Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, March 27, 1909, Page 109

% | | i BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. E. A. BARKER. ‘It has been said of the city of Bemidji that she has more energetic, progressive young business men within her domain than any other city of similar size in the state of Minnesota—and that these same young men are builders of a thriving community that will rank second to none in the state, is also a recognized fact. Among the young men who first engaged in business in Bemindji to any great extent is B. A. Barker, who conducts a large drug and jewelry business in this city, and whos!: success since locating here has been stead- ily increasing until his emporium is the most-talked-of of any similar enterprise in north-central Minnesota. Mr. Barker came to Bemidji in August, 1900, and engaged in the jewelry and watch- making business. Being an expert jewelry- man and watch-repairer, Mr. Barker at once became popular in these lines of business and his trade increased very rapidly. 14 t 1 1 ! & INTERIOR BARKER'S OLD STOKE. On June 28th, 1903, Mr. Barker purchased the Mayo drug store and immediately began building up a nice drug business, in addi- tion to his already large jewelry and watch- repairing trade.. From that date, E. A. Barker took front rank among Bemidji’s “boosters,” and he has always been to the fore when anything came up that promised to benefit Bemidji or any of her citizens. Being of a liberal and generous disposition, Mr. Barker has already contributed funds for enterprises for the public weal, and is regarded as one of the leading pushers (the men who do things) of Bemidji. Mr. Barker prospered in his drug, jewelry and watch store to such an extent that last yvear he erected a fine, commodious and elegantly-appointed block; for the exclusive housing of his business. This block is pro- nounced to be one of the best-arranged drug and jewelry establishments in the entire northwest, being fitted with the very latest and most expensive fixtures, with commo- | dious and comfortable seats, and filled with large and varied stocks of drugs, all classes of jewelry, watches, etc., etc., in large quantities. Barker’s drug store is regarded with pride by every resident of Bemidji, all realizing that such enterprise is deserving of public approval of the solid, substantial kind, kence the large and remunerative patronage that is accorded Mr. Barker. Mr. Barker has associated with him as employes a number of competent helpers whc are the best in their line that could be cbtained, both the pharmacy and jewelry departments being in charge of experts who have gained enviable reputations through years of practical experience. A glance at the “cuts” reproduced here- with wil] give a fairly good conception of tne advance which Mr. Barker has made during the past three years in his drug and | jewelry store. INTERIOR BARKER’S NEW STORE.