Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1909 — Chances For a Cement Tile Factory if Gravel Can Be Found. [ARTICLE]

Chances For a Cement Tile Factory if Gravel Can Be Found.

President Robipson, of J.he Commercial Club, has been figuring for some time on locating a cement drain tile factory here and but for the fact of the scarcity of sand and gravel here there would be no trouble in locating it. • Chris Calbere, of Lafayette, who desires to start such a factory, was here Friday looking over the ground and in company with a gravel expert and Mr. Robinson a number of pits were visited. The only one found suitable for the purpose was the Marion I. Adams pit south of town. As this is about five miles from the city it is feared that the cost of hauling .the gravel to the factory will be greater than the industry will stand. It is the idea of Mr. Calbere to use crushed stone, sand and gravel In making the tile and to use electricity for power if he can induce the city to furnish the current for such purpose, which the council has promised to do at some time In the future. The only bonus he will ask is the land for the factory, which the Commercial Club stands rpady to give him. Mr. Calbere was very much disappointed on finding gravel so scarce but has not given up the project yet and President Robinson visited another pit Saturday which he has been assured is near enough to town and in sufficient quantities for the purpose. v - Sorne of the pits visited Friday contained the right quality of gravel but not in sufficient quantities for the purpose, the veins being only a foot or two thick.