The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-02-11


Sash and Blind Factory, including commodious
buildings, tirst-class machinery, among which
is a large douhle-fue boiler and engine OF
about IS horse power, dry house, and about
two acres OF land, all located near the railroad
depot, connected Herewith by Y, are to be
sold at public auction on Thursday next the
18th. Several years ago this establishment was
in lively operation and doing good business
The spirit of enterprise, however, subsidized the
operatives became dissatisfied, and the factory
stopped running. This was bad sign for
Harrisonburg, for it is always an indication of
the activity Of the citizens Of that place to see
manufactures in q healthy condition, and the
reverse when they weaken and die out. OF
| late, however, we have observed that there is a
| growing confidence with the people OF our
neighboring town. They seem to have some
what recovered from the dependency that
had seized upon them, and we think we can safely
predict that it will not be many months before
there will be perceptible improvement in all
that contributes to the progress and growth OF
communities. We hope twill be the policy OF
the enterprising portion Of that place, to devise
means to purchase the entire establishment, and
at once start it into active operation There
is no good reason why Harrsonburg should not
be one Of the liveliest towns in the South. It
is the county seat of one of the richest and most
populous counties in the State, with railroad
| facilities North and South,-a population, in
dustrious, economical and exemplary in a re-
markable degree, and gradually and surely
growing in wealth and Importance. There is
nothing in the ordinary course Of events, that
can prevent the advancement of the farming
and pastoral interests of the entire Valley, and
as these develop, the towns must necessarily
progress in like ratio, from natural association
What Harrisonburg wants is spirit of enter
prise to keep pace with, and avail Of the adj
vantages thus presented, and one OF the ele-
ments of this enterprise Is the active operation
of just such establishments as that proposed to
be sold on the 18th. 1t would be serious re-
Election upon the public spirit of that comma
nifty, were they to permit the machinery of
the factory to be purchased by foreign parties,
and removed to another locality, of no more
natural advantages, but vastly more active en-
ergies. It is, however, for the citizens there
themselves, to determine whether they will
permit this established concern to be transfer
red. OF course it is but short distance to
Staunton, and if that is the case, we can fur
nish them with everything they may want in
the building line, for our mechanics are always
up with the times and prepared for all demands.
But it would look better, and certainly add
more to the attractiveness of the place, if sufi-
Gent energy were shown to put this important
mechanical enterprise into healthy motion.
With reference to Harrisonburg, we wish to
make suggestion to the county Board of Su
pervisors. They have erected handsome
new Court House. They have the court house
yard beautifully ornamented with shade trees
they have large area Of ground included in
the yard-it is in the centre of the town, and
can be made one OF the most inviting spots to
be found any place in the State. The sugges-
ton is that the old, dilapidated fence, broken
and repulsve as it is, be removed and a hand
some iron rail enclosure substituted. Then,
/ either by placing four foot walk around the
outer part OF the entire ENCLOSURE, or by order
Of Court, prevent the hitehing Of horses to the
fence, making it have the appearance, as it
now does, Of public livery yard. This habit
is the subject Of the unfavorable criticism Of
every stranger who happens to stop day in
that place. Itretards the progress Of the town,
gives it an air OF sloyennass and bad taste, that
operates, not only against the town, but the
county, for there is nothing that so favorably
impresses visitor with the character OF peo-
pie as the evidences Of neatness, thrift and pub
lie enterprise Of the copnty-seat. First impress
sions, too, are always lasting. We have no
doubt that this simple habit, persisted in for
years, it is true, has caused a number Of per-
sons looking out for investment to leave Har-
risonburg for other more inviting localities
Oh the surface. It would cost bnt trifle, con-
sidering the wealth and prosperity OF the coun-
ty, to have erected 4 neat and substantial iron
railing around the Courthouse yard. This
done, then it would require but little argument
to convince the intelligent and practical peo-
pie of Rockingham, that it would be to the in
terests of all to break up the usage of surround
ing the court yard with horses on every public
occasion.
We feel an affection fo- the old Burg. 1t
was our home from infancy almost to manhood,
and then again after we had grown to maturer
years. We have interests in the place, and for
these reasons, as well as a pride that is natural
to one to s:the manner born," we should like
to see new departure in its material progress,
as we'll as in the more refined and esthetcal
ASPECT Of the case. 1t has the location, the
natural advantages to make it the most attrac-
tive town in the Valley, and for the men to al
low these to 90 unimproved, is an evidence Of
their want of appreciation of the surprising
beauty and grace of the ladies, whose bright
fresh faces and becoming attire present suca a
striking contrast to the haggered condition Of
the public grounds. s
: There appears to be a difference, says the
Wytheyille Enterprise, in the price OF flour in
Staunton and this place which is unwarranta
BILE. Choice extra in the former place retalls
, at $3.50; in Wytheville, So. Thus will b
, found difference Of $50 per barrel, while il
would only cost about 81 to transport it IRON
Staunton to Wytheville. According to this II
!, would be matter Of economy with us to buy
ell our flour in Staunton.
II Well, we eau furnish our friends in TIN
: Southwest at the market quotations, with a
: much flour of any graqeas they may DESIRE
t Send the orders.
stWhat in the world has become OF the pam