Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-12-08
COMING!
The G.. 7. R. SHOPS
TO ISLAND POND
FROM RICHMOND & GORHAM.

~ ISLHlND TOlNU
FROM RICHMOND & GORHAM.
Our people are very much awake with
reference to a new and very important
movement, namely the erection Of shops
and buildings here by the Grand Trunk
Railway Company. 1t seems that these
buildings and the employment OF work
several places on the line and that lit
tie inducement will determine the place
of their location. Oar people think
that this is an opportunity they ought
not to let slip aud that this is very likely
the turning point i'll the progress and
prosperity OF our town. Conservative
calculations show that it will more than
double the number OF our inhabitants
and the value of property here. Every
body sees now and acknowledges the
benefit to our town of tn" shirt factory
and that the money Invested il. il by the
public is a profitable investment, bring
ing more benefits, especially to the poor,
than can he calculated or seen. This
new movement will bring entirely differ
ent bsnefts from any that has hitherto
been made; much more extensive and
permanent. The employment OF hun
bred or two men in the Company's shops
means the permanent residence here OF
that number of families, and that too Of
men whose industries contribute di-
rectly to the life and business prosperity
Of the community. 1t also means the
and a corresponding increase Of the
grand list, tightening our taxes to an ex-
tent equaling any subscription that may
be required. The advantages OF Secur-
ing the location of the shops here is not
likely to be over estimated by the most
sanguine. If it requires some little sac
rifce it must be that it will be richly
compensated. Besides what our people
are called upon to subscribe will in two
or three years not be felt at all while We
are enjoying the benefits Of a thriving
town which will be almost without ri
val in business prosperity. Then too it
will invite and HeceSSitate the residence
here of men who will be of great adyan-
| tage to the place socially, and the best Of
it all is that when the change is effected
and the business is located here it will
be fixed and lasting. and the permanent
prosperity of the town will be assured
The new enterprise will open up oppor-
tunities for our enterprising young men
and give us something more than tenn
porary residents, keep the boys at home,
and secure heavy, substantial and per-
manent business interests here. No
such opportunity has ever been presented
| to the town before and may never be
again 1t does not seem possible that
we should ever regret an investment to
| the extent of our means and does seem
quite probable that we shall lament our
indifference if we let this rich opportun-
ty go by without improving it. An adj
iourned meeting of our citizens was held
last Tuesday evening at the opera hall
when the committees appointed at a pre.
vious meeting reported progress and
were empowered to continue their work
There was a large attendance and stir
ring speeches were made by Gov. Dale
mainly in the line of thought above sug
gested, by Mr.. j. W. Thurston, who
spoke for the committee, by Col. Dale
NJ. j. Daley and others, all favoriug anC
endorsing the scheme, and promising
substantial aid. A civil engineer in thu
company's employ was here last Tuesda!
surveying the land the company need
in this matter, and when his report il
made and forwarded to the COMMITTEES
then we can start on proper and bust
ness like basis, and know just what j
expected from us. Pending the receip
of this report on motion the meeting ad
iourned until next Thursday evening a
$50 o'clock. Much enthusiasm Wa
manifested aud the speakers were al
vigorously applauded.