General Editorial Review
J. B. Schoonmaker, Tobacconist. Among the many successful business men of Middletown must be classed the one whose name appears at the head of this article. Mr. Schoonmaker came to this village in 1845, and begun the manufacture of hay forks which he sold throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He continued this for some years but finally changed his establishment giving up the manufacture of forks and commenced the business of ironing wagons and general blacksmithing. This he continued until 1873 when he retired, having earned a comfortable competency. Mr. Schoonmaker is the owner of considerable real estate and numerous business blocks in Middletown. He soon grew tired of idleness and opened a tobacco store at No. 37 James street where he now deals in cigars, tobacco, pipes and smokers articles, doing both a wholesale and retail trade.
P. H. McShane, Grocer. Mr. McShane, commenced business in Middletown in 1874, first locating upon Montgomery street, afterward removing to Cottage street between Wickham ave. and the Saw works. In order to accommodate his large country trade he has erected sheds in the rear of his store for the use of farmers, and almost any day you will find numerous teams occupying these. He makes a specialty of teas and coffee, together with eggs, butter, cheese, lard, hams, smoked meats, etc., dealing in everything usually found in any first class grocery establishment. He is a thoroughly live business man, attentive to customers and has a flourishing trade, which is constantly increasing.
M. I. McCornal & Son, Ornamental Painters. Mr. McCornal has been a resident of Middletown for the past eighteen or twenty years, and is a gentleman well known as a sign and ornamental painter; specimens of his work are scattered throughout Orange County. He makes a specialty of sign writing for the trade, also gilding, graining and frescoing for years he has given instructions in painting to classes. A visit to his work rooms will well repay the curious; there may be seen specimens of his work pertaining to his trade, together with portraits, sketches, and dainty bits of landscapes, which plainly declare their creator to he an artist. His son W. R. McCornal is a pupil of his father, with whom he is associated in business. Mr. McCornal jr. was elected collector of the village March 12th, 1878, which office he now fills. We need say no more, as we can add little to the well known reputation of this firm.
Mulock & Coleman, Middletown Foundry. The Middletown foundry and machine shops were established in 1870, and the firm of Mulock & Coleman was formed, and took charge of the same in June, 1877. The foundry is located on Academy ave, near Main street, the business consisting of general casting and machinery, making a specialty of the manufacture of small engines, road scrapers and plow-work, also repairing machinery. Their machine shop is well supplied with tools and machinery for turning out work. This firm manufacture a water engine, of which Mr. Mulock is part owner of the patent. The members of this firm are both young men, enterprising, practical mechanics, and are bound to do a thriving business. We cordially recommend them to our Middletown readers.
George T. Bryant, Barber and dealer in Hair Goods. Mr. Bryant established his business in Middletown in 1861, since which time he has continued the same successfully. Aside from his barber shop where hair cutting, shaving, dyeing and shampooing are done, Mr. Bryant conducts a manufacturing establishment, where all styles of hair goods are made to order, such as wigs, switches, puffs, etc., from combings and natural hair; by an ingenious machine lately invented, the roots of the hair are placed all the same way, which is much superior to the old method of manufacture. Mr. Bryant was for a number of years with Mr. Edward Phalon, of New York, the largest hair dealer in this country, and his large experience enables him to supply customers' wants in this department in a manner which has so far given the best of satisfaction. Special attention is given to cutting and dressing ladies and children's hair. A full line of toilet articles always on hand. His parlors are located at No. North street, Dill's block. Orders addressed to them through mail will receive prompt attention.
Chas. Z. Taylor, Carpenter and Builder. Mr. Taylor is a gentleman well known in Middletown and vicinity, having resided in the village a number of years, and put up and finished numerous dwellings for her inhabitants. He is prepared to furnish estimates, plans and specifications upon any building, if desired. Special attention given to jobbing and repairing. Mr. Taylor is a thoroughly competent mechanic, understands the art of building in all its branches as his list of reference abundantly proves. We advise our Middle-town readers contemplating building to give him a call.
Augustus Eith, Cabinet Making and Upholstering. Mr. Eith, being a practical workman, is prepared to execute any orders in his line of trade satisfactorily. For a number of years he has worked at his trade making and repairing furniture in company with his father. A short time since he started in business for himself giving especial attention to repairing fine furniture and the manufacture of secretaries, wardrobes and dressing cases, and his work will compare favorably with any to be found in the market, and his orders demonstrate that the people of Middletown appreciate the same. We cheerfully recommend him to any desiring work in his line, such as the manufacture of the above mentioned articles together with cane-seating upholstering and repairing. He is located at No. 14 John street.