The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-05-04
Our Manufactures,

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S>S-
Our Manufactures.
1t struck us last week that it would be well to
and their business prospered. Our first call was
at the cutlery works. They employ IS hands,
and about two-thirds are men of families living
in Ottawa. The managers inform us that they
have plenty of work and the prospect for trade is
good-better than at this time last year.
Geo Jekyll, one OF our leading contractors and
builders, was found with full force of men and
boys all at work. Mr.. Jeyklrs hands number
from 20 to 80 and he pronounces the outlook
good for summers trade.
At the starch factory business was far ahead OF
last year at this part of the season. Mr.. McGin-
mis-, the general superintendent, kindly took us
through that really immense establishment and
showed us more in an hour than We could write
in a day. They run at present force Of about
one hundred and fifty men and boys and of course
they pay them every Saturday night. They
grind up on an average one thousand bushels
of corn daily, and pay about a cent bushel more
than the highest market price. This establish
ment is large. 1t covers about five acres of
ground, with its several buildings and accesso-
res The main structure is immense in itself, is
seven stories high in its principal part, has in its
machinery $50 gear wheels, and over two miles
of cutters and spOuts, and over 10000 feet OF
shafting They make over 10000 pounds of
starch per day, use three ton of coal for fuel and
8, 600 feet of lumber every "A hours for boxes.
The large store house is $50 by 100 feet with %
feet ceiling.
The box factory is % by 100 feet, stories, and
10 men are constantly employed there.
They have all the improved machinery, and
have achieved world wide reputation. Their
starcl. ranks with the very best and is SO quoted
in all markets
Hon. j. D. Cation is the president and principal
stakeholder; Andrew Lynch, general agent, and
P. McGinnis, the superintendent and manufac-
turcr.
1t is well known that owing to the skill Of Mr..
McGinnis alone, whose long practiced skill gave
him what money could not buy, /. e., knowledge,
these works, after many failures, became a sue
cess. He is thoroughly posted in his business.
Afterwards we visited Smith II Seipple, wagon
makers on Main street They run from six to
ten men and make well known wagon, as well
as carriages and buggies. Mr.. Bach, leader of
the 12th Battalion Band works there and lis
AS good carriage maker as he is a musician.
A. Hess d Co. are very good business men and
deserve far more than a passing notice. They
employ from forty to fifty hands and pay them
from $500 to 500 per week. Their cigars are
celebrated everywhere. They make from 10000
to 80 600 cigars per week.
Down the same street you will find Strobe *
Gondolf, who have good reputation as harness
makers. They commenced business in 1866 as
partners and have made their mark here As good
citizens.
Near them is Hill ~ Formhals's wagon and
carriage shop. They pronounce trade good and
prospects better than ever for a business this
spring, if the rain will let up.
At the glass works Mr.. Catlin posted lis as to
his business. The buildings cover about three
acres of ground and cost more money than We
ever expect to own at one time.
They employ from 20 to - men and many Of
them earn heavy wages. King " Hamilton are
rushed with business and are now running about
100 hands. They are heavy manufacturers and
have contributed much towards the prosperity Of
our city.
Maicrhofcr is doing large business with hi
many new and improved machines and IIcwcs
IL Duffy and Stormont are not behind.
Capt. Rising is doing something in the way OF
cigars. He runs Il force of good boys and turns
out cigars too numerous to mention, but as his is
a new place he has no statistics just now.
In short we are satisfied that our manufar
lures are doing well and none Of them seem
discouraged.