The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1908-02-06
THE MAKING OF ACITY.
Various improvements in Progress
In All Directions.

Contrary to general predictions and
the statements OF those who are pleas
ed to be regarded as 'the conserya
tive class" the city seems to be en-
ioying an early building BOOM Many
predicted that work OF all kinds
would be slack with the opening OF
the new year. that there would be lit
tie or no building on account of the
money markets and the unsettled con.
ditions of the presidential election
year generally. The opposite Of the
forecasts is proving to be the case.
Building is In progress In several
( parts OF the city and more is being
planned. A number of new dwellings
will be erected as soon as settled
weather comes in April or May, and
several business Improvements of a
substantial character are in prospect
Contractors are now busy with fig
ures and plans and much work is in
sight.
The Frankel Improvement.
& The big improvement at the Frank.
el store is progressing from day to
day, but there is much to be accom-.
plished and the work viii require
four weeks or more in completion.
The changes and the new accommo-
dations for the Office have been COM
pleted and the added convenience is
much enjoyed. The partitions on the
second floor have been removed and
the plastering of the room has been
been transformed into one large room.
The new passenger and freight ele
vator will be on the south side. A
new front will include the space that
was formerly devoted to the stairway
and entrance to the second floor,
which has been removed. The en-
trance will be large single door in
place of the two doors used at the
present time. A couple of handsome
yestibule cases will be installed in
place of the central case that was re
moved. John Mickey, the contractor
has large force. of men engaged on
the place and he is rushing the work
as rapidly as the nature OF the place
permits. The rebuilding naturally
creates much dirt and the store peo-
pie are working under difficulties.
Or. Hoffman Builds.
r. c. Hoffman joins the procession
with second story addition to his
building on South First street, over
his present office location. The ad.
dition viii be a five room modern
fiat with all conveniences. The con-
tract is in the hands of c. d. Grub
who is now engaged with the brick
work. The enlarging of the building
Il a big Improvement for he place
and the appearance of the street In
this block is much changed. The i'm
represents the expendi
ture of number of hundred dollars.
New Residence.
The first new residence of the year
is being erected by Clarence Grubb
In southeast Oskaloosa near the resi-
denee OF William Burnside. 1t viii
be neat little cottage of seven or
eight rooms and viii have modern
convenienees.
other improvements.
tT.R. Faulkner is erecting new barns
and out buildings on his place near
the city at cost of several hundred
dollars.
An extensive improvement is being
made at the +oId Trask home" at the
corner of second avenue and Fifth
street. A large new porch is being
built at the front of the house and
also extends along the east side. 9th.
er changes and improvements TO the
house will be made at considerable
cost.
The Blakeslee drug store is being
completely oyerhauled on the inter,
or All wood work, including the
elegant soda fountain is being re-
dressed and made uniform through.
ont. New paper will be added anu
everything given rich appearance.
The Blakeslees evidently believe in
setting a good example for their pat
rons who are always urged to clean
up In the spring.
Lewis & Van Sickle are figuring
upon extended Improvements and
changes at their store on the south
side. The floor of the factory is to
be lowered and the apartments en-.
larged. Then win come new and
extensive show cases and furniture.
Extensive improvements or en-
largements are TO be made by the
ID. & W. Tea Company. Growth OF
their business demands more room
and it is likely that their present
store will be extended to the alley or
the full length OF the lot.