Iowa
Old Press
Postville Review
Postville, Allamakee, Iowa
March 19, 1873
First Issue
The First M. E. Church Of Postville.
This new church edifice, which has recently been completed, and
stands an ornament to the town and a credit to the builders, is
certainly deserving of a passing notice in this the first issue
of the REVIEW.
This building is a frame covered with sheeting and overlayed with
brick. The size of this church is 32 X 64, semi gothic in
style, with stained glass windows, the vestibule being located in
the corner tower; the partition that seperates (sic) the
vestibule from the audience room, is continued across the
building, forming a class-room 10 X 22 feet, which can be thrown
into the main room by opening the three folding doors in the
partition. The gallery is directly over the class-room and
vestibule, affording sittings for seventy-five persons. The
speakers platform is an octagon, one half of which is a recess
from the main wall and forms the orchestra. The heating is
by furnace in the basement.
Much credit is due the present Pastor, Rev. G. L. Garrison, for
the determination with which he agitated the church building
project, from the very commencement of his labors on this
charge. Early in the spring of 1871, he succeeded in
raising a favorable subscription, formed an association, and
organized a board of Trustees. however, it seems that but
little was done until February 1872, when the whole church,
together with some of the outside friends became interested and
all agreed that a church must be built. April 6th, the
association incorporated and the following named persons were
appointed Trustees: G. W. Stafford, J. S. Mott, S. B. Finney, A.
Chase, W. R. Allen, J. Moir Jr., and S. W. Courson. S. S.
Steelle, Agent of the Church Extension Society was employed to
furnish plans and specifications, and the entire job of building
was finally let to him, and we take pleasure in referring the
public to him, as he most meritoriously bears the reputation of
being a mechanic of more than ordinary skill.
The ground was broken in the latter part of June, preparatory to
laying the Corner Stone on July 4th.
The Ladies Society that had been laboring and saving for years,
prepared to furnish a dinner for the occasion, and all interested
in the enterprise were anticipating a happy Fourth, but on the
evening of the 3d, one of the most earnest of their number, the
wife of S. B. Finney, was suddenly called to the Church
Triumphant, to rest from her labors. This mysterious
providence cast a gloom over the occasion, and caused a vacuum
that will long be felt in the Methodist society of Postville.
The hour arrived and the Corner Stone was laid, Presiding Elder
Smith performing the ceremony. The Ladies Society put $176
into their Treasury, to the credit of this society may be known
the fact, that they have paid to the Trustees the handsome sum of
$800 beside paying for the carpets and other fixtures.
Under the management of our young friend, M. O. Taylor the work
moved steadily on, without interruption, to completion.
February 16th was the day for dedication, and Rev. J. M. Clinton
of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, engaged to conduct the services. The
day was warm and beautiful and nearly five hundred persons
assembled to participate in the services of the day.
An interesting and appropriate discourse was delivered by Bro.
Clinton, after which he stated that the total cost of building
and furniture was $4,515. The unprovided for indebtadness
(sic) $1041. This last named amount was asked for, and the
people responded to the amount of $2,100, of which $322 was cash.
In the evening the house was again filled and another able sermon
preached, at the close of which the dedication ceremony was
preformed. An interesting incident of the evening, was the
presentation by Bro. Clinton in behalf of the trustees, of a
purse of $15 for the purchase of "Rural Church
Architecture," to M. O. Taylor, the young man who had charge
of the entire building from sill to spire. In
consideration of their appreciation of his service and the
interest by him manifested in all the work. Thus the day
was spent to which the members of the M. E. Church of Postville
had been looking forward with much interest and great anxiety for
years, and all hearts were happy in seeing so neat and commodious
a temple dedicated free of debt, to the services of a kind
Father. To Him be given all the praise for the success that
has attended the efforts of His people in this enterprise.
OUR HOME ADVERTISEMENTS.
In justice to the business men of Postville who have so
generously extended their advertising patronage to the columns of
the Review, we will briefly notice each one. Starting
from our office, that at present occupies the building known as
the "Comstock building," we proceed to the Northeast
corner of Pine and Military street where we find the extensive
and well known Variety Store of
E. J. STEVENSON & CO.,
known as the new Brick Store. The firm is well known by
every person throughout the entire country, as they have long
been residents of Postville, and being shrewd business men, at
once saw the advantage to be gained by an early location at this
point; hence they have invested largely in building and stock,
and already enjoy an extensive and rapidly increasing
trade. They deal in Clothing, Groceries, Boots and Shoes,
&c., occupy one of the largest buildings in the place,
a Brick Structure 24 X 65. They buy at the head of the
market, and are enabled to sell at prices satisfactory to
all. Their gentlemanly and competent clerk Mr. S. B.
Finney, well known to all in this vicinity, is at all times ready
to wait upon their customers with the best of treatment.
See lberal (sic) advertisement in another column.
A few rods north, we find the Drug Store of
N. W. STILES
who in a very neat and gentlemanly manner introduces himself to
the public by way of a column advertisement in the REVIEW.
Mr. Stiles is our champion advertiser, as will be seen by
referring to his column advertisement which occupies a
conspicuous place in this paper, and wishes to announce that he
is going to continue to carry the belt as our champion and
such "grit" as that most certainly entitles him to our
thanks. Mr. Stiles proprietor of one of the best drug
stores to be found any where in this section of the country, with
a large and commodious room, well filled with every thing
pertaining to the drug line, together with a large and well
selected stock of Books, Stationary, Wall-paper, Lamps
&c. He is also general agent for the Howe Sewing
Machine, for the counties of Allamakee, Winneshiek, Clayton and
Fayette, also sells one of the best organs ever
manufactured. The subject of this notice is too well known
throughout this country for us to even attempt to tell the people
anything but in this favor. Bearing the reputation of being
an accommodating gentleman and a first class businessman, ever
ready to lend a helping hand toward the advancement of
Postville. His name has become a household word in every
section of this country. There is scarely a fence board,
stone or tree to be found anywhere in the four counties but what
has the name of N. W. Stiles near it. Being a kind hearted
man, jovial and agreeable in his intercourse, he has won the
confidence and esteem of every one which he justly merits.
Read his liberal advertisement, and when in want of anything in
his line, do not fail to do and see him.
Next store below on the same street we step into the extensive
Dry Goods and Grocery Store of
L. POESCH
Mr. Poesch is an honest and enterprising gentleman, and when a
person looks in at his large and well selected stock of goods
they are at once convinced that he is enjoying a No. 1
patronage. Mr. Poesch deals in none aut (sic) first class
goods, is courteous, accommodating, and is certainly deserving of
all prosperity. He also deals quite extensively in
Agricultural implements, is agent for the McSherry & Buckeye
Force Feed Seeders. Do not fail to give him a call.
See his add in another column.
As we pass to the next door, we enter the Furniture rooms of
A. KOEVENING
Mr. Koevening is well supplied with a first class stock of
Furniture, and is a good man to deal with. Those wishing
anything in his line will please give him a call.
From the furniture store we make our way into the handsome Drug
Store of
A. STAADT
who deals extensively in drugs and medicines, and from our
acquaintance with Mr. S. we believe him to be a gentleman in the
strictest sense of the term, and believe him to be worthy the
patronage of the public, we commend him to their favor. Mr.
S. is known by all in this vicinity to be an enterprising
citizen, and one that is over willing to do his utmost toward the
up-building of Postville.
From Mr. Staadts we go back to the Hardware Store of
J. ELLIS & SON
located on the Northwest corner of Pine and Military
Streets. This Firm is doing a good trade in the Hardware
line, and are ready to do as well by their customers, as any
other firm in this section of the country. Those wishing
anything in the Hardware line, give them a call.
We pass up Pine St. a few steps where we find
J. McKARTNY (sic)
the popular Picture man, where he is prepared to accommodate you
with a true picture of yourself, or any of your children; young
man if you ever bring your sweetheart to Postville (and of course
you do, to see the sights) do not fail to step in to McCartny's
(sic) Picture rooms, and have her Photo before you go home, and
to repay her let her have yours. Mack is the man that can
take them for you and they won't cost you much either.
McCartny insisted on our stopping a few minutes, and he would
show us how he worked his machine, and give us a picture for
nothing, but we were in a hurry, and was permitted to leave by
promising him we would call another day, so we put our pencil
behind our ear, and crossed Post St. to corner of Post and Lawler
street, and started for the next lucky man which was
E. SCHMITZ
where we found him doing a driving business in the Harness
trade. Mr. S. is prepared to do all kinds of work in that
line, and employs none but the very best workmen. It
is not necessary for us to say much about the work done at his
shop, as there is not a person in this vicinity but what is
acquainted with his work. He is prepared to do repairing on
short notice with neatness and despatch. Do not fail to
call and see him.
In the next door North, we find the well furnished Millinery
rooms of
MRS. SCHMITZ
where she is doing a thriving business in the Millinery
line. Mrs. Schmitz has long been established at this place,
and at present has one of the best selections of good. All
who wish work done, will remember that her store is directly
opposite Staadt's Drug Store.
From the Millinery Store, we passed on to the Blacksmith Shop of
J. C. DOW
situated on the west side of Lawler St. Mr. Dow is more
than full of work, his shop is about the busiest place in the
city. He is prepared to do all kinds of work in the Wagon
and Carriage line. He has one of the best Shops in this
part of the country, and employes No. 1 workmen. The
Blacksmith department is conducted by Mr. C. W. Douglas, one of
the best of workmen. Go and see them and satisfy
yourselves.
We heard a noise upstairs, found our way toward the sounds --came
to a door -- pulled the string -- and was ushered in by that
gentlemanly Furniture man
H. P. DAWES
Mr. Dawes came to this place but a few years ago, by economy and
close attention to business has succeeded in building up an
enviable trade. His rooms are well stocked with the best
mteral (sic) the market affords, which he is working up into
Furniture. There is not a better place to buy your
Furniture in Northern Iowa than of H. P. Dawes. See his
liberal advertisement in another column.
Leaving the Furniture rooms, we pass on North a few rods where we
find one of the most gentlemanly and accommodating Hardware firms
anywhere to be found in this, or any other State. It is
known as the Firm of
PRESCOTT & EASTON
These gentleman (sic) are known as honest, enterprising
men. They have a large commodious room; litterally (sic)
packed with every thing pertaining to the Hardware trade, and a
first-class Tin Ship, in connection with their Store. In
dealing with this firm you will find them to be first-class
men. Read their advertsement (sic), and when you want
Hardware, Tinware, or any thing in their line do not fail to go
and see them. To be continued......
---
Advertisements
NEW ENGLAND HOUSE
The Hotel that is known by the above name, is one of Clermont's
first-class houses, and it is indeed just what they claim, and is
conducted in the very best of style by the gentlemanly Proprietor
R. B. Applman, we and many others took supper there when on the
excursion trip. Go and see him. [Transcribers note: The
"excursion" spoken of here was a "field trip"
to Clermont by the Postville Dramatic Club on the evening of
Friday, the 14th.]
J.S. GREEN, M.D., physician, surgeon and dentist. Extracted and
repaired teeth. Office, over L. POESCH's store, first door west
of the National Hotel. Postville.
A.R. PRESCOTT & C.H. EASTON. Agricultural implements, stoves
& tinware, iron, steel, cutlery, mechanic's tools, carriage
& wagon material, blacksmith's goods, coal, cement, putty,
white lead, oil and Port Byron white lime.
Charles J. PETERS. Mammoth Colored Fashion Plates.
Mrs. E. SCHMITZ. The City Millinery Store.
For sale, the whole entire property, consisting of the National
Hotel, the livery stable and the lots they stand on. Postville,
Iowa -- also -- Two hundred and forty acres of good land, in
Winnabago Co., Iowa -- all for-- ten thousand dollars. Apply to
C. VAN HOOSER, National Hotel. Postville.
We are pleased to read among the local items of the Decorah Ventilator
of last week, of the promising success that awaits that already
live paper. The late P.M. of Cresco, Hon. W.N. BURDICK, Ex-editor
of the Cresco Times, has purchased a half interest of the Ventilator
office and will take possession of the Sanctum about the first of
April, where he may be found the greater part of his time. C.W.
HAISLET, who is one of the liveliest business men in Northern
Iowa, will attend to the outside work, and will frequently visit
the neighboring towns.
One of the best donations that was ever gotten up, was held at
the M.E. Church at this place, on Tuesday Eve, March 4th for the
benefit of the Pastor, Rev. G.L. GARRISON. The receipts amounting
to about $80,000. It was a grand time indeed. Everything was done
that could be done to make it a success. The supper in our
opinion could not have been better, and the music that was
produced by the Postville Brass Band was first-class. The new
church was dedicated on February 16,1873.
The entertainment that will be given by the Postville Glee Club
tomorrow evening, will be of a high order of excellence. The
Programme being an excellent one, and their rehearsals have been
managed so carefully by the manager, Mr. E.J. FERRY that its
rendition cannot fail. Mr. FERRY is a violinist of remarkable
skill, and wil add very materially to the interest of the
entertainment.
[this article was nearly illegible]...A.C. RIPLEY, in his
matchless.....of the character, of "Gumption.... and
"Phineas Fletcher." Mr. W. Met?gle in his faultless
personation of the...peranuated old gallant, "Deacon
Perry." Mrs. E.J. FERRY was perfection itself, in the
difficult role of the wicked "Topsy," and Miss Lutie
SHULTIS demonstrated her right to a place among the greatest
'Evas' of the stage. Mr. S.S. POWERS was a complete sucess in the
character of the brutal and conscience stricken
"Legree." Half past twelve found the party again upon
the road, and were soon safely landed at the Postville depot.
WEEKLY REPORT of the POSTVILLE M.E. SUNDAY
SCHOOL.
March 16, 23 & 30.
Class No. 1, Mrs. BURHANS, teacher.....16
Class No. 2, Mrs. MOTT, teacher........ 7
Class No. 3, Miss BABCOCK, teacher..... 8
Class No. 4, Mrs. STAFFORD, teacher.... 7
Class No. 5, Mrs. BARNES, teacher...... 5
Class No. 6, Mrs. EASTON, teacher......21
Class No. 7, Mrs. ?....................2?
S.B. FINNEY, superintendent
Mrs. POWERS, asst. superintendant
H.E. BABCOCK,Sect'y Treas.
H.J. BEEDY, librarian.
MARRIED.
-At the residence of the bride, at Postville, Iowa, by the Rev.
SMITH, assisted by Rev. GARRISON, Mr. [F.or E.] BRIGHAM, of
Decorah, and Miss Annie WHOLLEY of this place. The Review
office, and scores of their friends, both at this place and
Decorah, join in wishing them a long and prosperous life.
-At the M.E. Parsonage, in Postville, Iowa, March 11th, '73, by
the Rev. GARRISON, Mr. [?Arthur or ?Archie] WHEELER, of
Frankville tp and Miss Delilah CLARK, of Postville. May peace and
happiness be theirs.
--
If you ever go to Decorah and want to smoke one of the best
cigars you ever put up to your face, and at the same time deal
with the best and most accommodating man in the city, go to
Melvin BENEDICT'S, and if he is not htere you will find his
gentlemanly assistant Mr. Thomas BRIGHAM who quite recently made
a lasting impression in this place.
Printers. If you want to start in the newspaper business and
desire to get a good office dirt cheap, drop a line to G.W.
HAISLET, of the Decorah Ventilator, who offers for sale on
the very best of terms a complete out-fit for a country
newspaper, the material is what was used in printing the McGregor
Age, as good as new.
Mr. S.S. BLANCHER is pushing to completion the building belonging
to Mr. P. BEUCHER, which is to be occupied by Mr. J.K. PHILLIPS,
and used as a Barber Shop and Restaurant.
[transcribed by S.F., August 2003 and M.D., November 2006]