The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-03-16
LETTERS ToTHE EDITOR
Barre Has the Goods.

Editor, Barre Daily Times: Tho
fame of Barre is linked with one
of the most beautiful products known
to the monumental industry; namely,
Barre granite, which has stood the test
of time under all climatic conditions.
From coast to coast, for cemetery and
4 other memorials, ii has won its way
to public favor, through distribution
| by the best known monumental deal
ers.
For a third of a century Barre gran
tie has weathered the gale through
lockouts, strikes and financial depres-
sion and Is to-day the outstanding
product in its class. The equipment for
its production in the rough or the fin
ished product is unequaIled anywhere
in the stone industry, and transpor-
tation facilities for all points are all
that could be desired.
In by-gone days there have been no
end OF discoveries that were 'as good
as Barre" sNewbarre" and various 9TH
er GRANTEES that were put on the mar
ket as substitutes for the real Barre
product. 1t is needless to say that most
of these propositions have been short
lived although 1t is fact that much
inferior granite, quarried from surface
boulders in surrounding towns, is still
being shipped out Of the Barre dis
trict Reputable manufacturers gem
orally confine their output to the real
Barre product, while others manufac
ture and ship to dealers goods whose
quality would be disgrace to a waste
pile near real Barre granite quarry.
A little time spent in any OF the
largest and best-kept cemeteries In
the country soon conyinces one that
Barre granite is the leading product in
its class; for there are more memo
rails and mausoleums Of the higher !
class designs from Barre granite than |
from any other stone. II is pertinent |
in this connection to mention the fact |
that the cost Of its production in the /
rough increases as time goes on, ow
ing to the extensive depth Of some
Of the best Barre quarries, where
blocks of granite of any dimensions TO
the limit of transportation can be. pro-
duced, first.class in every respect, the
real Barre granite.
History will repeat itself in the COM
munity, and Barre granite monuments
will be in demand when the present la
Dor and other controversies have be-
some thing of the past. Ii we dare
venture, let us predict for Barre and
is generations to come wonderful
'uture; when agitation from outside
sources shall no longer be permitted TO
introduce oppressive and tyrannical
when a wage rate shall be
established in both branches of the in
lustry; namely, the quarry worker and
he granite cutter, that will be consist
mt with prevailing and other condi
ions throughout this broad land; when
he employer and employee shall stand
boulder to shoulder in an honest pur
lose to build up the industry, uplift
he community, and promote the vel
are and happiness Of all who are de
endent upon il for their livelihood
Until recent years Barre monuments
,ere ALWAYS marketed at too low a
rice. 1t is a matter for serious e0nsid-
ration that uniform price, consist
Mt with the costs Of production, should /
3 maintained, il we are to Judge the
nture by the past. Much Of interest
light be said or written on the sub
.ct Of prices, but the fact remains
hat in the past the average manufac
urer in the Barre district struggled
long for decades, eking out a mere
xistence, handicapped by unfair and
amaging competition, with the result
hat when his labors were completed
nd he passed to the Great Beyond he
tight be considered fortunate If he
1T his manufacturing equipment and
is home free to his family without
NY eneumbrances.
In conclusion, however, let us be OPP
mistic. Let us predict for the Barre
ranite industry prosperous and
Apply future. Let us stand, az in the
asst, first and foremost in the produc-
on of beautiful and artistic memo
ais to perpetuate the memory OF the