The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1901-12-12

The Improvements done in the city
Of Oskaloosa during the season that
has just closed amount to over a half
million dollars. The fact is almost
beyond comprehension upon first
thought but upon careful analysis of
the years work the truth of the state.
ment becomes more and more appar-
ent.
The season has been one Of great
prosperity upon all sides and there
has been the greatest activity in the
building and improvement world.
Workmen have been in so great a de-
mand that it has been almost impos-
sible to have an "odd job" done at any
price. The work has been plenty for
all who could or would be employed
and many workers have been attract
ed to the city from other places by
the activity of the place.
The building of new homes has
been within the city. Vacant lots have
been occupied, and but small inclina-
ton has been shown toward occupy
X
lots in the heart of the city are very
few, but the demand is increasing.
Realty in the city of Oskaloosa today
is the best investment it has ever
been and prices are stiffening.
The public improvement Of the
year is in excess of that of year ago
on account of the paving and the bus
mess Improvement shows an increase
over the amount OF q year ago Of
many thousands of dollars.
The sum total OF the new residences
erected falls below that of last year,
although more new homes have been
erected. This arises from the fact
that but few of the houses built dur
ing the season have been of an ex-
pensiye class. The average price of
the new homes erected is less than
$500, near the mark of$2 100000.
In other years we have had number
of the more expensive houses erect
ed.
Flfg Residence improvements of the
season exceed that of all former years.
Almost every home in the city has
had some new work during the year.
Many homes have been practically re-
built throughout while others have
had but few dollars in repairs eX-
pended upon them.
1t has been the intention to gather
as completely as possible a detailed
list Of the work done in the city dur
ing the season. 1t is probable that
some notable improvements have been
missed here and there, but the num-
hn nd "a
sum total will be materially I'M
changed.
The showing made by the year is
as follows:
Business improvements ...$175,050.00
New residences .......... 169,S5O.OO
Public improvements ..... 95,125.00
Residence improvements .. 63,275.00
Grand total ......... $500, 10000
The classification OF the improve
saespts has been followed as above
toned and general alphabetical
S-.gement has been made in the
10 III classes so that it is a simple
dtsyr to search out any particular
wv PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
~ Considerable has been done in the
< fgy during the year in the way OF
,olic Improvement. More than a
ile of paving has been put in and
aral miles of permanent sidewalks.
q srs have been built aud the cOun-
sas a new jail, and the city an ad-
n to its school property. The
~ w a-.asss.,...' g Z. = ..,S.,DF1vate paving
~ ttr o,s,tt ,naf je aVrnost in the ma
ture Of a public Improvement The
total OF public improvements taken
from the figures on record in the
cityNhall is ................$9 5, 1880
The paying was done in the Third
ward of the city and the Improvement
has been great South Seventh street
was paved from first avenue south
to Seventh avenue, or across the Rock
Island railway, a distance of 3709 IL
lineal feet, or 7429.57 square yards
and the total cost to the city and to
property holders was $11.863.57. Third
avenue was paved from First street
east to Seventh street, a distance of
1909 lineal feet, or 7077 square yards
at cost Of $10,131.80. The total cost
OF the paving done during the year
represents therefore 691S.5 feet or a.
52S.15 square yards and amounts
to $500. ................$2 1, 995.37
The curbing necessary for the paw
ing was placed on Third avenue last
season and the cost of the curbing
done on Seventh street is included in
the above.
More than mile OF sewers have
been constructed during the year. In
actual feet the measurement is 6410
lineal feet. The sewers are of from
ten to twenty-four inch thing. For
this work the city has paid the sum
OF ...... ......... .$2503.43
The cement men OF the city, George
Carton & Son, and Edward Matthews.
have during the year laid over five
miles OF cement walks and the cost
OF this item alone amounts to at
least ....... so, 625.80
Other cement work done by these
men IN the city, such as cellar floors,
steps and curbing. amounts to s26O0.00
This last amount includes 1913 feet
on private curbing built In the resi-
denca parts of the city.
The season has witnessed other inn
proyements Of public nature. Most