davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
Artificial Stone Co.

One of the younger concerns of the
city which has shown rapid growth
end development since the time of its
inception, is the Artificial Stone COM
pany, located at 727 Second street.
The business is owned and operated
by Robert R Atkinson, a man who
has brought success to himself en-
tiTely through his own efforts, by dint
of hard work, strict attention to bur
mess and the adoption Of live, pro-
gressive business methods. Mr.. Atkin-
son is a native of England. When a
Toy of eight years, he came to Amer
ica and settled at Dunkirke, n. Y. In
1880 he removed TO Rock Island, which
has been his home ever since.
Five years ago the cement block as
a substitute for stone in building OPP
erations was much talked of. and
many concerns having as their object
tie manufacture of the new material
spIang into existence, among them be-
ing the Artificial Stone company.
This concern vas headed by Robert
R Atkinson and Sam Ransom and
from the first the business proved a
success. Three years ago Mr.. Ran
sen retired from the firm and Mr.. At
kinson continued alone as the manager
OF the business.
The Rock Island company does not
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
Robert MCGTegOr Kept Here

At one time the noted horse. Rob
ert McGregor was for two or three
years in the custody OF w. S. Wheel
ock OF Moline. The horse was the
subject Of some legal procedure be-
tween two parties claiming ownership.
The horse had been shipped TO NChiCa-
go from Kansas and there won a big
stake race, making q mark for himself
Of 2:1SA, and because Of this certain
parties in New York who had some
claim on him. wanted him back in
the east, and while he was being re-
turned to Kansas an injunction was
served upon the man in charge Of
Robert McGregor. making II impossi-
BILE for the horse to leave the state
The court placed him in the custody
OF Mr. Wheelock, with instructions 10
keep him until a settlement had been
reached. and IN no way to use him or
allow him TO be used, but In some
mysterious way. OF course unknown TO
Mr. Wheelock, a great many Of the
mares OF Rock Island and vicinity be-
came IN foal TO the horse and even
yet we find some OF his descendants
around here. The most noted Of his
cots produced was Bonnie McGregor.
After a few years OF court proceed
ure a settlement was finally reached
and Robert McGregor was then ship
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

A Rock Island industry of which
altogether too little is known locally
is the American Regalia company,
which occupies the entire third floor
of the Carse building north of the new
IOstoffice. This concern does an
enormous business in lodge regalia
and novelties of nearly every descrip-
ton and is known among all the fra
ternities of the country. Its business
is wholesale, for the most part, how
ever, and no effort has ever been
made to build up a retail trade.
Theodore P. Eichelsdorfer, manager
OF the concern, had considerable ex-
perience in the business before TAX
ago. Associated with him are others
whose experience has proved bene-
fetal to the concern
From a small beginning the COM
rany has grown rapidly. Five years
ago IL people were employed, now 40
and sometimes more are needed in
the busy season and even then it is
hard to keep up with orders. The
firm deals in lodge supplies of all
KlDQS SUCH DIS TODeb Vi OllCcy UtH-
ners, badges, various kinds of lodge
paraphernalia and lodge furniture of
all descriptions. The company does
not manufacture the furniture itself
but gets 1t direct from the Grand Rap
ids furniture factories.
The American Regalia company has
contracts covering all supplies for the
Modern Woodmen of America, Royal
Neighbors of America and the Wood
men of the World and the Woodmen
Circle. 1t furnishes supplies to nearly
all the other important fraternal Or
ganiZations, its large catalogue being
sent broadcast over the country adj
vertising the company and Rock Is
land as well.
Mr. EichelsdorfeT is especially proud
Of the new workshop in the present
quarters, principally because of it's
advantages for the employees. The
room is light and airy, having win
dnws on three sides and sanitary in
every respect. New machinery of the
latest type makes the work room safe
and at the same time enjoyable place
to work
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

ence their services along these lines
are in constant demand.
Mr.. Ingram and Mr.. Sweeney are the
officers in charge Of the Rock Island
Title Abstract company. q corporate
concern here which does an extensive
business with reference to land titles,
property transfers, conyeyances, and
the preparation Of abstracts Of title to
property throughout the county.
The firm and the abstract company
occupy together an extensive suite of
rooms ON the second floor of the Peo-
pies National bank building, where
they are well equipped to take care Of
the many business interests Entrusted
10 their charge.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
ANNUAL COUNTY
! FAIR IS HELD IN
yuma TOWNSHIP
Recognized as One of Leading
Annual Events in Upper
u End of District.

Rock Island county once had a fair
That was patronized by residents Of
both the upper and lower ends. but that
was before the day of the present gen.
Grafton. The balf-mile track in Exposi-
ton park south Of the Rock Island city
limits is all there is now left Of it. Re
moteness OF the country districts from
the city, the distance between the two
ends of the county, and the difficulties
OF transportation have since made a
general fair a practical impossibility.
After the fair in this city had been
abandoned, farmers from this side gen
orally patronized the Scott county fair
held at Davenport and the Mercer
county fair at Aledo. The latter still
draws hundreds yearly from the lower
end of the county About the time the
Scott county fair ceased to be, resi-
dents Of the upper END. Of this county
organized the Rock Island Agricultur-
al association and began holding fairs
at Joslin. That was 10 years ago. A
tract OF land suitable for the purpose,
with shade trees and level field on
which a race track could be laid out,
was secured, and fences, grandstand
and sheds for live stock and other dis
plays were erected. A fair has been
held every year since, and, despite dis
couragements, has been successful,
though the patronage is practically
limited 10 half a dozen townships.
Nothing ambitious is attempted, but
the fair has come 10 be recognized as
the leading event Of the year in the vicin-
ity and as decidedly worth while. The
leading men Of the community are
back OF IL. and the business men Of
Rock Island, Moline, Port Byron and
other nearby cities and villages lend
Il substantial encouragement so that
good prizes in all departments are Of
fered and the organization manages to
play abou even, narclally. The 1912
officers OF the association are:
President-William Filbert. Water
town.
Vice President-Ambrose Searl, Hills
dale.
. Secretary. L. Wainwright, Hills
dale.
Treasurer. J. Hansen, Hillsdale.
Board OF Directors-ThOmas Mccall,
Charles Wake. Edgar Walther, II.
Weideman. W. r. Schwenneker, Homer
Daley. Clyde Wake.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
Electric Construction & Machinery Company

western agents for the Shelby branch
of the General Electric company and
distribute lamps over a radius Of 200
miles.
During the past season they also
handled the fan business for the West
inghouse Manufacturing & Electric
company and furnished fans to almost
all of the cities in northern Illinois.
They have also developed the station
airy vacuum cleaner business in the
tri-cities. Two years>ago there was
not a stationary vacuum cleaner plant
west Of Chicago. Now the company
has placed them in the majority of the
nicer residences in the tri-cities and at
present are under contract to install
machines in the Reliance building, Mo
line; Leidy building, Moline; st. Jo-
seph's school in Rock Island, and the
new Y. M. c. A. in Rock Island.
The Electric Construction & Machin-
ton field in Rock Island for IA years,
and the business has gradually grown
from the start. They have principally
made a specially of electric drive in
factories; in other words, industrial
power work. In addition to work
enumerated, they have equipped nu-
merous brick and tile plants through
out the state of Illinois.
They also handle engines and boil
ers and do a great deal of complete
plant work, maintain lighting fixture
department, and are ready at all times
to get out plans and make estimates
on any kind of electric equipment.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
ped back to his former home in Kan
EIeCta Grafton a Conner

Electa Grafton, 2:2sA, by Grafton.
dam lakewood Sphinx, owned by Andy
Brady of this city is a product of the
Grafton stock farm OF Prairie View.
ILL.,, and her cross OF Grafton and
Sphinx families makes her one of the
fancy bred horses OF the day.
Mr. Brady has raced her two years
and has been followed with lot OF
lll-fortune, causing the mare TO be
wrecked several times, otherwise she
certainly would have had a much bet
ter mark than she has.
At Belvidere, in 1911 she was beat
en- by Judge Adams by only a nose,
forcing him to take a record Of
2:19A. At Wilton Junction the
same year she raced against seven
other horses, some that have since
gone into the grand circuit, and won
the fourth heat in 2:1SK, but because
she broke just before she went under
the wire the judge refused to give the
heat to her.
Her first race this season was at
Monmouth, where she was wrecked
and laid up for several weeks. conse-
quently her work this year was rather
short. In each race she started in
this year, it was against horses Of a
much faster class than the one in
Which she belongs, but sho has in
each instance brought home a part of
the purse.
Mr.. Brady is considering an extern
sive campaign for her next year, and
from the showing she made this year,
and last, she will make record of
better than 2:20.
Without an exception as to her
style and conformation she is one of
the handsomest mares that ever
scored for a race.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

Barnard & Leas' new factories, Mo-
Island; the Odd Fellows home in Rock
Island, and have just closed contract
for the new Y. M. c. A. building.
Among the out of town installations
which this concern is handling at the
present time might be mentioned the
Springfield park lighting installation at
Springfield, Ill. This installation con-
sists of about 500 ornamental lighting
posts, and all work is being done un-
derground. Also, in Springfield, they
are engaged in equipping electrically
several coal mines and also several
brick plants. Altogether, in Spring
field they are handling about $4,000
worth of work. In addition to that,
they are installing farm lighting plants
all over Rock Island county In fact,
it would take more space than Is al
lotted to enumerate all the different
classes and varieties of work which
this concern handles, and construction
work is not the only feature of their
business.
Lighting fixtures are being made a
specially of under the able manage
ment of w. l.. Jones, formerly of the
Bailey-Reynolds company of Kansas
City, Kan. They have developed a
fixture business which is not excelled
anywhere in the state outside of Chi
cago. In the lamp sales they are al
most supreme. In the year 1911 there
were only two lamp agencies in the
United States that sold more Tungsten
lamps than this concern. They are
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

owner Of the establishment and this
business has been greatly augmented
by Mr.. Ward.
Mr.. Ward conducted the wall paper
store as a strictly retail concern dur
ing the first seven years after pur-
chasing it, adding the wholesale de-
partment in 1908 Since that time it
has been the policy of the store to de-
velop it's wholesale business, which it
has succeeded in doing most success
fully. The business of the firm ex-
tends to many different states, among
them being Illinois, Iowa, South Da-
kota, Missouri, Minnesota and Wis.
The retail department is now max
Ing a specially of high art decorating
which is one Of the features of the up
to-date store. The establishment
carries a par excellence line OF all
grades of wall papers, the shelves be-
ing full of hundreds of different styles.
When you purchase wall paper or
specialties at the Adams Wall Paper
company store you are getting your
moneys worth. The concern in its
purchasing from the big eastern
v holesaler buys the best qualities pos
s.ble to obtain, in large quantities,
which enables 1t to offer to it's patrons
the best at the lowest price.
The store has had a banner year,
business having been unusually heavy
and fine line of goods will be pur-
chased for next spring. Whenever
you desire to purchase wall paper or
specialties of any kind visit the art
store of the Adams Wall Paper COM
pany and you will get satisfaction in
every particular.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

Very few people in Rock Island or
this institution is. Fourteen years ago
this company began business. The
original members of the firm were J.
T. Marion, w. H. Dickman and B. F.
WATSON. The original capital was I'M
der $1,000. OF the original members
of this firm, Mr.. Marion still remains.
In the beginning the only work done
was small house wiring and repair
jobs. At the present time there is
nothing too big or too complicated for
this firm to undertake and carry
through successfully.
AS an example of the amount of bus
mess being carried by this concern
now and which has been done within
the last three years could be mentioned
the Moline Pillow company installation,
which required over 1000 horse power
in motors; the French & Hecht factory
in Davenport, 500 horse power; the
Rock Island Pillow company, 1000 horse
power; the Rock Island Sash & Door
works, about $50 horse power; John
Volk & Co., and the Standard Table
Oil Cloth company. All of the above
undertakings would go under the broad
heading of Industrial power
Then of a general nature, they have
installed the electrical equipment in
the Best building, Rock Island; Safety
building, Rock Island, and any num-
Der of the larger residences in the
three cities. At the present time they
are engaged in installing the equip
ment in the Reliance building, Moline;
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
LongVieW Stock Farm

Longview stock farm, about two
miles west OF Coal Valley and over
looking the broad and fertile valley
of Rock river, was the home of more
good horses than any other farm in
Rock Island county, such horses as
Star Hambletonian, 4,427, Lula, Judge
Hays, 4,426, Abe McGregor, Kate
Crockett, Richmont, Lizzie Crockett
and Scintella.
Perhaps the most noted of these
was Lula, one of the first horses in
the world 10 trot better than 2:20. and
who at one time held the record for the
three fastest consecutive heats ever
raced. She was sired by Alexander
Norman, her dam Kentucky saddle
mare. In her racing days she beat
such horses as Goldsmith Maid. w. K
Crockett present proprietor OF the
Longview stock farm sold her to
Governor Stanford, then governor of
California, for the remarkable price Of
$4,000.
Without dow ranking next to Lula
was that wonderful harse Star Ham
bletonian, wei known TO all lovers of
horses throughout the central part of
the United States. He was raced as
a three-year-Old by the Crockett fam
lily and continued to race until a few
years before his death.
Star Hambletonian's greatest race
was in Milwaukee about 1890. He was
at that time 10 years old. Myron Nc
Henry drove Star Hambletonian in
this race winning the first, third and
FIFTH heats in 2:24, 2:23h and 2:25 re-
spectively. racing against such horses
IS McGregor Boy and Zig After this
race Mr.. Crockett was offered $4,000
for the horse, but was persuaded by
Mr.. McHenry not to accept it be
cause he said within a weeks time he
could make Star trot a mile in bet
ter than I6, which in those days was
remarkable.
SEVEN HEATS To WIN.
/ The same year just a short time
after the Milwaukee race, Star Ham
/ bletonian won another great race al
I Elkhorn. Wis, winning seven heats
/ against the best trotters of the Unit.
/ ed States. In this race the horse was
from Rock Island county ruled favor
lie in the betting and because OF this
one Of the drivers was offered $50
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
GOLF LINKS HERE
RANK WITH BEST
IN The COUNTRY
Rock Island Arsenal Club a
Leading Amusement Organi-
cation in Community.

There has been a great increase in
the popularity of goir during the last
10 years and the Rock Island Arsenal
Golf club has in that period been one
OF the most active amusement organ
izations in the three cities. IL has
built e fine new home on the island,
improved us links and entertained
the Trans Mississippi and Western
golf organizations in their annual
tournaments Players developed here
have taken prominent part in most of
the big Journeys held in the western
and middle states.
Not only does the golf club furnish
facilities for healthful recreation for
local members, but its links are con-
sldered among the best in the coun-
try and visitors are attracted here
from far and wide to pit their skill
against its hazards.
Originally the playing of golf on
the island was begun among the Of
firers and enlisted men there. Colo
pel S. E. Blunt being the father of
the idea. That was in 1897. Soon
civilians from the three cities became
interested and a club was formed.
Colonel Blunt originally laid out a
nine-hole course, but the club found
this too crowded and nine more holes
were added, making a course 6,240
yards in length. At first a small
building sufficed to house the effects
of members and to serve as head
quarters, but this was soon outgrown
and additions were added. Finally,
the fine club house now in use was
erected at a cost of $4,000. AS the
course was worked into better shape
and the skill of members increased.
additional hazards were arrangeH
and DOGGY was cut from SO to 81.
There are now Is bunkers, four sand
traps, seven road hazards and the
punch bowl, a natural lake.
The links are level, perfectly sod
de6 and shaded to just the proper de-
gree. The natural beauty of the sur
ruundings is not eXcelled anywhere.
Expenses of the club are met by an
nual dues of 500 collected from mem
hers. The commandant of the post is
president of the organization and all
work done is under his direction.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

confine it's effort solely to the produc-
tion of cement blocks, but handles all
classes of cement work. Its aim to
produce only the highest class of work
and the use of none but the highest
grade materials has won for it repu-
tation which has proved a business
getter. To this concern was awarded
the contract for the construction of
the fountain basin at Long View park
and this alone shows the confidence
which this concern enjoys, when the
city singles out this particular concern
to assist in the identifying of our
park system. The Artificial Stone
company also constructed the foun-
tain basin at Spencer square and not
a single word of adverse criticism has
ei er been uttered against either. Hon
est, thorough and reliable work is the
motto of this firm.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
WALKER INGRAM & SWEENEY

The firm IS one Of the leading and
best known firms of lawyers in this
vicinity aud has a large general prac-
tice in this and surrounding counties.
They are division attorneys for the St
Louis and Rock Island division Of the
c., B. & @ railroad. and for the c., NJ
q St Paul railway, the D., r. /. & No.
". railway, the Rock and-Dayenport
Ferry company, the Rock Island Ma
uonal bank. the Central Trust & Saw
ings bank, and other important cor
porate interests.
They have IN their practice given
special attention 20 corporation. pro-
bate and real estate law and chancery
practice, and owing to q wide expert
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
Adams Wall Paper Co.

One of the oldest and most up-to-
date wall paper establishments in the
tri-cities is the Adams Wall Paper
company store, located at 310-12-14
Twentieth street. The concern car
ries a fine line of all grades of wall
papers, including imports and burlaps
and also mouldings and specialties
The business extends not only to the
tri-cities but in many different states
as we'll
The Adams wall paper store is a re-
VAS stsrted by Jobn ADAMS IN the
year 1888. In 1901 it was purchased
by II. w. Ward. the present owner. MIR.
Adams built up an extensive retail
trade ip the tri-cities and surrounding
territory during the years that he was
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27
Normoyle Bros.

When William and Edward Normoyle
opened the Normoyle Bros. livery at
1914 Third avenue last February, sue
ceeding H. ]. Frick, who conducted the
livery for over IS years, their aim was
to establish an up-to-date livery in
every way, and they are succeeding.
The livery is one of the best in the
city, the service quick. and the horses
and equipment in general of the best
possible William Normoyle came to
Rock Island last February from Chi
cago, where he successfully managed
the big Martin livery in that city for a
period of nine years. He obtained val
liable knowledge Of the business while
in Chicago, which is helping him ma
terially in the conduct of his A No. 1
establishment here.
The Normoyle brothers, since assum-
ing the management of the livery,
have added a number OF fine horses to
the stables and have purchased some
fine equipage. I'VE aim to please our
patrons to the best Of our ability" said
William Normoyle to an Argus repre-
sentative, "and while We have some ex-
cellent stock and good equipment, We
are going to improve a great deal more
the first or the year on those two
things. Although we have only been
here since February, our business has
been exceptionally good and is improv-
ing right along. Rock Island is a good
city for the livery business and our up
to-date establishment is doing a bust
ness Of which / cannot complain
William and Edward Normoyle, pro
prietors of the livery. were born in
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27


2:11%. over the halfmile track.
Onward Star. 2:10t. looks like
one OF the best PAGERS in sight for
2:10 and 2:11 classes In 1906. He is
what might be termed a rough and
ready PAGER. is a stout-hearted fellow,
always ready TO pace. He paced Il
number OF hard races where the heats
were around 2lO. and at the conclu-
sion of a heat he would wax off with
that alert. snappy walk that showed
plenty OF strength left.
Onward Star is now at Charley
Deans training farm. at Palotine, H.,
where he is being wintered with a
view Of racing him next season on
the great western circuit, and 10
horsemen that have watched him in
his races this year a mark around
2:O6 would not be too high IN esti-
mate of his speed ana racing quail
ties"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

Rock Island county, near Rock Island
William residing in the city several
years before going to Chicago, where
he assumed the duties Of manager in
the Martin livery. Edward Normoyle
is making his home on a farm south
east of Milan, but will move to Rock
Island the first Of the year. "The good
old back to nature life for me every
time" says Edward, but guess l will
have to give it up on account of the
business in Rock Island, which will
need my attention the first of the year
Business is brisk for this time of year
and has been ever since we took
charge. We desire to serve our pa
irons to the best of our ability, first,
last and all the time"