One of the
special features was the handling of enormous quantities of the
50-cent folios and the 10-cent editions of popular issues. These were
bought in carload lots and sent out to nearly every quarter of the
globe. Pianos and musical goods of all descriptions were included in
the lines carried by the firm, whose well known policy of discounting
its bills enabled it to secure very desirable agencies and lowest
prices on all purchases. In June, 1890, the house sustained an
irreparable loss by the death of its founder, Zeno Mauvais, who passed
away after a very brief illness. Devotion to business and a never
ceasing expenditure of energy and vital force was the cause of this
man's withdrawal from the activity of an hitherto busy life, during
which he made and kept many friends. The incorporation of the firm
under the name of the Zeno Mauvais Co. was the next change made in the
affairs of this house. Mrs. Mae Mauvais was elected president and
during the next five years her brother, R.L. Eames, occupied the
position of manager. At this time a change being deemed expedient, Mr.
H.S. Stedman, who had been connected with the house since 1883, was
elected as manager and secretary, continuing as such until the
conflagration of 1906 destroyed the entire stock together with all the
books of the concern.
Under the new management the firm renewed its effort to expand and
took the two upper floors of the building in addition to the one
previously occupied.
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