Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-09-20
ELLSWORTH.
.prs1NEss OPPORTUNITIES AVIAN
THE RIGHT MEN.


uNR1vALLED WATER PowER-HAFu
FEATURING MDUsTRIEs row
IN OPERATION ~ ELECTRIC
ROAD WANTED.
r.. c. Bateman, in series Of articles in tn,
sources Of Maine and How They can B,
Utilizedl
Among the communities OF Maine
whose natural resources are largely in 1
state Of embryo the city Of Ellsworth
stands in the front rank. With waite,
privilege OF 1900 horsepower already de-
yeloped, and capable Of being enlarged to
$1,000 horsepower, We believe that this
stands unrivalled in the State OF Maine,
By a proper system Of storage there can be
made succession OF falls ON this river
that, il utilized, would mean q popu-
Iation Of 100000 people for the city Of
Ellsworth. Such an opportunity il worth
the attention Of the capitalists Of New
England who are looking for . chance to
invest their money where reasonable re-
turn will be assured.
The territorial axsa Of Ellsworth origi-
nally was more than 10000 acres, and the
Union river nows southward through the
town and city. It 10 the outlet for Green
lake, Branch pond and several tributaries,
and these pass through series OF meta
morphic lodges on which rest many huge
and unique boulders. In distance Of two
miles the river falls nearly one hundred
feet, and the watsr annually discharged
over this spacs 10 about twenty billion
cubic feet, which 10 nov, mostly going to
waste Little did old Benjamin Milliksn
realize the possibilities Of this spot whek
be came here in l76s and pitched his rude
ca mp on the banks Of this fast flowing
river. Even day there are many people
in Ellsworth who little realize these pos
sibilities, or II they do, are too conservative
to push them to the front for the benefit
Of the community.
II Ellsworth has the Union river ct ito
back it also has the ocean in its front.
Tide water comes up to the centre OF the
city, and this gives splendid opportunity
for vessels to come and 60. This arm or
estuary Of Frenchman's bay is nearly
always open through the winter, and with
an expenditure OF 100000 for dredging,
the largest steamers could come into the
heart OF the city. With little exertion
by our delegation in Congress it would be
an easy matter to induce the government
to undertake this marine development as
a part OF its river and harbor work. Just
why this has not been done before is
question that docs not come into the scope
OF this article. That matter belongs to
history. while we are now dealing with
possibilities and their future develop
ment.
One OF the great points in favor of Ellis
worth as manufacturing centre is the
purity OF water in Union river. 1t is
especially fitted for cotton manufacturing
and bleachery work, and along the shores
OF the river, just below the present dam,
is plenty OF land suitable for great plants.
Only $500 horsepower from this dam is
now being utilized, and the other $500
horsepower is running to waste. With
such an opportunity 1t seems almost like
criminal negligence that this condition Of
affairs should exist.
The name of the present corporation
owning this dam 10 the Bar Hsrbor &
Union River Power Co., and John X. Ora
ham, Of Bangor, 10 the president. The
electric plant isons Of the finest in all
New England, and from here Bar Harbor
and large portion OF Bangor are lighted.
All this requires only about one-third the
present development, and here Is all the
surplus awaiting touch from the hand
Of industry. 1t 10 an opportunity that
scarcely exists elsewhere in Maine, and
one which men of modest capital should
take advantage.
PRESENT INDUSTRIES.
From reading the above no one should
be led to think that manufacturing in
dustries are not already here. On the con-
trary, Ellsworth is one of the busy spots
in Maine, and here are several plants that
from humble beginnings have grown to
large proportions. Here is the great mill
owned by Whitcomb Haynes q Co.,
manufacturers Of both long and short
lumber, and whose operations are suffici-
entity extensive to give employment to
more than 400 men. Another enterprise
u the same line u the long and short luni'
Der mill Of G. J. Treworgy, which gives
employment to same 200 hands, including
those who work in tho woods and on the
river. The Branch Pond Lumber Co. en-
ploys about seventy-five men, while the
Ellsworth Hardwood Co. has about the
same number in manufacturing novelties.
One Of the most important OF the local
industries il. the Ellsworth Foundry &
Machine Works, Incorporated in 1905, and
at the head Of which stands Hon. John A.
Peters. His brother, Charles Peters, 10
treasurer, while the sctive manager and
superintendent 10 B. B. Walker. This Is
one OF the finest plants OF its kind in
Maine. Gasoline engines and score OF
other kinds OF machinery and castings are