Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-09-11
ALEXANDRIA GETS
FEDERAL INDUSTRY
Torpedo Assembling Plant, to
Employ 1000 Workers,
Located There.

ALEXANDRIA. Va. September H.
This city has secured the biggest In
dustry in its history, a torpedo as
sembling plant, according 70 IN.
announcement made today by the
Grated by the government and will
give employment to 1000 highly
skilled mechanics in the work Of as
sembling the torpedoes. A surveying
party is on the land today getting
elevations etc
The work Of demolishing tho build
ings on which the big plant - to be
erected will be started within the next
three weeks. There will be two big
reinforced concrete buildings, which
will be the main structures OF tie
plant
:, Where Plant Is Located.
The plant will be located on the
property within the boundary OF
Cameron street on the north. Lee
street on the west, Fayette alley on
the south and the Potomac river on
the east
The property on>which the plant will
be located was obtained from H. K.
Field & Co., William A Smoot & Co.
Inc, Miss Minnie Henderson,, Johp
David Lannon. Arthur II. Bryant. IL
s. Harper & Co., Mutual Ice Company
and Mrs. Catherine Butler. which
formerly was used for lumber yards.
storehouses. warehouses. etc.
The detailed story of the prelimi-
nary work of procuring the plant 10
interesting. July Representative c.
C. Carlin called UP the chamber of
commerce by telephone and stated
that an appropriation had been made
for a torpedo plant and that a COM
to find suitable location for the pro-
posed plant.
Rear Admiral Ralph Earl and Lieut..
Commander Wrlgh. met the cham
Der of commerce. and then followed
the details. which were worked out
business manager of the chamber OF
commerce.
Admiral Earle Gives Notice.
On August a letter was received
by the chamber of commerce from
Rear Admiral Earle, making the fol-
lowing announcement:
II am pleased to advise you that
under date of August s. 1913. the
erection of the torpedo plant at Alex
andria, Va.
After examining the proposed sites
pointed out by you we have selected
the location bounded by Cameron
street on the north. Lee sire It on the
west, Fayette alley on the south and
the Potomac river on the east.
I'm connection with the establish
ment of this plant, and IN order that
its construction may be proceeded
with as rapidly as possible. the bu-
reau would appreciate your assista
ance from time to time in matters reg
lating to the purchase Of property.
necessary rights of way, etc"
Chamber Takes Options.
Immediately upon receipt of this
letter options were obtained by the
chamber Of commerce from all Of
the property owners within the
boundary. They were delivered to
Judge Graham Egerton. solicitor Of
the Navy Department. who today
served notice on the property owners
to vacete the land and buildings
within the prescribed area, so that
work can proceed. y
Senator claude A. Swanson was in
terested in procuring the plant for
Alexandria.
Those working as representatives
of the chamber of commerce In the
matter were Robert L. Payne. presi-
dent; Julian Y. Williams. business
manager; Gardner l.. Boothe, Judge
Samuel q. Brent. George e: Waxneld.
Wallace Lindsey. Carroll Pierce. 2.
Callahan, commissioner of revenue.