The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-05-30
SHOE FACTORY.

The friends and subscribers of this enterprise
met in the basement of the Wilkes building
tuesday night last, to hear the-report of Mr.. c.
L. Weller, who had visited several points in
the North, at the instance of the committee APP
pointed at the last meeting, to gather infofma-
Ton as TO the practical working of shoe fac
tory. Mr.. Weller stated that he had visited
Philadelphia, Camden, N, j., and Katawissa,
Pa, where he had met not only great kindness,
but was told by those already interested in the
shoe business, that they felt great Interest in
the development of our section, and would gladly
give any assistance in their power to aid us. One
gentleman said he would give financial assist
ance if necessary. All expressed the deepest
interest in the upbuilding of the South, and
treated Mr.. Weller as the representative of
Southern interests and of Southern enterprise
with the greatest cordially and kindness. There
was unanimity of opinion that shoe factory
would pay if property managed, and was just
the thing for atow1r starting sout-in new enter
prses. Don't. fail, said one of them to Mr.
Weller. don't be discouraged; and if you can't
get through, call on us and we will help. Mr.
Weller gathered much valuable information as
to the establishment and running Of a plant, the
necessary amount to purchase machinery and
stock. Zeigler Bros, of Philadelphia, thought a
$4,000 plant would turn ont 100000 worth Of
goods, and would cost forth plant itself $500.
Very much depended -upon-the, management;
there are very few, failures in the business.
Burke Bros, thought Mr.. Sickles number one
workman, with a fine capacity for fitting up and
running factory. They could~fernish machinery
necessary for a factory for $4,000 put .up~in-
Staunton, or for $4,000 on board cars at Camden,
N. ]. Mr.. r. D. Smith endorsed Mr.. Sickles
as manager He is in The shoe business lie
made 10 per cent. the 1st, End and Sd, and SO
per eent-the 18th year.
Mr.. Van Court, manager of the American
Shoe and Leather Trade Association, fully ems
dorsed Mr.. Sickles, his capacity was unques-
toned. Mr.. Milton Phillips, of philadelphia,
thought $4,000 would run a factory, and $4,000
would buy the machinery
The machinery of the katawissa factory had
cost $780, but it was thought we could get all
necessary machinery for 5000, 49,. .ae.sg,s
Mr.. Denmar, Secretary OF, the. Katawissa shce
factory, said they sold $4,000 worth of shoes in
8 months, and made some money The gem
eral opinion was that in starting factory, loss
would be sustained the first year, but the kata
wissa factory, under Mr.. Sckles, had not lost
money. ..,7... -... ~, ..@t,t.t'. '.taf', y /
W. A. Burke thought the report satisfactory,
and the work should go on and asked for The !
report of The committee on subscriptions
MIR. J. Howard Wayt reported $4,000 sub
scrbed
Col. J. Skinner and Hon., H. st C. Tucker
addressed the meeting stating briefly the adj
vantages arising from manufacturing industries,
and urging the people to take hold with an ear
nest determination to win success. AT the con.
clusion OF these remarks. Isaac Witt, Esq. made
a brief pointed and telling speech, which elec>
trified the audience, and gave practical direc-
tion to Reinforcement. Mr.. Witt said sin view
of what we have heard from Mr.. Weller, and
al lhst mas DeeH Salu, AIN SatlSlleQ tnaI the
enterprise is a good thing. double my SUBJ
scription''
Then followed in rapid succession, NJ. a.
Booker, Col. Skinner, II. Ste. Tucker, Daniel
crimmens, J. C. Scheffer, J. r. TAYLOR, Jno. D.
Crowle r. r. Andrews, DR.. H. H. Ienlsle, B.
F. Eakle, Arista Hoge, BIT. Bagby, and Others,
until $500 had been added to the subscription
list, making the total amount over $4,000, and
securing the establishment of the factory beyond
a doubt. The meeting adjourned to meet at
the call Of the chairman.
Under the guidance. Of such business men as
have taken the lead in this enterprise success is
assured, and soon another industry will be added
to these already here, And after this, some
thing else