The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1901-06-27
ROUNDHOUSE NEWS.
Things Seen and Heard About
the Iowa Central Shops


The Iowa Central roundhouse and
machine shops in this city form a
greater institution than the majority
Of people suppose. 1t is not gener-
ally known that there are constantly
employed at this place between As
and SO men, varying with the season
and the nature OF the work. There
are the foremen, machinists, boiler
makers, hostlers and helpers, wip-
ers and helpers, storehousemen and
other assistants to the above mem
toned number, and the work that is
accomplished at the house and the
shops in "a hours is something enor-
nous.
The machine shops received a
grsat addition last week in the way
of additional machinery that now
makes it possible to do any sort OF
work or repairing in the Oskaloosa
shops. An engine could be rebuilt
here if necessary, and it will not
hereafter be necessary to send en-
gines to Marshalltown for repairs as
has been the case heretofore. The
machines that arrived in the city
last week are metal planer, pow
erful lathe, drill press, a nut and
bolt machine and an upright engine
of 12-horse power that will be used
in driving the new machinery. The
machines will be set up during the
week and will be ready to to work
very soon.
The store or supply depot that was
built at the south end of the round
house this spring, is larger institu-
ton than one would imagine. There
is stock worth upwards of $1,000
constantly carried for the supplying
Of the train service. There is every
thing in the store that is used in the
train equipment, from bolts and
boiler repairs for the engine to the
signal flags for the rear end of the
way cars. The store is in charge of
E. F. Jewell during the day and Earl
Nicola during the night hours, as the
place has to be kept open at all
hours. Everything that goes into
the place is charged to the man in
charge, and his account is credited
with the amount of material that
goes out, and at the same time the
engine that gets the material is
charged up witt it, even to pint of
oil or a single repair bolt. In this
way it is possible to knowlthe cost of
maintenance.
1t is said at the roundhouse that a |
number of new stalls are needed for |
the accommodation of the business |
that is now being done and the de-
mand upon the Oskaloosa house is
too greatto be met with any degree
of satisfaction or convenience.
Mr. Jewell, the daytime attendant
Of the store, is engaged during his
leisure moments in organizing a new
fraternal insurance lodge in the city
Of Oskaloosa. 1t is known as the
Modern Brotherhood of America,
with headquarters at Upton, this
state. Mr.. Jewell has now enough |
for charter list but will |
hold the charter open for number
of days to make the list as large as
possible. Dr.L. A. Rogers has been |
selected as local ply stefan.
1t is generally thought by trainmen
that the fixing up of the old coal
chutes is but temporary arrange
ment and that the new chutes will be
erected some time this fall.
The completed plans of the Oska-
loosa yards viii call for five north
and south tracks through the right
of way of the road north of High
avenue When this is done the resi-
dents of the places between B and d
avenues will experience some little
difficulty in getting out of their prop
critics. This matter will be easily
remedied, however.