Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-13
of The EVENING STAR.


ROANOKE, Va, Dec. IL.
A peculiar feature connected with the recent
wonderful progress of southwest Virginia is
that so little is known about the section and
the rapid strides it is making toward becoming
one of the most important parts of the new
south. Birmingham, Sheffield, Admission and
Decatur have been extensively advertised, and
Yet this section. rich in everything that is
needed to make mining and manufacturing in
dustries successful, is comparatively unknown
outside of Virginia and Tennessee. Within
the past half dozen years hamlets have grown
into goOd-siZed towns, and in the case of
Roanoke city has sprung out of a mere way-
side station, which rejoiced in the name of Big
Lick. The Latter place had 600 inhabitants
seven years ago, and now its successor has
II. 900 with a steady stream pouring in. Fully
half the population is made up of machinists
from Pittsburg. Altoona, Pottstown and other
Pennsylvania cities. who came with the estab-
Hskment of the Roanoke machine works and
the removal of the general offices of two rail-
roads-the Norfolk and Western and the Shen-
andOah yalley-to this place.
Apeculiarity of Roanoke is the smallness of
the native Virginia element. Only about one
fourth OF the population are from this state.
the others being the Pennsylvanians referred
to, and young men from Hagerstown, Freder-
lex and other places in northern Maryland.
Altogether the magic city. as the real estate
men are fond of calling it, has fewer southern
characteristics than any other place in the
south, settled, as it is, by such a large number
OF northerners.
WASHINGTON ENTERPRISE.
Roanoke people are very much interested at
present in a certain enterprise controlled by
Washington capitalize Washington zinc min
ing company it is called Gen. W. s. Rose
Grams, the registrar of the Treasury. is presi-
dent of the organization. and associated with
him in il are John Lynch. of the Potomac
terracotta company; Scott Petit, of South
Washington, and Chas. Early, the real estate
agent This company operates a zinc mine at
BOnsack, about miles from here, and contem-
plates the erection of extensive smelling
works. In order to get the proposed plant es-
tablished at this place, Roanoke business men
who have the interests of the little city at
heart have advanced a proposition to the min
ing company that will in ali probability be ac-
cepted by the latter. The Roanokians have
agreed to denote as much land as needed near
the city for the works and to contribute $4,000
toward helping along the scheme.
General Rosecrans was here a few DAYS ago
and had aconsultation with the Roanoke parties
IN regard to the matter. While he gave no
positive answer, it is significant that subscrip-
ton books have been opened for the raising of
the $4,000. and already quite a sum has been
given. One business house gave 81 200 and
several have subscribed $500 each From these
liberal donations it can be seen what a spirit of
enterprise prevails here. Every effort is made
" 10 establish themselves
IN or near the community. and by this means
the city Is constantly growing in importance,
IN wealth and in population. Besides the min
ing works. bridge-works plant and several
other important enterprises are assured
BUILDING OPERATIONS
were so lively here recently that the brick sup
ply became exhausted and builders were
obliged to send to Washington for additional
material 1t is fact that Roanoke contractors
have purchased all the brick that could be had
between this place and Bristol, Tenn, distant
l1O miles. To stranger Roanoke has the ap-
pearance OF booming western town from the
great number of buildings in course of cree
ton. Some Washingtonsbrick manufacturer.
who understands his business better than those
OF his craft in this vicinity do could make a
small fortune by establishing a plant here.
After many years OF a Sleepy Hollow" sort of
existence, Lynchburg, too, has aroused from
her lethargy and taken what appears to be
positive BOOM The rivalry between LYNCH
burg and Roanoke is as great as that between
Chicago and ST. Louis or ST. Paul and Minne-
apolis. Ry.O.