Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-14
A GRAND START
Made By Gardiner Citizens
for a Big Shoe Factory.
Mass Meeting i CoIiseum--Severa|
Thousand Dollars Pledged.
Great Enthusiasm Displayed Committees Ap
pointed to Canvas the City.

Gardiner Jan. l3.-tSpccldD.-iH re-
Spouse to the notices sent out BY the
board of trade. large number OF the
heaviest tax payers. business men and
citizens of Gardiner Randolph and
Farmingdale met at the Coliseum, Tues
day evening. to discuss a most important
question in regard to the future welfare
of our city.
President A. w. McCausland called the
meeting to order and very fully ex-
planned the cause of the meeting, and
how the Commonwealth Shoe and
Leather Co. of whitman, Mass. came to
decide on Gardiner; and of the investiga-
ton of the company. The company wants
the city to build factory and equip II
ready to put in their machinery, so that
they may begin the manufacture of men $
shoes. For this, the company will take
a five-years contract employing about
400 workmen, and if at the end of the
contract, the undertaking permits will
continue the business and even enlarge
the plant.
After Mr.. McCausand had finished,
Mayor O. b. Clason addressed the meet
ing He spoke quite forcibly on the inn
portance of our having factory here.
OF the SOOu IL NouIi to tit MANY
good results that would surely come from
the undertaking.
Ex-Mayor Spear next spoke. He Illus
trated how a subscription for such pur-
pose as this would prove one of the most
profitable investments. not only to one.
but every body, from the rich even TO the
poor. in every way
E,X-Mayor Ladd was called on, and
speaking of the city's natural facilities,
expressed himself that all oughtsto con
slider ii II privilege to subscribe, as II VIII
help to bring the city up among the live
liest and busiest In the State.
G.. NJ. Holmes, who spends most OF the
summer near one of its factories, spoke
of the good reputation of the company
among its employees, and of the residents
of the places where it now has factories:
Hon j. S. Maxcy was called on and
spoke of the great good that the weekly
pay roll of 5000, which is promised, would
do. as it would nearly all be put into cir
culation in our city. He also spoke OF the
good that resulted from the former shoe
factory. and the calamity We met when
we lost 1t. Also of the increase of real
estate, and the boom that our city en-
joyed Before finishing. he. in behalf of
the Gardiner Real Estate Association.
subscribed $500 and for himself $500.
Capt James Walker made "A very short
speech TO the effect that he would give
$500
Weston Lewis followed with about the
same words but exactly the same mean
+. S. Smith & Co. followed with the
same good work.
Then they kept coming, until nearly
$4,000 was raised.
The following paper was signed by the
many present:
We. the undersigned. severaliy agree
each with the other, that we will join in
the foundation of a corporation under
the laws of Maine. for the purpose OF
purchasing suitable lot of land there
for. and erecting a shoe factory building
thereon in Gardiner, Maine: and by lease
thereof or otherwise. establishing boot
and shoe manufacturing business; pro-
vided the requisite arrangements be made
and the full sum of $25, 600 be subscribed
thereof. within six days from the time
of date we promise to receive and pay
for shares to the amount set against our
respective names in the capital stock OF
such corporation,
Gardiner, Jan. r. 1897.