The Portland daily press., 1880-06-10
Portland Machine works.

Mr.. EDTToR:-In looking over the book en-
titled Successful Business Houses of Port
land" written by Mr. Elwell in 1875, I find on
page 124 sketch of the manufacturing estab-
lishment of the Portland Machine Works.
These works were established on their present
location over fifty years ago. There were, then.
only a very few men employed, some five or
six. 1t has grown from that to it's present
capacity of one hundred and more. During
the busiest times its pay roll has reached some
$4,000 per month which has gone to the gener
al prosperity of the city. Up to the year 1866
this establishment, known then as Charles
Staples & Sons machine shop and foundry,
was doing very prosperous business for its
proprietors and the public, and was considered
one of the institutions of our city. At the
great fire of that year this establishment was
destroyed to the foundation, including all tools
and patterns of over thirty years accumula-
ton. But it was Immediately rebuilt by its
enterprising proprietors at very large outlay
to them. During the following six years there
was a very large amount of work done annually
of about $4,000. The quality of work done at
this place has stood the test of time and proved
satisfactory to the purchasers. Here was built
the machinery for one Of the ironclad monitors
for the United States government, also sew
eral steamers OF from three hundred to thou
sand tons. But as result Of the increased
cost OF rebuilding in the year 1866 and the
protracted depression in business for the last
five or six years the works have been obliged
to stop and meeting of creditors called. The
result of that meeting was to put the property
into the hands of trustees where it still re-
MAINS
Now, Mr.. Editor, would it not seem that
mOunVad and buginQcS MI Unuara11u vvhO
are interested in the future welfa Q of Port
land should see what can be done to keep such
an establishment in operation? 1 understand
that the property is in the market at a very
only eight years ago. 1t certainly does seem
that among all the companies now being
formed for the different enterprises of the
day. that the above well-known establishment
should not be overlooked and suffered to die,
for the want of means 1t is found, on en-
quiry, that a large part of the creditors would
take the amount of their claims in stock
should company be formed, and, looking at
the situation, which is one Of the best in the
city for such business, the amount of land
1900 square feet, fronting on two Streets.
the buildings, all brick, the machinery, all in
good order and well adapted for the heaviest
kinds of work, the patterns for almost every
kind OF machinery required, all in good order,
it does seem to the writer that the city's inter-
est demands the fostering care of such an es-
tablishment, and more particularly as it is not
at all problematic as to the soundness Of such
an operation, or the successful issue of such an
enterprise.
Now, if the manufacturing interests of
Portland are to be allowed to die for want of
proper support in our own citizens, what may
we expect in the near future? With our pres
emit rate of taxation, can we expect foreign
capital to seek investment IN our city? Would
it not be better rather to sustain our old estab-
lishments in manufacturing and also encour-
age more to come, thus increasing our popula-
ton by giving employment to as many as pos
sible and our wealth by these monthly distri-
buttons. r.