would not be complete. The Sheffield Company operate a line of cars
between Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, that are strictly up-to-date,
and the same attention is paid to the wants of the people as though
they were compelled to fight an aggressive competitor for every fare.
These cars connect the L. & N. and Southern depots, and give Florence
a service that they are proud of and appreciate. There is a friendly
rivalry existing between the cities of Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia,
as there always is when towns are located close together, and to ask a
man in Sheffield what he thought of Florence, he would look as though he
never heard of the place, and to ask a man in Florence what he thought
of Sheffield, he would say that any man living in Sheffield when he
could just as well live in Florence should be fined and imprisoned on
suspicion, but in dividing his favors in the way of street car service,
Mr. J. W. Worthington, the Vice President and active man, is impartial,
and gives all three cities a service that is strictly first-class.
The Sheffield Company also furnish electric lights and power to Florence,
and are daily improving the service and extending their wires.
Florence could well be called a “City of Schools and Churches,” for in
that respect they are far above the average city. Their schools, as
before mentioned, are of the highest order, and their churches represent
all denominations. There is the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Trinity
Episcopal, Catholic and Christian. The people are unusually devoted to
the churches, and contribute liberally to their support.
Florence now has approximately three miles of cement sidewalks and is
now advertising for bids for the construction of twenty-seven miles
additional. Florence will use something like ten million brick within the
next few months, as several large buildings are now being constructed and
the plans are being drawn for many more.
[Illustration: Philadelphia Furnace, Florence, Ala., owned by
Sloss-Sheffield Co. Daily capacity, 200 tons. Employs 175 men.]
Florence now has industries that represent a money investment of about
one and a half million dollars, fine schools and churches, street
railway, electric lights and gas, honest city government, an up-to-date
and efficient fire department, police protection, telegraph, telephones,
public parks, and in fact everything required to make it a desirable
place to engage in business and to reside. It will welcome new industries
and good citizens. It is in need of various industries to use the waste
material from the wagon works, stave factories and planing mills, and can
offer greater inducements to parties interested than any other city in
the South.
* * * * *
It would be unfair to this intelligent city, filled, as it is, with
schools, colleges and churches, not to make mention of its valuable
library.
Since its inception in 1885 it has continued to furnish to the reading
public of Florence the best literature, consisting of prose and poetry,
history, science and fiction.
There are more than 2,000 volumes, well shelved and properly cared for.
The library, while not entirely free, is open to all, and intended for
all. One day of every week books can be procured and a membership fee of
$1.00 per year is charged, this amount being used for the purchase of the
new books, a stipulated sum being spent each year for historical works
and reference books for students.
The books are carefully selected when purchased, there being a special
book committee charged with this duty. The library is under the direction
of twelve lady directors, selected for their special fitness for the
work. They are:
Mrs. Erister Ashcraft, President; Mrs. John R. Price, Vice President;
Mrs. Emmet O’Neal, Secretary; Mrs. L. M. Humphries, Treasurer; Mrs. W. P.
Campbell, Mrs. C. E. Jordan, Mrs. H. B. Lee, Miss Nettie Simpson, Mrs. M.
W. Cample, Mrs. M. C. Nelson, Mrs. L. B. Frierson, Mrs. G. N. Smith.
* * * * *
MUSSEL SHOALS.
By Erister Ashcraft.
In the future development of the resources of Florence and her
surrounding territory, a new and powerful factor must be taken into
consideration. It is only a matter of a short time when the hitherto
wasted energy of Mussel Shoals will be harnessed into a power, second
only to that of Niagara.
[Illustration: MUSSEL SHOALS CANAL.
Aqueduct. 900 feet long.
Aqueduct spanning Shoals Creek.
Lock 9, where Mussel Shoals Canal opens into Tennessee River.]
Much has been written concerning these immense falls, but it is the
purpose of this article to give only such facts as will be of interest
and practical use to prospective developers of this great power, and to
those who are to help build up this beautiful valley into one of the
busiest manufacturing centers in the United States.
In a general way the value and importance of this great power is
expressed by one of the ablest American engineers who has examined and
surveyed these shoals: “There is no place in the world where greater
advantages are to be found for the harnessing of water power for the uses
of industry, or where there is greater power awaiting development within
reach of the seaboard by water and by rail transportation than Mussel
Shoals.”
The following, from the report of Chief Engineer F. H. Newell, and
incorporated by Senator Morgan in his recent report to the Senate on the
“Navigation of the Tennessee River,” is reproduced here as being the most
accurate and authentic account of the various important features of the
Mussel Shoals with reference to their capacity for developing power:
“In the Tennessee river, in the vicinity of Florence, Ala., are several
shoals capable of the development of power.
“The shoals are a succession of cascades, amid many islands, in a river
bed varying in width from a half-mile to three miles. The difference
between high and low water is only five or six feet, corresponding to a
rise of fifty feet at Chattanooga. Beginning at Brown’s Ferry, twelve
miles below Decatur, Ala., the river has the following falls:
[Illustration: FIG. 9—Map showing shoals in Tennessee River near
Florence.]
“From Brown’s Ferry to the mouth of Elk river the fall is twenty-six
feet in eleven miles. This is known as ‘Elk River Shoals.’ Its most
precipitous part is at the lower end, where there is a fall of 16.5 feet
in about four miles.
“From the mouth of Elk river to the head of Mussel Shoals, a distance of
five miles, there is a fall of only two feet.
“From the head of Mussel Shoals to Bainbridge the fall is eighty-five
feet in seventeen miles, and is known as ‘Mussel Shoals.’
“From Bainbridge to Florence the fall is twenty-three feet in seven
miles, and is known as ‘Little Mussel Shoals.’
“From Florence to the head of Colbert Shoals the fall is three feet in
eleven miles.
“From the head of Colbert Shoals to Waterloo is, therefore, 160 feet in
a distance of fifty-seven miles. Sixteen miles of the distance, however,
has a fall of only five feet, leaving a fall of 155 feet in forty-one
miles that cover the four shoals mentioned. The shoals are really more
precipitous than the foregoing figures would indicate. For instance, 84.6
feet of the fall at Mussel Shoals is in a distance of fourteen miles.”
The general surface of the water on these shoals is comparatively smooth
and of even depth in its levels across the river, with no deep fissures
to interfere with the building of dams at any location that may be
selected. The islets and projecting rocks can be taken into the structure
of the dams at a considerable advantage in the cost of such works.
The bed and banks of the river are only subject to slight changes, and
improvements, when made, are therefore practically permanent.
[Illustration: MUSSEL SHOALS CANAL.
Lock 7, looking down Canal.
Arch Bridge at Lock 6.
Lock 4.]
This section of the Tennessee river runs through a fertile and beautiful
upland, presenting on both shores bluffs or rock of strong texture that
afford very extensive and excellent quarries for all structural purposes,
while the rocks for the rougher work of dam construction are abundantly
supplied in the bed of the river. These bluffs break away into beautiful
farm lands, and the high lands and salubrious climate insure healthful
homes.
Directly tributary are all the elements necessary for a great
manufacturing center.
The nearby iron, coal and phosphate fields are among the richest in
the world, and the supply of lime- and sandstone for manufacturing and
building purposes is inexhaustible. Forests of timber of both hard and
soft woods of every description are near at hand, and bordering the river
banks from Chattanooga to Johnsonville are the most productive cotton
fields of the South. Labor is skilled and plentiful.
It has been impossible to develop this great power heretofore, as the
government has refused to allow the construction of dams across the
river, but by the recent Act of Congress such permission has been granted.
With the immense supply of raw material of every kind in this section,
sufficient manufacturing industries may be added here to consume
the power generated from these shoals, making us the most important
manufacturers of wood, iron, cotton, etc., in the United States.
Estimated minimum net horsepower of Tennessee river in Alabama on
turbines realizing eighty per cent. of the theoretical power:
---------------------+------+-------------+-------------
LOCALITY |Fall |Minimum |Minimum
| |net power in |net power in
| |driest years |average years
---------------------+------+-------------+-------------
|Ft. | |
Elk River Shoals | 26 | 15,600 | 30,550
Mussel Shoals | 85 | 51,000 | 99,875
Little Mussel Shoals | 23 | 13,800 | 27,025
Colbert Shoals | 21 | 12,600 | 24,675
+------+-------------+-------------
Total |155 | 93,000 |182,125
---------------------+------+-------------+-------------
* * * * *
When the present general manager of the Tennessee Valley Fertilizer
Company started in business some seven years ago, his stock in trade
consisted of plenty of pluck and a hoe. With the assistance of one man,
he mixed his fertilizer with a hoe, and the first day’s output was eleven
bags of fertilizer. The first week showed up a total of 55 bags. Without
telling of the seven years of hard and persistent work, will say that any
of the eight mills in this plant to-day can mix as much fertilizer in
twenty minutes as they did the first week. There is probably no brand of
fertilizer sold to-day in any market that gives more satisfaction than
their famous “Tiger” brand, for in this formula is represented the very
best work of the general manager, who has given practically every hour of
his time to the upbuilding of the business, and his motto is: “The Very
Best That Can be Produced.”
The company own their own phosphate fields in Maury and Hickman counties,
Tennessee, and daily receive shipments of the raw material, where it is
quickly converted into their forty different brands. “King Cotton Grower”
is probably their most popular seller, as it is especially adapted to the
growing of cotton, and no expense has been spared to make it perfect,
and as imitation is a sure sign of superiority, the company have been
compelled upon several occasions to fight for their rights to use this
name for their product. No better recommendation for their goods could
be given than the fact that their very best customers and friends are
the ones that started to buy their goods when the company was first
organized, and who have continued to stand by them in their fight to give
the people the very best. They make a special study of the needs of the
farmer, and make their formulas accordingly, and while it is safe to say
that it would be hard to improve on their different brands, which are
all made with scientific accuracy, yet they are always ready to make any
special formulas, and will take such orders and deliver them promptly.
Growing to such proportions in such few years and fighting the trust at
the same time is certainly a record that could not be built on anything
but honest principles and meritorious goods.
* * * * *
The Florence Wagon Works was established in 1882 in Atlanta, Ga. Was
reorganized and moved to Florence, Ala., in 1889, and has been in
constant operation since that time.
During the twelve years ending with 1905, this company has manufactured
and distributed over 89,000 farm wagons, paying to its employees for
labor and salary something over $797,000. The volume of business has
been considerably more than $3,000,000. During that time it has paid to
the railroads more than $200,000 for freight. These figures will give an
approximate idea of the extent of business done by this institution.
It is in the heart of the very best supply of hard wood for wagon
purposes. Being situated only across the river from the large furnaces
and rolling mills of Sheffield it is enabled to secure its supply of iron
under the most favorable conditions.
[Illustration: FLORENCE WAGON WORKS.
Fellow Shed, Florence Wagon Works.
View from top of paint shop.
Lane in box board yard.]
The entire factory is equipped with the most modern machinery for
manufacturing and handling its large output, which is growing in
popularity every year and the territory covered is being extended
annually, now reaching from Virginia to Mexico, and from the Atlantic
coast to the far West.
* * * * *
One of the most interesting features of Florence, is the Cypress Creek
dam, on the land of Mr. F. M. Perry. There is a great opportunity for
the development of sufficient electric power to supply the needs of
Florence, and taking the figures of a prominent surveyor at Florence,
it is estimated that this dam will furnish something like 12,000 horse
power daily. The owner is reluctant to make any statement as to the
possibilities, but prefers to let those interested investigate. We print
herein a picture of the old dam that was in use before the war, and the
present owner started to rebuild it some time ago, but before it was
completed, a heavy rise washed away a part of it and he has made no
further progress. The creek makes a big bend, and while it is some three
miles around, by tunnelling through some 600 feet, it will give a fall
of thirty feet, and by building a dam at the site of the present dam, or
rather by finishing the one partly constructed, elevating it ten feet,
it will back the water of Cypress Creek to a point where a tunnel of 300
feet will give a forty foot fall, and will discharge at the point shown
in the second picture of the old cotton factory that was destroyed during
the war, and which was never rebuilt. There is something like 1,000
acres of land with this privilege and to sum the whole thing up, taking
the estimate made by City Engineer Major A. G. Negley, as a basis, an
expenditure of $2,000 to finish the dam, $6,000 for the tunnel and $2,000
for the turbine would give electricity to furnish power enough to meet
all the demands of Florence and the surrounding country.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
Before the war there were three dams practically in sight of each other
that furnished the power for a grist mill and two cotton factories.
For further information, address the owner, F. M. Perry, Florence,
Alabama.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
The Manual Training Department of the Alabama State Normal under the
supervision of Prof. F. T. Nisbet, is one of the most interesting
parts of Florence. Mr. Nisbet is a graduate of Atheneum and Mechanics
Institute, Rochester, N. Y., and was at the head of manual training in
the city schools of Yonkers, N. Y. He introduced manual training in the
University of Alabama where he taught for two years at the summer school
for teachers. It enables a pupil to demonstrate their ideas, and tends to
develop the ability to express their thoughts in many ways. The Manual
Training Department in Florence ranks with the very best in the country.
* * * * *
ASHCRAFT COTTON FACTORY.
It is hard to say anything of interest in regard to this institution
other than what is stated in their advertisement. It was organized in
1900 with a capital stock of $100,000, which was increased the following
year to $150,000. Their goods are in such demand that they are several
months behind on orders, and, as stated, in their advertisement, are
the first company in the United States to use the entire product of
the cotton field. The factory contains 6,240 spindles and 200 looms,
employing several hundred hands. The factory is one of the best equipped
and most up-to-date factories in the United States, and the fact that
their product is sold for several months ahead is conclusive evidence
that their goods are of unusual merit. C. W. Ashcraft is President and
General Manager, John T. Ashcraft, Vice President, and Erister Ashcraft,
Secretary and Treasurer.
* * * * *
The two accompanying pictures of “Light Running Florence” wagons tell
more than could be told in several pages.
[Illustration]
The 3½ Florence Wagon that brought a load of 86 people to the fair at
Murfreesboro, carried an estimated weight of 13,000 pounds, or six times
as much as the ordinary farmer hauls at a load. The ordinary log wagon
is seldom called on to hold up a load to exceed four or five thousand
pounds, and oftener less, yet the “Light Running Florence” managed to
carry a solid stone base weighing 22,000 pounds, and without injury to
the wagon in any way. There must be a reason for this. If the wagons were
built to conform with the claims of the Florence Wagon Works, as to the
amount of tonnage capacity, they would certainly not be misleading the
public or the purchaser, but when a wagon will carry more than five times
as much as they claim it will, and ten times as much as the ordinary
farmer wants to haul, there is but one answer; the wagon is built on
honor. It would be pretty hard to get anything but an honest wagon from
this factory, for unless a man be honest with himself, he could not be
honest with his employer, and the record for industry, temperance, and
general citizenship is certainly broken when you investigate the class
of men that make these wagons. Many of the employes own their own homes,
contribute liberally to churches and charity and patronize the schools,
and a larger Sunday school class can be found from the children of this
industrious lot of people than can be found most anywhere, considering
the number of employes. There is not a “boozefighter” in their employ,
and the standard of manhood and citizenship is certainty commendable.
[Illustration: _3½ FLORENCE WAGON CARRYING A LOAD OF 86 PASSENGERS,
ESTIMATED WEIGHT 13,000 LBS._]
* * * * *
The Ashcraft Oil Mills is one of the tributary industries of the Ashcraft
Cotton Mills, where the by-products are handled, and is under the same
management. In addition they operate several gins in the territory
adjacent to Florence, to insure an adequate supply of seed for the
manufacture of their product. Several years ago when there was little
or no demand for cotton seed hulls, they advertised that they would for
a limited time give away absolutely free their output of cotton seed
hulls that the farmers and stock raisers might learn of its value as a
feed. It was rather hard at first to give them away, but it resulted in
creating a demand until now the entire output is sold with little or no
advertising.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
We print on this page the picture of Hon. Emmet O’Neal, and his beautiful
residence in Florence. Mr. O’Neal is a candidate for the nomination for
Lieutenant Governor. He is a son of the late Governor O’Neal, and it is
only fitting that he should in time succeed his illustrious father. Mr.
O’Neal is best liked where best known, and if the people of Florence
were the only ones to be consulted his election would be unanimous. He
is a native of Lauderdale County, and has always been a prominent factor
in the Democratic affairs of the State. His residence, known as the old
Foster home, on North Court street, is one of the old historic landmarks,
and one of the finest homes in Florence.
[Illustration]
* * * * *
Our advertisers represent the progressive business firms of Florence, and
while we did not secure assistance from all of the business houses in
Florence by any means, we certainly have reasons to be proud of our list.
Florence has a hundred other business firms not mentioned herein. There
are several wholesale houses, numerous retail stores that are a credit
to any town, and, in fact, everything necessary to make up a first-class
city, including hotels, restaurants, drug stores, livery stables, etc.,
foundries, machine shops, ice factory, steam laundry, etc., etc.
* * * * *
“Say what you please about us,” said Mr. J. W. Worthington, “but tell it
just as you see it. State the facts, and we will stand by you. Charge me
up with my part of the expense to advertise Florence, and send me the
bill.” Is it a wonder that Florence is growing when the people interested
in her future are willing to open their pocketbook and do not ask for
anything to be said about them but the truth?
* * * * *
Rogers Bros. have used more space to advertise Florence than they have
to advertise their own business. It is said that either of the brothers
will go without his meals to do something that will benefit Florence.
They own some stock in practically every industry in Florence, and will
take stock in new industries.
* * * * *
Picture of Patton School at Florence, Alabama, and of Miss Freda Bose,
who won the gold medal offered by the Florence Chapter, U. D. C., for the
best essay on the subject, “The Reconstruction Period.” The Patton School
was erected in 1890, at a cost of something over $22,000. Miss Bose is
a daughter of John Bose, General Agent of the L. & N. Railroad, and is
thirteen years old.
[Illustration]
* * * * *
Notes of Florence.
Read the ad of Tennessee Valley Fertilizer Co.—From a hoe and one man to
a business requiring the investment of $150,000 in less than ten years,
and still growing.
F. M. Perry in talking of his Cypress Creek property says: “Don’t say a
word that we can’t substantiate.” We have given facts alone. Investigate
if you are interested.
Read the advertisement of the Florence Wagon Works. It is interesting
even if you never expect to buy a wagon.
Mr. Percy Jones, the President of Cherry Cotton Mills, said: “There is
nothing we care to advertise, at least from our own mills, as we do not
sell to the consumer, but we run our card in order that we may help to
advertise Florence.” This is the spirit that makes a city grow.
Parties coming to Florence can depend on getting all the comforts of
home at The Jefferson. The manager is a practical hotel man, and can
adapt himself to circumstances. His chef quit a short time ago, and
Mr. Negley cooked the breakfast. The only difference noticeable was an
improvement.
“Don’t use any space telling about me,” said Mr. Richardson, of the Acme
Lumber Company. “What we want is to advertise Florence, and it you have
anything nice to say, say it about our growing little city. I am willing
to pay my part; don’t wish any personal bouquets.”
The Alabama Stove Company sell more goods than they can make, yet they
cut the conversation short by saying: “We are in for anything that will
help Florence.” Their advertisement is inserted in order that they might
have an excuse for helping to “boost.” Mr. Berger seems to have the habit
of “boosting” on the slightest provocation.
It you are interested in Florence, or wish to know anything about
Florence, we publish the advertisement of the representative real estate
firms, and we can assure you that facts are their main assets. Write them
for information.
A visit to the Temple Planing Mill reminded us of the story of the fight
between the railroad presidents. The president that owned the small road
remarked that his line might not be as long as the other one, but it was
just as wide. We do not remember ever having seen a busier shop, and they
probably turn out more material in a month than some mills of larger
pretentions.
Florence has three banks.
Anderson-Cathey Co.
(INCORPORATED)
FLORENCE, ALABAMA
Real Estate, Immigration and Rental Agents