The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-06
FINE DEPOSIT OF
MARBLE IN SHELBY
The Bed Lies Four Miles South
of Calera
SAMPLES ARE EXAMINED
state Geologist Finds Most Favorable
Neutrality-suspicious. Being Made for
Big Baptist Encampment at
Shelby Springs
BY WALTER HARPER

BY WALTER HARPER
Calera, August Especial )-State
Geologist Eugene A. Smith few days
ago made an official inspection of
deposit of marble four miles south of
Ca1era that is said to show most favor
able indications of one of the finest
grades of polishing stone in the coun-
try.
The samples that have been examined
are of percuiar coloring, described as
American onyx. The body is pure white
with spots and bars of rich red, strik
ingly beautiful when brought to a pol
ish.
The deposit is said to be very extensive
and has recently attracted the attention
of some of the leading marble men of the
country. It is more than probable that
the property will be developed in the
very near future.
The surface showing of the stone is on
the place of S. ]. Evans on Buxie creek.
Early Discovery
Mr. Evans, who is an old marble man
of experience. discovered the marble is
years ago by the merest accident. He
was hunting in that section and In
searching for water went down into
chasm between two mountains. He
found a spring and while he stopped
to rest and Stake his thirst his dog
'treed' some animal under a rocky
bluff close by. In trying to extricate
the skunk, which the game proved TO
be. Mr.. Evans dislodged a piece of stone
the color of which attracted his atten-
ton. Investigation proved that 1t was
marble. Mr. Evans was then operating
small marble yard at Calera, but for
many years had been employed as fore
man in some of the best quarries in the
east. He recognized that he had made
an important discovery but said nothing
about 1t to any one. The land then be-
ionged to the government and was open
to homestead. He FASTENED to take IT mp
and still holds possession.
MIR. Evans Talks
81 have said nothing much about the
deposit during the past IS years, for the
reason that l knew that the time had
not vet come for its development" said
| Mr. Evans today.
IT do not believe that it is yet time,
but want the people of Alabama to
know of this additional resource 1t costs
fortune to open and put a marble quar-
ny on a paying basis and marble men will
not be in hurry to undertake the open
ing of this field, even though the mar
BILE appears to be of an unusual quality.
The time will come when this will be
one of the most important and valuable
| developments in the state.
| Expert marble men who have seen
| samples of this stone declare that 1t is
unsurpassed in beauty and texture. The
peculiar cooring has interested some of
the greatest biologists In the country. 1t
| Is described as American onyx
Alabama has already one of the largest
marble Industries in the world located at
Sylacauga The people of Alabama do
not realize the Importance of this de-
velopment where millions of dollars have
been already spent. The plant, even
after all this expenditure. is just now
reaching the point where II can begin
to hope for profitable dividends. Now
that the industry has been well estab
lished, 1t will become one of the leading
industries of the state and will claim the
attention and consideration that it de-
serves"
Mr.. Evans plods away in his small
shop in Caera day after day, appar-
| entity content to await the day when 1t
will be opportune to open the second
great marble industry of the state.
Baptist Encampment
The Baptists of Alabama are prepar-
ing for their first annual social encamp-
ment at Shelby Springs, August 22-29.
Plans were about perfected for such
gathering four years ago at East Lake
when 1t was called off by labor troubles
| in the district
Alabama is the last of the southern
states to establish Baptist summer as
sembly and the organization this year
promises to be very suspicious.
The Rev. A G. Moseley Of Orrville,
| chairman of the encampment commit
tee. has already established headquar-
-x.1 te flrrx
everything in shape for the gathering.
The committee includes the Rev.
Barnett, w. B. Crumpton and 8. A.
| Cowan.
In discussing the purposes of the as
sembly today the Rev. Mr. Moseley said:
Mfr. MoseIey Talks
The meeting as defined by commit
tee Is midsummer assembly of the
Baptists of Alabama, for rest recrea-
ton, fellowship, instruction and in
| SEPARATION. An elaborate programme is
nearly ready for press and has such
speakers as Dr. w. o. Carver of the
Southern Baptist Theological seminary
at Louisville, KY; DR.. ]. T. Hender-
son of Virginia, leader of the lay
mems movement of southern Baptists,
Harry L. Strickland of Memphis Sum
day school experdt, and number of
prominent speakers of the Baptist de-
nomination in Alabama.
series of Biblical, of training, of
devotional, and of popular lectures viii
run through the entire encampment
and in addition to this special days will
be given to different interests.
The Baptists laynlen's, missionary
movement of the state, under the lead
ership of II. S. D. Mallory of Selma
is working up a splendid meeting for
their day.
Chairman ]. C. Wright, Roanoke, of
the Baptist educational commission,
and a number of leading educators of
the state will make Educational Day"
one of notable interest.
To other interests such as the Wom-
ans Missionary union, the State Young
Peoples union and Sunday schools,
will be given special days.
The committee is already receiving
requests for reservations from all over
the state and an attendance running
up into the hundreds Is assured.
For the services a great tent has
been secured and splendid music. I'M
der the leadership of Robert jolly of
Louisville, KY, will be prominent