CHESTER, - Delaware County PA History

16 CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA.
IVIANUFAcrrlJI~ES.
c~ i"i;~ best argument that can be produced to provc that
J
Chestcr is a suitable place to manufacturc cotton and
woolen goods, is to point to its numerous and prosperous
industries engaged in producing yam and fabrics.
COTTON
AND WOOL.
The first factory in Chester proper was established in 1850,
by James Campbell, on Fourth street, west of Market. Fifty
looms, driven by a ten-horse power engine, comprised the
machinery employed, the starting of which was witnessed by
a largc number of the residents of the thcn quiet borough.
This first venture proved so successful that othcrs followed, ·
until now Chester's thrifty textile manufacturers arc sending
their products to every quarter of this fair land.
This small venture was but the forerunner of the many that
have yeal' by year sprung up, until now Chester's cotton and
woolen factories number 29, giving employment to 4,062
hands, operating 171,742 spindles, 321 1 1001115, and 325 cards.
The amOllllt of capital invested in these industries is $3,826,000,
and thc wagcs anm,tally paid amount to $1,569,882. These
figures arc not merely guessed at, hut are carefully compiled
from the different cstablishmcnts, of which spacc will admit of
but a brief mention, as follows:
AHASAPHA MILu5.-0perated by thc Arasapha l\Hg. Co.
Products, tickings, denims, stripes, &c. Capacity, 80,000 yards
pel' week.