Mills County, Iowa

Silver City Community History
1879 - 1979

THE BIRTH OF A TOWN

In 1879, what is now Silver City was rolling prairie, and was being cultivated and utilized as is the surrounding country today. Fields of waving grain, tasseled corn or herds of roving stock were to be seen where today are beautiful homes and business streets. In the fall of that year the first train on the new road, which had just been completed from St. Louis to Council Bluffs, went thru and influences began which so totally changed existing conditions in Ingraham township. Before that time the C.B. and Q.R.R. had gone through Mills county from east to west, but markets were a great distance from our people here. The present site of Silver City was a part of the home farm of H. H. Huffaker, who in the same year the railroad was finished, secured from the company the location of a station at this point and gave permits to a few of the earliest settlers to put up buildings. Later, when the town was laid out, the lots were arranged so that these buildings were allowed to remain. One of these, which in 1880 became the post office, was occupied by A. U. Crosby. Aside from being the Postmaster he carried a line of general merchandise and lived in the second story. W. G. Moore carried a line of drugs and Nathan Brookhouser’s building was used for a boarding house. These were pioneer businessmen and together with H. H. Huffaker, deserve great praise for their efforts in behalf of the community and encouragement given to induce people to build permanent homes.

Our little settlement was now established and while our advancement has been slow, it has been steady and sure. The town was incorporated in 1883 and George Swarts was elected Mayor. Among the men prominent in business enterprise, in the early history, of Silver City we might mention a few who had an influence in improving the place and enlarging its interests. Mr. Bateman established the first lumber yard and only one we have ever had, selling out to C. 0. Greenwood, who still owns large interests in the business known as Greenwood Lumber Company. John Hansen put up a building and started a general store With W. B. Oaks as manager. Mr. Oaks took an active part in business here as long as he lived being interested in the establishment of both the banks which we have at present. L. W. Russell in an early day embarked in the mercantile business where the Frank Pullman store now is and later sold out to Pullman & Hettinger. J. J. Taylor put up a store building on West Main Street and for a number of years carried on a general store. A brother of C. G. Greenwood was our first grain dealer and employed L. W. Huffaker as buyer. L. W. Huffaker continued in the real estate and insurance business here for many years, being Justice of the Peace for thirty-six years. Smith & Co. erected the first elevator and Ed Morse was manager. Frazier & Benton livestock firm was prominent in those days.

Among the first residences, some of which are still standing, were those of Mr. Bateman, Mr. Lambert, H. H. Huffaker, A. U. Crosby, W. B. Oaks and L. W. Huffaker.

We have had three disastrous fires in the past, causing heavy losses, any one of which might have proven discouraging. The first occurred in 1882 when all but two buildings on East Main Street were consumed. Again in 1891, the same side was entirely wiped out and heavy losses were sustained only a part of which was covered by insurance. The last was in 1894 when this time West Main Street was swept by fire. All the buildings save two were burned. Each time property owners rebuilt better buildings than had been destroyed and today Main Street is lined on both sides with substantial brick structures and business sections are steadily progressing.

Our little community today has between 400 and 500 in population and is a credit to our citizens. Our people are intelligent and progressive and take justifiable pride in making the place as beautiful and attractive as possible. It is said we have about four miles of cement sidewalk. No other kind of walk is permitted. The Electric Light Company has just finished lighting our streets and many people have already availed themselves of the opportunity of lighting their homes. There are an abundance of shade trees over the town so many in fact that a bird’s eye view of our little city from any of the surrounding hills, makes it appear more like a natural park. A visitor entering for the first time will be impressed first of all with the evidences of prosperity and progress. How often do we hear them remark, “how many nice residences and well-kept lawns there are all over town,” Our streets are straight, and well kept and well lighted. Our residence streets in summer with their walks and trees along both sides make delightful avenues of shade where one many view the beautiful lawns and residences and appreciate the care taken to make homes pleasant and attractive.

On every hand is the integrity and industry of our people manifested. Not only is this true in outward appearances, but is shown as well in the spirit promulgating public works and enterprises. The demand is for the greatest number, not only in national, but home affairs. The people are hospitable and sociability is promoted among all. Our schools and churches are well provided for and exert each in their way, a lasting influence on the young as well as all people.

There is considerable musical ability here. We have a good band and orchestra under the management of 0. A. Spelbring. The commercial club looks after the general welfare of the town and is ever on the alert to take advantage of opportunities to promote the interest of the public.

We have many inducements to offer those seeking a permanent home. In no place of it’s size can greater advantages be offered as a residence town. The locality is all that could be desired, being in the midst of a rich agricultural district. Southwestern Iowa is conceded to be one of the most productive sections of country in the world. We are surrounded by thousands of acres of land containing great wealth, producing qualities and the homes of farmers in our immediate vicinity are conspicuous as evidences of prosperity and abundance. Large fields of grain and orchards teeming with fruit are on every hand. Stock farms where large herds of cattle and hogs and sheep are raised and hundreds of cars of stock are shipped from this point yearly. These things add to the business of a place and accordingly increase its importance.

Our business people are courteous and obliging and ever seek the good of those whom they serve. We have two banking institutions each with a capital of $25,000. Both are prosperous and enjoying a good business. The Silver City State Bank was incorporated in 1883 and has continued in business ever since. C. G. Greenwood has held the presidency ever since its establishment. W. B. Oaks was cashier for a great many years. At present M. Kehoe is cashier and James Pullman assistant. The Farmers State Bank was organized in 1909 and has built up a good business. F. H. Plumber has occupied the place of president. W. B. Oaks was instrumental in establishing this institution and was first cashier, living only a few months after its opening. C. H. Patterson is the present cashier.

There are two Rural Mail Carriers, Gale Moore and Henry Rommel. Each covers a distance of about twenty-five miles daily. A visit to our business places today will find all enjoying a good trade and flourishing. In the line of general merchandise we have three general stores where dry goods, groceries and other lines of dry goods are kept in stock. All three merchants are wide awake men and serve their customers in a satisfactory manner. Frank Pullman’s store is the oldest concern and he purchased this stock of Pierson & Co., a number of years ago. J. J. Maurath is next in line and handles a large assortment of goods. C. A. Moore started in business about three years ago and has built up a good trade.

The Eagle Drug Store is owned by J. E. Danielson. This store would be a credit to a larger place. In equipment and goods carried, it is better than the average drug store in small places. Mr. Danielson carries drugs, paints, wall paper, etc. and runs a soda fountain in the summer. In the lumber business one of the Greenwood yard is located here and is managed by G. A. Spelbring.

We have a good furniture store owned by Frank Anderson. Besides this line Frank also carries a line of implements and hardware. There are two implement dealers, Frank Shaffer and Pullman Bros. Besides implements Frank Shaffer carries a complete line of hardware. Shaffer bought out the Frank Pullman Store last year. C. W. Sawyers, our jeweler, is an experienced workman and carries a good line of jewelry.

In the meat business we have but one dealer. H. C. Kochenderfer, our butcher, is a hustler and supplies the demand in his line satisfactorily. We have an automobile garage owned by C. H. Patterson and managed by John Peterson. These men have the agency for the Cutting and Overland cars. E. Derby is owner of our harness shop and also does repairing in his line of work.

We have a good millinery shop, Miss Clara Plumb supplies the ladies with hats and is always courteous and has built up a good business. The town supports two restaurants both of which carry bakery goods, canned goods, candy, soda, fountain drinks, ice cream, etc. G. L. Waltrip owns the one on East Main Street and S. L. Finchem holds forth on south side of the tracks. Blacksmithing is done by G. W. Bays, Coons & Shane and J. Hopkinson. Shoe repairing is done by Fritz Kunkle. We have good livery service. J. C. Jackson, our Undertaker, also handles the livery business. Mains and Kruse are our grain dealers and they also ably supply the community with coal. Jackson and Flanagan, livestock dealers do a great deal of shipping from this point.

There are several men engaged in the real estate and insurance business. H. Dressier and A. P. Reeve make this a business. We have but one hotel, The Cottage, run by Lewis Hetunger. In the medical profession we have three practicing physicians who cover a wide territory. Dr. R. A. Moore came here in the early history of the town. Dr. J. G. McCue has been here a number of years. Dr. S. A. Huber located here last fall. Dr. Hiett comes to Silver City Monday and Tuesday of each week to do the dental work in this vicinity. We have but one newspaper, but it makes up in quality for the lack of numbers. E. A. Stevens the enterprising editor ably manages to supply the columns of the paper and look after the welfare of the town.

T. F. Plumb our worthy Postmaster has held his present position for over fourteen years. His work has always been commendable and he is always ready to accommodate the public. He also has a line of confections and stationery for sale. Miss Pearl Burrows is the assistant. We have a number of contractors and builders, M. E. Huffaker, J. B. Heide and F. R. Pettit. These men are kept busy the year round, at their trade. John Tucker, John Rook and W. H. Burrows do the mason work in this community. R. Clipson our painter and decorator is kept hustling to keep the work up.

Our town officers are: M. E. Huffaker, Mayor; Ed VanKirk, Treasurer; Wm. Burrows, Assessor; A. F. Market, Street Comm.; John Tucker, Marshal. Councilmen J. G. Flanagan, C. A. Moore, J. J. Maurath, T. F. Plumb and H. C. Kochenderfer.

The Silver City Pool Hall, conducted by C. A. Rommel, is an orderly place and enjoys a lively business. Arthur Merryhew is the owner of the barber shop, where his customers are always given good work and courteous treatment. Special edition of the Times— edited by the Silver City Cemetery Association, Thursday, May 2, 1912.

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby