The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-02-21
Letter from Roanoke, Va.
Correspondence fthe Democratic Advocate
ROANOKE, February II, 1891

ROANOKE, February L., 1891.
DEAR ADVOCATE This day has been ex-
ceptionally fine as regards the weather-quite
a springlike day, all doors thrown open and
nearly all have taken a day out. Our thor
oughlares and streets have been crowded with
people this afternoon. Pretty ladies' were
out in force to greet the Knights of Pythias,
whose Grand Lodge OF the state convenes
here this evening. We have had more, /
think, than our share of rain and mud this
winter, and the continual heavy hauling upon
some of the unpaved streets has made them
nearly impossible in many places, but it seems
unavoidable, as the buildings now in the
course of erection have to be supplied with
lumber, brick and other material necessary
for their completion.
Roanoke, the Magic City, during 1891 will
be the busiest little city in the South below
the Mason and Dixon line. This is not all
talk, either. Come down and witness the
facts yourself during the summer, and be
convinced what we say is true about Roanoke
going to be the busiest town in the South. A
New England $500, 900 steel plant will come
and be located on the Development Compa-
ny's land. The Real Estate Exchange raised
from Wednesday night until Monday the ne
nessary amount to secure the plant-Sl50,0 600.
1t shows what united action can do. Mr..
James S. Simmons, President Of the State
Exchange, was one of the most active pro.
moters in securing the plant
great deal of building will be done here
that will be of good class. The Academy
of Music will be erected on Salem avenue,
and will be 10 feet front by l64 feet deep,
and one of the handsomest buildings in the
city. The style of architecture will be modern
renaissance, and the building will be con-
structed of Pompeiian brick cut stone and
highly ornamented terra Gotta. A number of
quite substantial business houses will be
erected on Campbell street near the postoilice
and several on Salem avenue; passenger and
freight depots for the Roanoke and Southern,
also new depot for the Norfolk & Western
r. r. and three overhead bridges. The city
authorities will put in Il system Of sewage
and pave the main thoroughfares, and will
vote 100000 bonds on the 18th of March for
this purpose. About five churches will be
built during the year, costing from $4,000 To
$50, 600 EACH and here they are: Two Baptist,
one in course of erection; one Lutheran, one
Presbyterian and one Episcopal, and | am
sure that the Methodists will build one also.
We are not forgetting our spiritual welfare,
as you will observe; and if President Harrison
signs our bill We will have n new postofice
building. A glass factory, a carriage factory
and many other similar industries will be
located on the Development Company's land
adjoining West End, besides number of
costly residences; and the employees of the
various industries that are coming here must
be supplied with dwellings to live in. What
we need most now is dwelling houses. just
as soon as one is built it is occupied, and
always engaged before being finished. No
better investment could be made than to
purchase lots and build houses, as they find
ready sale on good margins of profit The
Westminster boys are looking hale and hearty.
r. +. B. II.