This establishment is the only one of the kind in the city, and since its commencement a little more than a year ago, it has rapidly grown into favor. Few persons are perhaps aware of the fact that all those minor elegancies and luxuries which follow the establishment of water works in a city can be procured and put in operation by this firm as readily and completely, as in cities ever so abundantly supplied with water. Water closets, bath houses, wash basins, pumps, boilers, and all the appurtenances of an elegant mansion are here manufactured and furnished in complete order. Most of the residences built since the existence of this firm, have taken advantage of these furnishings, and many of the older dwellings have added a part at least of these conveniences. These gentlemen also import a great variety of gas fixtures of all descriptions, as well as wrought iron welded tubes for steam, gas and water, which they put up in a superior style. They also manufacture brass work of all the lighter descriptions. The Beer-Pumps which are seen upon the counters of our coffee houses, are also from this factory. These pumps are of a very superior quality, and are exported from the city in large quantities. Steamboat plumber’s work also forms an important part of this business. The well-known steamer Eclipse was furnished from this establishment. All the work done by this firm is of the very best quality. These gentlemen are thorough and accomplished workmen, and attend in person to the details of their business. There are few plumbing establishments in this country with which this will not bear favorable comparison.
Lithographic printing is a very important branch of the Art, and one in which excellence is rarely attained. It is applicable to a very great variety of work, and hence is worthy of much consideration. Few persons are probably aware of the utility of the art referred to. Maps, landscapes, cards, bill heads, labels, drawings for the Patent Office, anatomical plates, and in fine all the work of the ordinary printer as well as of the draftsman and of the engraver, can be executed by the lithographer. To do all these things well, an office requires to be thoroughly organized, to possess artists of ability, and to be in the hands of men of artistic taste as well as of business capacity. In all these respects, the office of Messrs. Milne & Bruder is complete. In all those classes of work which come within their province, these gentlemen enjoy a high reputation. Prompt and efficient in their business relations, tasteful and artistic in the execution of the work entrusted to them, they are enabled to command a large amount of patronage, not only in Louisville, but all over the West and South. The new map of Kentucky lately issued from their press, is of itself a sufficient guarantee for the character of the work executed at this establishment. This map is the best ever published, and its authenticity is in no whit inferior to its mere artistic excellence. It is steadily growing into public favor, and is deservedly appreciated wherever it is known. There is no lithographic establishment in the West, which can and does execute a greater variety or a better quality of work than that under consideration.
But little more than a year has elapsed since the publication of sheet music was begun by this firm. Their catalogue however already embraces a large number and a great variety of excellent music. The success of their publishing house is by the practical talent and fine taste of the proprietors, already placed beyond a contingency of failure, and only needs the necessary lapse of time to become complete. As is well known, Louisville numbers a great many accomplished musicians and musical amateurs among her population. There is perhaps no other American city of equal size where this art is so much cultivated and so high in favor with the whole people. Music publishing, the necessary consequence of this state of affairs, becomes therefore an important branch of business. Messrs. B. & Co. are high in favor with our musical people, have published a good deal of Louisville composition, and are rapidly finding a large market abroad as well as at home for their production. These gentlemen are also agents for Chickering’s celebrated Pianos, as well as for other favorite brands. Their attention is also particularly directed to supplying Brass Instruments for bands. And they offer excellent security for the quality of the articles which they keep. As a music store, their establishment is a favorite resort with the amateurs of this delightful art.
The publishing house of Peters, Webb & Co., perhaps the oldest establishment of the kind, and certainly the most favorably known in the West, employs one title engraver, three music engravers, and about six printers. They keep three copper-plate presses constantly employed, and issue from seven to ten thousand pages of music per week.
The piano-forte manufactory of Peters, Cragg & Co., was organized only a few years ago, but its success has been so constant and rapid, that they are not now able to supply the demand for their instruments. They have embarked a very large capital in this business, and are now erecting a large three story factory on Main Street, where they will be enabled to do a still greater amount of work. They are prepared with all the most recent useful improvements in manufacture and will employ in their new factory about thirty hands. This firm is ready at any moment to duplicate any bill of wholesale prices, which may be had from any respectable eastern house, either in sheet music or pianos.
P. W. & Co., in company with J. Wekerle, a practical organ builder, commenced the manufacture of these instruments in Louisville a little less than three years ago, since which time they have built several instruments for western churches, in Louisville and elsewhere. These have been pronounced by competent judges equal to any made in the country. Five workmen are constantly employed in this department.
