Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-01
AFFAIRS IN ALEXANDRIA

AFFAIRS IN ALEXANDRIA
ALEXANDRIA, Va. January L.
This city broke all previous years for
prosperity during 1918. More big COM
mercial enterprises located here dur
ing the year, and more business was
done by her merchants and more real
estate transferred. In addition, her
population was practically doubled.
The result is that the beginning Of
the new year finds every house in
Alexandria occupied and every room
ing house filled to it's capacity. Never
before in the city's history has there
been such marked prosperity as there
exists today. The institutions that
have located here during the past year
that Alexandria's future success as a
thriving business city is assured.
One of the big corporations, that is
now giving employment in its plant
to moro than 1900 men, is the Virginia
shipbuilding Corporation. which
started with a big order Of govern
ment contracts and since then has
received orders for the construction
of other vessels. which assures perrna-
nency.
Another big industry now being
constructed by the government here
is the torpedo assembling plant on
the river front north of King street.
This plant will give employment to
more than 500 skilled mechanics, and
will be completed early in the spring.
The American Spark Plug Company
last summer started operations in a
big building here, giving employment
During the year the American Life
Boat Company also gave employment
to a large number of hands manufac-
turing boats for the government.
A big building was erected at Col
ross by the Alexandria Hay and Mill
ing Company.
A handsome building was completed
by the Southern Railway Company
for it's test department.
The F. A. Steele Company erected a
factory building here for the manu-
facture of soap powder and other
The Alexandria Amusement COM
pany erected big moving picture
theater.
Two new hotels were opened during
the year to accommodate the daily
and the Monticello. In addition manv
big rooming houses also were opened
Building operations here have heen
ON q bigger scale than ever before.
One OF the biggest deals was the pur-
chase Of the Rosemont property by
the General Realty Company. This
concern now has under course of con-
struction in East Rosemont about 200
modern houses, many OF which al
ready are occupied by employees Of the
plant Of the Virginia Shipbuilding
Company. This company proposes to
erect additional houses during the
year.
inEs were erected here during the
year, and many old ones remodeIed.
Lips Brothers erected a spacious
cafe on King street, which has just
been opened.
Rain No Bar to 1919 Greeters..
Rain failed to dampen the ardor of
the crowd out last night to celebrate the
birth Of the New Year. The celebra-
ton proved just as noisy as those held
In previous years, although the crowd on
the street in point Of number was far
below the size Of crowds in former
years
Promptly at nve minutes before the
midnight hour the bells pealed forth
Gus welcome was given by bells and
whistles on the stroke Of ~ O'Clock. Sew
eral hundred merrymakers on the streets
engaged in bell-ringing and horn-blow-
ing. which added to the racket, and in
some instances explosives were dis
charged and there was some red fire.
Many Automobiles joined in the pro-
cession.
There were a number of dances and
private parties given and special serv-
ices were held in some Of the churches.
New Year here today was generally
Ah0aTvAd nj IA
ing closed. although majority Of the
stores remained open until the noon
hour. A number Of private parties
and dances have been arranged for
tonight.
Chamber Of Commerce Reception.
All Is in readiness for the reception
which will be held from until 6
o'clock this evening by the Chamber
ganization. Music will be furnished
by an orchestra from the Mayflower
and an elaborate buffet luncheon will
be served The rooms Of the chamber
have been tastefully decorated with
palms. ferns and potted plants.
The committee in charge of the ar
rangements for the affair is COM
Julian Y. Williams, George D. Hop
kins, Carroll Pierce, Harry Hammond
and 8. c. CropIey.
e. r. Roger, the new business man
ager of tho chamber Of commerce, to-
day assumed charge Of that position.
Mr.. Roger formerly was publicity
agent for the city Of Fredericksburg.
The chamber Of commerce gave a fare
well banquet in his honor Monday
night at the Princess Anne Hotel in
that city.
Fire supposed to have been under
the roof Of the residence Of Philip
Rush Duke street extended, brought
out part Of the fire department at 7:45
o clock this morning.