Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-08-05
Lumber-Our UndevelOped Forests-Archi-
lecture.


The growth Of our industries furnishes an
interesting field for observation and inves-
tigation. A glance at their early history
will not be without good effects in consider
ing designs of present and future progress.
sTAUNToN LUMBER TRADE FIFTY YEARS
AGO.
The main source of our lumber supply
in the far past was the country known as
the Pastures" and from the valleys and
mountain sides there, and out as far as
Pendleton county, brisk business was
transacted here. 1t was entirely of the bar
ter order-merchants taking the yield of
the forests in exchange for farm and family
supplies. At that and some time afterward,
the venerable David Gilkeson, conducting
the leading furniture mandatory, engaged
in the trade beyond the demands of his bus
mess. twas not any desire to occupy him.
self in that branch of local traffic, so much
as the promptings of a generous nature
He was never known to decline an exchange
of his wares for lumber material, though
his yards were full on a dull market. His
furniture we'll illustrated his fine character
in the honesty of its manufacture and en-.
during value. And, doubtless, in this half
century Of time which has rolled by, and
long after he has passed to his rest, there
are many remembrances of that good man
thus perpetuated here, and in all the sur
rounding country.
PRESENT SOURCES OF SUPPLY AND THE
TRADE.
In supplying the market now, the rail
roads have, in the main, superseded the old
modes of transportation. From West Vir-
ginia, and many points in the old State, the
growing demand has made it's drafts. The
finest yellow-pine forest, above Underwater,
now available for lumber, is South of
Lynchburg. 1t has rapidly yielded to the
consuming demand. From the mills in
that section, principally near the Staunton
river, supplies are sent to this city. The
resources there have built an elegant trade
at Lynehburg.
The lumber trade requires a clear head
to manage it successfully. Classification
with estimates for the demand have to be
considered closely. 1t is one of the most
desirable industries which can be estab-
lished.
This city has three yards conducted by
qualified gentlemen, who appreciate the i'm
portance of the trade and the value of its
growing future.
Quotations of the market form feature
in the SPECTATORS weekly commercial re-
view.
UNDEvELoPED FORESTS AND ARCHITEC-
TURE.
Staunton is we'll located to take a leading
part in developing the hard woods which
can be obtained without much inconveni-
ence. A new method Of utilizing this class
Of lumber must shortly engross general at
tention.
Parquetry and inlaid embellishments,
rich designs for the interior finish of build
ings, plain or interlaced work of various
and different colored hard woods, the en-
ployment of which dispenses with paint al
together, are developing into an industry
which has its chief source of reliance in our
mountain sections. Wood carpet, super
seding- oil cloth, is also manufactured the
same way, from plain to the richest designs.
1t lasts longer, and costs less, than the ma
terial now in general use. Oak, walnut,
maple, cherry, and that beautiful hard
wood known as mountain mahogany, equal
to the Honduras growth, are all in our sec
ton of country, and scarcely anywhere else
is such combination to be found.
A Philadelphia establishment, the only
one so far known to us engaged in this
new development, has obtained a large
boundary Of hard wood forest in Mercer
county, and is getting out the material to
be worked up at Philadelphia. Here is a
new and undeveloped industry. The ma
| terial is at the command of local enterprise,
| and it would seem reasonable conclusion
| that an interest of such importance will be
investigated. The Philadelphia Factory
has already become one of immense pro-
| portions.