coke shed, 20x72; work shop, 22x28; a machine-shop, 16x20, containing a small engine, a forge, lathe, hand-planer and other necessary tools; an office and meter room, 20x28. The company also have a very fine jet photometer, for testing the illuminating power of the gas, and experimental apparatus for testing the relative merits of gas burners. They have about eight miles of pipe, and sixty-one lamp posts. Six hands are steadily employed at a weekly compensation of $84, but in doing extra work, such as laying mains, forty hands are frequently employed. The original cost of the works when purchased by A. & D. D. McMillan was $80,000, and the total investment now amounts to $100,000.

The officers of the company are Alex McMillan, President; D. D. McMillan, Secretary and Treasurer; George McMillan, Superintendent.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

This great convenience and necessity to the business interests of the city is established in the telegraph office at No. 8 Main street, F. W. Bendel being the operator in charge, and C. F. Eckel, proprietor. The Bell Telephone is the one used, and the switch board containing fifty wires is that of Pott & Co. From two to six connections can be made to each wire. At present, there are but sixty-five, requiring thirty-two wires, which has a total length of thirtyfive miles, the most distant point with which a connection is had being two and a half miles. It has been tested for a distance of four miles, and found to work perfectly. The first connection made was from the boat store of P. S. Davidson, at La Crosse Landing to his mill at North La Crosse, May 1, 1879. The next was constructed to Cargill's office, thence to Green Bay depot, and thence to Gund's Brewery. At present, there are thirty-two lines in the city, employing sixty-five instruments. Two lines extend to North La Crosse. There is probably not a single appliance connected with the working of the telephone which is not patented, and of necessity, much more expensive than would otherwise be the case. Two of these instruments, the Hard Telephone, the exclusive possession of the Bell Telephone Company, and the transmitter battery, the property of the American Telephone Company, are never sold, and only attainable by paying a rental. There are doubtless quite 100,000 of these instruments now in use, the two at this point being numbered respectively 46,739 and 49,966. As they were procured in the infancy of the system, it is safe to infer that its extension has been doubled within the two years and upward that have intervened.

streets.

MANUFACTURES.

John Torrance & Son's Foundry and Stove Manufactory, corner of La Crosse and Second This firm was established in November, 1876, when the present shop, 30x60 feet, was erected. Subsequently a warehouse, 20x30 feet, was built, now used for store-room and office. This firm manufactures all kinds of machinery, brass work and stoves. Five leading styles of stoves are made, and shipped to different parts of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The annual production of stoves at this manufactory aggregates 500. Twenty-five car loads of iron are consumed annually. The fast increasing business of Torrance & Son demand more commodious quarters, which will be provided in the fall of 1881, when will be built a 40x60-foot brick shop, with engine room and warehouses. Eight hands are constantly employed and it is anticipated the growing business will soon require double that number.

Thornely & Ott, West Wisconsin Iron Works, South Front street. This firm was organized in 1879, by Frederick Thornely and Benedict Ott. The present two-story frame building, 30x60 feet, was then erected and fitted with all necessary machinery for a first-class machine shop. Messrs. Thornely & Ott are machinists, mill furr ishers and engine builders, manufacturers of machinery of every description, stationary and portable engines, shafting and hangers, pulleys, gear work and every class of jobbing done in a first-class machine-shop. They opened with four men in the different departments, but their business has increased with such rapidity that within one year seven experienced men have been added to the working force, which at present numbers eleven in all. This firm now make a specialty of sugar-mills and sorghum

S

evaporators, the sale of which is extended through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The buildings occupied by Thornely & Ott are a two-story machine-shop, 30x60 feet, a one-story wing, 36x40, pattern-shop, 18x30 feet, and two stories high, and brick engine house, 14x16 feet, containing a 16-horse power engine. Messrs. Thornely & Ott are regarded as among the substantial firms of the Northwest.

In

The La Crosse Steam Boiler Works.-These works, established in 1865, by Leach & Funk, were the first in the county. A small shop, previously started by a Mr. Stombs, was confined mostly to repair work, and had been abandoned by its proprietor, who had returned to his former avocation as a steamboat man. The new works did a business of $8,000 the first year. 1866, Mr. Funk purchased the interest of Mr. Leach, and associated with him as partner M. Lauer, under the firm name of Funk & Lauer. This was dissolved in 1871, Mr. Lauer retiring, since which time Mr. Funk has been sole proprietor. The business has increased steadily, requiring a constant enlargement of facilities. In 1868, the site where the works now stand was purchased. In 1869, a stone building, 40x100 feet, partly two-story, was erected.

In

1879, another was erected, 32x100 feet. In 1880, an adjoining lot was purchased, and an additional building of 24x40 feet put up. The last year 150 tons of iron were used in manufacturing. The establishment employs eighteen men constantly.

W. P. Powers, plumber, steam and gas fitter, manufacturer of wood and iron pumps. and dealer in elevator belting, corner of Third and Badger streets. In 1867, Mr. Powers laid the foundation for his present extensive business by the erection of a pump factory on the North Side where the Washburn Mill now stands. Here he continued the manufacture of his justly celebrated wood pumps for six years. In the meantime he invented the "Powers Bessimer Steel Sawdust Conveyor," for conveying sawdust in saw-mills, splints and shavings in planing mills and factories, bark in tanneries and for all purposes where rubber or leather belting is used subject to moisture or any unusual strain or wear. On this invention he received patents November 24, 1869, and August 26, 1873. It is a perfect conveyor of sawdust, bark, chips, splints and shavings, slabs and edgings, and any refuse matter about mills. It delivers the dust in an even stream, is perfectly flexible and runs upon ordinary wooden pulleys as smoothly as rubber or leather belting; it is easily spliced, is not effected by the heat, nor by the dampness of the sawdust, does not rust nor stretch and where once adjusted is permanent, always doing its

work and requiring no care; where the sawdust is to be delivered upon the grates, as is done now in nearly all first-class mills, the trough running over the boilers is provided with openings through the bottom, through which the dust falls perfectly screened, while the bark and sticks are carried on and discharged at the end outside the fire room. Numbers of these conveyors

are now in use in different portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Florida, Arkansas and Texas. In 1873, Mr. Powers' increasing business demanding more room and better facilities, he removed to the south side and for two years was located at the head of Pearl street. In 1875, he built the stone building, 30x60 feet, now used as pump manufactory; and in 1880, the large two-story frame building, 24x70 feet, was erected. This building, which is to be veneered with brick the coming season, is now used for sample room, store room and office. A special feature of the manufacturing department is the tubular pump. This improved pump is, to say the least, almost invaluable, and occasion is here availed of to commend it to the citizens of La Crosse County for its simplicity of construction, intrinsic worth and moderate cost. The tubular pump is important from the fact that an inexhaustible supply of pure water can be procured in any locality, whether in rock, clay or quick sand. It is also

PIONEER FOUNDRY, LA CROSSE. JOHN JAMES & CO., PROPRIETORS.

economical, as no curbing, or going underground for repairing, is necessary. By perseverence and close attention to business Mr. Powers has built up an extensive trade, his pumps are widely known and generally conceded to be the very best in the market. In 1878, he added plumbing, and steam and gas fitting to his business. This, although now practically in its infancy, gives promise of becoming a leading feature of his establishment. Mr. Powers is also agent for the famous Halliday and Althouse & Wheeler Windmills. Aside from his extensive local trade Mr. Powers does a large jobbing business through Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

John James & Co., Iron and Brass Founders.-About twenty-five years ago, George Leach established the " Pioneer" Foundry in a small way, about one hundred feet south of the present location, on the corner of Front and King streets; and, as it was the only foundry west of Milwaukee, it drew a good business even from the pine regions northwest of the town, in that early day people coming for over a hundred miles by team for repairs to their machinery. The foundry supplies came from St. Louis by boats. About the year 1869, Messrs. C. C. & E. G. Smith bought out Mr. Leach for $11,000, taking the good will, land, buildings and machinery; and, two years afterward, built the present structure, which is situated on lots having a frontage on King street of 264 feet, and on Front street of 150 feet. The building is 264x50 feet, with

two wings, used respectively as a cupola and engine house; 120 feet of the building has three floors; and, for the size of the place, was filled with as fine machinery as could be bought. to render it perfect in every respect, the total cost being $76,000. In 1874, Messrs. Smith sold out to Fredric Thornely and John James, who carried on business until 1878, as Thornely & James, when Mr. James bought W. Thornely's interest, and has since that time carried on business alone, under the style of John James & Co. The number of men employed is between forty and fifty, being an increase of about twenty in the last three years. The firm makes a specialty of manufacturing the Benton Diamond Millstone Dresser, of which a large number are sold yearly. They also make steam-engines, waterwheels. saw and flour mill and steamboat machinery, turning out about $75,000 of work annually.

La Crosse Plow Works.-These extensive works, situated on the northwest corner of Third and La Crosse streets, like many of the most flourishing manufacturing establishments of the West, owe their origin, rise and success to the persistent labors and persevering efforts of a single man, who made skill in his business supply the lack of capital, and the character of his work is its own commendation. Mr. Hirshheimer commenced his career in this line of business in 1863, working for various parties in the different branches of the occupation till 1865, when he succeeded J. S. Bantam in the La Crosse Plow Works. The first year he built about one hundred plows. Since then their manufacture has steadily grown, until now about three thousand plows are turned out per annum. The buildings required are of the following dimensions: Main building, mostly two stories, 110x130; blacksmith-shop, 40x120; foundry, 30x40; cupola room, 12x16; grinding and polishing room, 30x50; engine and boiler room, 20x30; wood room, 40x60; paint and store room, 40x110; machine-shop, 25x40; show room, 30x40; ware room, two stories, 50x60. The lumber used is chiefly white oak, of which from thirty to forty thousand feet is required yearly. One hundred tons of wrought iron, thirty tons of cast iron, and sixty tons of steel are used annually. About $15,000 is paid out for material, and the same amount in wages. About thirty men are employed steadily the whole year. These are generally skilled workmen and men of family, so that it is computed that 150 souls derive subsistence directly from this single establishment. That so important, extensive and beneficial business should have been built up by one man in the short space of sixteen years, is most creditable alike to its founder and to the city where such a growth was possible.

Smith & Merrill, founders and machinists, corner of Badger and Second streets. In 1861, Seth Dean and William H. Smith established a foundry and machine-shop on the corner of Badger and Second streets, investing a capital of $20,000. In 1863, their capital had increased to $28,000, when they associated with them Henry Merrill, and the firm name became Dean, Smith

Mr. Merrill invested $12,000 in the business, increasing the capital stock to $40,000. In February, 1868, their place of business was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing loss amounting to $35,000. The buildings consumed by this fire were three in number-one 40x60, two stories high, one 40x70, one story high, and another 25x50, one story high. In the summer following, the buildings were replaced by one large stone building, averaging 250x40, still in use. September 15, 1875, occurred the death of Mr. Dean, when the firm name was changed to Smith & Merrill. In May, 1876, Mr. Merrill deceased, since when the business has been conducted by Mr. Smith, under the same firm name of Smith & Merrill. In July, 1879, another fire occurred, this time burning the office, a building 24x54, two stories high, the store room and paint shop, 42x80, one and a half stories high, a barn and other buildings of less importance, causing a loss of $10,000, In this foundry is manufactured the "Clipper Threshing Machine," in addition to which a general jobbing work is done, such as the manufacture of mill irons and castings of all descriptions, employing on an average forty-five men, at a weekly compensation of $350. The articles of manufacture are mostly shipped into Northern Iowa and Wisconsin and all parts of Minnesota. In 1875, the sales amounted to $80,000, but owing to the death of Mr. Merrill and the settlement of his interests, they have not been as large since as they otherwise would have been. His interests have now, however, been all settled, and Mr. Smith is confident his sales for the next year will reach $85,000.

George H. Pierce, Sash, Door and Blind Factory. This establishment is situated at the corner of Hagar and Sumner streets, in North La Crosse. It was started by A. S. Mitchell & Co., in 1869, when the main buildings now in use were erected. George H. Pierce, the present proprietor, came in possession in 1873, and has made additions as required from time to time, to meet the wants and necessities of a business that has steadily grown from year to year. The main building, which is about 30x86, is used as a planing-mill and factory. The first story contains one planer, which will plane from 20,000 to 25,000 feet of lumber daily; one matcher, which will match about 15,000 feet per day; three buzz-saws (one cut-off and two rip saws); one siding-machine, which has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day; one turning-lathe and all the accessories needful for speedy work. The second story contains sash and door machinery, as two stickers; one scroll saw; two mortise and tenoning machines; one combined relishing machine, which performs boring, relishing, mortising and other distinct operations; one sand-paper machine; an irregular molder for molding circles, segments, elliptics, ovals, etc. An engine-room is attached, of about 18x24, equipped with a twenty-five horse power engine to drive the abovementioned machines. The second building, but little less in size, adjoins the main building, and, like it, is a two-story frame. On the first floor is an office, painting and glazing department, while the second is a storeroom for moldings, sash, screens, doors, etc. Near by is a dryhouse, in which 12,000 feet of lumber is stored weekly for seasoning by the dry-kiln. A separate building is used solely for storage of finishing lumber. On the farthest extremity of the lot is another building for storing finished work exclusively, and is placed thus remotely to guard against the danger by fire, to which such manufactories are especially liable. As a further precaution, the establishment is provided with a force-pump and hose, while one of the public hydrants of the water-works is located on the nearest corner. The mill requires 500,000 feet of lumber yearly, which is mostly pine, though a good deal of hard wood is also manufactured into flooring, wainscoting, inside blinds, etc. The manufactured stock is shipped to points near and remote. The trade extends up Turkey River, south into Iowa, north to Bismarck, Fargo, and into Manitoba and the whole length of the Southern Minnesota Railroad. A large number of lumber-yards are also supplied. Mr. Pierce has added a specialty peculiar to his establishment only, viz., the making of cabins for steamers, mainly on Red River, which are shipped in a knock-down state and put together when required. In several cases, he was given orders for this kind of work after the parties had canvassed St. Paul for the work and obtained their lowest prices. During the busy season, an average of twenty hands are given steady employment, and in winter from twelve to fifteen. From forty to fifty souls are dependent on the mill for subsistence, which pays out an average of $750 monthly for wages. The business has grown steadily, and may now be placed at not less than $50,000 per year.

C. L. Halstead, windmills and pumps. A practical carpenter and builder, commenced his present business at the stand now occupied on Jay street, between Fourth and Fifth, in September, 1880. The building is a two-story frame of 24x40, of which the first floor is devoted to pumps and wind-mills and its second to carpenter-work. Mr. Halstead has the agency of the famed Eclipse Wind-Mill, of Fairbanks, Morse & Co. The wheels are made to order, from ten to thirty feet in diameter. They furnish a safe, economical and convenient motor, where a stationary power can be made use of, and are used largely for pumping, grinding, sawing, etc. ten-foot wheel is estimated to yield a three-quarter horse-power; one of twelve feet one and a half horse-power. They are placed on towers of an average height of thirty-six feet. The minimum price of a tower and ten-foot wheel is placed at $90. In addition to the above, a large business is done in the sale of pumps of all kinds-wood, iron, chain and force-pumps. These are of the noted Althouse, Wheeler & Co. pattern, which have been manufactured for twenty years past, and are known and sold all over the Union. For this vicinity, pumps of fifty feet in length are commonly employed, water being obtained at an average depth of fifty feet. In sinking a well, the usual method is to curb it some twenty or thirty feet in depth, then bore down with a four or six inch auger the remaining depth; a wooden point is then inserted in the bottom, of two feet in length, two and three-eighth inches in diameter, fluted, and covered with