Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-05-17
The ThIbOdallx Foundry.

Among the many useful establishments of Thib
odaux, the Foundry-owing to its utility ant
Importance to the planting community thar
any other, merits passing notice.
The project of a foundry here-the heart of thu
sugar growing region Of this portion Of Louisiana
first originated in Mr.. C. F. HAwLEY, now of Lou
isville KY, an intelligent and energetic mechanic
sometime during the year 1914. Mr. Hawley be
ing a gentleman of limited means, had many Oh
stacles to contend with, and it was not until the
close Of the ensuing year, 1916, that he final,
succeeded in carrying his plans into successful op
GRAFTON. From that period down to the present
time the history and utility Of the Foundry toe
well known to require notice at our hands. Oul
present aim is to describe it as it now is with ma
chnery, buildings and capacities for performing
| work
| This foundry came into the possession Of the
present proprietors, P. H. Gary and Charles NJ
ellis, i'll 1858. During the past year it has been
considerably enlarged, and otherwise improved, by
the erection of large and commodious brick
building, and by the addition of the latest and
most improved machinery The principal or main
building is Of brick, one hundred feet long by forty
feet wide, in the clear, two stories high, covered
with slate, with cast iron water conductors, two
hundred feet in length. The lower story fifteen,
and the upper story ten feet high in the clear.
The ground floor is devoted exclusively to ma.
chmery, and to the purposes of finishing shop.
The machinery is driven by an elegantly construct
ed upright engine, planned and built on the prem.
ises, and finished in the most workmaaike manner,
in fact we have fear in saying that it cannot be
excelled in any one particular, either North Or
South. The steam is generated by one of Irving's
patent safety circulating steam boileas, which cost
81, 200 in New York. One Of the advantages Of
this boiler is the great saving Of fuel which, in the
course Of year, amounts to no inconsiderabe
sum.
Through the centre of the building, runs line
Of wrought iron shafts longtudinally, to which is
attached iron pulles or drums, with eccentric fas-
Jennings for driving the machinery, which consists
Of LIST two Of the largest class lathes, with iron
shears for turning and boring steam cylinders sugar
rollers, shafts etc; End, large class lathe wood
shears iron bed plate for turning shafts, boring
Wheels etc. 3rd, three first class Rack Lathes for
smaller or finer work, such as turning pstons, pump
rods, piston heads, metallic and composition pack
ing, chasing all kinds Of screws brass valves, etc.
4th, planning machine tool of much and great
utility, capable Of performing the work Of ten
9Th patent screw cutting machine 9th, horizon
tai and vertical drill press 7th, cumming ma
chine-sth, boiler machine-9th, two large cranes
with iron fastenngs, fifteen feet arm In addition
to these all Of the appurtenances, such as work
benches vices, pullies, bands etc.
The second story, which is of similar dimensions
with the lower, is occupied as work shop and as
depot for patterns There is wood lathe, work
benches and all the necessary tools for carrying
this branch Of the business, and patterns to the
value Of $4,000. This department is headed by
Mr.. Todd, finished daughtsman and experienced
mechanic. It was he that planned and designed
the new engine of the establishment.
In the building adjoining the finishing shop is
the boiler, coal MILL two cupoas and fan for melting
down the metals. Next to this is the moulding
floor. The building is 3s by so feet, 20 feet story.
It is provided with large crane, fine assortment
of cast iron TASKS, and core oven which will take
in mould nessesary to make casting ten feet in
diameter and ten feet high. 1t also contains a
brass furnace Of sufficient capicity to make the
largest size brass casting required in the country
This department of the establishment is under the
management and supervision Of Mr.. Alexander
Sutherland, gentleman in every way fully qualified
for the charge confded to him.
In another large and commodious building is the
smith shop containing two forges iron ware room,
and shop, for fitting up Circular Saw Mills an i'm
provement on Pages, which are in great repute
among the planters Of the country. The number
Of hands usually employed in and about this estab-
lishment is about twenty. As whole, it is pride
to our town and an honor to its proprietors.