U.S. Bond, along with D.R. (Doc) Robinson built the three front business buildings on the north side of the square. Completion was in July 1902. The Bond building measured 18.5 feet by 40 feet. The first floor was occupied by Mr. Bond’s jewelry store, with offices on the second floor. The building was later remodeled and redecorated with a marble front, tile flooring and new display cases.
D.R. Robinson’s building came next. It was a brick two-story building measuring 30 feet by 100 feet. Today, it houses Clark’s Furniture. The first floor had two rooms, one which contained his photograph gallery. His business included the latest styles of pianos, organs, musical instruments, talking machines and record and sewing machines. His living quarters were above the stove. The other room was occupied by W.A. Robinson, machinist. He repaired bicycles, automobiles, gasoline engines, steam engines, telephones and gramophones. Office rooms were on the second floor.
Osceola’s growth was slow but sure, and the improvements made from time to time by its enterprising citizens were of the substantial kind. An unusual amount of building was going on and general improvements were made in spite of the unfavorable season.
The city council met in a special session in June 1902 for the purpose of canvassing bids for the construction of a sewer from Washington Street to Jefferson Street on Main Street, connecting with all other sewer lines. Bids were filed with the city clerk and opened and read by the mayor. Each bid was accompanied by a $200 certified check for the faithful performance of the respective bid. The bid of George M. King of Des Moines was accepted, the big being $1.70 per lineal foot, furnishing all material and completing the sewer. The bond was fixed at $1,200. Work on the sewer was to begin when the material arrived. There were two other bids, one from Osceola and one from Des Moines.