A Visit in the Scraper Factory

BECKWITH, MCCLURE, SMITH

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 3/14/2008 at 21:31:14

A VISIT IN THE SCRAPER FACTORY

On Tuesday afternoon, in company with some ladies, we made a tour of observation through the Scraper Factory. The ladies were amazed at the extent and magnitude of the works, at the amount and perfection of the machinery and in the number of departments. But the most attractive feature was the order and efficiency shown by the workmen in the different departments of labor. But the most pleasing feature was the kind and obliging deportment of the workmen. Instead of manifesting any annoyance at our intrusion, they took special pains to let us see how each machine did its work. Some of the workmen leaving their regular work to show us the workings of some piece of machinery that happened to be standing idle. By request of the ladies, we return their thanks to the officers and workmen of the factory, who did so much to make their visit both pleasant and interesting, and we also desire to join the ladies in expressing thanks and good will to the officers and workmen for favors shown not only on Tuesday, but at previous times.

[Mt. Pleasant Free Press, 23 September, 1886, page 3.]

Note: The Western Wheeled Scraper Company was organized in the 1870s by Capt. Warren Beckwith, Charles H. Smith and Dr. A. W. McClure. It was an extensive operation, employing hundreds of men. In 1892, the business removed to Aurora, IL. The Mt. Pleasant factory was located between Main and Adams, just north of the railroad tracks.