STREET PAVING PROJECT OF 1895
For all too long it would seem, the citizens and visitors that
traverse through our city have had to dodge construction barricades,
holes, workers and other vehicles. I'm sure everyone involved with
our major street and road improvements will be delighted when the
work is finally completed. There can be little doubt that this will
help to alleviate some hazards and improve the flow of traffic within
our community. And although irritating and confusing at times, it
probably doesn't measure up to what occurred in 1895.
For the people of Dixon, the summer of 1895 was a warm one, in
more respects than one. And it seemed that even as the temperatures
mounted, so did the tempers over the hotly-contested issue of paving
Galena Avenue and First Street with bricks.
But the issue did come to a conclusion however, during a mid-June
city council meeting. It was then that Alderman Rosbrook, Neighbour
and Parsons, who constituted a committee appointed to estimate the
cost of the street paving, reported that the entire cost would be
$8,000. During the vote of the council, there was not a single
dissenting vote, but in the informal meetings which followed the
official adjournment, there was some heated discussion on the
subject.
Such vigorous expressions were used as: "This is the most
scoundrelly piece of business ever transacted by the city council of
Dixon." Other comments included some unprintable words, and the
statements that, "The streets are good enough for years to come" and
"There is rascality somewhere," along with "Talk about boodle
aldermen in Chicago, we have them here too."
The Telegraph took a special poll of opinions on the matter by
calling on various business men. Among some of the comments were:
"It's an outrage, no one was consulted or notified regarding the
matter." Later, on August 14th, the issue was brought to the
attention of the Telegraph readers with additional quotes from the
citizens: "Don't want any change in our streets; if we pave Galena
Avenue we will be obliged to sharp-shoe our horses every other day,"
and "I believe it will be impossible to draw heavy loads up Galena if
paved."
Some citizens advocated wooden blocks, while others were
satisfied if only the chuck holes were filled. In essence, the
business community at least was happy with the current condition of
the streets and saw no great inconvenience from the heavy rains which
caused loaded wagons to occasionally become bogged down in mud.
Mayor Charles H. Hughes "got into the act," with a long and
detailed explanation of the action which was published in the
Telegraph on August 20th. The mayor, determined on the subject
stated: "We hope to get the work done while it is a comparatively
quiet business time and before the usual activity incident to fall
trade begins."
While some reservations were felt by Mayor Hughes as to whether
or not his decision was absolutely correct, he sought out advice from
the city engineer of Burlington, Iowa. Later in the month, the mayor
received a letter which followed his inquiry. The city engineer of
Burlington, Iowa, advised that brick pavement was durable and that,
"You make no mistake in going ahead."
After learning of the mayor's letter confirming the project, one
alderman was quick to point out: "There will always be resentment to
change, perhaps that is instituted in us humans, but in the long run,
the community and all of its citizens will benefit from the
improvements."
Thus, nearly 100 years ago, Dixon had its first paved street.
Looking around our community lately, I would say we have come a long
way since that first paving brick was laid.
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