait, 16mo, gilt top, $1.25. For sale by Booksellers. Sent, post-paid, on receipt of price by the Publishers HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY, BOSTON, MASS 11 East Seventeenth Street, New York. |