Source: North Manchester Journal, October 5, 1893
Yesterday John W. Domer, as assignee of A.P. Smith, under an order from court, sold the stock of books, wall paper, stationery, etc., heretofore known as Smith's book store, to George Burdge for $5,000. Mr. Burdge has been the only buyer who has appeared and the sale is generally conceded to be the best that could be made. Mr. Burdge now has possession of the stock and will continue business at the old stand. He expects to make some big reductions in some lines in the stock and in order to do this will make big cuts in prices. He has gone to Chicago to make settlement with the electric company for which he has been traveling and also to purchase some lines of goods needed in the store. Mr. Burdge needs no recommendation. He is well known, generally liked and will succeed to a good trade. He tells us that he expects to make it an especial feature of his business to give his store the reputation of very reasonable if not cheap prices for all goods. Mr. George Craft, the accommodating salesman who has been identified with the store, will be retained and will be glad to make it pleasant for all old customers and the public generally.
Source: North Manchester Journal, December 7, 1893 Ad:
What to Buy and Where to Buy It.
The question of holiday shopping is always a matter of considerable importance, but not always an easy matter to determine "what to buy or where to buy it." As Christmas will soon be here, we decided to make a call at Burdge's Book Store to see what they were doing towards supplying the trade. To fill that "long-felt want" of the little ones, they have provided Sleds, Wagons, Wheelbarrows, Hobby Horses, Tool Chests, Drums, Savings Banks, Dolls by the hundreds, Doll Cabs, Picture Books, and a lot of Toys that make a child's heart bound with joy.
For the older "ones" a large assortment of Books, Games and Musical instruments have been laid in. The young ladies have not been forgotten. A pearl-handle Gold Pen makes a nice present from "him," as well as a Photograph Album, Toilet Case or a set of "Prince of India," Lew Wallace's latest book.
Among the numerous things to get for that man of mine, or may be mine, we noticed Blacking Cases, Shaving Sets, Gold Pens, Ink Wells, a Webster's Dictionary and Stand, set of Chambers', Dickens' or some of Riley's Poems. For "her" and "home" they have Pictures, Easels, Mirrors, Bisque Ware, Jardinairs, Music Cabinets, Bibles, Books, etc.
One of the things noticeable is the
big reduction made in last year's prices; in fact high prices do not seem to be
in style there. Suggest that you follow our example, make an early call, select
your presents and have them laid away until the proper day.
BURDGE'S BOOK STORE.
Source: North Manchester Journal, January 11, 1894
ARE YOU MUSICALLY INCLINED? ...
If so, we can satisfy your wants with an A.B. CHASE PIANO, ESTEY, EDNA,
CHASE ORGAN
THEIR QUALITY IS UNDISPUTED, HONESTLY MADE, AND POSSESSES A SWEET, MUSICAL
TONE.
TERMS AND PRICES TO SUIT THE TIMES.
We are selling one of the best SEWING MACHINES
on the market.
Yes, it's the "WHITE." Of course
you would guess it.
Come in and see some of its new features.
BURDGE'S BOOK STORE.
Source: Trusler & Parmenter's Wabash County Directory for 1894, Display Ad:
GEO. BURDGE, Dealer in BOOKS, School Supplies, Fine Stationery. I also Carry the Finest Line of WALL PAPER, Window Shades, and CURTAINS in the County. I also carry the Highest Grade PIANOS, ORGANS and Musical merchandise to be found in the County. North Manchester, Indiana.
Source: North Manchester Leader, May 28, 1897
HALF PRICE! To reduce our stock of Fine Wall Paper we will, for a limited
time, sell up to date embossed papers worth regularly 65¢ to 85¢ at 35¢. All
papers selling regularly at 45¢ to 60¢ now 25¢. Measure your rooms and you will
be surprised to know how little it will cost to decorate them.
BURDGE'S BIG STORE
Source: North Manchester Journal, April 28, 1898, Display Ad:
Quality First, Price Second. It is conceded fact that the
Record, Halladay, Premier and Progress Bicycles are the best things that ever
happened. Our $28.75 Wheel is the best "mount" in town by a
five-dollar bill. All Guaranteed.
BURDGE'S BOOK STORE.
Source: North Manchester Journal, September 23, 1909
Piano or Elephant...Which Will It
Be?
In every instance you expect to get a piano but if you are not careful it will
prove to be an elephant. Investigate thoroughly before closing the deal, the
matter of a few days is nothing on a life time investment. Take into
consideration the reputation of the factory, if they make pianos or trading
stock. You know the A.B. Chase, Behr Bros., Sterling; Hobart M. Cable and A.B.
Cameron Co's productions--there is no elephant possibility with them. Another
thing to remember is our method of buying and selling saves you $50 on a piano.
Burdge's Stores.
Source: North Manchester Journal, October 14, 1909
BURDGE'S GREAT PIANO SALE
Thursday, the Big Day, October 14.
On this day and for the next following 30 days, at my store, here in North
Manchester, I will have, for the public's inspection, the grandest lot of pianos
ever shown in the northern part of Indiana. The greatest difficulty that
confronts the dealer now days, is in getting hold of a variety of pianos that
will please. This particular feature I have been able to overcome simply for
this reason, that I have grasped the correct idea, for the customer and myself
as well. I take great care to handle only those pianos of established reputation
for excellence, and the right idea has won success for me.
A CAR LOAD OF PIANOS TO SELECT FROM!
Now, my dear people, I beg leave to inform you that I have recently made a trip
to Chicago and called on one of the foremost factories of that city and made an
extraordinary large purchase of high grade pianos, and am at this time overly
crowded for room. Now I am going to sell these pianos without fear or favor to
anyone. I will have pianos at this sale from $1.35 up to $500.
H.P. Nelson Pianos of the Foremost Rank.
The majority of the pianos that will be sold at this sale will consist of the
celebrated H.P. Nelson, and Mr. Nelson has given to me, gratis, the services of
one of his foremost factory salesmen, Frank R. Davis, who will have charge of
this sale. Mr. Davis is a practical piano man in every respect, having been in
the business for the past twenty-one years, and worked on each and every part of
the piano throughout the factory.
H.P. Nelson Pianos Appeal to Cultivated Tastes.
They are Marvels of Beauty and Form at Once a Valuable Accessory to Any Home.
Call and See Them and Decide for Yourself
on Thursday, our opening day, during the evening, musicians from all over the
country will be heard, making one continual round of music. Everybody is invited
to attend. A carnation free to every visitor.
BURDGE'S STORES
Source: En-Em (1917) Ad:
No Regrets...When you buy a reliable
standard piano that bears the factory name.
Every piano we sell is well known, has a reputation for tone quality, durability
and appearance.
We invite the closest investigation of the Schumann, Haddorf, Cable-Nelson,
Smith and Barnes, Sterling, A.B. Chase and Steinway.
Our prices on these instruments are so much lower than the peddlar agents, that
there is no comparison. Big selection of player rolls just received.
BURDGE'S STORES
David O. Horning being duly sworn on oath says that he is a member of the firm and partnership of Clara E. Brown and David O. Horning, this affiant, doing business under and by the firm name and style of Burdges’ Stores, having its place of business at 130 and 132 East Main Street in the Town of Manchester now called North Manchester in Wabash County and State of Indiana. That it is engaged in conducting a drug store and book store and that the names of the members of the firm and partnership are:
Clara E. Bown who resides at
Source: Aurora (1927) Ad:
BURDGE'S DRUG STORE
The largest drug and stationery store of North Manchester is Burdge's. Mr. Burdge, the former proprietor and founder, died about one year ago and he is succeeded by Mr. Horning.
Burdge's welcomes the public to the store to enjoy the ice-water, electric fans, and refreshments.
Source: Aurora (1930), Ad:
BURDGE'S STORES
School Supplies Books Candies
Gifts and Stationery
Pure DRUGS and Drug Sundries
CHINA GLASSWARE POTTERY WALL PAPER
PAINTS
Thirty-five years on the corner