The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21
AN INDUSTRIAL CENTRE
THE ADVANTAGES HELENA OFFERS IN VARIOUS LINES.


Any one who has not closely watched the
growth of industrial enterprises in Helena
would be surprised at the progress made in
the past few years in that line. The time
IS not long past when there was scarcely
mandatory of any kind in the city. The
Tatem and Stedman iron foundries did con-
siderable work in their line, but beyond
this there was nothing, and the people of
Helena and Montana in general shipped
either from the east or west, not only al
most everything they ate, but all that they
wore and pretty nearly everything which
entered into the construction of their
houses. 1t was a recognized fact that there
was here good field for home industries.
but no one seemed willing to avail himself
of the opportunities offered. The first men
to grasp the situation were the mill men
who put in new and improved machinery,
enlarged their plants and equipped
themselves fully to compete with
eastern manufacturers. just as soon
as one firm determined that it
could compete with outside factories, others
followed. and to-day there are 500 men en-
ployed IN the various mills, where few
years ago fifty was the outside number.
These firms not only compete in prices
with eastern and western mills, but excel
them in the quality of the work done suit
able for this climate.
Among these new enterprises that of
ketchum, De Noclle & Co. deserves especial
mention. ms company has most COM
piete plant west of the gas works. and makes
a speciality of fine Office fittings and inside
work Tor residences, besides doing a gen.
eral mill business. All over Helena are evil
dences OF their work, which compares favor
ably with any shipped in, while in prices
they nave no trouble in competing with out
side houses. Other firms which have dem
onstrated that home industry will pay in
thls line are the Helena Lumber COMPANY.
Montana Lumber and Manufacturing com
pany, Gllchrist Bros. and Edgar, Sanford a.
Evans, and G. .. Yergy.
AS the mining industry developed the
demand Tor various kinds of machinery in
creased, while growth in other directions
also called for more of the output of the
foundry and machine shop. About a veal
ago strong company was organized, the
Iatem and Stedman iron foundries were
Gonsonoated under the title of the Stedman
iron Foundry. new and improved machiner,
put In and the plant SO enlarged rs to bt
capable OF meeting the demands of a grow
ing country. AS consequence the bust.
ness mas Kept on growing and extending
rnhI Low the trade extends far beyond tn
sAAS
features everything in the way of minin,
machinery, not prohibited by patent rights
wnile IN the general run of iron work ther
10 nothing which the Stedman foundry i
not fitted to turn out in as good shape a
any enterprise of like character in the coun
Try. employment is given to large nun
ber OF skilled mechanics in the various d.
partments. Extensive improvements al
nov under consideration, which it is ea
pecseo WI be started in the spring, thr
~ Au1HR fNvHrv &l-A
prise has also made success.
Anothef industry whie \ is growing stea,
ny AID which when it comes into compel
ton with those of the east, comes OF
nhsad, both IN the prices asked and
the work turned out, is that of carrias
- anufacturing. For number Of YEA
& agons have been made in Helena. b,
unfi the Last year or two the plants we
200 small 70 offer much competition
Imported stock. A. Weisenhofn was Il
INST 70 see the possibilities Of the situate
md through his efforts the A. Weisenho
CaTiags Manufacturing company wa {
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