A NEW CENTURY

It should be noted that life was no less difficult for the families that lived in the town of Steamboat. The woman’s work was just as grueling, and most tasks done by the men in town were difficult as well. Even the merchant spent hot and cold days hauling merchandise, doing deliveries, and checking his stock. 

As they had for many years, families in town often had livestock just as the farmers did. In the 50’s that there were still many homes that had a barn on the property, and a few still had a cow that they milked daily and a great many raised a few chickens for eggs and an occasional chicken dinner. Slowly as the older citizens passed on the practice was discontinued, and today only one or two of the old barns still remain within the city limits. 

Many of the old ways were still around at the turn of the century. Times were changing, but the biggest changes were still around the corner. 

By the time the second decade of the new century began, Steamboat Rock was still a thriving and as up to date as any small Iowa community. 

When the second Decade of the new century rolled around change was really beginning to take place. In 1911 the township officers were, Justices of the peace, W.F. Ashen, G. L. Fiske; Constables, W.C. Cable, H.H. Eilers; clerk, R.S. Wardwell; trustees, H. A. Gellhorn, John Eilers, Harry Grieves; J. M. Higginbotham. Mill Hill