Marion's Egg Factory - 1954

 Lost to the Forgotten Passages of Time is Marion's Egg Factory.  Article found in the Sept. 2, 1954 Marion Reporter.

Walter Roberts Flock Numbers 1008 Hybrid Hens.

One look inside the New Egg Factory, located on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Roberts, Route 5, will convince one that of all the hens that got away - all come home to roost!

The Egg Factory, owned and operated by the Roberts, houses 1008 hybrid leghorn hens, each in a wire cage with a drinking fountain and feeder, and a wire basket to receive the egg.

Attached to each cage is a "Case-Card" on which the daily production is recorded.  Should the occupant fail to produce as many as four eggs per week, she is taken off the payroll, and is without recourse, as there is no arbitrator.

According to the records, the Roberts are marketing approximately 700 eggs a day to sellers in Henderson, retailing at a slight premium.

The eggs are graded in 24, 21 and 18 ounce weights, and packed in cartons.  The "girls" know nothing of a Hollywood diet for they consume 300 pounds of cage-laying mash a day, and when the 61 overhead lights are left burning they take on a bedtime snack, too.

Mr. Roberts estimates he has an investment of $5000.  He has a building 152 feet long and 24 feet wide, the upper and lower walls are removable, while the center section is stationary.  This permits the walls to be entirely closed for winter and plexiglas panels inserted.

This Crittenden County's newest industry, is deserving of your interest and commendation.  Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are gracious people, and will take pleasure in showing you around their farm, on which they also raise registered cattle and lovely bronze turkeys.

(I love these old articles about past businesses in Marion.  The sad part is we never know when and why they close and their history is lost in time.)