The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-10-15
West Clifton FORGE.

A brief walk over to West Clifton
Forge revealed an activity in building
that we were not before cognizant Of
Workmen are busy along the line from
Smiths Creek to Gladys Inn. The de
pot for the accommodation of Clifton
Forge, is rapidly progressing to compile
ton, and is now under roof. 1t is frame,
go by 80 feet, and will be very neat and
commodious structure. The depot fur
ther out, is being pushed as fast as men
can do it. 1t is of brick, 40 feet front,
including platform, and about so feet
wide. The center division will be two
stories high, and the wings a story and
half 1t will be handsome and attrac
tive edifice. The grounds are being lev
eled around it. and approaches excava-
ted, so that the surroundings will add to
the conveniences of the building.
Several houses are going up near the
depot. Byrd & Chapman are erecting a
three story brick building, 80 by 40 feet,
and j. G. Carpenter will put up similar
house adjoining. Several other smaller
houses are being constructed in the vi
entity, and Mir. Sacks has one already
completed.
The Blacksmith shop recently burned
down, has been rebuilt and is now under
roof, and will be soon ready for occupan-
cy.
The Machine shops are being operated
by competent force Of skilled works
men, who have plenty of work on hand.
We did not learn the number of employ
ees engaged, but as this is the initial
building, it does not represent what will
be the plant when all the buildings
necessary for the purposes of the rail
road company have been erected. The
working of the machinery is very inter
esting even to novice in such matters
as the wheels and pulleys and chisels
and planes, and the many other parts of
the outfit do their appropriate parts,
with precision and rapidity. Several dis
mantled engines We're on the stocks for
repairs, and workmen busily engaged in
preparing them for service again.
The Round House has capacity for 20
engines, where number of giants that
had seen good service, were resting for
the time
When the entire grounds reserved for
the Shops of the Company have been
utilized for that purpose and extensive
buildings erected, it will not only be an
imposing block but the seat of busy in
dustrial activity. 1t has been stated that
the grounds designated for these plants
e4I-. L
sufficient to accommodate the business
that will be done there, and that land
across the stream will be appropriated
for that purpose. OF course it will take
time and money, and deal of it, to com
plete the Shops and facilities necessary
to supply the wants OF the Company but
eventually this will be done. When that
is effected, the promise of 1900 employ
ees, with their dependents, will be real
lied, which OF itself will constitute a
town of no inconsiderable size.
Gladys Inn is perched on an eminence
overlooking the site of this plant. as well
as commanding view of the entire Val
ley. The scene of industrial activity and
stir and motion, will be an interesting
object lesson to visitors and a source of
instruction to Others.
The poles for the electric lights are
being placed along the railroad track in
West Clifton Forge. 1t is expected the
plant will be in operation by the 10th of
November at farthest, and when it is, il
will be great convenience and comfort
where the lights are placed.
West Clifton is keeping pace with Cliff
ton, and in the near future, with these
two communities working as one, viii
make an imposing and populous city.