Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1889, Part 4

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Publication date: 1889
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USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1889 > Part 4

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Business Colleges.

Des Moines has four |institutions which impart instruction in bookfleeting, per mansh busness( arithmetic and law telegraphy, nography, and those branchos which ospecially prepare young men hil Naundin for activh business life. . The knowledge obtained in these schloss is not only theoretical, but practical as well, fitting the student for the busy scenes of real life, putting this knowledge to use as fast isitis acquired.| Their ginduates, found in many of the business bousis of the city, and throughout the northwest; are the endorsement of the good work they are doing for the young men and women of the

Music Schools.

The advantages offered byfour music schools for the acquirements of a thorough imusical education are, unsurpassed in the fest, and ilidthen the, student is desirous of obtaining a theoretical of practical knowledge of music, instrumental or vocal, the instructors in these Helies Isla lare fully competent to impart the information desired. We hay famong our teachers of music in Des Moines a few who are not Sufrassed as instructors indany part of the country, and the purstela -

system for training lmirably adapted to the objet for which; it is

designell. i.

DES MOINES MEDICAL COLLEGES, HOTELS, NEWSPAPERS.

Law Schools.

The lawa College of Law is located berg. Des Moines Jeannot be excelled as a location for legal training. As the capital of the State. it affords the student baro advantas The stillet has free agress State library. which tatains about tou thouse! plumes of law

to the books along, including the reports of all the odl many forrigh tries complete and is one of the tallest

is of legal text books .

in the West. ranking fifth among the radio s of the tit od States! 'The aim of the faculty is to give rough instrue ·final . graduate. examination is strict requiring fai the order to Medical Colleges. 1

Des Moines has three medical Schools the cians and Surgeons the lowa Medical College! Medical College, which offer excellent adjunta

a College of Ubysi- the King Eclectic the acquireme

of a thorough medical education. Hotels.

Good I bus is one of the best advertisements for any city, and Des Moines is unquestionably the hotel city of fond. | It is not unusual for commercial travelers to come into the city Saturday Goma radiusof one laundred miles to speak Sunday, because of the hotel accommodations. There arejover twenty good hotels and scores of smaller ones and boarding houses. Ofr Savery, House would be a "source of pride to any city. while the Kirkwood and Aborn getsin their reputation and popularity second to none in the State. The principal houses are elegantly furnished. the cuisine is unexceptionable and

they are noted for their excellent in everything which pertains to first-class accommodations. . Besides those mentioned prominent houses are the Morgan. Ardmore. MYfault, Windsor. International and two excellent European hotels. Manger's and thief Sabih Jlouse. Des Moilles com- fortable entertains 80.000 to 10,000 visitors per day during the State Fair. which is beyond the capacity of any other city in lowa to do. 1

Newspapers.

In all the rapid advances made by Desc foines, nothing infpresses the mind more than the wonderful progress in journalism, and the endinence attained by our newspapers, and the power which they have exerted in the growth of our city !! | The general jcharacter, appearance : and professional rank of the newspapers of a city constitute a criterion by which to estimate its people, their intelligoned and their prosperity, No other city in Toya has as many newspapers and publications as Des Moines: and certainly in proportion and extent of circulation, no other city of the same population in the country can make a better os milit.

DES MOINES -SOCIETIES AND ORDERS, HEALTHFULNESS. 1

In idl that relates of journalistic enterprise Des Moines papers have reachedl @ hight standarly The following are the principal journals State Register daily and weekly ;. Des Moines Lender |daily and weekly: Lowa Cap! Des Moines Trade; ditv" Hosti, wooklys Missengor, weekly Hally and weekly : Towa: Homesteadi weekly weekly lowa Staats Anzeiger, weekly ; Sin @lowa : Staats! Zeitung, weekly; Mail and Thes) well : Phin Tilk weekly; Town Tribune, weekly; lowa M. C. T. V. The >Ierchant, weekly; Live Stock and: Westen Farm |Journal, | senti monthly ;| Northwest, Istmiliponthly; Commercial Khot, monthly; Helectie| Medical and Surgical Journal,: monthly ; Northwestern Library. monthly ; Teachers Outlook, monthly; Western! hly; Western Traflo, Review, monthly, and the! Urion, auxiliary publishers of | Lowa sand | other,

Stek |Journal,i mont Western Newspapdel wall papers.

Societles and Orders.

The fraternal wild benevolent societies, usually found in large cities are well, represented jin Des Moines, there | being numerous Pgamizations of Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Rythias,! Legion of Honor United Worknien, Modern! Woodmen, Knights of Labor Red Gen? Dintids. Gratis Army of the Republic, and] many others of minori importance, white' in the tempsance organizations there are the State liance; Good Template, and Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The visitor from abroad it matters not from what portion of the world he comes, thay find among the various benevolentland social brennizar tions th the city, some one to extend the hand of welcome, ah l express frathro ll interest sin the stranger. ] These various, societies and ofders are numerous, jand most of them are strong in numbers And. influence. Many of them have departments of life insurance, thus nting them pintual benefit associations.

Healthfulness.

regard to heal be these, which is a very important feature in citit Des Moines prosents unusual attractions to those in search of a location for a home, as it is shown bit comparative statistics to have an exceptionally low mortality rate per thousand. The ultimate is salubrious, muld the surface of the earth istso diversified bj hill and valley that it is easily drained, Naturo has dono much for ! the city in this fregart, which is being rapidly supplemented by the; fty authorities with an extensive sewerago system, about thirty miles which is abadyif place. There is y markell absence of malariat diseases, and of such as hre tincealle to im proper sanitary regulation ..

The following statistics of various cities for the year 1888 will : show their comparative mortality:

DES MOINES . HEALTHFULNESS; PUBLIC PARKS.

CITIES.

per 1,odo Pop- tion.

eases.

cases.

Ctiva. N. Y

16.59

195

100

New Haven. 1

19,00

Mangapools, Mint

Newport. R. 1

22.000

11.30

(

Reading. P'a.

11:20

133

----

Portland. Mate

Des Moines, lowa

5.00

Davenport. lowi

12.52

!136

Dabuque. Lowa

4.05

the following is the

thousandil

following cities: Hartford. Com

Brooklyn. N.

: Manchester. N. H

Albany, I.

Concord. S. 11

18.03

Rochester :

1. Boston, Mass.

24.60

Springfield. Mass

New York City

This Igratifying exhibit is largely the to the purity offt the water Supply of our city The water, which is soft, is taken by the Hilly system from the Raccoon river, and there is no contamination of sewage in the river above the city. The water is pumped direktly from the filtering bede, which are located fourteen feet below the bell of the river, into the street mains, and microscopieal analysis proves it; to be among the best water supplies of the country. There are now sixty miles of water mains in the city and the system is being com- istantly extended. Artesian walls have also been Bunk in various parts of the city, and albountiful supply obtained! { These walls i proville |an abundance or water fat a compleatively small cost, the water thông obtained at a depth of about two dred foot. siolding pure soft y mineral ' properties which water. some with agreeable. hen are becoming very popular.

Public Parks.

It was unfortunate that the city was not provided i park grounds hours ago when grounds could have bref purchased at comparatively moderate cost, but las year followed year available spots were seized upon one after another, and converted into residence lots until the hope of a public park seemed doomed to disappointment!

A few years ago, however; the continued agitation of this necessity resulted in the purchase of a tract of sixty actes on the river bank worth of the city.) This was damed Prospect Park, and was immediate- is thrown open to the publicins a pleasure resort. No other place in this region affords scenery more romantic varied and picturesque. 1

Death Rate Pul- monary Dis-

Con ;. tagions : Die cases

Mal. Atildi

Deaths.

. to

DES MOINES |HIV A STATE FAIR. 39

this, and other native trees affori protection from the heated the sun and tender the place delightfully deol in summer. ie summit of the heights near the entrance to the park may the. my a magnificent diew of the river and valley, together with a of that of praise covered with the verdure of meadows and green `Apt hits adde Lanach to the natural beauty of Prospect Park. marrow desgent bearing the name of Devil's Stairway, leads to. rlvab lake, at the source of which you enter atglen so quiet and tired that you mayy imagine, yourself at once a thousand miles from s Mbines anjoving the wild solitude of the outskirts of cimivation. Des Moines Zoulogical Garden is another pleasant resort. | Wind- ne uriage-ways. [under over arching branches: meandering walks. mmning the treest offer rastie bridges and creeping along the bluffs; rt find lakes. lgffottist swings! |summer honses, and rustic seats, Hive already been provided, and the improvements made have rendered it adapted to the comfort and convenience of visitors. The grounds con- tais .sixty acres including al charming lake; on which there are a steater a beautiful gondola, and any number of row boats. " There are many delightful spots within the inclosure for picnics and pleasure parties. - The management have already secured a good number of hiplus. and intend to add stendily to the collection! The whriation of il ind dale, woodland and like are beautiful and attractive and the sonand intend to adil extensively to the improvements already maile. lowa State Fair,

-The State Agricultural Society about three years ago, purchased, with Honey donated by the citizens of Des Moines, and an equal amount piroprinted by the State, two hundred and sixty six acres of land, directly east of the city for a permanent location for the Jowa' Sthte Fairy The location ras hilmirable, as the grounds are ratered by half a dozen large springs which has been. supplemented by an extensive sisten of drive walls. . There is an abundance of timber, and every- thing necessary for the requirements of the Society! | The location of the buildings is torf sightly, < verlooking the city, and the manufactur- ing district lyiligt south land east of: it, | Over, 8150.000 lins been extended upon the grounds in permanent buildings drives, race track, to. and are not equal to any in the country for the same purpose. Thisgreat Fhit is hell annually, and is attended by| forty to fifty- thousand people daily, some days averaging hanuch greater number. The last Fair was the grandes exhibition of the products of the soil and the dairy, of agricultural implements and manufacture l products, and of fine stoelforer helt with in our State. ", Every year manufacturers from other States take advantage of thef multitudes ing attendanceto advertise their goods and to exhibit their products, knowing well that

` DES MOINES- CEMETERIES.

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.

they will reap sich returns for the outlay of time and money. Of course Des Moines business then aro also benffitted if having the peo-4 ple thus brought to their doors, and are not slow to take advantage of | these grand opportunities to display their goods to the best of their ability, acknowledging that they have been important factors in rigadly extending the trade of our city.

Cemeteries.

Woodland Cemetery. our beautiful "city of the dead. ]is situated in the northwestern portion of the city. The land is gently gaddlatin hplands and dells and shady groves abound, and a small strejun projetly' pursues its way through the grounds. " It contains) many piegant designs in statuary and monumental: sculpture, anil; with thef care bestowed upon it, and the improvements iconstantly being made it ik. fast 'assuming the appearance o i landscape garden, as well as that off God's Arre." .north of Woodland Cemetery is the

Catholic and the Je bry ndje is it on the northwest.

Benevolent. Institutions.

Contact Hospital. is heated in a plotta and .comollious

building in the north. if the city. anil is a beneficent and fraise- worthy institution (It. we opened for the recepti nf of patients in July. Die and the demands upon it have increased so rapidly thit it has been compelled to enlarge its facilities for usefulness. and is not contemplating a still further extension. It is sustained voluntary contributions has been the means of alleviating foring and of accomplishing great good.

THE TRACY HOME FOR INVALIDS is a large am institution, where patients may receive the best of private surgical --

treatment and nursing. . I. l'on an eminence in the north part! of the city. where the air is delightfully pure and which ov glooks the city and the river, | The imeriot prrangements provide every comsen- ience for the accommodation and treatment of patients.

THE CHRISTIAN HOME FOR SELF-SUPPORTING WOMES is one of the most beneficent institutions of our city, and though but incently of ab- lished. is quietly accomplished a good work. Its object is temproville a Christian home for yo ringgirls women in the city, and for strangers coming from other places insearch employment .: Here they receivefaid. encouragement and protection from the evil influeneds incident to large cities. If they canj bring reliable recommendations, they are assisted to procure situations at good wages. They receive board at ja nommal dost, and have the comforts of a home.

THE BENEDICT| HOME is an institution having foi, its object the reclamation of fallen women, and is under the auspices of the State organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. It receives

DES MOINES-

IO CONVENIENCES.

J from contributions from the local Unions throughout

its Support parti 1, anil part from the State treasuryla ,it has been in existence t spren | years, antti fins been instrumental in accom fishing much

THE DES MOINES HONE FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN IS a most nstitution. [E]sichiect | is tofahre for friendless and; destitute. providing theni with board, clothing and Christian training; they can be placed in good permanent; homes. " It is dependent afirely impon public charity, and has been established three years. Doing that then it has taken a large number of children from the' lower walks of life and placed them in food. christian homes, thereby inforing to them such training as shall make them good citizens and useful members of society

Public Conveniences

'The industries of Des Moines, which have shown such improvement during the best for fears and which draw

a remark-, their sup- loxtensive J. portions of the United States, demand an system of telegraphic communication which is furnished by the West- ret Cition Companyihrith three offres in the city, under the manage;' ment of Mr. T. A. Yearnshaw. and the Postal Telegraph Cable Com- pabvy which also has three offices, here, and is under the management Mr. Alarm is IS IN Holtzzinger. The Amerien District and Telegraph Fire Kimpany is composed of the best Des Moines business inen, and It growing in popfflarit] | |Nuly all the fire alarms hro being sent in over this system! ! The messenger department is something loug neddet in the city and it is |highly i appreciated. ! This system puts cien home in direct communication with the public department the quill sum of spoolper year! The lines extend to fill parts of the city | In these days tit rapid transit and oxpellitious transaction of b iness, the telegraph has been supplemented with thip, telephone, so i that birsiess oben ally ondbled to hold personal conversation. although . widely sappiateL " Mes Mothes was not slow to recognize the benefits to Denizivolt from this invention, and her telenhonol system ist excel- Des slo pes hos telephonic communication with over one hun- dretcities and town (in the surrounding country!

Des Moines has a fire department equalled in its efficiency by but foi citily in the country. and surpassed by none of the sante popula- tion y There are seven engino houses seated in various portions of the city, amit the average tine occupied from the sounding of the first alarinfiuntil the montant lin | their iplaces? and the horses on a run through the streets lis from fifteen taltwenty seconds.] The city has spared no pain's or e piense 'in ; perfecting its fire department, and it is. . an honor finit credit to Des Momes. :

DES MOINES-

- STREET RAILWAYS.

The electric light is well introduced in Des Moines, and royes very satisfactory. . There are two electric light companies. and they furnish both the are and incandescent light. They also furnish many of your business houses with power at rates much less thant storm power.

Our gas works are first class, and am : tho damlui igas of excellent quality. "The lights upon the Streets are numerous, and are kept in good condition.

The United States signal , established agstation the Des

Moines August 1. 11975 Five observa tions are taken daily an reported to Washington the telegraph, from which. thether with the reports received from other stations, of which there are one hundred and thirty-five predictions of the weather are made for the next twenty-four hours. The Des Moines station is one of seventeen] print. ing signal stations in the United States and has been of Special ben "fit to residents of this locality. This station is under the manage ment of a thoroughly competent officer. Sergeant (. M. Chappel whol euld Jis fully informed on all mathers pertaining to the weather. | The wave signal was established in 198, and May proved of great benefit to «dealers in perishable goods and to railroads ..

Street Railways.

Des Moines is |well lied with street railwarys, having five ¿companies whose lines extdid to all portions of the city.| The Des Moines Street Railway the 'company phas about seventeen miles of track extending into nearly all parts of the city. | They Have horses in use but are contemplating a change which shall make their liny one `of more rapid transit. 1 A large part of their track is paved, and they are extending their lines into new territorys

The Des Moines Electric Railway has met with almost phenomenal shoress. . . Established as a horse philroad. although a new road with new cars it did not pay. 'The motive power niak change l to the "liom son-Houston electric system. and their accommodations are not ade- quate to the demand. Their cars are crowded, and there is urgent need of more, which the company is supplying jas fast as | possible! (They have about twolve miles of track, much of which is up and flown; heavy grades, and. the cars run at" the rate of fis andl eight miles per. hour. stopping and starting at any point even when loaded to their hillest capacity. Stock, which six months ago was greatly depreciated. is now far above par. The company is rapidly extending ite linkedin ivarious portions of the city.

The Des Moines Belt Line Railday is operated by steam motors, is about four and a half miles in extent, running from west Locust and Second streets through the suburban town of North Des Moines to Oak. Park and Highland Park.

DES MOINESH- PUBLIC LIBRARIES, A CITY OF HOMES.

3 1

East and West Motor Line is nearly seven miles in length from the west side of Brown's Woods on the west to the State Fair Grounds of the east. |This is operated at present by steam power, but is consequence of : objections to, steam [power traversing the principal redts: it is probable that this sinpaly will adpot some other motive : wer) : Vork is 'actively progressing be this line, and it is expected dat fars will soon be jimmining the entfre length of thepion).

and Sevastopol Railway is about three miles in 1

horse powert ahillconnects the Burburban town

'The Des Moines] is operated by | with the citas it inernetted, by the first of next year or sooner that the electric and the horse car lines will balcon- as ene corporation and will Be operated by electricity.7 Public Libraries,

lidlvalue of well selected huublich libraries cannot be too strongly; lusized. They afford one of the most beneficial and pleasing. f entertainment and cultuurb, and exert a powerful influence in : Jevating the standard of intelligence herover they exist. The Town Itel Library, which occupies elegant rooms in the Capitol; franks; the first of the law libraries of the United States. The depart- !. enth of history, biography, travel fiction, science and art are well lied. Aftery valuable addition ty the State library is what is lujowy as the "Aldrich Collection,"[ being a collection of photographs, ; mitographis tanil momentos of not ible men and women of the past and - mesgut. in this country and the old world. The collection is very rich < and full And occupies flarge number of beautiful cases made especially for its preservation.' | It is the gift of Hon. Charles Aldrich, off Web-' ster City to the State of, Iowa, and the generous donor is constantly adding to and enrichiif the collection, which now numbers many thou- sud specimens. 1. The Des Moines ffity Library contamis' between five and six thou- and volumes besides the current weekly and monthly magazines all of which are free to the use of the public.| The' library is very much crowded in its present location, and the city has how in contemplation : the erection of a suitable building for the use of the library. It's pat- : ionare is very large and is constantly thereasing.

The State Arsenal contains the Wu Records; of Idiva during the ar's of The quited Stites, and are for public reference.

Al City of Homes,

As the capital of lowa, veth its many educational advantages and inthifences, such as universities,

splendid | public and private schools, law. medical and musicel schools, art stores antt ait studies, Des Moines ! possessed unusual advantages as a city of homes. And it is noteworthy

1 4 DES MOULES - INDUCEMENTS TOI LISTS. ETOUI

in this connection. that although the suitber of business, houses factories, churches and schools built last year was large, but the chief improvements were in building new homes. convenient in arrangement

[['hesd. confortables auf and tasteful in design. some of them exper sive, and some at a moderate cost, have theen built all through the city and its suburbs lors one of these means on altar where the family life will be kept sacred, and through it, the nation. |Nothing can more encouraging to a love it our country than to see these he multiplying on every hand, and everyone is hopletgo of good citizens i The homes of this city and theirg surroundings ape refining influendes of life

give evidence of an appro 1

fessions of the Legislatur ud of the Federal and State Courts atfraet leading professional me prominent nien hope frem all This is also the convention out of town and not only of the State Bid usually one or more cad your of the national organization- bol Annual meeting in Des Moines. ; The Baby there were no less than of hundred and ninety fight ( niventions d bt the city: have had many patronis a t

For many years music and ar admirers, and the taste of the general ; mblia has been elevate tin regard until it has made an appreciation of these refining influence characteristic of ourleite" The social pendent is very prominent. everything considered. no citi in the West presents a g neds to those in search of a new location forth home -

P.S.

or attractive!

Inducements to Capitalists, Business Men and Home Seekers,

There are fecalifur i placements to invest in business be residence. property in Des Moines. It will increase in val and money it: There are Expended in lots will return of flow! numberless inviting sites for freshtene. itiv groves. and overlooking the adjacent counter a of the city. and residence lots though in good roman be reason- able gates, as well as for business for manufacturing purposes.

Thousands are Locating here annually for por mangent : hoines. because of our healthful climate beauty of location. our social. mom! educational advantages and to all wholave seeking new homes for health. wealth of pleasure. we say confidently that no portion of this or any other country isters greater inducements , and to all such we extend a hearty feledme.

Business property is steadily advancing on its real merits, and not owing to any fictitious value, 'and the opportunities for ainvestment are good. Many fine business blocks att factories have been created flur -. ing the past few years and many more are contemplated in the mehr future, which will repay the builders well as an investment while par-

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Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1889, Part 4

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher:
Number of Pages: