OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska Chamber & Development Group is celebrating 100 years of being a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—August 30, 1924 to August 30, 2024. There will be an open house on Friday, August 30, from 8 am to 2 pm at the Mahaska Chamber office located at 222 1st Ave. East, Oskaloosa, 2nd floor. Come when you can, leave when you must, enjoy refreshments and share memories. The Diplomats will host a celebratory ribbon cutting photo at 8 am.
The local Chamber of Commerce was first organized as the Oskaloosa Board of Trade on July 7, 1882, a mere 142 years ago. The name was changed to the Commercial Club on April 4, 1911, and finally became a Chamber of Commerce on January 1, 1920. Then on August 30, 1924, the “Mahaska County Chamber of Commerce” officially became an organization member of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America and we continue to be a member today.
Looking through the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meetings from 1924 you’ll see that many of the same projects and developments are still viable today.
Jan. 9, 1924 “…Discussion of the industrial situation followed and it was agreed that this organization should devote all of its time, if necessary, to securing additional factories…”
Industrial development was a priority. It was agreed that before the campaign to recruit new factories was launched, existing Oskaloosa factories should be interviewed to see if they could be aided in any way. As we celebrated the completion of the Oskaloosa Innovation Park certified site in 2023, we continue to partner with site selectors for industrial growth. We also complete annual business retention and expansion visits with our existing industries, which includes over $200 million in expansions for our local industries from 2023 to 2026.
Jan. 9, 1924 “…Be it resolved that the Chamber of Commerce notes with approval the action of the Board of Supervisors in starting a gravelling project and hopes that it is only the beginning of a larger movement looking toward the surfacing of the roads…”
In 1924, area farmers would drag the roads in their areas so that automobiles and farm equipment could get around. With the new Iowa gasoline tax now in force, chamber committee members, local farmers and the Iowa Good Roads Association worked to make sure Mahaska County roads would be the best possible.
April 2, 1942 – The Chamber’s Annual Meeting: The speaker was Dr. C.W. Wassam of S.U.I., and he spoke on the topic, “Oskaloosa’s Problem in 1924.” “… Dr. Wassam stated that Oskaloosa’s greatest problem was that of selling Oskaloosa to those who lived in the city…”
Even today amongst many of our committees we continue to discuss how to best ‘tell our story’ and promote our community. One publication that is completed today is the Mahaska County visitors guide which showcases many hidden gems and attractions across the county.
May 21, 1924 “…Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Mahaska County Chamber of Commerce do protest this action as being entirely against the best interests of our city as a whole, and do hereby request that the City Council rescind the above mentioned action…”
The Chamber strongly opposed the City Council’s decision to conduct a test to see if motor buses could be used for transportation in lieu of the present street cars! (A year later, the Chamber would drop its opposition.) As June rolled around, other serious questions arose. Should the Express Office close on holidays? Can head lettuce be grown in Iowa to diversify our agriculture? On September 24, 1924, Mr. Calvin B. Brown of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce came to Oskaloosa with the following recommendations for the Board which included suggestions on finances, cooperation with farmers, and industrial expansion.
Oct. 22, 1924 “…Mr. Alsop expressed appreciation of the merchants for the gravel project approved by the City Council for the Beacon road…”
This first-of-its-kind cooperation between farmers, the City and County and the Chamber almost didn’t come to fruition. A gravel road was built from the Eveland Bridge through Beacon and all the way into town where it connected with the paved portion of South D Street. The City, County and farmers had all graveled their portion of the project, but Beacon could not come up with enough money for their portion. The Chamber board stepped in and voted to provide the money needed to complete the new road before winter.
The community in 1924 was just as dedicated to building a better Mahaska County as they are today. They were involved in industrial development, retail trade, transportation, agriculture, education, tourism and legislative relations. They worked to improve rural and urban relationships and worked to provide jobs for our young people.
There are similarities between the developments of 1924 and today, but that doesn’t mean that progress hasn’t been made. Improving and growing Mahaska County is an ongoing process.
As our ancestors worked together to finish the gravel road through Beacon into Oskaloosa, the Mahaska Chamber has continued in the same manner for the last 100 years. There was and is a willingness by many to do what needs to be done. “Community growth thrives when people come together, supporting and uplifting one another, creating a stronger, more connected environment for everyone.” Deann DeGroot, Executive Director stated. “Thank you to our incredible staff, Board of Directors, wonderful membership, committee chairs and volunteers for your time and efforts within the Mahaska community. We hope you will join us in celebrating on Friday, August 30, 2024.”