USA > Iowa > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 40
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He spoke in substance as follows :
"I can hardly find words to express myself to you on this occasion. I have lived in Webster City for nearly thirty years ; have been at different times hon- ored by your suffrages to places of public trust, but the manifestation of the pres- ent occasion comes home to my heart. I have often wondered. of late, why so few men of means do so little toward public benefit. At New Orleans last winter, in one of my strolls. I came to a park having a magnificent monument of a woman with her arm encircling a little boy. I wondered who and what it represented and upon inquiry of a little girl she responded, 'Why, don't you know who that is? It is Margaret's monument : don't you know, she built the Orphans' AAsylum, which you see there?' This set me thinking; I came home and have since directed my efforts towards building up an institution that shall be a pleasure and a blessing to our city. I am laying a foundation for further improvements and the addition of more capital. When it comes my time to give up all that is dear in this life I want you to bury me by the large boulder in the park on the point overlooking Webster City. I shall prosecute this work with all that is within me, but if I should die tonight the work would go on, the wells would not cease to flow their health-giving water, not alone to our own people. but to the 'stranger within our gates.' I would rather have the good will and respect of my neighbors and friends than to leave wealth when I am through with this life. I thank you for this demon-
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stration, and hope we may all meet in the city where we will walk the golden streets and drink the crystal waters. Again, I thank you. Good night !"
Nothing could give a clearer insight into the motives and aspirations of the man than that brief speech. He wanted to do something for his city and its people.
The Rosencrans park was now thrown open to the public. No public park was ever more liberally used or more intensely enjoyed. Old people reclined in the grateful shade and drank of the "health-giving waters" while the young peo- ple, in couples, strolled along the shady pathis. The "Daniel Boone," a brave lit- tle craft, launched by Capt. Ed. Mabbott, carried its loads of happy excursion- ists up and down the mill pond.
The first park opening had been such an enjoyable occasion and the park was so thoroughly appreciated by the people that the park's opening day in 1886 was looked forward to with more pleasure than any other public occasion during the year. June 4th was a great day and great preparations had been made.
THE SECOND PARK OPENING DAY
The second grand park opening is described by the Freeman as follows :
The Park Opening-A Grand Success-Over Three Thousand People on the Grounds
The second annual opening of Rosencrans park occurred last Friday. The day was a beautiful type of June weather in this latitude; the roads were never better, and everything seemed to "work together for good" in making a pleasant gala- day for Webster City. About 10 A. M. the two brass bands met excursion trains on both the Illinois Central and Chicago and North-Western roads, from the north, east and west, bringing to this city, together with those who came on the early morning trains, upwards of three hundred excursionists. It was estimated, and we think about correctly, too, that at one time during the day, there were over three thousand people at the park, enjoying the shade, drinking the water, and having a good time generally at that popular resort. The order of the exercises was somewhat belated and disarranged on account of the enforced absence of Hon. G. B. Pray, who had been appointed chairman of the day, and Judge D. D. Chase, who was to have made the address. But under the management of Capt. Lewis Crary, who had charge, and Col. Geo. WV. Crosley, who chanced to be in the city and who was made chairman, order soon came out of chaos. The band of little girls selected to represent the thirty years of Mr. Rosencrans' residence in this city, together with our two brass bands, provided music for the occasion to the satisfaction and delight of all present. At about II o'clock the throng was called to order and the following exercises ensued : Prayer, by Rev. L. N. Call, after which Hon. Wesley Martin was called upon to respond to the toast : "Now and Then," which had been previously designed as a counterpart to one which was to have been given by Hon. W. C. Willson, who was also unavoidably ab- sent. But always being equal to the emergency, Mr. Martin stepped forward and responded in words that provoked loud laughter. He narrated his first arrival in this city-then a small village-his early hardships ; his being admitted to the bar by Judge Bradley ; of his being recommended by Judge D. D. Miracle in an odd and facetious manner. He then passed on over a period of one hundred years, and with his vivid imagination, pictured Webster City as a great metropolis of
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many thousand people; of this great resort, and of a centennial reunion and grand opening of the park-the vast multitude being addressed by the presi- dent of the United States, etc. While all this was pure imagination, there was an ingenuity displayed of great interest to all. But space forbids further men- tion. This was followed by Mayor Wickware, who responded to the toast "Min- eral water to the front and whiskey to the rear." In his own interesting, original style, he said many pithy things in the five minutes allotted him. He referred to the pure spring which bubbled up from the surface of the earth near the "dead
line" at Andersonville prison, at a time when the soldiers were all about to perish for water, and his apt comparison of the proprietor of Rosencrans park to the prophet at Horeb, who miraculously brought forth water for his fainting fol- lowers, was a taking hit. His little speech was happily put and heartily received. Hon. J. L. Kamrar responded to the toast, "The Mineral Springs-Webster City's I'ride." He paid a fine tribute-as did all the speakers-to Mr. Rosencrans. through whose energy the park and flowing wells have been obtained, and spoke of the great pride and satisfaction manifested by our people over the possession of this beautiful park with its health-giving waters. During the few remarks he made he referred to the mineral wells as "a beautiful quartette of flowing waters." Another toast, "Nature Developed Man," was responded to by Capt. Geo. W. Bell, of the Graphic, who spoke in an eloquent and befitting manner. His de- scription of the park and its beautiful surroundings was true to life, and highly appreciated by all who heard him. His effort was too great to have been con- densed into a five minute talk, but all took in the situation and declared his speech excellent and among the best. After music by the two bands, Frank G. Yeoman, of the State Leader, spoke about ten minutes in a very interesting and animated manner. His idea of the value and beauty of the park and its surroundings was perhaps more exalted than that of any other speaker, and the compliment paid Mr. Rosencrans was highly appreciative and met with a hearty response in the minds of all present. Mr. Yeoman is a ready talker, and was thoroughly in- spired with the spirit of the occasion.
The day is one long to be remembered. Many new acquaintances were formed, and those from our neighboring towns and cities expressed themselves as highly pleased with our city and her park. Over a hundred came from Eagle Grove and vicinity, and about the same from the directions of Iowa Falls, Lehigh and Fort Dodge. The afternoon was spent in strolling about the park and visit- ing different points of interest in the city-"the whole concluding" with the fire- men's parade and dance in the evening.
The second annual park opening was followed by a third in 1887 equally successful and enthusiastic, then by a fourth in 1888 at which J. P. Dolliver and Capt. Yeoman of Fort Dodge were the principal speakers and by a fifth in 1889 at which Judge Isaiah Doane was a principal speaker. The Judge's closing re- marks, so characteristic in showing his style of oratory and in describing the beauties of the park, we give below :
JUDGE DOANNE'S ADDRESS
And now a few words as to this fourth of June anniversary, and I have donc.
CITY PARK, WEBSTER CITY
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This charming park, with its sylvan groves ; its miniature mountains and val- leys : its sparkling fountains ; its rippling river; its bubbling springs; its shady nooks; its menagerie of animals: with its promenades and pavilions; its seats, swings and other conveniences and adornments, was first formally opened to the public as a pleasure resort, on the 4th day of June, 1884, by the proprietor, Hon. S. B. Rosencrans, whose honored name it bears. The citizens of the town and sur- rounding country were invited to come and make it a festive occasion by par- taking of a picnic dinner, and carrying out a short and simple program of literary exercises, and social amusements. So marked was the success of the experiment that each succeeding 4th of June has been celebrated in like manner, with increas- ing interest, until the day has come to be the holiday of the season ; as is evidenced by the throngs of happy participants in the exercises and pleasures of this day.
Right vividly does your humble speaker remember when all this beautiful scenery was a primeval forest with an almost impenetrable mesh of matted under- brushi and decaying trees, overlooking the then unpretentious little village of "New Castle," along the bank of Boone river.
Now, the fine suburban town of "Hoboken," with its pleasant surroundings, including this Eden-like park, stands over against an imposing city with its mag- nificent courthouse ; its many massive business blocks ; its palatial residences ; its pleasant homes ; its commodious schoolhouse ; its steepled churches ; its miles of excellent streets and sidewalks ; and its three railroads and depot ; all embowered in Arcadian groves of surpassing loveliness. I have already spoken of this park as Eden-like. What are the points of resemblance ?
First. God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and this park is eastward in Webster City.
Second. Out of the ground grows every tree that is pleasant to the sight ; as in Eden.
Third. A river went out from Eden to water the garden, and from thence it was parted and became into four heads. In like manner, a river goes out from this park to water the garden of Hamilton county to the southward; and from hence it is divided into four heads.
The name of the first is Brewer's creek, which goeth out into all the land of Freedom and Fremont to the northward.
The name of the second is Lyon's creek, which compasseth the land round about the Poor Farm, and stretcheth out its. arms even unto the Percheron place.
The name of the third is White Fox, which goeth toward the east of the land of Cass.
The name of the fourth is Boone river, which like the great Euphrates issueth out of the north country, and comes sweeping down through the garden; and gathering the waters of its triple tributaries upon its bosom, bears them onward to the sea.
And finally, it is not good that man should be alone, hence in the cool of the day many bring their prospective helpmeets with them, and they twain do meditate in unison.
I have already. spoken of the success and rapidly increasing popularity of this June holiday. And while too much credit cannot well be given to Mr. Rosen- crans and the appreciative friends and public spirited citizens who have from time to time extended. him financial aid in his efforts to make this park "a thing of
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beauty, and a joy forever," yet there are several conditions entering as factors in the magic result.
Some of these are-
First. The natural beauty of the place and its surroundings.
Second. The extremely fortunate selection of the time, coming as it does, when young summer dons her gayest attire, and walks forth in her most ethereal loveliness.
Third. It is preeminently a farmer's festival. Falling in just between the ardu- ous labors of the planting and cultivating seasons, it "fills a long-felt want." It is, in fact, the prelude and counterpart of his time-honored festival of Harvest Ilome. This is shown by the farmers' teams and carriages that have blocked our bridges and thronged our thoroughfares, from an early hour of this beautiful morning.
These annual gatherings form a bond of sympathy and good feeling between the closer relations. A broader acquaintance is formed; we come to know and appreciate each other better. We meet when all are in their happiest mood. The corrugated brow of care is relaxed, and radiant with joy, and we instinctively and instantaneously come to esteem and love each other better.
In this view alone our local anniversary is an element of incalculable value in the cultivation of the social amenities, and stamps our friend Rosencrans as a public benefactor. And thousands of these young lads and lasses who come up to these yearly gatherings, to enjoy a day of relaxation from the routine of farm duties, will, in after years, rise up and call him blessed. Man is a social being, and he or she who does anything to develop, strengthen, elevate and refine that element in his character, lifts him God-ward by just so much.
I believe it is the Swedenborgians who maintain that on entering the spirit world we resume and pursue the avocations which our tastes and habits have fitted us for in this life. If this plausible theory be true, who shall say that when the American people are gathered to celebrate their second centennial, that you and I may not be enjoying a glorious gala day in the heavenly Jerusalem, near the headwaters of the River of Life, in some ambrosial arbor of the tree whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, adorned, kept and cared for by the noble pair whose honored guests we are today-Selim B. Rosencrans, and his good wife, Charlotte.
THE END .OF THE PARK
18ga witnessed another park opening anniversary and 1891, still another, but the people were tiring of the park and looking for new playthings. Hon. S. B. Rosencrans, the hero of former days, was now known as "Old Rosy." The people still visited his park, stepped on his flower beds, tramped across his lawns, drank the "health giving waters" and went away ridiculing "Old Rosy." In 1892, another park opening anniversary was heldl. Lafe Young, of Des Moines, was scheduled as speaker, but on account of sickness, was unable to be present. This caused considerable disappointment. The "Knockers" now got in their work. In their opinion, "June 4th was worn out"-"It was an im- position on the business men"-"It was a useless demonstration and 'Rosy' ought to be called off." At last Rosencrans, broken down physically and financially, and almost heart-broken at the apparent ingratitude of the people
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he had tried so hard to befriend, gave up the park project and sold the ground. It immediately fell into decay, the wells of "Health giving" water clogged up and ceased to flow, the beautiful walks on the hillside were washed out by the rains and rank weeds and grass took possession of what was once a bower of beauty.
And thus Rosencrans park, at one time the most popular pleasure resort in the county, passed into history.
Vol. 1-22
CHAPTER XXI INVENTIONS, MANUFACTURING, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE
INVENTIONS-MANUFACTURING THE TILE FACTORY-LITCHFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY-WHOLESALE GROCERY- THE SHOE FACTORY- THIE CANNING FACTORY -WEBSTER CITY HOT WATER HEATING COMPANY-MARTIN TELEPHONE COM- PANY-SIEVE FACTORY-RETARDER FACTORY-BOTTLING WORKS-GENERAL CON- TRACTORS-MOCA SINE FACTORY-AMERICAN STOCK FOOD COMPANY-NEFF HANDLEBAR COMPANY-BROWN SPRING ICE SKATE COMPANY-QUEEN MANU- FACTURING COMPANY- CEMENT PIPE AND TILE COMPANY-RETAIL TRADE- BUSINESS DIRECTORY IN 1869-DIRECTORY IN 1881-DIRECTORY IN 1896- DIRECTORY IN 1904.
INVENTIONS
One of the greatest inventions of modern times had its inception in Hamil- ton county. This invention has since been improved and perfected until today, nearly every business house in the world has its typewriter. Yet, few people, even in Hamilton county, know that for over forty years the original typewriter, the first one ever built, lay in the wood-house of Samuel Baxter in Webster City, Iowa, forgotten by even the man who invented it. About the year 1867 or 1868, Abner Peeler, a jeweler, who was known by many as "Charley Wright," per- fected an invention for writing with type, which attracted the attention of his employer, Mr. William Crosley. The machine worked so well that Crosley took Peeler and a model of the invention, to Washington and a patent was secured. It is questionable if even the inventor realized that he had discovered a great principle in mechanical construction. His machine was so constructed that the carriage holding the paper could be by means of an ingenious and rather com- plicated lever, readily shifted to a position over the letter which the operator desired to print. While the machine was crude, it was a typewriter and could be operated successfully. The attorney who prepared the papers necessary to secure the patent, did not, in his documents, make the description cover the great principle discovered and in this respect, the patent was defective. The defect was discovered by others and later, patents were procured by strangers claiming the discovery which, in reality, belonged to Abner Peeler. Peeler, like many other men of genius, had but little business ability and he soon lost interest in his typewriter and became engaged in studying out some other invention. He later invented an engraving machine, then a knitting machine and still later, perfected an improvement for the Singer sewing machine.
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But in spite of his great ingenuity and skill as an inventor, his discoveries were usually appropriated by others and he himself reaped little pecuniary benefit from them. After leaving Webster City, he lived many years at Lehigh and several members of his family still reside in Webster county. He was the father of Mrs. William Whiteman of Webster City.
The original typewriter is still in the possession of Samuel Baxter in Webster City.
MANUFACTURING
It has already been noted that in the pioneer days of the county many of the articles in common use were manufactured at home. There were no large factories, but numerous small shops were established and most of the work was done by hand. Every community has its blacksmith and wagon shops, and in these small establishments nearly everything in daily use from furniture to farm machinery was made.
About the time of the close of the war, William Howell, a pioneer black- smith invented a plow that worked so well in the black, rich soil of Hamilton county that there was a demand for its manufacture, and the plowworks of Howell & Tiffany were established in 1868. Howell was a workman and not a business man and Tiffany was neither workman nor business man, so the institution did not prosper. After a short time differences between the partners. led to a series of law suits which wiped out the establishment entirely.
In the early sixties J. D. Sketchley manufactured furniture. Ira Hilliard conducted a brick yard. Allen & Burnett operated a pottery.
In 187- F. E. Brown established a carriage factory which prospered for a number of years. During this time Mr. Brown invented and manufactured a speed cart which was very popular with horse trainers and drivers.
In 1883, Soule, Funk & Hagens commenced the operation of a tile factory at Webster City. Prior to this time Ira IIilliard had made a few small tile at his brick yard, but his output was very limited. The new tile factory was a most important institution and was described by the Freeman of July 8, 1883, in the following language :
THIE WEBSTER CITY TILE FACTORY,
Soule, Funk & Hagens, proprietors, put their machinery in motion and commenced the manufacture of drain tile Tuesday afternoon. This is the beginning of what promises an important addition to the business industries of Webster City, and is in the hands of men who have the capital and energy to make a success of it. The only part of the business that is yet an experiment is the utility of the material out of which the tile are made. The clay now being used is secured on the river bottom in the vicinity of Tra Hilliard's old brickyard and at other points near the city. The capacity of the factory, as at present equipped, is 10,000 3-in. tile per day, employing in the various branches of the work, twelve to fifteen men. The process of making tile, with the improved machinery now in use, is very simple, although the appliances are strong and powerful. The clay is first thrown into a mill and thoroughly ground; then transferred to the moulding machine, from which it comes in one continuous "pipe" and is accu-
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FIRST TYPEWRITER EVER BUILT
Invented and Constructed by Abner Peeler in Webster City in 1868
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rately and neatly cut into required lengths by wire "nippers." From the moulds the tile are taken and set up in the long drying shed, from which they are removed after six or eight days to the kiln and burned to the proper consistency. The machinery, which is propelled by a twenty-five horse power engine, is massive and solid in every part, and does its work in the most complete manner. Ed. Mabbott is the engineer, and Mr. Brewster of Des Moines, foreman of the works at the new tile factory-both experienced and competent in the work assigned them. Charlie Soule is the general superintendent, and puts in his time looking after "details," drawing checks and doing other heavy work. A large kiln is now being built in the rear of the drying house, which will be ready for use in a few days. Other necessary improvements are going on about the premises, which, when completed, will add to the general capacity of the works, and enable the proprietors to do as good work as can be done at any similar manufactory in the state. Our citizens and the people generally throughout this region of country, will rejoice over the establishment of this important in- dustry in our midst, and will hope that it may prove a source of profit to its proprietors-as it is sure to prove of lasting benefit to the country.
The tile factory has been in successful operation for nearly thirty years. With the expansion of its business, new and improved equipment has been added until, today, it is one of the most substantial institutions in northern Iowa. Let it be recorded that up to this time (1912), in all the history of our county manufacturing, no enterprise has contributed more than this one to the material advancement and prosperity of our people. Its smoking kilns have burned the tile that have transformed hundreds of swampy, worthless tracts of land into the richest of agricultural fields.
LITCHFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Back in the seventies, L. Litchfield came to Webster City and opened a black- smith shop. Later he added a foundry, and in the early nineties, when his boys had grown to men, they joined forces with their father. The concern was soon doing a general manufacturing business. Among the articles built were hot air furnaces, feed grinders and end gates for wagons. Their leading articles were extensively advertised and soon they were receiving orders from all parts of the world. After the death of L. Litchfield, his sons organized the Litchfield Manufacturing Company, which was duly incorporated under the laws of Iowa in April, 1903.
While most of the products of their factory were used near home, some were sent abroad and this is perhaps the first concern in Hamilton county to manufacture articles for foreign export. In 19-, the Litchfield Manufacturing Company moved to Waterloo and its departure was largely responsible for a considerable falling off in the population of Webster City. The families of working men followed this enterprise to its new home to secure employment with the concern, and friends of these families found employment with other industries, so it developed that the moving of the Litchfields was a serious loss to Webster City.
Prior to 1890, most of the public movements to aid in building up the county were directed toward the securing of new railroads. While public subscriptions
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and taxes were always ready for the new railroad proposition, it apparently had not occurred to the people that this same aid and encouragement offered to manufacturing enterprises might be even more conducive to the growth of the community than the building of more railroads. In 1893. however, a new policy began to be urged. We needed foreign enterprise and capital and to secure this, it was asserted that we must be ready and willing to give liberal and substantial encouragement to the new enterprise that would bring its business to our county.
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