The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-11-23
Shoe Factory Dedication.

mentS OF the CeleDrantS who stepped The meas
ures with joyous tread until the morning har-
| bingers broke up the brilliant hop. The pro-
gram was arranged for an opening concert from
| the orchestra, who discoursed several well en-
| Ijoyed selections This was succeeded by short
addresses from several gentlemen whose re-
| marks were directed toward the new industry
| and its prospects and value to Ravenna.
G. A. Myers, secretary of the company, in
| troduced the speaking in a brief address in
which the purposes of the occasion were stated
and succinct review given of the history of
| the movement that resulted in the establishment
of a second shoe factory in Ravenna. He said
it was due to the generosity of one man and the
almost unexampled energy of another that the
United Shoe Company was founded and fac
tory erected for its use. Difficulties were met
and overcome. In the light of past experiences
it was seeming impossibility to enlist capital
in the projected enterprise, but Mr.. Goodrich
with indomitable pluck and persistent effort
overcame every obstacle and consummated his
object in the face of and in spite of these diff
culties. The company was organized and Off
GERS elected who would develop the industry as
rapidly as business methods could do. The
company had great responsibilities and needed
the sympathy and encouragement of the citi-
zens, who had all manifested most commend
able interest in the success of the enterprise and
had abundantly evidenced their qualification
over its establishment. He spoke of the sister
snoe factories on the north and west, bidding
them Godspeed, and voiced the hope that Ra-
VIENNA would be filled with factories and ad-
vance to a high station manufacturing city.
He stated that the manufacture of shoes had
been commenced by his company, and in proof
of the declaration exhibited a well made, fine
shaped pair of shoeS-the first turned out from
the new factory. He invited inspection and
criticism from the audience on this first product
saying that the shoes were regarded by expert
operatives and shoemen as well nigh perfect.
He stated that the company was in good condi-
ton and well prepared to develop the anticipa-
tons of prosperous business future. He re-
minded his hearers that such Institutions were
not developed in day, but must advance un-
der the law of progress common to every sue
cessful enterprise starting as new factor in the
world of trade. The scale of operatives would
be small at first and increase proportionately as
the business developed and it was the purpose
and confident expectation of the company TO
fill its factory with operatives at no great dis
tant day. He closed by thanking the people for
their good will and assistance, and Mr.. Riddle
for his generous donation.
I he pair of shoes exhibited by Mr.. Myers
were indeed st andard specimens of the shoe
m aker' S art and if the future output of the fac
tory is relatively good there will never be any
return goods" in their ware room. The SOU
venir pair are the property of Mr.. Myers. who
takes no little pleasure in their possession.
Mr.. H. w. Riddle, the man whose generosity
furnished the company with its building was
then called for but he declined to go forward as
speech making was not in his line.
H. c. Smith, If Cleveland, a colored gentle
man, responded to call. Mr. Smith is editor
of the Cleveland Gazette, a paper devoted to
uplifting of the colored race. He gave a very
interesting talk relative to the new industry
He spoke of the value of manufactures to any
town and reminded his audience that Ravenna
was not the largest town in the country and
possibility. He complmented the enterprise
that established the F. J. Loudin Shoe Co: and
the liberal spirit of Mr.. Riddle in erecting the
factory for its use. He said he was peculiarly
interested in this factory, not that its existence
alone was of any moment to him, stranger
and nonresident of the place, but because of
his close friendship with Mr.. Loudin whom he
nod ioIl lu eli de Of
inent usefulness and excellence. He said that
it was his purpose to do what he could to in
sure the success of this new enterprise. The
plan to manufacture a line of shoes for the col
pred trade was agreeable to his people and
would certainly meet with favor. If a very
small per cent of the colored people of Ohio
alone purchased the F. J. Loudin shoe, the
man buys shoe. He urged the hearty coop
Grafton of all citizens of Ravenna, saying, "If
you cannot stand on broader ground, lend a
helping hand and voice because of the personal
friendship you may have for some member or
members of the company" His remarks were
timely, well worded and interesting and
aroused high degree of enthusiasm for the
new industry.
George F. Donthitt then spoke briefly and
of the institution, saying that it
was due to the thrift and enterprise of o ur own
fellow citizens. A negative spirit would never
aid in any enterprise. All should speak good
word for this new and valuable industry and
have confidence in its success.
Capt. C. A. Farr, who came from Louisville,
o. SI,o e of
the bottoming room, then made the last of the
speeches, reminding his hearers of many valua-
BILE features of the shoe trade. Among other
things he said there was sharp competition but
no monopoly in the business. 1t was the best
man to the front. There was no reason why
shoes could not be made as successfully here as
in the east. He spoke of the advantages of
towns of this size over large cities for the man
ufacture OF shoes and referred to the steady
character of the employment furnished in this
branch of industry, and the average high STAN
dard of wages in comparison to many other in
dustries. He spoke in the highest terms of
Messrs. Riddle and Goodrich, compimenting
them as the founders and promoters of this es-
tablishment which added one more to the fac
tories so much wished for by the people.
D. M. ClewelI was then called for, but was
not present
This ended the speaking, and the room was
speedily cleared, and soon the sweet strains of
the orchestra ushered in the dance, which was
participated in by large company OF revelers.
The second floor was reserved for the dance,
while those who were partial to the quieter en-
joyment of cards, descended to the first floor,
which was devoted to this purpose.
The enjoyment of the evening was evidenced
by the bright faces and merry laughter on all
Sides and all left the scene of bright pleasures
with realization of the fullest enjoyment and
keen regret at its close. Supper was served on
the third floor by the well known caterer, Jas.
Miller.
1t is gratifying to record the complete sue
cess attendant upon the efforts of Mr.. Good
rich and the company with which he is asso-
ciated, to befttingly celebrate the commence
ment of itS business career The factory wouId