With the immense supply of raw material of every kind in this section, sufficient manufacturing industries may be added here to consume the power generated from these shoals, making us the most important manufacturers of wood, iron, cotton, etc., in the United States.
Estimated minimum net horsepower of Tennessee river in Alabama on turbines realizing eighty per cent. of the theoretical power:
| LOCALITY | Fall Ft. | Minimum net power in driest years | Minimum net power in average years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk River Shoals | 26 | 15,600 | 30,550 |
| Mussel Shoals | 85 | 51,000 | 99,875 |
| Little Mussel Shoals | 23 | 13,800 | 27,025 |
| Colbert Shoals | 21 | 12,600 | 24,675 |
| Total | 155 | 93,000 | 182,125 |
When the present general manager of the Tennessee Valley Fertilizer Company started in business some seven years ago, his stock in trade consisted of plenty of pluck and a hoe. With the assistance of one man, he mixed his fertilizer with a hoe, and the first day’s output was eleven bags of fertilizer. The first week showed up a total of 55 bags. Without telling of the seven years of hard and persistent work, will say that any of the eight mills in this plant to-day can mix as much fertilizer in twenty minutes as they did the first week. There is probably no brand of fertilizer sold to-day in any market that gives more satisfaction than their famous “Tiger” brand, for in this formula is represented the very best work of the general manager, who has given practically every hour of his time to the upbuilding of the business, and his motto is: “The Very Best That Can be Produced.”
The company own their own phosphate fields in Maury and Hickman counties, Tennessee, and daily receive shipments of the raw material, where it is quickly converted into their forty different brands. “King Cotton Grower” is probably their most popular seller, as it is especially adapted to the growing of cotton, and no expense has been spared to make it perfect, and as imitation is a sure sign of superiority, the company have been compelled upon several occasions to fight for their rights to use this name for their product. No better recommendation for their goods could be given than the fact that their very best customers and friends are the ones that started to buy their goods when the company was first organized, and who have continued to stand by them in their fight to give the people the very best. They make a special study of the needs of the farmer, and make their formulas accordingly, and while it is safe to say that it would be hard to improve on their different brands, which are all made with scientific accuracy, yet they are always ready to make any special formulas, and will take such orders and deliver them promptly.
Growing to such proportions in such few years and fighting the trust at the same time is certainly a record that could not be built on anything but honest principles and meritorious goods.
The Florence Wagon Works was established in 1882 in Atlanta, Ga. Was reorganized and moved to Florence, Ala., in 1889, and has been in constant operation since that time.
During the twelve years ending with 1905, this company has manufactured and distributed over 89,000 farm wagons, paying to its employees for labor and salary something over $797,000. The volume of business has been considerably more than $3,000,000. During that time it has paid to the railroads more than $200,000 for freight. These figures will give an approximate idea of the extent of business done by this institution.