The Transformation of the 'Lava Bed'

The prospect of starting a tannery and shoe factory here is not by any means a new idea, as some may have supposed. It is gradually taking shape, and it will be an important feature in our future. The movement is headed by one of our most enterprising and thoroughgoing business men, who has a determination to carry it through. The old Pinnell property will undoubtedly be the site for the new establishment. For years these fine buildings, occupying a prime site overlooking the upper portion of the bay, by reason of the vile purposes to which they were turned, have been a reproach to our city and an eye-sore to every citizen who had the welfare of the community at heart. Now that there is a prospect of their being converted into a theatre of industry—transformed from a wretched 'mad house' into a factory—where the industrious mechanic will take the place of the detestable and loathsome creatures who have so long disgraced the premises, every citizen should feel grateful. This once done, and a general change will gradually come over that portion of our city. One by one the wretched bagnios which have gathered around this den of infamy, like maggots about a carcass, will be removed, and with them the stigma which hangs over the locality will be gone. This reformation must redeem the 'lava bed' locality from its present wretchedness.