Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-03-30
BUENAvJSTA,
THE PAPER MILLS TO BE CONDUCTED New
AND ENLARGED STYLE-OTHER INTERESTS
FRIGHTENING Pro sPECTs.
Correspondence of the sPEcrAroR.l

Correspondence of the SPECTATOR.
BUENA VISTA, RocKBRIDGE Co. VA.
March 2Sth 1892.
The Spectator has regularly info rmed its
readers, many of whom have large interests
at Buena Vista, of the movements here,
whether of an encouraging, or of the opposite
character Where SO many manufacturing
and other enterprises were undertaken, it was
not to be expected that all would find smooth
sailing. But in the two instances out of fifteen
or more, one has been corrected in superior
manner, and, the other soon will be, and as in
the first, of such proportion as to make the
latter far superior to the early conditions.
Heretofore l have referred to correcting and
recuperating power as illustrated here, and
always to be highly appreciated in any de-
partment of effort, and a notable instance has
occurred in the phase of fortune at Buena
Vista, which carries with it, wonderful real
ization of the goodwill abroad which sets its
face towards this city of pluck and energy.
The "Buena Vista Paper Manufacturing
Company was among the first of the enter
prises set in motion. 1t absorbed in the COM
mencement a pulp-mill in connection with
the higher enterprise of paper-making. The
costs of all were under estimated and the COM
bined establishment was set in motion with
inadequate capital. To meet expenses and
build up trade involved expenditure above
the operating capital, for it really had none,
and soon the issue of going forward was one
of persons consideration. The policy of stop
ping work and looking abroad for new men
and new energies and new capital was con-
elusive.
have heretofore stated that the enterprise
thus situated, was committed to the hands of
Mr.. John w. Blackburn gentleman we'll
known in Staunton, as elsewhere, for fine exc
cutive ability and capable in every respect to
solve a difficult business problem A few
weeks only interviewed between the days of
adversely, till others frightened over the scene.
He soon brought here from Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts,, principally from Philadelphia,
| and adjacent places engaged in the paper
| business, twelve or fifteen capitalists who
! thoroughly understand and are experienced in
| that trade. The result is the new men take
| the entire plant As large additional supplies
of clear spring water have been purchased and
| large expansion for operations mapped out,
the future is more pleasing than the COM
mencement for such an industry. The future
title of the company is the Columbian Paper
Company" 1t has an invested capital of five
hundred thousand dollars. A chemical fibre
plant, which prepares ingredients for making
paper of wood-pulp is in the plan, and all
backed by an invested capital of five hundred
thousand dollars of which Buena Vista is not
asked to contribute one cent.
| Under the improved process as the chemicals
are applied inlmaking paper of best grades
from wood-pulp, this establishment will be
from twenty-five to thirty cords of white soft
wood and three hundred bushels fresh lime
daily. The wood is abundant in this locality
and stock from which to. produce the lime
and the fuel for that purpose, are at our doors
These two articles are the chief of all required
and the money distributed to the community
for them and the pay roll, will weekly cause
two thousand five hundred dollars to pass
over the counters of the Buena Vista banks
Now if these facts, though briefly stated, dc
not warrant the conclusion that Buena Vista
possesses a wonderful power of goodwill
abroad can it be reasonably asked, what cyl