Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-07-16
The Proposed Alpena Tannery.

Some weeks ago Colonel Corcoran,
the representative Of large Pennsylvania
tannery firm, came to Alpena to see what
arrangements could be made in regard to
starting a tannery in this city. He had
previously correspondent with Collins &
Johnson on tho subject. The Colonel
was shown about the county in order
that he could see what supply Of hemlock
bark Alpena could produce.
After making Investigations, he left,
and visited other places, returning here
few days ago. He brought back with
him plans which showed the extent Of
the buildings he desired to erect, II proper
arrangement could be made. Tho build
ings were 10 In number, and Of the fol-
lowing dimensions Office and finishing
room, 350xS0 feet, with two wings each so
feet square two beam houses, each ASK
1877 feet; two other buildings called main
yards, each 300x156 feet warehouse look
80, leach house and machinery hall, 336xSO
feet six store houses, 500x100 feet.
The entire length of the building was
/, 428 feet. The works would require
IS, 900 cords Of hemlock bark per year,
and give employment to 1000 men.
After consultation with prominent
business men, it was decided that the
works were too large, and one OF 10000
cords of bark capacity was thought to be
tho proper size.
Last Monday forenoon the business
men of the city were notified to meet in
the Council Room and listen to the pro-
position that would be made by Colonel
Corcoran. The attendance was large.
The Colonel gave short lecture on the
bark business, and the cause that led him
to come to Michigan, and stated how he
had investigated the hemlock forests.
He also paid Collins & Johnson a CON-
pliment for the enterprise they had ex-
hibited in the matter. He then made the
following proposal: He would erect
tannery works with capacity for manu-
featuring 10000 cords of hemlock bark
per year, and employing from 400 to 600
men. The city was not to tax the tannery
for two years the citizens were to do
nate 20 acres Of grounds, and they were
to subscribe $4,000, receiving bonds
drawing six per cent. and secured by the
tannery the grounds were to be sewer
ed and water pipe extended to 1t. He
stated that certain citizens had already
donated the tanncry enough bark to con-
stitutea two years supply, free Of stump
age, and made few remarks on the adj
vantages of an industry to the city that
employed several hundred men. Alpcna
bark was well adapted for making upper,
split and grain leather.
The Colonel's statement was favora-
bly, received by the business men present,
and remarks favorable TO the project
were made by w. II. Potter, A. w. Com
stock, q. j.. Maltz, Frank limerick, John
Monaghan, and others. Messrs. Com
stock and Maltz stated that they would
do their share towards getting the works
In operation, but the citizens were plain
ly notified that they need not expect that
four or five men would take up all the
bonds, but business men and small capital
lists would have to do their share, as they
were the most interested. A committee
was then selected to make the necessary
arrangements and secure the amount Of
subscription needed. The committee Is
composed a. follows w. ii. Johnson,
A. w. Comstock, q. l.. Maltz, and w.
II. Potter.
1t is not necessary for us to say much