The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-07-16

With What is To-Day.
Special Correspondence Of the Gold Leaf:
One who saw Henderson twenty years
ago and can see it at the present day
c. form some idea of this great changes
it has undergone. The principal thing
to know is the cause of the great change.
An imperfect sketch of the place may be
read with some interest by some of the
readers of your most deservedly popular
journal, SO, from q recollection of the
place, will give some items of it's adver-
stiles and the causes of the prosperous
condition OF the place at thepresent time.
Henderson twenty years ago was only
depot on the Raleigh & CASTOR rail-
road with only a population of few
hundred inhabitants, most of the land
and property around the place being
owned by Capt. Ellis Young. The houses
were all of wooden structure. 1t has
been visited by fire, l think, twice in the
last twenty years, and most OF the bust
ness portion of the town laid in ashes.
In the last few years Capt. Young died
leaving twins-a son and daughter
who became heirs to his large estate
His son being an enterprising man and
of large means, has in the last few years
placed on the vacant lots caused by the
last fire a beautiful brick block.
This spirit of enterprise has kindled the
same feelings in others, and now the
place, instead of being built of wood, is
adorned with handsome brick buildings
and occupied by business men and trade
of various kinds carried ON in them. 1t
has not the appearance at the present
time of q wayside depot, but presents
that OF beautiful and thriving town OF
four or five thousand inhabitants.
To mention some of the causes of the
prosperity of the place l will say that
the facilities for the sale of leaf tobacco
is one OF the great causes. 1t has four
warehouses for the sale of leaf tobacco.
One is run by Messrs. Harris, Gooch &
Co., three enterprising, popular and
thrifty men of financial ability sufficient
to push their business to it's highest ca
pacity. Those who trust their tobacco
to their care generally return home sat
isfed. Owen Davis also runs ware
house and is man after the same man.
ner OF the above named gentlemen and
sells large amount of the leaf, to the
satisfaction of patrons. There is also
the Alliance warehouse, managed by
Messrs. Butler, Jenkins & Bullock. This
house is run by the County Alliance
which furnishes means to carry the bust
ness on which it is needless to say is well
and satisfactorily done. The superin-
teqdent is Mr.. W. II. Jenkins, who is we'll
known as q warehouseman from long ex-
perience. And last but not least is that
veteran warehouseman Mr.. D. Y. Cooper
whose house shares an equal portion of
the trade as he is of long experience in
the business.
A large portion of the tobacco bought
on this market is manufactured in the
place into plug and smoking, large fac
tories being operated here with success.
The largest is the Burgwyn Bros. factory
which puts up both plug and smoking
and turns out splendid articles of both
grades.
There are many other advantages OF
which l might speak-the healthfulness
OF the place, the hospitality and socia-
bility OF its people, and educational and
religious advantages. There aIechurches
representing nearly all the Protestant
creeds with large membership. The pull
pits are occupied by intelligent ministers
who expound the riches OF Christ's King
dom to their congregations.
Henderson has also unusual facili-
Ties LOT dispensing the news OF the day,
two live papers being published here
by progressive editors. One OF them has
been in the journalistic business in the
place for a number OF years and has done
as much towards its progress as any cit
izen of the place. That his efforts are
highly appreciated the flourishing con
dition OF his paper shows. The influence
OF good newspaper published in a place
adds more to its progress than anything
that can be started. In seas on and out
the GOLD LEAF sets forth the attractions
and advantages of it's town to those who
are in search OF a place to locate. Much
more could be said in behalf of the place
but fearful of occupying too much space
will close by hoping that Henderson may
improve in the future in the same pro
portion as in the past.
CHAs. r. LEWIS.
Granville Co., n. c., July 18th.