The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-02-12
Harrisonburg Items.

Interest is being revived in the resump-
tion of work on the narrow gauge railroad
running from Harrisonburg west, through
North River Gap. Experts have been at
work in the coal district, represented by
the Dora mines. Openings have been
made some four miles west of the old
mines, and continuation of the deposits
discovered. AT first the coal vein appeared
12inches in thickness. BY further examina-
tiOnS it was ascertained to be about four
feet, and relieved of the crushed and dis
ordered condition in which it was found
in the original exposure. Those operat-
ing expressed themselves pleased with the
developments, and specimens of the coal
were taken North. as evidence that it ex-
lists in a commercial quality and guam
tity, 1t is thought that the final consum-
nation of the sale of a large tract of land
will depend on these discoveries. as we'll
as the revival Of work on the railroad en-
terprise which has so long flattered the
hopes OF the people along its proposed
route. Should the statements relating to
the coal openings prove correct and as IA
vorable as reported, it will revive in
terest in the enterprise and stiffen the
backs of those who have been coquetting
with it for long time.
Mr.. A. M. ValZ is busily at work on the
foundation of the United States building
to be erected at Harrisonburg. He raised
Il derrick on Saturday last. and has a num-
Der of workmen engaged. Several of the
Staunton contractors were examining the
plans and specifications last Saturday.
John Il. Plunkett, II. II. Wallace, James
M. Wilson and j. E. Tinsley, architect,
were on hand, to get all the points accessi-
BILE. The work on the entire building is
advertised to be let on the oath inst
Judge Mclaughlin adjourned shis court
on Friday last, after q session of month.
A large amount of business was disposed
OF and the docket gotten into condition
to make the labors hereafter much less ar
duous and exacting.
A special term of the United States
Court-Judge Paul preslding-is in SEES
sion. The business principally is on the
civil docket. The Abbott Iron Property
ejectment eases were under consideration
last week. A number of witnesses and a
large array of surveys and maps were be-
fore the Court. Judge Sheffey repre-
sents the company and Chas. E. Haas the
defendants.
The question of water works for Harri-
sonburg is engaging the attention of the
citizens. The system proposed is arte-
sian wells, at an estimated cost of $22,-
OOo The present supply of water is very
inadequate, not only in case of fire,
but for ordinary purposes, in seasons of
drouth especially. The big spring, a few
wells and cisterns constitute the sources
OF water for the entire town. A regular
system of water supply ought to be estab-
lished, both as a means of health and con-
venience.
The Public School buildings both for
the white and colored children, of Harri-
sonburg, are credit to the people. Both
OF them are large brick edi6ces, conve-
nlently arranged and ample in their ac-
commodations-located III different por-
lions of the town. The schools are pro-
crossing well. and give general satisfac-
ton.
Mr.. Glen, an experienced m iller, is get
ting the timbers ready for large Touring
and grist mill, near the depot of the Val
ley Railroad. Some delay has been occa-
stoned in the selection of the exact site.
AS soon as this is determined the work will
be commenced and speedily completed 1t
will be great convenience to the imme-
date community as well as to the farmers
OF the county who have grain to grind or
sell.
The Revere House is one of the hest
conducted Hotels in the Valley. The Ia
BILE is excellent, and the rooms well fur
nished and kept in neat and tidy order Mr..
Cartmell understands his business and is
giving to Harrisonburg what every town
ought to have-a good hotel.