The Dorchester Beacon, October 26, 1907
Clay Brothers
Veteran grocers and provision dealers, 1159-1163 Washington Street
The firm of Clay Brothers, grocers and provision dealers at Nos. 1159-1163 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills, Dorchester, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest business, with a single exception, in that part of the district. This establishment has been in existence for more than half a century, having had its beginning in 1855, when it was founded by Robert Hall on the site now occupied by the Baker mill. The original proprietor’s son was subsequently taken into partnership by his father, the firm of Hall & son was formed. The senior Mr. Hall retired from business in1870, and the son became associated with Ira M. Clay, under the firm name of Hall & Clay. Mr. Hall subsequently withdrew from tall connection with the business, and John P. Clay, brother of the junior member of the firm, became a partner and, and the firm took the name of Clay Brothers. John P. Clay, the brother who was the last to come into the business, severed his relations with it in 1891, and it has been continued since that time by Ira M. Clay, who still retains the old firm name. The store is large, being of twice the ordinary size, and is generously stocked with an assortment of goods, consisting of staple and fancy groceries, beef, pork, lard, hams, tripe, smoked beef, tongues, pigs’ feet, sausages, poultry, eggs, beans, vegetables, pickles, canned fruits, butter, cheese, fish, oysters, clams, cereals, crackers, canned goods, teas, coffees, spices, flour, sugar, table delicacies, breakfast and luncheon dainties, etc. Eight clerks are employed in the establishment, and the services of five wagons are required to meet the demands of the prompt and accurate delivery system maintained by the house. The store is the favorite house for food supplies in the neighborhood and commands a large patronage. Its goods are right, and its prices are right in every particular, and its customers are satisfied. The quality of all the goods sold in the store is guaranteed to be just as it is represented, nothing of an inferior grade being ever admitted to the store.
Mr. Clay was born in New Hampshire and was educated in the schools of the Granite state. He has resided in Dorchester for many years and is widely known to the residents of the district. He is popular, being respected and esteemed by all, both as a merchant and as a private citizen.