The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-07-20

Generosity, with Music and Speech Making. |
A lust Compliment to the Originator OF Raven |
mas Latest Industrial Corporation, The Uni
ted Shoe Company.
Monday evening, shortly after nine o'clock,
the stockholders of the United Shoe Company,
with several hundred citizens of the town,
marched in body to the handsome residence
of H. w. Riddle, preceded by the Ravenna
City Band, and gave that public-spirited gen.
tleman a serenade, followed by short speeches
from l. H. Phelps and F. ]. Loudin, in ac-
acknowledgement of his enterprising iberality, in
offering to furnish, rent free, factory for the
United Shoe Company to use in the manufac-
ture of their goods.
The history of his proposition and the subse-
quent efforts of w. E. Goodrich in organizing
the Company, are well known to our readers,
and it only remains to say that this last named
gentleman, after several weeks of unremitting
labor faced by difficulties well nigh insurmount-
able. has succeeded in accomplishing his Pur-
pose. The Company has been incorporated,
and the capital stock of $4,000 all subscribed.
This was all based on the magnificent offer OF
Mr.. Riddle to erect three story brick factory,
12s feet long, with large L and boiler room,
and give the use of it to the Company for ten
years, rent free.
There are few men indeed who would do as
much for the public. and it was felt that some
acknowledgment should be made by the stock
holders and people at large, showing their ap-
probation of the unselfsh donation.
The suggestion met with a hearty response,
and genuine ovation was the result.
After a selection from the Band, and after
Mr.. Riddle had made his appearance at the
door, the visitors commenced a forward move
ment toward the beautiful residence, and in
few minutes the portico and yard were filed
with people.
1. H. Phelps, Esq then stepped forward, and
in behalf of the citizens and stockholders, ex-
pressed to Mr.. Riddle their grateful appreciation
of his action. He said it was felt that public
demonstration was called for, because the mat
ter was of public concern, in which every true
citizen of the place was interested. He desired
to congratulate him upon his successful business
career, and to assure him that the citizens of
Ravenna appreciated the numerous instances in
which he had advanced the material interests of
| the place. After a brief complimentary review
of the coach and hearse industry of Mr.. Riddle
and his former partner, Mr.. Merits, and testify
| ing the qualification felt by Ravennians abroad
in riding in and beholding the fine vehicles man
ufactured by this enterprising firm, the speaker
went on to say that other cities, notably Akron,
owed their present prosperity and commercial
importance tr, the efforts of just such men as
Mr.. Riddle. He said that the proposed new
shoe industry would not owe its existence or
prosperity to a single penny OF public funds
| that its wheels would not be stopped by an in
junction at the hands of selfish tax payers that
the promoters and sympathizers of the new
Company did not belong to class of people
who thrive from the misfortunes of others, and
who were continually advancing their own in
terests at the public expense. They were peo-
pie who had nothing but the good of the town
at heart and they were glad of the privilege OF
working in cooperation with a gentleman OF
Mr. Riddles business ability and splendid pub
lie record. 1t was the purpose of the new COM
pany to make a success of the undertaking and
to use well the gift from Mr.. Riddle, that had
no parallel in the history of the town. People
would always look upon the new factory as
another monument to the high public qualities
of the donor, and ever hold his name in CRATE
full remembrance.
Mr. F. ]. Loudin, who is the heaviest stock
holder in the Company, then addressed its
founder and promoter in a few well chosen SEN
tences, in which he said it was no time for
boasting That earnest work was the one thing
necessary Mr.. Riddle had exemplifed his good
will by coming forward with his generous prop
osition, and with characteristic promptness, was
ready to fulfill his promise. The purpose on
| the part of the stockholders was to build up
such an industry that he should never have oc-
casion to regret the offer made to the United
Shoe Company. Mr.. Riddle was a man of ac-
ton, who stood ready to make good his offer,
and he congratulated the city in the possession
of such citizen.
Mr.. Riddle responded in voice of deep
feeling to the tributes paid him, Speaking sub
stantially as follows: 81 thank you very much
for this expression of your feelings. When
made this offer to the citizens of Ravenna did
SO with no purpose of personal gain to myself
but with the knowledge that another shoe facto-
ry would greatly benefit the town, and with the
the one already in operation. 1 believed that
industries of this character thrive best where
the factories are most numerous. The offer was
not made in any malice toward the other facto-
ry, or in any spirit of i'll will. 1 have nothing
but the best of feeling for the Ravenna Shoe
Company, and am persuaded that two factories
will be mutually advantageous. 1t is gratifying
to me to realize the earnest purpose of our
citizens to promote the future of our beautiful
city; and in taking the course I did with refer
ence to the new factory. simply desired to CO.
operate with them in bringing about the results
SO earnestly hoped for at the time when our fu-
ture looked so bright. Again thanking you for
these honors, now invite you inside, and de-
sire you to make yourselves freely at home"
The invitation was heartily given and heartily
accepted, and during the pleasant commingling
the Band discoursed several fine selections after
which Mr.. Loudin, at the request of Mr.. Riddle,
kindly favored the company with a magnificent
rendition of "The Old Sexton.
After three rousing cheers for Mr.. Riddle, the
people went home in a supremely happy frame
of mind.
The Portage County Agricultural Society will
give purses amounting to 81. 500 for speed at
the coming Fair, September 20, 81 and %, dis
tributed as folloWsi