Page 651
GEORGE W. CHATTERTON, JR., dealer in watches, jewelry, musical merchandise and optical goods, South Fifth street, west side of square, represents the oldest music house, probably, in Illinois. It was established by George W. Chatterton, Sr., in June, 1838. About nine years ago, the son and present proprietor succeeded to the control of the business. His leading pianos are the Knabe, Chickering and McCammon; and the George Woods and Loring & Blake are his leading organs. He also handles the best makes of violins, accordions, and a complete assortment of sheet music. The jewelry, watch and optical instrument feature is a prominent branch of his business. A practical, skilled optician is kept constantly employed by the house. Two stories of the building, twenty by one hundred and forty feet, are occupied by his stock of $25,000, which his large and growing trade demands.
Mr. Chatterton is a Springfield boy, born in the house where he now resides, in 1853. He turned his attention to the branch of the business in which he is now engaged. In April, 1879, he purchased the Opera House, and that season rebuilt it in elegant style, making it the finest in the State, outside of Chicago. It is heated by steam, lighted by electricity, and has a seating capacity of one thousand three hundred. Chatterton's Opera House is a credit to the Capital City of Illinois.