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COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
ALAMO IRON. WORKS—George Holmgreen & Sons—Plain and Orna-
mental Iron Work, Fronts, Verandas, Cemetery and Balcony Rail-
ings, Etc., Iron and Brass Castings of Every Description; Repair-
ing Machinery a Specialty; Corner of Santa Clara and Walnut
Streets.
Of all the occupations engaging the industrious application of human
thought, energy and endeavor, there are none of more importance than
that of the scientifically skilled machinist; nor are there any affording so
wide a scope for the products of genius or the beneficial exercise of God's
best gift to man—the intellect. The machinist is one who, educated in
the laws and principles of mechanics, has the genius to apply them, so as
to produce practical results in the shape of machinery. From the rem-
nants left us of the customs and exploits of the
ancients, there can be no doubt that mechanics
and mechanical powers were known many
years prior to the birth of Christ. The manu-
factories of every city are the foundation stones
of her prosperity. They add value to real
estate, attract and employ the artisans and
mechanics of the country, consume raw mate-
rial and afford a safe means for the investment
and utilization of capital. Wherever the throb
of the engine, the hum of machinery is heard,
there is an agency at work which will do more for the substantial pros-
perity and growth of a city than simple barter and exchange can ever
effect. In this connection, none occupy a more influential position than the
different branches engaged in the fabrication of articles from iron. There
are several in this city devoted to this class, the most prominent of which
is the Alamo Iron Works, of George Holmgreen & Sons, corner Santa
Clara and Walnut streets. This industry was established by Geo. Holm-
green in 1879, with but moderate capital, financially, but with an abund-
ance of that strongest auxiliary to success—practical knowledge and in-
dustrious enterprise—and his business has grown, his facilities have been
constantly augmented and his establishment become one of the represen-
tative institutions of this section. His sons became associated with him
in business in 1883. The works were erected and specially adapted in con-
struction for their purpose, and equipped with the best appliances and
machinery. Such processes have been adopted for the preparation of casting
and finishing their manufactures as to render the products as perfect as
possible. They give their special attention to store fronts, kettles, foot
scrapers, carriage steps, columns, clothes reels, tire irons, vases, fire
fronts, cast fencing, iron railings, crestings, and lawn furniture. They
employ able and skilled mechanics in all departments, all work being done
under their own direct supervision. The patterns they have adopted em-
body the best principles, in construction and combined durability and