Source: North Manchester Journal, April 1, 1886

The opening of Boyd Thomas' Star clothing house in opera house block Saturday, was an event of some importance in business circles. The store was tastily and beautifully decorated for the occasion and the display of clothing gent's furnishing goods was probably the largest ever opened in the city. Thomas enjoyed an excellent trade all day and sold a large amount of goods. The arrangement of the display of neckwear, etc., was the work of John Watkins and showed that although out of that line of business his hands have not lost their cunning. Ladies who failed to get a souvenir, on account of the rush, can call any day and they will be provided with one.

Source: North Manchester Journal, May 19, 1887, Ad:

Hurrah for the Boys!
THE STAR CLOTHING HOUSE
Will Present a Handsome Brass Drum
Free of Charge with every Child's and Boy's Suit.
Remember our prices are known to be the lowest!
New and exclusive styles in
MEN'S, BOY'S AND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING.
If you want a hat the only place to find all the new styles is at the STAR CLOTHING HOUSE.
N.B.--A coat rack given with each suit of clothes.