Beginning around 1850, the invention and widespread use of machines powered by draft horses, changed the way farmers did their work. Later steam, gasoline, and electric engines helped farmers do their work even better. Because of improved equipment, farmers were able to cultivate larger and larger fields and to complete in a day or two, work that had once taken them weeks. Such advances in agriculture were possible because of new machinery. Because of the demand for new machinery to make farm work easier and more efficient, more and more factories were built to produce the machines. Between 1870 and 1920 factories like the Waterloo Gas Engine Company that produced the Waterloo Boy tractor grew rapidly to meet the demand for new farm equipment. At the same time, factories like Rath Packing Company appeared in order to process the agricultural products. Learn about some of the early businesses that played a key role in the partnership between the city and the farm.
Source: John C. Hartman's History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume 2, published in 1915
George P. Beck started the first sash and door factory in Black Hawk County, located on what was then the site of The Nauman Company
Source: "History of Black Hawk County and Representative Citizens" by Isaiah Van Metre, 1904.
From: Explorations in Iowa History Project, University of Northern Iowa.
Source: John C. Hartman's History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II, 1915.
From: Explorations in Iowa History Project, University of Northern Iowa.
The WFC&N created a subsidiary company to build Electric Park. This amusement park provided much needed entertainment to the many factory workers and their families. You could ride the popular roller coaster, roll around in Barrel of Fun, or dance the night away. The WFC&N streetcars took you right to the park making transportation to the park easy.
The trolleys that ran to Cedar Rapids had open observation platforms, individual seats, and served meals! Those who used this service remember the plush cars and the speed at which it traveled (90 mph). As more and more families purchased their own vehicles, the company began losing money and made its last run to Cedar Falls in 1958.
Source: John C. Hartman's History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II, 1915.
Source: The Waterloo Daily Courier, August 5, 1922.
Source: John C. Hartman's History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II, 1915.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, June 27, 1922
In 1903, William A. Welty was a blank book salesman and auditor for the firm of Matt Parrott & Sons. He also sold fountain pens for the company.
Source: John C. Hartman's History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II, 1915.
In 1902, W.W. Marsh started the Iowa Dairy Separator Company.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, August 16, 1922.
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