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��partment was moved from the base- ment to the floor above, thus affording better light for the display of these goods, and making it easier of access to purchasers ; their means for man- ufacturing and finishing cabinet fur- niture were increased so far as their always limited room would allow ; their force of competent workmen was augmented, and every effort was made to keep abreast of the times.
At this juncture they opened a branch establishment in Concord, N. H., and under the able manage- ment of Mr. W. C. Patten, their former head clerk, who now entered the firm of Higgins & Patten, a pros- perous business was transacted for two years, when, owing to the ill health of Mr. Patten, this branch of the business passed into other hands.
They now more clearly than ever saw in the near future the necessity of having still more commodious quarters and enlarged facilities for a constantly growing business. Vari- ous plans were thought of, discussed, and rejected ; all feasible projects for securing the needed accommoda- tions were eagerly scanned and then given up, until just as it was almost decided to remodel the building in which they were situated, the City Hotel, one of Manchester's best known landmarks, was offered for sale, and seeing in its purchase the consummation of a long coveted scheme, they quickly seized the op- portunity, and in July, 1884, the old City Hotel passed into their hands, and became devoted to their uses.
After several months' labor and the expenditure of a large sum of money, it was fitted for their busi- ness, and was occupied by them in October, 1884. The first floor front is devoted to crockery, china, glass, silver-ware, and kindred goods. Pass- ing from the crockery department towards the rear, and ascending a short flight of broad steps, one enters the best lighted and most commodi- ous carpet room in the state of New Hampshire. Here may be found im-
��ported and domestic carpetings and rugs, in many grades and styles, and hard to suit is the person who cannot here find what he searches for. Pass- ing to the next floor above, the pui*- chaser, or visitor (for visitors are always welcome^, is in the midst of a bewildering array of easy chairs, patent rockers, divans, and parlor suites, and after entering the drapery department one sees displayed up- holstery goods, lace curtains, and drapery material in profusion, luxu- rious Turkish chairs, and the finest of parlor furniture, upholstered in plushes, spun silks, damasks, and various beautiful coverings. After resting and feasting one's eyes, the ascension of another flight of stairs brings one where lovers of fine cabi- net work may see an elegant lot of chamber suites, side-boards, parlor and library tables, mirrors, book- cases, desks, and all the things which are needed to make a home perfect in its appointments.
The firm had now nearly reached the goal of its ambition, that being to have a perfect house-furnishing establishment ; but the senior mem- ber, notwithstanding his success in establishing and maintaining such a prosperous business, became desirous of seeking "fresh laurels in pastures new," and on the 1st of February of the present year he sold his interest in the business to Messrs. W. C. Patten and H. P. Crowell, whose long experience well fits them for the positions they now occupy in the concern. They, together with the re- maining partner, Mr. H. F. Higgins, have put the business on a still firmer and more lasting basis by organizing a stock company, with the name of Higgins Brothers Company, and in- corporated March 14, 1887. The new concern propose not only to maintain the high reputation of the former firm, but to add to its lustre so far as possible by giving their l)atrons more and better goods for their money than ever. Their wide experience enables them to purchase
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