Pioneer History by Richard C. Schmal
This Is Only A (History) Test
(from the July 26, 2005, Lowell Tribune, page 4)- Through the years the history of the Lowell area has been featured in many early volumes and newspapers, the Centennial Book, the 1976 History of Lowell, the Lowell Sesquicentennial Book, 'By Gone Years' and 'Pioneer History' in the Lowell Tribune and other Pilcher Publishing papers. If readers have paid attention and remembered some of that interesting history about our community, they should have a fair grade while taking the following test that might include some 'tricky' questions. The correct answers will appear on another page of this publication, and we are assuming there will be no cheating. --
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This building stands in Lowell's Old Downtown District. Photo circa early 1900's. Question: -- What business is in the same building (remodeled) at the present time? |
No. 1 -- When the village of Creston was founded when the Monon Railroad was built in the early 1880's, there was a pioneer community a short ride to the east. What was the name of that community?
No. 2 -- During what year did the town of Lowell celebrate its Centennial? (a) 1812; (b) 1941; (c) 1952; (d) 1976.
No. 3 -- In the early 1900's an ornate horse tank stood in front of a business building in Lowell's Downtown District; name the present business where it once stood: (a) Hawkeyes Restaurant; (b) Nelly Jayne's Café; (c) Leep Plumbing (old Palo Theatre); (d) Dr. Bacon Mansion.
No. 4 -- Melvin Halsted's first grist mill was on the present site of which of the following; (a) Tish's Antiques; (b) Midtown Hardware; (c) Leep Plumbing (old Palo Theatre); (d) Dr. Bacon Mansion.
No. 5 -- Before our present two water towers were constructed, where was Lowell's water supply stored?
No. 6 -- When did several blocks of frame business houses burn in Downtown Lowell? (a) 1878; (b) 1898; (c) 1852; (d) 1976.
No. 7 -- Commercial Ave. was a dirt road, then stone, then tar. When was it paved with concrete? (a) 1910; (b) 1934; (c) 1928; (d) 1918.
No. 8 -- On what corner was the 1870 Lowell Methodist Church built? (a) Northwest corner of Main and Mills Streets; (b) Northwest corner of Main and Burnham Streets; (c) Southeast corner of Clark and Jefferson Streets.
No. 9 -- What was the name of the pioneers whose cabin was at the site of our present Post Office? (a) Halsted; (b) Clark; (c) Nichols; (d) Driscoll; (e) Thorn.
No. 10 -- Where is the site of the 1850 Melvin Halsted House (Museum)? corner of (a) Mill and Commercial; (b) Washington and Halsted Streets; (c) Main and Halsted Streets; (d) Fremont and Commercial.
No. 11 -- When was the Lowell Tribune newspaper founded? (a) 1952; (b) 1885; (c) 1898; (d) 1834.
No. 12 -- During what year was the original frame Lowell Depot demolished during a train wreck? (a) 1905; (b) 1918; (c) 1892; (d) 1852; (e) 1976.
No. 13 -- When the Old Timer was a youngster in the 1920's where did the children go for a swim? (a) public pool on the Square; (b) Old school on Main Street; (c) North and South Swimming Holes; (d) Legion Hall.
No. 14 -- In its earlier days Lake DaleCarlia was often called by another name. Pick one -- (a) Lake Ida; (b) Wonder Lake; (c) Evergreen Lake; (d) Lake Pine; (e) Foley Mill Pond.
No. 15 -- Where was the little clubhouse for the Castlebrook Golf Course? -- Near (a) Legion Hall; (b) South on Joe Martin Road; (c) Evergreen Park; (d) Veterans of Foreign Wars; (e) Oakland Park.
No. 16 -- Lowell's present town hall was formerly the (a) YMCA; (b) Grange Hall; (c) Lowell Library; (d) Colfax Lodge; (e) Flea Market.
No. 17 -- The west part of the Post 101 American Legion building was an earlier site of a local business. Was it a (a) bakery; (b) creamery; (c) engine shop; (d) grist mill; (e) brush factory?
No. 18 -- Which of the following early settlers is officially recognized as the founder of Lowell? (a) Dr. E.R. Bacon; (b) Horatio Nichols; (c) Melvin A. Halsted; (d) Jonah Thorn; (e) Jabez Clark.
No. 19 -- Was there an earlier brick schoolhouse on the present site of the 1896 school building now sitting idle on Main Street? Check one: Yes ___ No ___.
No. 20 -- The tall Soldier's Monument in Lowell's Olde Town Square Park was dedicated in the 1900's. What year was it? (a) 1919; (b) 1905; (c) 1922; (d) 1909.
Give yourself one point for every correct answer and one extra point if you have answered the photo question correctly.
If you have a total of 15 or more correct answers you might be a very interested newcomer, someone with a great memory; a very good guesser, or an Old Timer.
Click here for the answers.
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