More from Albany correspondent “Chic’s” regular letter to The American Stationer magazine, an 1889 celebration of personal printing in the capital city, which we started yesterday:
In my last Albany letter I failed to mention H.A. Goffe, for which I hasten to apologize. As Mr. Goffe makes a big push on engraving I can think of no better time or way to make the “amende honorable” than in this letter.
Mr. Goffe is located at 37 Maiden lane, and thereby gathers in a good deal of the trade which makes its daily way from Broadway through Maiden lane to Pearl street. His store is more than attractive, and, judging from the people who go in and out of it, he does a good business.
The stores are already beginning to take on a holiday appearance. Mr. Manning had his opening on November 4, a month earlier than last year, and shows up a beautiful line of novelties, not only for Xmas gifts, but for wedding souvenirs, card party prizes and the like.
Goffe’s windows are more tasty than ever, either piled high with fine note paper or dressed with samples of engraving.
The Albany News Company fills up its two big show windows with fine leather goods, Crane’s papers, and the latest novels and illustrated papers.
Quinn’s windows, although smaller, are not the less brilliant with their dark background and “catching” goods displayed.
When you pass the Hudson Valley Paper Company’s place you wonder who uses all of the envelopes and writing paper, and whether the company sells the heavy twine it shows or uses it to fasten its large trade more securely.
S.R. Gray dresses his windows with bibles and hymn books, and you cannot go by the stores of either Van Antwerp, Pulman or Stetson without being reminded of some need of the office or writing table.
B. & J.B. Sanders do not go much on a show window, but if you step inside and notice the absence of costs and listen to the pounding of hammers, &c., you will be convinced that they are selling a few goods, just the same.
Quite a stir was created this month among the society people by the appearance of a society directory of Albany, published by Mr. F.C. Manning. The compiler hides her identity under the initials L.M.P. It is known, however, that a young lady well versed in such matters is responsible for it. It is very neatly bound in buckram board of blue tint, and it contains hints on card and wedding etiquette, and goes New York and McAllister 350 better, having a list of 750 names. I have searched in vain for mine.
CHIC.