IAGenWeb Project

Shelby County
IAGenWeb

CHAPTER XI -- CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES, PAST AND PRESENT (CONT'D)

THE COUNTY SEAT AND PRESENT TOWNS AND VILLAGES. (CONT'D)


EARLY ADVERTISING.


Some of these pioneer business men were adroit advertisers. The Shelby County Record of October 29, 1874, contains this novel advertisement: "A new swindle has been discovered in the shape of a basswood man. He is the man who sells poor lumber at big prices. But Tom Ledwich isn't the man, for he deals on the square and in No. 1 lumber, at fair prices. His main yard is at Avoca, but he also has a branch yard at Harlan. Interview him."

An early photographer of Harlan ran this rather interesting advertisement in the Shelby County Record of May 7, 1874: "PHOTOGRAPHS.----Luccock's Photograph Gallery still appears to be the most popular resort; it even beats the millinery shops for lady callers as those who have been supplied call occasionally to see the constantly increasing array of fine specimens comprising the beauty and fashion of Shelby county. Why don't some young man, who is fond of company, come and learn the art, as I will sell my outfit cheap if I can get off soon, as I want to go up to Minnesota this spring and make a trip down the river in a floating gallery taking photographs and at the same time making a panorama of the beautiful scenery, towns, etc., which abounds along the shores of the Father of Waters. A partner wanted for this trip.".

Click images to enlarge
1885 & 1914 Views of Harlan, Iowa

(Above Top) VIEW LOOKING NORTH ON SEVENTH STREET, HARLAN, ABOUT 1885. (Lower Left) WEST SIDE OF SQUARE, HARLAN, 1914. (Lower Right) SOUTH SIDE OF SQUARE, HARLAN, 1914.


Transcribed by John Schulte, March, 2024 from the Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, by Edward S. White, P.A., LL. B.,Volume 1, Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen & Co., 1915, pp. 240-241.

 
  Copyright
Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer