Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
COATES, LANGSTAFF & CO.
COATES, LANGSTAFF & CO. The company was established on January 1, 1884 by T. P. Coates, L. M. Langstaff and William G. Watters. Occupying a four-story 44X115 foot building, the grocery stocked staple and fancy groceries, shelf goods, sugars, teas, and coffees.
The local store employed four clerks while three traveling salesmen represented the firm throughout Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois.
The 1884-1885 Dubuque City Directory listed 172 Main as the address of this wholesale grocer.
The 1886-87 Dubuque City Directory listed 164-172 Main.
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Source:
The Industries of Dubuque: Her Relations as a Trade Center, Dubuque: J. M. Elster and Company, Publishers, 1887, p. 71
