Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 272, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1915 — Used Home Labor In Construction of Bridges. [ARTICLE]

Used Home Labor In Construction of Bridges.

Walter V. Porter has erected a dozen bridges in Jasper county since April. He completed l the eskew bridge over the Dexter ditch in Union township Saturday. This -was a $1,400 bridge. In the construction of these bridges Mr. Porter employed home labor, paying wages amounting to S6O per week. During the past seven months he has paid out between SI,OOO and $1,200 to home labor that usually in past years went to the employes of companies from St. Louis, Winamac and other places. Not only has this amount been saved for citizens of the county but also the profit from the bridge Jniilding has remained at home and the contractor has lived right here to see that the work was done right. Of course, all bridge building is competitive, but Mr. Porter as a local contractor, has advantages that make it possible to bid some lower on the jobs, as he is right here at home and has no expense of travel for himself and his employes. This makes a saving for taxpayers. It is hoped that next year he secures more of the contracts and thus keeps the money at home.

Alex. Merica has disposed of his residence property in Francesville and there is some talk about him moving to Rensselaer and it is very much hoped that he will do so. He owns some splendid lots on East Washington street, just across from the Forsythe residence and if he comes here he will~probably build in that location.