Iowa Iron Works

DICKEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/19/2009 at 21:03:04

Bellevue Herald, November 14, 1899.

Government boats “Wynoka”, “Nokomis” and “Leota”

The government boats “Wynoka”, “Nokomis” and “Leota” passed Bellevue going south yesterday morning at about 7:30 o’clock. The boats were in charge of E. M. Dickey and their destination was St. Louis. The Dubuque Sunday Herald has a two and a half column article in reference to the craft in which they give a technical description. The Herald says the “Wynoka” and “Nokomis” will carry steam and will tow the “Leota.” The crew is all ready and the boats are stored with provisions for the trip. The fleet will get away about 3 o’clock this afternoon. The management of the Iowa Iron Works extend a cordial invitation to the public to visit and inspect the boats today, and there doubtless will be a large number to witness the start. The building of these boats, together with the other work done by the Iron Works in the last two years, assures the revival of that plant and in the near future its operations will be conducted on even a greater scale. The great advance in iron, which, of course, has increased the contract price of machinery of all kinds, may hold back work a little, but the people will soon before used to the prices and since they must have the work, they will pay for it. The Iowa Iron Works has put in bids on several contracts and has orders enough to keep the machine shop and foundry busy through the winter. By spring it is expected it will have several contracts that will keep the ship yards busy all next season.