Little Falls Fire Clay Plant Reopens with Tacoma Sewer Contract
After months of silence due to the economic 'dull times,' the Washington Fire Clay Company resumes operations to fulfill a massive city infrastructure order.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The cheering news is received that the large plant of the Washington Fire Clay Company, located at Little Falls, Lewis County, will be running on full time and with a full force of men before the end of the week. This company has one of the largest and best plants in the West for the manufacture of tiling and fire brick. Early in the spring, it was found necessary to shut down the immense plant, the company not being able to dispose of its products. Last week, a contract was closed whereby the company will furnish $60,000 to $70,000 worth of sewer pipe for the city of Tacoma. About 150 men will be put to work.
“Last week a contract was closed whereby the company will furnish $60,000 or $70,000 worth of sewer pipe for the city of Tacoma. About 150 men will be put to work.”
This story captures the 'boom and bust' cycle of the 1890s, where local manufacturing was entirely dependent on large-scale municipal infrastructure projects—a dynamic that still defines the relationship between Washington's industrial sector and city development today.
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