Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-10-11
THE SHEPHERD TURNPIKE.

noticed at any length this unusually
generous undertaking of our proverbi
ally liberal and public spirited fellow
citizen, Mr. Henry Shepherd
IT was then yet in embryo, but the
plans and specifications submitted
backed by the well established repu-
tation of Mr.. s. for doing well what
ever he undertakes, led us to enter
tain great expectations for fine road.
and we so pictured it TO our readers,
Well, we have just enjoyed the
pleasure of not only inspecting the
method of. construction, but of actu-
ally trying behind a good team a little
dash upon a short section of the fin
ished roadway. Instead of having
anything heretofore said to retract,
more enthusiastically than ever We
now add that its entire completion as
partially done will prove that the
half has not been told.
1t looks like active business out the
Grade now. A short distance from
town we pass piles of freshly quarried
rock near by, and little further on
encounter them strewn along the road
side, and then in Marshall's field strike
the hive of activity itself, where the
Crusher is located. And CT7iSher ii
is, that with motive power from an
adjacent steam engine, grinds stone
with apparently as much ease as a
grist mill does corn and grain.
Dotted around in the neighboring
! fields at the various rockbrakes IN
sight, are squads of busy quarry-men,
from which points there are constant
lines of carts and wagons hauling the
stones to the Crusher, and then remov-
ing the crushed material to its place
upon the road.
The method of construction is sub
stantially as follows: The we'll settled
dirt-grade is levelled off TO uniform
width of 1S feet. Then layer of the
metal-stone broken to not exceeding
5 inches-is spread and rolled. Then
on it another layer of stone, broken
to not exceeding 2 inches, is spread
and rolled again, and then on this a
heavy coating of fine stone, or crusher-
dust as it is styled, is spread, and the
whole thoroughly rolled with mas
sive metal roller, which makes it
when done as smooth as floor, with
10 inches perpendicular metal in the
centre, sloping to six inches deep at
the sides.
At the edge of the Is feet limit in
width. the side cutters for drainage
are then cut or filed as the case may
be to a uniform depth and width, and
are to be rip-rapped or compactly
paved with stone, while for cross
drainage, there are few wide stone
culverts, and numerous 12inch terra
Gotta pipes, which tend to spread the
water and avoid washing.
The uniform width of road bed,
with evenly dressed cutters, and re-
moval of all rockbrakes and obstruc-
tions py the way-side, make marked
change in the appearance OF the road,
giving the impression, as you wind
along the fine farm lands adjacent, Of
beautiful avenue.
When once completed as now under
way, it will not only be a most at
tractive drive, surprising all expecta-
tions of its friends, but we venture
the assertion that it will be in con-
struction and finish the finest stretch
of roadway in this section of country.
So much for this muniticent under
taking on the part of Mr.. 5. ltprom-
ises to fully maintain his usual stand
ard, and be well done.
A few words to the beneficiaries oil
the enterprise, the people of our
community generally, but specially
those who live along the line OF the
Improvement and whose property Is
being greatly enhanced invalue bylt'
We trust they will all show proper
appreciation of Mr.. SIS kindness ana
generosity toward them. Howf While
sharing its comforts equally with MIR.
s. in the use of the road, by interest
ing yourselves equally with him in
irving to preserve and protect 1t.
Hogs and cattle turned at large may
mutilate it. Chain locking wheel OF
a loaded wagon down a hill, may
pillow up the surface dressing. Until
it becomes thoroughly settled and
compacted. it will be liable TO various
injuries. which will readily suggest
themselves to thoughtful persons, and
ought to be carefully avoided by all.
Again, help to beautify and adorn
it. How? By careful attention to the
appearance of your premises fronting
on it. A uniform line Of fences on
both sides OF the road would add
greatly to its attractiveness, be de-
cided improvement to your own prop
erty, and cost but little outlay. We
are glad to notice a couple old fences
already gone but can't shut our eyes
to the fact that there are still some
lettering stone and shabby old rail
companions left which ought to follow
the departed.
Mr.. SIS liberality in this whole mat
ter, deserves at your hands some re-
turn in this respect, and we trust con-
sideration and reflection will lead TO
a most hearty response.