Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-17

world.
Bath would always exist whether
the Iron Works were there or not.
But Bath would never be the Bath
that it is were it not for the Iron
Works. Whatever recognition this
city has gained throughout the coun-
try has been due to the enterprise
and superb product Of the big plant
on the banks of the Kennebec.
1t is interesting to visit the Bath
Iron Works. 1t is always interesting
and instructive to go to place
where things are done on big scale.
There is nothing small about this
plant. The property in territory is
big, the buildings are big and the
various things of every class that
have been turned out are big. More
than that the Bath Iron Works are
controlled by men Of big principles;
broad minded, liberal men who value
those who work for them as we'll as
they value their own welfare.
The city of Bath has always been
noted for its shipbuilding. But it
was because of the wooden craft
constructed there that it got its name
as the Shipbuildng City. This has
been still further added to since the
advent of the Bath Iron Works so
that no one thinks of Bath only as the
Shipbuilding City.
Gen. Thomas W. Hyde Of Bath was
the first to inaugurate the building
of steel ships successfully on the
banks Of the Kennebec. In the early
;,b citi IF
scribed 100000 for the establishment
of shops where marine engines and
boilers could be produced. In the
fall of 1882, work was begun on the
large buildings Of the Goss Marine
Iron Works and the following year
the plant was in full operation. In
1855, these works passed into the
hands of the New England Shipbuild-
ing Co. but were transferred to the
Bath Iron Works in 1880. Gen. Thorn
as w. Hyde was the president of this
corporation.
Upon the death of Gen. Thomas W.
Hyde, the founder, the Iron Works
passed into the hands of the United
States Shipbuilding Co. 1t was only
short time. however, that this COM
pany retained possession of the prop
erty.
Hon. John S. Hyde a son Of the
founder of the industry, wished the
Bath Iron Works to be retained as an
industry belonging to the people OF
Bath and known as such. When the
United States Shipbuilding Co. went
into the hands of a receiver. the OPP
NJ lU6a
by earnest efforts interested others
and through his indefatigable efforts
the Bath Iron Works again became
the owner of the plant. Hon. John S.
Hyde is now president and general
manager Of the corporation, positions
he has held since 1905.
Since Mr. Hyde assumed the presi-
dency of the Iron Works, the cor
poration has advanced by leaps and
bounds. improvements have been
steadily made and they are still be-
ing made The corporation is branch
ing out in all directions and receiv
ing work from places where it has
not had it before. There are in all
about 80 buildings to the plant where
every part of the work is done. DUR
ing the past few years several new
structures. including a brass foundry.
tin pipe and copper shops, etc, have
been erected.
Notable has been all the work that
has been turned out by the Bath Iron
Works. The work of construction for
the United States Government began
with the building of the gunboats
off
Maine towns. 1t was but fitting that
the construction of these should be
done in a Maine yard. Since these
two craft were built all kinds Of sea-
going craft for the navy as well as
the merchant marine have been con-
structed.
The largest single piece Of work
that has ever been turned out at the
Iron Works was the construction Of
the battleship Georgia, one of the
largest and most efficient fighting
machines in the world. The scout
cruiser Chester was built here fleet
vessel that had record of 1852 knots
an hour for her official trial. Here
was built the torpedo boat destroyer
Paulding, which made $3.50 knots an
hour for four hour test, a remark
able speed. But even better than
this was the work Of the torpedo
boat destroyer Reid which eclipsed
all records for a single mile when
she covered the distance at the rate
of 34.55 knots an hour. The records
made by the Georgia, Chester and
Reid are the very best ever made by
any vessel of their class in the United
States. At this time the Bath Iron
Works are buster than at any time for
many years.
1t is on such plants as the Bath
Iron Works that Names future de-
ponds in a large measure and it is to
such men and citizens as John S.
Hyde that the State must look for
its future development and growth.
Any man who loves Maine will be
inspired by a visit to the Bath Iron
Works and will be more optimistic
and hopeful because of the acquain-
lance with the man at it's head. The
future of both the Bath Iron Works
and Mr.. Hyde Is bright with prom
Uses.
ShipbuiIding.
The Bath Iron Works, the only steel
shipbuilding plant in the State, seems
to be the outgrowth Of the combination
Of two distinct plants. one of which
had been manufacturing windlasses,
,yaI