The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-11-04
THE SOAP FACTORIES OF ROCK ISLAND.


at the BEST and one not calculated to attract
the attention of most men. By dint of great
perseverance, and determination to turn
out nothing that would not compare favora- |
bly, with the products of larger establish |
ments of the kind, home trade of consider
able dimensions was gradually built up
Hard work and good management increased |
this to a comparative prosperity. This bus
mess seldom pays when conducted on a
small scale. Large establishments are of
course enabled to sell goods at lower per
centage than smaller competitors, and by
other means, to gain over the trade.
Patient plodding is therefore necessary where
a lack of capital is experienced. In few
years, however, the city trade was increased
by orders from Iowa, and from the adjoining
interior points of our own state. In the year
1868, just ten years from the commence
ment of the enterprise, the old building was
replaced by the present one. This is a SUBJ
stancial stone structure, two stories in hight,
and thirty feet by eight-fve in size. great
many needed facilities were also added, Civ
ing capacity for meeting an extensive trade,
| and also an ability to increase the quality of
the goods manufactured, Last year the
firm name was changed, Mr.. Robert Raj
ston purchasing MI. Kelley's interest. At the
present some four OF Ave hands receive con.
slant employment. The amount of soap
| turned out by this factory this year. will
probably reach two hundred and forty thous.
| and pounds; in addition to this there will
also be manufactured from forty to fifty
thousand pounds of candles, and about one
hundred and forty barrels of lard oil. The
principal brands of soap are the palm,
"Erasive,' and "Detersive." The rosin used
in the composition of these articles is receiv-
ed from New Orleans the soda ash from
Europe ria New York, while the grease
stock is principally procured in this city
Messrs. Warnock & Ralston are now doing
| a fine business having their hands full, or
ders ahead, and tlattering prospects.
On the corner of Union ard Exchange
streets, or rather on the Camden road, anoth.
er worthy enterprise is being placed under
way. We refer to the Star Soap Works
owned by 4. L. Tiffany. Some time in July
last, Albert L. Wilson, erected the presen,
building, which is frame, and only - by
! 40 feet In size, and commenced the manu-
facture of soap on the 18th Of the following
month. Doing business in small way
from lack of capital to expand, Mr.. vii
son soon found it expedient to sell out to A
L. Tiffany, who retained him as foreman
and continued operations. Employing three
hands, he commenced turning out FIVE thous
and pounds of soap per week, consisting o
the following brands: German Model,
Irish Laundry" English Erasive,' I'm
proved Erasive," and Castle" This es
, adjustment is the first in this section Il
manufacture CASTLE soap, of which they ar.
getting up excellent quality, which com
mands an extensive sale. Notwithstanding
the very short time which these works hav'
been in operation, Mr.. Tiffany experience
considerable difficulty in filling his orders
which are almost constantly ahead of tn
stock on hand. From mere local trade
, his business has grown to more than he ha,
reason to expect in so short a time. Heav
orders are being constantly received fror
the section Immediately surrounding u:
, while the Iowa trade has become so livel
: that it has been found necessary to estal
h lish depot at Davenport In preference t
;, the product of other manufactures, tn
h Wooden Mills at this city are now using Fl
teen barrels of Titfany's soft soap per weel
n for securing and cleaning their cloths,
= having been found to be of such an excelle1
~ quality. AS might be expected of any liv
IS business man, Mr.. Tiffany is making arrang
4 ments to enlarge his establishment and il
crease his trade, beside preparing for the e,
O. tensive manufacture of candles. In fe
he weeks he will put in boiler and run h
:. works by steam, which will be step ahea
of any Of his competitors in this section.
st the spring, his Improvements will be Of
OF more extensive character. A brick or stor
We building will be erected adi Joining the pre-
ly ent one, which will be one hundred feet Ion
y and forty feet in width. The old buildir
ry will be retained as a warehouse, while Il
al works will all be removed to the new on
ch While thus Gu saged, he will take occasit
ef- to make all necessary improvements, al
m also endeavor to make his facilities sufficie
I'D to meet the demands of his present and
. ture trade. We think the Star Soap Wor
IN offer good illustration of what can be do
in building up manufacturing busine
in when proper application of energy a
ain capital is made. Five months ago this
~ adjustment was not in existence and now
in Is found unable to fill It's orders, and is to
'na trehied IN size and capacity just as quick
possible. Judging from the notes we ha
given IN the past week in regard to the pl
mt gress OF our manufacturing interests, we C
ch. scarcely see how any man can doubt t
hip policy of investing in this line. if he kno
sge anything about the business he proposes
INC handle. We question if there is a factc
ef of any kind in this city, at this time, viii
of is not crowded with business, and push
to its utmost capacity to fill orders. II
oy state of affairs is highly encouraging a
INF. speaks well for the future. Rock Island |
led unequalled advantages as manufacture