Potash factory and charcoal kiln, Montrose, Michigan

View of the potash factory and charcoal kiln in Montrose, Michigan. Windmill is visible behind wooden-frame building; railroad tracks in foreground. Printed on front: "No. 24." Label on back: "Potash factory and coal kiln. The buildings here shown are the potash factory and charcoal kiln belonging to John Thomas and are located on Railroad St. in Montrose village, near the C.S. & M. Ry. siding. These industries add materially to the business interests of the village as several hands are employed a large portion of the time. The potash factory is well equipped for the successful manufacture of this valuable commodity. A windmill and tank, located on the west side of the building furnish the water required and it is conveyed to all parts of the building in pipes. The annual output of this factory is about 150 barrels. The charcoal kiln is built of brick and is capable of holding about forty cords of four foot wood. Nearly all kinds of wood are used for this purpose. About 15,000 bushels of charcoal are manufactured here annually. Both these industries were established by Mr. Thomas in 1889 and have been conducted by him ever since."