The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1869-01-14
Our Manufactures

It is well calculated to encourage conf
dence in the future OF our city, to remark the
prosperity which, at period of general de-
preston, attends the manufactures already
established.
The extensions which have heen lately
made to our Iron Foundries, in particular,
have attracted much attention and Indicate a
success worthy of more than a pa sSing notice
That of Durant, Van Arsdale q Co., as the
oldest establishment of the kind. claims per-
haps the precedence. Although the nature OF
the manufacture and the long use of the
buildings they occupy, have impaired to this
establishment, an air which would little sug-
gest to stranger the life and activity with
ln-more striking perhaps since the archetec
tural perfectonS of Pettits Malt House,
have dimmed all else in it's vlcinity-yet the
ring of the iron, the cang of machinery,
and the glowing fires which so regularly and
cheerily blaze from its chimnles with the
casting each evening, give assurance of the
vigor and extensive business of this enterpris.
ing firm.
In 1916, MIRA. B. Saith, whose memory is
still cherished by many of the old settlers,
with o wise foresight of the true interest of
the city, erectt d the buildings which yet fur
nlsh the principal accommodation to this bust
ness, and established here one of the first
iron foundries in the state. These were pur-
chased in 1850 by Messrs Head 81 Campbell,
and Tor period OF foui teen years they con-
demands at that time, of the place and vicin-
ity, which in its success gave earnest of the
present fiourishlng condition of this branch
Of our industry. The principal article which
they manufactured WAS stoves, although OF
late years they had added to it that OF Thin
bic Skeins, which had been invented and pat
ented some time before. by Andrew Leonard
citizen of Kenosha. 1t is this latter de-
partment of the business that the present
firm have most sought 20 develope, and which
in the Wide circulation they have given this
well known product of their shops, has con-
fered no little celebrity upon this city.
In August 1864 Mdssrs Darant, Var Arsdale
u Co., took possession of these premises and
en,ered upon the enlargement of the business
heretofore conducted there, with an enter
prise, which in conjunction with our othe
manufacturers has done so much under the
adverse circumstances oil the situation, to
preserve our business interests from entire
prostretion. while bringing, as we confidently
opine, substantial advantage to themselves.
In proof ofthe growth OF TINS business under
their charge, ii may be Northumberland the
facts here stated have been obtained on in
qniry at the office OF this company--that at
the time OF their purchase, the capacity of
this Foundry was equal to the production
only of some Is sets of skeins per day. At
present it can produce l75 sets, while during
the past year it has averaged for work ing
time, about 40 sets per day, and has in fact
turned out some $500 sets per month and
yet they find this does not meet the demands
tol their soods, and wishing to keep up with
the spirit of the age, which does not favor any
hall working they are now again charging
their works and increasing their facilities Tor
manufacture their goods
Finding their boiler too small, they are re-
placing it by a larger one, that is made out
of the best iron the country produces, and
are also making other improvements that
will enable them more readily to supply the
wants of their customers, and we think will
give them the best arr anged shop in the west.
The present extent of their business, which
the new markets which they have secured on
the Mississippi and in the new states west
OF us hive compelled, is shown by the con-
sumption in their manufacture during the
past year. OF no less than 300, tons of coal,
and 200 tons Of iron, part of which is pro-
cured from the mines on Lake Superior Some
10 tons of iron are melted each day in their
furnace. About 1913 square feet of their
tabllehment, are used for the moulding room
alone, making it probably the largest one in
the state. The advantages which manutac-
lures confer upon the community in which
they are established, are evidenced by the fact
that this firm alone employs AZ men at an an
nual expenditure of $50, 900 and supports some
80 families
In addition to their manufacture Of thimble
skeins, 10 which their Foundry is chiefly de-
voted, this company are also exclusive own
ers Of Benurman'S Patent Hub Reamer, for
which they now have a ready sale. For the
convenience Of old customers and the public
generally. they reserve TWO lathes and four
men exclusively for the execution of job work.
1t is matter of congratulation to our citi
Zens, that by dint of persevering industry in
telligence in their business, and indomiiabe
will, this firm have demonstrated beyond cavil
the possibilities ofour situation, in their own
ability tocompete successfully with similar
cs adjustments in Chicago and Milwaukee
May the light in their forge never grow less !
W.