W. A. Irving.
The livery conducted by W. A.
Irving & Company is the undisputed
leader. The building, a commodious
brick structure, is located at
528 and 530 East Main street, and is one
of the most substantial of its kind in
the city. It is a three story affair
containing 15,744 square feet of floor
space, stals for fifty six head of horses
and four box stals for the accommodation
of thoroughbreds and stock
horses. The first two floors are devoted
to the stabling of horses, while the
third is used for feed and as a repository.
Mr. Irving erected the present
building last May especially for the
purpose for which it is adapted, and
it contains all modern appliances, such
as elevators, harness hangers, etc.
Extra care was taken in the sanitary
arrangements, and they are as
near perfect as it is possible to
get them. In the front end of
the building, just opposite the
office is a ladies' waiting room,
fitted with a lavatory, mirrors,
and everything necessary for a
woman to cleanse and refresh
herself after re- turning from a
drive. The company does a
livery, sale and boarding business.
At present they have
about thirty permanent boarders
and a number of transients..
Only the best quality of feed is
used, and a large corps of hostlers
are employed to care for the
animals whose sleek and glossy
coats are the best evidence of the
splendid treatment they receive.
In the livery line Mr. Irving
makes a specialty of commercial
trade, and has a force of drivers
thoroughly familiar with every
section of the county. Mr. Irving
was born in Fluvanna County,
where he was educated. He
came here in 1888, and accepted
a position in the grocery store
of Norman & Smith, and later
took a place with the Chesapeake
and Ohio railroad. Eight years
ago he embarked in the livery business
and made a success. Last May
his business had reached such dimensions
that he was forced to enlarge his
quarters, and erected his present place.
He is, aside from the interest described
above, a member of the Gilmore Furniture
Company, the Cooley Undertaking
Company and other enterprises.
He is active in fraternal circles being
a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights
of the Maccabees and the Royal Tribe
of Joseph.
