GEORGE W. PARFET – GENERAL MERCHANDISE
The enterprise of George W. Parfet is decidedly representative inasmuch as it may be said to be one of the largest, heaviest stocked and most prosperous mercantile concerns of Lykens. Mr. Parfet secured control in 1898, since which time he has largely increased both stock and trade and made it one of the most vigorously conducted and progressive mercantile conveniences in this borough. A complete line of general merchandise is handled, such as dry goods, footwear, carpets, groceries, etc., a large and prosperous trade being transacted. Mr. Parfet is a man of exceptional energy, thoroughly progressive, and has been a prime mover in pushing to a successful issue every progressive project that has been advanced for the improvement of local conditions within recent years. He was one of the originators of the Business Men’s Association, and was made chairman of the committee to secure better freight rates from the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, which was successfully accomplished. As a member of the Borough Council he has been made chairman of the committee to secure from the Pennsylvania Railroad Company a subway on North Second Street and the placing of flagmen at grade crossings. Mr. Parfet has also been made chairman of the committee to secure new industries for the town, and is now trying to secure the location of a silk mill. It is not too much to claim that there is not another citizen here to-day who has worked harder or more unselfish to promote local improvement. Mr. Parfet is a native of Lykens, and is one of its successful business men who are essentially self-made. He began life by working in the mine at 12 years of age as a door boy in the Lykens Valley Slope, and became a miner at 18. In 1890 he went West, and later, South, traveling through 27 different states. He has always been a strong organization man, and while in Alabama served as committee man, and was highly complimented with others for good work accomplished by the Birmingham Herald. Mr. Parfet enjoys the distinction of being one of the very few 32d degree Masons in the valley.
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Article and photo from a special Souvenir Edition of the Lykens Standard, March 13, 1908, obtained via Newspapers.com.
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