The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1902-01-24
AMERICANS NEW PLANT AT SPARTA.
Largest Tobacco Warehouse in the State,
Now in Operation.

Largest Tobacco Warehouse In the State,
Now in Operation.
Upon invitation of Mr.. n. P. Strause,
manager of the American Cigar Co.'s
business in this state, the editor of this
paper paid visit during the week to
the new plant just completed at Sparta.
The new warehouse is the most extensive
and up-to, date establishment for the
packing of tobacco yet constructed in
the west, and when in full operation will
furnish employment to 400 hands and is
expected to handle in the neighborhood
of 10000 cases, being the capacity of its
storehouse. The new plant is located at
the junction of the Milwaukee and
Northwestern tracks and near the depot
of the latter road. Sparta is the ter
minus of the branch road that runs
down into Vernon county where the
greater part of the tobacco is grown that
will be handled through this warehouse.
The main building designed for receiv-
ing and sorting tobacco is constructed
in the shape of the letter U, the points
of which are each 350x55 feet, Is foot
posts. The front being ITO feet in
length. After providing for ample bun
die rooms there is clear space of nearly
200 feet of sorting rooms, each accommo-
dating $50 hands, the front being re-
served for packing. Between the two
wings is located the boiler rooms in a
separate building. A 100 Fl. P. boiler
connected with either high pressure or
low pressure system provides steam heat
for the plant. A storage building, an
entirely separate structure, is located
just adjoining on the north, 68x31O feet.
This building is divided into six fire. proof
compartments, each having capacity
of 1000 cases when filled. A platform
runs along the sides bearing steel track
with turntables so that case started
from the packing room may be run into
any compartment of the storage desired.
Railroad tracks run along each side of
the storage and the receiving rooms
owned jointly by both roads, giving
splendid facilities for shipping. In the
rear of main building is located the case
house, 9Ox90 feet, fitted with complete
saving machinery operated by an cleo
trio motor, for making the cases used by
this company. Besides being heated by
steam, the entire plant is lighted by cleo
tricity enabling the force to work the
full time limit. The buildings are solid
brick, one story in height only, but cover
nearly two acres of ground. A hand
some office is located in the north corner
of the main building and ample cloak
and toilet rooms are provided. The
plant is a complete one for tobacco han
ding and up to date in all appointments.
The Sparta branch of the American
Cigar Co. is in charge of Mr.. W. Il. JEFF
ferson, with VIM. F. and Chas. S. Earle
as his assistants. Mr.. Alfred Jensen is
employed with the receiving, and Don
aid McInnes in charge of the packing.
We found more than thirty Edgerton
people employed there, many of them at
the heads of departments.
Aatrip over the branch to Westby and
Viroqua gave US an opportunity to visit
the tobacco warehouses at these pack
ing points, all of which we found busy
handling the new crop. We were shown
some very fine samples of valley crops
grown in that locality that were fully
equal in quality to that of other years.
Both these towns were hourishing under
the movement of the tobacco crop.
Higher prices than ever before had been
paid the growers who are now receiving
big returns for their tobacco. A very
large increase in acreage in that section
is predicted for the coming season. We
were told that less than Is per cent of
the crop is yet unsold in that district.
The American Cigar Co. is estimated to
have bought two-t thirds of the Vernon
county crop and the balance is divided
mainly between the local packers at
Westby and Viroqua. M. Ell. Bekkedal
is operating two warehouses at Westby
and at Viroqua and at Boscobel.
The writer is under obligations to Sen
ator Munson of The Censor for favors
shown during our brief visit at Viroqua.