BUSINESS SUMMARY.
IN THE limited space of this book, only a hasty resume can be given of the business enterprises of the town of Audubon. A number of those mentioned have been in business since the town was located, and have been active in behalf of the town's welfare. Those who have come later have improved every opportunity afforded to contribute to public interests and enterprises. Be it said to the credit of the whole that not in the entire state is there an association of business men who exercise greater diligence in behalf of their foster corporation than those who form the business circle of Audubon. For the development of the town, its fine public buildings, its ever active spirit of enterprise and progress, these gentlemen deserve full credit. Their present interest and solicitude for the future of the town and county are represented in this pamphlet.
BANKS.
There are three banking establishments, with a combined capital and surplus of about $200,000. The Audubon County Bank was established in 1879, and has erected one of the most substantial business blocks in the ciy. Chas. VanGorder is cashier. The Citizens Bank was established in 1884. Theo. F. Morrow, president; E. J. Freeman, cashier.
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The Commercial Bank was established in January of the present year, with Wm. Leet as president and W. H. Negley as cashier. They all do a general banking business, including exchange with all foreign countries. All of the gentlement thus engaged are enterprising men, who have ever been foremost in public affairs, ready to contribute from their time and capital to public enterprises. The institutions over which they preside are all in a flourishing condition, and have been potent factors in the rapid development of the country.
RESIDENCE OF HON. J. A. OVERHOLTZER, VIOLA TOWNSHIP.
DRY GOODS.
Three of the largest dry goods houses in Western Iowa are located here. Mr. B. F. Howald, a man of great public spirit, was among the first to locate here in the winter of 1878, having purchased ground on the day of the first sale of lots, and erected a building thereon. He has met with marked and well deserved success as a reward for his business ability and experience, having built up a trade that extends to adjoining counties. He has since made extensive additions to his store room, which is now 25x140 feet. Russell & Son established a business one year later, and have also a good building in which to transact business. "They, too, have built up a very large trade, which, as discretionary business men of good judgment, they well deserve. Their building is two stories high, 25x110. A portion of the second story is occupied by stock, the lower having long since been inadequate to its purpose. They are at present cramped for space, and contemplate the erection of a large and spacious superstructure at an early day. The firm of W. H. Jennings & Co. has located the present year and are successors to R. Lenox & Co. They are building up a good trade, and are accounted among the permanent business houses of the town. The three have a combined stock of $55,000,00 [?? $55,000.00], and have an annual trade of about $200,000.00.
RESIDENCE OF HON. F. S. WATTS, AUDUBON.
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Transcribed September, 2024 by Cheryl Siebrass from History of Audubon and Audubon County, Iowa, The Eden of the West, 1887, pp. 37-38.
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