USA > Kentucky > Jefferson County > Louisville > The city of Louisville and a glimpse of Kentucky > Part 26
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133
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The Louisville Water Company.
A PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY to a city upon the modern plan of a high pressure service, of sufficient magnitude to convey the water to all parts thereof, commanding every cubic inch of space in its streets, alleys, and buildings of all kinds, held in readiness for instantaneous flow in lightest spray such as cau be called into play and he con- trolled by the strength of a child, or in sweeping streams wbose volumes require the united strength of many stalwart men to direct and apply in their ageucy of fire extinguishment or power development, maintained in perpetual readiness, whether by day or night, independent of seasons and their mutations, perennial in the fullest sense, constitutes an achievement in modern applica- tion of commou sense, money, and science for the wel- fare of the people, than which there is nothing grander or greater. Rome, with her many aqueducts and gor- geous baths, ap- pears, wheu com- pared to such a modern system, like a dromedary ou the desert, to a modern race horse on an American track.
Such being the province and re- quirements of a public water sup- ply, it is not to be wondered at that the water supply system of the city of Louisville has beeu the subject of constant and deep interest on the part of the public, as well as much study and unwearied ef- fort on the part of the Water Com- pany, by whom the department has heen hitherto and is now managed. So much are the people impressed with the great beauty, utility, im- portauce, and mag- nitude of this branch of the mu- nicipal service, that the works, compris- ing reservoirs,
PUMPING STATION, LOUISVILLE WATER WORKS.
pumping station, and machinery, are visited by larger numbers and with greater frequency than any institution or place iu or about the city, thereby attesting a public admiration, appreciation, and approval which pronounce the system a great success. It furnishes the people with an indispensable requisite for sustaining health and life in their domestic and household relations as also for public sanitary, municipal, and manufacturing purposes, and all at rates of cost which are infinitely lower than any similarly valuable service, whether rendered by corporate or individual enterprise. The cost to
134
Incorporated in 1854.
supply a cottage of two rooms is less than a penny a day, while to the manufacturer and other large consumer for busi- ness purposes, it is delivered at rates of less than four cents per ton, and the city for her municipal wants, including the immense quantities needed for fire extinguishment, gets it absolutely free of cost.
The first decisive steps toward establishing a public water supply for Louisville were taken in the fall of 1856, hy a committee from the then recently elected Board of Directors in the Louisville Water Company, who visited the prin- cipal works then in operation in the cities of the Middle and Eastern States, as a means of adopting measures and plans that would bring together for the erection of the contemplated works the best judgment and ripest experience that the numerous important works in the country then exhibited.
During December of 1856 and January, February, and March, 1857, surveys were made, sites for pumping station and reservoir selected, plans of the various branches of the works with estimates of cost were made ; all of which were duly adopted, and contracts let for making pipe, building pumping station, reservoir, and pumping engines. Ground was broken upon the reservoir site in a primeval beech forest in March, 1857, and upon the construction of the pumping station ou the banks of the Ohio river in the following September, and quite a large quantity of pipe was made during this season.
Owing to the financial panic of this year, however, very little was done in the way of actual construction ; the failure of the Ohio Life and Trust Company of Cincinnati having precipitated a financial disturbance, which greatly embarrassed all kinds of business enterprises for this and the greater part of the following season.
In March, 1858, work was resumed and pushed energetically until October, 1860, when the works were so far completed as to enable the water to be turned into the city distributing pipes. In the succeeding year the works were fully completed.
The result of this undertaking was a pumping station and machinery which have served the city for twenty-seven years, a reservoir which sufficed for nineteeu years, and a beginning of a system of supply and distributing pipes, which
WATER RESERVOIR, CRESCENT HILL.
aggregated twenty-six miles at that time. All was accom- plished by the expenditure of $837, 680.07 in cash, and a stock liability of $775, 100.00, up to January 1, 1862.
In 1874, surveys were commenced for a new reservoir of larger capacity and greater elevation above the level of the city. A site was selected, plans made and adopted, and the work contracted for in the fall of 1876, all for a reservoir of 100,000,000 gallous capacity, with its top water level 179 feet above low water in the river, being thirty-three feet higber than that in the reservoir completed in 1860. In April, 1877, active work was commenced upon the construction of this reservoir and continuously and energetically prosecuted until December 15, 1879, when it was nearly completed, water first pumped into it, and the city thenceforward supplied with water therefrom. The patronage of the company is rep- resented hy a system of main and distributing pipes of over 134 miles in exteut, aud varying in size from three to forty- eight inches in diameter, by 10,600 service attachments, from one-half to eight inches in diameter ; and an annual gross revenue of $250,000 from water rents.
The present most urgent requirements from the company are the building of a new pumping station, pumping engine, and the laying of main and distributing pipes to meet the rapidly growing wants of the city. Work is now in progress upon these additions, which will be completed as speedily as practicable. The pumping station and machinery will be on a scale of about double the capacity of that completed in 1860.
The history of the works, from their inception, and extending through their construction and practical operation. covers a period of about thirty-one years, and their construction cost, repairs, and operating expenses combined will aggregate, by December 31, 1887, the sum of $5,000,000, with a bond indebtedness of $900,000, and a stock liability of $1,275, 100.
The directors and principal officers by whom the works are at present managed are as follows, viz : Charles R. Long, President ; John W. Story, T. L. Burnett, W. W. Smith, Charles R. Long, J. C. Gilbert, L. S. Reed, Directors ; W. P. McDowell, Treasurer ; J. B. Collins, Secretary ; Charles Hermany, Chief Engineer and Superintendent.
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The Falls City Lithographing Company.
7 "HE FALLS CITY LITHOGRAPHING AND JOB PRINTING COMPANY, No. 233 West Main street, is the largest and most important estab- lishment of its kind in this city -- probably in the South. In 1859, German & Brother started a lithographing business here, having learned the trade in this city from a lithographer who never succeeded in estab- lishing himself. Consequently, the Germans were the first to give the business any importance in Louisville, They conducted their enterprise for several years and Mr. Charles W. German continued in it. In 18So, the FALLS CITY LITHOGRAPHING COMPANY was chartered. It was the outgrowth of the old firm of German & Brother. The first offices of this company were located on Third street, where, from a comparatively small beginning, hy dint of excellence of work and persistent effort, the business increased until it was necessary to have larger quarters. The adjoining building was then taken in ; but in time even these enlarged accommoda- tions became too small, and the continued growth of the company's business caused it to move to its present commodious quarters. The building it now occupies is five stories high and has a depth of 200 feet. It is admirahly lighted and is thoroughly equipped, making it a model establishment iu all that appertains to lithographing. Every improve- ment in machinery is to be found here.
On the first floor are located the offices aud reception rooms, the CHARLES W GERMAN sales counters and show cases containing stocks of cards, labels, etc., used in the business. Back of these is the press room, filled with large presses for the job printing department. The composing room is back of this. The second floor is occupied by the heavy stock and the transfer hands are engaged here. In racks along the walls, the stones are stored. Each stone is numbered and marked, so that it may he quickly discovered when wanted. On the third floor are the engraving rooms. The hindery is on the floor above this. Elevators are used in transferring stones and stock from floor to floor. Thus the building is admirahly adapted to the uses of the company and the work can always be done with perfect conven- ience to the hands employed.
In the lithographing department there is every facility for the workmen, all of the mechanical appliances being of the best. Only the most expert engravers are engaged, and the character of the work will compare favorably with auy done in the East. The company makes a specialty of hank and commercial work, in which it has a large trade, and for clearness, neatuess, and taste in execution has become celebrated. It numbers among its patrous the banks in many Southern cities, and its business with them is growing daily. The most business houses in Louisville obtain their engraved paper from this establishment. The company carries an unusually large and complete stock for doing com- mercial work of every description in an artistic manner and to suit any taste. While this is its specialty, however, it by no means neglects the other branches of the lithographing business, and has built up a good business in the job printing department. The company is prepared to do color work, both in lithographing and printing, and makes all kinds of show cards and artistic advertisements, for all of which a large supply of materials is kept on hand. In fine commer- cial work, no process has ever been found that would compare favorably with a well-executed lithograph, and the FALLS - CITY LITHOGRAPHING COMPANY has its full share of this class of business.
The company is fortunate in being well officered. The President is Mr. E. C. Bohne, Cashier of the Third National Bank. Mr. Bohne's wide connection with banks and bankers has gained for the lithographing company a patronage that it would have taken years to gain without some such personal consideration, and the work is always so satisfactory that a customer is safely couuted on to continue his patronage. Mr. Bohne's knowu ability and high standing in com- mercial circles are a guarantee of the stability of the company.
The Secretary is Mr. Charles E. McBride, a widely known and popular business man of great energy. But the growth of the business and its increasing success are dne mainly to Mr. Charles W. German, the manager of the com- pany and, in fact, the founder of the business. He is a practical lithographer who learned his trade hefore he was fifteen years old and has kept pace with its growth ever since, and he is now over fifty years of age, though still as full of energy as possible. He is thoroughly informed in every detail necessary for the successful carrying on of the affairs of the company. He is enthusiastic in his work and is constantly improving its character. He has seen lithography grow up in this section of the country from a mere starving trade to a highly important branch of commerce. He has seen the introduction of steam presses aud a vast improvement in all tools, as well as a great reduction in the cost of the work. In coloring lithographs great progress bas been made in his day, and step by step Mr. German has kept pace with all these changes. He has drawn to him and trained up artists in every brauch of lithography who are now as expert as any men employed in similar concerns anywhere in the United States. Personally he is a very popular man, and much of the business of the company is due to his extensive acquaintance. He is a man of great energy and con- scientious attention to business. It is through his constant care of all details that the work of the FALLS CITY LITHO- GRAPHING AND JOB PRINTING COMPANY has reached the perfection it has attained. The patrons of this company are assured that whatever may he the class of work ordered, they will receive the most careful attention and that the work will be executed with all the skill of which the company is capable.
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The People's Mutual Assurance Pund.
A SSOCIATIONS for the assurance of lives are to be rauked among the very noblest institutions of civilized society, and their useful- ness can he attested by thousands of happy and independent families rescued by this means from the hitterness of poverty and the degradation of charity. The PEOPLE'S MUTUAL ASSURANCE FUND is an association chartered under the laws of the State of Kentucky, with its principal office in the city of Louisville and subject to the supervision of the Insurance Commissioner. The plan of the company is based on the American Experience Table of Mortality, with twenty-five per cent. added for reserve. All losses are paid from the mortuary fund, which is seventy-five per ceut. of the net receipts on premiums. The reserve fund cousisting of twenty-five per cent. of the receipts from each premium is held at compound interest for the exclusive henefit of the members, and placed in the hands of the Louisville Banking Company as Trustee. The reserve fund provides for the payment of losses in excess of the American Experience Table of Mortality and the reduction of premiums after fifteen years. At the expiration of each period of five years during the continuance of a certificate, a bond is issued for an equitable proportion of the reserve fund, and at the expiration of ten years from its date the principal of such bond becomes available in payment of future pre- miums, thus giving all the benefits of paid-up insurance. When mem- JUDGE WILLIAM L. JACKSON bership ceases from any cause, the bonds are void aud the entire amount of such bonds will be applied to increase those of continuing policy-holders. The company commenced operations on the above system ahout January, ISS7, and the hest endorsement they could receive is the immeuse amount of business placed on the hooks up to the present time. Over one thousand business men of ali occupations and classes have demonstrated their confidence in the association hy taking policies, and the amount represented hy such policies exceeds one million and a half dollars. The death losses sustained by the com- pany have been promptly paid on the day proof of death was filed in the office, which is somewhat unusual as in nearly all cases insurance companies require from sixty to ninety days to adjust losses. The books of the corporation make a splendid financial showing which is fully borne out by the Louisville Banking Company as Trustee.
The company requires a remarkably strict medical examination, and that department being under the ahle manage- ment of Dr. Frank C. Wilson, the result has been a very low death rate and an exceptionally healthy list of policy-holders.
The premiums may he paid at the option of policy-holders annually, semi-anuually, quarterly, or hi-monthly, and receipts given shall be in full of all requirements for the period fixed, but if the amount so paid is in excess of the sun necessary to meet liabilities the over payments shall be applied to cover subsequent time. The plan combines all the hest features of so-called old line and mutual life insurance companies, giving on the one haud a guaranteed limit to the cost per aunum, and on the other providing an equitable system, whereby the policy-holder shall receive full return should the guaranteed rate exceed the actual cost of insurance furnished. The system is highly recommended hy the Insurance Commissioner and is cordially endorsed hy the most eminent insurance actuaries of the country. With the admirable management that has characterized the corporation and the intrinsic value of the plau the directors have perfected, it should be the most attractive and equitable for field work and should readily command the attention of all business inen desiring safe protection for their families at a reasonable cost.
The officers of the company are Judge William L. Jackson, President ; Honorable Asher G. Caruth, Vice-President ; Honorable Charles Godshaw, Treasurer; and Ed N. Caldwell, Secretary. These gentlemen have for years been prominently connected with the business interests of Louis- ville and their names are a guarantee of able and equitable management.
Judge Jackson is a native of Virginia, where he served twice in the house of Delegates, twice as second Auditor, and as Lieutenant-Governor. In 1860 he was elected judge of the nineteenth judicial district of Virginia. He entered the Confederate army in 1861 aud served with distinction and gallantry, for which he was made a hrigadier-general. Coming to Louis- ville at the close of the war he hegan the practice of law, was the first presideut elected by the Southern Mutual Life Insurance Company, but declined to accept hecause of his legal business. In 1872 he hecame judge of the Jefferson County Circuit Court, which position he ably fills.
Honorable Asher G. Caruth is a graduate of the law department of the University of Louisville. After residing in Hopkinsville, where he practiced law and edited the New Era, he returned to Louisville. In 1880 he was elected Commonwealth's Attorney and served in that capacity until 1886, when he was elected to Congress from this district.
ED N. CALDWELL.
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File Brothers Tobacco Works.
6' HE FIVE BROTHERS TOBACCO WORKS, John Finzer & Bros., pro- prietors, is by far the largest tobacco factory in Louisville, and ranks fifth in importance in the United States. The business was started in 1866 by the five Fiuzer brothers, whose names were John, Ben- jamin, Frederick, Rudolph, and Nicholas. They were all boru in the Canton Berne, Switzerland, and came to this country as mere lads. They were all marked with the best traits of the sterling Swiss character, being men of high integrity, great energy, determination, and intelligence. As boys they learned the trade of manufacturing plug tobacco and worked in nearly all the factories operated here. Their admirable qualities soon gained them the friendship of many of the business men of the city and started them upon the career of prosperity that they have followed through life. One of the brothers, Benjamin, died iu 1875; Frederick died in 1883. Rudolph Finzer withdrew from the firm in 1882, so that of the five brothers John and Nicholas are the only two left in the company.
The factory was started on a small scale, but the superior quality of the goods offered by the firm soou attracted general attention and the works had to be enlarged in order to supply the demaud. In four years the Finzers had built up a trade that gave them the leading position among the tobacco manufacturers of this city, which position they have maintained ever since. In fact, since 1870, they have made a third of all JOHN FINZER. the plug tobacco manufactured in this market. For the month of August, 1887, the tax on tobacco paid by all the Louisville manufacturers was $96,931.90. Of this amount Finzer brothers paid $39,421, or considerably more than one-third.
In 1882 the company was incorporated. Its officers now are .Johu Finzer, President ; Nicholas Finzer, Secretary and Treasurer ; M. Leopold, Vice-President; D. A. Keller, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. The capital stock of the company is $200,000. The company manufactures 4,000,000 pounds of plug tobacco annually, and about 1,000,000 pounds of smoking tobacco. Its trade in the Eastern States is larger than that of any other tobacco factory in the West. It has a capacity of 20,000 pounds of plug and 5,000 pounds of smoking tobacco a day. The company employs from eight to a dozen traveling men, and covers the entire territory north of the Ohio river and as far west as Colorado. Its pay-roll averages 400 hands the year around. The capacity is increased every year.
The factory was destroyed by fire in 1880, the loss being $200,000, ouly partially covered by insurance. This disaster would have proved fatal to men of less euergy ; but was only a spur to these gentlemen to make greater efforts. They rented a factory iu the lower part of the city and had their hands at work within thirty days after the fire. They rebuilt the factory on the old site, and on September 10, 1882, two years to the day from the date of the fire, they raised steam in the new works. The buildings were more perfect than the old could have been made. They are situated on the south-west corner of Jacob and Jackson streets and run back to Laurel street, having a frontage of 175 feet on the south side of Jacob street. Here are the main buildings, the plug factory, the smoking tobacco factory, the packing house, and the offices. On the north side of Jacob street the company owns 185 feet running back to an alley. On this ground are a new warehouse, redrying rooms, chunk shops, etc. There is a boiler on each side of the street, and the steam may be conducted from either boiler into any of the buildings.
The company has the advantage that every factory located in Louis- ville has-the opportunity to buy tobacco in the home market, which is the largest tobacco market in the world. Almost the entire out-put of the factory is made from the Burley leaf. The leading brand made by this company is "Old Honesty," a standard, sixteen-ounce plug of uavy tobacco. It has been on the market niue years, and is the brand on which the firm made its greatest reputation. It has never varied in qual- ity, being as good to-day as it was when it first appeared upon the market. The other leading brands are "Jolly Tar," which gained its popularity because of its being the largest plug of tobacco ever offered for the money, quality considered ; the "Five Brothers," an extra fancy brand, and the "Pastime," which is the same. The last two are the only brands issued to the trade in tin packages, and have made a great success on that account. They are guaranteed to be the best tobacco that can be manu- factured at any price. The leading brands of smoking tobacco are the "Five Brothers Pipe Smoking," and a mixed plug smoking tobacco. The former is largely consumed by the miners in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The company publishes an excellent trade paper, THE TOBACCONIST, which has a guaranteed monthly circulation of 32,000 copies. It con- tains good selections of reading matter, and valuable information for the retail dealer.
NICHOLAS FINZER.
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The Courier- Journal Job Printing Company.
F EW people in Louisville know what an immense institution and complete establishment has grown up in their midst in the last few years in the line of the "art preservative," and not many cities in the Union can boast of a printing house as thoroughly equipped, and possessing such facilities as the COURIER-JOURNAL JOB PRINTING COMPANY. Imagine yourself a visitor and take a look through the rooms occupied by this company in the magnificent Courier-Journal building. Commencing on the fifth floor is the electrotype and stereotype foundry. This branch of the business is in most cities a separate industry, but the trade of this company is enough to justify its operating a foundry for itsown work almost exclusively.
Below this room, on the fourth floor, is the composing room in which the varions newspapers printed under contract are set up. En suite are the poster room, in which there is $10,000 worth of wood type for poster work ; the cut stock-room where is stored an al- miost endless variety of wood en- gravings and electrotypes, the prop- erty both of the company and their customers, color plates, extra type, and printer's materials which is also sold to the trade throughout the State and this section.
Next are the art rooms, where Mr. W. F. Clarke presides with the skill of the true artist, and, adjoin- ing, the metal and wood engraving departments. The sample cases of the company show wood engravings second to none in America. No process or chalk work is done, as the aim of the managers is to pro- dnce only the class of engraving that is susceptible of fine printing, and nothing has yet been discov- ered that will begin to accomplish this as well as work engraved on wood. The engravings in this vol- ume are specimens of the high standard of this branch of the company's business.
Adjoining is the office of the President, Mr. Louis T. Davidson ; and Vice-President, Mr. Angust Straus. These gentlemen give their undivided attention and energy to this business and are always to be found within call. Opening out of the office is the proof-reading room; no branch of the work is more important than this, and great stress is laid on the intelli- gent reading of all proofs.
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