Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1891, Part 6

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1891 > Part 6

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

While we have two hundred and thirty factories here, there are many other in- dustries that would prove remunerative , which should be established here, and

we believe there is no better locality in the West for manufacture of nearly every variety than our city affords. Des Moines is undoubtedly the best point in the West to locate first-class industries, and those manufacturers who will investigate the matter now, and establish themselves here soon .be the ones to profit most by the oppor- tunities here offered. We take pleasure in noting the growth of our various manufactories, the astonishing strides which the wholesale and jobbing inter' este have taken to supply the increasing demand for their goods, and the new gateways opened for the entrance of other industries, which are bound to follow. Nowhere in the west is there a better point for the receipt of raw ma. terial, the production and distribution of manufactured goods, nowhere can a multitude of workmen more economical- ly support themselves and families, or more easily procure a home. "We want more factories and wholesale business houses, and are anxious to have the excellent opportunities utilized. when the| beneficial results are so apparent. The manufacturer who locates in this city is not dependent upon the present ,trade, favorable as it may be, but is establishing an industry which must expand year by year as the country tributary grows in wealth and popula- tion.

Des Moines is an attractive city, and by reason of being at once the capital and metropolis of the State, naturally draws from other parts business inen whose capabilities and capital, have outgrown previous opportunities. It is clearly obvious that-the future growth of Des Moines is largely to be measured by the acquisition of more manufactur- ing enterprises. Owners of Des Moines realty can secure permanent stability to advancing values in no other manner so effectively as by lending active' and'sub stantial aid in that direction.

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

The State of Iowa alone affords and almost unlimited field for the sale of many articles of every day use. Des Moines is the natural distributing point, not only for Iowa, but for the North- west, and with its unlimited supply of cheap. fuel, its railway facilities,: its splendid clay and other resources , it has reason to anticipate al rapid develop- ment in the manufacturing line.

Des Moines contains two hundred and thirty factories, mills and works engaged in the manufacture of various, articles, fifty of which were established last year, many of them large and important works.

These various and valuable industries , receive a liberal patronage and encour- ajement from the community to whose comfort and, happiness they have so largely contributed. , They were not. established in a few davs, but by a pro- cess of steady, determined growth have acquired their present influence and im- portance.

The factories recently established there have added several thousand to the population, and will contribute 'largely to the support and maintenance di the industrial classes in the future.

There are fewer idle men in Des Moines than in any city in the West of equal population, in consequence of our num- erou's coal mines, many railroads and various industrial interests, while the improvements constantly being made in the city and suburbs give employment. to many. The people of Iowa's |Capital are thoroughly awakened to the import-

1 ance of manufacturing . enterprises, and are determined to make their city what favorable location and abundant natur- al fosources indicate it should be the. leading industrial city of the West.

COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE - The Commercial Exchange is an or- ganization, incorporated January 24th, 1888, whose object is the promotion of

the manufacturing, mercantile, and 'all Other business interests of the city. It is composed of thellleading merchants and professional men of the city, who have an abiding faith in Des Moines. It 'invites correspondence from manufact- urers and business men contemplating'a change in location.Information con- cerning the city is cheerfully furnished, the aim being to acquaint strangers with farts concerning the advantages, resources and prospects of Des Moines, Young men or others, possessing mon- erate capital, and seeking good business openings, are invited to correspond with the Exchange, not only to the end of informing themselves as to special op- portunities for new enterprises, | hut possibly with a view to taking an inter- est and forming a business connection with establishments already in success- ful operation. The officers of the Ex- change are: Lowry W. Goode, president; G. F. Selleck, secretary; Tac Hussey, treasurer.

PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION. -

The Des Moines( Producers Associa- tion is an organization composed of the manufacturers of Des Moines-as indi- cated in the name- whose object is to develop the home market by purchasing Des Moines and Iowa made goods. It has a membership, at present, of seventy or seventy five, and is increasing .. The members pay a monthly charge-the money to be used for the purpose of furthering the objects of the Association. Any concern, or, institution, which pro -. duces anything in Des Moines is eligible, to membership. No efforts are made to compel any one, whether a member of . the Association or not, to purchase home-made goods; but it is the aim of the . . Association to spread information con- cerning our factories and their products and to keep our people reminded of them, so that, if they find the home- made goods satisfactory in quality and

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

price, they may, if they choose, give such home-made goods the preference. Our investigation has lead us to believe that our home factories would have much more patronage, except for the thoughtlessness of our people. Des Moines people are willing to patronize home institutions, but they over-look the matter at the time they are purchas- ing, and buy what is set before them. The organization, is intended to be permanent. It has published a directory of all Des Moines productions, and purposes to put one in the hands of every housekeeper in Des Moines, as well as in every office. It expects also to use various other methods for keep- ing the natter before the people. Its regular meetings occur on the fourth Thursday of every month, in the eve- ning. It is, at present, meeting at the rooms of the Commercial Exchange. The officers are as follows: J. C. Cum- mins, ident; J. F. Girton, secretary; J. W. Geneser. treasurer.

We hope that the parties who are looking for new homes or business locations, may visit Des Moines before deciding, with the assurance that they will be cordially welcomed and every facility afforded for investigating the superior advantages which our city possesses.

THE SUBURBS.

In 1890 a bill was passed in the State Legislature, extending the limits of Des Moines so that it now embraces ten of what were previously suburban towns. As they are still known by their dis- tinctive Dames, although really a part of the municipality, it may not be amiss to make mention of them.

SEVAST )POL lies in the southern part of the city, and the principal industries are coal mining and market gardening. A Congregational church, a graded school and several stores are located here. The electric cars run to this part of the city.

NORTH DES MOINES is eminently a place of homes, the elevated situation and gently undulating surface, diversified with beautiful groves of native trees, combining to produce one of the most. delighful residence localities to be found anywhere. Many of the finest resi- dences in Des Moines are located in this suburb. Here are also the fine buildings and grounds of the Des Moines College, a. commodious and handsome brick build- ing for the use of Oakland school, and three good churches, of the Methodist, Baptist and Congregational denomina- tions. It contains several business houses, and four lines of electric cars.

HIGHLAND PARK, the seat of Highland Park Normal College, is in the extreme northern portion of the city, and has rapidly built up during the last two years with the better class of citizens; brought here largely through the in- fluence of the college. The beauty of location, the charming view of beautiful and varied scenery, and the healthful surroundings of Highland Park combine to make it one of the most desirable residence portions of the city. Oak Park on the west, and Northmoreland on the south, are both beautiful loca- tions and are built up with the better class of, residences. The electric cars run from the postoffice to the college, about a twenty minute ride. The High- land Park Presbyterian church is locat- ed here.

CAPITAL PARK Jies north of East Des Moines, and in high and | well shaded, affording splendid residence - sites. Groves of native timber add much to the beauty of the place, whose proximity to the business center of the city is one of the desirable features. It has excellent schools and several busi- ness houses, and has an excellent class . of residents., The electric cars run [> this portion of the city also, and it is within twenty minutes ride of the post office.

---

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

UNIVERSITY PLACE is the site of | Drake University, with its spacious campus. and fine buildings, and is one of the most densely populated of the suburbs. Like Highland Park, it is settled almost entirely by people who have come here to be in proximity to the college, The University Place Christian church was 'built last year at a cost of $40,000, and there are also a number of business houses. Two lines of electric cars ex- tend into University Place.

GREENWOOD PARK is one of the most- beautiful of Des Moines suburbs, con- taining many of the finest and most costly residences in this section. It is traversed throughout its entire length by the electric car line, and is very popular as a place of residence. Some fof the finest and most elegant homes in. Iowa are located here. IT is in the western part of the city, and Greenwood avenue, a paved street, and one of the most beautiful drives in the city extends throughout it east and west

KINGMAN PLACE is a beautiful addi- tion in the western part of Des Moines; midway between Greenwood Park and University Place, and is one of the most attractive of our suburban addi- tions. It has high ground, good water, pure air and delightful shade- all indis- pensilile to healthful and beautiful. homes. It is easily reached by the electric cars, which, have a depot near the center of this tract. Many elegant houses were built 'there during the past year, as well as a fine brick building, known as Elmwood graded school, for the accommodation of the children in the western part of the city.

CLIFTON HEIGHTS lies on the hills, im- mediately south of the business part, overlooking the city, the Capitol, and the two rivers. The hill land is mostly covered with a fine growth of native timber, furnishing most beautiful build- ing spots With shade trees already grown.

There are many points in the tract from which magnificent views of the surround- ing country and the city are to be obtained. [Good well water may be found in any part of this tract, which is also provided with the city water mains, gas mains and street cars. The school and church accommodations are ample and of the best class. The location is. unquestionably healthful. More than .all else this beautiful tract of land is in almost in the heart of the city, the dis- tance from the Court House being only about a half a mile, yet notwithstanding all of its advantages, the natural beauty of the land, and its nearness to the business part of the city, it is offered at very low prices.

GRANT PARK is in the eastern part of the city, between the business center and the State Fair Grounds. Within and adjoining its borders are to be found some of the largest factories in thestate, including the Des Moines Cotton Mills.

An item of importance to manufactur- ers is that a majority of the railroads have tracks already laid through the Park and its'additions, while the others reach it by means of the tracks of the Des. Moines. Union Railway Company. The electric railway also has an exten- sion through Grant Park. The water in in this section of the country is clear and pure, and can be obtained cheaply, 'either by means of artesian well's or by pumping. Coal can be had in any quantities, near at band. There are two schools, with excellent buildings, and there is also a church, and ainum- ber of business houses.

CHESTERFIELD is situated in the south- western part of the city, and is prin- .cipally devoted to manufacturing interesta. Here are located the starch : works, the immense packing houses, pressedi brick works, malt factory, and several others, Most of the employees in these establishmenta reside here. There

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

are'a number of business houses and a good school.

HYDE PARK is in the extreme north- eastern part. of the city, adjoining the State Fair Grounds on the north. The Hyde Park Mineral Spring water is of surprior health giving quality. The analytical chemist who, has made analyses of water from many of the. different springs of the country, includ- ing Colfax, says: "I have made a care- ful analysis of the mineral water of the artesian well in Hyde Park, and the water is very pure and strong as a mineral water. The water issues in a bo'd stream from a spout about three fee from the ground, from a depth of 725 feet, and is remarkably clear and sparkling. I consider this the best tnin- eral water I have analyzed in this coun- try." The following is the analysis:

Per U. S. Gallon. 100.000

Per

Total Solids. 213.50 +366.0715

Soluble Solids 134.71 } 213.50

Insoluble Solids 78.79 5 Total Carbonate of Calcium 75.14 / 78.79 In- Silica of Alumina Solids ... 3.65 ( soluble Sulphate of Sodium ... 85.14) Sulphate of Magnesium .7.62| Ch'oride of Sodium ... 11.43 134.71 Sulphate of Calcium ... 25.41 Soluble Carbonate of Potassium 5.03 Carbonate of Magnesium .03)

The United States gallon of distilled water at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, weighs 58318 grains. The imperial gallon 70000 grains,

The Des Moines Sanitarium Company has erected a fine, large building, this year, for sanitarium purposes. The building is in close proximity to the Hyde Park Mineral Spring, and is locat- ed on the brow of the hill overlooking the State Fair Grounds on the south, and on the west a fine view of a large part of the city is obtained. The con :- .pany have 'already expended about" $50,000 on building, and in beautifying the grounds, constructing an artificial lake, etc. Elegant bath rooms have :

been provided, and it is the intention of . the company to make this a first-class sanitarium in every respect.

With the exception of a few, especially devoted to manufacturing,

all these suburbs are among the most delightful residence parts of the city. Owing to presence of the two rivers in Des Moines, there is an abundance of native trees, and these additions are delightfully. Shaded. They are well provided with churches and schools, and the society is cultured and refined.

DES MOINES CITY OFFICERS.

John H. Campbell, Mayor; John J. Pedersen, Treasurer; Sam. W. Baker,1 Auditor; W. D. Christy, Assistant Audi- to ;; Hugh Brennan, Solicitor, W. H. Baily, Assistant Solicitor; M. R. Laird, Engineer; B. Schreiner; Assistant Epgi- neer; R. B. Dennis, Clerk; Wm. Lewis, As- sistant Clerk; Frank Eggleston, Police Judge; F. F. Blyler, Police Clerk; M. Melander, Chief Fire Department; J. W. Monarch, Assistant Chief Fire Depart- ment; Alex. Graham, Superintendent Markets; Sol. Stutsman, Marshal; Fred Johnson, Deputy Marshal; M. C. Ben- nett, License Collector. 0

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS -- R. S. Fink-, bine, R. L. Chase.

PARK COMMISSIONERS -M. T. Russell,i Chairman; John F. Rollins, George Len- drum.

STREET COMMISSIONER-A. J. Dunkle.

SIDE WALK COMMISSIONER-H. C. Wind- sor. 1

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL-President pro tem, H. R. Reynolds; 'At Large, I. E. Tone, Des Moines Township; At Large, H. R. Reynolds, Lee Township: First Ward, C. C. Lane; Second Ward, Geo. W. Sheldon; Third Ward, John Sherman; Fourth Ward, H. 31. Rollins; Fifth Ward, J. P. Smith, Sixth Ward, F. D. Hussey; Seventh Ward, L. W. Barlow.

DES MOINES DIRECTORY:

POLK COUNTY.

Polk was a part of the county of Keo- kuk, previous to 1846, but in January of'. that year it was established us a separate county, and included nearly all of Poweshiek and Jasper counties, while several of the townships now be- longing to ; Polk were not then included in it, and it was not until 1853 that the present boundaries of the county were established. Polk county was organized March 1, 1846; the seat of justice was located at Des Moines, and the first election was held April 6, 1846. It contains an area of 352,500 acres, and had at that time a population of only about three hundred. The surface: of the country is gently undulating, and is beautifully diversified with timbered streams and open prairies. The alter- nation di forest and prairie, hill and vale, presente, beautiful scenery in various portions of the county. The principal varieties of timber are oak, walnut, elm, inaple, hickory, linn and wild cherry. Detached groves are located here and there throughout the county, which re- lieve and beautify the prairie. The soil is a rich, black loam, unsurpassed in. fertility in any part of the country, pro- ducing abundant harvests to reward the labor of the farmer. The atmos- phere is dry and invigorating, and the dimate is salubriqus, and well adapted to the growth of fruits, both 'large and small, which are produced in abundance. The mineral resources are rich. Polk county is situated near the center of the great coal fields quantities of the

of Iowa, and vast best quality of bitu- 'ninons coal are annually taken from the mines within its limits. Of thesd mines there are between twenty-five and thirty now in operation, giving employment to about two thousand men. The veins chiefly worked are from three to seven feet in thickness. This industry has at- tractedy large amounts of capital, and

with the ever-increasing demand, is! yielding remunerative returns on the investment, giving a largely increased traffic to our railroads. Both limestone and sandstone, as well as mineral paints are found. Potter's clay is found in abundance, also fire clay, and excellent' clay suitable for the manufacture of the finen grades of brick, sewer-pipe and terra cotta,

( Through its, midst | flows the Des Moines River, with all its tributary waters, collected from Southern Minne- sota, and from twenty-four counties of Central Iowa, .OF | these tributaries' Beaver Creek, flowing through parts of four counties, Raccoon, River, flowing through parts of eight counties, and North River, flowing through parts of : five counties, all pour their waters into thə Des Moines, in . Polk county, from the west. Four Mile |Creek, having a branch on the east, rises in the northern part of the county, flows southward with a steady current, between well timbered banks, into the Des Moines, on its east side, at the southern border of the county. The Chicaqua (or Skunk) flows across the northeastern quarter of the county. Indian Creek crosses the. extreme northeastern part of the coun- ty: . Besides these, the eastern portion of the county is watered with other smaller streams, among which may be named Camp Creek, Mud Creek and Spring Creek. Through the northwest- ern part of the county Big Creek flows southwardly into the Des Moines, On its west side the Des Moines, receives Beaver Creek. Passing southwardly we have Mott's Branch, Walnut, Creek and i Jordan's Run, all lively water courses. Next, through the southwestern portion of the county, flows the main Raccoon River, a large, clear and beautiful stream with gravel and rock bottom, and swift current. . It joins, the 'Des Moines with- in the city limity, and adds liberally to the volume of waters "thence to the.

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

Mississippi. Farther east, on the ex- treine southern border of the county, we find the North River, which comes thryugh Warren county, and empties into the Des Moines. Besides, these water courses, which we have particular- ly mentioned, and the larger of which cor tain fine fish of various kinds, there are countless little tributaries flowing thy bough the prairies, from springs, in all parts of the county. The banks of these streams are well supplied with timber, and an abundance of coal is found in their vicinity.

Tracts of unimproved land can yet be purchased upon reasonable terms, and the county is rapidly becoming populat- ed by an enterprising class of farmers. The seat of government is located at Des Moines, and there are also several thriving towns and villages. The pop- ulation of the county as given by the United States census in June, 1890, was 65,362, but the rapid development of its agricultural' and mineral resources, together with increased facilities in transportation, manufacturing and gen- eral business in its cities and towns has · led to a large increase in its population, which is now estimated at upwards of 75,500.

"The public schools of the county are in the advance in all that pertains to organization, discipline and efficient educational work. Thepractical knowl- edge received here is important and forms one of the chief factors in our material prosperity. It is claimed, and justly, too, that the children of these schools have all the advantages which the public school system affords. Polk county is well provided with comfort- able, commodious school ' houses, sufficiently numerous and convenient, and the teachers of the county are "among the most thorough educators in the State. Much of the success of our county schools is due to the fact that we have a county superintendent who is

an educator of wide experience and ad- vanced views, and under his direction the schools have become more systemat- ized and efficient. The number of school houses in the county is two hundred and twenty-five, and the number of teachers- is about four hundred and seventy-five. . The affairs of the county, financially, and otherwise, are in good condition, and the officers are doing efficient ser- vice, and in all departments we have : evidence that capable. trust-worthy men have been called to administer to the offices of the county.

The county court house was erected in 1858, and at that time it was the larg- estand most magniacent structure of the kind in Iowa It has recently been en- larged, but is still too small to accom-

modate the business' of this most populous county in the State. The poor . of the county are well cared for, and provided with the comforts of a home, and with medical attendance at the Polk County Infirmary and Farm, located about six miles north of Des Moines. This farm contains two hundred and' eighty acres of land, and is under excel. lent cultivation. The inmates who are physically able to work, do so, either on; the farm or about the buildings connect- ed with it! A fine three story brick house was erected for the accommoda- tion of the insane of the county, where they receive careful attention and the best of management. From the last re- port made to the county Auditor, we learn that the condition of each depart- ment is excellent, and the supervision very satisfactory:

The roads and bridges of the county. are under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, who contemplate building a number of new bridges this year. The county treasury contains surplus funds sufficient for this purpose, and also for the improvement of our roads which are in as good a condition as any county in the state.

DES MOINES DIRECTORY.

TOWNS OF POLK COUNTY.

We desire to speak briefly here of the principal towns in the county, many of which in the course of time, by reason of their nearness to Des Moines, and the fact that so many trains arrive and de- part daily, will be considered suburban to Des Moines, and are all pleasant and healthy places in which to reside.

MITCHELLVILLE.,

The town of Mitchellville.is located in Beaver township, about fifteen miles east of Des Moines on the C. R. I. & P. R. R., and also on the K. & D. M. branch. It was laid out June 2, 1867, By Thomas Mitchell, and has at present a population of about one thousand. It - is a bright, healthy village, with some of the finest country in Iowa around it! Coal is found here in abundance. Com- petition is lively in nearly all branches of trade. The State ludustrial School for Girls id located here. | Mitchellville supports a weekly paper called the Mit- cheltville Index. | The town | has good schools and churches, and the society is excellent, making it a pleasant place for résidence.

ALTOONA.

The town of Altoona was laid out in 1868 by H. G. Davis and J. B. Bausman, is partly in Beaver and partly in Dela- war townships, and is situated on the C. R. I. & P. R. R], about ten; miles east of Des Moines. The K. & D. branch of this road also passes through the town. It has a population of about five hun- dred, and the principal industries of the place fare the mining and shipping of coal, and the manufacture of brick and tile, both of which are extensively prose- cuted. Fire clay, as well as coal, is found here in abundance.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1891, Part 6

Author: Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher:
Number of Pages: