Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-04
CORN CANNING FACTORY
enthusiastic Meeting in Hallowell Cit,
Hall Monday Afternoon.
BRIGHT PROSPECTS OF succrs.

goodly number of farmers and o,he-s =,
''a'io~eii, Augusta, Farmingdale. Mancbe..
'er' Chelsea and other localities. ;n,e-.s,oa
In the establishment of co-n
factory In Hallowell, met in CITY Hall on
monday afternoon to take measures 10 ens,
'he success of the enterprise. Hon. JR
BOWEL called the meeting to order and
stated that the object of the gathering
was to ascertain whether the farmer.
IN this vicinity will contract To nlan,
three hundred acres of sweet corn. and s,--
hish the proceeds of the crop to parties nro.
posing to erect factory for canning corn in
Haliowell. 1t is stated that whenever the en-
terprlse has been started. it has proved a
success. The Kennebec Valley ouuht IN
nave not only one but many such establish.
ments From fifteen hundred to two thou
SAND cans OF corn could be produced on one
acre OF ground, and the parties proposing to
erect the factory and carry on the business
here will pay two and one-half cents per can
Tor the corn at the factory. After the first
year the price will be increased. as the ex-
pense of erecting buildings this year renders
1t necessary to obtain the corn at a reasonable
price to ensure success. In addition to the
amount realised by the farmers for the corn.
the fodder will be about equal in value to
from one to two tons of hav
DIR. Lapham of the Maine Farmer. said he
had no practical knowledge of the business.
hut was at East Baldwin last year at the time
the factory there was in operation; and on
inquiry learned that the farmers in that vicin-
ity made the business of raising corn pay and
considered the crop profitable one much
better than the raising of sugar beets No
establishment in the State had been discon-
tinued for lack of sufficient corn.
Fodder he considered worth as much as a crop
of hay from the same land. Had no doubt
the business would be found paying one
S. l.. Boardman of the Home Farm, came
down to attend the meeting to see what
result TO the farmer: cash crop, and an i'm
provement in their farming operations. About
fifty dollars per acre could be realized from
this crop. The progress of farmers is appar-
ent wherever they are engaged in the raising
Of sweet corn for the factories. This is no
experiment: success is an established fact.
DIR. North of Augusta. stated that he was
interested in the success of this factory; was
faI hot aJ Oh o;,;r
of sweet corn profitable had heard of one
man raising ten acres and receiving one
thousand dollars for his crop, an average of
one hundred dollars per acre, at a price of
so far advanced. he thought farmers would
make better crcp another year. Hoped,
however, enough would contract to ensure
success this year.
Mr. Bodwell thought farmers would do
well this year; and those who contracted this
season would have the preference next year
in the line of making contracts. He said it
was important to have the question settled
now. Another opportunity might not occur to
establish the business in Halowell All should
take an interest in pushing the enterprise to a
successful issue this present season. 1t is a
matter of local importance to every citizen.
Mr. Burnham of Bridgton. agent for Messrs.
j. W. Jones & Co., the parties negotiating.
gave information of the practical workings of
the business in other localities. Farmers
ten or twelve miles distant from the factories
made it profitable to raise corn for the tacto-
ries He snbstantiated the statement of others
that the fodder would be equal in value to a
crop of hay from the same ground. From
fifteen to twenty cans to the 5ushel Of ears
would be realised. One pound and eleven
ounces by weight of shelled corn allowed for
a can.
S. g. Otis read the proposed contract OF
Jones & Co., and a large number of farmers
agreed to plant corn this season should the
business he established. Mr.. Otis I'M
forms us that the prospect is quite conclu-
sive that the three hundred acres will be Sc
cured. and that the work of preparation for
building will no doubt be commenced as soon
as practicable.