The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-10-26
(Staff Correspondence J


Weldon. N. c., Oct 24.-The Roanoke
and Tar River Agricultural Society is one
of the Oldest and most noted organizations
of the kind in the State. The Weldon
Fair" under the auspices of this organi-
cation has long been looked upon as the
rendezvous for the sight-seers and sports
men from all over the State. This year
he Fair holds its regular session which
is the twenty sixth anniversary of its
organization. The exhibits and other at
fractions will by far eclipse any that have
Immense Fair grounds are among the lar
gest and most convenient in the State
and will fully accommodate the immense
crowds which will pour into Weldon from
all parts of this State and Virginia.
This is year noted for fairs-and good
ones. Following the Greensboro, Eliza
beth City and the Great Raleigh Fairs
Weldon is on hand and will cover herself
with glory. President Mckinley in his
last speech dubbed fairs and expostions
as time keepers which mark our pro-
gross. The progress of Weldon and the
section of the State, of which it is centre,
during the past ten years has been more
than marvellous.
Once Weldon was looked upon as merely
the crossing of two railroads-tcday 1t
is not cnly the junction of great railroad
Systems, but is the centre of a great man.
rr,t-
itself runs a canal nine miles in length.
which furnishes a most wonderful water
power Four miles distant are the great
Roanoke Rapids which not only furnish
power for numerous mammoth cotton
mills-among the largest in the State
but also electrical power which operate
other cotton mills with the very latest
improved machinery duplicated by few,
if any. other factories in the world. A.
visit to Roanoke Rapids and a pass from
the superintendent through the mills will
furnish an education equal, if not SUI
perior, to any provided by any textile
school in this country. This electrical
power also runs the lights and motive
power of ether industries in the town
OF Weldon.
ITS MANY INDUSTRIES
Weldon boasts of many industries. The
great peanut factory is duplicated by
nothing else in North Carolina. broom
factory puts out the best brooms made in
any country. There is large corn mill
under the management of the ex-Rail-
road Commissioner and noted citizen Maj.
Wilson. On the suburbs of the town is
located the immense wine establishment
OF Mr.. Paul Garrett. There is a large
brick yard under the auspices of the We'll
don Brick and Land Improvement Com
paDy, of which Mr.. j. T. Gooch is mana
this great force of nature, already har-
messed, shall be put to work?
The knitting mill is also a prominent
feature among the industries of Weldon.
IT'S LINE OF STEAMERS.
One point more and we will cease re-
counting Weldons great possibilities
Eight months ago The Weldon and Nor
folk Steamboat Company was organized
1t at once began to operate boats be-
tween Weldon and Norfolk. Recently it
has adopted regular schedule and put
on the new and elegant boat, Chic, and
is doing an immense business. This
makes three large steamers plying the
waters between Weldon and Norfolk
These boats besides touching at all the
landings on Roanoke River and the Sound
make the following important points:
Halifax, Palmyra, Hamilton, Williamson,
Plymouth, Elizabeth City, and other
prominent towns on the Sound. 1t is
claimed that the freight rates by this
route are far below the regular railroad
rates and, besides, trip on these boats
with their elegant berths, etc, is both
intere sting and delightful.
Under such circumstances, with in
creased energy and interest centered in
Weldon, together with the fact that it is