Page images
PDF
EPUB

acter, comparatively speaking, than at present, and the yard was constantly occupied with "jobs," etc., the resources of the firm was limited to what they now are, and the number of hands employed less than one-fifth the present force.

The improvements consisted of one mill edifice, supplied with machinery sufficient only for supplying materials for use in the yard, marine railways that since have given place to improved machinery in that behalf, and other conveniences of a minor, not to say unimportant, pattern. But forty men were employed, and the hours of labor were regulated according to the exigences of the occasion and the usage of the period. In less than twenty years the enterprise has undergone a complete clange in all its departments, mode of work, etc., etc.

During the war, the yard was taxed to its full capacity, and when the surrender stopped further hostilities, it might be imagined work was diminished, as regards both quantity and quality. But the contrary of this supposition is correct.

During 1866, George S. Weeks, a shipwright and a man of decided executive ability, was placed in charge by the Davidsons, the resources of the undertaking were increased, and day and night the yard resounded to the songs of 150 artificers, mechanics and laborers. During this period and succeeding years the yard was extensively patronized by steamboat companies, and some of the swiftest and most elegant floating palaces that ever plowed the Father of Waters were fashioned or received their finishing touches on the ways of W. F. & P. S. Davidson. Among these are the Alexander Mitchell, Belle of La Crosse, Mary Barnes, Annie, Grand Pacific, Alfred Toll, Flying Eagle and others, in addition to fleets of barges, tugs and river craft of less prominent a type.

In about 1876, the Messrs. Davidson became sole owners of the yard, and supplemented the repairing and building of boats with the manufacture of lumber. To do this successfully, required the erection of original improvements, as also the rebuilding of such as had previously existed, necessitating the outlay of large sums of money, and reducing the business to an absolute science. The consideration of the needs of the business resulted in inachinery of the latest, most approved and expensive in pattern, which was substituted for the style which had become "stale" in comparison with that of a more modern day; facilities for the rapid preparation and handling of lumber were introduced, and not until $25,000 had been expended in buildings, machinery and equipments, were actual operations begun in the new field of enterprise. This dispensation was conducted with the same system, skill, intelligence and industry that characterized Davidsons' prior engagements, and before the year had closed began to evidence the firm's foresight in the increase of business that followed, requiring a force of between two and three hundred men occupied daily in conserving.

In 1877, though work in that branch of the establishment, as already suggested, had measurably diminished, the old marine railways were abandoned, removed, and their place supplied by an entirely new line complete to the slightest detail. As built, they are said to be the finest on the river, with a capacity for unlimited tonnage, and supplied with tackle, apparel and furniture so completely, as to be able in less than six hours, to raise a boat 300 feet long, and of proportionate capacity, high and dry and ready for the ship-carpenter to test his skill upon. This re-construction of the ways was made at a cost of $20,000.

If the business of boat-building "slackened," that of the manufacture of lumber increased. So much so had this obtained, that in a few years after its commencement, it was found that the means of supplying the demand were inadequate, and measures were at once inaugurated to make up the deficiency existing in that behalf. In 1880, the erection of the new mill was begun, and its completion attained during the spring succeeding. The building is 170x50, two stories high, with the basement; equipped with machinery, including rotaries and gang saws, also implements for the manufacture of lath and shingles, and the product placed upon the market, includes every variety of lumber from rough to finished. The cost of this improvement is stated at $30,000.

The location of this vast establishment is on North Third street in North La Crosse. The property comprehends a river front of 1,200 feet and over, by an average depth of 550 feet to

Third street, and is estimated to be worth, with the improvements, not less than $250,000. These consist of the mills, the marine ways, machine-shop, and other accessories. It requires seven engines of immense power, to operate the machinery employed, by which a log in the rough is subjected to a process, whence it is resolved into marketable lumber, lath and shingles, which are made up into rafts containing millions of feet, and are towed to markets on the river and other routes, principally Dubuque, Quincy, Clinton, St. Louis and elsewhere.

The capacity of these mills are 300,000 feet of lumber; 200,000 shingles, and 100,000 laths, each twenty-four hours, in which fifty millions of logs are annually worked up, furnishing employment to 300 men at a weekly cost of not less than $5,000, and doing a business of $5,000,000 per year.

Polley's Saw-Mill.—This mill is situated on French Island, opposite the Fifth Ward, and at the western end of the Chicago, ¡Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Bridge that spans Black River. The site, although somewhat inconveniently situated, is considered one of the best on Black River for milling purposes, it having a river frontage of three quarters of a mile; 115 acres are occupied by the mill, boarding-house, yards, etc. In 1870, the mill was erected by W. H. Polleys, Messrs. Nichols & Jefferson being the contractors. Its capacity, which has not been materially changed since its erection, is 5,000,000 feet per year. When completed in October, 1870, it began operations and continued till February of the following year, the proprietor having piled a great number of logs on the bank before winter set in. In 1871, the mill ran about seven months, cutting in that time 3,600,000 feet of lumber, it all being rafted down the river. The number of men employed was about twenty-five, and the average wages paid was $1.30, the employes being boarded by the proprietors. In 1872, the mill ran only five months, sawing something over 2,200,000 feet. This year was also manufactured 60,000 pickets, and 340,000 laths. In 1873, about 2,200,000 feet of lumber were cut, the mill running about the same length of time as in the year previous; about 300,000 laths were also turned out this year and the lumber was all rafted down river. The mill ran for a period of six months during the year of 1874, cutting nearly 3,000,000 feet, 500,000 feet of which were retailed and the remainder rafted. Nothing was done in the picket line, but about 1,200,000 lath were turned out. In 1875, the mill was started the 19th of April and did not shut down till the 19th of November. About 4,600,000 feet were sawed, together with 740,000 laths and 235,000 pickets. This year 1,800 cords of slats were also turned out. The number of employes was increased to thirty and the average wages paid about $1.25 per day. During the season of 1876, the mill ran nearly seven months' cutting, 4,500,000 feet being sawed with 1,000,000 laths and 40,000 pickets; 1,000,000 feet of the lumber was piled and the rest rafted. About 1,800 cords of slabs were also sold. In 1877, the mill ran only three months and a half, and cut during that time 2,100,000 feet. Nothing was done this year in the picket line, but about 1,200,000 laths were turned out, together with 1,000 cords of slabs. In 1878, the mill ran only three months, and cut 1,900,000 feet, 500,000 of that amount being piled; no laths or pickets were made, but 1,500 cords of slabs were sold to different parties. In 1879, the mill commenced the 13th of May and cut between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 feet of lumber, of which 1,500,000 was piled and sold at retail; neither pickets or laths were manufactured that year, but about 2,500 cords of slabs were turned out.

In 1877, W. H. Polley sold the mill to his two sons, W. E. and E. H. Polley, who have since run it in a very proper manner. The number of employes is about thirty, and the average wages paid is about $1 per day.

Hiram Goddard's Mill.-This mill is located on French Island, about half a mile northwest of the city limits. Its erection dates from 1875, when it was built by C. B. Dawes, of Muskegon, Mich., under the direction of Mr. Goddard. The land appurtenant to the mill, and used for a yard, etc., comprises fifteen acres. The mill has excellent machinery, and has a sawing capacity of 5,000,000 feet per year. The first summer it was operated the lumber cut reached

2,000,000 feet, of which amount 500,000 feet were retailed here and the remainder rafted to down-river points.

In 1876, operations were begun in the second week in April, and kept up until September. The mill ran to half its capacity for a full season, cutting 2,500,000 feet of lumber, all being rafted, except 400,000 feet. In 1877, the third season, work was begun May 1, and continued until the middle of September. The business done amounted to about the same as the previous year, 2,500,000 feet being cut, which, with the exception of 300,000 feet, was rafted. Of shingles, 2,000,000 were manufactured together with 500,000 laths.

In 1878, work was begun the second week in April and continued 120 days, during which time the timber cut aggregated 2,000,000 feet. Of this all but 300,000 feet was rafted. The lath cut amounted to 400,000, and 140,000 shingles were also turned out. In 1879, the mill started up on the 10th of May, and run about five months, turning out about 3,500,000 feet of lumber, which, with the exception of 500,000 feet was rafted down the river. Between 500,000 and 800,000 laths were turned out this year together with about 2,500,000 shingles. The hands in this mill receive from $1 to $3 per day. There are employed around and about the mill about fifty persons, including a few boys and girls. The mill is substantially built and conveniently arranged, and is well and economically managed, and in the enjoyment of a fair share of public confidence and patronage. Mr. Goddard is a thorough business man, and very farseeing in the management of his mill and all the details looking to its success.

C. H. Nichols & Co.'s Saw-Mill.-This mill is situated on the Black River, about two miles north of the city limits. Its construction was commenced in the spring of 1856 by Messrs. Royse, Boice, Melville & Co., and completed in June of that year, J. S. Nichols doing the work, and Peter Sardin was the first sawyer, and a man named Mitchell was the first engineer. J. S. Nichols performed the duties of superintendent and manager. The first year the mill was operated, it showed a capacity of 16,000 feet per day, and the amount of lumber cut was 2,500,000 feet, all of which was rafted except 900,000 feet, which was sold at retail in this market. In 1859, the mill was sold to C. M. Nichols, but it remained idle until 1860, undergoing repairs in the meantime. It was then operated steadily until 1864, when it was not run at all, as the water in the Black River was unusually low, causing a great scarcity in logs. The average price of lumber from 1857 to 1865 was between $13 and $15 per thousand. The price gradually increased from 1865 to 1868, which was the period of plentiful currency in good times, reaching, in the latter year, $22 per thousand. In 1873, the mill was purchased by C. H. Nichols & Co. The "Co." comprises two names, and the firm in full is Messrs. C. H. Nichols, F. E. Nichols and Frank Pooler. After these gentlemen purchased it, they materially changed it and increased its capacity, enabling them to turn out 45,000 feet of lumber, 30,000 shingles and 10,000 laths per day. These were rafted South as quickly as manufactured, and sold in the down-river markets. But very little attention was bestowed upon local or retail trade. The property was valued at $25,000. A fifty-acre lot is owned and occupied by Messrs. Nichols & Co. in connection with the mill. They have a vested title of the riparian rights for a mile along the east shore of Black River in the matter of handling logs, tying up rafts, etc. Twelve men are employed in sorting and rafting, at a daily compensation of about $25.

Nichols & Co. also own a planing-mill, which is run in connection with the saw-mill. It is one-eighth of a mile east of the latter. It affords employment to five men, and is fitted up with machinery of the latest and most improved patterns. This mill runs about three months in the

year.

Messrs. Nichols & Co.'s mill was entirely consumed by fire, October 5, 1880. About ten days after this, a corps of carpenters went at work, in laying the foundation for a new one, and their present large mill was completed and the first sawing done on the 9th day of May, 1881. After running one and a half days, they shut down for the purpose of arranging some little defects. On the 14th day of this month, however, a full force of men went at work, and they have been in constant operation since. This mill is in size 36x144, and has a capacity of 120,000 feet of lumber in twenty-four hours.

They employ 102 hands in the mill-including a few boys and girls in the lath and shinglerooms-at a daily compensation of $160. They have now in process of construction a number

[graphic][merged small]

of rafting sheds. A larger portion of the lumber cut is rafted; however, in the fall, about 2,000,000 feet is piled in the yard at the mill. The entire cost of the mill amounts to $35,000.

John Paul's Saw-Mill.-In 1860, John Paul purchased the ground upon which his sawmill is now built, from Nathan Myrick and Daniel Cameron, and erected thereon a saw-mill, with a capacity of from 10,000 to 12,000 feet per day. His whole investment amounted to about $2,000.

The mill ran about five months the first season, cutting 800,000 feet of lumber, all of which was retailed here at about $8 per thousand. The capacity of the mill and its business gradually increased until 1868, when it was destroyed by bursting of the boilers.

With laudable energy and enterprise, Mr. Paul at once set to work to rebuild the mill and in six weeks from the time of the calamity, another large mill was completed and put into operation. Since 1868, improvements were made each year, by the addition of machinery, and its capacity was increased from 130,000 to 150,000 feet per day. In 1878, about 14,000,000 feet of lumber was turned out, 9,000,000 feet of which was piled and the remainder shipped.

In the winter of 1880 and 1881, new buildings throughout were erected, the dimensions of the main building being 64x190, with two additional wings, one 24x120 and the other 20x32. The engine and boiler house, constructed of stone and iron, is 42x50. The motive power consists of two engines, each 22x24, with a capacity of 600 horse-power, and eight boilers, 44 inches by 24 feet, and also one steam double pump, which feeds the boilers. The machinery in the mill consists of two double log rotaries; two gangs, one of forty-one saws and the other twenty-eight saws; two, five-saw edgers; two, four-saw automatic slat and edging cutters, with lumber trimmers of a capacity to correspond. The machinery for the manufacture of lath and shingles has a sufficient capacity to cut all the lath and shingles required in the manufacture of 150,000 feet of lumber per day. Connected with the mill is also one of Sumner's patent double dry-kilns; a log slide, which Mr. Paul patented in 1877, and on account of its worth is now in use in all the large saw-mills throughout this section of the country; planing and matching machines of a capacity to supply all the demands of his immense trade. The entire cost of this structure amounts to $85,000. Mr. Paul has two lumber-yards in La Crosse, one at the mill; and the other on the Eastern outskirts of the city. Besides these, he has also yards throughout Southern Minnesota and Dakota at the following places: Rushford, Lanesboro, Fountain, Wykoff, Spring Valley, Dexter, Albert Lea, Alden, Wells, Mapleton, Good Thunder, Delavan, Huntley, Sherburne, Jackson, Lakefield, De Forest, Edgerton, Pipestone, Airlee, in Minnesota, and Flandreau, Egan, Dell Rapids, Madison and Wentworth, in Dakota Territory. Of the amount of lumber sawed yearly, two-thirds of it is piled in the La Crosse yards and shipped to these branch yards, while the remaining one-third is rafted in the Mississippi River to Southern markets. About 10,000,000 feet is constantly kept in the La Crosse yards, and about 5,000,000 feet at the branch yards. The logs supplying this mill come from the Chippewa, Black and St. Croix Rivers. In 1880, Mr. Paul sawed 30,000,000 feet of lumber, and manufactured 12,000,000 shingles and 6,000,000 laths, this being more than was ever before sawed by any individual mill on the Mississippi River. In the manufacture of such an enormous amount of lumber, Mr. Paul employed three hundred hands, at a daily compensation of $550. This is one of the largest mills in the Northwest. It is everywhere regarded as firstclass, and the ready market it meets with proves that it has no superior in popular favor.

N. B. Holway's Saw-Mill.-This mill is situated on the Black River, in North La Crosse, near the railroad track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and its premises include an area of four blocks. It was purchased from Robert Ross by N. B. Holway in 1876, and he worked it until June, 1877, when it was destroyed by fire. In no way disheartened by the calamity, he soon set to work to rebuild the mill, which was completed and ready to resume operations in the following spring. The size of the mill is 44x152, substantially built, and the machinery introduced is among the costliest and latest improved in this part of the country, and the arrangements throughout the mill are the most complete. The capacity of the engine that

R

« PreviousContinue »