The town square in many small towns across America served as a link for town members to connect with one another. In this photograph, for example, the square allowed for casual socialization among friends, spouses, and business owners. From the…
This image captures the common method of transportation used in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in the late 1800's. The horse and buggy served many Americans during this time period and were utilized until the 1910's, when the automobile industry changed the…
When a stagecoach came through your town in the late 1800's it could have meant several things. First, the stagecoach might have been carrying a family on its way to settling down in the community or just to stop in the middle of their journey east…
Small business and entrepreneurship were the hopes and dreams of many Americans, especially in the late 19th Century. Store owners took pride in the fact that they were able to build up enough in savings to start a business venture. Pictured here…
This is a photograph of the H.L. Spencer and Company loading shed that was taken in the 1890's. Harry Lindley (H.L.) Spencer started a grocery business in 1867 with F.J. Terry in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Over the years the business gained much success and…
This is a photograph of the H.L. Spencer and Company basement stockroom that was taken in the 1890's. Harry Lindley (H.L.) Spencer started a grocery business in 1867 with F.J. Terry in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Over the years the business gained much…
Pictured here is the Westside of the Oskaloosa town square as it appeared in the late 1800's. The Westside of the square was located on South Market Street. The city park was located just across the street, which is where many of the town's…
Pictured here are a couple of strollers making their way through the Oskaloosa town square, also known as the city park. For many, the sidewalks cut through the city park served as a shortcut to get home or to another business located diagonally…
Pictured here is the Westside of the Oskaloosa town square as it appeared in the late 1800's. The Westside of the square was located on South Market Street. The city park was located just across the street, which is where many of the town's…
When citizens of Oskaloosa think of music, the name C.L. Barnhouse comes to mind often. Barnhouse came to Iowa from West Virginia as a young adult in search of a successful music career. In 1890, he made Oskaloosa, Iowa his residence and formed the…
