By the time June faded into the warmth of July, the Kingston family's newest venture was making waves throughout New York City. Ten Kingston General Stores were now operating, easily recognized by their bustling interiors and the novelty of their self-service approach. Other store owners, initially skeptical, were now taking notice, with some even starting to rearrange their own shops in an attempt to emulate Kingston's successful model.
Combined, these ten stores were bringing in a remarkable $15,000 to $20,000 in revenue on a single day. To remain competitive as others began to adapt, Mary had made the strategic decision to adjust the profit margin slightly, bringing it down to around 20 percent. Even with this adjustment, the ten stores were collectively generating a substantial profit of $3,000 to $4,000 each day.
Just in time for the Independence Day celebrations, John and George returned from Texas, eager to spend some quality time with their family. A family meeting was convened shortly after their arrival, the agenda filled with updates on their various enterprises.
John reported that the oil refinery in Texas was on track to be completed by the end of the year, with drilling at the locations Michael had pinpointed scheduled to commence in December, holding the promising prospect of providing their own crude oil for the refinery to process upon its opening, given Michael's consistent accuracy in such matters.
George shared exciting news about their mining operations. Leveraging Michael's continued guidance, they had successfully expanded their mining efforts to include silver and coal, adding significantly to their already substantial yields of gold, copper, and iron.
Elizabeth then provided an update on her passion project, The New York Inquirer. The newspaper's readership had steadily grown, now reaching an impressive 80,000. Elizabeth was optimistic that they would hit the 100,000 mark within the next year. While still a fraction of the readership enjoyed by the established giants like the New York World and the New York Journal, both notorious for their yellow journalism, The New York Inquirer was steadily gaining traction by steadfastly refusing to sensationalize the news. Elizabeth attributed this growth to her unwavering commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. Having learned from early experiences, including Michael's candid feedback that the initial publications were rather boring to read, she had successfully recruited a team of talented writers and journalists. These individuals possessed the skill to tell even the most factual news in a captivating way, while diligently working to expand their sources and ensure the accuracy of their information. They remained dedicated to publishing only the truth, but now presented it in a manner that readers found both informative and engaging.
Finally, the conversation turned to the Kingston General Stores. The clear success of the Kingston General Stores naturally led to discussions about expansion. The question was where to next. After a lively debate, they decided to first expand strategically within New York State, targeting other cities and even smaller towns. For expansion beyond their home state, they would focus on larger urban centers like San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, and St. Louis, cities with significant populations and promising markets. Their ambitious goal was to open at least 200 new stores within the next year. While acknowledging the risk of expanding so rapidly beyond their initial testing ground in New York City, they calculated that with each store requiring an estimated $8,000 to launch, the total investment of around $1.6 million was well within their current liquid assets. The family, united in their vision, was ready to take another bold leap.
******
The Fourth of July in New York City in 1899 was a day of exuberant festivities and patriotic fervor. The city awoke to the booming of cannons and the ringing of church bells, a vibrant prelude to the day's events. Streets were festooned with American flags, their red, white, and blue a ubiquitous sight, adorning homes, businesses, and public buildings.
The Kingston family, like many others, joined the throngs of people who spilled out into the streets. They started their day by watching a grand parade that marched down Fifth Avenue. It was a colorful spectacle, featuring marching bands playing rousing patriotic tunes, regiments of veterans from past conflicts, and floats representing various trades and civic organizations. Mary pointed out different historical figures and moments depicted on the floats, educating Michael further on the nation's history.
Later in the day, they made their way to Central Park for a traditional Fourth of July picnic. Elizabeth had prepared a lavish spread, complete with fried chicken, potato salad, lemonade, and a berry pie. They found a pleasant spot under a large oak tree, enjoying their meal while listening to a spirited outdoor concert featuring patriotic songs and marches. George and Michael flew a kite, its colorful tail dancing in the summer breeze.
As evening approached, the family secured a spot with a clear view of the sky for the highly anticipated fireworks display. People gathered in large numbers along the East River and in open spaces across the city, a palpable sense of excitement building as darkness fell. When the first rocket shot into the sky, exploding in a shower of glittering sparks, a collective gasp of awe went through the crowd. The display was magnificent, with each burst painting the night canvas with fleeting images of brilliant colors and intricate patterns. Michael, despite his usual quiet contemplation, found himself enjoying the day. Laughter and delighted cries echoed around them as each new explosion illuminated the faces of the gathered crowds. It was a shared experience of joy and national pride, one that the Kingston family, despite their unique circumstances, fully embraced.
Just as the final rounds of fireworks lit up the night sky, a distinguished gentleman approached their group. "Mr. John Kingston and Mr. George Kingston? And ladies," he said with a polite nod towards Mary and Elizabeth. "My name is Mr. Davies, I serve on the Mayor's staff. Mayor Van Wyck has heard you are here and would be honored if you would join him in the VIP viewing area for a brief reception."
John looked surprised but pleased. "We would be delighted, Mr. Davies."
They were escorted through the bustling crowds to a cordoned-off area where a gathering of New York City and State's prominent figures was taking place. The atmosphere was one of convivial mingling. Michael recognized a few names he had seen in the newspapers – wealthy industrialists and influential politicians.
Mayor Robert Anderson Van Wyck, a man with a stern but welcoming demeanor, greeted them. "Mr. John Kingston and Mr. George Kingston, a pleasure to have you here. And Mrs. Kingston and Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, your presence is most appreciated. The city is grateful for the generous charity and donations your families have made to various worthy causes."
John replied courteously, "The pleasure is ours, Mayor."
The Mayor guided them through the crowd, introducing them to several other prominent individuals, all of whom seemed to possess considerable wealth and influence.
Then, the Mayor steered them towards a man with a commanding presence, a thickset build, and shrewd eyes. "And finally, Mr. Kingston, allow me to present Mr. Richard Croker, a man who understands the pulse of this city like no other."
John extended his hand, a polite but cautious smile on his face. George followed suit. Mary and Elizabeth offered respectful nods. Richard Croker was, as they knew, the powerful leader of Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine that held significant sway over New York City politics. While Tammany Hall had a long history and had at times championed the cause of immigrants and the working class, it was also notorious for its patronage system, political corruption, and its ability to control elections through various means. Critics often accused them of enriching themselves and their allies at the expense of the city.
"A pleasure to meet such… enterprising individuals," Croker said, his gaze lingering on the Kingstons. "The Mayor speaks highly of your… spirit." He paused, his eyes sharp. "Of course, running a city like New York requires certain… investments from those who are doing well. I trust you understand the importance of supporting those who work tirelessly for our city's betterment." His implication was clear: he was asking for a donation to Tammany Hall.
John, feeling a prickle of discomfort, replied smoothly, "We are always happy to consider supporting worthy causes within the city, Mr. Croker." George echoed his sentiment with a non-committal nod.
Just then, a sudden stir rippled through the crowd near the entrance to the VIP area. Heads turned, and a murmur of excitement went through the gathering. A man strode in with a confident and energetic gait. He was of medium height with a robust build. His distinctive features included a prominent nose, a strong jaw, and a bristly mustache. His eyes, framed by pince-nez glasses, scanned the room with an air of authority and enthusiasm. He wore a well-tailored suit and exuded a sense of vigor that seemed to electrify the atmosphere around him.
This was Theodore Roosevelt, the Governor of New York State.