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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
DR. DONALD MACRAE.
The Grim Reaper the past year was very busy in Council Bluffs.
In addition to several prominent persons previously named,
Dr. Donald Macrae, eminent as a physician and surgeon, passed
away.
He was a native of Scotland, born October 3, 1839, came to
Council Bluffs in March, 1867, and practiced his profession
up to within a short time previous to his death, which occurred
on the 14th of August. He also took a lively interest in public
affairs and was elected and served one term as mayor of the
city.
His wife, who was a daughter of Joseph Bouchette, surveyor
general of Canada, preceded him, dying in March, 1904. He
was the father of the present mayor, Dr. Donald Macrae, now
serving his second term.
On the night of July 28 two policemen were shot in attempting
to arrest a burglar. One of them, George W. Wilson, lived
but a few hours. The other, William H. Richardson, although
shot through the chest, has nearly recovered. The burglar
escaped in the darkness.
On the 10th of August Peter Bechtel, another of Council Bluffs'
respected citizens of long standing, died at the age of eighty.
He came here in 1868, engaged in the hotel business, was prosperous
for years, built a fine modern hotel and an elegant residence,
but in his old age was overtaken, by misfortune and lost all,
save his honor, and, added to this, he was afflicted with
loss of sight. He left his venerable wife and one son and
daughter.
Politically Pottawattamie county, previous to the war, was
democratic. During that period the opposition to the war by
leaders of the democratic party caused many to change to the
republican columns, so that since that time the county at
large has been republican by far the largest part of the time,
while in the city it has been somewhat different. Of the thirty
men, who have filled the office of mayor, the first one was
a whig. This was before the birth of the repu41ican party.
Since that time thirty-two years have been under democratic
administrations, while the republicans have had but nineteen.
Of these, four have been soldiers, Cochran, Carson, Keatley
and Macrae, Jr. Two brothers, John and Caleb Baldwin, have
held the position. Also father and son, being the two Drs.
Macrae. Of these, nine are living, being Vaughan, Bowman,
Evans, Rohrer, Groneweg, Carson, Jennings, Morgan and Macrae.
One, John Chapman, died in office.
Taken as a whole, it would be hard to find a more honorable
set of officials. In only one or two instances did the odor
of graft attach to any of them, and, however they may have
differed as to the means, they had the welfare of their city
at heart.
Morally and religiously it is perhaps neither better nor
worse than other cities of its size. The wheat and tares are
still growing together, but we believe the wheat to be gaining.
The street fair and carnival held in September was another
success, netting over $3,000, which is to be expended in public
improvements. The management announced that as the last to
be given under their supervision.
The season now closing has been a very busy and prosperous
one for
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
both city and county. In the city more buildings have been
erected and more street paving done than in anyone year in
its history.
Although Council Bluffs cannot as yet lay claim to being
a manufacturing city, it is gradually taking steps in that
direction as will be seen further along, where they are given
special notice. At an early day Council Bluffs had a distillery
and three breweries, but owing to unfriendly legislation,
they have long been discontinued, but our sixty saloons find
no difficulty in getting supplies from neighboring states.
Whether this is to our advantage from either a moral, religious
or commercial standpoint is still a debatable question. Only
Geis' Bottlings Works is all that remains of a former large
industry.
As considerable attention has been given to the cultivation
of fruits, flowers and vegetables, we will proceed to notice
some of the establishments engaged in this business; after
which we will look at some of our infant manufactures.
J. F. WILCOX, FLORIST.
Prominent among the industries of Council Bluffs is that
of floriculture. The largest of these establishments is that
of Mr. J. F. Wilcox, on East Pierce street. This business
was started back in the seventies by Mr. L. A. Casper, for
whom the present proprietor worked for a number of years.
Ever since the commencement of Mr. Casper the business has
had a constant growth, and proved quite remunerative, so much
so that by 1892 Mr. Casper was content to retire on a handsome
fortune, and sold out to Mr. Wilcox, who has since conducted
the business with the same skill and energy that has characterized
its management from the beginning, until it has reached mammoth
proportions. Four hundred and twenty-five thousand square
feet of glass enter into the construction of the hot houses,
while miles of piping is required for keeping the proper temperature.
Besides this, he has an establishment just outside of the
city, in Garner township, for supplying fresh vegetables at
all seasons of the year. Altogether 5,000 tons of coal is
consumed in a year to maintain the proper degree of warmth.
The business h3$ become continental in extent, as, at his
office at 521 West Broadway, orders are received from New
York to Seattle, and from Minneapolis to St. Louis.
His residence at 1132 East Pierce street is one of the finest
in the city.
HENRY J. MEYER, GARDENER AND FLORIST.
The above industry was started in 1885 by the father of the
present proprietor. At first the business consisted of raising
vegetables exclusively. Having five acres under cultivation,
and furnishing fresh vegetables at all seasons of the year.
During the year 1889 the elder Mr. Meyer died, since which
time the business has been conducted by the son, above named,
and to which he has added the raising of flowers. One acre
has been devoted to this branch and enclosed with hot houses.
Although this addition has been made but recently, one hundred
and fifty tons of coal was required to keep the plant at the
proper temperature. The raising of vegetables is contin-
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ued, and in addition two acres have been set to raising choice
varieties of grapes.
Fred L. Lainson, gardener, has 35,000 square feet of glass
in his hot houses at 1308 Canning street. Two eighty horse-power
boilers force heat through three miles of piping, and requiring
1,000 tons of coal per annum to keep the right temperature.
His business is raising vegetables and supplying them fresh
the year round at wholesale. So far he has not been able to
supply the home market and that of Omaha, but is enlarging
his plant, with a view of supplying the increasing demand.
MARKET GARDENING.
Thomas Capel started a market garden on East Pierce street
in 1905 in a small way, but is compelled to enlarge; and at
the present time (1907) he has 30,000 feet of glass in his
hot houses, with one mile of piping, and requiring 250 tons
of coal per annum to keep the proper temperature. The rapid
growth of Omaha and Council Bluffs creates a great demand
for these products, which they furnish the year round. His
business being vegetables exclusively and has $10,000 invested
in the plant.
HERMAN BROTHERS.
The above named firm started business in 1905, on .the corner
of Twenty-ninth street and Ninth avenue. They make a specialty
of cut flowers, which they furnish at wholesale and retail.
Although started but two years ago, their greenhouse has
40,000 feet of glass, the main building being 250x100 feet,
besides office and packing rooms. They ship as far east as
Chicago and west as far as Denver. They employ six persons
besides themselves and families. It takes eight hundred tons
of coal per annum to maintain the proper temperature.
The value of the plant at present is $30,000.
GRAPE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.
Fruit raising during the early settlement of the county was
not attended with much success. At first the young trees would
kill out during the winters, some of which were severe, but
the real cause was found to be the long distance from which
they were brought.
A few of the pioneers, however, had faith, notably Mr. Terry,
of Crescent; Mr. McDonald, of Kane; Mr. Cooledge, of Mills,
and later, Mr. Raymond, of Garner, also Mr. Rice of Kane.
Nurseries were started and fruit raising became infectious
until at this time a farm without an orchard or vineyard,
or both, is the exception. In a few years the crop more than
supplied the home market, and steps were taken to find others.
In 1891 a number of the fruit growers incorporated for mutual
benefit with a capital of $1,000. A building was rented temporarily
in which to handle the crop and they began shipping. The business
grew and in 1905
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the company elected a warehouse 36x60 feet of two stories
and basement, in which the business was conducted for two
years.
In the spring of 1907 the company was reincorporated with
a capital stock of $35,000 under the name of the Grape Growers'
Association, with J. A. Aulabaugh, president; Alex. Wood,
vice-president and chairman of the board of directors; J.
J. Hess, secretary, and Charles Konigmacher, treasurer. The
warehouse built, not being sufficient, an additional one has
been added, 60x160 feet. This also is of brick, two stories
and basement. The shipping facilities are of the best, being
located on the Great Western track. The company has reliable
agents in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Denver, Pueblo, Duluth and
Salt Lake, besides intermediate points.
The new warehouse above mentioned is probably the strongest
in the city. It is already rented, to take effect as soon
as the grape season closes, for storage of 150 carloads or
7,500,000 pounds of sugar.
Among the leading fruit growers of western Pottawattamie
are Rev. G. G. Rice, D. L. Royer, Robert McKinsey, A. Wood,
D. J. Smith, W. T. Keeline, Harry Kingston, O. J. Smith, W.
H. Kuhn, Mark L. Stageman, Chas. Konigmacher, Wm. Arnd, A.
Rosner, J. W. Dorland, W. G. Rich, N. P. Dodge, Wm. Homburg,
Anton Kerston, James Peterson, J. A. Alabaugh, .T. F. Gretzer,
C. D. Parmale, John Johnson, M. R. Smith, Henry Sperling,
G. C. Hansen, Peter Peterson, Miss Nance Avery, Dr. A. P.
Hanchett, J. F. Wilcox and Charles Beno.
Old Cottonwood jail, Council Bluffs.
(Click on image for larger size)
THE CONSOLIDATED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
This company was incorporated in 1904 with a capital of $25,000.
President, C. Hafer; secretary, W. W. Hafer; treasurer and
manager, P. I. Van Order.
The business of this company is general contracting. Their
business differs from that of most contractors in their keeping
all material in stock for all the branches of building, commencing
with the foundation, including stone, brick, lime, cement
and sand; also a full line of hardware and paints, as well
as all standard sizes of doors. and windows, and in addition
it has a large factory equipped with the most improved machinery
for mill work of every description, including planing, scroll
and band sawing and turning. In connection with the lumber
yard a full line of wire fencing is also kept. It also has
its architect and skilled foremen in every department. An
average of one hundred mechanics are employed and the payroll
now amounts to $7,500 per month.
The business during the year of 1906 reached $200,000, and
that of 1907, counting contracts' already made will reach
$250,000 or over.
Among the buildings erected since starting are the residence
of E. E. Hart, the Goodrich hotel, the Jennie Edmundson hospital.
The establishment occupies 400 feet front on Pierce street.
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HISTORY OF POTTA W ATTAMIE COUNTY
E. CHILDREN'S SONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Among the numerous industries operating in the city is one
of E. Children's Sons Manufacturing Company. The business
was started here in 1892 by E. Children and his two sons,
who came here from Wisconsin and engaged in the manufacture
of agricultural implements, and the business was conducted
successfully for eight years under that management until the
death of the father, which occurred June 13, 1900, having
been constantly increasing and extending its business. After
the death of the senior partner it was incorporated with F.
R. Children as president; W. C. Children, treasurer, and E.
G. Anderson, secretary, with a capital of $110,000. The principal
articles manufactured at this time are cultivators, grain
drills, sweep rakes, hay stackers, feed mills, elevators and
dumps and horse powers. The location of the establishment
is well suited to their business, leaving ample room for present
or future needs, with trackage to facilitate shipping.
The main building is 200x50 feet and two stories in height.
The foundry occupies a separate room of one story, being 100x50
feet, while the finishing and sales departments each have
separate rooms 10Ox50 feet, of one story, while the power
house is 50x50 feet and entirely disconnected with the other
buildings.
All are of brick and great care is taken to keep the several
departments separate as a protection against fire.
Nearby is a large lumber yard stocked with hardwood sawed
at the mills to the dimensions required for the several different
articles of their manufacture, and no part of which is permitted
to be used until it has seasoned for two years. Jot is a hive
of industry, where eighty men are employed, and their trade
constantly increasing.
THE MONARCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Incorporated with a capital of $50,000, the officers are:
E. P. Searle, president; L. W. Kinyon, vice-president; H.
A. Searle, secretary and treasurer, and F. H. Searle, superintendent.
The plant consists of a main brick two-story building, 100x50
feet, besides storage rooms, all located at the corner of
Sixth street and Eleventh avenue.
The business consists in the manufacture of high-grade greases
and lubricating oils. The location is fortunate in having
trackage connecting with all the railroads entering the city.
KIMBALL BROTHERS COMPANY.
The above named brothers commenced business in Council Bluffs
in 1892, in a small way, in the manufacture of weighing scales,
freight and passenger, hand, electric and belt-power elevators.
The plant is situated on the corner of Ninth street and Eleventh
avenue. The business grew and in 1900 was incorporated, with
C. E. Kimball
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
as president; B. McInnerney, vice-president and manager,
and W. H. Kimball, treasurer, with a paid-up capital of $100,000.
All are practical mechanics and especially skilled in these
specialties, so much so that they are at this time filling
an order for two of their elevators to be shipped to New York
city, also one to Cleveland, Ohio, and another to Pittsburg,
Pa.
The way their business is increasing, they will soon require
more room, their lot being but 200x130 feet. They have good
shipping facilities, the Union Pacific, Rock Island and Milwaukee
railroads passing their doors. On their payroll are seventy-five
names.
SPRAGUE FOUNDRY AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Among our manufacturing industries the Sprague Foundry and
Manufacturing Company should not be overlooked.
It was established in 1885 on Third street, where it conducted
a small business until 1893, when it succeeded the Ogden Iron
Works, and in 1902 moved to its present quarters at Eleventh
street and Third avenue, and incorporated with a paid-up capital
of $25,000.
The officers are: President and treasurer, C. C. Sprague;
vice-president and manager, R. M. Sprague; secretary, George
S. Wright.
In addition to general foundry and machine work they have
several specialties: among which are the Rose patent shaking
grates, Western Underfeed furnaces, iron and brass castings
and architectural iron work.
The business is growing and, though working forty men, they
are behind with their orders.
The John T. Henderson Novelty Works is another industry,
consisting largely in the manufacture of toys. Mr. Henderson
is quite an inventor, making his own machinery, and has secured
several valuable patents.
THE WALKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
This establishment located in the city in 1902, coming from
Rock Island, Ill, and occupying the building on the southeast
corner of Twelfth street and Ninth avenue, is engaged in the
manufacture of farm machinery, consisting of furrow openers,
disk sharpeners, wind mill regulators, stock waterers, hay
bunchers, sweeps and stackers, woven wire fence, washing machines
and other specialties. The main factory is 50x100 feet, with
wing 50x50 feet, for foundry and powerhouse. At present time
thirty men are employed besides a traveling salesman. The
location affords ample facilities for shipping.
Peter Wind, contractor and builder, has a mill for planing,
scroll and band sawing, all kinds of mouldings, turning and,
in fact, doing all kinds of mill work required in the line
of building; also has kiln for drying lumber. Has been one
of the leading contractors for a quarter of a century. At
this time has sixty men in his employ. Capital invested, $25,000.
The plant is located on the southwest corner of West Broadway
and Thirteenth street.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
KEYS BROTHERS, MANUFACTURERS.
A prominent building in the western part of the city is the
factory of Keys Brothers, for the manufacturing of carriages,
surreys, buggies, spring wagons, etc. They came in the winter
of '88, and, after looking the ground over, considering the
facilities for distribution of finished work, concluded to
locate here, and the following spring purchased the ground
and erected their main building, which is 160x60 feet, and
four stories high. They at the same time secured ample ground
for any enlargement that might be required. They were from
Ohio and, in addition to their plant here, are largely interested
in an establishment for doing the mill work required by modern
usage. So far the enterprise has proved a success, as the
demand for their work has increased each year. They have just
added a wing to the main building, 58x52 feet, of three stories.
These, with the houses and sheds for storing the materials,
occupy two acres, and their shipping facilities are of the
best.
The concern is incorporated with a paid-up capital of $100,000,
with an average payroll of one hundred men.
On the 3d of September the above establishment was nearly
destroyed by fire, but at this writing, October 24, is being
rebuilt larger than before.
THE KRITCHMER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
This company was incorporated in 1900 with a paid-up capital
of $30,000.
The officers being: E. Kritchmer, president and treasurer;
J. C. Kritchmer, vice-president, and George E. Smith, secretary.
The senior member. of the company had been for years engaged
in the manufacture of all kinds of bee-keepers' supplies in
a small way on his farm in Montgomery county, where he had
made a study of the habits of the bee, and the best methods
of profiting by its industry.
So successful were his efforts, that his growing business
required larger facilities, both for manufacturing and shipping,
and, after looking over several localities, he decided on
its present location on Third street, near the Wabash freight
depot, where it secured abundant room for buildings, lumber
yard, etc., also trackage for bringing the raw material and
shipping the finished product.
Since coming here it has added the manufacture of steel ,and
wooden tanks. The main building is two stories, 100x90 feet,
with the most approved machinery for making the bee supplies,
while a smaller one, 25x60, is used in the tank work exclusively,
both being hives of industry.
It is encouraging to learn that the bee supply work has proved
so satisfactory that its sale is not confined to the home
market, but that orders are already received and shipments
made to foreign countries.
Thirty-five men are on the present payroll.
The Alfalfa Meal Company was incorporated in 1904 and is
quite an
120
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
extensive concern. President, M. M. Breen; secretary and
treasurer, J. T. Brooks. Capital, $80,000.
The plant is on, the northeast corner of Twelfth street and
Ninth avenue. The main building is 100dOO feet of three stories,
with storerooms adjoining, 100x90 feet, part of which is one
and part two stories. The business is the manufacturing and
sale of stock food. It employs on an average twenty-five men
and finds ready sale for its products.
THE GROWERS' CANNING COMPANY.
The Growers' Canning Company is a corporation formed in 1905.
Its officers are: Wm. Arnd, president; A. P, Hanchett, vice-president;
J. J. Hess, secretary, and E. E. Hart, treasurer, with a paid-up
capital of $25,000.
The purpose is the production of high-grade canned fruits
and vegetables.
The plant is situated on the corner of Third street and Twelfth
avenue and consists of a main building of two stories, 100x50
feet) besides storage rooms and platforms with all of the
most approved modern appliances for prosecuting the work.
During the active season it employs seventy-five people, and
has a capacity for producing 65,000 cans per day.
BLOOMER ICE AND COLD STORAGE COMPANY.
In 1893 R. Ft. Bloomer commenced the manufacture of wire
and flat fence, in a small way, employing a dozen men, and
after getting fairly started, had the misfortune to be burned
out, but rebuilt on the same ground, to which was added the
manufacture of woven wire fence to the business, and was incorporated,
enlarged and employed forty workmen, besides fifteen traveling
salesmen.
In the spring of 1907 it was reincorporated as the Bloomer
Ice and Cold Storage Company, with R. H. Bloomer, president;
E. C. Smith, vice-president; Thomas Green, secretary, and
Dr. A. P. Hanchett, treasurer, with a capital stock of $125,000,
and adding the manufacture of artificial ice and operating
a cold storage plant.
In establishing this the company has .just erected a six-story
brick building, 100x86 feet, that has a capacity of 200 cars
and requiring thirty tons of ice per day in maintaining a
temperature from freezing point to 15 degrees below zero.
Although this has but just started, it requires a force of
thirty men, with every prospect of enlargement, and for which
the company has abundant ground space and trackage.
THE JOHN G. WOODWARD COMPANY.
The above establishment is successor to the firm of Duquett
& Co. and commenced business in its present quarters in
1895, in the manufacture of a general line of candies, with
a capital of $50,000. The building in which the business was
started was the three-story brick, known as the Mynster
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
building on West Broadway. The increase of business required
additional room, and in 1899 a building 66x80 feet and four
stories was added, also a fourth story was added to the original
structure, besides packing, shipping and storage rooms, sheds
and platforms, so that the entire plant at the present writing
is 165x100 feet.
In addition to the candy business, in sinking an artesian
well at the depth of 800 feet, an abundant supply of water
was struck, possessing medicinal properties, the bottling
and sale of which has become a large addition to their already
extensive business. It also aff6rds fire protection by having
an immense tank high above the roof constantly filled, from
which the entire plant can be instantly flooded in case of
fire. From two to three hundred persons are constantly employed
in the works, many of whom are girls and boys, besides a dozen
to fifteen salesmen are kept on the road. The goods find sale
from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
THE M. E. SMITH SHIRT FACTORY.
This is a hive of industry, in which seventy-five women are
engaged. It is no "sweatshop," being roomy with
the best of light and ventilation, situated at the southeast
corner of Main and Fifteenth avenue. The swing machines are
driven by electricity, and the output being from sixty to
seventy dozen per day. The entire force, including the superintendent,
is composed of women.
The Standard Manufacturing Company was incorporated in November,
1904, with G. G. Wooden, president and treasurer, and J. F.
Hughes, vice-president and secretary, with a paid-up capital
of $25,000.
The business is the manufacture of wagon boxes and shovel
boards. The company secured ample ground, being half of the
block on West Broadway, running through to First avenue, affording
the most convenient shipping facilities. Their main building
is 150x160 feet, with another 130x40 feet for painting and
storage. The lumber used is southern yellow pine, of which
a large quantity is kept on hand in their yard. It requires
a force of thirty men to enable the company to keep up with
their orders.
COUNCIL BLUFFS BRICK COMPANY.
Brick probably enters more largely into the construction
of a city than anyone commodity.
The Council Bluffs Brick Company was incorporated March 10,
1907, with a paid-up capital of $10,000. President and general
manager, E. A. Wickham; secretary, William Arnd; treasurer,
Ernest Hart.
The plant is located at the foot of the bluff in the northern
part of city, the great bluff furnishing an inexhaustible
quantity of the raw material, and the yard is equipped with
all the- most approved facilities for prosecuting the work,
which includes all varieties of common and pressed brick.
The product this year, 1907, will reach 3,000,000.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Wickham Brothers are located under the same great bluff,
where they have been engaged in the manufacture of the same
quality of brick from the time that the memory of man runneth
not to the contrary. Most of these are used by them in works,
for which they are the contractors.
Their output will average 50,000 per day during the working
season.
A. METZGER & CO., WHOLESALE BAKERY.
The above manufactory was established in June, 1906. The
plant consists of a two-story and basement building of pressed
brick, 100x90 feet, with all the most modern facilities for
producing bread and cake of all varieties, also ice cream.
This establishment is located on Mynster street, and the daily
output runs from 4,000 to 5,000 loaves of bread, with a corresponding
amount of cake and ice cream.
In connection with this is a retail store and restaurant
at 523 and 525 West Broadway. Twenty-two employes are now
on the payroll and the business growing.
Nearby is about the latest manufacturing establishment in
the city, viz., The Orcutt Manufacturing Company. Incorporated
June 1, 1907, with D. M. Orcutt, president and treasurer;
G. E. Fisher, vice-president, and W. E. Orcutt, secretary,
with a paid-up capital of $15,000.
The principal business is the manufacture of weighing scales
of all kinds, including the pitless wagon scale.
Although so recently established here, their business requires
the active service of twelve skillful machinists.
THE NEW SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Incorporated with F. J. Duerr, president and manager; A.
C. Walker! vice-president; C. E. Woodbury, treasurer, and
John Gretzer, secretary.
The business of this establishment embraces the manufacture
of gasoline lamps and lighting appliances, gasoline engine
and automobile repairing, general machine work, steel frame
pitless wagon and stock scales; also make castings in gray
iron, brass, copper, bronze and aluminum, and do nickel and
copper plating. Location, No. 43 to 47 North Main street,
Council Bluffs.
Nearby in the same line of industry is the Incandescent Light
Manufacturing establishment of James Darby, who, with six
men, are endeavoring to keep up with their orders.
The Johnson McLean Company is engaged in all kinds of mill
work required in the building trade, kiln drying, planing,
sawing and working mouldings, also manufacturer of doors and
sash. This firm takes no building contracts, but does mill
work for such contractors as are without these facilities.
Is incorporated with a capital of $20,000, and employs from
thirty to forty men.
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
THE A. C. KELLER COLLAR COMPANY.
This is situated on the southeast corner of Thilrty-second
street and Avenue A in Council Bluffs and makes a specialty
of horse collars. The proprietors came here and started their
business in a modest way, and, by industry and close attention
to business, it has grown until they now employ from ten to
I fifteen men, and have introduced machinery and enlarged
their factory, be: sides erecting a separate building for
storing the raw material.
BOX AND BASKET FACTORY.
Another small industry, made necessary by the large amount
of fruit being raised in the surrounding country, is the Council
Bluffs Box and Basket factory. This is situated on Twenty-first
street, opposite Cochran's park. The building is 110x60 feet,
two stories. This is one article for which we have the raw
material in abundance, as the cottonwood along the Missouri
is the best wood of which to make the berry, grape and other
fruit .boxes and baskets, and the work is adapted to men,
women and boys.
The proprietors, J. M. and F. P. Liggett, last season made
and sold to the amount of $36,300.
ELEVATORS.
The Cavers-Van Dorn Elevator Company is situated at First
avenue and Thirtieth street, with capacity of 50,00Q bushels,
can handle 30,000 per day; has trackage to all the roads.
The Peavy Elevator at U. P. transfer has capacity of 1,500,000
bushels, can handle 150 cars per day; trackage to all roads.
The Trans-Mississippi at U. P. transfer has capacity of 500,000
bushels; can handle one hundred cars per day.
The Droge Brothers' Elevator has capacity of 50,000 bushels;
can empty a car in fifteen minutes.
The Shugart and Owen Elevator Company was incorporated in
1905; engaged in seed business. Elevator is situated on Sixth
street and Tenth avenue. Capacity 20,000 bushels. Sales during
1906 amounted to $50,000.
A. Peterson's feed mill on Third street, 60x30 feet, two stories,
driven by gasoline engine, has capacity for 1,000 .bushels
in twenty-four hours. Capital of $10,000, land employs five
men.
COUNCIL BLUFFS BEDDING COMPANY.
This is one of the infant industries recently established.
It is incorporated with a capital of $5,000. At the present
time the business is limited to the manufacture of mattresses,
for which it is equipped with the
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
most modern machinery. At this writing five persons are employed.
The factory being No. 34 Fourth street, O. B. Andemon, manager.
The Council Bluffs Granite & Marble Works, southwest
corner of East Broadway and Grace streets.
Sheeley & Lane, proprietors, successors to H. J. Gibson
in f.aIl of 1892. Have capital invested to amount of $10,000.
Employ five men in works beside one salesman on the road.
Among the manufacturers in a small way are those of A. Rasmusson's
wagon and carriage manufactory on Upper Broadway, employing
six men, and also that or Schultz & Hill on the southeast
corner of Fourth street and Fifth avenue. These men employ
six men, besides being practical workers themselves.
THE WATERLOO CREAMERY COMPANY.
This institution was incorporated in 1900 and reincorporated
in 1904 with a capital of $12,000. President, Leroy Corless;
secretary, Corless Hopper; treasurer, Bert Corless.
The business being the manufacture of butter and ice cream.
It also is wholesale and retail dealers in milk and cream.
The plant consists of a three-story brick with all necessary
appliances for conducting its business at 21 South Eighth
street, and business is rapidly increasing.
Kindred establishments are those of I. Mucci at 218 West
Broadway, manufacturer of ice cream, also keeps constantly
on hand fresh milk and cream in quantity to suit purchasers.
Also that of O. O. Brown at 546 West Broadway, confectioner
and manufacturer of ice cream.
COUNCIL BLUFFS CARPET CLEANING COMPANY.
This institution is located at 28-30-32-34 North Main street;
was started in 1902 in the old Bluff City Laundry building;
engaged in the business of cleaning carpets by power machinery.
In 1903 looms were added for the purpose of weaving fluff
rugs from old worn-out ,carpets. It became incorporated in
September, 1903, with C. A. Beno, president; T. A. Bush, secretary
and manager; Adolph Beno, treasurer; J. D. Evans, L. R. Hypes
and W. F. Hypes, directors.
In 1906 the business was extended to include general cleaning
and dyeing of garments, household goods, lace curtains, draperies,
etc.
The growth of the business requiring more space a modern
two-story brick building has been erected adjoining the original
plant, and both buildings occupied.
The business requires from eighteen to twenty hands.
125
INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE COMPANY OF COUNCIL BLUFFS.
The above company was incorporated in 1905 with
F. J. Day as president; vice-president, E. H. Merriam; secretary,
C. A. Benop treasurer, T. G. Turner.
Work was commenced immediatley. The present
site was purchased and Exchange building commenced and rushed
rapidly to completion. While lines were being extended most
approved apparatus installed so that the company was ready
for business and opened on June 1, 1906. Since which time
the business has rapidly grown until on October 1, 1907, their
subxcribers numbered 3,200.
Besides the industries named, we submit the
following as directory showing the
principal lines of business conducted at this writing in the
city of Council Bluffs:
| Abstract Offices |
3 |
Laundries |
5 |
| Architects |
3 |
Lawyers |
40 |
| Awnings and Tents |
1 |
Liquor Stores (wholesale) |
4 |
| Automobile Repairing |
2 |
Lumber Yards |
4 |
| Banks |
5 |
Livery Stables |
10 |
| Bakeries |
10 |
Meat Markets (exclusively) |
13 |
| Book Stores |
2 |
Music Stores |
4 |
| Brick Yards |
3 |
Millinery and Dressmaking |
4 |
| Building Contractors |
12 |
Novelty Stores |
2 |
| Clothing Stores |
5 |
Oil (kerosene) |
1 |
| Coal and Wood Yards |
16 |
Physicians and Surgeons |
32 |
| Dry Goods Stores |
4 |
Photograph Galleries |
5 |
| Department Stores |
3 |
Plumbing Establishments |
5 |
| Drug Stores |
20 |
Printing Offices |
5 |
| Dye Works |
3 |
Paint and Papering |
5 |
| Dentists |
10 |
Real Estate and Insurance |
31 |
| Electric Supplies |
2 |
Restaurants |
12 |
| Engineers (civil) |
4 |
Saloons |
60 |
| Furniture Stores |
5 |
Shoe Stores |
6 |
| Feed Stores |
10 |
Seed Stores |
3 |
| Galvanized Iron |
2 |
Sewing Machine Stores |
3 |
| Groceries (wholesale) |
1 |
Tailoring Establishments |
6 |
| Groceries (retail) |
6 |
Tea and Coffee Stores |
3 |
| Hardware (wholesale) |
1 |
Transfer Companies |
7 |
| Hardware (retail) |
6 |
Theaters |
3 |
| Hospitals |
4 |
Upholstering |
2 |
| Hotels |
18 |
Undertaking |
2 |
| Implement Houses |
16 |
Veterinary Surgeons |
4 |
| Jewelry Stores |
4 |
Wind Mill Establishment |
1 |
During October one of our citizens of the Hebrew
persuasion passed away in the person of Mr. G. H. Mosler.
He was an active member with Simon Eis-
126
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
man, Benjamin Newman and others of the first
Hebrew society of Council Bluffs.
Our community was surprised on the 29th. of October by the
determination of our bankers to partially suspend, but allowing
depositors to draw small amounts from ,time to time. This
was brought about by the action of the New York bankers dosing
as a protection against runs and as New York went it seemed
necessary for all others to follow, and so far our citizens
acquiesce in the arrangement.
Having given the early history of the early settlement, and
the agricultural, manufacturing and commercial affairs, we
will proceed to notice the religious, fraternal, sanitary,
patriotic and benevolent institutions, commencing with the
churches.
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