The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 25, 1904

Profit For Tile Makers

Results From Wet Seasons, Necessitating Drainage

Brick and Tile Plants In and Around Fort Dodge Begin Operations.

Most of the Fort Dodge brick and tile plants have begun operations and the season promises to be a good one for that business. The H.R. Bradshaw company’s plant started up a few days ago as did the Fort Dodge Clay Works. The Fort Dodge Brick & Tile company will begin manufacturing within a few days.

The brick and tile industry is becoming of increasing importance to the city. There are now from 150 to 200 men employed in this business in the different plants about Fort Dodge.

The business has been given a great impetus by the past two exceedingly wet years. The farmer has had the fact of drainage borne upon him, and this year will witness more laying of tile than has ever been seen in the state in a like period of time. Iowa land has become too valuable to allow of its being left under water and uncultivated. Many large system of drainage have been planned for the coming year, and all the plants in the state will be kept busy.

Tags: 1904, Bradshaw