Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-10-14
A Fine Display.

a Fine DISPLAY.
I An exhibit at the Fair which attracts
much attention was that of the Excelsio
Marble Works, of Mt. Jackson. A YER
handsome gothic monument was sevei
: feet high and was composed of thrt
bases, die and urn. The bottom base wa
= finished 10 what Mr.. Kronk termed pun
ice finish, and was out of light blu
markle quarried in Georgia, and of un
usual quality for bottom base. The mex
two bases with the die and urn were on
of much darker material, but also Geor
gia marble. This was susceptible of &
very high polish which was plain to all al
it reflected ones image like mirror. Thil
polish brought wildly its beautiful and
rich color which was notified blue. The
gothic style or design of the die gave it a
most pleasing symmetrical ard graceful
appearance. A beautiful border OF trac-
ing encIrcled the bottom of the die and
the top base. while upon the front and at
the top was carved handsome sheaf OF
wheat. The other three sides bore flow
ers of different varieties which were cary
ed so true to nature that the surrounding
air seemed impregnated with their fra
GRANGE. The whole was surmounted by an
urn which also bore witness to the artists
skill. Altogether it was one of the hand
soonest pieces of work we have ever seen
IN this line. Another monument was of
the same material and similar design ex-
cept having half round head instead of
the gothic form of the other. 1t was five
feet high. Mr.. Kronk next called our at
tentiOn to large double job which was
very pretty, indeed. 1t was made for
"father and mother" aud is similar in
design to the one this firm erected a few
weeks ago at the graves of the parents of
the late proprietor of this paper, Senator
RIddleberger, in the cemetery at Edlnburg
1t consists of two large headstones cut
into handsome designs, setting upon
double bases and with an apparent divis-
ion between them. This is the most ap-
propriate design for parents we have ever
seen. The other specimens on exhibition
were equally as well executed as those
mentioned. Shenandoah county ought to
feel proud that such work IS done within
her borders. 1t was one Of the hand
soonest exhibits at the Fair, and will COM
pare favorably in our opinion, with any
we have over seen. 1t certainly shows
wonderful artistic skill In the cunning
hands that wrought these beautiful de-
signs from the plain blocks Of marble.
Upon inquiring we found that this
firm, though only established in our
county in July, 1890, a little over two
years ago, have beeen compslled TO
constantly increase their force, until to-
day they are running on extra time and
with double force of hands. They have
turned out one job of work for every one
and one quarter days, Ut days. during
their entire existance in our county
Their trade extends as far south as Con
cord, N. c. Last winter they erected
two handsome jobs In Glenwood Gem
etery, Washington City, aud now have an
order to 60 to Missouri. They have also
received orders from H., Ohio, w. Va,
and Maryland. Mr. Kronk tells rs that
they have shipped during the past week
six jobs, three to Maurertown, this county,
one large monument to Luray, one to
Front Royal and one to Middleton,
Frederick Co, Va. The Excelsior Marble
Works are just introducing this Georgia
marble which is superior to Italian, as 1t
is thoroughly acclimated and will retain
its color longer. We asked Nr. Kronk to
what particular source, outside of good
work and low prices, be attributed his
wonderfully rapid success. His reply was
ITO the abundant aud judicious use of
printers ink. And we can truthfnlly say
that this firm Is a living example of the
saying
"That he who by bis "biz" would thrive,
Must either quit or advertise"
We speak OF our own knowledge when we
say that Mr.. Kronk..is one efthe largest and
most successful advertisers IN the Valley.
He is truly live and let live man, who
has earned his great success by his energy,
fair dealing, good work and liberal use of
the columns of his home newspapers
Such business men are invaluable to the
section in which they live.