A comparatively new firm is that of Howe Brothers—established in 1877—dealers in groceries, provisions, crockery, etc. Their business is large and increasing.
George W. Lane carries a large and fully assorted stock of ready-made clothing, gentlemen's furnishing goods, hats, caps, gloves, trunks, overcoats, and all that pertains to the toilet of men or boys. He commands the largest trade in his line of any dealer in northern New Hampshire. Mr. Lane is a native of Lunenburg, Vt., and commenced business here in 1871.
Parker J. Noyes is one of the leading apothecaries in New Hampshire, and pharmaceutical chemist. He employs eight or ten operatives, and furnishes his goods throughout New England and the Middle and Western states. He prepares and catalogues about 1,500 different articles. He has, by his energy, skill, and fair-dealing, built up his present prosperous business. He is a native of Columbia, in this county of Coös, and has been in Lancaster since 1868.
The Lancaster National Bank is the only national bank in Coös county, established January 1, 1882, with a capital stock of $125,000. Its officers are George R. Eaton, a native of Portland, Me., president, who has been extensively engaged in lumbering operations; Everett Fletcher, vice-president; Frank D. Hutchins, cashier. The directors resident in town are Chester B. Jordan, William Clough, and Burleigh Roberts.
The Savings Bank of Coös County is located here. Its depositors number nearly 1,000, and the amount deposited about $200,000. Col. H. O. Kent has been its efficient treasurer since its establishment.
Of the other large number of business firms and establishments I cannot at present write, except to mention those places provided for the travelling public, and as resorts of pleasure-seekers and those who love the pure air and glorious scenery of our hills and valleys. The Williams House, John M. Hopkins, proprietor; Elm Cottage, Mrs. M. E. Hunking, proprietor; and the Lancaster House, N. A. Lindsey & Co., proprietors, are the principal houses kept open for the general accommodation of the public. Hillside Cottage is a charming summer boarding-house, W. L. Rowell, proprietor. It has been and still is a favorite resort for those who love quiet and repose.
Mt. Prospect House, William H. Smith, proprietor, was built by Mr. Smith, in 1883, on the summit of Mt. Prospect, at an elevation of 2,090 feet above the sea level, and 1,240 feet above Lancaster village.
The three Martin Meadow hills in the southern section of the town are beautiful from their gentle slopes and undulating outlines. They are named, respectively, Mt. Prospect, the most easterly and of the greatest elevation, Mt. Pleasant, in the centre of the group, and Mt. Orne, the most westerly. The rounded summit of Mt. Prospect is a feature in the landscape from any point of view, whether one is approaching the town from any direction, or is looking up from the valley, its symmetrical form being clothed with the rich verdure of its surrounding fields and pastures, and its wooded heights are enchanting. Crowning its top is the house, and
