Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-04-01

Black River Valley.

Dlach KlVer valley.
Black river rises in the high mountains of
Plymouth, runs south twelve miles into Lud-
low, thence east eleven miles through the
central part of Cavendish into Weathersfield
thence south twelve miles, and Joins Con-
necticut river in Springfield The waters of
no stream in Vermont propel such a variety
and amount of machinery as do the waters OF
Black river. 1t is remarkable for the great
number of mill privileges it affords and is
literally dotted with mills and factories its
whole length.
On this stream, in Plymouth, there is a
large number of mills. Soon after it enters
Ludlow there is a wooden factory at Grahams-
Vile Three or four miles from there, at
Ludlow village, is a very large woolen fac
tory. machine sh0P, and saw min Two
miles east, at Smithville, (Ludlow,) there is
comb factory, whet-stone factory, and saw
mill. One mile east in Cavendish, is a large
chair factory, doing extensive business-the
company was incorporated at the last session
of the Legislature. One mile further cast
at Proctorsville, there is large woolen fac
east, at Duttonsville. there are two woolen
factories on a large scale. One mile further
cast, at Whitesville, (Cavendish, y is a large
Touring mill, mill, and IA aze factory.
doing an extensive business Between Dut-
louisville and Whitesville are Black River
Falls, one Of the greatest curiosities of the
kind in the State. Between this place and
Upper Falls, in w eaAhersfeld, there are sew
eral mills at the Falls saw mill cotton
factory has been destroyed here by fire. Two
miles further is PerkinsvilIc with cotton
factory, and mill with gangs Of saws for
preparing the soap stone, of which is here
manufactured the beautiful stoves so much
sought for throughout the country. There
was destroyed by fire here wooden factory,
ll0 feet in length, 40 feet wide. four stories
high, which manufactured $50 yards of cloth
per day. y few miles below is North Spring
field, with Touring and saw mills. Three
miles further still is South Springfield, with
large woolen and cotton factories, paper
mill, oil mill, iron foundry novelty works
besides various other mills and machinery
Here are made baby jumpers, and all manner
Of jumpers. There is probably the greatest
variety and amount Of articles manufactured
in this village of any place in the State
There are two banks here In all the large
villages the buzz of army of spindles and
the clatter of host of power-looms may be
heard
At all the points alluded to, where this
river moves a variety Of machinery, there
thriving villages. \ little village has
recently sprung up at Grahamsville. Lud-
low has become a kind of New Amsterdam, -
full Of enterprise, with three churches, an
academy, eight or ten stores, etc. 1t is a
central point. securing trade from the sur
rounding country. Proctorsville is a lively
business place. has two churches, two stores,
a bank, and fine hotel. Duttonsville has
two churches two stores, and a hotel. Per
kinsville is a pretty village, with its two
churches and fine hotel Modern innova-
tions not disturbing its quiet at present
North Springfield gives evidence of former
Industry. South Springfield is young Chi
ca5o, and the hum of business is constantly
heard there
These villages have well-selected libraries
well-conducted schools. and the inhabitants
Of this valley reading, thinking, intel
hgent people. There is a noble spirit OF
patriotism here a spirit of enterprise, but
ardent spirit is banished That accounts for
the thrift and prosperity. From the number
of churches named, you may well imagine
Mr.. Editor, that there is powerful mora
influence excrted here but it is to be remem
bered that it is exerted only upon those whc
come within its reach
The natural scenery in many places in thi
valley is truly beautiful and romantic. An
intelligent lady from Geneva, travelling here
remarked that she forcibly reminded o
the scenery in Switzerland. | think, Mr.
Editor. that you once resided in this vale,
for short time but it long ago
Wonderful changes have been effected an,
If you would make trip through this region
IN the summer autumn, | will venture t,
say that you would exclaim with the queen o
old.a'' The one half has not been told me.