Tom & Richard Smith

SMITH

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 10/27/2011 at 09:41:33

Tom and Richard Smith, Oelwein pioneers and real estate
operators since 1892 w«re among those who helped
promote the establishment of the Chicago Great Western
shops here. They recall investing $1000 apiece, for example
in the project in connection with the sale of lots when
Oelwein was being "boomed". They have built 75 homes in
Oelwein.. Richard Smith, who was mayor in 1923 when
Oelwein observed its fiftieth anniversary, recalls the
there were thousands of people here then and that about
$7000 was raised for the one day event. $435 was left after
all bills were paid, which was later turned over to the
hospital. The Smith Bros, team hauled away the first load
of dirt out of the northeast corner of the shops location.

Oelwein Daily Register - 25 July 1946