The north half of the east side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1868. Notice how roads were not yet paved and wouldn't become paved for almost another 30 years.
Pictured here is the way in which North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa, Iowa appeared around 1910. Today, North 3rd Street houses the Oskaloosa YMCA, Oskaloosa Junior High, and Oskaloosa High School. Though these institutions exist along this road, it has…
One of the advantages to building a farm around a thick of timberland is the wild game that is found within it. The Nelson family kept the wooded area by their log cabin and eventual brick home for this purpose. Pictured here is the thicket of…
This is a photograph of Nancy Lacey Smith, sister of Congressman John F. Lacey from the 6th Iowa District in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1890 and 1906.
This is a portrait of Nan-Che Ninga, principle advisor to Chief Mahaska (White Cloud) from the Ioway Native-American Nation. He lived from 1797 until 1862. He was a very important figure among the Ioway people, influencing Chief Mahaska's decisions…
This is a photograph of Mrs. John Mills Lacey, mother of Congressman John F. Lacey from the 6th Iowa District in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1890 and 1906. Congressman Lacey's mother had three children, John F., William (who worked…
It was not uncommon to see vendors, residents, and visitors mingle with each other on the streets of downtown Oskaloosa, Iowa in the early 20th Century. It was a great way to promote a business, make a friend, or just be courteous. In this…
Judge M.T. Williams can be credited for helping determine the official town name and Mahaska County seat of Oskaloosa in 1844. Moving from his native home state of Ohio, Williams came to Iowa in 1843 and set up a law practice located in Mt.…
