1907 - N. & W. Takes Over New Road

[NW Mailing List]

Roanoke Times - September 10, 1907

N. & W. TAKES OVER NEW ROAD

Will Complete, Own and Operate Catawba Valley Railroad

   Last night information came from a very authentic source to the effect
that the Norfolk & Western Railway Company has taken over the Catawba Vally
road leading from Salem to the rich silica deposits of Craig. The road has
for some time been in course of construction, but recently the work of
building has been much delayed, owing no doubt to the negotiations between
the builders and the N. & W.
   A year or eighteen months ago a company, largely composed of Roanoke
gentleman, was organized for the purpose of mining the silica and founding
at Salem a large glass plant. They bought right of way for a railroad to
run the distance of 12 or 18 miles between the deposits and Salem, where it
was proposed to build and operate the glass foundry. That company has
graded the road and all now to be done is to lay the track. The N. & W.
will complete and operate the line only. The original company has retained
and will operate the mines and glass plant.
   Until the little road can be completed, wagons will convey the silica
from the mines to the factory, which in now starting into operation. The N.
& W. will begin laying the track today and it will not be a great while
until the little valley will awaken to the shrill whistle of the engine
where throughout the centuries it has slept to the eternal music of falling
waters and mountain breezes.

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- Ron Davis, Roger Link