USA > South Carolina > Richland County > Columbia > Historical and descriptive sketch of the leading manufacturing and mercantile enterprises, public buildings, officials, professional men, schools, churches, ets., railroads, canals, rivers, advantages and surroundings of Columbia, S.C. > Part 8
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FORD, TALLEY & CO., COTTON MERCHANTS,
Corner of Main and Laurel Streets.
With the opening of our new canal and river navigation, the cotton trade of Columbia is destined to be- come an important one. and that of the above firm has been steadily on the increase since their commence- ment in business here some half dozen years ago. W. H. Talley is a native of the city, but now residing in the cotton-growing district at Darlington. E. H. Butt, of Augusta, is a partner in the house, and the resident manager is the senior part- ner, B. B. Ford. Mr. Ford is a na- tive of Va., coming from Norfolk to Columbia five or six years since, to continue his business as a cotton buyer. The house does an annual trade of 25,000 to 30,000 bales, and has an excellent commercial stand- ing. We hope the cotton business will increase in Columbia from year to year until this will become a great trading mart and commercial centre, and such firms as Ford, Talley & Co. will assist in hastening the day of prosperity.
DANIEL CRAWFORD & SONS, ยท COTTON FACTORS, Near Union Depot.
Daniel Crawford was one of the early cotton merchants of this State,
Jones, Robertson & Co., cotton buyers, are located adjoining the above, and do a similar amount of business.
R. O'NEALE, 321 MAIN STREET,
Dealer in Cotton, Wool, and Hides.
Richard O'Neale, Sr., began trade in this city more than half a century ago, and 25 years since, the son, Richard, became a partner with his father, continuing with the same un. til the elder O'Neale's death some six years ago. The firm buy an- nually over 6,000 bales of cotton, which comes on wagons from this and surrounding counties, and for which the producers are paid in cash. This money is largely spent in Columbia. thus making a very important trade to our city. Mr. O'Neale also buys hides and wool, but turns his principal efforts to the cotton trade.
-0- GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL.
CHAS. H. FISHER, PROPRIETOR.
It is not our design to occupy and John A. began business with his much space with cuts in this matter father in 1857. Some ten years later of fact compilation, but the above is David H. Crawford was added to the so condensed that we give it place. firm, which still continues in the old The Grand Central was built some style. This firm has 3 warehouses, 15 years ago, and is the property of and, with covered platforms, has a C. C. Habenicht, who has recently
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COLUMBIA CITY.
made extensive additions and im- a favorite resort with Northern provements. Chas. H. Fisher, the tourists. The Jerome is but one present lessee, is a native of New- block from the State House, and is bern, N. C., and has been in hotel in the heart of the business centre. business for 15 years. More than It has spacious parlors, 50 well fur- five years since he became interest- nished sleeping apartments, a hand- ed in the Grand Central as one of some dining-room, and the table is the firm of Fisher & Benbow, two kept supplied with the best of the . years ago purchasing Mr. Benbow's season. The Fagan Brothers are interest. The Grand Central is lo- men of means, good business tact, cated at the corner of Main and large experience, and will spare no Plain streets, fronting 120 feet on effort in having the Hotel Jerome Main and running back 225 feet on gain in the popularity which it has Plain street. It is a 3 story brick, already received as a first class and contains 60 sleeping apartments, house, The Jerome is a handsome besides the usual commodious office, structure, well-kept, and a deserving parlors, dining-room, etcetera. The monument to its owners, the Fagan steward is E. E. Post, of Maine, who Brothers.
has officiated here for five winters, WRIGHT'S HOTEL, and is well known as a culinary ar- tist. O. E. Wilson, of N. C .. is the S. L. WRIGHT & SON, PROPRIETORS, chief clerk ; J. R. Parker, of Colum- CORNER MAIN & TAYLOR STREETS. bia, officiates as night clerk, and the Wm. A. Wright, formerly propric- tor of the American House of Rich- mond, Va., came to Columbia in 1868 and took charge of the Nickerson Hotel, which then occupied the Fe- inale College building. Mr. Wright died in 1870, leaving his widow and son in charge, who continued busi- uess until the College was again opened. In 1878 the present hand- some building was erected by the Southern Express Company, the whole force have that genial wel- come and "farewell call-again" air that makes the stranger feel at home in his journeyings. The Grand Cen- tral has long been known as a well kept house, and is a favorite with commercial men and tourists. No- thing gives a better advertisement to a city than the character of its hotels, and in this respect Columbia may feel a proper pride, as she has at least three first class places of title being held by its President, H. entertainment.
B. Plant, so well known in railroad HOTEL JEROME. CORNER MAIN & LADY STREETS. and transportation circles. This was leased by S. L. Wright & Son, Fagan Brothers, Proprietors. and named Wright's Hotel. The Wright is not the largest house in This fine three story brick was the city, but is first class in all its erected a year or two since, and is appointments, with spacious parlors, commodious in all its appointments. ample dining-rooms, and about 35 It fronts over 200 feet on Lady street, apartments for guests. It fronts 60 giving an excellent southern expo- feet on Main, runs back 150 feet on sure and the influence of sunlight, Taylor street, and adds to the archi- so indispensable to health and com- tectural beauty of this corner. W. fort throughout the winter season. Charles Wright, the son, has been It presents many attractions and is brought up in the hotel business,
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
and fully understands its details. W. charge 20 years ago, one wire did S. Carr, a native of R. I., but old re- all the business. Now 40 wires are sident of Charleston, began clerking used, five operators are required, be- for the Wrights upon their advent sides the manager, linemen, office in Columbia, and still continues at boys, etc., and an operator at each the hotel office, where he is fully at depot connected also with railroad home. With nearly 20 years' expe- work, so that Columbia has a tele- graph service equal to any city of its size in the country. The Southern . rience here he bas become thorough- ly acquainted with the tourists and commercial travellers who make this Bell Telephone Company was estab- house their favorite stopping place. lished here in July, 1880, and is ope-
UNIVERSITY DINING HALL. HENRY WOOD, STEWARD.
CORNER RICHARDSON & GREEN STREETS.
rated by the W. U. Company. Over 50 instruments are in use, giving an all night service.
SOUTHERN EXPRESS CO. TAYLOR STREET.
In addition to several hotels and boarding houses not mentioned, Co- lumbia has a good students' Dining Prior to the war, Adams South- Hall, kept by Henry Wood. Mr. W. ern Express Company operated the was born near London, England, and lines in the South, but with the ad- located in this vicinity shortly after vent of hostilities this was made a the war. Last year he was elected separate management, with the pre- as steward of the University Dining fix Adams dropped. About 1874 the Hall, which is an institution calcu- company built a handsome 3 story lated to give cheap and substantial structure on Taylor street, where board for the benefit of students. they have abundance of room, keep- Mr. Wood has a fine farm near the ing in one portion of the premises city, where he raises a full supply their wagons, horses, and extra stor- of all kinds of vegetables, and keeps age. In 1878 the management here, several milch cows, thus being able with T D. Gillespie in charge, erected to supply the table mostly from his the Wright Hotel mentioned else- own products, and to furnish good where. More than a dozen men are board at the low figure of $10 per employed in the service bere, eight month. He keeps the only meat horses and three wagons, and the market in the First Ward, vegeta- average transactions are very large. bles in connection therewith, and Mr. Gillespie is a North Carolinian, having good facilities in general, he but old resident of Charleston, and sets out a neat and substantial meal has been in charge of the Columbia at this low figure of 10 cents each, Express business for ten years past. which could not be done in a coun- He has been in the Express employ try where meats and vegetables were for a quarter of a century, and to high priced. He has accommoda- bis good judgment and prompt busi- tions sufficient for 150 students.
ness habits the efficient service here is largely indebted.
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PUBLIC BENEFITS. TELEGRAPH. TELEPHONE.
CITY WATER WORKS. FOOT OF LAUREL STREET.
The W. U. Telegraph Company Columbia erected a city water works was early in the field here, but when in ante bellum days, which was fed W. R. Cathcart, of this city, took by springs from Sidney Park, and
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COLUMBIA CITY.
the water forced to a reservoir at ers use the Columbia gas. The ser- the summit near Judge Haskell's vices of a half-dozen men are re- residence. This served the purpose quired in addition to the foreman and for many years. but the supply be- superintendent, and the net price is coming somewhat deficient, a con- $2 per thousand feet. The process tract was entered into with S. A. is what is known as the Low, or Water Gas, system, and considera- with water for twenty years at $16,- ble discussion has been made as to
Pearce in 1870 to furnish the city 000 per year. An additional pipe was laid and water taken from the river by the canal. In 1882 the city purchased the Pearce equipments for $40.000, and were released from the 20 years' contract. The freshet of 1886 carried away the canal water power, and new steam pumps, with two 75-horse power boilers were put in at a cost of $5,000. Spring water is used, as far as practicable, and river water supplies the additional demand. Superintendent Henry Al- exander is a Scotchman, immigrated to Columbia 30 years ago, and has been in charge of the water works for seven years past. His house on S. Assembly street is partly built of State House granite. Mrs. Agnes Alexander, the superintendent's bet- ter-half, conducts a.grocery house at No. 19 S. Assembly street.
COLUMBIA GAS LIGHT CO. OPERATED BY UNITED GAS IMPROVE: MENT Co.
the relative merits between this and the coal gas. Our investigations of analysis, testimonials, and statistics, as well as the use of water gas, for a number of months, lead us to be- lieve that it bas the advantage of coal gas in every respect. The flame is a clearer white, more illuminating, less impurities, and less danger from explosion - than the coal gas. It is also more economical to the manu- facturer, subject to less loss and con- densation by cold, and more easily regulated. To provide against any contingency of accident, the Colum- bia plant has a duplicate apparatus, independent of each other, so that when number one might be out of condition or need repairs, number two would be furnishing the usual supply of gas. The present con- sumption only requires } to } of the working capacity, and with a large increase in population and manufac- turing enterprises, the net cost to consumers might still be reduced
The Columbia Gas Light Com- below its present low rate. Anthra- pany began operations about 1852, cite coal shipped from Pennsylvania, and the plant is now operated by the and benzine, a large native produc- United Gas Improvement Company tion of the same State, are used in of Philadelphia. The buildings and the manufacture of the water gas, apparatus cover an acre of ground, the steam being introduced through and have an annual capacity of 40,- the coal at a white heat and en- 000.000 cubic feet. Mains have been riched by a spray of naphtha, which laid on all the principal streets, combines with the liberated gases to Main street being provided with form the present product. This two, and there are upwards of fif- system was invented in 1874, and teen miles of pipes in Columbia. has displaced the old process in The city uses 131 lamps, the hotels, many large cities, and is gaining gen- State House, Asylum, &c., paying eral favor where new plants are be- for 58 more, and about 400 consum- ing. placed.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
John M. Daniels, the efficient Columbia Canal, which, in addition superintendent and agent for the to the advantages gained through company here, is a -native of its completing the chain of naviga- New York city, and was formerly tion from the mountains to the sea, engaged in erecting works for the will make at this point an immense United Gas Improvement Company, mill motor, practicable for use to the coming here about two years since extent of 10,000 horse power. Al- to take charge of the Columbia plant, though the Columbia Canal, under and his successful management is its present ownership, is a matter of good evidence of his efficiency. The but few weeks' time, the history company has been generous in its of canal work at this place dates donations to city enterprises, and is back 70 years, when the Board of deserving of the thanks of Colum- Public Works, under act of the Gen- bia people for putting this plant on eral Assembly, constructed a canal a paying basis and furnishing a good from the confluence of the Broad light at a moderate cost.
CANAL AND RIVERS. THE NEW WATER POWER.
and Saluda Rivers to Granby, on the Congaree, some 3 miles distant. This was prior to railroad transpor- tation and the Congaree was then navigable for boats carrying 250. bales of cotton. The Broad River was navigated by large batteaus, called mountain boats, which carried 40 to 70 bales of cotton. These mountain boats, up to 1882, passed into the old canal and landed cotton at the upper end of the city. Upon the introduction of railroads, the old canal was gradually abandoned.
Just at present the all-absorbing topic in Columbia is the water power and transportation advant- ages to be derived from the comple- tion of the new canal and opening of the Congaree River. A hundred years ago canal schemes were talked up and acts relative thereto passed by the South Carolina Legislature. Work on the Santee canal was com- In the early history of South Caro- menced in 1792 and completed 22 lina no manufacturing was conceived miles from Charleston, opening up of for this section, and a canal for navigation to Granby, and complet- 'water power was of little use; but ing a line of transportation to meet
with present statistics, which illus- the requirements of Columbia mer- trate that this State has made in chants as well as the needs arising the past eight years greater advance- from the developments of the agri- ments in cotton manufacturing than cultural fields of this section, by any other State in the Union, a July, 1800, at a cost of $750,000. water power of 36 feet fall, as we This canal was in operation for have at Columbia, becomes of im- about 30 years, but on account of a mense value and must soon be util- lack of water on the ridge was ized. Wm. Sprague, of Providence, sometimes impracticable for use. and R. I., in 1868 bargained to purchase with the advent of railroads gradu- from the State the privileges and ally became inactive.
appurtenances of the old canal. and
But what more nearly concerns secured a charter for the Columbia the people of this section, and all Water Power Company. This com- the upper regions of the State at pany built the present water works present, is the completion of the and made some improvements on
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COLUMBIA CITY.
the canal, but owing to the political ment. The canal, with river ob- chaos which then existed here, and structions removed, will give the crisis of 1873 causing the failure through water passage from the of the Sprague Manufacturing Com- mountains to the sea, and the rich pany at Providence, the Columbia upland country bordering the Broad company was unable to fulfil its obli- River alone will send 40,000 bales of gations, suspended operations, and cotton to Columbia. The canal will the property, excepting the Water supply abundance of cheap water Works, reverted to the State. By di- power, and Columbia will be able to rection of the State, Engineer Holly, offer equal, if not superior, induce- in 1878, made an estimate that the ments to cotton manufactories than building of a dam on Broad River at can be found elsewhere in the United the head of the old canal. and the States. Cheap cotton, cheap power, constrauction of a canal 150 feet cheap living, cheap labor, and a South- wide and 10 feet in depth, would ern market for the manufactured cost about $300.000. Various acts products, thus saving the freight to by which other parties have been
New England on the raw cotton and interested have been passed by the the return of goods to this section. State, but we shall not go farther Already two home companies are in into minute details. Since April. process of organization. and addi- 1882, in convict labor and cash, the tional capital from the manufactur- State has expended about $130.000 ing districts of the North will not be for this improvement, and by act of lacking when the canal is completed December 24, 1887, agreed to make and our numerous advantages be- a transfer of this, with all the appur- come known. The Columbia Mills tenances, to the city, if the munici- Company have an option on a 12- pality would guarantee for thirty acre manufacturing site at Tar years the interest on $200,000 of 6 Branch, two blocks below Gervais per cent. bonds, which is estimated street. and had 855.000 of home capi- as necessary for the completion of tal subscribed prior to the act of As- the work. The city furthermore as- sembly, which made the appropria- suming the State's liabilities in con- tion forthe work to Gervais street. It nection with the canal. An expres- is thought that the present appropria- sion of the citizens of Columbia tion may be enough to continue the upon the acceptance of the proposed work to this site and the original enterprise January 26th resulted plan vet be consummated. It was designed to make a capital stock of
in a vote of 1,592, of which 1,579 were in favor of a guarantee of in- $300.000 for this enterprise which terest on the bonds, and it is now would put a handsome plant into believed that the banks of this sec- operation, and all Columbia people tion will float these bonds. thus giv. hope they may yet be able to carry ing the capital necessary for the im- out the original plans.
mediate prosecution and speedy com- Manufacturers and capitalists in pletion of the work. We deem this, any section of the country who de- in connection with the movement on sire to know of special features re- foot to open the navigation of the garding Columbia's advantages, Congaree and Broad Rivers, one of which are not given in this pam- the most important moves ever made phlet. will receive full and reliable by Columbia for her future advance- information by addressing the Board
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
of Trade, City Clerk, or any of the Cole; treasurer, Wm. S. Opdyke; banks. secretary, Carsten Wendt. All of STREET RAILWAY COMPANY. 88 WEST MAIN STREET. New York. W. D. Starling, a Co- lumbian, is managing director, and has fully demonstrated his ability in that direction. Mr. S. has been largely engaged in agriculture and stock raising. He owns a farm of 2,000 acres on the Congaree, some 20 miles below here, and has 60 acres in the suburbs of Columbia, where the Barhamville Female Col- lege was formerly located. Mr. Starling reports 50 per cent. profit on his investment in stock raising for 1887, and he believes the future of South Carolina in that direction is very bright.
The Columbia Street Railway Company was organized in 1886, with a capital stock of $50,000, and the prompt building and equipment of the road with the effective service which it has rendered has proven a great convenience to our people, be- sides adding a metropolitan air to the surroundings. Six cars have been run since the opening, and 25 to 30 horses are in use. The road, with its branches, measures four miles, and a double track runs on Main street from the State House PIEDMONT AIR-LINE. RICHMOND & DANVILLE ROUTE. to the post-office, over half a mile. Here it branches into two single tracks, one of which continues up Fifty years ago the aggregate rail- Main street to Elmwood Avenue, roads of America measured less than and thence on by way of the Fair 250 miles and required about 1,000 Grounds, Race Track, and Cemetery. employees. Ten years later it had The other goes out Laurel street, grown to 7,000 miles, 5,000 employ- passes the public and several private ees. and $200,000,000 of capital. To- schools. the C., C. & A. R. R. Shops day there is more than 150,000 miles to the depot, and within a block of of iron highway in the United States, the Ursuline Convent, Theological the year just past having shown a Seminary, Benedict Institute, and construction record of 12,524 miles, Allen University, and quite near to which is greater than any preceding the Lunatic Asylum. 12 months. Nearly a billion of dol-
The company owns a block on the lars is now invested in railroad en- corner of Gervais and Lumber terprises, and 750.000 hands re- streets, 204 feet by 208 feet, on quired for its operation. All other which are located the offices, car agencies combined are overshadowed house, and stables, all of which are when compared with what railroads commodious and convenient.
This is only a commencement. The company contemplates making many extensions and improvements.
have done in the development of our country, as every mile of road is estimated to bring 20,000 acres of land into feasible culture, raise its
At the annual meeting of the com- value 100 per cent., and add im- pany the report showed that the mensely to the wealth of the coun- average number of passengers car- try through which it traverses. In ried per day during the year was two years past about 200 miles of 800, which was fully as much as had railroads have been constructed in been expected. The officers of the this State at a cost of over a million company are : President, Eugene M. dollars, and the total mileage of
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COLUMBIA CITY.
South Carolina is now nearly 2,000, a great mart of transportation, the the entire investment of railroads in people of Columbia are indebted to this State being estimated at over this system for direct benefits from fifty millions of dollars, and the an- their large shops at this place, which nual gain in cost of transportation, cover six acres of ground, give em- as compiled from figures in the Agri- ployment to 300 persons and pay cultural Department, is about twen- out in wages at this point $228,000. ty-five million dollars, so that when These immense industrial works are complaint is made of insufficient ac- located at the foot of Blanding and commodations and high charges by Laurel streets, and are in charge of railroads, it should be considered Master Mechanic J. H. Green, a na- that they bring back to the general tive Columbian. Nearly 150 skilled public in direct transportation gains, mechanics find employment in the fifty per cent. of their estimated foundry and machine shops, where value, while the owners in a large the entire repair work, and some share of instances fail to receive new construction, is done for about a fair equivalent on the capital in- 700 miles of road. A round house, vested. As railroads have become accommodating a dozen engines, is such great instruments of power, found on these grounds, large store and are so indispensable to the pop- houses for supplies, the division of- ple it is but proper that they should fices, etc., the total value of the be under legislative restriction, and grounds, buildings, and equipments we believe that South Carolina is being estimated at about $150,000. wisely governed in that respect.
The Superintendency of the Pied- The Richmond & Danville Rail- mont Air-Line Division is in the road system comprises 2,400 miles of hands of G. R. Talcott, of Connecti- line, all in operation, and enters Co- cut, who came to the charge of the lumbia from the north, south, and C. C. & A. road some 8 years ago. west, giving three distinct outlets to At that time the division had 191 the west, two to the south, and one miles, while the present aggregate to the north and east, forming a of lines under Superintendent Tal- cott's charge is 689 miles, and com- short connecting road in all of these directions. It operates seven pas- prises what was originally ten differ- senger schedules into and out of the ent roads. David Cardwell is Di- vision Freight and Passenger Agent, J. S. Land, Master of Trains, R. Southgate, Engineer of Maintenance of Way for the Columbia & Green- ville division, while Thos. Bernard has charge of the South Carolina di- vision in the same capacity. Shan- non Morrison has been Columbia Agent for ten years past.
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