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BRUNSWICK
----AND----
GLYNN COUNTY, GEORGIA
To the Exporter,
Importer, Investor,
Manufacturer and Merchant.
To the Fruit and
Truck Grower,
Stock-Raiser, Dairyman and
Agricultirist.
To the Health and
Pleasure Seeker.
CLIMATE UNSURPASSED.
Written by…WM. S. IRVINE
ISSUED BY
THE BOARD OF TRADE.
BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA.
1902.
Pg. 3
Location. Brunswick is situated
about half-way between Savannah and Jacksonville, on the Georgia
coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and within a few miles of the Florida
line. It is built upon a peninsula—which is almost entirely
surrounded by deep salt water streams—making the location unusually
healthy, and at the same time offering shipping and commercial
advantages that are unsurpassed.
Population and Growth. The growth
of population from 2,891 in 1880 to 9,081 in 1900 (according to
government census reports) reveals an increase that has advanced
Brunswick to the seventh city in size in the State of Georgia. It
is now the second largest city in south Georgia and is a most
important commercial point. The population has increased 25 per
cent. since 1900, giving us to-day over 12,000.
Commercial. Within the past decade the
port of Brunswick has made marvelous strides in the various channels
of its commercial progress and development. With but a limited
banking capital wonderful results have been accomplished.
The Port Operations for the past nine years
reveal an increasing scale of percentage growth and valuations that
has impressed its stimulating influence upon the material welfare of
every other industry. The commercial record for both foreign and
coastwise exports and imports for the past nine years is as follows:
|
1893 Total $5,960,000 |
1896 Total $15,675,000 |
1899 Total $21,375,000 |
|
1894 Total $9,940,000 |
1897 Total $17,500,000 |
1900 Total $24,375, 338 |
|
1895 Total $12,680,000 |
1898 Total $21,409,000 |
1901 Total $26,404,083 |
Pg. 5
In foreign shipments of all classes
of products Brunswick ranks Second, having increased 200 per
cent. within the past nine years.
Territorial Radius. The commercial
territory subjected directly to the economical trade and traffic
conditions existing at the Port of Brunswick is only limited
relative to the volume of tonnage that can be delivered through its
matchless harbor with its thirty-eight miles of deep water ways—by
its superior railway systems traversing the breadth of the United
States—and by its reach of inland waterways penetrating the heart of
the state.
Transportation Facilities. Brunswick
has excellent transportation facilities, greatly surpassing the
majority of all the southern ports. There are two lines of
coastwise steamships, Mallory Line to New York, and the
Clyde Line to Boston, with regular weekly trips, carrying both
freight and passengers, and connecting at Brunswick with the
Southern Railway, the Plant System, the Brunswick and
Birmingham Railway, affording direct connection with the
Seaboard Air Line; also with the Cumberland Route of
inland steamers to Cumberland, Fernandina, and all Florida points;
with inland steamers to Jekyl Island, St. Simon Island, Darien,
Satilla River points, and Altamaha River and tributary
river points, etc.
Foreign Steamship Lines: Besides the numerous
sailing vessels that carry a large amount of the foreign shipments
to the ports of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Central
America, West Indies, and the various islands, there is a foreign
steamship line to the principal European ports. This line is
operated by F.D.M. Strachan & Co., and does an immense export
business with a good import trade.
Railroads. The Southern Railway
with its 6,433 miles of track and unequalled connections throughout
the great southeast—from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic
Ocean—has its deep water terminals at Brunswick, with excellent
facilities for the shipment of both coastwise and foreign cargoes of
coal, iron, grain, cattle, cotton, lumber, timber, naval-stores, and
all kinds of manufactured products, from its vast territory, and for
the import of every class of tonnage.
Pg. 6
The Plant System extending
its 2,183 miles of trunk-lines from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and
South Carolina, and connections everywhere, ahs valuable terminals
at Brunswick, now nearing completion at a cost of $1,000,000, and
adapted for the economical export of phosphate, lumber, timber,
naval-stores, cotton, fruit, garden-truck, and various articles of
manufacture, and for the import of all classes of tonnage.
The Seaboard Air Line with its 2,595 miles of
track and various important connections extending throughout the
South Atlantic states, operates into Brunswick now, in connection
with the terminals of the new Brunswick & Birmingham Railway, with a
large tonnage of phosphate, iron, cotton, grain, cattle, coal, and
various manufactured products.
The Brunswick & Birmingham Railway. This new
independent road is now being rapidly constructed form Brunswick, in
a westerly direction through Georgia and Alabama, to the coal, iron,
manufacturing and mining districts of Birmingham. Nearly 100 miles
of the Eastern Division are now in actual operation and trains are
operating daily between Brunswick and Thalmann where close
connection is made with the Seaboard Air Line System, and Nichols
where it connects with the Atlantic & Birmingham.
The Railroad Company also owns and controls nearly two
miles of the best deep water frontage at Brunswick, which has the
finest, safest and deepest harbor on the South Atlantic seaboard;
ample dock and terminal facilities have been acquired which when
completed will give the road a belt line entirely surrounding the
City, passing all the important docks and warehouses.
The Brunswick & Birmingham will be the shortest route
from Birmingham to the Atlantic seaboard which great advantage
insures its success, for it will not only bring the finest timber
lands, cotton fields, cotton factories, and the trucking and fruit
lands of Georgia and Alabama nearer to tide-water than ever before,
but it will also have the great advantage of being able to fix the
freight rates on all these products and other exports, such as
timber, coal, iron, steel, coke and their bi-products.
At Birmingham an outlet will be afforded to the railroad
systems of the Middle West, thereby also creating a shorter route to
the Atlantic seaboard for all classes of freight, such as grain,
cattle and manufactured products. In return all kinds of imports
from the markets of the world

Pg. 7
can be delivered by the Brunswick & Birmingham
for distribution to the great industrial centers of the west at the
lowest ocean freight charge, because of the unsurpassed deep water
facilities at Brunswick, where three immense basins, or slips are to
be constructed, each measuring 300x2500 feet to accommodate the
shipping; these slips will be equipped with every modern convenience
for loading and unloading all classes of imports and exports,
including, coal, iron, phosphate, resin, turpentine, cotton, lumber,
fruit, general merchandise, manufactured products, etc., and a
special feature will be the mechanical devices for the rapid coaling
of steamships thereby enabling them while en voyage to come in and
coal and then depart on the same tide.
These various railway systems, with their connections,
place every commodity throughout the length and breadth of the
entire nation in direct touch with the deep water and other port
facilities of Brunswick. The advantages of these railroad routes
from the western and northwestern points to this South Atlantic
port, when compared form the same points to the north Atlantic
ports, are emphasized not only by the shorter haul, and the
comparative freedom from snow and ice, but also by the easier grades
to the south and southeast, enabling the transportation of twice as
much freight with the same motive power, coal supply and general
operating expenses.
The Port, Harbor. Brunswick has the
finest, largest and safest land-locked harbor on the south Atlantic
and Gulf coast. The present depth of water in the ship-channel,
across the ocean bar at the open sea to the docks, is 25 ½ feet at
ordinary high tide; but because of the increasing number of large
draft vessels entering the port much deeper water is to available in
the near future. In all there are 28 miles of deep water front
convenient to the railroad facilities of Brunswick.
Ocean Bar. The improvement of the
ocean bar is unique, as compared with all ocean bar improvements,
either in this or other countries, because of the fact that while
all work has been suspended since November, 1899, the channel is
substantially the same as when work was discontinued—not
necessitating, the expenditure of one penny for its maintenance,
while other such bar channels, artificially procured, require large
annual outlays to maintain them.
Pg. 8
Facilities. The important point
in transportation is the tonnage, and the available carriers, with
their per-tonnage cost per mile. The Port of Brunswick has the
available carriers in its railway lines, and to every source of
tonnage supply throughout the great southeast and middle west, and
by being absolutely nearer to these centers of industry has the
shorter mileage, thereby reducing the tonnage cost to a minimum; as
for instance, Brunswick is 500 miles nearer to Kansas City, Memphis,
Nashville, than New York, and nearer to these points than any
other south Atlantic port. Brunswick is also the nearest
Atlantic port to the Pacific coast, being 1,200 miles closer to the
Pacific than New York, affording a logical port for the shortest
trans-continental route. Besides being a nearer port to all these
important points Brunswick has unusual advantages in its deep-water
facilities. Because of the 25 ½ feet of water in the channel over
the ocean bar, and an equally as deep a harbor, large vessels of
great carrying capacity can enter with, and for, cargoes of
unusually heavy tonnage. Vessels of large tonnage require great
depth of water, and the cost per ton per mile when transported by
such vessels is less than can be given by lighter draft vessels.
Add together these indisputable facts, the deep-water economy to the
short railway mileage economy, and Brunswick’s logical superiority
is at once recognized. So true is this that the water freight rate
from the South Atlantic and Gulf to the eastern coastwise points and
return is based upon the rate from Brunswick to New York; and not
only is the rate made upon the basic conditions of Brunswick’s
advantages, but the actual freight passing in and out via Brunswick
passes at much less rate than at other South Atlantic and Gulf
ports. For instance, when lumber rates are based on Brunswick to
New York at $5.00 per thousand feet, from Jacksonville and
Fernandina the rate would be at $5.35 and $5.50; and from Savannah
and Charleston $5.25 and $5.35. Freights from New York and eastern
points via Brunswick to the interior show the same difference as to
the decrease in cost of transportation. In foreign shipments the
same proportion of low rates is just as manifest; cotton to
Liverpool, when quoted at 25 shillings, the Gulf rate would be 28
shillings and more; while “private terms” charters are invariably
less than the regular rate because of the fact that shippers can get
mixed cargoes here of cotton, cotton products, phosphate, iron,
timber, lumber, naval-stores, etc. While the economical freight
facilities, because of the present depth of the harbor and
bar-channel,
Pg.
9
have reduced the south’s cost of
transportation, it is to be seen what greater benefits will accrue
when the projected depth is obtained.
Before deep water was obtained at this port, once in
1890, and again in 1895, one of the great trans-Atlantic steamship
lines made an investigation with a view of the handling of their
immigrant traffic in the winter months through this port, so as to
avoid the ice and snow of the ocean and rail routes to their
northern ports.
Straight Ship-Channel: Owing to the ship-channel
from the ocean bar right into the inner harbor being comparatively
straight and both wide and deep, it is easily navigable; and it is a
common thing for vessels to come in and go out under either fullsail
or steam without the assistance of pilots, or being compelled to
wait for tides.
Lighterage Not Necessary: Having deep water
right up to the dock fronts and wharves, together with the deep
channel, all vessels can be loaded alongside of the docks right from
the freight cars—thereby saving lighterage expenses, a feature
common to any port.
Pilotage and Harbor Expenses: The pilotage fees
average the same as at other American ports. Harbor charges are
lower than any other port.
Coaling Facilities: Besides offering
opportunites for the coaling of the steamships engaged in trade with
and through Brunswick, either coastwise or foreign, Brunswick
affords an advantage for the coaling of steamships en voyage from
ports of Central American countries, and from the Gulf ports bound
to foreign ports, or vice versa. Owing to its nearness to the open
sea, with a straight and deep channel, a protected harbor, condition
of health, and low prices on coal, etc., steamships can save time
and money by coaling at this port.
Port of Call and Refuge, For vessels short on
cargoes Brunswick offers excellent advantages as a port of call.
Added to the conditions for coaling facilities Brunswick’s shipments
are so large and varied that there is always constant tonnage
seeking charters. Supplies are reasonable in price; labor also; and
with advantages of machine shops, foundries, marine railway,
ship-building material, vessels can be supplied with the various
marine necessities also.
As a port of refuge Brunswick’s harbor is safe and out
of the track of hurricanes.
Pg. 10
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Banking Capital. There is no point
within the radius of the commercial and industrial empire designated
as The Great Southeast that can as strongly and safely show
such feasible possibilities and opportunities for investment in, and
capitalization of, commercial enterprises, as the port and city of
Brunswick. The present volume of working capital is now outgrown
and is utterly inadequate to the demands of the port’s coastwise and
foreign export and import commerce, necessitating the purchase of
foreign exchange and bill of lading financial advances at other
banking centres. A banking capital of fully $1,000,000 more is
needed for the present volume of trade, not to consider the amount
of working capital absolutely needed for the profitable factoring of
naval-stores, lumber, cotton and rice; for manufacturing enterprises
and the development of a nearby territory that is now calling for
legitimate co-operation of capital. Capital is needed to develop
and exploit many industrial enterprises that will pay handsome
dividends. Brunswick and the immediate territory affords intrinsic
opportunities that must have the leverage of capital: And
Capital Located at Brunswick, thereby retaining at home the
amounts paid out in interest alone to the financial centres of the
East. This territory is actually suffering because of insufficient
capital.
Building Capital. What is true of
the need of more banking capital is also as true of the need of more
Building and Loan Capital. Hundreds of individual people own
town lots who would build homes if they had the assistance of
liberal capital. And many others would purchase land if they could
see a reasonable prospect of building a home. This applies to the
needs of the city; but equally as great should be populated and
developed. The bulk of the wage earners are living in rented homes,
and the bulk of them receive wages equal to any in the nation
relative to the economical conditions existing at Brunswick. And
the demand for renting houses is far in excess of the supply. This
feature warrants more homes and calls for more capital.
Pg.
11
Steamship Lines: More Needed. The
trade possibilities with the West Indian Islands opens up an
opportunity for the successful operation of a line of steamships
from Brunswick to these nearby and valuable markets. There is not
now a regular steamship service to these markets from any South
Atlantic port. Considering the already immense amount of trade
existing between them and the United States and its increasing
volume, it is to be realized that there is a rich field for a line
from Brunswick, which is the nearest South Atlantic deep water port,
and by its unexcelled railroad connections to the interior affords
advantages not to be obtained elsewhere on the entire South Atlantic
seaboard. With the rapid strides during the past ten years within
the immediate railroad territory of Brunswick there is now no
business reason why the various raw and manufactured needs of these
island markets cannot be exported through Brunswick at a great
advantage in time and profit, against the route from Baltimore and
New York, and in turn receiving from them a great percentage of the
products imported into this country—at least that portion of them
consumed in the South Atlantic and middle Western States.
During the past year (1901) this group of islands,
comprising the British West Indies, Cuba, Danish West Indies, Dutch
West Indies, French West Indies, Haiti, San Domingo, and Porto Rico,
imported from the United States various products amounting to
$52,713,801, and in return exported to this country their own
products valued at $81,735,917. The preponderance of the shipments
sent from this country were articles native to Southern conditions,
markets, and manufacture; yet but a fraction originated at Southern
sources or were sent via Southern ports. Extending the same
proposition further beyond the West Indian group lies the more
extensive territory of South America, on the Atlantic coast, with
the nearer countries of Venezuela and Brazil. And
within reach is the profitable Central American countries.
The exports from this country to the Central American countries in
1902 amounted to $6,484,347. In return they shipped to this country
a total of $11,956,604. In the same year we exported to the South
American countries on the Atlantic Ocean division various products
amounting to $32,647,952, and received back products of those
countries amounting to $106,310,405.
Pg. 12
Bonded and Storage Warehouses. In
connection with the prospective inauguration of steamship lines to
the West Indies and Central and South American
countries, and an increasing import trade with these and other
countries, the need of storage and bonded warehouses become
apparent. Having these the interior importer will better realize
the railroad advantages with their territories extending inward from
Brunswick, and will adopt this plan of saving extra transportation
and incidental expenses by holding reserve stocks at such an
available point for distribution to the centres of consumption.
And, also, for exporters to hold reserve stocks subject to foreign
demand. The storage warehouse feature is also applicable to the
coastwise traffic.
Coastwise Steamship Lines to Philadelphia.
The need of a line of steamships to either Baltimore or Philadelphia
is one of the present and urgent demands. The volume of coastwise
trade between these centres and the South has grown to such an
extent that the lack of carriers to move the tonnage has been an
impediment to commercial progress. With the unexcelled harbor
advantages and a wide range of railway mileage, having shorter
distances to the centres of the industrial, commercial,
manufacturing, and agricultural sections of the South and Middle
West, Brunswick offers an advantageous traffic basis of mileage,
tonnage and transportation economy that stands without an equal.
Electric Power and Railway.
Brunswick is without electric power in the day-time; and without any
street railway. The built-up section of the city extends for about
2 ½ miles by 1; then at thee limits, and within two miles beyond to
the east, are two settlements and two large lumber mills, while to
the west is the Southern Railway docks and a settlement—between
these extreme points there is now a population of fully 15,000
people without any low priced carrier. In addition to these
conditions there are beautiful places beyond the town limits
suitable for amusements, parks, race tracks, ball grounds, picnic
grounds, etc., several of which are in thick forests of spreading
oaks, pine, palmetto, magnolia, etc., and front upon the inland
water courses. That a day current of electric power is needed is a
conclusion long since reached by the merchants, manufacturers, and
household demands.
Pg.
13
As an opportunity for such an investment, no
place in the South offers such unusual inducements as Brunswick.
Wholesale and Jobbing. In the
wholesale line there are several large houses in Groceries, Grain,
Hay, Meats, Liquors, Dry Goods, Drugs, etc.
Mercantile Opportunities. There are
A1 opportunities here for general jobbing houses because of low
freights to interior points via Brunswick. Railroad facilities for
handling such shipments are of the very best; see article devoted to
Transportation Facilities and Territory. Among
jobbing opportunities are those of drugs, hardware, woodenware,
tinware, boots, shoes, dry goods, clothing and general supplies.
GENERAL INFORMATION.
Real Estate. Cost of lots for
building purposes depends upon the location. In the suburbs
excellent sites are available costing from $25.00 per lot and
upward; then advancing in price until the business centre is
reached, where property has a greater value.
Cost of Buildings: The cost of new buildings, of
course, depends entirely upon the architectural plan, its finish,
size, etc. Taking a five room house as a basis: size of rooms
14x14. 10 foot ceilings, with an 8 foot hall running through the
house, and one room, kitchen, 12x12 feet in rear connected by
covered porch; and piazza in front extending the width of the house;
all rooms plastered, or plastered on walls and ceiled overhead;
yellow pine material throughout; two chimneys, one flue; fences,
water fixtures, entire cost ready for occupancy, $750,00 [sic].
Such medium sized houses are being built constantly. Using this
basis which will average about $125.00 per room and same for hall
and porches, a fair idea can be formed of the relative cost of
dwellings.
Pg.
14
Investments: The above
facts connected with the unsupplied demand for homes demonstrates
the opportunities for real estate investments in and adjacent to
Brunswick. Many of the same features apply to the rural districts
where land is now valued at prices running from $2.00 per acre up to
$100.00, either cleared or covered with forest growth.
Cost of Living. Staple
provisions of all classes are moderate, with a lesser cost in garden
truck, fish, oysters, shrimp, etc., and ordinary fresh meats. Dry
goods, clothing, and all wearing apparel, average prices. Household
supplies, such as furniture, crockery, glassware, tableware, etc.,
are to some extent less than at other places. Coal, wood, gas,
electric lights, ice and water, ordinary prices. Servant
hire—cooks, $6.00 to $15.00 per month; nurses, $5.00 to $10.00;
laundry work, $3.00 to $6.00 per month. Houses rent from $7.00 to
$45.00 per month, according to size and location of dwelling. The
market prices of dwellings already built is wonderfully low, in this
respect much less than at other points because of the low price of
lumber and material.
The Tax Question. Taxation does not
cause any heavy burden in Brunswick with property owners. The tax
returns of the city for the year 1901 amounted to a valuation of
$5,070,879 of both personal and real estate properties, but
excluding those exempt from taxation; upon this total there is a tax
rate of $1.40 on the $100.00—added to this is the state and county
tax rate of $1.37 ½ on the $100.00, a total of $2.77 ½ on the
$100.00. Under present conditions, there is a prospect of even this
low rate being reduced within the next two years, because of the
fact that the taxable wealth of both the city and county is steadily
increasing, and the operating expenses are not. Or if contemplated
improvements in the city and county, which are being agitated, such
as paved streets, park extensions, purchase of water and light
system, improved county roads, new court house, and others, are put
into effect, there will not be any increase in the present rate
because the annual increases in valuations will afford ample
revenues. The financial condition of both the city and county is
excellent. The city’s bonded debt is $262,000, and the county
$61,000. Under present conditions the indebtedness of both city and
county is being steadily reduced.
Pg.
15
Educational. Brunswick and Glynn
county have a thorough system of graded, public schools, from the
primary department through the grammar grades and a finishing course
in the high school. The corps of teachers are carefully selected.
The average attendance of pupils last season was 92 per cent., which
was the highest in the entire state. Constant attention is given to
advancing the methods, books, and the general welfare of the system
all during the terms, which has had a marked effect in improving the
general interest of education. Graduates from the high school may
go direct to many of the colleges and universities without further
preparation.
There are many first class private schools—kindergarten,
intermediate and finishing, comprising commercial courses. There
are parochial schools of highest type.
Besides the public schools the colored children have an
industrial school, well provided for, under Episcopal management.
There are several private music and art teachers,
affording fair opportunities for those branches of education.
There is Needed a still Higher Institute for the
Education of the Youth of both Sexes, comprising the branches of
art, music, commercial, industrial and household economy. There is
not such an institute in South Georgia, and Brunswick offers best
advantages of climate, health, railroad facilities, low cost of
supplies, etc.
Churches. Both the city and the
county are supplied with churches of the leading religeous faiths,
as (white) Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic,
Second Advent and Jewish; (colored) Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal.
Many of the edifices compare favorably with those of larger cities.
A Young Men’s Christian Association is to be organized
soon.
Library. There is a
well-appointed Public Library. Also excellent libraries in the
public and private schools.
Pg.
16
CLIMATE.
Climate. There is no location
in America which has a more equable and pleasant summer temperature
than Brunswick. The mean temperature upon an average for past five
years during the six months, April to October, is 77 degrees. The
highest average of any month is in August. The direct breezes from
the ocean, six miles distant, brings into the streets the freshness
of the sea, making unbearable heat an impossibility. There is no
more delightful winter climate in the world, not even the famous
resorts of France, Italy and other Mediterranean points. The
average mean temperature from October to April is 50 degrees; the
lowest average being in January. It is healthful and pleasant the
year round. The preponderance of days in the year being clear.
Health Record. With a perfect
system of sanitary sewerage and drainage, pure artesian water,
salubrious and delightful climate. Longevity outbalances its death
rate. The average for past five years is, white 9 to 1,000.
Colored 11 to 1,000.
As a winter residence for northern people its equal is
not to be surpassed; it is endorsed by medical authority throughout
the country.
Sewerage and Sanitation. Brunswick
is supplied with the finest sewerage system to be found in any
American city. This system was finished in 1894, under the personal
direction of the late Col. Geo. F. Waring, the eminent
sanitary engineer. This magnificent system has been adopted by the
U.S. Marine Hospital as a model system; the government will
construct a similar system at Havana, Cuba. The city and
surrounding country have also been supplied with a thorough system
of surface drainage.
The quarantine system of the port of Brunswick is a
matter of much importance from the fact that vessels from all parts
of the world come here at all seasons. The United States Marine
Hospital Service has entire charge of this and it is needless to add
that there is no danger of infectious disease coming in from other
places. Thus, within and from without, our natural
Pg. 17
location being upon salt water streams (fresh
water being 12 miles distant), the highest sanitary precautions of
man are present to insure immunity.
Water Supply. Nature has
provided, and the genius of man brought to light a wonderful yield
of pure artesian water, from depth readily accessible. These
artesian wells are bored to a depth of from 400 to 600 feet and
yield an unfailing supply. The analysis of these wells disclose the
medicinal value of the water as well as their purity for all
domestic and manufacturing purposes. Here is one of them:
Carbonate of
Soda………..….8.083
Sulphate of Soda……………..3.864
Sodium Chloride……………..1.457
Potassium Chloride…………..0.085
Sulphate of Lime…….……….1.354
Sulphate of Magnesia…..…….0.615
Silicia……………..………….0.068
Organic Matter……………….1.256
These wells form the source of
supply for the water work system.
Miscellaneous. The city has a
well equipped paid fire department.
All the popular secret societies are well represented in
Brunswick, among them being lodges of F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., and K. of
P., Royal Arcanum and Elks.
There is one company of Volunteer Naval Militia located
in Brunswick, and it is headquarters for the Georgia Naval
Battalion.
There is also one company of infantry.
During the winter months some of the best theatrical
companies visit us, and for which a new commodious and up-to-date
opera house has recently erected.
Our boulevards and drives are among the finest in the
South. A system of parks are throughout the city.
Fishing and hunting are excellent in surrounding
country, at all seasons of the year offering some feature of
game.
Pg.
18
WINTER AND SUMMER RESORTS.
Jekyl Island. In sight of the busy
wharves of Brunswick, and but a few miles distant, is Jekyl
Island—historic in the annals of Georgia’s early settlement, and now
the winter home and resort of the Jekyl Island Club—an exclusive
social organization of the greatest American financiers, the
membership embracing the wealthiest aggregation in the world. This
club owns the entire island, and besides making it the most unique
game preserve in America, having stocked it with game of wing and
foot from the forests and fields of two hemispheres, have also
erected magnificent buildings for their homes. To such an extent
have these and other improvements, as landscape gardening, shelled
roads, and boat landings, been added to the grandeur of the natural
beauty of its forests, streams, and countour, that now it is styled
“The Riviera of America.” Reaching out eastward with its stretch of
magnificent beach, into the Atlantic ocean where the sea green
waters mingle with those of the balmy-blue gulf stream; then
spreading northward to the sound, where in the near distance St.
Simon Island faces also to the sea; then sweeping southward, where a
few miles away lies Cumberland Island—the winter home of the
Carnegie’s; then westward to the “Marshes of Glynn,” across
which is seen the shipping in Brunswick’s harbor. Historic in the
early days as the one-time residence of General Oglethorpe;
famed in the reign of the West Indian pirates as the treasure island
of Black Beard and Red Rover and other of this ilk;
the rendezvous of cut-throats, plunders, and scene of Indian
massacres in the dying days of the eighteenth, and natal days of the
nineteenth centuries; the trysting place of British pillagers and
freebooters in the war of 1812; notorious in the days of the ‘40s as
the place where the last slave ship, the “Wanderer,” touched America
shores with its marketable human freight; and now in the later years
world-known because of its rich gentlemen’s club. Books could be
written of its beautiful evergreen and semi-tropical trees of oak,
pine, palmetto, magnolia, bay, laurel, cedar, with their intricate
draperies of Spanish moss, climbing vines of rose, bamboo, gypaea,
creepea, jassamine, etc.; of the endless varieties of ferns and
shrubbery; of myrtle-bordered walks; and miles of shelled driveways
through vistas of semi-tropical flora. Among the handsome homes of
the members are the Italian villa of Edwin Gould; the French
Pg. 19
chateau of the Maurice family; the
cottages of Gordon McKay, Frederic Baker, N.K.
Fairbank, William Struthers, Joseph Pulitzer,
H.K. Porter; beautiful apartment house “San Souci,” owned by
J. Pierpont Morgan, Wm. Rockfeller and Cornelius Bliss,
and the “Imperial” owned by Samuel Spencer and others. Among
the club members are the following world known men:
Officers—Chas. Lanier, The Messrs.
Francis E. and Frederic Baker, Hon. Cornelius N. Bliss,
M.C.D. Borden, Prescott Hall Butler, John Claflin,
W. Bayard Cutting, George J. Gould, Edwin Gould,
J.B.M. Grosvenor, Eugene Higgins, Dean Hoffman,
Judge Henry E. Howland, the Goelets, Morris K.
Jesup, John S. Kennedy, David H. King, Jr.,
Charles Lanier, J. Pierpont Morgan, J.F. O’Shaughnessy,
Alfred Pell, Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller,
Samuel Scrymser, Samuel Spencer, John A. Stewart,
James Stillman, Oakleigh Thorne, William K.
Vanderbilt, and Alfred Van Santvoord, all of New York
City; Charles Deering, N.K. Fairbank, Marshall
Field, Cyrus H. McCormick, W.S. McRea and E.B.
McCagg, of Chicago; George Blestein, Buffalo; E.W.
Clarke, Rudolph Ellis, Walter R. Furness,
William Struthers, and John Wyeth, of Philadelphia;
Charles R. Forrest, Hartford; James J. Hill, St. Paul;
Gordon McKay, Newport; Henry K. Porter, Pittsburg;
William Cooper Proctor, Cincinnati; Robert C. Pruyn,
Albany, and S.D. Woodruff, St. Catherines Canada.
St. Simon Island. At the same
distance that Jekyl is from Brunswick is the summer resort island of
St. Simon. More historic than Jekyl, and not exclusive to a limited
number of people, it is the glory and joy of thousands of
inhabitants from the interior of the southern and middle western
states, who flock to its surf and invigorating climate in the summer
months, from May to October. St. Simon Island has been called the
“Cradle of American Liberty.” Here Oglethorpe, the founder
of Georgia, in 1736 planted a colony and built a fort, which he
named Frederica. He found the soil and climate adapted to oranges,
olives and other semi-tropical fruit; oil was made from lives; silk
culture was successful; and other similar enterprises encouraged.
But the frontier trouble with the Spanish at that time interfered
with the fulfillment of his plans, and the island became the field
of war instead of peaceful pursuits. A decisive encounter between
the two forces at Bloody
Pg.
20
Marsh, July 4th, 1740, virtually
stopped the hostilities, but the early return of Oglethorpe
to England ended the bright prospects. But during his days it
blossomed as a rose, and outrivaled Savannah in importance. Here
the two Wesleys came and labored in 1736—John at
preaching, and Charles at Oglethorpe’s side, as his
secretary. Frederica to-day boasts the ruins of the old fort on the
river side, and the barracks further in, both built substantially of
adobe (oyster shells and sand) and English brick; father on, the low
ridge of an earthen rampart still bears witness of a fortified town
of considerable size. Beyond is a scattering pile of debris,
marking the site of Oglethorpe’s house. In an adjoining
thicket dismantled vaults tell that the grim destroyer passed among
them. Still farther on, surrounded by patriarch oaks, hoary with
grey Spanish moss, stands a venerable tree, more kingly than all,
which is pointed out as the oak beneath whose expanding branches, in
the dim light of the forest there gathered both the red men and his
pale-faced exterminator to listen to the words of the Great Spirit
as spoken by John Wesley. Ever inward and outward through
the groves, myrtle walks, and on the beach, Charles Wesley
walked, meditated and composed the first hymns and songs of his
immortal verse.
The St. Simon of to-day is the mecca of the sea-loving
tourist. Here they find history, tradition, legend and inspiration;
then revel in the forests; they lave in the surf; they find an
elixir of life and energy; and like Oglethorpe, they would
have it that “Eden” is again with us.”
Accommodations—Two lines of steamers connect the
island with Brunswick, in the summer season operating three boats.
Two medium sized hotels and boarding houses, with numerous cottages,
afford the accommodations for the public, while many bring tents and
participate in a camp life. Owing to the abundance of garden truck,
fruit, melons, poultry, etc., raised on the island, and all manner
of fish for the catching, with a local meat market, several grocery
stores, and labor at reasonable prices, the summer season is passed
in luxury and comfort. There is needed a large hotel with every
modern convenience, not only for the summer season, but for the
winter as well. The same natural and climatic conditions of Jekyl
exist at St. Simon, assuring that a two-season hotel would be an
excellent investment.
Pg. 21
The Hotel Oglethorpe. This
magnificent hostelry was built a few years ago at a cost of
$185,000, and has just been remodeled at an additional expense,
greatly improving its facilities for the entertainment of the
thousands of visitors and strangers coming into Brunswick. It has
accommodations for 300 guests, serves an elaborate bill of fare, is
well managed, and open all the year. This structure is built of
brick with stone trimmings, and has large and ample piazzas. It
affords beautiful views overlooking the harbor with its shipping,
and the city with its tree-lined streets.
INDUSTRIAL BRUNSWICK.
Manufacturing Enterprises. The various
manufacturing enterprises in Brunswick are to a great extent only
infant industries. Although in comparison with the whole state
Brunswick makes an excellent showing. The government census of 1900
enumerates 73 establishments in the city limits, capitalized at
$423,826, employing 550 wage earners, using $551,817 of raw
material, and producing $1,171,378 of finished product. In the list
of urban manufactures Brunswick ranks 8th in the State,
only proceded by cities of greater population and wealth. Just
outside of the city, but within the county, there are 11 more
manufacturing establishments with a capital of $253,733, employing
344 wage earners, with a production amounting to $506,647; making in
all a grand total of 84 establishments, having a capital of
$677,559, employing 894 wage earners, and producing an output valued
at $1,678,025. Since the census was taken several new establishment
have begun operation. In addition to these industries, while well
diversified, Brunswick offers unusual advantages for many others,
and for some on a large and extensive scale. There are
opportunities here for many enterprises necessitating but the
employment of a medium amount
Pg.
22
of capital; for there is a demand for the
productions, and there is an extensive market, with every advantage
of nature—climate, raw material, labor and freight rates. A special
list is appended.
Manufacturing Advantages.
Brunswick is the great concentration point for the raw material
which exists in the forests, mines and fields of the southeastern
portion of the United States. The three main trunk lines of
railway, and their feeders, of that section, penetrating every
source of supply, finds the shortest route to the Atlantic
sea-board, with the lowest possible tonnage rates, at Brunswick,
where, because of the deep water advantages and port facilities, the
lowest ocean rates in turn delivers every class of product, whether
raw or manufactured, to the markets of the world. Because of these
advantages and attending opportunities, Brunswick offers to
manufacturers a low rate on iron, steel, coal, coke, etc., from
Alabama, East Tennessee and North Georgia; a low rate on cotton and
cotton manufactures from middle Georgia and Alabama; a low rate on
timber, lumber and timber products of gum, cypress, pine, oak, ash,
tupelo and other woods from points within 6 miles of the city
outward to the spreading forests of Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Labor Conditions. There has never
been any serious labor disturbance in Brunswick. The relative cost
of labor compared to other points in the south is about the same;
but there is a spirit contentment among the laboring classes that
assures the manufacturer a steady co-operation, which is far better
and more profitable than a cheap and shiftless labor. Fully
two-thirds of the male population, both white and colored, is
employed in labor pursuits—on the various docks, wharves,
warehouses, mills, factories and trades. Racial disorders have
never disturbed the industrial, commercial, social or religious
progress of the people. Perhaps at no place in the entire country
are labor conditions as ideal and satisfactory as they are at
Brunswick. One feature that has make [sic] these conditions is that
a large number of the laboring population own their homes.
Pg. 23
INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Among many new manufacturing
industries that will yield satisfactory returns upon investment and
energy can be mentioned the following:
Agricultural Implement Factory.
Taking into careful consideration the strong demand locally and
throughout this rapidly developing section in agricultural pursuits,
for its necessary implements, and the raw material right in touch,
on one hand, and the large sums sent to northern houses for such, it
is evident that a manufacturing plant of this kind is badly needed.
The demand in the West Indies to be considered. The available woods
are hickory, oak, ash, gum and long and short-leaf pine; these are
in abundance; also raw and manufactured iron in easy reach with low
freights.
Awnings, Tents and Sails. Brunswick
being a seaport the necessity of a plant of this kind, for sails
especially, is apparent; so far this product is not made here, but
on a limited scale. Tents are used extensively by the sea-island
resorters, fishing parties, etc., but are not made here. Awnings
are made in very limited quantities.
Baking and Yeast Powders. Judging by the
quantities of these products sold here locally, and to ships for
supplies, and by the wholesale and jobbing trade it is evident that
an exclusive manufacturing of such products could be developed into
a large supply plant. There are but three such plants in Georgia,
and none in Florida.
Barrels. See article
“Wood-working Plants.”
Basket Plant. Only four such
establishments in Georgia; none in Florida. Raw material for such
products is in ample quantities; split white oak, bamboo, native
grasses. Also see article “Wood-working Plants.”
Boot and Shoe Factory. Ample
capital back of a vigorous amount of enterprise, would accomplish
valuable results in a boot and shoe factory. There are only five
such factories in Georgia, and none in Florida. Raw material, low
freight rates, with other advantages, afford opportunities for a
large and modern plant.
Pg.
24
Boxes, Crates, Cases.
Abundant raw material at low cost, markets right at hand. Also see
article “Wood-working Plants.”
Brick, Tile and Clay Product.
Plenty of raw material for brick, tile, jug, drain-pipe, etc.,
within seven miles, and further, with water transportation. A
steady and strong demand in a growing market.
Broom and Brush. Raw material of
palmetto fibre, grasses at hand, low freight on broom corn and lands
available whereon broom corn can be successfully grown. Only
fourteen establishments in the state, all of which are of small
caliber.
Carriages and Wagons. A rapidly
developing territory demanding vehicles of all kinds, with plenty of
best raw materials at hand, such woods as oak, ash, gum, cypress,
hickory, pine, etc.; low rates on raw and manufactured iron, and
available skilled labor. Also see article on “Wood-working plants.
Car Building. For a large and thoroughly
complete plant for general car construction Brunswick offers many
unusual advantages. In a small way the Plant Railway System
has for years built express and mail box cars in their yards at
Brunswick at a saving of ten to fifteen per cent. over other
points. Raw material of both long and short-leaf pine and other
woods were obtained in the local markets. Most of the castings were
made in the city foundries. Realizing the great hinderance in the
dispatch of the various lines of railroad business that has been in
existence for several years because of car shortage, the demand of
this section for more cars is urgent. Also see article
“Wood-working Plants.”
Canning and Pickling. Outside
of the Oyster Canning industry there are excellent openings
for extensive canning and pickling operations, in schrimp, crabs,
and scale fish, and the surplus products of the Pear orchards and
truck gardens, with an inviting prospect of special crops
exclusively for canning and pickling purposes. The demand for
American canned goods is practically unlimited, and has virtually
driven the British canner to American methods and even to America
itself by the establishing of canneries on
Pg. 25
our soil. This matter is now the topic of
international discussion, developed by the recent granting of a
charter by the State of Georgia to the British & Southern States
Cattle Abattoir & Produce Co., L’td. This company proposes to
raise fruit and vegetables expressly for canneries which they will
also erect. This gigantic venture is to be launched in this
section, and the port of Brunswick is to be one of the ports of its
shipping operations.
Cheese, Butter, and Condensed Milk. Dairy
Products. Brunswick is a great consumer of these products,
and with the immediate territory of Georgia and all Florida, offers
a rich field for such investment, as there are but four plants of
this kind in these states. The adaptability of the lands for
raising of dairy stock-food has been successfully demonstrated,
likewise the success of dairying on a small scale, yet nothing has
been attempted in the way of a creamer. The phenomenal results of
cassava, ground-peas, and velvet-beans as a food for dairy stock has
revolutionized the stock-raising industry of this section. The
large percentage yield of these productions with the increased
percentages of the essential food-producing elements has opened up a
wonderful future in the dairying industry, with its output of milk,
butter, cheese, condensed milk, etc. The health of the stock is
better, because the elements of this food-stuff act as a
preventative of the usual ailments of stock, and at the same time is
invigorating and strengthening.
Clothing Factory. A large
establishment for general manufacture of clothing will find a
profitable inducement at Brunswick. The amount of such manufactures
passing through this port for the jobbing and wholesale houses of
the South and the Middle West demonstrates the great and growing
market. The nearness of the city to the cotton and woolen mills of
the South will place the raw material here cheaper than they can to
the East, where the bulk of their output now goes, and after being
manufactured returns to clothe the people that raised the product.
The foreign markets also afford excellent buyers. Skilled labor and
improved machinery will follow the capital—because of climatic
conditions where living expenses are less, raw products less the
freight, and a saving of time in transportation, with other
favorable conditions.
Pg.
26
Cotton Goods Factories. If a large
establishment for the manufacture of yarns, sheetings, fine fabrics,
and knitting goods of all kinds, with thousands, or millions, of
dollars to invest in a cotton plant of the most modern and improved
pattern, wishes to find the basic point, the economical principle of
having operating expenses reduced to the lowest cost, with the
maximum of output, a brief study of advantages offered at Brunswick
will be convincing. In considering the increased demand for cotton
goods it is admitted that the export feature is the ruling point;
that China is a great market, and that the West Indies, with the
Central American and South American countries, offer a wonderful
future. Brunswick affords port facilities for this foreign trade
not excelled by any American port. Owing to the humidity of the
climate at and nearby Brunswick the output of any cotton product
manufacturing plant will be in excess of that of a similar sized
mill further in the interior. This actual difference was
practically demonstrated at Brunswick in 1893 in comparison with
Augusta mills. The question of labor does not arise, as there is
adequate labor within this immediate section, much of which is
especially suited to the cotton factory demands. Wages are
relatively the same as in all southern states. The fuel question is
economically answered by the railroads, who furnish low rates on
coal. The equable climate of Brunswick supplies an ideal
temperature all the year around. These advantages, with that of
being so near to the fields of both upland (short staple) and
sea-island (long staple) cotton, with both water and railroad
transportation, offer unusual inducements.
Druggists’ Preparations. Besides
offering a wide range of commercial territory, there are various
supplies of raw material in herbs and roots within the territory.
Low freights, a large territory, and no competition. For
manufacture of patent medicines these advantages offer opportunities
for investment upon a large scale.
Fertilizer Factory. Raw material
such as phosphates, kainit, potash, etc., are delivered to Brunswick
at a very low rate; offering an excellent point for a fertilizer
plant which would have a large market throughout a developing
agricultural section nearby.
Pg. 27
Furniture Factory. A large furniture
factory equipped with every known modern manufacturing appliance
will find raw materials right at hand in exhaustless quantities, at
a minimum cost, with railroad and water transportation having low
rates; available skilled and crude labor with reasonable wages;
favorable climatic conditions; a wide stretch of markets in the
interior, and a foreign trade that is even now demanding products
via Brunswick. See also “Wood-Working Plants.”
Hosiery and Knitting Mill. See
article on “Cotton Factory.”
Iron and Steel. The present
foundries here illustrate the fact that iron and steel manufacturing
plants prove good investments. A large iron and steel plant is
needed for the manufacture of car wheels, propellers, steamship
castings and forgings, and all manner of special heavy castings and
forgings. There are low rates on coal, iron, coke, and other raw
materials from the mines; and a feature of manganese ore in ballast
being imported from Cuba, for the manufacture of steel.
Considering the advantages of Brunswick for the location of a large
ship-building plant, the development of the iron and steel industry
is one of vital importance. The large exportations of pig-iron,
iron and steel manufacturies reveal the markets already available in
foreign countries now reached via Brunswick.
Lime Manufactury. The manufacture of a
high grade lime from oyster shells is a profitable industry. The
raw material is right at hand, and the product is the best for all
classes of building purposes.
Lumber and Timber. See
article on “Raw Materials.”
Mattresses. At hand are the raw
materials of cotton, shucks, Spanish moss, palmetto fibre,
excelsior, and wool, with cloth from the nearby hills, and a large
outlying territory for the marketing of the manufactured product.
Pg. 28
Oil, Cotton-Seed Cake and Other Bi-Products.
The wonderful development of this great industry reveals its
strength. The amount shipped from Brunswick indicates but a small
item of the demand. The nearness of the cotton fields, with a low
freight rate, is what Brunswick offers, which is the point that
begets the profit. This opens up a field for vegetable lards, oil,
soap and such manufacturies.
Patent Medicines and Compounds. See
article “Druggists’ Preparations.”
Pottery, Terra Cotta and Clay.
See article “Brick, etc.”
Rice Mills. Nearly six million
pounds of rice annually go out from the immediate neighborhood of
Brunswick to points over one hundred miles away to be milled,
factored and sold. This is sufficient evidence of the necessity for
a strictly modern mill. This is one of the greatest possibilities.
Ship and Boat Building. Wood and Steel.
For a large and extensive ship-building plant, for both wood and
steel vessels, Brunswick offers the most flattering advantages. At
present there are but four small plants in Georgia, and they are for
the manufacture of wooden vessels only, having in 1900 a capital of
but $15,170, with nineteen wage earners, and expending $12,000 for
materials, including freight and machinery, and realizing a profit
of $23,500 on their productions. During the past eighteen months
there has been built at Brunswick one racing yacht and two
tow-boats, omitting a large fleet of oyster boats, lighters, small
river craft. Mr. W.H. Butler, formerly of Yarmouth, N.S.,
who had three larger contracts, states that he found all the various
local woods perfectly adapted to the work. He used long-leaf and
short-leaf pine (immense shipments of these woods pass through this
port every week en route to the government navy yards, and to any of
the large ship-building plants of the East), oak, ash, gum, cypress,
etc. The wood work of each boat built revealed a net saving against
same class of work and material of forty-five to fifty per cent.
compared to eastern ship-building centers. The machinery cost the
same as if
Pg. 29
delivered to New York with the freight added,
as the bulk of this had to be purchased north, because there are no
machine shops in this section now manufacturing that class of
supplies. This cut down the net saving in construction to about ten
per cent. in Brunswick’s favor. Under a separate heading Raw
Materials is a list of woods suitable for ship-building
purposes. As to iron and steel ship manufacture there is the same
advantage of nearness to the producing points of the great centers
of southern iron, coal, coke and steel. The cost of operation is
less here because of more favorable climatic conditions, where work
can be performed outdoors every working day in the year.
Soap. Available raw materials, low
freight rates, nearby markets, with other natural advantages. See
article on “Cotton-Seed Oil.”
Spring Beds. This matter is embodied in
the general way under heading of Wood-working Plants.”
Sash, Doors and Blinds. What is
true of general wood-working plants is stronger relative to a large
factory producing stock-supplies of sash, doors and blinds.
Syrup, Molasses and Sugar. Syrup
manufacturing from native sugar-cane is one of the leading
industries in South Georgia. Larger areas are being planted each
year. Better methods of manufacture of syrup are increasing the
demand and the price. For high grade syrups the demand largely
exceeds any probable supply at good prices. Secretary Wilson
of the Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Wylie, Chief
Chemist of that Department, take deep interest in this industry, and
are seeking, with the aid of Congressman Brantley and other
members of Congress, an appropriation of $20,000 for experimental
work. The sugar content in the Georgia cane exceeds that of the
Louisiana canes, and the acreage yield under proper cultivation is
as great. Our non-malarial climate, nearness to markets, and
favorable transportation facilities, give us greater advantages over
Louisiana. The sugar industry may in the future prove profitable.
For years, however, there
Pg.
30
is a money crop in Georgia syrup, which, with
that other certain money crop, Cassava, will revolutionize this
section, and give us commercial independence if properly fostered.
Trunks, Valises. An open
territory, with every advantage of raw materials, labor and freight.
Tobacco, Cigars, etc. The marked success
of a small plant here demonstrates the success of a larger one,
where the operating expenses would be reduced to a minimum. Low
rates on manufactured output from Brunswick are the transportation
advantages, to which must be added favorable climatic and labor
conditions.
Vinegar and Cider. What is true of
this industry is true of the canning industry. Which see page 24.
Woolen-Goods Manufacture. The
center of the wool-growing industry of Georgia is but a few miles
from Brunswick, offering, with the other advantages of location, an
excellent opportunity for extensive manufacturing.
Wood-Working Plants. Whether it
is boxes, barrels, baskets, stoves, cars, carriages, wagons,
cooperage, furniture, sash, doors, blinds, bed-springs, ships,
boats, agricultural implements, house-building lumber supplies,
etc., it is evident that Brunswick logically holds a valuable
franchise in the supply of the raw materials, of both wood and iron;
climatic conditions of health and temperature; abundant labor,
skilled and crude; transportation by water and railroad; markets at
home, in the interior, and a foreign trade; all to be summed up in
the minimum of cost with more than a possibility of a maximum of
profit.
Pg. 31
RAW MATERIALS.
Timber, Long-Leaf, Pine. Also
commonly known as Georgia and yellow pine. Used in all construction
work where great strength and elasticity is needed; likewise length
and size. Cuts are obtainable up to 70-foot lengths by 24x24
inches, free from blemishes. This wood is especially suitable for
naval architecture for masts, spars, keels, etc.; for building
bridges, viaducts, trestles, and foundation timber work in
buildings; in car-building, for railroad ties, for piling, flooring,
ceiling and general house-building purposes. Over sixty per cent.
of this South Atlantic product, comprising over 20,000 square miles,
is situated convenient to transportation to Brunswick by rail and
water. It is extensively manufactured by several hundred mills
within this territory, prices ranging from $10 per thousand
superficial feet and upward for best quality. Also the principal
source of the naval-store supply.
Short-Leaf Pine. This timber
ranks next to the long-leaf product in importance and value. It is
freer from resinous matter, softer, more easily worked, and yet not
less susceptible of a good finish. In fact it is often preferred by
the cabinet-makers and the house carpenter to the long-leaf. While
less tenacious, and of less power of resistance under strain, it is
excellent for lighter frame work in buildings—for weather boarding,
flooring, ceiling, wainscoting, cases for windows and doors, for
frames and sashes of all kinds, inside doors, and for shingles. It
is also suitable, and is extensively used, for car-building frame
work, cross-ties, and for furniture manufacture. A great pr cent.
of this timber is available by railroad and water transportation to
Brunswick, large quantities being annually exported through here.
Prices range ten per cent. less than for the long-leaf variety.
Cuban Pine. A little inferior to the
long-leaf variety. It is of coarser fibre, but is generally used
for long-leaf purposes, coming up to such requirements in the
majority of cases. Its more open grain permits readier absorption
of antiseptic solutions when such methods are used for preservation
against atmospheric influences, or in contact with the
Pg. 32
soil in different out-door uses, although its
coarse structure has not been proven as rendering it less durable
without protection. It is obtainable in large dimensions, and is
extensively used for all classes of wood work. Brunswick is also
the nearest market to this product, by both railroad and water
transportation, with low rates. Prices range a shade less than the
long-leaf variety.
Loblolly Pine. Often confused with the
short-leaf variety. It is a timber of great commercial importance,
almost solely because it furnishes an abundant and cheap material
for such purposes where the considerations of strength and
durability are not the principal features. It is obtainable in
large dimensions, from thirty to sixty feet long, free from blemish,
with a fair proportion of heartwood, and in many respects not
inferior to either the long or short-leaf varieties. Because of the
improved kiln-drying process it is more valuable than formerly for
general building purposes, and for manufacturing. Large quantites
are in this section, available to Brunswick by railroad and water
transportation. Prices range from $8 per thousand superficial feet
upward.
Oak Varieties. This timber
embraces the varieties of live oak, water oak, white oak, post oak,
red oak, etc. It has a large growth throughout the South Atlantic
States, and reaches a superior development within the Brunswick
territory, to which place both railroad and water transportation
afford low rates. It is extensively used in ship-building,
furniture, barrel, wainscoting, doors, and various cabinet-work
manufacture. It is cut by many of the saw mills convenient to
Brunswick, and ranges in price from $15 per thousand superficial
feet up.
Cypress. This queen of woods
grows extensively in this section, and has three varieties, the red,
the black and the white, the red being the commercial product. It
is a wood of light weight, intermediate in strength, but surpasses
other woods in durability. It is easily manipulated, has a
beautiful grain, takes a high polish, and holds paint readily.
While it is used to a great extent as a substitute for white pine,
it is rapidly advancing in prominence in the finer uses for cabinet
and finishing work, and for sash, doors, blinds,
Pg. 33
shingles and laths. Large quantities are
available to Brunswick by railroad and water transportation, and is
manufactured by many mills in this section. Prices range from $15
per thousand feet upward.
Gum Varieties. This timber
advanced rapidly in use and demand. It is available in large
dimensions; is heavy, hard, strong in structure, and susceptible of
a beautiful finish and polish; suitable for furniture, sash, doors,
blinds, mantels, various cabinet and indoor finishing. Available to
Brunswick by railroad and water transportation, with low freights;
is manufactured by nearby mills. Prices range from $18 per thousand
superficial feet upward.
White Ash. Large quantities
available to Brunswick by railroad and water transportation with low
freights. Especially suitable for agriculture implement
manufacture, barrels, oars, cabinet work, furniture and finishing.
Wood is heavy, hard, tough and strong, similar to oak. It is cut by
mills convenient to Brunswick. Prices ranging from $18 per thousand
superficial feet and upward.
Other Woods. Besides these
woods there are available quantities of hickory, cedar, palmetto,
magnolia, bay, tupelo, poplar and sycamore; all of which are in the
immediate neighborhood of Brunswick, and convenient by low rate by
railroad and water transportation. Up the Altamaha river and its
tributaries, the Ohoopee, Little Ocmulgee, Ocmulgee and Oconee
rivers there are seventy-six varieties of marketable woods,
fifty-six of which are hard woods, and in almost exhaustless
quantities.
Lumber Rates. Lumber is
shipped to Brunswick by car load rates from the various interior
mills at rates varying according to circumstances, ranging from $3
per car with six miles to $20 per car from points upward of two
hundred miles distant. A car load averages 8,000 feet.
Pg. 34
PART SECOND.
========
GLYNN COUNTY.
Area. The county of which Brunswick
is the capital, like Gaul of old, is divided into three parts—in
this case they are soil, climate and advantages. Glynn County
comprises a total area of 468 square miles, or 299,520 acres, in all
a territory that is nearly one-fourth as large as the entire state
of Rhode Island, but having but one-twenty fifth of its population.
Soil. The soils of the rich alluvial
lands of the interior of the state with their clay foundations lap
into the sandy loams of the coastal range, creating a wide diversity
of agricultural conditions. On one side of the county the red
waters of the Altamaha river and its tributaries with alluvial
deposits from the mountains and valleys of north and middle Georgia
has been centuries building up a rich soil; on the other side the
wine-colored waters of the Satilla River have been depositing their
wealth of equally as rich loamy alluvials; and underneath lies a
clay sub-soil which, while porous, retains a wonderful amount of
moisture. These conditions have given to the county a
1. Light Sandy Soil well suited to the various
root crops, such as cassava, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes (yams),
turnips, beets, radishes, and all such varieties.
2. The Black Hammock Lands where corn produces
25 to 35 bushels to the acre, equaling the marvelous yields of Iowa,
Kansas, Missouri and Illinois; and where wheat, rye, oats, barley
and all grain crops make excellent yields.
3. The Low-lands (not swamps), where a proper
and inexpensive system of open drainage will bring into use an area
of almost inexhaustible fertility, adapted to rice, hays, etc.
Pg. 35
4. The Tide-lands lying
along the Altamaha and Little Satilla Rivers and tributary creeks,
where by a thorough system of tidal drainage rice yields 47 bushels
to the acre.
5. The Rich-lands, where by agricultural
rotation of crops their adaptability affords a twelve months’ yield;
where celery, sugar-cane, cabbage, and all manner of market and
garden truck grown to perfection.
6. The Pine-barrens and the reaches of
scrub-palmetto lands in their wild state do not appear inviting to
the prospective agriculturist and truck-gardener. Yet from these
same conditions have grown the success of agricultural wealth,
because they are produced from the soils mentioned above, that have
by clearing with but reasonable fertilization become a paradise of
varied and valuable flora.
There are no utterly worthless lands in Glynn County, or
any extreme conditions that any reasonable man with pluck, energy
and determination cannot overcome. There are opportunities here for
men and families with but little capital to engage in a healthy and
profitable truck business. On the other hand there is not any room
for the shiftless, indolent and dependent.
Illustrative of the various crops raised in Glynn County
in the year 1900, and their acreage, the State Agricultural
Department gathered and published the following statistics: 10
acres in cotton; 2,000 in corn; 5 in wheat; 1,000 in oats; 25 in
rye; 1,000 in rice; 1,000 in sugarcane; 100 in Irish potatoes; 1,000
in sweet potatoes; 1,000 in field-peas; 300 in ground-peas; 500 in
garden vegetables. To this should be added about 30 acres in
cassava; 10 in sorghum; and 300 in melons. The yield per acre was
about 1,200 pounds of cotton; 25 bushels or [sic] corn; 5 bushels of
wheat; 30 bushels of oats; 47 bushels of rice; 80 to 200 bushels of
Irish potatoes; 200 to 400 bushels of sweet potatoes (yams); 20
bushels of field-peas; 30 bushels of ground-peas; 300 to 630 gallons
of sugar-cane syrup; 10 tons of cassava; garden truck yields are
given elsewhere.
Trucking. What is being done now
in Glynn county, and right around Brunswick, in the truck garden
industry, is more to the point than to dwell upon glittering
theories as to possibilities. That the lands of the county will
produce a large variety of garden truck, prolifically, economically,
and commercially profitable has been demonstrated time and again.
Pg.
36
Brunswick is the center of a large
trucking business, and within this vicinity great progress has been
made. The value of this industry in 1900 amounted to $50,000,
holding fourth position in the state. There is room for others who
can make a profitable living supplying the home market as well as
reaching out to the markets of the East and West, [sic]
A few years ago Mr. Fred. Baumgartner came to
Brunswick and purchased seven acres of land right on the outskirts
of the city, in the pinewoods, and further encumbered with a thick
undergrowth of scrub palmetto, myrtle, and other wild bushes, an
adverse rather than an average condition of available lands. He
fenced it in, built a neat cottage, bored an artesian well and then
began the raising of garden truck and poultry. He says: “I was
informed by many of the native population that I would not raise
sand-flies on that place, that if I wanted to raise vegetables I
should get a low place where the land was heavy and damp. I
differed with my advisors, however, not even selecting any
particular place here in the woods. I cut off the pine timber and
cleared off the underbrush as soon as my house was built; then I
bored an artesian well so I could irrigate my truck-beds by
sprinkling, instead of the sub-soil method. Then I began to plant;
I used manure and a small per cent of fertilizers. Without going
into further detail will say that from then till now there has not
been a week or day in any season but that some vegetable or other
has been prolifically growing on my little farm. I have cleared
handsome profits from the beginning. In addition to the trucking
feature the same success has been with poultry and a small apiary.
I do not consider that any locality can exceed the possibilities of
this section for any of these farming industries, whether on a small
or a large scale. Brunswick consumes everything I raise, and if I
could raise ten times as much there would be a demand right in
Brunswick for it. I never had to even think of shipping away a
thing.”
In 1900 Mr. T.W. Bolt, on the Atkinson
place, in the suburbs of Brunswick, raised on one-sixth of an acre
of average land 1900 cantaloupes of the Rocky-ford variety, and
began shipping them to the markets of Massachusetts on May 10th;
on one-fifth of an acre he successfully grew 100 bushels of
tomatoes; one acre of Irish potatoes yielded 500 bushels, 300 of
which were shipped to eastern markets, commencing April 1st.
For a rotation of truck
Pg. 37
crops he planted and harvested on the same acre
Irish potatoes, followed by sugar-corn, then sweet potatoes (yams),
then white turnips, and had cabbages to follow before the twelve
months were out; almost five crops. He states that he has
successfully grown from 8,000 to 12,000 cabbages, of the Florida
Header variety, to an acre; and 100 bushels of turnips.
Another successful gardener who grows truck and lemons
for eastern markets is Mr. Dorr. He came here a few years
ago from the East, and located about four miles from town upon a
plot of average land. he states that the soil, climate and shipping
advantages are excellent, enabling him to get his products to an
early market with profitable returns.
After a careful investigation by several South Carolina
truck gardeners, relative to the advantages here for a similar
industry on a large scale, they became thoroughly satisfied and
enthusiastic, purchasing 200 acres of average land convenient to the
Southern Railway, to engage in extensive growing of early truck,
cantaloupes, watermelons and cassava.
During the past year several German families have
located on lands convenient to the Brunswick & Birmingham Railroad
and the Southern Railway to engage in the Trucking industry, raising
produce for the western markets.
Considering that for several years the vicinity of
Norfolk, Va., has shipped eleven per cent. of the garden and market
truck raised in the United States, and that Brunswick is fourteen to
thirty days earlier on account of climatic conditions; and now with
unsurpassed transportation facilities by rail and steamship to boom
the eastern and western markets, it can be seen why this vicinity
has steadily grown in the trucking industry.
A Model Farm. Mr. E.E. Clapp,
a prominent citizen of New York, and Mr. Herbert W. Lloyd, a
well-known nurseryman of Massachusetts, have equipped a model farm
adjoining the city limits of Brunswick, which comprises one hundred
acres of land, for the purpose of engaging extensively in trucking,
dairying, fruit growing, poultry and stock raising. Special
attention is devoted to cassava, sugar-cane, alfalfa, velvet beans,
Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes and strawberries, as well as garden
truck of various varieties. Several acres are to be given to
cantaloupes, watermelons, grapes, etc. Pecans, Japanese walnuts,
plums and persimmons, peaches, pears, apricots, apples, olives,
etc., are to
Pg. 38
be largely planted. The barns are to be
stocked with the best breeds of dairying cattle, with a view to
better develop this industry. A prominent feature also, will be
that of poultry raising, to which a large amount of space is to be
given. A new and beautiful ten-room house having every modern
convenience, faces the boulevard, surrounded by the farm. Artesian
wells supply pure water for domestic and irrigation purposes.
Truck Varieties. The variety of
garden truck embraces a list of products raised in Florida, South
Carolina and Georgia, all of which make quick and profitable returns
in this vicinity, and especially in this county. The following is
by no means the only varieties that can be successfully grown here,
for each year new ones are added: Asparagus, Artichokes, Beans,
Beets, Corn (sugar), Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cassava,
Cucumber, English peas, Egg plant, Kershaw, Lettuce, Leeks, Melons,
(See special article), Okra, Onion, Pumpkin, Pepper, Parsley,
Parsnip, Pop-corn, Potato, Irish and sweet, Peas, Peanut, Radish,
Rhubarb, Squash, Turnips, Tomatoes, Velvet beans, etc.
Fruits, Melons, Berries, Nuts.
The coast section of Georgia, near Brunswick, produced the Le Conte
pear. The first fame of Georgia peaches went out from her coasts.
The burden of Oglethorpe’s efforts to colonize Georgia was
based upon the fruits that the soil ad climate could yield, and he
demonstrated that fact on land that afterwards became Glynn county.
Some idea of the liberality of the soil and climate can be gained
from the lists of fruits, melons, berries and nuts, successfully
grown here now. Mr. Charlton Wright, who has a large farm a
few miles north of Brunswick has cultivated fruit and pecan-nuts for
several years, and states: “About twelve years ago I was impressed
with the possibilities of the pecan industry. I read up, studied
the matter, and decided to try it. I thought that if the hickory
tree could grow so luxuriantly and prolifically in this climate, and
on these soils there should be a strong prospect for the pecan I
planted out a number of young trees purchased from a nursery, but
they died; I did not give up, however; I tried another plan. I
purchased the nuts themselves, getting different varieties, and
planted them; they sprouted and grew rapidly. I then transplanted
to a field I had laid out for a pecan
Pg. 39
grove, and each year afterwards I continued the
same plan. When my own trees began to bear I began a small nursery,
using the nuts of my own trees, then transplanting them until now I
have over 40 acres in Pecans. I find a ready market for every
pound. Relative to fruits, about eight years ago I planted out a
variety of young peaches and quinces, and added to the number each
year. Many of the original trees are standing and bearing each
prolifically. Have always been able to dispose of every peach, and
always receiving better prices than the peaches shipped from West
Georgia. The Elberta, of course, being the favorite. In peach
growing I would advise, in order to get the largest possible yield
at the smallest cost, for a grower to plant a certain per cent. of
new trees each year, and then at the sixth year cutting out and
destroying his planting of the sixth year previous. It pays better
to do this any way, thereby having a virgin tree with a healthy
virgin fruit, rather than to be coaxing the trees to bear heavily
each year which they will not do after they are seven or eight years
old, as a rule, in this day of nursery stock. My lands are the same
as the average Glynn county land. As a paying business I consider
fruit and nut growing in this county to be a judicious investment,
yielding magnificent returns.”
List of Fruit Trees. A list of fruit
trees adapted to this section and county has been published by the
State Agricultural Department, showing the varieties, and in the
following schedule they are given in detail, together with a general
summary of fruits, nuts, melons and berries.
Apples: Of the different varieties successfully
grown in Georgia, six develop well in Glynn county: the Red
Astrachan, Early Harvest, Etowah, Family, Mitchel’s Cider and Red
June. The Red Astrachan, Red June and Early Harvest are suitable
for summer markets. The Etowah is a winter market variety. The
Mitchel’s Cider is the best cider variety grown. The Family is an
all around variety, and suitable for drying.
Cherries do well, although no effort has been
made to demonstrate the success.
Figs: The fig tree grows luxuriantly and yields
bountifully here, not only on our mainland but on our islands.
Pg. 40
Grapes: Of the nineteen
varieties that thrive successfully in every respect in Georgia,
eight attain their highest state of development in this section and
county; they are the Concord, Delaware, Ives, Norton’s Virginia,
Flowers, Scuppernong, Thomas and Warren.
Japanese Plums and Persimmons: See under
headings of plums and persimmons.
Pomegranates: Both the acid and sweet variety
flourish luxuriantly, with large and healthy yields.
Peaches: The most successful varieties grown in
Glynn county are Amelia, Elberta, Hale’s Early, Mountain Rose,
Rivera and Thurber. Of these the market varieties are Elberta,
Hale’s Early, Mountain Rose. For eastrn [sic] and western shipping
Elberta and Mountain Rose. New varieties are being added from time
to time.
Pears: This is one of the most successful fruits
in Glynn county, because they have been extensively grown. The best
varieties are Bartlett, Beurre Clairgeau, Duchess d’Angouleme,
Flemish Beauty, Howell, Keiffer, Le Conte, St. Micheal [sic]
Archangel and Sekel. These varieties present a regular order of
maturity, first St. Michael Archangel, Howell, Duchess d’Angouleme,
Sekel, Bartlett, Le Conte, Flemish Beauty, Buerre Clairgeau and
Keiffer.
Plums: Nearly all the plum varieties thrive well
and bear heavily. This is especially true of the Japanese and
imported varieties.
Persimmons: The native wild persimmon bears
luxuriantly. The Japanese variety has been successfully grown,
yielding unusually large fruit, and very prolifically.
Quince: This fruit is as successful as the
pear. The Chinese quince is a wonderful bearer.
Nuts. The hickory is a native to the
climate and the soil, growing to large size and very prolific. The
walnut is adapted to these conditions. But for the market growing
the Pecan and the Japanese walnut yield quicker returns. The
success of the Pecan has long since passed the experimental stage.
The Japanese walnut is a new product, and from reports will soon be
established as a staple one.
Pg. 41
Melons. The summer tourist who
has been abiding during the hot months on the neighboring islands
for the many years gone by, has spread the fame of Glynn county
watermelons and cantaloupes. Now a great deal of attention is given
to the extensive growing of the luscious products for the eastern
and western markets. The melons raised here are noted for their
fine flavor.
Berries. The native Georgia
blackberry is at its best growth in this section; they are of a
large size and are easily cultivated.
The strawberry grows luxuriantly, and is successfully
grown for early marketing. Raspberries, huckleberries, in fact all
of the berry kind thrive well, and are paying crops.
=======================
EXTENSIVE FARMING.
The first successful growth of
sea-island cotton was made in Glynn county, near where the city of
Brunswick is now located, in 1738; the first sugar factory in
Georgia was erected in Glynn county in 1820, to manufacture home
raised sugar-cane, Georgia at that time holding a high place in that
industry. The first successful experiments in Georgia upon an
extensive scale in cassava culture was made in Glynn county; the
rice grown in this county is of a superior quality, and holds
preference in the markets; the acreage yield and quality of corn is
magnificent, comparing in every respect with that of the West.
These statements of five staple crops that can be grown upon a large
scale in the county, and which can be sold as raw products in the
markets, or for material for local manufacture: cotton, corn,
sugar-cane, cassava and rice, reveal openings for extensive and
profitable farming.
Rice. The growing of rice in Glynn
county for marketing has been in vogue since 1800. The quality of
the product places it high in the market, being of unusual fine
grade, size of grain, nutritive content and percentage of whole
grain. The acreage yield averages 47 bushels. At present there is
only about 1,200 acres devoted to rice
Pg. 42
culture, and almost entirely along the tide
waters of the Altamaha river. There is fully 35,000 additional
acres of lands in the county suitable for both the tidal processes
of irrigation cultivation, and for the irrigation process by
artesian wells and pumping, commonly known as the canal or
super-surface system, also as the Louisiana method. There is a
strong demand at home and in the West Indies for rice.
Sugar Cane. The pine-lands are most
inviting fields for sugar-cane culture. An analysis of our sugar
cane juice reveals a higher per cent. of sugar content than that of
the Louisiana cane, with a profitable acreage yield, netting a
better return in sugar manufacture than can be offered at the
Louisiana fields. The increasing demand for Georgia cane syrup in
itself a strong stimulant for a more extensive cultivation of
sugar-cane. The average yield per acre in this county is from 300
to 630 gallons of syrup. There is fully 60,000 acres of land in the
county adapted to the successful culture of this product, and range
from $2.00 per acre upward.
Cotton. Glynn county soil and
climate profitably produce Sea-island (long-staple), upland
(short-staple), and the Egyptian cotton, with but slight variation
in the quality of the fibre. There are 60,000 acres of cotton lands
in the county. That large acreage of these three cottons will be
profitable investments stands to reason if the crops can be sold to
local manufacturers. The strong and growing demand for sea-island
and Egyptian cotton manufacturies increases the opinion that
factories located in the fields can supply these demands with more
economy than the factories that have to either purchase their raw
materials hundreds of miles away from its home, or else ship their
output hundreds of miles before reaching a market. By the
cultivation of these three cottons in Glynn county the producer will
encourage the erection of local mills to consume the crops, and who
by this saving of freight can pay more for the raw product. The
demand for cotton products in the West Indies is but one of the many
nearby markets.
Cassava. This is a new crop for
Gorgia [sic], having been previously known here in a vague way, and
not until a few years ago was it recognized commercially in
Florida. Perhaps its greatest value lies in its use as a stock
food. Extensive experiments
Pg. 43
throughout this section has demonstrated its
wonderful properties for such purposes, besides solving a problem
for an economical crop for large acreage. Taking into consideration
the relative low cost of production, with its high percentage of net
profit, cassava is not only destined to be, but already has been the
inspiration for the extensive development of stock raising for
market, both for home and for shipment. In addition to furnishing a
food for stock, it is also excellent for poultry and mankind.
Relative to its success as a stock food refer to article on Stock
Raising. Next to the use of cassava as a basis for the
economical feeding of stock, it presents a raw product for the
manufacture of an unrivaled starch. Cassava starch is the acme of
commercial and fabric starches. Its manufacturing process has
passed through the experimental stages, and it is no longer an
unknown problem, but now attracts investment. The demand for
cassava for this manufacturing has increased the acreage, but even
now the supply is entirely inadequate. As a surplus crop to sell to
these factories it will bring from $40.00 to $70.00 per acre.
Corn. Corn grown luxuriantly with large
yields, from 25 to 35 bushels per acre, the average for the state is
only 11 ½. 2,000 acres are planted annually, but which is not
one-tenth enough to supply the home demand. Lands throughout the
county will produce satisfactory yields.
Grain, Hay and other Stock Foods.
Bermuda, crab-grass, volunteer-grass and beggar-weed have a large
natural growth. Hays from these have yielded 10,000 pounds per acre
in a season. 80 bushels of rye and barleys own together have been
harvested in one season. Rice straw mixed with volunteer and
crab-grass affords a good hay. The pea-vines and velvet beans also
furnish an almost exhaustless supply of vine hays. Ground-peas
yield 30 bushels, and field-peas 20 bushels per acre. These hays
with cassava and corn furnish an abundant as well as low cost stock
foods.
Other crops. Broom-corn. Experiments
in this section have proven that broom-corn of a good commercial
quality can be profitably grown here, thereby offering a source of
supply to local and nearby manufacture.
Pg. 44
Tobacco. Tobacco has been grown
in the county for years, but not for marketing purposes. Counties
adjacent to this have placed excellent grades upon the market.
There is no reason why an extensive tobacco culture would not yield
satisfactory results.
================
FERTILIZERS.
Commercial fertilizers are seldom
used in Glynn County, [sic] The alluvial deposits that have been
accumulating for centuries from the interior, and have been spread
out by annual overflow of the rivers, or gathered up by the ocean
tidal-currents and formed into the large areas of marshes, yield a
production that has been found to be an excellent soil enricher.
These marsh-mucks and hammock-mucks, as they are commonly called,
contain elements of decomposed and thoroughly mixed vegetable and
organize matter, and when plowed into the loamy soils, then followed
by ordinary cultivation, cause highly productive yields of all
suitable crops. Deposits of marl are also found in many places,
which form an excellent fertilizer. The addition of stable, cow-lot
and barn-yard manures to the natural condition of the soil
constitutes the greater percent, of present methods.
===============
IRRIGATION.
Nature has not only supplied Glynn
county with a liberal variety of soil of the best quality for
successful agriculture, and a sympathetic climate, but has added to
these a wonderful and unlimited supply of pure water for drinking
and irrigation purposes. The zenith of success in raising and
marketing all classes of truck is to have never failing crops, and
in order to be assured against failure is to be prepared to utilize
artificial rain, in other words to irrigate. While without
irrigation all spring, fall and winter crops are a certainty, yet
the fickle summer-weather almost cuts off the raising of truck after
the latter part of June and up to October. But by irrigating and
care, large crops can be raised during the summer days. Underlying
the
Pg. 45
soil from eighteen to forty feet are good
waters, and while suitable for all domestic purposes, also furnish a
source for irrigation. These streams are reached by pumps being
driven into the ground-yielding earth (well digging is an uknown
process here), and can be pumped into tanks by wind-mills or small
engines. But generally this cost is almost as great as that of
sinking artesian wells. All the artesian wells in this section are
self-flowing, rising to a height of 40 feet above the soil with a 50
pound pressure to the inch. The subterranean reservoirs affording
this inexhaustible supply are reached at a depth from 250 to 330
feet, known as the first supply, then again from 350 to 475 feet,
the second supply. This latter is stronger in pressure, and
impregnated with more mineral matter. These wells are sunk by local
experts who guarantee a flow as above stated, at a cost ranging from
$250 up, according to size of pipe and depth of well. Owing to the
comparatively level lay of the lands throughout the county, yet with
a natural drainage, the problem of trenching and ditching is reduced
to a minimum. A system of above surface sprinkling, similar to the
lawn sprinkler, has proven to be a decided success also.
======================
LIVE STOCK.
Mile after mile of undulating lands
covered with a forest growth of pine, oak and other trees, affording
ample shade, while in the low places running streams offer an
abundance of drinking water; and having an adaptable soil for
cultivation, yet at all times carpeted with a natural growth of
wire-grass, Bermuda, crab-grass, beggar-weed and other native
grasses, is a true description of the cattle ranges throughout the
county, and whereon is needed more stock to graze and prepare for a
market right at hand as well as for shipment. These natural
conditions can be greatly improved by the cultivation of special
food-stuffs as cassava, velvet-beans, ground-peas, cow-peas, corn
and grain; the harvesting of the natural hay crops; and the breeding
of better stock than the natural scrub-stock at hand. No other
movement has received such prominence and success as this industry
within the past few years. The favorable results in the growing of
the native stock, with its profitable marketing, with a stronger
Pg. 46
demand for larger sizes, has greatly stimulated
this important enterprise. The feature of low-priced lands, natural
growih [sic] of plant-food grasses, cheapness of cultivation of
other economical food-plants, climate conditions, excesses of
neither heat nor cold; abundant labor at reasonable prices; ample
transportation facilities by both rail and water; and a market
within a minimum distance. Relative to cassava as a stock-food a
prominent breeder states:
“Having been in the stock business all my life, I always
like to bring things down to a practical illustrations, to show what
we can do in the stock business, as I am claiming that this is to be
of great advantage to the stock grower. And when I say that
Georgia, today, is paying out tens of thousands of dollars every
month for beef brought in, butter brought in, pork brought in, etc.,
and does not raise enough to supply its own citizens, I think you
will agree with me that we should bring this down to a stock-raising
proposition.
“Now, we will take the average weight of a good fair
steer running in our woods, the market price today, what it will
cost to feed him 100 days, what he will gain in that 100 days, and
the market price he will fetch and see where we are at:
1 steer, weight 500 lbs., at 2
cents……………………………….………………….$10.00
1 steer, fed 100 days 20 lbs. cassava per day, at $3 per ton, cost
at farm….…………..3.00
1 steer, fed 100 days 3 lbs. cottonseed meal, 300 lbs. at $20 per
ton, average price…..3.00
$16.00
100 days average gain per day, 3
lbs……………………………………………300 lbs.
100 days, original weight………………………………………………………..500 lbs.
800 lbs.
Selling price at 4 cents per
lb…………………………………………….$32.00
making the difference between $32, selling
price, and $16, cost, per steer, or a profit of $16 in 100 days’
feeding or 100 per cent.
The conclusions arrived at in the above table, i.e.,
making, say, 100 per cent., or $16 on one steer, or $1,600 on 100
steers in 100 days. This, I believe, any careful feeder can
do. You will notice that I have made no charge either way for the
labor or care of the steers, or for the valuable fertilizer derived
from their droppings.
Pg. 47
POULTRY AND EGGS.
The local consumption of poultry
and eggs is far in excess of the local supply. Immense quantities
of chickens, ducks, guineas, geese, turkeys and eggs are shipped
into Brunswick each week. Yet invariably success has been attained
by those who have gone into this industry here. At the Southeastern
Fair, held in Brunswick in November, 1899, the exhibit of Glynn
county raised fowls of various kinds afforded a practical
illustration of what can be accomplished in raising for market and
breeding purposes. Mr. Fred Baumgartner and Mr. Louis
Mayer have been highly successful in their efforts; and there is
not a farmer who has not his broods of chickens, turkeys, ducks,
geese, with their eggs, but only brining his surplus to a market
that is anxious for more home-raised products. Not only is the
local market demanding those products, but there are excellent
opportunities for shipment to Florida and other points.
DAIRY AND CREAMERY.
There are five dairy farms
supplying the needs of the city. The cows are mostly of the Jersey
breed. None of the dairies make a specialty of cream, butter,
butter-milk, cheese, or any bi-products of milk. But a very small
amount of these products are made in the county, although the demand
is unusually large for the size of the city. These products, when
of home manufacture, bring a premium on the market price. The
demand for creamer has been steadily increasing until now there is
an excellent opportunity for one. Large, natural ranges for cattle,
favorable climatic conditions, and labor, with home-raised
foodstuffs, afford a condition that should be an inducement.
APIARY.
Bee culture has been undertaken on
a small scale for several years, and has proven highly profitable.
The local market consumes large quantities and prefers the local
product at a premium.
Pg. 48
FISHERIES.
In addition to the yielding
properties of her varied soil, Glynn county is bounded and pierced
by fully two hundred miles of inland water-ways, both salt and
fresh, and while affording navigable channels by which truck is
brought to market, they produce a wide variety of fish kind.
Oysters. There are over 50,000
acres of oyster beds in the county, and about one-half of which are
partly cultivated and protected. The Glynn county, or better known
as the Brunswick oysters, are of a superior quality, and command a
premium in the markets. Thousands of bushels are shipped to the
interior markets each season; and the two canneries pack and ship
30,000 cases of oysters annually. This industry affords excellent
opportunities for further development.
Terrapin. The terrapin industry
is one of great importance in the county. The demand for this
epicurean delicacy cannot be supplied at present. Three hundred
dozen were shipped from here during the past season to the eastern
markets.
Shad. The waters of the Altamaha river
on the extreme northern limit of the county furnish an almost
exhaustless supply of roe-shad. The strong demand for shad in
season offers an opportunity for a better handling of this
industry. The seasons’ catch in the state amounts to $46,000, with
a preference in this particular specie. The Satilla river product
is also large.
Sturgeon. The same waters supply
the market with sturgeon. This industry is also in position to be
better developed. The annual catch amounts $4,060 in the state.
Pg. 49
Other Fisheries. The
miscellaneous fisheries comprise oysters, crabs, shrimp, clams,
terrapin, turtles and an endless variety of marketable scale fish as
bass, snapper, trout, bream, perch, flounder, blackfish, yellow-tail
whiting, drum, young-drum, sheephead, angelfish, Spanish mackerel,
skipjack, silverfish, mullet, tautog, catfish (fresh and salt water)
sucker, eel (fresh and salt water), grouper, croker, etc.
Opportunities are here for extensive fish industry, such
as iced shipments, salting, pickling and various packing processes.
GAME.
The deer that the Indian stalked in
the days before the advent of his pale-face successor have descended
by undiminished generations through the years, and still remain as
fleet as ever, as timid as ever, and the game of game. In the
thickets of the forests of the county many are shot each season,
affording a luxury of venison dishes. Then there is the quick and
alert squirrel, the rabbit, the “possum”; among the winged game is
the quail, or partridge, the dove, the rice-birds, the wild goose,
turkey, and various ducks. A little pamphlet issued by the Southern
Railway truly states: “In Georgia the shooting opportunities along
the coast have attained unusual distinction and repute because of
preserves like Jekyl Island and other resorts of wealthy men who are
fond of rod and gun. Brunswick is the center of this life.”
RAW MATERIALS.
The available amount of raw
material in the county for market demand and as a base, or
auxiliary, for manufacturing purposes, comprise, timber, clays,
fibre, sand and medicinal herbs.
Pg. 50
Timber. A survey just made of
this county alone shows that there are 5,000,000 feet of cypress,
10,000,000 feet of sweet gum, 5,000,000 feet of beech gum, 3,000,000
feet of white oak, 3,000,000 feet of ash, 5,000,000 feet of post
oak, 5,000,000 feet of live oak, 1,000,000 feet of hickory, and
10,000,000 feet of pine, 2,000,000 feet of palmetto. A total of
49,000,000.
Clay. There is an abundance of brick
clays in many places, convenient to water and railroad
transportation. They are located at points beginning six miles from
the city.
Fibre. The ever-present scrub-palmetto
and cabbage-palm supply an excellent fibre, which is made from the
long leaves, and highly suitable for upholstery purposes,
mattresses, packing and for moulders’ cores, also for brooms and
brushes. A ton (2,000 pounds) of leaves will yield from 800 to 900
pounds of fibre. Spanish moss, an air-plant that grows luxuriantly
upon the trees, is also an excellent fibre for mattresses, packing
and general upholstering purposes. The wire-grass growing
everywhere throughout the county is used in the manufacture of
door-mats, baskets, and is suitable for ropes, etc. The marsh
grasses are also used for basket and mat manufacture.
Sand. There are exhaustless deposits of
sand in the various streams that is adapted for building purposes of
mortar and cement work; for tile manufactury, and for roof covering,
and available sands for glass manufacture.
Herbs. Among the medicinal and
commercial roots and herbs in available quantities for marketing are
yellow Jessamine, Jerusalem oak, poke root, sassafras root,
sun-flower seed, deer tongue, wild cherry, prickly ash, etc. |