Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-06-10
ROCK ISLAND
WILL BUILD new
FREIGHT HOUSE.
n Less Than a Month From
Burning Of Old Depot,
Road Sends Plans to Local
Builders Asking for Bids.

If any further evidence is needed
to demonstrate that the Rock Island
railroad appreciates the patronage OF
Ottumwa shippers, the action taken
this morning by the road should suf-
fee for in answer to the request that
a new freight house replace the old
structure burned May IL, plans and
specifications were. submitted to four
local contractors for a $4,000 struc-
ture Credit for this is largely due
to the strenuous efforts put forth by
Agent j. G. Finesey in bringing the
matter to the attention of the higher
officials Of the road, and added to the
efforts of Mr.. Finesey was the effec-
tive aid lent by Superintendent Charles
Brown and A. w. Eberhard OF Des
Moines, both of whom urged upon the
Chicago office to get busy The re-
suit was that although the fire took
place May IL, and destroyed the local
freight depot, in less than a month
plans for new and modern structure
arrived this morning and were sub
mitted to Contractors l.. T. Crisman
Co., J. G. Bunk, Ottumwa Mill & Con-
struction Co., and Keefe Bros The
contracting firms are instructed ito
have their representative bids in by
June Is, as the road does not wish to
delay the building of the freight house
any longer than is absolutely nee
essary.
Build on Old Site.
Agent John C. Finesey made known
the action of the road to the CONNER
cial association today and the ship
pers throughout the city are pleased
to learn Of the quick action OF the
road. The building to be erected Is
practically, duplicate OF the struc-
ture contemplated during September,
1909 when plans and specifications
were sent here with the view to build
ing freight house and depot during
the fall OF 1909. The structure will
be erected on the site OF the present
building and the capacity will be
doubled for the handling OF
freight.
Capacity Doubled.
The new building will not only re-
place the old structure, but Will be
built with the view 10 meeting the
needs of the road In OttumWa 1or
MANY years to come, and is perman-
ent improvement. The receipt of the
plans and instructions today has made
Agent Finesey the happiest man IN
town and Is testimonial to the fidel-
ity Of this hustling railroad man IN
the building up of the company's busi-
ness in Ottumwa where the Rock Is
land holds an enviable position with
the shippers. The business in CttumWa
has grown by such strides, that for
some years past the present freight
house has been inadequate to meet the
demands made upon 1t to handle prop
erly the great volume Of shipping done
here over the Rock Island. The new
building is to be modern throughout
and will be fitted with all the equip
ment, and conveniences necessary to
accommodate the bulk of shipping
handled by the road as we'll as serv-
ing to accommodate passengers VINO
may make use Of the new depot as
passenger station. The capacity Of the
new house will be doubled, while
trackage and facilities for teams will
be greatly increased.
Brick Building.
The new building will be erected OF
brick and a portion Of 1t will be two
stories in height. The lower floor will
be given over exclusively to freight
and the second floor to offices. The
call for the best grades
of material throughout. Cement and
concrete will be used literally and
first grade maple dipped in linseed oil
will be used FOR flooring of the entire
building. The finish on the interior VIII
be of yellow pine. Terra Gotta and cut
stone will be used as decorating ana
trimming material in the outer con-
struction, and the oiling and painting
specified must be the best.
Well Equipped.
The basement will be given over TO
.he boiler room, heating plant, coal
ounkers. etc The frs! floor will be the
<|,opt;p,od op Pape 21