USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 64
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A course of study was prescribed for these 12 years, and the first class that completed this prescribed course, graduated from the high school in 1870. The folowing is a list of the graduates since that time:
1870.
Abbie Briggs,
Jesse Brockway,
Allie Burnham,'
George Canfield,
Roderick Hine,
Winifred Smith, Mary E. Culver, Laura Walker,
Thomas S. Jerome, Leslie B. Hanchett,- Alice M. Whitman,.
William Carpenter,
Lizzie Lewis,
Lucy Fish,
Julia Little, Eliza Loxley,
Jessie Lee, Isaac B. Parsons, Jennie Meed,
Violet G. Lewis, Emil Bernhard, G. A. F. Schoenberg: Egbert T. Loeffler, Melinda Ogilvie,
Caro B. Whitney,
Helen Canfield,
Oren Dunham,
Annie Bryant,
Nettie Ripley,
Lizzie Frazer,
Bruce Smith,
Sadie Ketclam,
Nettie Smith.
Gertrude Lee,
Hannah Smith, Sarah Lewis. 1879. Mary A. Fowler,
H. A. T. Crippen, Carrie A. De Land,.
Ida West. 1873.
Chloe Richards. 1876. William E. Crane, Charles Denison,
Sophie Seyffardt,
Annie M. Holcomb,.
Florence Chapin,'
William J. Schick. 1877.
Nettie Goldsmith,
Catherine James,
Mittie Curtis,
Louise Schick,
A. H. Swarthout,
Lella M. Lyon, Ella Walker,
Jay Smith, jr., Hattie B. Whitman
In concluding this sketch of the Saginaw schools mention should not be omitted of those who, in early days, gave time and at- tention to promote their welfare. Such service is, as a rule, with- out adequate reward, unless the consciousness of doing good, though unappreciated, work may be counted compensation.
In the carlier years Hiram L. Miller, Dr. Davis, Hon. Jabez Sutherland, Dr. Michael C. T. Plessner were conspicuous.
Later, Hon. John Moore. William H. Sweet, Esq., Hon. Benton Hanchett, Jay Smith, Esq., Dr. I. N. Smith, Dr. J. H. Jerome and D. B. Ketcham (deceased) took an active and honorable part.
The present board is comprised of the following gentlemen : President, Hon. David H. Jerome, Governor of Michigan; Ser .;-
1872.
Warren Trude. 1875. Maggic Bernhard,
E. W. Ballentine, Charles E. Foote. 1878. Edward A. Moye, Fannie C. Lewis. Carrie Redman,
Riley L. Crane. 1881. Emil Bauer, Mathilda Becker, Carrie Beeman,
Mamie M. Callam,-
Mary E. Atwater,
Minnie I. De Land, Langley S. Foote,
Millie Allen,
Jennie Prentiss,
Edward Stone,
Charles Smith,
Emma Stoelker,
Rhoda Van Zile. 1871. Sarah Burnham,
Stella Gaylord,
Georgie Green,
L. B. Fonda, Charles Fowler,
Lucy L. Townsend. Helen Little, 1874. Evelyn Smith, M. E. Stafford,
Flora E. Guillott, Jessie M. Laylin. 1880.
38
630
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
tary, Judge Otto Roeser; Treasurer, George L. Burrows; Trustees, D. L. C. Eaton, A. T. Bliss and A. W. Achard.
In June, 1880, a committee of the Faculty of the University of Michigan, invited by the School Board, visited the Saginaw City schools, and carefully examined into their organization and the methods and thoroughness of the instruction given.
As a result, the school was at once recognized as a preparatory · department of the University, and its graduates of 1880 were ad- mitted to the University classes without examination at Ann Arbor.
Connected with the school is a well selected library of over 3,000 volumes, to which the students of the schools, as well as the citizens generally, have free access. Each year the Board ap- propriates $200 for the purchase of new books, and the number of volumes is steadily increasing.
The high school is abundantly supplied with encyclopedias, general books of reference, chemical and philosophical apparatus, in fact everything to make the school what it really is-one of the best in Northern Michigan.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
The buildings devoted to secular and religious education by the Catholics of the city were commenced in 1872, and the school- house completed the same year, at a cost of $5,000. Three years later the convent and boarding school building was erected at an expense of over $5,000, and the town lots, upon which the structures were raised, purchased from Gotfricd Chourner for a considera- tion of $2,500. The first building was opened for school purposes Feb. 10, 1873, with Miss Ellen McGee and Miss Laura Devlin as teachers. These ladies continued to instruct 120 pupils until the coming of the Sisters of Providence, in 1876, who formally opened the schools, September 4th, that year, with Rev. Sister Mary Matthew as Superioress. The number of children then in attendance was 200. In 1879 Rev. Sister Mary Cyrilla succeeded the first Superioress, who was removed to the more important charge of the Galesburg, Ill., Convent. In July, 1880, Sister Cyrilla was appointed to the charge of the Port Huron Convent schools, and her position here conferred upon Rev. Sister Perolina, the present Superioress. This lady, with eight sisters, conduct the various classes of the schools. Instruction is offered in French, German and English literature, music, painting and draw- ing, with the ordinary English courses. The pupils boarding at the convent number 12; while the number in attendance on day school aggregates about 240. Boys over 12 years of age attend the city schools.
Notwithstanding the fact that the members of the Roman Catho- lic Church of this city sustain these schools, and also pay a share of the taxation for common-school purposes, they claim a school property valued at $15,000. The system of education is religio-
631
SAGINAW CITY.
secular, and appears to be attended with all the high results which the supporters of a liberal denominational education claim.
THE CITY WATER WORKS.
The building of the water works was entered upon in 1872, and completed the same year. The estimated total expense of build- ing and machinery is $150,000. The works are under control of the Board of Water Commissioners, with a superintendent and engineer in charge.
The Holly system is in use. There are five engines-four piston and one rotary-employed, with a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons per 24 hours, ordinary pressure, and 6,000,000 gallons, high presssure. There are two tubular boilers 5x16 feet. The water supply is drawn from the center of the Saginaw river, where the channel is 23 feet deep.
The Water Board is composed as follows :- Thomas L. Jackson, President; D. C. Dixon, Secretary; I. L. Adams, David Crowley and A. W. Achard, members. The officers of the works are: F. G. Clifton, Chief Engineer; Robert McLain, Asst. Engineer; Antoine Anchette, Superintendent; John W. Brown and Angust Kerp, Firemen.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
was organized April 1, 1881, as a paid department of the munic- ipality. Previously it was composed of a chief engineer, with first and second assistants, and a corps of nine men. The equip- ment consisted of a steam fire engine, hook and ladder wagon, one double hose-cart and six hand hose-carts. The engine is seldom brought into use, as the splendid system of water works lends a sufficient supply of water to combat fire.
The department house was built in 1869. The city has one paid department composed of six men, two horses, and four volunteer hose-cart companies. House No. 1 is located on Hamilton street; No. 2, corner Hamilton & Farley; No. 3, Water street; and No. +, at Penoyer farm. At the central building is a steam engine, one of Silsby's largest size, bought in 1867, at a cost of $6,000. There is one hook and ladder truck kept at House No. 1. The present department was organized April 1, 1881. There are five firemen receiving $35 per month, a driver who receives $40 and house- rent, and chief and assistant engineers. The department is sup- plied with 3,400 feet of hose. The whole is under the charge of Chief Robert Wiley, now serving his third year as chief, and his 20th in connection with the city fire companies. Telephone at- tachments exist from the water works to the central house. There is a watch from 8 P. M. to 6 A. M. in the tower. The roll is as fol- lows: Robert Wiley, Chief Engineer; Angus McIntyre, Asst. Chief; John Frederick, Fireman; James Laflair, Asst. Fireman; Andrew Flieges, Frank Vondett, John LaMott; Benj. Smith, Driver.
632
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
SOCIETIES.
The Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Good Templars, Patrons of Husbandry, Workingmen's Aid Society, Teutonia Turn-vercin, with literary and musical societies form the organ- ized social circles of the city. It is unnecessary to inquire into the objects of many of these associations. The secret societies have many conscientious opponents, even as it is evident they have a large number of supporters. There is no doubt whatever regarding an existing disposition among the members of such societies to do good to one another, to live within a family circle. Only when the secret orders depart from the social tie which binds them, for the purpose of entering the political arena, at the bidding of some influential individual, can danger ensue; but after all, such a course could not now be followed within the Republic. A knowledge of what man owes to himself is too extended here to permit any one man to lead a society; thus the dangers which secret societies breed abroad are unknown here, and this being so, there cannot exist an objection to fraternal organizations.
THE MASONIC SOCIETY
comprises Joppa Chapter, No. 63; Germania Lodge, No. 79; Sag inaw Valley Lodge, No. 154; and Apollo Lodge. Of these Masonic circles, the Germania is the oldest, being organized in Dr. Pless- ner's house, March, 1854. The first officers were M. C. T. Plessner, W. M .; Count Solines, S. W; and G. Liskow, J. W. The officers, with five members, organized this lodge and held their meetings in the lodge room at the corner of Cass and Hamilton streets. Dr. Plessner was Wor. Master from 1854 to 1862; Otto Roeser, 1863-'4; Dr. Plessner, 1865-'74, Count Solines, 1875-'6. From 1877 to the present time the W. Masters have been Henry Barnhard, A. W. Achard and Peter Herrick.
The officers of the lodge at present are: W. M., Peter Herig; S. W., Charles Moye; J. W., Mathias Becker; S. D., Charles Zoeller; J. D., Fred Weider; T., Emil Bottke; Sec., L. M. Fetzer; Treas., Dr. Theodore Krause.
The Saginaw Valley Lodge was organized under dispensation Feb. 19, 1864, with D. M. Bennett, W. M .: William McBratnie, S. W .; and T. L. Jackson, J. W. A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, June 13, 1865, under which the same officers were installed. The present officers are : W. M., R. E. Wardell; S. W., Charles A. Lee; J. W., E. D. Shader; S. D., Henry F. Allen; J. D., A. A. Allen; Sec., J. Grant McPherson; T., H. W. Whitney.
Apollo Lodge, No. 348, was organized in 1877 with Willard W. Knight, W. M .; Byron G. Stark, S. W .; Reuben W. Andrus, J. W .; Oliver P. Barber, Sec .; Nathan S. Wood, Treas .; Thomas M. James, S. D. ; Charles E. Wheeler, J. D. Present officers in- clude : W. M., De Witt C. Dixson: S. W., Jira S. Martin; J. W.,
633
SAGINAW CITY.
R. J. Birney; Sec., Chester Brown; Treas., N. S. Wood; S. D., John A. Gibson; J. D., Edward I. Peck; T., H. W. Whitney.
Mt. Moriah Lodge was chartered in 1857, with A. S. Gaylord, W. M.
Joppa Chapter, No. 63, R. A. M., was organized Jan. 13, 1869. The present officers are : H. P., G. K. Grout; K., Charles A. Lee; S., De Witt C. Dixson; C. of H., Frank R. Ganschow; P. S., Geo. H. Durand; R. A. C., John Ballentine; M. of 3d Veil, Jira S. Martin; M. of 2d Veil, E. S. Peck; M. of 1st Veil, N. W. Wright; Treas., B. B. Bartlett; Sec., W. W. Knight; Sent., H. W. Whitney.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
This order originated here with the organization of Achilles Lodge, No. 15., Jan. 7, 1874. The officers for 1881 are as follows: P. C., C. D. Little; C. C., Robert J. Birney; V. C., Benjamin Geer; M. of E., Thomas L. Jackson; M. of F., Racine Purmort; K. of R. & S., C. M. Beach; P., J. T. Burnhamn. Section 144, Endowment Rank, K. of P., was organized here; but las ceased to exist.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS
was organized here Feb. 13, 1864, when Saginaw Lodge, No. 172, was instituted.
THE ODD FELLOWS SOCIETY
comprises Saginaw Lodge, No. 42; O-saw-wa-bon, No. 14; Star Lodge, No. 156; Washington Encampment, No. 19; and Valley Encampment, No. 20. The first lodge was organized Feb. 9, 1849, by C. D. Little, Special D. D. G. M., when the following named officers were elected: W. L. P. Little, N. G .; J. S. Wood- ruff, V. G., J. B. Chamberlain, Sec .; and J. Bookstaver, Treas- urer. The officers of the lodge for 1881 are: N. G., Lewis Moore; V. G., Stephen H. Lover; Sec., E. O. Huntington; Treas., Peter Lane.
The Star Lodge was the second circle of Odd-Fellowship organ- ized in the city, with Charles Moye its first presiding officer, or N. G., 1853. The lodge was reorganized in 1872. Present officers: N. G., Henry Martin; V. G., Phineas Wiggins; Treas., Alfred Reeves; Sec., Charles Excell.
O-saw-wa-bon Lodge was organized June 2, 1855.
Washington Encampment was instituted May 9, 1866, by M. W. G. P. Dennis. The encampment comprised 30 members, among whom were A. G. Van Way, C. P .; W. McRath, F. P .; D. H. Buel, S. W .; A. O. T. Eaton, J. W .; B. Rice, Treasurer, and A. F. Rockwith, Scribe.
Valley Encampment, No. 20, was organized May 10, 1866.
634
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
The only lodge of this order in the city is the "Home Relief," No. 836, organized Dec. 28, 1877. The officers are: L. Adams, D .; A. A. Allen, V. D .; John P. Schwahn, Ass't. D .; George Laidley, R .; David McLeod, F. R .; R. C. Seeney, Treas .; George Hogan, Chaplain: O. E. Eastman, G .; A. Ogilvie, Guar .; John Milligan, Sent .; Ira A. Bounting, P. D.
KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR.
This association was organized May 17, 1880, presumably for ben- evolent purposes. The officers are elected every six months. The society's official list for June, 1881, is as follows: P. Robert Wiley, P .; Eliza Ahrens, V. P .; L. M. Fetzer, Sec .; Geo. Hogan, Fin. Sec .; H. Runnenberg, Treas .; Mrs. Mary Hogan, Chaplain; Laura Benjamin, Guide; A. Ogilvie, Sent .; C. G. Benjamin, P. P .; Dr. E. A. Herig, Medical Examiner.
ASSOCIATED VETERANS.
A meeting of veterans, held June 13, 1881, resulted in an or- ganization to be known as the " East Saginaw Veterans." P. H. Warren was chosen president of the society, and C. D. Ball, secre- tary and treasurer for one year. After remarks by the President, and the appointment of several committees, members proceeded to choose their officers to command the military company, with the following result :
Captain-D. D. Keeler.
First Lieutenant-C. D. Ball.
First Corporal-C. Walker. Second Corporal-Geo. Seamore.
Second Lieutenant-D. W. Osborn. Third Corporal-T. Divine.
Orderly Sergeant-R. Yerick. Fourth Corporal-J. Dawson. First Duty Sergeant-William Marshall. Fifth Corporal-I. S. Allen. Second Duty Sergeant-Lew Delivan. Third Duty Sergeant-P. Montgomery. Fourth Duty Sergeant-Geo. Williams. Eightlı Corporal-S. M. Chase.
Sixth Corporal-Samuel Snyder.
Seventh Corporal -- B. Brawley.
The several officers were chosen unanimously; over 40 names were enrolled, and many others expressed an intention to join at the next meeting.
THE TEUTONIA TURN-VEREIN
was organized in 1868. Since that period the society has made great progress. The Tentonia Hall'on Fayette street was erected, a valuable library collected. gardens laid off, and everything done to advance the interests of the organization.
The officers of the society at present are: Pres .. Emil Schoene- berg; Vice Pres., Thos. L. Jackson; Sec., Herman Runneberg; Financial Sec., T. Lilienfeld; Treasurer, C. E. Brenner; Directors
.
635
SAGINAW CITY.
-Library, Otto Roeser; Dramatic, Albert Fuchs; Singing, Henry C. Miller; Turning and Kindergarten, Constantine Watz; Wirts- chaft, Henry Steller.
THE SAGINAW REFORM CLUB
is presided over by Stewart B. Williams, with Nathan S. Wood, Secretary, and Geo. S. Baker, Treasurer.
ARBEITER UNTERSTUETZUNGS VEREIN
was organized April 9, 1871. The officers for 1881-'2 are named as follows: Pres., Charles E. Brenner: V. Pres., Charles Burgo- meister; R. S., Rudolph Kem; C. S., Ignatz Rimmele; Treas., William Wigfall; Physician, Dr. Theodore Krause; Trustees, Emil S. Schemberg, William Lange, Theodore Miller.
GERMAN WORKINGMEN'S AID SOCIETY
was established in 1871. Since that period the organization has been well sustained and doubtless rendered much good to the mem- bers. The officers elected at the annual meeting in April, 1881, are as follows : President, F. Louden; Vice President, Ernst Eggert; Secretary, Carl Warner; Corresponding Secretary, Conrad Fey; Treasurer, Christ Henning; Secretary Sick Committee, Henry Butenschoen; Trustees, Peter Gross, No. 2; John Qualman, Chas. Hubner; Banner Bearer, Charles Hillman; Sick Committee, John Boic, Andrew Holden, John Koch, No. 2; Doctor. Dr. Mass- bacher.
ANCIENT ORDER OF . UNITED WORKMEN.
This organization is one of the most recent additions to the benevolent circles of the city. Its present officers are : M. W., S. S. Perkins; Sec., R. J. Birney; Treas., W. W. Knight.
THE WAH-WAH-SUMS (A BOAT CLUB)
were organized Dec. 12, 1868. The first officers were: President, L. Burrows, jr .; V. P., G. A. Lyon; Secretary, E. N. Briggs; Treasurer, G. B. Grout. Their first important boating affair was in the N. W. A. B. A. at Detroit in 1870, when they rowed in the six-oared barge race, making 13 miles in 11 min. 45 sec., and won the first prize. The regatta at Oconomowoc offered to these oarsmen another opportunity, which they availed themselves of. At the fourth annual regatta of the N. W. A. B. A. Association, held at Erie, Pa., July 10 and 11, 1872, the Wah-wah-sums won the cham- pion race for six-oared shells. At Toledo, in July, 1873, they won the champion race, and in the aquatic contests of 1874 added to their honors. The career of the club has been exceptionally bril !-
636
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
iant, and there is no reason to suppose that it will not con- tinuc to retain its high repute. The present officers are : Edward I. Peck, President; R. J. Birney, Secretary; Henry Smith, Cap- tain; L. A. Burroughs, 1st Coxswain; E. J. Fisk, 2d Coxswain.
THE SAGINAW CITY LIGIIT INFANTRY
completed its organization March 10, 1859, and on April 25 of the same year, appeared on parade fully equipped, under the fol- lowing named officers: Captain, Louis Franke; 1st Lieut., Henry Miller; 2nd Lieut., Hugo Weisner; 3d Lient. Theodore Sceurus; 1st Sergeant, Bernhard Rice; 2d. Wm. Comport; 3d, Jos. Schaef- necker; 4th, Peter Vrogman; 1st Corporal, G. Ditnar; 2d, Will- iam Lange: 3d, Anton Raab; 4th, Henry Flantan; Flag-bearer, Charles Stillrecht; Treasurer, Charles Miller; Secretary, C. A. Rathke.
THE SAGINAW CITY LITERARY ASSOCIATION
was organized Jan. 11, 1858, with J. G. Sutherland, Pres .; A. S. Gaylord, V. P; O. L. Spalding, Sec .; C. D. Little, Treas .; and an Executive Committee, composed of W. H. Sweet, G. B. Bene- diet and J. B. White.
The Young Men's Society was organized in 1868; the Saginaw City Musical Association, in 1866; the Harmonia Society, in 1873; the Choral Union, in 1875; the Patrons of Husbandry, Saginaw Valley Grange, in 1875; and the Ladies' Relief Association, reor- ganized in 1871 to lend its great aid toward the sufferers from the Chicago fire and the Northern forest fires. These, with perhaps a few other benevolent or social associations, complete the list of such organizations in this city.
OAKWOOD CEMETERY.
An act of the State Legislature, approved April 13, 1871, con- firmed the title of the City of Saginaw to the cemetery property described as follows:
Bonnded on the northeast side thereof by Emerson street, and on the west side by fractional block seventy-seven. the end of Wayne strect, block 81, the end of King street, fractional block 80, and Queen street, according to the plat of said city of Sagi- naw; on the south by lands owned by Barnard & Binder, and on the easterly side by the bayon adjacent thereto.
The act further authorized the council of the city, by a vote of two-thirds of the aldermen elect, to sell said cemetery or burying ground whenever the council may deem it proper; and the mayor and recorder, on such sale being authorized and approved, were authorized to make and execute all necessary conveyance therefor.
The cemetery of Oakwood is situated three miles from the city, in the midst of a beautiful country. Though comparatively new,
637
SAGINAW CITY.
it boasts of beautiful groves, magnificent monuments, driveways, parterres, and all the accompaniments of an old and well-kept cemetery.
THE INDUSTRIES OF THE CITY.
The lumber mills of Saginaw City constitute an industrial center of the greatest importance, and one of which any city might be proud. During the manufacturing season the mills offer employ- inent to Inindreds of industrious workinen, who, in turn, contrib- ute to the well-being of the entire community. The lumber con- cerns of the city stretch along the western bank of the river for many miles, forming, with their kindred salt works, what may be termed a continuous four-mile line of wealth-distributors. The machinery, buildings and troops of busy men, in connection with the industries, form a scene as significant of great enterprise as may be presented.
The salt wells and salt blocks of Saginaw City form the great sine qua non of prosperity. Without the salt well, the manufacture of lumber would become so unremunerative that it is probable the greater industry would fall away. It is stated on good authority that the manufacture of salt in conjunction with the lumber mill, is the only possible means of rendering the latter profitable, be- cause it is made a primary object by the owners to render the manufacture of salt so extensive as not only to pay the expenses incurred in its production, but also to meet the running expenses of the lumber mill. Thus the lumber industry is strengthened, it not actually sustained, by salt industry, and both are carried on in harmony, to the great good of the city.
WILLIAMS BROTHERS' SAW-MILL.
The firm of Williams Brothers, with Gco. F. Williams as princi- pal, succeeded the first lumber manufacturing firm organized in the Valley, viz .: G. D., E. S. and Harvey Williams. The old mill, noticed hitherto, was destroyed by fire July 4, 1854. Four years previously Gardner D. Williams erected a saw-inill on the site of the present concern of Williams Bros. This was enlarged and im- proved from time to time, provided with a circular and a muley saw, a lath machine and edger, and rendered capable of cutting 3,000,000 lath and 6,000,000 feet of lumber per season. This second mill was burned July 30, 1874. The "Little Mill," built by Geo. F. Williams in 1866, ran a circular saw, a lath machine and an edger, capable of producing 2,250,000 lath and 4,000,000 feet of lumber per season. In 1874 the present concern was built, new machinery placed therein in 1874-'5, and formally opened at the beginning of the season of 1875. The machinery was manufactured at East Saginaw and is of the most approved description. The steam is generated in six boilers, the engine is 640-horse power, capable of cutting annually 14,000,000 feet of lumber. The com-
638
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
pany may be termed the pioneer lumber firm of the Valley. Of the original company, formed in 1834, Harvey Williams alone remains in Saginaw.
A. W. WRIGHT & CO.'S L. & S. WORKS.
The first mill was erected in 1853 by Rolifson, Hatell & Co. In 1856 the coneern failed, when it passed into the hands of the Farmers and Mechanies' Bank of Burlington, Vt. In 1859 the property was purchased by Miller & Paine, who continued to operate the mill until 1864, when it became the property of Paine & Wright. In February, 1865, J. H. Pearson, of Chicago, pur- chased Mr. Paine's interest and associated with A. W. Wright. The old mill was burned June 13, 1865, when the "Big Mill," located at the northern junetion of the J., L. & S. R. R. with Water street, was erected. The machinery comprises seven boilers, four engines, one large gang, one small gang, one circular, two edgers, four slab saws. Its capacity for sawing is from 23,000,000 to 25,- 000,000 feet of lumber per season, giving employment to 70 men in manufacture of lumber, lath, staves and heading.
THE SHINGLE MILL.
is among the most extensive of the kind in the State. It is pro- vided with two Hall shingle machines, one sapper, one drag saw, one bolter, one cut-off saw, six rippers, and employs 20 men and boys.
A. W. WRIGHT'S PLANING MILL
was erected in 1870 by R. H. Bennett & Co. W. G. Vananken is the present superintendent. The machinery nsed is from the shops of W. A. Wood, of Boston, and consists of two boilers, one 70-horse power engine, one 25-horse power engine, three planers and matchiers, one endless belt single surfacer, one 30-inch double surfacer, one re-saw, one siding saw, one power feed edger, together with new machinery added May 16, 1881, comprising a single surfacer taking a board 27 inches wide and having an endless bed, and a 30-incli double surfacer machine with eight feed rollers. This is a No. 1, and the largest made by the company, and larger than any other used in the Valley. Either machine will dress timber of any thickness, from half an inch to 10 inches. The No. 1 machine weiglis 11,000 pounds and is worth $2,300. The Curran & Wolf's patent Inmber drier is used. This consists of three large kilns in which the lum- ber is placed, and dried by means of exhaust steam. With this establishment is connected a sorting yard eight acres in extent. with sidings from J., L. & S. R. R.
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