St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1903-06-24
Brndstreet's Vermont Weekly Trade
Report.

I The most conspicuous features in the
business situation in the state as report
ed to Bradstreet's are the activity of the
manufacturers, the general employment
of labor and the improvement in agricul-
tural prospects. The product of the
manufacturer in Vermont is disposed of
largely outside the state consequently
this department of business is not great
ly affected by crops. There is a good
demand for labor and as far as reported
there is no particular labor disturbance
in the state. The farmers are hoping to
harvest a good corn crop although the
prospects are only fairly good. The
abundant rain has put the ground in ex-
celent condition but the yield of corn
will depend upon the lateness of the sea-
son; grass is looking well in many
places but the growth at present is very
small. The retail trade is only fair; the
farmers are cautious about spending
their surplus money as the uncertainty
Of good harvest is too apparent to be
overlooked; they are nevertheless obliged
to buy staples and grain. On the other
hand laborers are receiving good wages
and in many cases they are free in their
purchases. Collections are about as
usual.
Burlington reports conditions about
normal; the manufacturers are busy and
labor is well employed. The jobbing
trade is OF fair volume, although sales
are somewhat reduced because of crop
prospects; retail trade and collections
tair. The business industries at Rut-
land are well occupied as the demand for
goods manufactured here is active; re-
| tail trade and collections as usual. In
Barre the granite manufacturers as
rule are not rushed with work; some of
the larger firms are busy and have orders
ahead but the smaller concerns are not
receiving many orders. Retail trade is
active, however, and prospects in all
lines OF business are favorable as it is
thought the dullness in the granite bust
ness is but temporary. Montpelier re-
ports practically the same condition in
the granite industry as isnoted at Barre.
1t is generally conceded by the business
men that the outlook tor trade in the re-
tail line is much better than ten days ago
because OF the Improvement in the crops ;
collections good. Usual conditions both
in manufacturing and retail trade pre-
vail at st. Adams. The stores depend to
a considerable extent upon the country
trade which now has better tone as
farming conditions have improved. St.
Johnsbury reports the manufacturing
concerns fairly well employed while
better feeling exists in this vicinity be-
cause OF recent rains, the outlook for
farmers is not very bright in comparison
with other years and retail trade is al
tected adversely. Brattleboro reports
regarding manufacturing interests that
all are employed and labor is in good de-
mand, retail trade is fair and collections
satisfactory. In Bennington the textile
mills are busy and general conditions are
fairly good, the local rains having i'm
proved conditions very much OF late,
The paper mills at Bellows Falls are
busy and the demand for paper is very
good. labor is well employed, retail trade
and collections good. Business is of
usual volume at Vergennes where stores
are dependent to large extent to coun-
try trade which has improved of late.
brandon reports business in general as
fair, the marble interests are quiet, but
retail trade is fairly good. In Middle
bury the marble business is very active
and portion OF the plant runs day and
night. Preparations are being made to
rebuild the stores in the burned dstricr
and the prospects are that when the
work is finished the appearance of the
town will be better than before the Ere.
The large casket factory.is busy at Brisl
toll. the woodworking mills are doing
we'll and retail trade is tair. Richford
reports the manufacturing interests well
employed considering the season OF year,
retail trade good and collections fair.
The slate business continues very active
at Poultney and prospects both in the
slate business and among the stores are
favorable. Business at Enosburg Fails
has been much improved on account OF
the rains as the farmers are an important
factor in the retail trade. In Newport
the lumber interests are well employed
and retail trade satisfactory. The gen.
eral condition is practically unchanged
at Barton except for the brighter pros.
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