B. F. HOWALD.

DRY GOODS AND CLOTHING.--This gentleman came from Atlantic to Audubon on October 15th, 1878, and in November of the same year commenced his present business (which was the first one established in the city) with a limited capital and more limited stock of goods. The years that followed brought him continued prosperity, until today he stands at the head of the dry-goods merchants of not alone Audubon but of western Iowa. So great was his business that in 1889 he found it necessary to build the handsome block which he now occupies on the corner of Broadway and Washington streets, a structure that cost completed nearly $20,000, and a building that will long remain a monument of enterprise and integrity to the one who caused it to be built. Upon the inside of its handsome walls of brick and stone, is found a stock of goods valued at $60,000, and eight persons are employed in this hive of industry. But even after the completion of this commodious block of which we have spoken Mr. Howald's quarters were then inadequate to accommodate his ever increasing trade and he found it necessary to rent an additional building on upper Broadway where he removed his heavy stock of boots and shoes, and operates an exclusive boot and shoe store. This branch of his business will soon be removed into a block, now being erected 20x84 feet. Mr. Howard is 41 years of age. He is a man of whom Audubon and her people are justly proud and the heavy business which he enjoys assures us that the entire people of the surrounding country esteem him to the fullest measure. Ambitious, honest and enterprising, he indeed merits the popularity which he has gained and the city possesses no more thoroughly active business men than the one of whom we speak. He is an ardent promoter of every measure tending to improve the welfare of the city and a liberal contributor to every charitable and religious purpose. From the early history of the city he has been a potent factor in its progression and as it has advanced so has his business interests. He has the utmost faith in Audubon's future, and is never tardy in placing his capital here, as the magnificient building, an illustration of which we produce, will attest. There are but few merchants in the entire state whose business is of a larger nature than that conducted by Mr. Howald. He is president of the Audubon County Agricultural Society, and to the present high standing of the association, much is due to his earnest endeavors and arduous labors. He is a member of Veritas Lodge No. 392, A. F. & A. M. and of Godfrey Commandery and also a member of the K. of P. Society.

Transcribed January, 2023 by Cheryl Siebrass from 1878 1892 History of Audubon. (Audubon County,) Iowa, From Its Foundation to the Present Together With a Complete Directory of Its Leading Business Men, State Historical Publishing Company, 1892, pp. 23-24.

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