Big Tile & Brick Plant Assured. W. J. Ruddy Leads Move to Develop Big Industry at Willmar. W. J. Ruddy, of the firm of Ruddy Bros. Land Co., has purchased the Willmar Brick and Tile yard and all the real estate connected therewith for a consideration of $40,000, and expects to develop the properties into a large industry that will be a credit and big asset to the community. He expects to organize a stock company of farmers and business men of Willmar and put in a plant that will cost $150,000. Mr. Ruddy has had experience with clay tile and drainage for the past thirty-six years, and is a good authority on drainage. The clay deposits on the property secured by Mr. Ruddy are practically inexhaustible, being 35 feet deep. By university test and from the practical experience in the brickyard, the clay has proven of the best in the state. It will take glaze slip, and the brick and tile it produces is unexcelled. It is also known that valuable pottery clay is found there.

Mr. Ruddy has also purchased the Peter Swenson place along the highway on the southwest shore of Foot Lake, between the railroad and road, with the expectation of erecting homes on the same for the laborers at the brickyard. He also owns the John F. Barrett farm of 160 acres that adjoins the tile factory property on the west. There has never been any reason why all the tile and brick made in this part of the state could not be produced here except that no one has had the nerve, enterprise and means to develop it, and Mr. Ruddy possesses these qualities in a high degree. The substantial enlargement of this industry will mean much for the upbuilding of the city and Mr. Ruddy will have the hearty co-operation of the community in his efforts to build it up. (Willmar Tribune, Wednesday, February 11, 1920, Volume 26, Number Unknown, Page 1)

W. J. Ruddy, of Wilmar (Willmar), Minn., has purchased the Wilmar Brick and Tile Company, together with the real estate connected with same. He will at once organize a stock company for the purpose of erecting an immense plant on the property. Mr. Ruddy is an experienced brick manufacturer. (The Clay Worker, T. A. Randall & Company, Indianapolis, March 12, 1920, Volume 73, Number 3, Page 275)

Grand Opening For A Big Tile Plant. Clay Tile and Brick plant, adjoining city of Willmar, for sale. Complete outfit in operation; 60 acres of land with plant; 40 acres clay, 30 feet deep; 15 feet yellow and 15 feet blue (see Bulletin No. 678 clays of Minn.); open 30 years; spur to plant. Ship four ways. Concrete highway No. 10 by plant. Entire output of tile sold every year to county and farmers; also thousands of dollars worth shipped in; Judicial Ditch No. 9 and No. 12 under consideration. Estimated cost three million two hundred thousand dollars, both within five miles of plant. Will require over 900 miles of tile. Tile ring like a bell and second to none; good drainage from clay bed. Building blocks and brick perfect. Look this up. Write me, W. J. Ruddy, Willmar, Minn. (The Clay Worker, T. A. Randall & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, IN, December 1922, Volume 78, Number 6, Page 604)

BRICK AND TILE CO. CHANGES ITS NAME. Willmar Brick and Tile Company Is New Name for Local Clay Industry. The name of the Willmar Brick and Tile Company was adopted at a meeting of the Ruddy Clay, Tile and Brick Company held at the First National Bank on Tuesday. A good representation of members of the firm was in attendance. Directors for the coming year were elected as follows: Pres. A. O. Bryant, Vice Pres., Nels N. Flykt, Treas., C. W. Odell, Messrs. Hugh Ruddy, E. I. LeSeur, Knute Aarvig, J. T. Carruthers. Retiring directors were W. J. Ruddy and Wm. Tew (deceased). George Odell serves as the secretary of the firm. New capital has been invested in the business which was reported in good condition. Bright prospects for the year were held by the members. (Willmar Tribune, Wednesday, January 9, 1924, Volume 30, Number 2, Page 1)