The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1864-02-03
For the Portage county Democrat.
sew Words to Rayenn5auS

Few Words to RaYennians.
must be manifest to every Intelligent thought
fui citizen of Ravenna, that something is needed
not only to give it impulse forward in career OF
business prosperity, but to retain its present
position as point of business.
VIII our citizens receive few plain words from
one who desires to promote the common welfare OF
ali, by abusing energy into the busines. in,
pulses and activity of Ravenpa?
There are wants to be pointed out, and remedies
TO be applied, and few suggestions In relation to
tnem may awaken though: and reflection, a nd lead
10 piann of practical usefulness. such a result at
least, tits hoped may be reached
RaYennians do not lack enterprise bat, unfortu-
natey in the past great proportion of their enter
PRISE has been misdireetea. 1t has not been under
the guidance of local public spirit but under the
impulse of mere personal selhshness has scattered
abroad, neither benefting the citizens indiyid1allv
nor the co mmon interests of the town. but on Tho
contrary, amagiDg both.
1t Is enough to refer to the clonk Beer, specu-
ation to the dazzling, but wild in
and other Western lands; to the .Pise,s Peak,, raid
ana me " Mecca oil furer. All know the history of
snese adventEres some can receect them vivid de-
sa'. Eoterprses Ike the above have depleted erin.
ped and damaged kavenna. The same amount Of
energy and capital expended on home enterprises,
In manufacturing, mechanical and various business
ways would not only have largely benefited the in
otviduais concerned, but would have laid broad
aeep and apl inz the suro growth prosperity of
by foreign enterpri ses like
these, The business of Ravrnna became demora,-
ized, and pail, almost as of death, foil upon the
people. Mechanical trades languished. and our ma.
cnanics rom necessity, sought other, foreign
| ployment
neanwhlle the cong pietion and sue cessful working
OF the Mahohing rail Road, threw off from Rayeupa
as business CENTER the Northern North Eastern
portions OF the onDty. But the completion of the
atlantic y Great Western railway tends to restore
70 en- extent, the equilibrium thus disturbed. by
bringing Ravenna into railroad communication with
portion of that section of the County, -
The present may we'll be regarded as an imnor,,nt
period in Ravenna's history. Its future depepds
largely upon the immediate action of its citizeps-
neglect has largely dried up the sources of its pros.
perty Continued neglect may place It beyond sue
eessful recovery But the point of recovery is not
yet passed The tide taken now even, az lead on
TO fortune. Shall the onward step be taken3 Shall
the sride OF place manifest itself. Will those who
nave made their accnmulations here now in the en-
larged spirit of generous public en- erprise add tn
their accumulations by securing the advancement
and prosperity of the town? sesa ss Z. s.
we see enterprise, thrift and prosperity all around
US. Rail Roads are working revolution in busne.s
modes, operations and localities. They are creating
greater and esser business and these
efa" iatseis rom all su surrounding regions.
cleveland is a great business and Rail Road CEN
sef, and draws largely from country and village all
around. There are lesser business centers de so
BY Rail Road influences. We may mention in th;.
Vicinity, Warren and Akron, thriving villages
moved by local enterprise, and enjoying prosperity
and growth. These villages have each, and more
Than ohce been visited by dssolans fires but their
burnt districts have always been rebuilt in svle hat
yer tnan before. Manufactures, and the mechanic
arts and general trade and business are fostered and
Pusneo forward How Is 1t, and how has it BEEN in
this regard,l in Ravenna3 ] do not need to give
answer. Every citizen can supply one. 70
RaveDna is now a, local business ce pter enioviro
the facilities of two Rail Roads, but how long II shall
hold its position central business point for The
very soon too. by its present Inhabitants There
points in The County that are bsingvitaiized by ,e
Rail Road facilities they enjoy. We may speak of
Garrettsyile, in the North East, where Foundries
"nd manufactures and mechanical enterprises are
starting into operation in way calculated and sure
70 enlarge the village, and push rd In
OF thrift and prosperity. There is Franklin Mfs on
our I'm mediate West that has already gathered vii
ner hmiis the elements Of rapid growth and perma-
hens Pfosperlty will not do TO sit down in serene
ihcreduiity and Indifference. Ravenna ha. onlv IN
go on as she has been doing, ng out her cent
per cent won by individual transactioas other than
those that promote trade, foster manufactured an 4
courage Industry, and invite mechanical labor and
20 abroad for her in vestnens, to awake some nne
morning to find herself distanced and iwarfed b. hsr
neigaboring, sstet villages. This remark is made
In 20 invidious Feeling towards the latter but a.
prapsr stimulus for ourselves.
NOV what does Ravenna needf She needs, prima.