The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-05-09
PORT BLAKELY AND SUR
ROUNDINGS.
MAY 8, 1878.

May s, 1878.
Ed. INTELLIGENCER "A few days
after cur arrival in the metropolis of
Washington Territory. having been ad-
vised to make q visit to Port Blakely
we placed ourselves on board Capt.
Nugent's brisk little steam yacht the
Success. and after a pleasant hours
run, arrived at the port. On arriving
we were pleased to meet an old &C.
ouaiutance o. J. McCausland, who for
eight years was superintendent and fore
man, under Captain Renton. of this
extensive enterprise. which owes its
Inauguration, subsequent development
and present success to the well-known
firm of Renton 81 Holmes, ably second
ed by those who have assisted in its
management.
On being introduced to the present
foreman and bookkeeper, Mr.. Edwards,
we were courteously received by both
gentlemen who showed every desire to
give us any information which might
aid us in laying before the public few
particulars that we trust may no. be
altogether without interest
The mill site, the numerous dwellings
and surroundings are most conveniently
and admirably located at the head of
little harbOr situated on the north
east side of Bainbridge Island. At the
time of writing, extensive improve
ments and eulargements are in course
of completion and have already suffic-
iently advanced, as to leave no doubt
that the Port Dlakely mill will be Sec
ond to none on the Northwest coast
Captain Renton has devoted his whole
energies, business capacity and capital
for many years to this particular indus
try exclusively, and has steadily in
creased its sphere of commercial useful.
ness
In order to give some idea of
the Importance of the undertaking
we may state that the mill proper, in
Guiding the additions now being made.
will haYe measurement of 7Ox3OO
feet, with capacity of 10000 feet
for III hours work. The building Is
two stories high, and within few yards
of the mill will be another structure
34x15O feet, which will be devoted to
the purposes Of machine, blacksmith
and carpenter shop. A separate engine
of thirty-fve horse power and
steam hammer will be provided for
this department.
The whole establishment bears evil
dence of determination on the part of
the proprietors to spare no expense or
available skill to utilize the latest and
most improved mechanical contrivances
obtainable for the perfect execution of
the various descriptions Of lumber and
building material. Everything around
the establishment bears evidence of
system and order. and in conversation
with several of the employees during
two days stay, we did not hear of a
single complaint either as regards paw
or treatment. This we regard as a
matter of special notice, considering
that in the community spoken of there
are 100 or 1870 men employed by one
firm.
Deep sea going vessels can be loaded
with every facility alongside the
wharyes, and all perfectly secure from
any casualty likely to occur from stress
OF weather.
A powerful tug is owned and kept
constantly ready by the firm to meet
and tow incoming vessels to their
moorings.
The population of Port Blakely
| (which is entirely on Renton, Holmes
& Co.'S property will probably reach
about $50 people, including women and
children, the married people being
provided. at moderate rent, with
neat and we'll built cottages, which
would be q credit to older and larger
settlements. A general store is on the
premises and all necesssries in the
shape of provisions and clothing can
| be obtained at reasonable rates A
medical adviser resides on the spot, but
complains excusably that the climate is
distressingly healthy. A building of
moderate capscious dimensions is set
aside for the manifold purposes of
church, theatre. concert hall. and ball
room, while minister of the Gospel is
punctual in his attendance every Sun.
day to call sinners 10 repentance, con-
vert the heathen. and remind all of
their latter end" In line with the
private residences connected with the
mill is large substantially built and
admirably conducted hotel. named the
cambridge" and conducted by Taylor
& Ssckman. This building is in every
| respect a credit to the community, and
to the gentlemen who conduct it. 1t
is two stories high, and from Mr.. Tay-
Tor and his gentlemanly clerk we