During the late 19th century, Sedalia tried to increase its economic base by trying to lure factories to the city. In 1896, I. Mac DeMuth printed the first of two editions of a pamphlet called “A Feast of Cold Facts;” the second edition appeared in 1898. The pamphlet extolled the virtues of Sedalia as a transportation center suitable for the location of industries and identified types of businesses that would do well here.
DeMuth praised Sedalia’s amenities such as paved streets, water and sewer service, electric service, street cars and a paid fire department as advantages manufacturing firms would value. He also mentioned the quality schools that could provide an educated workforce, and the churches that encouraged moral behavior.
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