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FEATURE OF THE CITY THE WHOLESALE TRADE. Rome Is One of the Large Jobbing Centres of Georgia-Ranks Fifth In the State, With a Yearly Increasing Trade. Covers a Territory of 150 Miles From Rome. '■* Railw y and Water Facilities Make Rome the Most Desirable Locality for Fomrltg 1 Jobbing Trill. TBE LINES ALREADY REPRESENTED Do An Annual Business of Over Four Million Dollars—Who the Rep resentatives Are-Various Lines Carried, Conservative estimates place the to tal volume of the wholesale jobbing trade of Rome at about four million dollars annually. It is one of the larg est jobbing centres of the state. With the exception of Atlanta and Savannah, Augusta and Macon it does the largest grocery business of any city in the state and ranks a close to the two latter named cities. In dry goods, notions, hardware, drugs and druggist sundries, confectionery, boots, shoes, millinery and other lines * it also does a large business. Geographically, the city enjoys un usual advantages for the transaction of a jobbing business. n The surrounding territory is oue of the richest in the South. The admirable railway and water facilities, too, have a powerful influence in making this one of the most desirable locations in the south for the whole saler. The various ra lroad and steam boat lines centering here tap the best territory of this and surrounding states, and afford facilities of direct shipment not surpassed by any competing city. To those parsons who have given the matter attention, too, it is apparent that Rome is constantly growing in im portance as a jobbing centre. The ten dency toward centralization, which is common in all the affairs of life, is and will gradually bring to this city the wholesalers and jobbers from the smaller cities in the state that come in competi tion with the merchant here. As their business they And the restrictions of thetowns of less population and in ferior railroad facilities place an abso fclute limitation on their trade. They grow to a certain point beyond which they cannot, in the very nature of things, expand, and as a natural result they must seek a location where the pos s bilities are so much greater that there is practically no limit to the expansion of their business. Central location, unexcelled ship ping facilities, express, postal and telegraph conveniences, all contribute towird making this a desirable point for the headquarters of the Arms who appear between the producer and the retail merchant, But the advantages that Rome offers as a place of residence its social and educational opportuni ties, and even the fact that it is the seat of the county government also have their influences. There are in tne neighborhood twenty different houses located in Rome which do a wholesale trade of greater or less importance and of that thirteen do an extensive wholesale and jobbing business. The grocery business is the largest of all the wholesale lines represented. In ttlis line there are nine exclusive and a number of other houses doing a large jobbing trade in connection with their k retail business. The annual sales if I groceries is round numbers will amount r to about $2,000,000 or about one-half of the combined wholesale business of the city. The houses all do an enor mous business and cover a territory of from 100 to 150 miles out of Rome. The wholesale dry goodsand notion business ranks second in volume of com mercial transaction. There are in this line two exclusive and a number of the larger dry MSods Arms doing a wholesale and retad The annnal sales will range Wfrom SBOO,OOO to $1,000,000. ■ In volume and value of commercial f transactions the following lines do a J business in about the order named, and are represented by substantial and relia-1 ble houses: Hardware, drugs, boots and shoes, oigars and liquors. The an nual sales in these lines will amount to ' about $1,000,000. These figures are b based upon very conservative estimates, b During a recent visit of the Tribune man through the wholesale districts, the management of the various houses report* d a much larger business and I brighter outlook than have ex perienced for several years. I New lines are being added to the wholesale interests of the city each year, and the number of houses in the various kinds of business is gradually and continually increasing. No less true is it that the volume of business trans acted by the houses already in existence is showing a steady and healthy growth and upon the whole the outlook for Rome’s jobbing and wholesale interests could not well be more hopeful. The field is uotyet full, and men with capital and experience will be gladly welcomed. The wholesale merchants have done much in the past, and will do more in the future, to advance the interests of the city. There is good grounds for be lieving that their enterprise and fore sight will grasp the opportunity offered for placing Rome in the front ranks of Southern cities. THOMPSON HILES CO. Strictly Wholesale Dry Goods, No/ tions, Shoes, Hats, The Thompson Hiles Company,whole sale dry goods, notions, shoes hats, etc , was organized in 1889. and from that day down to the preseqt its growth has been'constant and keeping step with the rapid growth and progress of Rome, and the development of the surrounding territory. Success is the just reward of honest dealings, strict business methods, and uniform courtesy to customers. This method has won and retained a con stantly increasing patronage for the Thompson Hiles Company. This house is solidly entrenched in the esteem and confidence of the business world Its travelling men cover the entire territory within a hundred miles of Rome and the business of the past year' in spite of the hard times and general depression has shown a large increase over the year previous. The firm deals in dry goods, hats and ehoes and num bers among its customers the leading merchants of North Georgia and North Alabama included in the territory con tiguous to Rome. The personnel of the firm constitutes a winning card in the commercial world. Capt. Thompson Hiles is presi. dent; W. W. Hiles, vice president and W. W. Berry secretary and treasu rer. The board of directors consists of the following well known gentlemen: Capt. John H Reynolds, president of the First Natiodal Bank, of Rome, Capt O. H- McWilliams, the leading capitalist of Rome. Capt. John S. dec horn, president of the Raccoon Mills, Mr. P. H. Hardin, president of the Rome Cotton Mill*-, and Mr. A. 8. Hamilton, presi dent of the Trion Manufacturing Com pany. Mr. Luke McDonald is buyer for the house, and twenty years of exper ience, combined with a keen and wide awake knowledge < f the requirements of the trade makes him a very valuable adjunct to the forces of this big busi ness. Four splendid and experienced sales men are kept constantly on the road to supply the ever increasing patronage of their employers, and to supply the various customers throughout North Georgia and Nbrth Alabama. The travling men ’are Messrs. Con O’Rear, L C. Young, J. H. Privett and W, C. England. SIMPSON GROCERY COMPANY- Wholesale Grocers and Commission Merchants. Foremost among the city’s business interests stands this well known and popular house, one of the largest and far-reaching in its operations of any like institution in North Georgia. Operat ing with ample capital, and in a syste matic manner, this staunch and reliable concern is enabled to push its business far beyond what is popularly termed the local trade territory. The most dettr mined competition is met cheerfully and at all points, and we do not believe any one else has so strong a hold upon I the trade of this section. Such enter -1 prises are of incalculable benefit to any city, and in the Simpson Grocery Com pany, Rome has an institution in which every citizen should feel a deep interest, Tne Simpson Grocery Company was incorporated In 1891, and io officered by THE ROME TRIBUNE, SOUVENIR AND TRADE EDITION, the following men:’ W. P. Simpson, president; J. A. Glover, treasurer, and . C. A. Hight, secretary The business was originally iccepted in 1869 as! Ford, Gloverand Hight; subsequently | it was known as Simpson, Glover and Hight, which Arm was succeeded by the present one at the time designated above. The company occupy premises at 210, 212 and 214 Broad street and carry an enormous stock of groceries of all kind. Two traveling men are kept upon the road supplying the trade, The Arm handles a large quantity of cotton. This branch of the business is in charge of Mr. Hight, a cotton man of many years experience. Concluding this notice of the Simp sun Grocery Company we will but say that its character and standing natur ally inspire every confidence and the fullest consideration of all who may be brought into business relations with it. BASS £ HEARD Succeeded A, W, Tedcastle £ Co., Will Continue to Conduct Whole'' sale Business, A few days ago, The Tribune an nounced that the well known wholesale dry goods firm of A. W. Tedcastle & Co., bad ceased existence, and the business succeeded by an entirely new firm, viz: Bass & Heard, The change came in the nature of a surprise to the public al though it had been known for some months that Tedcastle & Co., intended winding up their business at this point. Many were led to believe that upon the consummation of the business of Ted castle & Co., Rome would lose a most valuable factor of the wholesale interests of the city. But it seems that this latter statement is not to be, as Bass & Heard will push the business on the same ex entsive scale as their predecessors. Messrs. J. L. Bass, of Bass Bros. & Co., and E. A. Heard under the firm style of Bass & Heard, have purchased the good will and stock and will con tinue the business. This statement will be heralded with delight by all who feel a welfare in Rome. A general wholesale business will be conducted by the new firm, and the hues of stocks will embrace imported and domestic dry goods, notions, hate and caps, boots and shoes, etc. That the new firm will meet with su - cess goes without saying. Both members of the firm are business men of wide ex perience and understand the details cf the business. Mr. J. L. Bass, has long been recog niz- d as one of the progressive citizen and men bants of Rome. His success in business has been something pbenominal md shows a master band at the helm. He began life a poor boy, with honesty and an indomitable will as capital. He first embarked into business at Griffin, Ga. Subsequently houses at Rome. At lanta and Carrollton were established, and he became senior member of tl e firms. All these establishments do a flourishing business. Mr. E. A. Heard is atypical South ern gentleman, possessing to a marked degree the traits of a noble mind and generous disposition. He has resided in Rome for several years and for the past two years has been cashier of the Merchants National bank. He possesses wonderful business ability and no doubt will substitute this statement in his new undertaking. With such a combination of men as compose the firm of Bass & Heard, success is bound to mark the career of this house. Parties heretofore having business relations with Tedcastle & Co, will find in a continuance of their good will toward the new firm, that it will maintain a most liberal policy and will meet competition in everyway. Through the columns of The Tri bune, Bass & Heard invite trade. ROUNSAVILLE £ BROS. Exclusive Wholesale Grocers and Cotton Factors, The oldest wholesale grocery house in Rome is that of the above. It has been continuously operated under its present name since 1868, and is one of the largest houses of its kind in North Georgia. Aside from the grocery line, the firm has for many years been leading cotton factors in Rome. Individually and as a firm Messrs. J. W. and J. A. Rounsa ville have for years been closely identi fied with the growth and development of the city, and have been connected with all enterprises that have made Rome the city that it is. Rounsaville & Bro. do a general wholesale grocery business and enjoy a trade embraced within a territory covering one hundred miles. Their cot ton commission business is a tnost im portant one, and in which they have been very successful. Parties having cotton to ship will do well to call upon this firm. Besides being interested in a number of enterprises in and around the city. Rounsaville & Bro. are large stock holders in the Rome brick com pany, (a large concern whose manu factured products are known through out the South) and own the only mer chant mill in this section at Chambers, Ga , where flour and meal are made by roller process. But for the lack of si ace, the writer might continue to name many more enterprises with which this firm are prime factors, suffice it, therefore, to say it is one of the strongest and most substantial institution in Rome. R. J. RAGAN, A Prominent and Successful Whole/ sale Grocers and Cotton Factor, Success, to a large extent, in every branch of industry depends upon the intelligent proficiency which involves a thorough knowledge of ell the minute details embraced therein. Combining all these characteristics in such an eminent degree, and transacting a very extensive trade, the annual aggregate of which is a very significant item in the general total of ihe ci'y’s commerce, the above house must be accordtd a ptace in these columns equally prominent to that which it bolds in the squares of business among its contemporaries. V hat some noted houses are to the east—firms that have gained the most extensive reputa ti< n and become headquarters for their special lines—that of R. J. Ragan is to Rome. The business is one of long standing, having been incorporated about thirteen years ago. The premises occupied at 17 Broad street comprises of a substantial brick structure two stories high. The line of goods carried consists of staple and fancy groceries canned goods, tobacco etc, while a sprcialty is made of meal, flour, meats, corn, bran, oats and produce of all kinds. The trade of the bouse extends with'n a radius of sev enty-five miles from Rome and is covered by a traveling salesman. The extensive trade enjoyed by this house is the outcome of the polic.vof fair dealings and liberalitj’ to the patrons.’ Besides his grocery business, Mr. Ragan is one of the largest cotton buyers and factors in this section and parties having cotton to ship could find no better house to consign their cotton. As a citizen of Rome. Mr. Ragan ranks with the most progressive. He has long been an important factor in R. J RAGAN. the growth and development of the city, and no enterprise that has had for i s object the advancement and development of the city has ever fail of hie support. It is a pity the city did not have more men of his kind. W, H. COKER £ Co. The Leader of Low Prices, Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods. Groceries etc. The advantages possessed by Rome as a centre for the distribution of vari ous articles of merchandise have become fully recognized and have resulted in the establisheinent of a trade that is surpissed by but few of the larger cities of the state. One of the leading representatives of both the wholesale and retail branches of business in the city is the firm under notice. The business of W. H. Coker & Co. was founded about 1880 as J. W. Coker & Co; subsequently it was known as Coker & Donahue and in 1891 the present firm name adopted The house has done much to en hance the wholesale trade of the city; and as to the retail departments it is surpassed by no competitor, either in price or quality of goods sold. For many years Coker & Co. have always taken the lead for low prices and pro pose to maintain that position if low prices, coupled with quality and mag nitude of stock will do so. The premises occupied comprise of two brick building twostories high at 19 and 21 Broad street. In all these are about 14,200 square feet of floorage beside basement accommodations un der each building, all of which is utilized in the business. Besides these buildings a large frame warehouse 100x200 feet in dimensions on East First street is used for the storage of bagging, salt, cotton, etc. The extensive quarters are sub divided into different departments, each con taining an ample, well assorted and carefully selected stock of the various lines of goods carried, which embraces a complete assortment of American and imported dry goods, notions, hosiery, furnishing gooHs. dress poods, silks.lin ens, etc., shoes, hats, caps, and a gen eral line of staple and fancy groceries The Ann enjoys the most intimate re lations with manufacturers in tbecoun try. Thus, by buying in large quanti ties from first hands, they are enabled to quote such prices as to attract trade from a la r ee territory. Coker <fc Co are also extensive cotton buyers, and are probably the largest buyers of wagon cotton in the city. Bring your cotton to them, and you will te sure to get the too market prices. KELLEY £ M’WILLIAMS, Wholesale Grocers and Commisions Merchants, 13 Broad Street- The central location of Rome, and its excellent shipping facilities, have resulted in the acquisition of a large wholesale trade which is steadily growing in importance and opera tions. A comparatively recent addi tion to that branch of trade in the city, and one that has continued to prosper since its inception, is the well known bouse of Kelley & McWil liams at number 13 Broad street. Although the firm is the youngest of its kind In the city, the amount of sales made during the first year of its existence is sufficient to place it among the leaders. The firm was founded about twelve months ago, and is com posed of H. E. Kelley and M. B. Me Williams, two young and hustling men thoroughly experienced in the business. The building occupied by Kelly & McWilliam is a brick structure com prising of two floors and cellar all of which are utilized by the firm in the prosecution of its business. The stock carried comprises of staple and fancy grocers, farmers supplies and etc. Standard guano and phosphates, baggings and ties are also among the article handled by this house. The cotton business is in charge of Mr. A. W. Futrell, a thoroughly ex perienced cotton buyer. Remember Kelley & McWilliams do a large busi ness in this line and always pay the highest market prices. R, D VAN DYKE. Wholesale Groceries and Dry Goods, Commission Merchants and Cotton Factors Probably in the history of the repre sentative houses, no more striking ex ample can be found of what can be ac complished by energy, integrity and well directed effort, that is so strikingly exemplified in the successful career of the above named. It is one of the leading houses co ex istent'with the development of Rome, and as such is entitled to favorable and more than ordinary mention in this edi tion. It occupies a leading position in its line of trade, and during its existence h '-s maintained a high reputation for uprightness, commercial enterprise and animation, and as each year passes it gains an additional value, making more prominent the honorable and enlight ened policy foi which he is so conspic uous. The business of R. D. Van Dyke has been in operation for the past ten years, aud its proprietor enjoys a trade that extends within a radius of 100 miles from Rome. The premises occupied consist of a lai ge two story brick build ing. at 2 and 4. Broad street, with large warehouse in the tear, which extends through to Second street. The store buildings are 30x200 feet in dimension, and every available space on both floors are occupied for the display of the large stocks carried. Neatness prevails on every band; there is a place for every line of goods, and these goods are al ways in their place, and displayed to advantage. The energies of the house are directed to the grocery and dry goods lines, aud a large wholesale and supply business is conducted. The lines of goods carried comprise of staple and fancy groceries of all kinds, bagging, ties, etc , dry goods, dress goods, silks, notions, gents’ and ladies’ furnishings, clothing, hats, caps, shoes, boots, etc. In the grocery line specialties are made of ‘ Pride of Rome,’’ a high grade patent flour, “Daddy’s Dollar,” “Jack the Ripper,” R. D. VanDyek’s “Happy Joe,” “Hon est. Racer” and “Winston’s Boom” to baccos. Specialties are also made of teas, roasted and green coffee, etc., while the house has long been the rec ognized headquarters for bagging, ties and fertilizers. As a cotton commission merchant and factor Mr. R. D, Van Dyke ranks among the largest in the city, and con signers of cotton and parties hauling the fleecy staple to Rome will find that he always pays the top market prices Also liberal advances are made on con signments. This bouse, since the day of its in ception, has steadily prospered and the sales constantly increased. Its work has been constant to one purpose—to establish a business which would be known everywhere for its excellence, the honesty and faith of its merits. As in the past, so in the future, the man agement wishes to do all in his power for the patrons of the house. It is his wish to r-gkrd each customer not mere ly as a patrou, but likewise a friend, and if jou are not already either of these remember R. D. Van Dyke hopes to make you so. ~ ROME HARDWARE CO. Wholesale and Retail Dealers In Hardware, Cutlery, Guns, Stoves, Wagon, Buggies etc, , The career of a business house i the rule and standard by which the pub lic tests its capabilities and general worth. When a company has been uniformly successful, furthering pros perity with time, it naturally imparts confidence to the people. Such is the case with the Rome Hardware com pany, an incorporated body doing both a wholesale and retail business in Rome. The company was incorporated in 1886 and is under the official guidance of B. T. Haynes its president.- The place of business, located on Broad street is a two story brick struc ture with basement, and afford am ple room for the storage and display of goods. The stock carried embraces foreign and domestic hardware, cutlery, guns and sporting goods, stoves, tinware, wagons, buggies, harness, etc. Be sides doing an extensive retail trade,, a large wholesale business is conduct ed that extends throughout the ter ritory embraced within one hundred and fifty miles of Rome. Two traveling men are kept upon the road supply ing the wants of the trade in thia territory. The interior of the store is neatly arranged and would compare favora bly with any of the large establish ments in the various cities of the North. The Rome Hardware com pany’s store is a credit to the city and its management is deserving of the large patronage accorded it. CURRAN SCOTT £ CO. The Reliable Dealers in Fine Wines, Liquors, Etc, The wholesale liquor business of Rome is an important factor in the comme-cial transactions of the city, and the above firm one of its most reliable representa tives. Tbe business is one of long standing and deserving of the large patronage ac corded it. The endeavor of the manage ment has been to sell only goods that are known to be reliable, and at the same time give the customer the lowest pos sible prices. The firm never misrepre sents any goods sold and are thoroughly reliable. If they have not got what you want, they will tell you so. The wisdom of doing business on these principles is manifetted in the large trade of the house which extends into Florida, Texas, Mississippi Louisiana and Georgia. The firm handle none but pnre and unadulterated goods and buy direct from manufacturers and importers, paying cash for their goods and discounting their bills which enables them to meet all competition in price both at home and abroad. Here are some of their prices: Best cooking sherry at different prices. California claret $3.00 per dozen. Fannin county sweet and sour mash corn whiskey $2.00 per gallon. Best distilled rye whiskey, by the gal lon, at $2.00, $2.50, #3.00 and $4.00. Old peach aud apple brandy $2.00 to $3.50 per gallon. Old peach and honey, $2.00 to $3.00 per gallon. Also the finest bottle whiskies, bottled by distillers, from 75 cents to $1.50 per quart. These are but a few of the leaders of the firm. They carry all kinds of liquors and will be glad to quote you prices at any time. Write them for listed cata logue. TERHUNE-NIXON CO, Hardware, Stoves, Agricultural Im/ plements wagons and Buggies, The oft quoted expression “from a needle to an anchor, ’’ is scarcely an exaggeration when applied to the stock carried at the establishment of Terhune—Nixon & Co., 229 to 231 Broad street, whose business was in cepted in 1894. The premises consist of three floors, the whole of it being utilized for the display of tbe stock, which embraces all kinds of shelf and heavy hardware, builder’s hardware, cutlery, mechanics and machinists tools, agricultural imple ments, stoves, tinware, mill supplies, and a thousand and one other articles that are in daily request by the builder, the housekeeper, the me chanic and tbe agriculturalist. A large line of saddles and harness are kept in stock and a specialty is made of tbe Rome made (Toccoa) stoves, and steel ranges which are the best, the cheap est and the easiest to keep in repair of any stove on the market. Tbe firm of Terhune-Nixon & Co. are widely known, and are among the largest dealers in their particular lines of any in the South. (Continued on Page Eight.) 5