The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-11-06
ROCK ISLAND CARPET AND COvERLET
FACTORY

If any one imagines that the manufactur-
ing enterprise of Rock Island is on the stand
still, he has but to look about him, and be
convinced of his error. The right kind of
spirit seems to be animating our capitalists
IN every branch of business, and solid, en-
during basis is being laid for the future pros
perity of our city. The enterprising lner-
camille firm of Block Il Newburger, has just
set IN motion project which is we'll worthy
of mention. We refer to their carpet and
coverlet factory, now occupying the second
and third stories of what was formerly the
Masonic Hall block, on Illinois street. 1t is
a fact in which our citizens should take no
little pride, that west of Philadelphia, Rock
Island is the only city which can boast of an
establishment of this kind. Block & New
burger, having always made the sale of car
peting something of a speciality, last spring
bethought of manufacturing their own stock
IN this line. The idea was rather an origin
al one, and suggested many difficulties ,chief
of which was, the scarcity or rather entire
absence of operatives. Not deferred, how
ever, they commenced their preparations in
March last, and ordered from Philadelphia,
six Jacquard looms for the manufacture or
Coverlets, four of the same looms for the man
ufacture of ingram carpets and two for the
manufacture of cottage carpets. The frame
works for these were constructed by Grav
Chopper & Co., of this city, in fine, sub
stantial manner. But little time was con
sumed in putting this machinery together
and on the arrival of the operatives, who
were secured in Philadelphia, business wa
commenced. The room occupied by tn
looms embraces the third story of the build
ing, and is about fifty by sixty feet in size
Peter Kreamer was appointed superintend
ent, having many years of valuable ex
perience to fit him for that position. Tn
number of hands now employed is twenty, 6
an expense of about ten thousand dollar
per year. The rooms of the second stor
are principally occupied for the storage {
yarns, warps, etc. While the present estat
lishment must be considered only in til
light of a commencement, the amount of il
manufactures may be set down as follows
Ingram carpets, ll6O yards per month co
tage carpets, 800 yards; and $50 coverle
per month. Very particular attention
paid in getting up new stiles, as they STAN
their own patterns. The proprietors aim /
keep up with the times, and to produce q
meritorious articles as can be found in an
mercantile establishment in the west.
They are turning out two classes of ingrai
carpets-one, all wool, and the other woo
figured Their cottage carpets are indeed
novelty, and being retailed at such very 10,
figures, must attain an extensive sale. I
the line of listing carpets, they will 500
commence the manufacture of an art;c]
which commsnds itself to the trade penerall,
Their articles have already attracted marke
attention. At the Rock Island and Sco
county fairs they carried the first prem
iums, and at the Illinois state fair, held 3
Quincy in September last, they were aware
ed two silver medals. While these homo,
are gratifying, they have also received til