a larger mill

Bitty Drumheller

The stockholders, suddenly jarred from the quiet enjoyment of profits, faced a difficult decision. Should the company use the insurance money to liquidate its debts, then divide remaining assets among the stock owners and disband? A few pessimists seemed to favor this course. They could point to the lean years just past to support their contention that the present prosperity was unnatural. But, perhaps as a second choice, they might merely rebuild and continue as before. Only one other alternative existed. The fire could be viewed as an opportunity rather than a disaster. In short, why not put up a larger mill with the latest machinery? --Harry Poindexter