Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1907-01-03
THE CLOSEOF
ANOTHER YEAR,

This is the last day of the year 1905.
Mrch has transpired in the twelve
months that have passed. Tomorrow
dawns the year 1907 It will be a
legal holiday. In Bridgeton With the
exception Of the banking Institutions
and the schools, it has never been gen.
orally observed until within the past
year or two there has been an obsery.
ance OF half the day as holiday.
1t is interesting to reflect upon the
past year. 1t has besn an exception
ally good year for Bridgeton and the
surrounding community. Most of the
farmers have made money and that
means great deal for Bridgeton, Tt
belps the business here greatly, max,
ing this the shopping centre of South
jersey Farm values have increased
and there is demand for agricultural
property. Big farms have been sold
and exchanged, and there has been
much equipment added to the planta-
tlons. A great deal of money has been
expended for cattle and horses The
future for the farmers is bright with
promise.
The oyster industry has not helped
much the prosperity hereabouts. The
reason for this is the poor growth of
oysters. The planting season was
highly successful. There was amin.
mense growth of plants in the Della.
ware Bay. But the rainy season had
the effect of retarding the development
of the bivalve, and oysters were some
what poor when the catching season
came on. But the oysters are not lost,
There are plenty of them and they are
healthy and will be an immense crop
next year.
There has been little that is sensa-
| tional. There have been no horrible
tragedies hereabouts, and there have
been few serious crimes. Indeed as
| the year closes there is less criminal
business than ever before. The iaiI
has not been overcrowded. During
the last half of the year Ethere have
been very few behind the bars in the
county prison.
The sheritf's office has not been a
very busy place. That argues well for
the county. When there are dull
times with the Sheriff it means that
there is little financial difficulties.
The Fire Department has not been
called upon to do very serious work
during the past year. There have
been no serious confagrations. Little
property has been destroyed
On the other hand there has been a
good deal of building, more than
usual There has been a great awak-
enlng in real estate. There have been
many sales, and values have increased
very considerably. During the past
two months many properties have been
sold, and all of the sales have been
very advantageous for the seller.
Scarce house in town is empty.
There is a demand for places of resi-.
denee and no vacant houses to meet
the demand. That is a good jndlca.
tion. There are more people living in
Bridgeton than ever before. There
will be more next year. That's good.
During the year the Martin Dyeing
and Finishing plant has been erected
In Bridgeton, and early snext year
there will be busy wage earners EN-
pIoyed there. That institution will
be big one for this city.
The Ferracute Machine COMPANY,
and the Cox & Sons Company have
had most prosperous year. Never
better. More people are employed
there than ever before Both plants
are likely to be busy for long time
to come.
Then the old year winds up with
| the prospects bright for the Sanitary
Gan plant for Bridgetou. 1t will
come early in 1907. The glass bust.
ness was never better. Every place is
filed and the skilled workmen are
making high wages. 1t is quite likely
| shae eHere Will ue anosher grass pian6
here before the 1907 calendar is ex-
| hausted.
The Bridgeton and MillvilIe Trao-
tion Company has increased its busi-
ness wonderfully and is now spending
thousands and thousands of dollars
upon improvements.
It has been a good year. People
have enjoyed themselves and they will
enter upon the new year with even
brighter prospects Generally speak
ing the people will be we'll satisfied
| with 1906.