The facts shaking Bridgeport 125 years ago were much the same as today — an economic downturn sending clothing, entertainment, food and house prices steadily dropping, according to advertisements in Bridgeport's three daily newspapers of 1883.
"We were in the midst of a depression," said Charles Brilvitch, a local historian who has spent his lifetime researching Bridgeport's past. "A lot of houses built in 1881 and 1882 were just sitting there. Factories were laying off workers because they had no customers for their goods." Palace Clothing House, which advertised "facts shake the universe," offered cardigan jackets for 75 cents; undershirts and drawers from 40 cents to 25 cents; and overcoats for as little as $5.
"Even if you can't use it until next season," Palace's ad claimed, "it will unquestionably pay you far better interest than any stocks or bonds on earth."
But those who thought otherwise could hope to repeat December's 24 cents dividend that William Jarvis at the corner of Main and State streets advertised was earned by those who bought into a Codworth's and Co. mutual fund. That fund bought, sold and speculated in grain stocks and provisions.
The more adventurous could gamble $5 on a Louisiana state lottery ticket that would pay a $75,000 grand prize or 1,966 other prizes totaling $265,500. Only 100,000 tickets were sold.
If you needed help
If any of this made you sick, Curtis the Cheap Cash Druggist at the corner of Main and Elm was open to help.
Font Resize
