Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1869-11-23
Lancaster Woollen Factory = History
and Description-General Remarks
on Factory Enterprise.

buildings, purchase Of machinery and
starting of woolIen factory in Lam
caster. The shareholders then or
gauized for work under the general
laws for Incorporating manufacturing
companies. In the spring grounds
were purchased, including The big
spring lot in the lower and east part
Of the village, and work was com
menced. In July the buildings were
finished, and much of the machinery
ready for putting in, including the
machinery formerly used by Douglas
Oliver at his North Andover factory,
and perhaps as much more ordered
from the East, and steam power and
engine. All the machinery is new
and of latest improved pattern, and
much. of it calculated for making the
finest woollen wares according to
eastern first class style and finish.-
The finishing and eoloring depart
ments are especially claimed as SUI
perior to the like in any other west
ern factory. But only one defcien-
cy exists--that for working Shoddu
into stuffs for ware. But this will be
added when the consumers of home
factory wares demand the like
Early in the fall part of the ma
chinery was started, and more from
time to time until all took on motion,
every part performing its work &C.
cording to the design Gifts architect.
In starting new factory, much
time is required to secure hands and
train them, each for his and her part.
A few first class hands were at first
brought from New England, includ-
ing the superintendent, and heads of
the weaving, spinning dying and
finishing rooms. And since then
these chiefs have been training hands,
chieiiy girls, for operating the ma
chinery. These amateurs. we have
been told, will very soon learn to
perform their parts as well as ex-
perienced hands. AT present some
dozen or more are under instruction.
The machinery in all departments
are calculated for about forty opera
tives, and for using up annually 1907
| 600 pounds of wool ia the manufact-
ure OF as many yards of cloth, aver
aging, and stuffs to the value of
$1,000 900.
The rooms are warmed with steam,
and night watch is supported to
prevent accidents. Thus far no ac-
cident has happened to person or
property, and not loss, it is said,
by error in construction, or defect in
machinery. The $4,000 have been
expended with the economy usual in
laying out $4,000. About 10000
pounds of wool were purchased in
the summer and previous to the con-
siderable rise that has since taken
place, this being enough for pre-
liminary run, but about 10000 lbs
more are wanted at once for the
winter and spring. run--for which
cash will be paid or cloth exchanged,
at prices calculated to impress con
sumers with respect and confidence.
About the first of January a general
assortment of cloths may be had st
the factory.
And here we mention that it is
the design of the managers to copy
and finish all the latest styles of
cloth wares, having arranged for
new patterns upon their first appear
ance in the eastern markets. And
as their machinery, much Of it, is
calculated for average fine and the
finest Merino and Saxony woods, the
public will likely be surprised to learn
that wares of finest material texture,
finish and color, can be had at home
without ordering from the east, and
really at cheaper figures.
The first assortment of cloths to
be offered the first of January will
include cassimeres, tweed and fan
nels-to include new patterns and
staples. Next, strong wares, yarns
and blankets, and finally shawls,
sacque stuffs, &c.
At this particular time of scarcity
OF money and cheapness in the cloth
market, when so many woollen fac
tories are standing idle awaiting
changes, it may appear as an error
to start new factory. In fact some
Of the share holders so understand
1T, and are therefore offering their
stock for sale at heavy discount.
The offering of company stock for
sale at heavy loss, and just at the
time OF opening new enterprise OF
the kind, when all is outlay and no
income, is very common practice
| the result, the ADLER shareholders and
men of steadier faith and confidence
then turning in and buying up stock
held by the weak minded, and there
after assuming control and capturing
the profits. And this is just what is
being done, but this insures perfect
stability and success of the enterprise.
1t Will become partnership prop
erty OF say three or four persons,
who will see to its best management.
Tha community really are interested
in this course of events, as it insures
future economy, order and regularity.
Better now that stocks be low than
after a while when great profits
would breed great jealousy and
these quarrels about the manage
ment.
The Lancaster Woollen Factory
will provide home market for most
ifnot all of the wool raised in Grant
County, and will be able to furnish
most of the staple and fancy cloth
ing worn. Besides, it will provide a
consuming home market for produ-
GERS, save an immense amount of
money in the shape of freights and
intermediate profits between manu-
facturer and consumer, and support
reciprocal home industry. 1t will
furnish the best of wares, and thus
protect consumers from losses. 1t
will inaugurate manufacturing in the
country, in other lines of skill and
kind, and SO open new industrial
era.