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Source: THE WEEKLY RAYS OF LIGHT (October 18, 1900)
WILL OPEN NEW BUILDING--A.G. LAUTZENHISER & CO.'S
ROOM OPEN TO PUBLIC
A CREDIT TO THE TOWN. THE FINEST APPOINTED IMPLEMENT
SALESROOM IN THE COUNTY
This week will witness the completion and dedication of one
of the most handsome, well appointed and substantial
business buildings in North Manchester, and that is saying a
great deal, for no town in the country can boast of any
better buildings than can this place.
The new building that is just being completed is the one on
Walnut street, owned and erected by A.G. Lautzenhiser & Co.,
and which will be occupied by that firm as an implement and
carriage sales room. It is 55x78 feet in size, and of two
stories, besides a large and roomy basement. It is finished
throughout in the most complete and modern fashion, a large
roomy office occupying one corner of the main room. This
office is divided into two parts, one a general office and
the other a private room. Wash rooms and closets have been
provided for in the plans for the building, as has also a
large freight elevator capable of taking a set up buggy or
carriage from one floor to another.
This handsome building is to be thrown open to the public on
next Saturday, and at that time implement and buggy men will
be present from all over the country to take part with the
firm in its rejoicing over the successful culmination of its
plans for advancement. The firm cordially extends an
invitation to the general public to call on that day and to
see not only the handsome and complete new building, but
also to look at the especially fine line of goods carried
and on display.
The gentlemen who compose this firm are representative men
of the town, and have been identified with all the movements
for the town's advancement. And as this, another progressive
move, is ending in success, it is no more than right to say
something of these men who have planned and furnished the
wherewith to carry the plans to completion.
A.G. Lautzenhiser, from whom the firm takes its name, was
born in Wabash county, and moved to North Manchester,
October 22, 1874. He spent a few years in the west, and then
returning worked at carpentering for a time. He was also
employed as a day laborer and a rail splitter. After this he
was employed on a salary by A.W. Bowman, and worked for him
for three years. He then purchased an interest in the firm,
and it was known as A.W. Bowman & Co., and for ten years did
a successful business. At the end of this time he disposed
of his interest and went on the road for the Rex Wind Mill
company. He had two thousand dollars in this company, which
went in the loss account. After that he identified himself
with the McCormick harvesting machine company as manager for
five counties in Indiana, which position he still holds at a
very lucrative salary. He has won an enviable reputation as
being a hustler and a pusher, honest at all times and
attentive to business. He is a pleasant man to meet, and
during his active business life here of over twenty years he
has contributed much to the welfare of the town.
David Ginther, M.D., is another member of the firm, whose
living in North Manchester has been profitable to the town.
He was born in Wayne county, and moved to North Manchester,
June 22, 1871. He erected a two-story brick store building
on the north side of Main street in 1885, and occupied it
for a short time as a retail drug store, at the same time
practicing medicine. He sold the stock to Perry & Rudig, who
afterward sold it to George Burdge and he moved the stock to
its present location. The building is still owned by the
Doctor, and is occupied by F.J. Bechtold & Co. Dr. Ginther
has always been public spirited and has given liberally of
his earnings toward the support of almost every enterprise
that North Manchester has had during the past twenty years.
Through honesty, fair dealing, sobriety and close attention
to business, success has rewarded his effort, and he has
built up one of the most extensive practices in Wabash
county. The Doctor was one of the boomers of the Rex Wind
Mill company and like others was unfortunate in that
something like $5,000 sunk in that ill-fated enterprise.
However he did not allow that to interfere with his interest
in the growth and welfare of the town, as his connection
with the present splendid improvement will certify. The
Doctor's time is too fully taken up with his large practice
to give much time to the management of the implement
business, but that is in good hands when trusted to the
Messrs. Lautzenhiser.
The direct management of the retail department is in the
hands of E.L. Lautzenhiser. He is a pleasant fellow to meet,
and he knows all about the business from one end to the
other. J.D. Grossnickle acts in the capacity of general
hustler and salesman, and he is a good one.
G.N. Frazier, of Ft. Wayne, has an interest in the building,
but has no connection with the stock.
A.G. Lautzenhiser & Co.,
Walnut Street (West Side); McCormick Harvesting Machines
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