Furnivals Ltd., Staffordshire, England, are in better shape to handle large orders for hotel goods than ever before. This particular ware is of good clean body, and those responsible for the department pay particular attention to the execution and decoration. Among the many patterns shown at their New York office, 25 West Broadway, are some underglaze printed borders in which the design is most artistically carried out. Their "badge" work is particularly good in every detail. Furnivals are in a position to fill orders with the greatest promptitude, and they are now enjoying one of the biggest runs of business that the house has experienced in many years.
The Astor House was the rendezvous of nearly all the men of prominence before and during the Civil War, and included all the great politicians of the time. For many years, too, it was the popular resort of crockery salesmen and buyers. What recollections will come to the old-timers when such names of foreign representatives are mentioned as Snaith, Mordsley, Green, Greenwood, Meakin, Naylor, Furnival, Clark, Service and many others! ... In the old days the third floor was at times set apart almost exclusively for crockery men, and many quaint stories might be told of interesting doings in the rooms and corridors. In good-natured rivalry to get customers there were times when the buyer had to run the gauntlet, and in consequence someone dubbed it Murderers' Row, which name it held to the very last.