It seems R.S. Harvey had a lot to do with the cultivation of Eldon.
Here are some details that stand out...
1891
Harvey Built 101 S. Maple Street (His name is at the top of the building) which is now Eldon Drug & Gift Shop
Harvey Built 119 & 121 S. Maple Street for the Mercantile Building, which is now Maple Street Antique Mall & Ultimate Fitness.
1894
Harvey Founded the Bank of Eldon at 101 S. Maple Street
Railroads: "When the Rock Island Railroad came to Eldon in 1901-1902, R. S. Harvey gave all of the right-of-way for the railroad and he gave generously to the construction of the Railroad’s round house. As a result, the Rock Island line became a major stop and station between St. Louis and Kansas City in Eldon"
R. S. Harvey "...gave the land that is now the Eldon Fair Grounds across from the former Rock Island tracks and station (as it was until the 1960s or later when the Rock Island railroad ceased to exist.)"
Many more details to share... Read the Eldon Advertiser to get an idea of the many improvements that took place in the early 1900's.
If you have a resource to share, please comment below and be sure to check out the Miller County Museum for more specific details.
Bank of Eldon 1891 - The R.S. Harvey Building
Research Citations: R. S. Harvey
In 1891, R.S. Harvey built the first Bank building at the corner of First and Maple. "His name is easily read atop the building today."
From what I can tell the bank Opened for business in 1894, according to the Miller County Museum
The Harvey Mercantile Company
Newspaper Clipping from Miller County Museum
"In 1891, the large brick department store, now known as the Harvey Mercantile Company, was built by Mr. Harvey and his brother in law and partner, Mr. J. S. Franklin. At the same time the Bank of Eldon building was erected by Mr. Harvey on the corner of the same block."
At this point in history people "traveled by livery". It Took 2 days and $5.00 to get a ride to Jefferson City.
Research Citations: Miller County Museum
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