American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1909-08-14
WOODEN MILLS
SEEKING LOCATION
Cheap Power Attracts Them
to American Falls
More Desirable Power Contracts Here
Than Elsewhere and Payrolls
Prospect of Near
Future.

Ii Amerinan Falls does not secure the
location of one or more large WOODEN
mills in the near future it will not be
because such Institutions are not Look
this way. Last Monday evening the
business men listened to a proposition
to locate large mill here By J. p. viii
bur of Union, Oregon. and next Tues
day evening will meet A. w. B. Berr.
of Eureka, California, who comes on
the same mission. Cheap power is the
magnet which IS drawing them. Mr.,
Wilbur, in his talk, said the power rates
here were less than half the best rates
he had been offered in Oregon or Wash
ington, and the saving would paw good
interest on the investment of a very
large sum of money.
In introducing himself Mr.. Wilbur
stated that he had been in the woolen
mill business for upwards of thirty
years, and was prepared TO furnish
references from the most responsible
business men and bankers from Sar
Francisco to Seattle. both as to relia-
bility and his success in handling such
institutions. Before the close of the
meeting committee composed of w.
ii. Phllbrick, d. W. Davis and J. o.
Hiett was appointed to investigate
the gentleman's statements, and are
engaged in doing so at the present time.
Mr.. Wilbur says American Falls has
all the advantages offered by any other
western locality, and one decided ad-
vantage over any other, that of cheap
power. These are nearness TO raw ma
terial, free site, clear water and fuel
as cheap as any, with good shipping
facilities. The plant he proposed &c
bring viii employ from 100 TO $50 peo-
pie the year round. one third of whom
will be men and the remainder boys.
girls and women, and maintain pay
roll of about 5000 per month. The
machinery he has in view will cost
about $50. agd buildings about
s25, 900. The largest of these will be
two stories, and 60x2OO feet,
The plan Mr.. Wilbur suggested for
raising the money necessary, which he
placed at 100000. seems feasible
, 1t is the Issuing of per cent. bonds
to the amount of sI00, 600, and stock to
the same amount. To anyone pur-
chasing the bonds. stock would be is.
sued. From the profits of the business
the bonds would be taken up and retired
, and dividends declared on the stock
, at the same time. This would max,
) the proposition appeal 70 moneyed mer
in business way, reasonable dividends
bringing them revenue up TO 10 PEI
: cent. As the bonds were retired thu
stock would take on their value. Il
this way purchasers of the bonds woult
be paid the principal invested witt
good interest, and when this was don,
own the plant and business.
Mr.. Wilbur claims to have a reeor
of successful management of like en-
! terprises, and placed the committee i
possession of information which will pei
init fullest investigation. He appear
to be frank, straight forward busines
man and created most favorable i'm
preston. Should his representation
prove to be true. as it is believed the
will, the prospects Of wollen mill ar
+. very bright.
Ii the proposition is ua6ertaken an
. financed here. the gentleman propose
to have the mill in operation by abou
n the first of next April. Only one Of tn
A buildings will be expensive or requir
9 much time for construction, and thi
. can be enclosed before severe weathe
r begins. During the past year and
i half four woolen mill men have locke
: lougingly toward American Falls, bu
Mr. Wilburn 5 proposition. includin
his ideas of managing the busines,
was more favorably received than an
g former one. What Mr.. Berr will hay
= to offer, remains to be seen. With tw
e mills seeking a location here at tn
: same time. attracted by the gres
z amount of cheap rover here availabl,
e it should not be difficult to secure or