jan 4, 1888 - Argentine's population rose

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Argentine's population rose from 3,264 in 1888 to 6,500 in 1890. In that year, Argentine became a city of the first class. Some streets were already graded. The city was divided into sewer districts and plans were being made for a complete sewer system. The city had a splendid water system. Water was pumped from the Kaw River to a large reservoir on a hill southwest of the town. The Fire Department in 1890, under Chief Harry Higginbothom, was modern and could boast of a hose cart and a team of trained horses. The Police Department consisted of Chief Higginbothom and four assistants. Police Judge Wortman reported the collection of $5,878 in fines that year.

Around the turn of the Century the Noke's Opera House was a social gathering place and added cultural refinement to the little town. The Opera House was built between 21st and 22nd Streets and was later owned by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For many years, the Metropolitan Street Car Company of Kansas City, Missouri had a line running into Argentine with a terminal on 24th Street. A person could catch an electric street car in Kansas City, Missouri and journey through Kansas City, Kansas to Argentine. The fare was five cents with children under twelve not charged.

The Argentine City Hall was located on the southwest corner of 24th and Silver. The two-story brick building was completed on November 16, 1891 at an estimated cost of $8,000. The building served multiple purposes. The basement contained cells and housed the town's prisoners. Each morning prisoners formed into chain gangs and were marched up to Monkey Mountain, where they broke rocks in a quarry for the Street Department. The Fire Department was located on the first floor. The City Council held its meetings on the second floor. One room was used as a library and part of it was utilized as the firemen's sleeping quarters. Classes were also held on the second floor until the high school was built in 1908. Most of the City Hall was torn down in 1930 and the remainder was razed in 1958.Source: http://www.ksgenweb.org/wyandott/argentine/03.htm

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