The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-07-13

as sasn ana Dllnd factory, ice factories,
lumber plants and machine shops, etc. in
which with these more than $500 600 is
invested, shows that this town is up with
the times, leading in everything that
means prosperity and progress.
While tobacco gave Rocky Mount its
first recent impulse to large growth, the
establishment of the shops of the Allan
tic Coast Line here in 1893 did much to
accelerate growth. 1t added to the non
ulation large number of thrifty expert.
capable men who earned large incomes
by their skill. That is the best popula-
ton that can be added to any commun-
ity 1t has had a large share in Rocky
Mounts going forward.
When l first knew Rocky Mount-and
that has not been many years ago-it had
no bank Today it has two of the best and
strongest banking institutions in Eastern
North Carolina. They are not only safe
ly and conservatively managed, but they
have had much to do with the business
and manufacturing expansion of the COM
munity upon sound and solid lines
These stockholders and officers are in
terested as stockholders in many enter
prises, and they have given the needed
accommodation to every interest that
deserved it. No town can thrive without
liberal and conservative banks, and
Rocky Mount has two institutions that
are as solid as the rock of Gibraltar
The President of the Bank of Rocky Mount
-Thos H. Battle-bears worthily a name
long honored in North Carolina. The
president Of the Planters Bank. G.
Braswell-bears with credit manner no
less honorable. In this section the names
Braswell and Battle stand for character,
thrift, enterprise, honesty. The other
officers of these banks are as capable
and worthy as their Presidents.
The visitor who has not kept in close
touch with the growth of Rocky Mount
for ten years will be astonished by
drive over the city. l doubt if another
town of it's size has built so many large
business houses in that period of time.
Many of the newer residences are models
of architectural beauty. The smaller
homes are quite as tasty and comfortable
The next addition of public importance,
following the club, Masonic hall, graded
school and other handsome structures, Is
the new Atlantic Coast Line depot to
be built south of Mrs. Marriott's excellent
hotel. The railroad has purchased the
ideal site from Mr.. T. NJ. Arlington and
will erect a sos, 900 depot. Mr.. Arlington
has moved his residence and will enlarge
and improve it.
l could write ten columns about the
growth and progress of this town in the
few short years that have passed since
vic II
space is up and l can add but five:
|. One of the best evidences of growth
is to be found in the postoffice receipts.
For the year ending March 81, 1900, the
receipts were S., 65571 in 1901 it was
Sc, 5000, while for the year just closed
it had jumped to $S.012,24. In 1900 there
were sold money orders amounting to
1881 90, while the past year the sales
were $27 ,S67.76, over double.
2. The receipts of the railroad furnish
also a good index. In 1890 the receipts
here were $11O,500; in 1898 they were
1925, OO0 in 1896 they had reached $780,
900; in 1897 they had grown to $685. 900;
and for the past year they have aggre-
gated s40S, 000
3. The consumption of manufacturing
coal is another way to see progress. In
1890 it required only II cars of coal for
Rocky Mounts manufacturing industries;
in 1901 they required 636 cars.
4. Increase of population also tells the
tale. In 1890 the population was 500. 1t
gained $50 in the next ten years. 1t now
has 1000 people in the town and 1890 in
the suburbs, making a total of $500.
). The increase in tax valuation is
another proof. In 1891 the value of prop
erty on the tax lists was 1852, 309.95. In
1901 this tax valuation had increased
to 81 1885, Gil This amount does not in
clude the value of the Rocky Mount Mills
or the Atlantic Coast Line shops which
are outside the corporate limits, increase
the amount to $2,000,000
These figures shows why Rocky Mount,
to quote Mr.. Braswell, "sets the pace"
j. d.