PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS

T. J. Mackey installed the first telephone system about 1881 or 1882. It was later moved to the Kraus House and operated by Kate Kraus in 1886. The first Bell system was added in 1900. This company was abandoned in 1902. In the same year, F. J. Hensley opened a telephone exchange which he operated for many years. It eventually passed through several ownerships: A. E. Clark, Evey, and eventually to the present owners, The United Telephone Co. of Kansas.

The POMONA ENTERPRISE was the first newspaper. It was started on June 5, 1884. It was edited by Searing, then T. L. Newcomb, and in 1887 was taken over by Asher Bell. He conducted it until 1902 when it was sold to A. W. Logan of Quenemo. The press and equipment were moved to Quenemo.

The POMONA REPUBLICAN was started on October 31, 1889 by H. B. Hoyt and discontinued in 1890. This was started again in 1897 by A. S. Benton. The paper was taken over in 1899 by George R. O'Brien who published it until 1929 when it was sold to Rev. L. A. Dobbs and moved to Williamsburg, Kansas.

Rev. L. Ricksecker was the first postmaster. The first postoffice was first established in his store in 1870. Dr. or Mrs. J. W. Mackey was the second postmaster when the office was moved to Mackey's drug store in 1872. This was located on the south side of Franklin Street and east of Main where the Cearfoss Cafe now stands. The post office was changed to a third-class office on January 1, 1910. The following is a list of the postmasters and the number of years they served: J. W. Flora 4, B. Glenn 4, C. H. Chrisman 4, Benton 2, Ankeny 17, John Parkinson 8, Belford Likes 12, and E. J. Neely from 1935-1960. At the present time, we have an acting postmaster.

Electrical lights were installed in 1914 and water added in 1938. The beautiful City Park at the west edge of town and south of Franklin Street was started in 1920. At that time, J. A. Little and William Rush set out trees which now provide good shade for the three acres.

It has been said that Abel Hensley owned the first automobile about 1910. However, a picture of a parade held in 1909 shows cars so cars must have been owned before 1910. He sold this car to S. Paul. Dr. Starkweather had a horseless carriage about the same time.

The first fire apparatus was purchased in June 1920 for $790. It consisted of a 45 gallon double tank portable chemical system. A fire alarm whistle was added at the telephone office November 8, 1938. The fire equipment was replaced in 1952 with an American Marsh Portable Pumping Unit. This with an additional 150 feet of hose and other appliances cost $600. The building for the City Hall and Fire Station were purchased in August 1951 from Juan Martinez for about $1,000. They borrowed $500 from W. J. Hopkins for it.