The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-05-23
TUSCALOOSA TODAY.
A short Description as to What the City
Has and what She Wants.
EpIToRs HERALp.

that are being made by parties in var
ious sections of the country, east, west,
north and south, relative to conditions
and state of business in Oskaloosa and
the probable outlook for the future, de-
serves more than a passing notice, and
while it is true that many individual
inquiries are being answered, It is also
believed that general outline and dis
cription by The HERALD would facilitate
the disseminate of truthfulness and
desirable information sought for. 1t
should be understood, however, that in
single article like this, though covering
many of the important points, it has
necessarily omitted to mention many de-
serving and growing enterprises.
First the population of Oskaloosa can
be safely stated to be in excess of twelve
thousand, aiH as for intelligence and en-
terprise the said population will compare
favorably with any like number in any
section or country on earth. The
churches are large and commodious,
modern in construction and an ornament
to the city, well attended and the min
listers are all men of high moral char
acter and of more than ordinary intel
ligence, and their work is duly appre-
ciated by the entire community. The
schools are all models of the latest type,
embracing all the essential requirements
for training and educating the two thous,
and scholars attending, in fact the public
schools of Oskaloosa and the eminent
manner in which they are conducted is
one of the most inviting and desirable
features of our beautiful little city. The
higher branches of education are ably
cared for in that elegant structure, the
new high school building. Then to top
all there is the great Penn College,
known the world over as one of the very
best institutions of learning in operation.
Many hundreds are in attendance and
the number is annually increasing so
likewise is the faculty. Oskaloosa is
represented in the business lines by every
needtul branch and to an extent that
shows vim, vigor and push. No city of
the same, or even greater dimensions,
can make better showing of we'll
stocked, well arranged stores. The dry
goods emporiums are really notable,
large and equipped with all modern con-
veniences for comfort of patrons, as we'll
stocks. This same thing holds good
with the grocery houses, in fact the
stranger and visitor is first to remark
that Oskaloosa's showing in this line is
the best they have ever seen, but what
is still better they all do fourishing
and successful business. Hardware,
wholesale, and retail, is notable feature.
The dealers in this line handle large,
well-selected stocks and are of the prom
inent features of the city. Furniture
and house-ftting establishments of the
city are also large and we'll stocked and
literally patronized, in fact several of
these houses carry large stocks of stoves,
ranges, carpets and general house furn-
ishing goods. Boots and shoes have a
large representation and are up-to-date
in every particular, both wholesale and
retail; in fact, and to be brief, every
branch of retail business is to be found
and handled by live, enterprising bust
ness men, who are from time to time en-
larging to meet the increase in business
One of the largest wholesale grocery
houses in the state, situated here, the Fl.
L. Spencer Co, has found it necessary
to enlarge their present large store and
warehouse by one-third more floor
space, and a number of other business
places are charging and building up a
more modern and more expensive build
ing than has heretofore been the rule.
Factories embracing nearly the whole
run of the gamut are in operation.
Wood, iron, steel for every conceivable
use are worked up, employing many
hundreds of skilled mechanics. Heating
plants, foundries and all their kindred
appurtainences are to be found, not only
one, but number of these, all busy as
bees and in most promising and pros
porous condition.
Next comes an electrical lighting
plant of ample size for present city and
private lighting, also gas plant of am
pie dimension and making illuminating
gas as well as for heating and cooking
purposes.
The extensive manufacture of cigars
is one of Oskaloosas proud boasts there
being nine factories, each employing
large force of men and boys, and it is
reputed that the brands sent out from
here have an enviable record for their
excellence.
The lumber interests of Oskaloosa are
necessarily large, all the yards carrying
stock in value way up in the thousands.
These companies also have a we'll
equipped steam plant for manufacture of
doors, blinds, sash; in fact, everything
needed in that line. Added to this then
is furniture factory, and second one
contemplated, and here is one Of the op-
portunities of life time for some en-
| terpriSing man or company of men to
engage in a profitable business. A mat
tress factory, catering to the wholesale,
| is another new industry that has re-
Gently started in the city, and that has a
large field for its operations. OskalooSa
has one of the very best of water works
systems, lately improved and capacity
largely increased.
The three railroads entering Oskaloosa
give ample facilities for quick transpor-
tation in every direction of the compass.
| One thing, however, must be admitted
that notwithstanding so much improve
ment has been made in repairs and re-
modling of older business houses and
| dwelling houses, together with the many
new houses built and in process of build
ing, we are short, very short, of rentable
| residence property There should be
erected at as early a period as possible
not less than two hundred medium,
modern dwellings, together with large
number of still better ones; also twenty
FIVE new store rooms should be provided
for in the near future. A knitting plant
and ice plant are also matters needing
tie attentions OF capital and business
men. ..
The foregoing Of course is necessarily
a brief description, for to it we could add
miles of paved streets and miles OF
granite curbing and walks. This also
L rn.,,...dc &c nf III hricL. aud tile nlant