Part of Oskaloosa’s history was remembered Thursday.  A historical marker was placed at what’s called Trolley Place—the former McGregor, Malcom and Fitch Buildings on High Avenue West in downtown Oskaloosa.  Ann Brouwer, a member of the Historical Marker Committee, says the buildings hosted a number of different businesses over the years.

“There was undertaking, there was roller skating, there was beer, bars, meat, furniture, department stores. Did I mention the roller rink?  So anything you can imagine was happening in these three buildings back in the day through the history.  Even a college.”  That was Oskaloosa Business College.  The Oskaloosa Downtown Development Group purchased the buildings in 2008 and has been renovating them.  Brouwer explains the importance of remembering these buildings’ past.

“We want to preserve this for generations to come, this amazing history of our community.  That I feel if we don’t do it, it’s going to be lost forever.”  Part of one of the buildings is now the site of Pizza Ranch in Oskaloosa.  There are also apartments, with the remainder available for a business to move into.