Bell, James Home

According to 1904 tax roll the property was owned by James Bell, Block 3, Lots 5, 8, 9, Orig. DC, value $1160. The house still exists on the northwest corner of 6th & G Streets. James Bell also owned Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4, Orig. DC, which was across the street southeast from this home. Lots 1 & 4 were later sold to Dr. Rich for his home and Lots 2 & 3 were sold to Mr. Krahl who built a large 2-story home on that corner. James Bell furnished electric power to the city of David City to operate 12 arc street lights in the downtown area. The contract lasted 10 years, 1889-1899. Mr. Bell and sone also operated a Grain elevator business in the block south of this home. Circa 1930's, a Mr. Wright lived here with his family. His occupation (among others) was operating a small portable taffy wagon. He traveled to all the civic functions, Saturday evenings in the downtown area, county fairs, and sold his taffy (Best Taffy sold for 5 cents). The Lyle Kroft family owned and lived there for some time. Prothman purchased the home and property in the late 1990's and conducted extensive remodeling.