The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-07-05


prosperous city. 1t has great and varied
mineral wealth, and is blessed with
many other raw materials and advan-
tages not enjoyed by any other section
in the country. We are surprised that
it must hobble. but when the bubble was
pricked all the air went out as is the
case in all boom towns.
Pulls to Front.
But Fort Payne is pulling to the front
again. This time 1t is feeling its way
carefully, making dead sure of every
step. Its present growth is permanent
and substantial. These people know that
they have the material for great man
ufacturing center and they have begun
a campaign Of development along con-
servative lines that will certainly re-
suit in wonderful achievements In the
coming years.
One of the most important discoveries
made here is fine quality Of clay for
enameled brick manufacture. This is said
to be the only deposit of such clay south
of the Ohio river and is considered as
one Of the most valuable discoveries in
the state. The Ladd-Birchy Brick COM
pany Is putting in machinery now for the
manufacture of enamel. plain and orna
mental pressed brick. This plant cost in
the neighborhood OF 100000 and when
the machinery that is now on the way is
placed will be one of the most complete
plants of the kind in the entire country.
There is growing demand for orna-
fol 1,rin I'm fhn south To
the only known available clays for the
purpose in the south Fort Payne natur-
ally expects to reap substantial profit.
All varieties of clay are found here
and in inexhaustible uantities
Mineral Wealth.
Coal, iron, limestone and sand also
exist in large quantities S. B. Johnson,
an expert mineral man, who has made a
careful study Of the mineral formation of
this section, declares that DeKalb coun-
ty is one Of the richest in the state with
a larger quantity and variety of valuable
raw material. The iron deposits show up
especially well and expert analysis gives
them a better percentage than the ores
of Jefferson county. The ore Is found In
Red Mountain just west Of town This is
a continuation of the same mountain
that passes east and south of Birming-
ham.
The quality of lime worked here is very
fine and most Of the output during the
past few years is taken by Louisiana
sugar refneries which industry requires
a specially fine grade of lime. The sand
deposits here are of exceptional quality
and are especially adapted to the manu-
facture of glass.
Good Water Supply.
Fort Payne perhaps has the finest wa
ter supply in North Alabama Two
large springs near the center Of the town
afford 100000 gallons Of water day and
no perceptible inroad is made on the
natural flow from them.
The plant is operated by a private cor
poration.
Fort Payne is in the richest section Of
Little Wills valley under the brow of
Lookout mountain. This valley is rich
and will produce almost anything that
can be grown in this climate. A move
ment Is on foot for the organization of a
truck growers association. This will be
pushed this summer. The valley Is bounti-
fully supplied with large springs and run
ming streams. l have never seen a more
ideal spot for the dairy business.
Hosiery Mill.
The Florence hosiery mill here is one of
the Invest enterprises just now. The mill
has lust been supplied with new ma
chinery throughout and the capacity Is
being steadily increased as rapidly as en-
nIoyes can be secured. The mill at full
capacity gives employment to TOO people.
The mill manufactures fine grade OF
misses hose. A. ]. Scarborough is SUPER
intendent
Other important plans OF Importance ara
the nor. 'ayne Stove and Foundry COM
nav tbs Forst Payne Spoke Works. the
Aiabama coopsrags company plant. OF
,yach Il. w. Nichols 10 secretary and
treasurer; the J. p. Stanley planning mill,
the .ia5f. Payne Milling and Feed COM
reny + "a other smaller concerns. Thsou