ants illegally. Old-timers have told us that during periods of state prohibition, the alleys of Ossian were utilized by blind pigs—as many as 30 in one time.

There are now eight original package houses operating in town. We are uncertain of the definition of an "original package house." We speculate it refers to an establishment selling intoxicating beverages as packaged by the distillers ie kegs, cases, etc.

The list of taxpayers for 1890 contains 143 names. The average tax paid was only $3.45; with the highest, $52.16, assessed the bank; and the lowest, 3¢--paid by four residents.

The town's population was listed as 625, an increase of 106 residents since the count in the state census of 1885.

Dr. Bisson, of West Union, advertised his prices for dental service: extracting —25¢; with laughing gas—75¢; and a full set of false teeth—$7.50. He offered to pay the rail fare for all Ossian patients who have dental work of $10 or more.

The Ossian debating club was organized at a meeting held in the Oyloe Photo Gallery. Officers selected were: G. G. Oyloe, president; F. G. Clark, Vice Pres.; Wm. H. Hughes, Sec'y; and Andrew Lee, treasurer. Debates were scheduled for every Monday night at the schoolhouse.

The Ossian Bank advertised tickets, for passage from Chicago to Scandinavian ports, for only $29.75.

1891

The municipal election this year endorsed James Malloy as mayor, G. J. Mills as recorder, and L. A. Meyer as treasurer. James Cahill was appointed street commissioner and pound-master; J. H. Beardmore became the new marshall; andTheo. Fleisher, H. B. Gorlette and D. Weitgenant were the new trustees.

A masquerade ball was held at Axen's Hall with music by Ervin's orchestra. The tickets were; participants—$1; spectators--25¢; and children over 8 years--10¢.

Taxes were up in 1891. The range of payments ran from a high of $278.54 assessed the bank to a low of 50¢ paid by fourteen residents.

The Taylor circus played Ossian this year. Hotel proprietors, Larkin Green and John Collins, agreed to feed 40 members of the entertainers. The rest were accommodated under their big-top. Figge & Webster contracted to furnish 150 lbs. of raw meat for the carnivorous animals and E. H. Limbeck a ton of hay for the elephants.

Fred Figge and A. C. Elvidge reported a fine bag of 110 (praire) chickens while on a two day hunting expedition near Britt.

S. Bullock of Whitewater, Wisconsin, exhibited a phonograph at the Blanchaine store. The machine was a source of wonder and delight to all who heard the records.

The G. A. R. veterans, with ladies of the W. R. G., held a picnic at Mrs.

Sawyer's grove. Three hundred and fifty patriots enjoyed the occasion. Two hundred came by train from Decorah.

A Cherokee Indian medicine show played the town with a two week stand. The Bee reported that attendance was large and the free performances were "first rate."

Much better than many charging admission of 25¢.

The Bee carried a three column blast aimed at H. P. Nicholson, Attorney J. B. Kaye of Calmar and former Republican editor Bailey. Carter replied to charges by these gentlemen that in his capacity as county attorney, he had arranged for the transfer of six liquor violation cases by Ossian businessmen to a sympathetic J. P. court in this town, where his recommendation for dismissal of the charges was honored.

1892

The grand opening of Becker's Hall took place in January. A large crowd was in attendance for the play, "Hickory Farm," presented by home talent. The receipts of $65 were donated to the Catholic school.