4 
GERM A IN FR UIT COM PAN Y 9 IS 
fruit and produce dealers, and segregated the two businesses by occupying the premises 
of the former for fruit shipping, and three large store rooms situated in the Baker block 
on North Main street, with its seed department. This branch grew in importance and 
reputation rapidly, soon doing a business of upwards of $100,000 per annum. Here the 
firm remained until 1892. During the interim, however, the trend of business was due south¬ 
west, and recognizing this, the Company moved from its quarters in the Baker block to Nos. 
143-145 South Main street, where it remained for seven years, until the exigencies of 
business again called it still further south to its present spacious, commodious quarters, 
situated at Nos. 326, 328 and 330 South Main street. In area, accommodations, fixtures, 
and all the accessories of a well-equiped seed establishment, it is safe to say that they 
have the most complete seed store in the West. Every bit of fixture and furnishing is 
so arranged as to expedite business at the least possible cost, thus insuring to its patrons 
low prices and reliable service. The floor space occupied, comprises some 32,000 square 
feet, affording ample scope for the segregation and individualizing of each department; 
even the offices being distinct, so that no one branch of the business conflicts with 
another. Broadly speaking, the departments of the business are all contingencies of a 
complete seed store, with possibly one exception, and that is its recent addition of a 
complete line of poultry supplies, including all essentials necessary to an up-to-date 
poultry breeding establishment. Ample telephone and telegraph connections between 
the several departments and the world at large are provided for, and the ware rooms, 
shipping and packing rooms, and nursery departments, are all equipped and so situated 
as to afford dispatch and celerity in filling orders. These salient features are mentioned- 
to show its eastern, southern, northern and foreign patrons that it has long since served 
its apprenticeship at the business and stands today ready to serve them, with the best the 
world affords — and that means California-grown seeds, bulbs and plants, because ex¬ 
perience has proven that they are superior, and hence afford the Germain Fruit Company 
the gratifying pleasure in giving the best values for the least money. For the truth of 
this statement a perusal of the following pages headed " Why California-Grown Seeds Lead 
the World ” is asked. 
It is alike creditable as well as refreshing to note that during its entire career this 
corporation has been in the control of the Germains — we write the name plural, 
because it now is composed exclusively of father and son. In 1890 Edmund Germain 
was admitted to the counting room of the company where he rapidly mastered its details 
and developed executive ability of a high order. Indeed, his keen observation and 
knowledge of men and affairs soon made him master of the business, and gave him a 
prominent place in the trade. As a natural result he was made manager of the entire 
business in 1894, which position he has held ever since. That the choice was not only 
v ise but for the best of the House from every point of view is demonstrated in its 
onward trend under his guiding hand. From 1894 to 1898, while Eugene Germain was 
serving in the U. S. Consular service in Switzerland, he assumed entire control of the 
corporations affairs, evincing driving powers and commercial acumen of the first order. 
Thanking its thousands of patrons, both at home and abroad, for past favors, it 
hopes to deserve a continuance of their good will and patronage. Wishing all a happy 
and prosperous season, 
Very truly yours, 
GERMAIN FRUIT COMPANY. 
Los Angeles, January 10, 1900- 
