Victor, Remington and Waverley bicyles and R. F. Eagle Brand corsets were some of the Christmas gifts that were advertised 100 years ago in Auburn.
James Abram advised the public that he was the sole agent for sale of corsets.
Dealer L. D. Huntley said the bicycles could be purchased on an installment plan. But the E. R. Gifford & Co. Clothing store let it be known that “we buy for cash and we sell for cash”. . . .”We discount all bills which means a savings of from 6 to 10 percent, Gifford advertised in the Placer Herald in December 1893, “Is it any wonder that we can sell better goods for the same money than our competitors?” The ad questioned and answered with a succinct “no”.
They were selling then wool cashmere sack suits, sizes 32 to 52 for $10, Kersey, front suits–“very nobby”—sizes 35 to 42 for $12 a suit. Their best fine black diagonal dress suits either sack or frock style, went for $15.00 each.
The Abe Alexander store also appealed to buyers that if they bought $1 worth of good they got a chance at $25 Plush Manicure and Dressing Set to be given to the ticket holder. The drawing was on Christmas Eve.
A new bakery opened up on Railroad Street near the Auburn Depot just in time to take advantage of the holiday season. George F. Huber of the Auburn Bakery said he would”run wagon daily to all parts of the city and supply customers at their doors with anything in my line they may want. A fair share of the public patronage is solicited”.
There were toys for sale along with books, stationery and cigars at a variety store owned by W. H. Sawyer, who also operated a “circulating library” in connection with his business.
A first class and well-stocked boot and shoe store and advertised by James Walsh & Sons oin Main Street. “Anything that can be had below (Sacramento or San Francisco) can be had of them and owning their store and paying no rent, they will sell below city prices. No house can beat them”, the Walshes said. They offered W. L. Douglas shoes ranging from $1.75 a pair for misses and boys, to men’s top of the line at $5 a pair.
Proprietor J. Weber at the Auburn Brewery championed that he is prepared to furnish the best lager beer made in California. Orders will be promptly filled”, he said. Kenison, Johnson & co. and Mt. Shasta Mineral Springs Co., had birch beer, orange cider, and wines and liquors.
Lowell’s stone grocery store located on Washington Street at the foot of Main, advised that the biggest stock and the smallest prices was offered. “If you can’t come, send your child. It will get as good goods and as good treatment as you will get yourself. No discrimination”.
For a main Christmas meal, A. L. Seifert, owner of the Old Meat Market on Main Street said he had a full assortment of the best fresh beef, mutton, veal and corned beef. Seifert also said he would take orders for sale, meats in desirable quantities and would deliver them to customers.
But for the more affluent and discriminating celebrant, there were advertisements to take a trip to the World’s Fair in Chicago via the Union Pacific & Northwestern Line. Two daily trains, with through car service in both first and second classes, passed Auburn. Mrs. George Willment at the Auburn Depot said sleeping car berths were available, and family excursions can be secured over the Sunset Route.