The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1893-09-23
CON MUNICATION.
Raceland P. O., Sept. 18th, 1898.
To the THIBoDAUx SENTINEL.

10 tRe SENTINEL.
Few people, in this rich valley of
ours, are aware of the vast improve
ments that are now being made, Il
may add which have been made) on
the Raceland Plantation, of Mr. Leon
Godciaux. III this Parish. All resi-
dents of Lafourche, irrespective of
standing. onght to feel a tinge of pride
in the mammoti sugar Refinery that
@ ad rms Raceland.
This building, in size and capacity,
will compare with any in the State,
AID for artistic design and beauty,
none can rival it.
Mechanics and artists have for the
past sever months, plyed their skill
on this structure. and deft fingers Of
skilled painters have added beauty to
this noble editice. Viewing it ut a
distance, it stands grand and majestic,
in the midst of a field Of 900 acres of
cane.
l feel inadequate to properly delin
cate its composite parts, but will make
an attempt, vouching as to its size and
capacity, but doubling the accuracy
of proper description.
The mechanical and engineering
part of this gigantic enterprise, was
in charge of Col. VIM. j. O'Neil, so
we'll and favorable known by our
Southern planters.
The carpentry and carving was
handled by Mr.. Ozeme Michel, a well
known mechanic of Ascension.
Mr.. A. w. Bonvillair, of Houma,
had charge of the brick work, and Mr..
B. F. Terrio, of Orleans, handled the
paintings.
A good deal of the machinery used
was purchased from the East, whilst
the mammoth mill was furnished by
Leeds & Co.. of New Orleans
The car shed is 100 feet wide by
AS feet long, and is after Mr.. Leon
Godchaux's " design. 1t is sup
ported by ten columns, 90 feet high.
with a round roof, with six feet
pitch. 1t is covered with Fletcher's
Roofing and illuminated by electrici
ty.
An ingenious, yet simple contri-
vance, not in use in other sugar facto-
ries, Is to be found here. 1t is Col.
O'Neils unique Lime Mixer, which
mixes llme-to any degree and furnish
es it, without handling, to the clarifi-
ers. The Colonel has applied for a
patent.
Other c~Ontrivances worthy of miles
of travel to look upon, are the two
carriers that connect with the mills,
emptying the bagasse in a distribut-
ing carrier. which divides the bagasse
and feeds four burners equally, all of
which is driven by one chain.
The building and grounds will he il
Illuminated with 500 Incaudescent Elec-
trio Lights. enabling one to see with.
in a radius of 4 acres around the Re-
ffnery.
Another feature is the water tower,
16O feet high, some distance from the
sugar house, which will furnish all
necessary water.
Cars run on switches to the differ
ent platforms, and deposit and re-
ceive freight.
Railroads will connect Utopia and
Raceland, and all canes will be deliv-
cred by cars.
Another project is to construct a
road from Lafourche Crossing to Race
land Refinery, thence across the bayou
on an iron bridge, and thence to Lock
port.
This will be a boon to the small
planters along its path.
The cost Of the improvements now
made on Raceland plantation, amounts
to $125. 100000 and has afforded en-
plOy ment to all those in search of
work. For your next issue, l will send
a description of the buildings and ca
pacity of mills, pans. etc., together
with the expected output.
Al LASSEIGNE