Smith & Valk's Machine Shops and Foundry, are located on Hasel street, at the site of what was once known as "Lebby's Machine Shops," under the proprietorship and management of Mr. Wm. Lebby, and afterwards known as " Smith & Porter's Machine Shops." The present proprietors are J. Ralph Smith and C. R. Valk, both able mechanics. Mr. Smith was the senior of the firm of Smith & Porter, and has been conducting business for many years, during which time he has earned an enviable reputation, by strict personal attention to his business. Mr. Valk, whom Mr. Smith has recently associated with him, is a young man of acknowledged mechanical ability, who will yet establish a reputation as wide-spread as that of his seniors in his branch of mechanism. Several important additions have recently been made to this establishment, rendered necessary by its growing business. Among the additions is a foundry, furnished with all the modern improvements. The finishing shops, and in fact every department, are amply supplied with machinery and tools, to enable the proprietors to undertake any and all varieties of work in their line. At the death of the late Wm. S. Henerey, Mr. Smith purchased all his patterns, which enables them to furnish the agricultural machinery made by Mr. Henerey during his life-time, including the celebrated "McCarthy Cotton Gin." They have facilities to employ over one hundred workmen, and are receiving a good share of patronage, which, we hope, will be increased, as our city and country increases in prosperity. If their reward is commensurate with their merits, we shall expect to see the establishment of Smith & Valk in its full tide of prosperity at no very distant day.

Smith & Porter was manufacturing Steam Engines ca 1858.

Information Sources

• The Rural Carolian By D. H. Jacques, 1873 page 594