Two were located near the mouth of this stream, one about 200 yards up the stream where the Frick hollow joins it. The other about the same distance up the creek from the mouth of the run. This well was located near the ruins of the old Salt Furnace, previously referred to. It was completed in the summer of 1865. It was drilled to a depth of 1100 feet, but no oil was secured. A third well was located about a half mile further up the creek, and a fourth one near the furnace. The fifth one and last well was a couple miles further up the creek. Of this well the record states "At 240 feet we struck salt water after which we struck gas, and the whole thing came roaring up and for 4 hours it continued pouring up gas and water the whole size of the conductor, clear up against the roof." The water from this well was so saturated with salt that it was soon determined to construct a salt works. Preparations were made to manufacture this article on a rather extensive scale, a large furnace, the ruins of which remain, was built. Many of the stones used in the construction of this plant were taken from the walls of the Alliance Furnace, thus greatly hastening the destruction of this noted landmark. A Mr. Goey had charge of the enterprise. About one-half mile down the creek from the salt well a large frame tenement building was erected. It was divided into apartments. Some of these were intended to house the families of those employed at the works. A part of it was to be used by others engaged in making salt barrels. It was known locally as "The Long House" or Stave Factory." Preparations were made for manufacturing salt barrels in large numbers from the timber in the adjacent forest. Coopers were secured and for a short period this valley was again made to rejoice with the hum of industry, roads were built, a sawmill was erected and two bridges spanning the creek were in process of construction. A large salt pan was hauled up the creek from the B. & O. station and the process of converting the brine into salt was put into operation. Unfortunately, after a small amount of salt had been made the water lost its saline properties. It seems that a small basin of brine had been tapped and when this was exhausted no more could be secured. As a resul t the whole enterprise collapsed as suddenly as it had began ,and this valley again relapsed into quietness.
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