Our Yesterdays

From the Jan. 4, 1968 The Richland Clarion

Richland Progress Report Featured

By Mrs. Lulu Pfeifer

Richland’s most newsworthy progress in 1966, is perhaps the attracting of a substantial number of new families, employed persons, and retired couples. A full-time marshal is employed the year around. Streets were resurfaced at no cost to property owners, 32 ‘Yield’ signs and two new ‘Stop’ signs have been installed for our safety and protection. Increased water supply at the town pump from 59 to 75 gallon per minute was necessary to supply the growing population and the industrial needs. One new street, with prospect of another, was created. Improvements at the Elementary Center include new storm windows, drainage, some painting in classrooms, and blacktopping of the playground.

Twenty-nine new trees were planted in Central Park by Hackert’s Tree Planting and Sodding Service to replace those removed, plus supplementary ornamental and shade trees, including silver maple and pin oak; sycamore; locust; hackberry; and others. Some purchased and given for memorials will add beauty and resources for citywide family and community relaxation events of all types.

Prospects for a sewer system, for property owners, are in the survey stage.

An active Commercial Club, working in cooperation with merchants and the Lions Club, provide a yearlong program for all ages, beginning with Easter, cash prizes, egg contests and free movies; then in July, the annual fireworks provided by Ben Young Farm Market, at July 4 activities in connection with the Lions Bar-B-Que and free entertainment’the merchants and Little League ballgames; in August the annual Appreciation Day events; the turkeys given free at Thanksgiving time; the valuable prizes given by merchants at Christmas; the holiday treats for children, there is something for everyone in this town throughout the year.

The town library, maintained at a minimal tax, provides excellent reading opportunities for all ages. This year, the library’s most outstanding achievement has been their joining the Prairie Dewey System, or revitalizing all books; with headquarters in Ottumwa. They also regularly use the State Traveling Library Books. About 150 new permanent volumes have been added this year. The library, maintained by an efficient Woman’s Club and other volunteers, is a popular place, two days and ten hours weekly.

Richland town and Richland Township provide fire protection with two carefully kept well-equipped trucks for fire protection and safety measures, in town and country. Parking facilities have been greatly improved and increased by the grading and rocking of parking area by Dr. Wolf’s building, and by the Lions Club Community Building.

While many towns have discontinued ambulance service, Richland’s has increased and otherwise improved. Maurice Gould has a modern new funeral coach and to his continuing regular ambulance service, is adding a converted coach with a two-patient, oxygen equipped service to his equipment. This, in emergency, makes possible a 3-patient service, with two drivers, if needed in extreme cases.

A fine new Community Building on the southeast corner of the square, first purchased by the Lions Club, and later contributed to, by a Community Auction, makes available a first-floor recreation center. The place now has a new brick front with glass, new front and rear doors. Inside, extensive renewing and remodeling includes new furnace, lowered ceilings, paneled walls, raised platform, new restrooms, complete kitchen and dining facilities, chairs, and tables. It's available to responsible persons for a nominal fee, or almost any type meeting such as reunions, picnics, club meetings, or holiday activities.

Downey’s Motel added three units in the summer of 1966 bringing the total structure to an eight unit, modern motel with dining available at the nearby cafe.

The high productivity of surrounding farms, some exchanging owners, at upward of $500.00 an acre, known for good yields of high quality have contributed to our booming grain business. Hoskins Farm Supply and the Fritchen Farm Store found expansion necessary with greater storage and drying equipment needed, plus more employees. Ben Young's Farm Market added a new diesel tractor for semi-trailer truck; a 3,000 bushel an hour grain dryer, and the hiring of new helpers. Hoskins has also a 50,000 bushel grain storage'continuous flow grain dryer and a two bucket elevator.

Sinclair Petrochemical Inc. has a new office, a new dry fertilizer and chemical equipment, new scales and storage.

Industrial and Home needs have caused increased capacity to be added to the electrical system. There also has been remodeling of local telephone lines.

There are no vacant houses in Richland! There are very few apartments or rooms for rent. Because new and better housing is paramount, ten new homes have been built here in 1967 and others are in the planning stage. They have created an increased demand in lumber, hardware, plumbing, and other construction needs. Skilled craftsmen are in short supply, causing some importation of workmen from other sources.

Richland Development Corporation is constantly in the construction business. As soon as one new house is completed and sold, another one is planned. New officers are elected annually. Completed new homes include those of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bray, retired farmers; Pekin coach and instructor Bill Anderson and wife and family; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Coffman; Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Greiner; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Weber, farmers. Currently under construction is the home of Dr. and Mrs. T.R. Wolf; the home of Marshal and Mrs. Bill Muenzenmeyer; and a new three bedroom Friends parsonage. Two lots sold recently, with the buyers planning to build new homes here in the near future.

The Kermit Hinshaws 96’ x 45’ new horse barn at the southwest edge of town is being completed. A new ½ mile, all weather race horse training track has been completed and is in daily use.

Four modern, neat and attractive churches support wholly or partially three residential pastors, and the fourth with residence elsewhere. The churches are active throughout the year; welcome all faiths and their congregations cooperate whole heartedly in World Council of Church Women, UNICEF, and other community enterprises and their own various or interfaith programs, such as Vacation Bible Church Schools, Youth and Family Camps, pastor's and laypeople retreats, local ministerial and county associations and the Pekin Community Church Fellowship. Some summers Union Open-Air Church services, on Sunday nights, are held with group singing in the town park.

Nor is the social life neglected here. Various clubs and organizations and lodges meet regularly. Everyone will find something to like in Richland. Located at the junction of Highways 77 and 78, as the lighted sign there reads: “A working town, With people few, Our town is old, Our plans are new”