Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-05-13
WEsTERS FOUNDRY.
Pasronize Home Industry.


While passing along Shelby street,
near the old Gayoso House, yesterday
our attention was directed to building
opposite the Gayoso House. Over the
gate was a sign displaying the words,
Western Foundry and Machine Shop.
The hum of machinery, the noise of the
steam-hammers and the general appear
ance of industry which seemed to per-
wade the premises, attracted no little at
tention, and we determined to solve the
vexed question, as to whether Memphis
mechanics were equal TO those of other
cities, and whether the work done in said
cities could be duplicated in Memphis.
Acting upon the thought, we crossed
over, passed in at the great gate, and
walked into the office of the foundry,
stating the cause of our visit to Major
w. P. Paul, and we were at once intro
duced to Colonel A. W. Mcconnell, who
is joint proprietor with the well-known
Master Machinist, Robert Nicholson, in
the establishment. Mr. Nicholson COM
ing into the Office at the time, volun-
teered to show us through the works and
give all the information and explanations
deemed necessary. Crossing the yard,
we were led into the
WORK SHOP,
building over one hundred feet in length
by fifty in width. An immense mass OF
machinery was everywhere visible; belt
ing and gearing running in every direc-
ton from the main shaft perplexed the
eye, while the hum of the machinery told
too truly the tale of progressive industry.
Steam lathes, planes and drills were
everywhere to be seen, revolving rapidly
beneath the skillful touch of scientific
mechanics. Adjoining the workshop,
the
MOULDING DEPARTMENT
could be discovered Sand, mouldsr
patterns of every description, were scat.
tered about, awaiting the use OF the
workmen. Near by stands the immense
iron furnace with its fiery mouths, and
over the way is brass furnace, from
which brass castings, etc., were made as
the work progressed In another part
of the yard the blacksmiths' shop wal
the scene of industry, and the clankinG
of hammers could be heard all day long
The enterprising proprietors,
MEssRs. NICHOLSON NJ coNNELL,
have a magnificent and convenient es
tablishment. 1t is perfect in all it
arrangements and appointments for thu
turning out of fine work Mr. Rober
Nicholson is q well known master me
chanic, who has resided in Memphis fo
a number of years, and who was wei
known in old Confederate days as on'
of the most scientific workmen in thu
South. 1t is not to be wondered at, tina
the work turned out from the Western
Foundry is of such a character as will
successfully compete with that of tn
best machine shops in the United States
The Western Foundry is CENTRAL
located, within Few blocks from tn
river landing, equidistant between tn
railroad depots and within easy reach
all. The enterprising proprletors ar
prepared to do any kind of foundr,
work on the shortest possible motto
and at the most reasonable rates
They make specially of repairin
steamboat and stationary engines in tn
most workmanlike and approved mai
ner. Special attention is given to re
pairing machinery of all kinds, an
promptness and dispatch are assured +
all who patronize the Western Foundry
Iron and brass castings of every descriI
ton are made at this mammoth estah
liahment. Gin gearing, plows and point
can be obtained here at the shortest pos
sible notice; in fact, everything know
to the foundry business can be done her
by the most skillful workmen in the mos
approved and artistic manner.
A REMARKABLE FACT
connected with the foundry business il
Memphis is that many people yet pa
tronize the Cincinnati, st. Louis an,
Louisville machine shops to the exclu
sion of home interests. Why is this
The work can be done as well in Mem
phis, at as reasonable rates, and in
much shorter period of time than il
these rival cities. Here of late Memphi
people are patronizing home mechanic
to a much greater, extent than hereto
fore. They begin to see the folly Q
sending work and money away iron
Memphis, simply because it has beef
done in this manner for years. An,
person who visits for few minutes tn
Western Foundry and machine shol
can find no difficulty in coming to tn
conclusion that Memphis mechanics ar
equal to any in the United States, ant
foundry work can be done in Memphi
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