Page 110 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,
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so given to sports—which cheat dull care of her prey—have become most
famous ; the English, among whom the manly sports, hunting, fishing
and kindred recreations, have been so popular, are the most powerful peo-
ple on the earth, their possessions, the most extensive. These sports not
only make hardy, brave and intelligent warriors, but statesmen as well.
A sound, well developed physique, brought to perfection by exercise, cre-
ates a healthy, powerful mind. Americans, also, have always evidenced
a great partialty for field sports, and the different states, as well as the
national government, encourage this by appointing competitive trials.
The bow and arrow, and spear, of our ancestors, have been superseded by
the rifle and shot-gun, but the elements of the chase or hunt are the same.
The animus which creates and stimulates the follower of Nimrod and
Walton, identical with that which animated those old worthies years ago.
Following the teachings of political economists, that, those branches of
trade which contribute to the facilities of special pursuits, by furnishing
appliances, implements, etc, always by logical, concession, rank; amongst
the most important; the practical gun-maker and dealer in sportsman's
goods, should rank in the first-class, in influence and importance. There
are but few establishments in this line in San Antonio ; one of the most
important is that of the Olsmith Arms Co., established in 1880. This
company have unusual advantages in this buisniess, the manager, Frank
Olsmith, being a practical gunsmith and inachinest of twenty years ex-
perience, and in this business, as much, we might even say, more experi-
ence is required, than in most others ; mechanical skill and quick, nice
judgment, are prerequisits in a scientific gun-maker—and logically, these
qualities 'are especially valuable in the gun-dealer. The Olsmith company,
carry a full and comprehensive stock of guns, rifles, shot-guns, breech
and muzzle loaders, of the very best foreign and domestic manufacture.
They are agents for Le Fever's hammerless guns ; they also carry all the
best English makes, Spencer repeating shot-gun, ammunition, cartridges,
shells, percussion caps, and all sportsmen's appliances, tools and parapher-
nalia. They are agents for the American wood-powder. Fishing tackle,
in all kinds, of endless variety, lines, hooks, snoods, floats, reels, etc. Pis-
tols of all the best makes, cutlery of the finest description. Base ball
goods, lawn tennis, roller skates, in short, everything and every article
pertaining to this branch of business. The business premises are con-
veniently located at 240 Commerce street, in the center of trade, they are
commodious and well adapted for the purpose, 24 by 60 feet in size. T.
H. Micklejohn is president of the company. Their trade extends through
Texas and into Mexico ; the annual transactions will reach $25,000.
Prompt, reliable and honorable, they enjoy the esteem and consideration
of their fellow citizens, and the confidence of the sporting public.
A. SCHOLZ—Riverside Restaurant, Saloon and Billiard Parlor; Nos.
9 and 11 Alamo Street and 8 and 10 Losoya Street.
In enumerating the business resources of cities, due attention must be
bestowed on those branches which provide for the convenience and legiti-