USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 45
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The entrance is in the center of the south side of the building, at which is a flight of white stone steps leading to heavy glass paneled doors. Within, to the right and left respectively, are the office and library. Those rooms have beautiful mahogany furniture, which was in the original home, harmonizing with the woodwork of the rooms, which are light and cheerful. Along the corridors are ar- ranged rooms for the occupants of the home, the large ones being fitted up for two people and the smaller ones for one person. The rooms on the second floor correspond with those on the first. The northeast room has been fitted up and conveniently adjoins another room with a bath between; this is arranged for use as a hospital room. At the head of the stairs is a drawing room for more private use than the office and library down stairs afford.
At each end of the building are two sleeping porches, one above the other, used for sun porches in winter. These have windows on three sides, but in summer they can be opened entirely. In the basement are located kitchen and dining room, more sleeping apart- ments and furnace room.
Rooms for private occupation are fitted up with brass bedsteads, bird's-eye maple dressers, tables and chairs, and large rugs almost covering the floor. Lavatories, with hot and cold water, are found in each room and one or two closets for clothing, according to size of the room. Each room has one to three windows according to size and location. All floors are hardwood and corridor floors are of inlaid concrete. The cost of this splendid building was about forty-five thousand dollars. The dedicatory exercises were held in the Masonic Temple, January 15, 1914, Mrs. Luella M. Crooks, of Boone, Worthy Grand Matron, presiding.
Vol. 1 -- 32
CHAPTER XLIV SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION
In the fall of 1874, a number of the pioneers of Boone County assembled at Boonesboro and organized an Old Settlers' Association, the objects of which were the annual reunion of its members for social purposes and the perpetuation of the history of the county. Among those who were instrumental in bringing into existence this honored organization now remembered were Hon. I. J. Mitchell, Lewis Doran, Judge A. B. Holcomb, John A. Hull, John A. McFar- land, Robert Shannon, W. L. De Fore, Dr. James Hull, J. B. Mont- gomery, L. D. Cook, C. L. Lucas, M. K. Ramsey, George Ramsey, Jr., W. H. C. Jenkins, C. J. A. Ericson, Jesse Hull, George W. Crooks, J. B. Paxton and a number of others. All persons who had settled in the county prior to 1860 were eligible to membership. George W. Crooks was elected president, and J. B. Paxton, secre- tary. A committee was appointed to draft constitution and by-laws and after it had reported and its work was accepted, the organiza- tion was perfected.
Some time after the first meeting the constitution and by-laws were changed so that persons resident of the county twenty-five years were eligible to membership in the association. Further it was concluded that the purpose and object of the society could bet- ter be promoted by changing the name to the Boone County His- torical Society, which was done, and while it has been known under the original name in a large measure, yet the actual title is the Boone County Historical Society. In this regard N. E. Goldth- wait and John M. Brainard figured quite largely in making the changes in the objects of the society and its name. Since the latter consummation Mr. Brainard has been secretary the greater part of the time, and is the present incumbent of that office; C. S. Mason is president.
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Ever since it came into existence, the society has met each year at various places in the county, sometimes west of the river, but usually in the courthouse park in West Boone. In the later years the reunions have been held in conjunction with those of Company D, Thirty-Second lowa Infantry, and an enjoyable and profitable time has always been experienced by members and visiting friends.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
For a number of years annual fairs were held at Boone, where the farmer, stockman and manufacturer displayed the best of his products and competed against his rivals for supremacy in the worth and standard of exhibits. Premiums were paid to exhibitors of all classes, in which the dairy maid and common and fancy worker in linen and other fabrics, had a place. Thorough and highly bred cattle, hogs and horses filled many stalls surrounding the exhibi- tion grounds and large audiences from year to year viewed the trials of speed between well trained horses on a good half mile track. But interest waned in the County Fair as the years rolled round and other attractions served more to occupy the peoples' atten- tion, until finally, a few years ago, the annual fair was discontinued.
The Boone County Agricultural Society was organized at the courthouse in Boonesboro, October 6, 1857, by certain citizens selected from each township. The first exhibitions were held in the courthouse and then for a few years on grounds, purchased by the society, a short distance northeast of Boonesboro. The society went out of existence and then, in 1878, a society was organized at Ogden, and fairs have been held there up to the present time.
During the year 1879 an agricultural society was formed at Boone, whose exhibition grounds were southeast of the city. Here annual meets were held until about a dozen years ago. This gave way to the Boone Driving Park & Fair Association. A. M. Burnside is president ; J. F. Diehl, vice president; and J. S. Crooks, secretary and treasurer. Only exhibitions of speed are the attrac- tions offered by the management.
RAILROAD YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The title of this article is in a way misleading. One would gather that the institution which we are about to discribe is of and solely an association belonging to those connected with the business
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of railroading. To disabuse any misconception in this regard, it is here stated that while its club room is known and designated as the Railroad Young Men's Christian Association, it is as a matter of fact and should be so understood, the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation of Boone, relying upon and receiving its support, not alone from the railroad corporations, but from the city of Boone, in a way, and its large hearted and liberal citizens, which include both men and women.
. In the way of giving a resume of the history of this most valuable and worthy association and local institution, it should be said that it was organized August 20, 1896, at a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal Church. At this time committees were appointed and directed to perform the nominal duties consequent upon the formation of an organization of this character. Rules, by-laws and other formal arrangements were constructed and made a part and parcel of the foundation of the society. At the same time a board of directors and official heads for the conduct of the institution were elected. Their names follow: President, W. B. Parkin; vice president, C. D. Higgins; recording secretary, C. D. Tillson ; secretary, T. H. Wells; treasurer, J. K. Elwell ; L. D. Montgomery, L. W. Martin, F. W. Peterson, A. A. Deering, S. B. Cline, C. W. Roe, J. G. Wallace.
The first home of the Young Men's Christian Association was on the third floor of the Mason Building, at the corner of Eighth and Story streets. On the ist of August, 1904, it was moved to the Ballou Building on North Story Street, where it remained until 1906, when the members moved to the present beautiful temple on East Eighth Street, which was made possible by a subscription of $6,000 by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, and something over $10,000 raised by and through the efforts of loyal and energetic citizens of the town. The structure is a one-story, modern, brick affair, something on the bungalow order, and its architectural design adds largely to the beautiful sky line of Boone. The building gives to the city not only an atmosphere of a high- toned character, but also adds, in no small degree, to the general attractive characteristics of the town, making it deserving of the many encomiums that have been passed upon it as a typical Iowa city of beautiful homes, substantial business buildings and public institutions.
The objects of the Young Men's Christian Association are to promote the social and spiritual welfare of the community. In the
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conception of the association a threefold meaning was developed, in which was embodied the progress and growth of spirit, mind and body. Since its inception this most worthy institution has grown steadily in membership, in importance and in the affections of a community which is always willing and ready to aid it in all its worthy activities. The social work of the institution is second to no other organization in existence and its lovely and most inviting apartments are open day and night to whomsoever may come along and seek their hospitality.
It is rather superfluous to go into the various details of the many things found in this institution contrived for the edifica- tion, pleasure and benefit of the present day boy in his teens and young man making his first bow to the sterner realities of life. But in a general way it may be mentioned that here the member and the Sunday visitor, as the day is set for these things, come under the following influences and privileges: Practical taiks by men of local, state and national reputation ; Sunday meetings, presided over by the best talent available ; reading room ; educational classes, where the young men are given the opportunity of admission into lines mapped out and desired; private and public baths; gymnasium exercises, which include baseball and basket ball, men's volley ball. tennis clubs and the like,-all in a great, big, classified and home- fied (to use an expression), home for not only young men, but any one of the gender that desires to become associated with an institu- tion of its character.
The present officials of the association are: President, Dr. N. W. Whitehill ; vice president, Irva Hannum; secretary, C. C. Canfield ; treasurer, Joel Carlson. These are all members of the board of directors, who have for their associates H. E. Fry, George Billmire, Dr. H. C. Jones, C. A. Johnson, John Billmire, O. C. Herman, John Kinsman, H. L. Weaver, J. C. Leland, G. H. Getty and W. H. Burwell.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
In answer to the need of the young women of Boone for a respectable place of amusement and club rooms of their own, on November 1, 1901, Dr. Evalene Peo, to whom we are indebted for a part of this history, and Mrs. Josephine Barnes, decided to organize a club for this purpose. At about this time the new Ericson Public Library was ready for use and as the room in the City Hall, formerly
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used for this purpose, would be vacated, the city council granted the use of the room, charging a rent of $5 per month.
A mass meeting of young women was then called and an organiza- tion was effected, which was named the Young Women's Association, the purposes being educational and for recreation. Classes in phys- ical culture, basket ball teams and other amusements were organ- ized under the tutelage of Mrs. H. A. Chambers.
The next step was to open a public rest room, of which Mrs. McFarland was matron. This was not very successful, as the room was on the second floor and difficult of access to a tired person. Dur- ing the first winter a Bible Class was conducted on Sunday after- noons by Miss Hope Smith, one of Boone's public school teachers.
Having few sources of income the institution fell behind with the rent, whereupon the city council granted the use of the room free of charge. That body also asked the association to change to a room downstairs and maintain it as a public rest room and when necessary, to open it for women and children in police cases.
In 1902 Miss Estelle Paddock, the state secretary of Young Women's Associations was called upon to look over the field. As a consequence, the business men of Boone pledged $70 to begin with, and what is now known as the Young Women's Christian Association was organized October 27th, with the following board of directors : President, Dr. Evalene Peo; secretary, Mrs. H. Moffatt ; treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Purinton; Mrs. Marian Brett, Mrs. Beatty, Miss Hope Smith, Miss Rena Merchant, Mrs. Ensign, Miss Rena Ericson, Miss Genevieve Stevens, Mrs. Mason, Mrs. C. C. Purinton, Mrs. H. Moffatt, Mrs. R. W. Hobbs, Mrs. T. L. Jones, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. T. E. Means, Mrs. S. M. Wilcox, Eda Carlson, Mrs. Crawford, Miss Grant. The first general secretary was Miss Eva Caruthers, who, after serving the association faithfully for eighteen months, resigned and Mrs. Lucy J. McPherson became secretary. She re- mained in the position until illness compelled her to drop the work, February 16, 1914, after a long and faithful term of service as secre- tary and police matron.
For about ten years the city room was used as a rest room and women's police station, also as a cafeteria. During this time the membership steadily grew, in spite of the unlovely location, and its struggle with finances which was overcome by the adoption of rum- mage sales, serving of dinners, membership dues and public soliciting, the Young Women's Christian Association was finally placed on a strong and financial basis.
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In the year 1906 the local association became a charter member of the Young Women's Christian Association of the United States, giving it a place with other associations.
In 1912, with the aid of business men and others, the organiza- tion purchased for a modest price a residence situated one-half block north of the postoffice, on Arden Street. The building was old and without modern conveniences ; it was entirely remodelled. A new kitchen and extension to the dining room were added, electric, lights, gas, city water, toilet accommodations and hot air furnace installed. The house was newly painted inside and out and a beau- tiful and roomy porch, with concrete floor, was built, all combining to make a pleasant home, of which the association and its friends are justly proud.
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Upon the completion of these improvements and the furnishing of the house, a reception was held and the public was given an introduction to the two pleasant rest rooms at the front, the din- ing room, kitchen and matron's room on the first floor, also the four sunny bedrooms on the second floor, three of which were for rent and one was rented by the city, to which day or night the police might take women or girls who were under arrest.
The work of Mrs. McPherson, as secretary and police matron, can scarcely be estimated. The lives of many women and girls placed in her care have been completely changed. Homes have been found for the homeless and a Christ-like and sisterly love has been shown those in distress. The recipients have never forgotten, and letters have been received telling of happier and more useful lives being lived.
At Christmas time toys, food and clothing are distributed to many needy families. Besides this Mrs. McPherson has been the means of carrying on the classes in English, German, plain sewing, bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting and domestic science. Much of the work has had to be dropped on account of her resignation. The cafeteria is closed for want of a matron and the building is cared for and the secretary's place is temporarily filled by the com- piler of this article.
Plans are being laid for securing a trained secretary in the fall of 1914 and the reorganization of educational classes formerly main- tained. A course in hygiene has been begun by Doctor Peo, the lectures being given every Sunday evening a 4 o'clock. There is also being planned a new line of recreation for young girls. With the revival of interest in it's endeavors the association anticipates a
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bright future and hopes that it may live up to that for which it stands-a center of uplift for the women and girls of Boone and an aid to the churches.
BOONE COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION
The Boone Commercial Association was organized in February, 1908, at a called meeting of the representative citizens of the city, who met in the City Hall in the evening of the month mentioned. J. C. Petersen was placed in the chair as president, W. W. Goody- koontz, a leading member of the bar, was appointed secretary pro tem, and the organization was effected with about two hundred mem- bers. The first officials selected were: J. C. Petersen, president; S. R. Dyer, vice president; C. W. Graves, secretary; and E. O. Montgomery, treasurer. The board of directors was made up of twenty members. The first regular meeting of the association was held in the City Hall, March 4, 1908. In 1912 it was agreed and formal proceedings were endorsed for the incorporation of the association. The names of those appearing in the articles of incor- poration follow: T. L. Ashford, H. H. Canfield, H. T. Cook, W. H. Crooks, S. R. Dyer, T. E. Fenton, F. W. Fitch, J. L. Goeppinger, W. W. Goodykoontz, S. G. Goldthwait, F. H. Hammill, J. F. Herman, B. P. Holst, C. T. T. Mason, E. O. Montgomery, S L. Moore, J. C. Petersen, J. H. Reikenberg, M. J. Reilly, F. K. Shuff, J. L. Stevens.
To show how eager the members of this new public society were to do something it should be stated that at this meeting the matter of installing an ice plant was formally taken up for consideration by the members and before the adjournment of the meeting plans had been formulated and carried out to encourage and build the plant. It is needless to say that the proposition met with the results desired and today there is now in successful operation an artificial ice plant, with every modern facility, located on West Eighth Street and controlled and operated by the Rocha Brothers.
The Commercial Association has demonstrated its worthiness and helpfulness in a business way to this extent and from which Boone has benefited :
The association was instrumental in securing the headquarters at Boone of the Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern Interurban Railway Line, and the electric line was built into Boone in 1907.
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In 1908 the Quinn Wire & Iron Works was moved to Boone from Scranton, lowa. W. W. Quinn is the president, and C. C. Quinn is secretary-treasurer of the concern.
The Des Moines Hostery Mills, a branch factory of a Des Moines establishment, moved to Boone in December, 1908. The concern occupies the second and third floors of the Hile Building. on East Eighth Street, and employs a small army of men and women. The business has increased to such an extent that plans are under way for the erection of a building of its own.
In January, 1909, a movement was made by the association toward furnishing the city with a good hostelry. To this end it con- tributed $14,000 toward the building of the Holst Hotel.
In 1912 the Monarch Manufacturing Company was removed to Boone from Onawa, the association constructing a new building for the concern and for the occupancy of the Quinn Wire & Iron Works. The Monarch Manufacturing Company makes machines for the manufacture of cement tile, and also specialties, including an advertising machine. The plant also has a plating establishment. The authorized capital of the concern is $45,000, and the officers are: President, W. R. Prewitt ; secretary-treasurer, L. C. Sears.
On being guaranteed by the association 100 acres for the raising of pickles, the Marshall Vinegar Company established its pickle plant in Boone.
The association was instrumental in having platted eighty acres into city lots, which were sold, the revenue accruing from the sale of these lots to be used for the purpose of financing industrial proposi- tions. This plat is known as Fairview Addition, located in the north- east part of the city within the corporate limits. This scheme was inaugurated in 1911. It is upon this tract that the Quinn Iron Works is located and a number of residences have also been erected thereon.
In November, 1913, the Ransomerian Business School came to Boone from Kansas City. This is located on the third floor of the Mason Building. The school is splendidly equipped and now has an attendance of about seventy students. The first superintendent was L. A. Lincoln, but in the summer of 1914, B. Buren Reed took charge.
In 1912 in a country-wide contest, Boone secured the location of the Swedish National Old Peoples' Home, the association pledg- ing $5,000 toward securing it for this city. There now is in this city a splendid building, erected for the purpose at a cost of $25,000.
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In 1912 the Carroll Wire Fence Company was moved to this city from Carroll, lowa. It was consolidated with the Quinn Wire & Iron Works.
In 1911 the association raised and contributed $2,500 toward a permanent home for the Young Women's Christian Association, this city being one of few to own a home for this worthy purpose.
In 1910 the electrolier system of street illumination was installed and in the summer of 1914 the number of electrolier posts was doubled, the city now having about one hundred of them.
In the spring of 1912, upon the completion of the $1,000,000 shops in Boone by the Northwestern Railroad Company, the associa- tion tendered to the general officials of that road a banquet in the B. R. T. Hall on Seventh Street. About three hundred persons were present, including the president of the Northwestern Road and other general officials, as well as a large number of Boone's repre- sentative business men.
Early in the year 1914 the association adopted what is known as the Williamsport Guarantee Fund, for the purpose of financing industrial concerns. The members propose to raise a fund of $200,- 000 to be used only in the way of security for assistance obtained from banks for factories.
In the spring of 1914 a committee of "Greater Iowa" visited Boone and started a campaign for an Iowa Building to be erected at the Panama Exposition at San Francisco, to be held in 1915. Although Boone was asked for $2,000, through the efforts of the asso- ciation $3,000 was raised for that object in practically two days.
The club started out under very favorable auspices and early adopted the slogan "Try Boone You'll Stay," which from that time on has been formally recognized and used as an inspiring influence.
The Boone Commercial Association started a vigorous campaign in the summer of 1914 to increase its membership. The manage- ment for the purpose was made of two contesting forces, each of which valiantly strove to outdo the other in the production of results. At the end of the campaign the gratifying figures indicated that the membership of the association had been increased to double its former number.
J. C. Petersen was the first president of the association and acted in that capacity from 1908 until 1910. His successors were : L. Goep- pinger, 1910; B. P. Holst, 1911 ; W. H. Crooks, 1912; C. M. Perrine, 1913; J. B. Holst, 1914. Secretaries: C. W. Graves, Walt Cro- nacher, T. L. Jones, E. L. McColgin, W. F. Hargan. The present
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officials are: President, J. B. Holst; vice president, C. C. Quinn; treasurer, G. B. Irick ; secretary, W. F. Hargan.
Up to this time the association got along without a distinctive home, depending upon the City Hall as a place for its weekly meetings. In the summer of 1914 rooms were secured and litted up for its purposes on the entire third floor of the First National Bank Building, corner of Eighth and Story streets, and occupied about the middle of July.
CHAPTER XLV FRATERNAL ORDERS, COMPANY 1, ETC.
BOONESBORO LODGE, NO. 79, I. O. O. F.
On October 16, 1855, Boonesboro Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F., be- gan its career under a dispensation, the instrument being brought to Boonesboro by District Deputy Grand Master D. F. Gaylord, who was empowered to institute a lodge of Odd Fellows at this point. The lodge was opened by District Deputy Grand Master D. F. Gay- lord and the election of officers followed, which resulted in the choice of J. Howser for noble grand ; N. G. Keeler, vice grand ; J. H. Upton, secretary; W. P. Berry, treasurer. O. G. Ovitt and John A. Hull were admitted on card and J. H. Upton, W. P. Berry, J. J. Boswell, O. G. Ovitt and John A. Hull were given degrees up to an including the fifth. At this meeting petitions of W. D. Parker, L. J. Royster and Watson Beadle were favorably acted upon.
The charter was left open for members during the months of October, November and December and within the period covered by the months mentioned, the following named persons became men- bers of this lodge : W. P. Berry, J. J. Boswell, John Howser, John A. Hull, E. Keeler, O. G. Ovitt, J. H. Upton, J. F. Alexander, R. W. and W. D. Parker, Lewis J. Royster, William Dooley, C. J. Vontrees, Watson Beadle, George Discus, John McNain, Samuel McBride, Isaac Newhouse, Richard Upton, E. E. Wheeler and Jesse L. Hull.
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