This is an image depicting the members of the Iowa Brigade Band in 1896. The band was led by the legendary bandmaster and composer C.L. Barnhouse, who is pictured in the center of this display. The band was very popular among the people of…
Shortly after the main street in downtown Oskaloosa was paved, this is what North and South Market Street looked like in 1896. It was shortly after this picture was taken, that paving began on the roads that intersected with Market Street (i.e. High…
This picture shows the hard work that went on in machine shops during the late 19th Century. This image was taken inside Seever's Mfg. Co. of men inside a machine shop. Seever's Mfg. Co. specialized in creating iron bridges, water heaters, and…
This is a photograph taken of bar association members practicing law in Mahaska County between the years 1890-97. Note Congressman John F. Lacey in the middle of the front row.
Looking west and northwest from the 100 block of High Avenue East in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1895. Note the old department stores in the area. If the person taking this picture was looking southwest, then he/she would be staring at the town square.
This is a view of the 200 block of North Market Street in 1887. Not many business or stores would be found on this block in Oskaloosa in the 19th Century and has continued to stay that way. By and large, the 200 block of North Market Street serves…
This snapshot captures the scene on High Avenue West in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1894. For the first time, this major street in Oskaloosa would be paved, and people were excited about it, as can be seen by commoners in the background of the photograph. …
This is a picture of what High Avenue West looked like in the late 1880's. If the same person was taking this photograph today, he/she would be standing on top of Penn Central Mall to do it. When looking at this photo, High Avenue West and High…
This is a photograph of the Lacey Building, taken in 1885. It was named after its owner, Congressman John F. Lacey, a prominent attorney, legislator, and Civil War veteran. The building was at 105 High Avenue West and housed Willard and Weeks…
John F. Lacey was a successful soldier, attorney, and businessman in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Pictured here is one of his many successful business ventures, the Lacey Hotel, dating to circa 1898.