Garfield Elementary School was the last of the elementary schools built to serve a specific ward in Oskaloosa until a major elementary building was opened in 2006. All other elementary schools that serviced independent wards were continually…
James Nelson was the youngest son of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. James endured many of the same hardships as his father when first coming to Iowa, helping his father with chores associated with…
In 1869, Jefferson School was erected to serve the children residing in the Second Ward of Oskaloosa. This is a photograph taken of the school in 1896, at which time the building administator was Milo Hunt. Teachers on staff included: Floy…
John Nelson was the second oldest son of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. John endured many of the same hardships as his father when first coming to Iowa, helping his father with chores associated…
Margaret Nelson could be summarized as the epitome of a pioneer mother and spouse. Moving with her husband, Daniel Nelson, in the late 1840's to Mahaska County, Iowa, Margaret had to endure a great deal once arriving. Facing the elements, wild…
Martha Jane Nelson was the only daughter of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. Martha Jane endured many of the same hardships as her mother and father when first coming to Iowa in 1844, helping with…
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…
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.
The north half of the east side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1942. By this point, roads had been paved and the Mahaska County courthouse had taken the place of the once established grocery and clothing stores.
The north side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1868. The park stood on the inside of the white fence line, but it was not for some time that the bandstand/gazebo was in existence.
