Celebrating salt's importance
Amongst the nation's employers, the salt industry is deceptively diminutive; each week far more jobs are created (and lost) than the total workforce of our industry which supplies the feedstock for the nation's chlor-alkali industry, keeps our winter highways safe and passable, ensures our good health and the myriad other consumer conveniences we enjoy. A hint of our vast and enduring significance, however, is found in the local recognition we enjoy.
This week, for example, Grand Saline, TX, celebrates its "salty heritage" in its 34th Annual Salt Festival. As the local Salt Festival Heritage Foundation reminds:
For decades, production of salt from the one of the largest salt deposits in the nation has been the lifeblood of this town that even bears the product’s name.The mining operations by Morton Salt Co. reach a depth of 700 feet and extend over a 60-acre area. According to a Van Zandt County historical marker, the salt found here could supply the world’s salt needs for the next 20,000 years.
In downtown sits the Salt Palace Museum, made of pure rock salt. According to the foundation it was first built in 1936 and then rebuilt in 1975 when the Salt Festival was initiated and replaced again in 1993.
The museum displays information on the history of Grand Saline and salt mining memorabilia and shows a film on mining operations.
In downtown sits the Salt Palace Museum, made of pure rock salt. According to the foundation it was first built in 1936 and then rebuilt in 1975 when the Salt Festival was initiated and replaced again in 1993.
The museum displays information on the history of Grand Saline and salt mining memorabilia and shows a film on mining operations.
Congratulations to all involved in this celebration of the significance of the salt industry.