Smyrna times., 1921-03-23
FLAX INDUSTRY TAKES ON
IMPETUS AROUND SMYRNA
FARMERS WILL BEGIN SOWING
SEED BY APRIL THE FIRST
Over 1000 Acres Will be Utilized at
First-New Corporation Preparing
to Start Operation

miles south cf Wilmington, will be
represented by one of the largest flax
and linen industries in the country,
confirming report current several
weeks ago.The Chesapeake Flax and
Linen Corporation, which controls the
Robinson process, and which carries
the only license given in America on
these processes, is now planning to
utilize 1000 acres of land in and |
around Smyrna in raising flax. This |
territory will also include six large
buildings other than the special build |
ingS set aside for the sorting and dry
ing the flax. In the six main build
ings, approximately 1000 workers will
ultimately be employed, according to
the promoters. In the miscellaneous
departments it is expected a force of
500 proficient workers will bring the
total employment up to 2,1OO men and
women. The Chesapeake Flax and
Linen Corporation will be located
on the Smyrna river, with some of its
buildings leading direct to the docks.
From these docks, with seven feet of
water, the company will be enabled to
bring the flax on flat-bottom scows up
from the Peninsula and direct to the
drying and sorting fields. Because of
the rainfall, soil and atmosphere, it is
claimed conditions in and around
Smyrna are equal to those of Ireland,
Belgium, Holland and France for flax
raising. In these countries the best
fax has been grown. The Delmarvia
peninsula can easily become as poten-
tial in the flax business as any other
country the promoters believe. The
natural humidity and atmospheric con-
ditions are considered equally good
during the hot summer months. EX-
perts claim, and it has been proven,
those interested say, that flax grown
only a short distance from Whining
ton will have even greater strength
than that of Ireland.
Robinson Process RevOlEtiOnizes Indu
The Robinson process, it is said, ac-
cOmplished in two hours what it has
heretofore taken 16 hours to accom-
process asaving of 80 per cent in la
bor has been noted they say. The
fax and linen business is said to be
the biggest business in the world which
has not been influenced by the genius
of invention. The methods used today
for the extraction of flax fibre from
fax straw is identical with that used
by the Egyptians 5000 years ago.
What the development of this industry
will mean to Delaware need not tax
the imagination. Russia grew "a per
cent of all the flax in the world as a
compulsory tax crop, which was origi-
nally promulgated by Ivan. Since the
revolution Russia has ceased to grow
flax. At present there is not enough
available territory in the British Isles
to accommodate the thousands of idle
spindles. Americas superior agricul.
tural advantages, it is held, should
give America large export crop
However, the most important factor
of interest to Delaware is that a mum.
ber of the large linen mills in North.
ern Ireland are desirous of moving out
and bringing their people, with the
machinery, and settling in this State
The machinery for the treatment Of
the flax hasbeen shipped from Ell
Mills, Nd, to Smyrna and contract ha!
already been made with farmers tt
utilize 1,400 acres of their farming
land. Early in spring, it is expected
hot &c 4La H.
land will be dismantled and with thei
operators, will be brought into thi
State. 1t is the intention of the com
pany to work this years crop int,
linens. Flax experts from Belgium
and Ireland have been secured, as wei
as several proficient flax growers o
Scotland.
Test of New Process is Gratifying
In order to test the new process
firm of New York bankers had growr
Is miles from Wilmington, a crop O
flax from imported, pedigreed flaxsee
under the direction of Day and Zim
norman, flax experts of Philadelphia
A commercial plant was erected an
considerable flax fibre was produce
from the straw. This fibre has bee
spun into II different flax and line
products, and has been woven into Lin
ems which have undergone the stric
and thorough examination of the Unit
ed States Bureau of Standards j
Washington, d. c. The states of De
aware, Maryland, and especially til
Delmarvia Peninsula, have been cho
en- as the location for the first line
plant because of the similarity Of cl
mate and soil conditions with that
the foreign countries heretofore mel
ton. The certified report of the bl
reau states that the flax fibre grow
near Wilmington, and spun and wove
in Philadelphia into woven product
is hioher.iT1 oualitv hv actual fest thc