The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-11-10
Moline, III.

We make the following extract from let
ter Of Mr.. Scrpps, editor of the Chicago
Press, to that paper, relative to the thriving
town Of Moline.
A prominent business man OF this place
being in Chicago few weeks since, and
wishing to purchase bill Of goods, stepped
into wholesale stole on Water street for
that purpose. While engaged in making
selections, one of the proprietors who ac-
companied him inquired his place of resi-
dence.
"Moline," was the response.
"Molinc! All, lei me see, where is Moline!
I, it in Wisconsin or Minnesota"
This will never do. AS our railroads pro-
gress to the westward, Chicago dealers must
betakc themselves to the study of Geogra-
nhy; and to aid them little in this branch
of their NEGLECTED education," | propose
telling them uhere Moline is and ,rhat it
Moline, then, is very charming little
town, situated on the Mississippi river, in
Rock Island county, Illinois, about three
miles east Of Rock Island city, and immedi-
ately opposite the head of Rock Island
In proportion to its population (l,5OO,) it is
the most important manufacturing point in
the State, and as respects the thrift, enter
prise and industry of its citizens, all appear
ances indicate that it is cxcelled by no 9TH
er one of our towns, large or small At this
point the main channel Of the Mississippi
runs on the Iowa side of the Island. A dam
has been thrown across the channel on the
Illinois side creating an immense water pow
err, and to this fact the village of Moline owes
its existence.
ID. B. Sears, Esq, a gentleman Of rare en-
crgy and much good sense, was the first to
perceive and turn to use, the local ndvan-
tages Of this place. The improvement of
the water power is his work, as was also the
building Of several of the manufacturing
establishments driven by it. The dam was
built in 1910. Mr.. Sears was possessed of
hut limited means, and consequently was
not able to erect so costly and substantial a
work as the extent of the power to be OBJ
tanned would justify. II is rude structure
of stone, brush and timber, overad with a
heavy layer of sandstone and sand. 1t is
wide enough to furnish a good and secure
wagon and foot-way to the Island, and is
used for that purpose. Twice, in seasons
of high flood, has the immense pressure of
water effected breach through the dam
suspendng all manufacturing operations
and costing the proprietor large sum fol
repairs. These reverses, together with the
original cost Of the Improvements, were
more than Mr.. Sears was able to meet, and
necessity compelled him to let his magnif-
cent property pass into other hands. 1t is
now owned by Messrs. Pitts, Gilbert g.
Pitts.
OF the extent and value of this water pow.
err, if properly improved, it is difficult TO form
an estimate There is nothing that | car
see to prevent its use the whole length oil
Rock Island. (three miles.) and the same
distance on the Illinois shore. A that j,
requisite to secure such result, is the con
struction of water-tight dam, and thu
building of sea-walls SO as to confine tn,
water TO a narrow race on each side. Onl,
think of six miles of water power-of 81,
miles of manufactures! How the grca
Father of Waters" might here be made tt
grind in the MILL" to saw and plane ant
spin and weave. A distinguished membe
Of the T, poyraphicil corps some time since
calculated the effective power which ma,
he obtained, and found it sufficient to driv'
four hundred run ofburrs, One cannot Blu
regret to see the difference between wha
miqhtbe and what really is done here. Cap
ital alone is wanting to render it the great
est and most valuable water power in thu
whole country. understand some step
have been taken for the formation of com
pany with capital sufficient to make all de
srable improvements and render the entir'
power effective The present proprietors
am told, are willing to enter into an ar
rangcmcnt of that kind, and will put il
the whole property, consisting Of the pow
er, some adjacent lands and buildings, for I
reasonable consideration. tits to be hope,
this proposition will attract the attention o
capitalists.