Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-12-25
Pl0w Works.

THE YEARS WORK ENDED-soCIAL PLEASURES
The vesuvius Pillow Works is an old indus
trial development. that has grown in strength
with its years. Nearly sixty years ago they
were established. and. in connection with the
| similar enterprise founded about the same
time at GAINESVILLE in Meckienburg county by
the same parties, were he first successful plan t.
south of the Potomac to manufacture the iron
turning pillow. Sidney and B. F. Avery al
GAINESVILLE, and those two with Schuyler
Bradley, near Riverside in the South River
Valley of Rockbridge county, introduced and
manufactured the Livingst ton pillow, with emf
| nent success from 1881 forward till their sue
cessors assumed control. A full sketch OF the
commencement and continuous progress ofthe
Vesuvius plow works was furnished by the
SPECTATOR when Announcing MIR. Bradley IS
death, which occurred in July, 1885,
After the disastrous flood of the summer Of
1872 the works were removed from the first
location near the lower end of the South River
Valley to Vesuvius on the southern side of the
Valley watershed, and in regular succession
owned and worked by Messrs. hugh F. Lyle
and W. 8. Humphries,-the latter the resident
manager of this old and progressive industry
that has wrought out great results for the bene-
fit of Virginia and the agricultural interests Of
other States.
Friday, the Goth instant. was the closing-day
OF the years work at the plow- works. 1t
was a social event which deserves very
bright page in the long history Of the past, and
that which will follow in after years of these
works. They have been local pride in our
section of the Valley through nearly six de-
cades, and will continue such as time moves
on. guided by successorship worthy OF the pres
l.
The foundry furnace was called to furnish Its
last flow of metal for the year-the wheels
moving the machinery were called to halt in
their evOlutions-the hardy son of Vulcan
were directed to lay dawn their moulding i'm
plements; and the wood workmen desired TO
put aside their tools. for the work the toll, the
labor, and the anxieties OF the year, 1889. were
ended. Pending the execution of these orders
at the works. neighbors and friends in the
vicinity appeared In the warerooms of the
works, and after brief intercourse with the en-
ployees, all were sum moned to the residence
in growth of eyergreens and tell giants of the
forest where the rapid. dashing waters, having
played their part at the works above, lent
charms to the wild scenery of the lawn where
taste and art have found delightful associa-
tion in the adornment of natural opportunities
for rich display.
In the parlor and sitting rooms the whole
company were spending happy minutes in
conversation s the past was reviewed that
bright and charming day. Mr.. HUMPHREYS ap-
peared, and leading the way and placing two
of his guests one at each end of the long table,
his partn er Mr. Lyle at one. and Rev. A. H
Hamilton, the loved pastor at Mt. Carmel. at
the other, aud his visitors aud his associates
in the shops of the works ranged at the sides.
when Mrs. HumpnTies and her accomplished
daughter were intr oduced. and honored the
guests with their attentions. The hours swift
Iy ran their course till this delightful social oc-
oasion reached its Termination.
Mr.. Humphries related to the writer that,
throughout the year. every department OF the
works moved on without a jar. Not frown or
an unktnd look was given or a Ill tempered
word uttered among his employees The year
had been prosperous and the prospect of 1870
was all that could be asked. He appreciated 1t,
and 1t delighted him and his household to &C
knowledge the intelligence. tne constancy, the
fidelity, and the genuine urban1ty displayed
by the employees of tie WORKS; that he had
taken the occasion to manifest his special OBJ
legation and appreciation of them in this man
ner and to have other friends to partake of his
hospitality at the same time. who could see
the results to follow from the association OF
brethren dwelling together in the bonds OF
unity and in good WORKS.