THE REPUBLICAN

August 26, 1892

 

WAUPACA WEALTH

Looking Backward and a Glance Forward.  The city grows steadily.

 

            The City Clerk made his annual statement to the County Clerk this week.  The following table shows the assessed wealth of the city, which is $588,544, an increase of $7,358, over last year.

                        Horses all ages              270                   $ 11,390

                        Meat Cattle all ages                   73                           672

                        Mules and Asses all ages              6                          185

                        Sheep and lambs                         71                          106

                        Swine                                         10                            26

                        Wagons, carriages, sleighs         234                       5,125

                        Gold and silver watches   58                          795

                        Pianos and melodeons                  62                       2,735

                        Bk Stock no. and val shares  1000                        50,000

                        val Merch’s and mfr’s stock                                62,700

                        “ of other personal property                                  25,690

                        Total value of “        “                                        159,421

                        No. A. of land value thereof  1800                        33,000

                        Ag. value city and Vig. lots                                396,120

 

                        Total “ Real and Personal                                  588,544

 

            No better evidence of the growth of a town is needed than a comparison of the valuation of real and personal property from time to time.  In 1882 the valuation of Waupaca’s assessed wealth was $471,850.  Within ten years, the new homes and industries built has swelled it to $588,544 an increase of $113,694.  Then the bonded indebtedness of the city was about $25,000 or $30,000 and interest $4,000.  Now our bonded indebtedness has decreased to about $15.000.  We have some public improvements and other things to show up substantially.  The city has put $7,000 in that wonderfully attractive spot the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home. All approaches to the city have been made good, the streets put in better shape than the average towns; Main street has been Macadamized; a fine stone bridge has been built and an iron bridge is contracted for.  A system of water works would round out the record of the ten years and ought to be constructed before 1893 is passed.  Within the ten years private capital has built an electric light light plant, starch factory, creamery, roller mills, enlarged or rebuilt wagon works, planing mills, woolen mills, novelty works, foundry, saw mill machine shops, feed mills and bottling works.  Three or four spur tracks have been built to accommodate a dozen warehouses for potato and produce shipments.  Many other minor industries have been strengthened and others are in process of erection.  The nursery, fruit and garden industry has taken a new impetus and where thousands of dollars were once paid out for berries, fruits and vegetables the markets are provided mostly from the home gardens  and much finds shipment abroad.  The removal of the telegraph and express office up town and its largely increased business also points to the growth and prosperity of Waupaca.  The telephone has been put in here and from one instrument five years ago now quite an exchange is established.  New and substantial brick business blocks have been erected, also new and modern residences that will compare favorably with any city of twice the size of Waupaca.  There has also been a wonderful advance in the schools, churches, and societies.  The Odd Fellows having organized another lodge and built a large block with a hall of their own.  The Knights of Pythias have added largely to their ranks and are about to organize a uniform (military) branch to their lodge.  The two National banks established solidly here are prime factors in the business prosperity of Waupaca.

            There is no reason for any one losing faith in this town.  See what is already under way, and let all push for the future welfare.  Another railroad is among the hoped for possibilities.  Also the reopening and working of the famous granite works.  The next ten years will see it, also a system of water works, a new city hall, and possibly an electric or other railway line from the central depot to the Soldier’s Home and Lake Park.  A big summer resort hotel or two and hundreds of cottages dotting the shores of the beautiful Chain will demand it.  Also a fine system of highways to that charming spot.