Ahoskie Promises to Provide 26 White Girls to Work in Proposed Factory, Sept. 26, 1919

From the Hertford County Herald, Ahoskie, N.C., Sept. 26, 1919

Knitting Mill Is Assured for Ahoskie. . . McDowells of Scotland Neck Promoters. . . Ahoskie Citizens Execute Bond to Furnish 30 Girls to Work

Ahoskie will soon see the establishment of a knitting mill within its midst. The promoters are the McDowells of Scotland Neck, experienced men in the manufacture of hosiery. These people own and operate a large plant in their home town, besides owning and operating a plant in Greenville. They have also established one of their mills in the town of Halifax, but the latter establishment was sold to Halifax capitalists several years ago.

Mr. McDowell, the junior member of this firm, was in this town one day last week, conferring with local business men as to probable location as to a building, and the possibility of securing help. Nothing definite was done then, however. A meeting of interested business men of Ahoskie was called for Wednesday of this week, when Mr. McDowell, by appointment, was here in interest of the proposed mill.

At the meeting on Wednesday, Mr. McDowell outlined the proposed factory, telling of the need of at least 30 white girls to work in this plant, the location of the factory here being contingent upon assurances that the labor would be forthcoming, when operations were begun at the factory here. He also told those present that a suitable building was also necessary in order that they might begin at once to install the necessary machinery. It is thought that a building can be secured, and local interests are working with Mr. McDowell in an effort to rent a suitable building. If one cannot be found, in all probability, some of those under construction will soon be available.

In order to guarantee the promoters against loss in case help could not be secured, enthusiastic citizens assembled in the meeting Wednesday executed a bond of $1,500 guaranteeing that the labor would be at hand when the mill opened. Those signing the bond will make an active effort to secure the help for the factory. A definite plan of securing help will soon be organized by local interests.

If a suitable building can be rented, Messrs. McDowell will be ready for operation within 60 days.