outlets reported 753 of the 1203 prescriptions issued. This caused him to comments "Ossian must he a very sickly town."

Rufus Ferris of Calmar and Larkin Green of Monona have purchased the brick building on Mechanic street, recently occupied by G. W. Williams and known as the "egg-house." They will build an addition of 30 feet, remodel and fit it for a hotel.

This building (present Staska apartments) became the Commercial Hotel. It was run by Larkin Green for several years. It evidently served an excellent meal as an item later in the year states that Larkin Green reports serving 22 breakfasts in addition to the wants of his regular boarders.

A dance was held at Hampson's Hall for the benefit of the Ossian gun club. We have come to believe that Hampson's Hall was the second story of his store on Lydia street (present Wm. Murphy residence). This building was purchased by P. Bullard and referred to as "Bullard Hall" about 1908. We have been told that Hampson's Hall was on the site of the present Bob Drew residence. Cabinetmaker Hampson did own this property at an early date.

The new Williams creamery is nearing completion. They expect to be back in business by July 2nd. The Williams creamery adjacent to the "egghouse" was destroyed by fire. This new building seems to have been south of town at the site of the county park. Later it was to become the Silver Springs Creamery.

Principal J. G. Murphy was accused of assault by one of his charges, Lizzie Ryan. A hearing was conducted by county school superintendent Shea. The accusation was determined to be false and Mr. Murphy continued as Ossian's public school principal. He was, in fact, presented with a gold watch chain by his students as evidence of their confidence in his moral integrity.

Mr. G. W. Oxley penned a letter to the Republican reporting that he, along with Walter Rathbun, James Daniels, Wm. Loomis and two other young men, have just returned from the exposition at New Orleans. Contrary to previous reports, they found accomodations to be quite reasonable. They had a comfortable room for only 500 each, with meals at 250 and lunch 10 to 200. They paid Decorah prices for shaves, haircuts, beer and whiskey—the latter termed an excellent article.

The shipments from the Ossian station for the month of June were as follows: Milwaukee Road—40 carloads of wheat; 15 of oats; 2 of barley; 5 of hogs; and one car of horses. C. R. & Northern—7 cars of hogs; 3 of wheat; and 7 of oats. This totals 80 carloads—not bad for "dull times".

Editor Henry Woodruff announced that M. J. Carter has purchased a half interest in the Ossian Bee. The mast-head now reads: "Carter & Woodruff".

1886

The following account was written by a Republican reporter on his visit to Ossian in January of 1886:

"Two firms contribute to the welfare of the community in the drug line. C. J. Mills, the leading druggist, has a fine store well stocked with all of the standard goods that pertain to the trade. He also carries a good line of toys, books, etc. The post office is located with him, he being the practical PM like his father, P. H.,he is one of the offensive sort, according to the new dispensation.

He enjoys the confidence of the community and has a good trade.

C. H. Blanchaine has a drug store well stocked with goods. The outside of the building is of handsome appearance and very attractive. Mr. B. is a competent druggist and he too has a good trade. He would be satisfied if he could add to his name the title of PM; and if Mr. James Malloy had not stepped down in the political pool first, after the waters were troubled, his wish would probably have been satisfied ere this.

Five firms are interested in the dry goods trade, and general merchandise. Anderson & Gunderson Bros., successors to Baker Bros., have a large store well filled with goods. Their prominent location, together with the reputation of the predecessors, give them a good trade. They are young and energetic.