The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1892-04-28
A Red-Latter Dav.

A Red-Lstter Day.
May 81, 1892, was a d>Letter Day for
Clifton Forge. 1t was the time appoint
ed for a lot sale by the Clifton Forge
Company. the option of payment in full
paid stock of the company to be extended.
The weather was inclement, chilling
rain or heavy mist fell all the day, which
made it very disagreeable outside of the
houses, and not we'll calculated to inspire
enthusiasm or create confidence. Not
withstanding the upfavorabe weather
and conditions, good number of people
were present, many of them from dis
lance, and all eager to participate in the
programme arranged by the company.
After the morning session of the stock
holders meeting, which endorsed and
confirmed the plan of sale, the auctions
eer, Mr.. A. G. Foster, commenced his
work. He knocked off lot after lot very
rapidly. any one wishing to purchase
having to keep his eyes and years both
open. In three hours time about 1870
lots had been knocked eff to bona Jjde
purchasers, the purchase price aggrega
ting about $l23, 900. When the sale closed
there was as much interest and spirit
manifested as in the opening; and but
for the threatening weather and the de-
sire of many to leave on the night train,
more property would have changed
hands AS it was the result surprised
even the most sanguine and evidenced
that there is abroad feeling of conti-
dence in he future of Clifton Forge, that
promises big things for the town. 1t is
the purpose of many of the lot purchas-
ers on the list, to improve their property
and to do SO at once. We learn that
some contracts have already been let,
and more are in the embryo state.
1t has been but few weeks since, that
in conversation with &. w. Stevens,
q Ohio Railway, he remarked that
he would guarantee the renting of fifty
houses by the 1st of May if there were
that many ready for occupancy. He
further said that the company he repre-
sented experienced great embarrassment
U0CduS0 GIlcTc WstS not u w eli
ings for rent, suitable for the worknen
at the G. & O shops-that new engine
ought to be turned out here every
month, that there should be fourteen
shifting engines at the yards instead of
four, and this would be the case if suit;.-
BILE accommodations for the families OF
workmen could be procured. He also
said that it was the desire aud purpose OF
the company to make this one of it's most
important manufacturing centers, but
it had as yet been able to make but slow
progress in that direction, for the reason
that the necessary force could not get
houses to live in
This statement, substantially, coming
FROM gentleman SO high in authority
and of such known conservatism and in
tegrity, means great deal. 1t is Il text
that all our people ought to Take up for
study and action, and those inter
ested here, but not residing in Clifton
Forge, may profit 10y. There is no CUES
tion that the most profitable investment
that can now be made in this part OF
this place. As soon as a contract is ell
tered into to erect Il building half doz
en- applicants are on hand to rent it.
While cOnYersing with a gentleman
Tuesday lady and gentleman stepped
up and asked about Ii house he had to
rent. He replied that there were five OF
six in advance of them, the others to be
given preference, in the order of Jheil
applications, and if one did not take il
the other might. A gentleman familiar
with all the demands that are daily com
ing in said few days ago that he could
rent an hundred houses in less time
than month if he could find them.
These facts give but an imperfect i'm
preston of the feeling and conviction
which prevail, and an assurance that we
are entering upon a season of phenome-
nal activity and growth.
The result of the sale on the 21st will
stimulate this feeling, create greater con-
fidence, and invite capital and enter
prise to enter the field of improveme MT
now SO auspiciousiy inaugurated. 1t fur
Their demonstrates the su bstan ti:1 and
satisfactory condition of the lifton
Forge Company. There is no similar or
ganization in the State that can make a
better showing or one that presents evil
dence of better management and Letter
results.
Altogether, it is matter about which
our people may well congratulate them
selves. With the new charter adopted
and the qualification expressed by Genl
ingalls, that the town was ready to carry
into effect the understanding had with
him for the erection of an imposing de>
pot ON the site of the present one at
Clifton Forge, we think we have ample
assurance upon which to predicate most
hopeful anticipation of progress and
prosperity.