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Newspaper
The Abilene Reflector
Location
Abilene, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Apr 21, 1887
Page
3
A relic collection of quotations praising Kansas highlights a national swell of praise from notable figures and publications. The piece extols Kansas soil, growth, immigration, and future prosperity, interwoven with ads and notices about Abilene real estate and prominent local business leaders.
John S Kelley established the leading jewelry business in Kansas moving from Solomon City to Abilene. Founded with $120 gold and a strong will he built a $40,000 stock, $200,000 private capital, and a $30,000 to $40,000 yearly sales operation with a large two story showroom on Cedar and First Street. An 1885 building expansion and a 50,000 copy illustrated state guide underscore growth and public prominence.
Sterl and Zahner run a prospering two floor general merchandise establishment on Broadway between Second and Third Streets. They stock from $25,000 to $30,000 and do about 375,000 in annual business with dry goods clothing boots hats and wares. The firm pays cash for all purchases and operates with ten clerks and a bookkeeper. G C Sterl, a self made man and former councilman, and A Zahner, a seasoned trader, head the business and oversee operations.
Abilene boasts four banks, eight drug stores, fourteen churches, a fine opera house, a modern telephone exchange, and a robust business scene. It lists three weekly newspapers, a Turkish bath, a large foundry, several mills, and a broad real estate drive. A prosperous city with no debt, growing suburbs, modern water works, and plans for street railway expansion. Local firms Sterling Zahner and West manufactory recovered swiftly after a fire, restoring trade within ten days. A Catholic college, Edison electric lights, and an incentive program lure manufacturers. 10,000 more strong citizens urged to settle.
J D McMaster and G W C Rohrer advertise Abilene real estate with city lots, business sites, residences, and Rogers Wark addition. They claim property will rise fifty percent in sixty days, promise easy showings, and offer The Illustrated Reflector copies for ten cents.
In this issue illustrations bear the Mills Engraving Company imprint of Denver Col. The quality is praised as unmatched and the manager Mr A T Mills is described as courteous and accommodating. The item ends with best wishes for future success for Mills Engraving Company.
W Ogden and Co proprietors of the Opera House Boot and Shoe Store on Second Street in the Bonebrake Opera House block. Mart Shearer operates the shop, offering goods from top manufacturers, latest styles, low prices, and reliable service. He maintains a large trade and loyal customers by delivering best value.
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