Fort Dodge, Iowa

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum was constructed in 1932 as the first art museum in Iowa in the Historic Oak Hill District. Charles Blanden donated the funding to build the museum.

Blanden had been the mayor of Fort Dodge from 1887 – 1889. He later became a banker in Chicago, and subsequently devoted his time to creating poetry. He was renowned for his poetry, receiving many awards throughout the United States.

Mr. Blanden’s wife Elizabeth was a teacher in Fort Dodge when they lived here. She was the daughter of a Fort Dodge clergyman, Reverend Mills, one time pastor of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Later in their lives they moved to California and in 1929, Mrs. Blanden passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.

Mr. Blanden wanted to something to honor his wife’s life and decided to build an art museum, but he wasn’t sure if he should build it in Fort Dodge or in San Diego, California.

A group of ladies that lived in Fort Dodge in the late 1920’s really wanted Mr. Blanden to build the museum here. But at that time, there was a state law that only allowed cities with a population of 50,000 or more people to have a municipal museum. Fort Dodge had around 30,000 people living in it at that time, not enough for a municipal museum. A State Senator from Fort Dodge helped the group and through the Iowa government system, sponsored a law that lowered the population requirement to 20,000 – this way; Fort Dodge could build a museum.

The Blanden was designed by architect E. O. Damon, Jr., of Fort Dodge in 1931 and was modeled after the neo-classical design of the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. The façade (front) of the Blanden was influenced by the architectural design of other builds, such as the Petit Trianon at Versailles near Paris, France.

At the time of the Blanden’s opening, there were not light fixtures in the galleries, so skylights open to the outside were on the ceilings. These have since been covered, and special light fixtures added that better protect the artwork.

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum continues to be a vibrant art museum in northwest Iowa today. It has multiple exhibits each year, art classes for adults and children, creative community outreach and artist talks throughout the year. The Blanden permanent collection includes the Ann R. Smeltzer Modernist collection of European and American painting and sculpture, the Harold D. Peterson collection of European and American prints, American photography, contemporary American art, Iowa artists and Japanese screens and prints. The Blanden’s mission continues to be to integrate visual arts into everyday life.

Fort Dodge Messenger

www.blanden.org

Webster County Historical Society

The E. J. Breen Sr. residence occupies a prominent location

ner of Second Avenue South and Tenth Street. Constructed in 1910, the home has been continuously occupied by members of the Breen family since that time.

The house at 925 2nd Ave. S. has a red brick exterior with red tile roof, and is another of the sturdy early 20th Century residences built in this area by prominent families of the city. It has a full basement and three floors. On the first floor are living, dining and cooking areas; on the second floor four bedrooms, sleeping porch and bath; and on the third floor a ballroom.

The Breen family came to Fort Dodge in 1904 from Estherville. The family include

d Mr. and Mrs. Breen, sons Maurice J. and Edward Jr. and daughter Paulyne. During their early years in the city the Breens resided in houses at Fourth Avenue North and Twelfth Street and Fifth Avenue South and Twelfth Street before their home on Second Avenue South was completed in 1910.

Source: Historic Homes: Fort Dodge, Iowa

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63118/63118-h/63118-h.htm

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

1914

809 Central Ave

The building that housed the Boston Store at 809 Central Ave., consisted of four floors and a basement for the retail activity and a balcony for the general offices, mail order department, credit department and exchange desk. The third floor also featured a small restaurant and tea room.

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Richard Snell, from Clinton Illinois, was the original owner of the Boston Centre and also the Snell Building, both located at 809 and 805 Central Avenue. He received the land on which both buildings are located from his father, Thomas Snell, who owned it when it was originally platted in 1856.

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Although the two buildings differed in size, appearance and function, they were both part of the same investment project for Snell. Both buildings were constructed at the same time, however the building for the Boston Store was completed first and had its formal opening in September of 1914, while the Snell Building was completed in January of 1915.

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The building that housed the Boston Store at 809 Central Ave., consisted of four floors and a basement for the retail activity and a balcony for the general offices, mail order department, credit department and exchange desk. The third floor also featured a small restaurant and tea room. Below is a list of the various departments and merchandise that was on each floor:

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The First Floor – Women and children’s shoes, woolen dress goods and linings; silks and velvets; linens, wash goods and white goods; patterns; embroideries, laces, trimmings; neck wear, handkerchiefs and veiling, jewelry, leather goods, parasols and umbrellas, toilet goods and drug sundries; knit underwear and hosiery; gloves and notions and bed spreads.

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“Worthy of particular mention is the department store innovation, the drug sundries and the toilet article department under the management of George Gilman. Mrs. Helga Rand, for fifteen years a well-known and efficient clerk in Fort Dodge, is in charge with Miss Rose Pelican as her assistant. The outlay of merchandise in this section of the big store has attracted a great deal of attention because of its completeness and beauty. One particularly interesting line of goods shown there is the imported French white ivory toilet articles. Purchased before the war, it is on sale at prices greatly under the average price for imported stuff in other markets. That it is soon to be a rarity on the American market if the war continues, is also adding to the interest in the display. In addition to this, the department shows a complete line of toilet articles in every line, including perfumes, toilet articles and powders. A full line of rubber goods is also carried. Cottons, gauzes and bandages are also to be seen. This department undoubtedly will be particularly popular with the feminine shopper.” - The Fort Dodge Messenger. September 19, 1914

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On the Balcony – In the balcony placed across the south end of the first floor are the general offices, mail order department, cash cages for the five floors, credit department and exchange desk.

The Second Floor – “Ready to wear department” Millinery (women’s hats); suits, coats and dresses, skirts, waists, furs, kimonas, petticoats and sweaters.

“This department is beautifully equipped with mahogany furnishing. A deep green velvet carpet covers the floor. Many glass cases enclose dresses and suits and coats on forms and an abundance of long mirrors gives the buyer every opportunity to see herself as others will see her.” - The Fort Dodge Messenger. September 19, 1914 The Third Floor – Hair goods and beauty parlor, muslin underwear and corsets; infant’s department, and the art goods and yarn department. The restaurant and tea room occupied the southeast quarter of this floor as well. With a beautiful atmosphere with very fine mahogany furniture, chairs and tables with heavy opaque glass tops, the restaurant and tea room was not expected to make money, but was provided “as a matter of convenience to the people.” Special lunches were served each day from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. During the afternoon, the regular dishes were served.

The Fourth Floor – Rugs, linoleums, carpets; draperies and curtain goods, photograph studio, wall paper, paints, window shades, pictures and picture framing.

Basement – Various kinds of general merchandise and special sales. Trunks and suit cases; stationery; bedding, blankets and comforters; domestic prints, percales, cotton goods and bakery goods.

Today, the Boston Centre is home to Olde Boston’s Restaurant; “Within” Marketing Company; Action Reality, Inc.; Alyssa Kenville, P.C.; Fort Dodge Reality; Johnson & Bonzer PLC; Johnson Law Firm; RDG Media Inc.; Snyder & Associates, Inc.; Storey Kenworthy office supplies; Valentine Law Office, P.C.

This large house at 911 3rd Ave. S.—set well back from the street—was built in 1890 by an early-day businessman—S. J. (Capt.) Bennett who came to Fort Dodge in 1870. It occupies a prominent location at the southeast corner of Third Avenue South and Ninth Street and has a two-story carriage house at the rear.

The three-story residence is built of St. Louis granite-brick with Sioux Falls jasper trimmings, an early-day history of the city notes. It has a slate roof with copper trim. Wide porches extend along the north and west sides of the house.

Since 1923 this spacious home, built by one of the city’s most prominent early-day residents, has been owned and occupied by members of the Schaupp family. Enjoying the gracious living quarters in the home were the late Judge and Mrs. John M. Schaupp, their sons John Jr., and Bradley and Judge Schaupp’s mother, the late Mrs. Emma Schaupp.

Judge Schaupp, a Fort Dodge attorney for many years, was appointed to the Webster County District Court bench in 1944 and served for 19 years before retiring. He died in 1971 at age 80. The family residence is now occupied by son John Jr. The other son, Bradley, resides in Cedar Rapids.

Source: Historic Homes: Fort Dodge, Iowa

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63118/63118-h/63118-h.htm

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

Location: 605 1st Ave N.

Construction Timeline: 1901 - 1903

Architect: Henry Koch

Original Owner: City of Fort Dodge

Size: 2 stories with basement

Purpose of Building: Library

Built in 1903, the Carnegie Library was considered one of the best libraries of its time.

Reading Room, FD Library, 1897

Captain W.H. Johnston is considered the founder of the Fort Dodge Public Library. Captain Johnston had an unselfish commitment to public service and untiring application of his talents to library interests. He was first to establish a private library association in Fort Dodge in 1874. In 1890, the first free public library was opened in Fort Dodge. Captain Johnson induced others to help him in the creation of the small library and reading room in his office. He served gratuitously as the librarian for many years. Nine years later, a group of citizens began planning for a much larger building to house the growing collection of boos. Out of this grew the initiative to build the Fort Dodge Carnegie Library that served the Fort Dodge community for 98 years. The continued desire of the community for high quality library services led to the present Fort Dodge Public Library which largely through the labors of Captain Johnston, has become more than merely a beautiful edifice housing a collection of books, but has developed a deep and genuine taste by the public of Fort Dodge for library advantages.

In June of 1899, Martha Haskell, a local citizen and early library supporter, offered $10,000 for the construction of a new library building. Three other leading citizens, Webb Vincent, O.M. Oleson and George Ringland offered a site on 1st Avenue North and 7th Street and $5,000 if the rest of the community would donate another $8,000. Within three weeks the goal was reached. Shortly after this fundraising campaign, it was discovered a larger sum of money may be available from Andrew Carnegie and his Carnegie Foundation. Carnegie, who made an immense fortune in the steel industry in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, was a nationally known philanthropist that made grants to help communities across the nation construct public libraries. Two prominent Fort Dodgers who lived in Washington D.C., George Roberts, Director of the U. S. Mint, and M. D. O’Connell, Solicitor General of the federal government, were asked to personally contact Carnegie with the city’s request. On Christmas Day 1900, Roberts and O’Connell telegraphed the mayor of Fort Dodge announcing that Carnegie had approved $30,000 for the construction of a new public library building.

The architect for the new building was Henry Koch and the construction was done by Northwestern Building Company – the same architect and construction company that was hired for the new courthouse that was being constructed at the same time.

The building layout was a modification of what was referred to as the “Chariton Plan” which provided for the entrance in the center of

The "check-out" desk

the front of the building, a hall leading to the “delivery” room with the stacks directly behind. To one side of the delivery room was a general reading room and to the other was a children’s room. The stone for the new building came in rough from the Black Hills Stone Company, then was smoothed and fashioned on the construction grounds by the cutters. The total cost of the building was $47,293.

The new library was formally dedicated on October 12, 1903. However, from the very beginning, the new building had one major flaw – that being the roof leaked severely, which constantly caused interior damage and staining. For fifteen years, all types of remedial measures were tried to fix the roof, yet all were unsuccessful. In 1919, the library board of trustees committed itself to action to the point of asking two architects to submit repair/improvement plans. T. W. Reely was chosen for the job and recommended that the only real cure would be the addition of a second story, a change which had been allowed for in the original plans in the event more space might be needed in the future.

For the next ten years the proposal was considered, only to be rejected because of a lack of funds and the hope that a cheaper solution might be found. In an attempt to overcome this financial impasse, the state legislators from the county, M. J. Mitchell and C. V. Findlay, who also served as the president of the library board, proposed a bill to the state General Assembly which would give cities in Iowa with a population of 20,000 the power to levy a property tax to provide funds for necessary repairs and alterations to public libraries.

Beautiful architecture in the FD Public Library

Although the bill passed, nothing was done with the library building until 1929 when the building began to rapidly deteriorate because of the leakage. After 26 years of roof problems, Frank Griffith, a local architect was hired to handle the job of adding a second story, which he estimated the cost at $33,000. However, when the economy and stock market crashed, contractors were eager to get any work they could, and the contract for the second story was awarded to John Smith for only $16,200. Originally, that cost was intended to be covered by a tax payer approved property tax levy, but with the drastically lower bid, the trustees felt that it could come out of the regular budget.

Plans for the new addition called for the west room to serve as the children’s library, which had previously been moved to the basement, a small room on the east to be the board room, a second large room to be an auditorium and another to be used as an art gallery. The construction of the Blanden Gallery changed plans for that gallery room and it became a library for teachers to house reference books, supplemental reading materials and picture collections for classroom use. The second story addition was opened to the public on October 6, 1930.

With the addition of the second floor, the library enjoyed the luxury of having far more space than was needed. In November of 1930, it was decided that the west room in the basement could be used as a museum to collect and preserve data and relics pertaining to Fort Dodge and Webster County history. As the collection expanded, so did the need for more space. In 1934, the adjoining hall was used for the museum and later in 1937, with $1,000 donated by Alice Granger, another room was renovated for additional historical relic exhibit space. The museum remained in those quarters until 1964 when the Fort Museum was established.

The library remained in operation in this building until 2001, when it moved into its new building at 424 Central Ave. The Carnegie building was bought privately and the interior was renovated for market-rate apartments.

Source:

*Roger Natte & Fort Dodge Historical Society

Dave Prelip

Fort Dodge Memories Facebook

Location: 1007 & 1003 Central Ave.

Construction Timeline: 1916 (first two stories), 1921 – 1922 (addition of six stories)

Architect: J. H. Albright

Original Owner: Dr. W. F. Carver

Size: 8 stories & basement

Purpose of Building: Office and store rooms

In March of 1916, it was announced that Dr. W. F. Carver would be constructing a two story building for office and store rooms on the site of the old Colonel Blanden homestead, which he purchased weeks before. Jensen Construction Company was given the contract to build the two story, 70’ x 140’ building. The foundation was constructed to support seven stories, as Carver had the intention to add five more stories as soon as he saw a sufficient demand for more office rooms.

When the iconic Carver Building opened, Mrs. Anna Kirwin ran the cafeteria that was in the basement of the building. The Jones Piano Company, Sperry Hutchinson Green Trading Stamp Company, Peterson Brothers Grocery, Proeschold Brothers Twin Toggery Clothing Store and Welch Pharmacy were the first five businesses that occupied the five store rooms on the first floor. The second floor had 25 office rooms, five of which were used by Dr. Carver for his medical practice.

During the summer of 1921, work began on adding six additional stories onto the Carver Building. The project was completed with a formal announcement and opening in August of 1922. The new addition housed over 150 first-class and highly modernized office rooms and suites. The seven-story building became another Fort Dodge “skyscraper” structure that has been an iconic building on Central Avenue in downtown Fort Dodge for decades.

Below are the businesses within the eight story Carver Building.

The majority of the eighth floor was occupied by the Fort Dodge Clinic, which had a well-arranged group of rooms all surrounding a large and attractive reception/waiting room. The doctors within the Fort Dodge Clinic were:

· Dr. Carver – eye, ear, nose, throat

· Dr. Gibson – general practice and obstetrics

· Dr. Archer – general practice and surgery

· Dr. Dorsey – physician and surgeon

· Dr. Kersten – general practice and surgery

· Dr. Munson – internal medicine, diagnoses and consultation

· Dr. Saunders – general practice and radiology

· Dr. Remer – dentist

· R. S. Hopkins – laboratory technician

Today, the Carver Building is home to Heartland Communications Group that purchased and refurbished the building in the winter of 1985. Heartland Communications offers digital and print publications and resources for the agriculture, aviation, construction and industrial markets that connect buyers and sellers of new and used equipment and provides information about new products, practices and services.

Sources:

*The Fort Dodge Messenger. March 23, 1916

*The Fort Dodge Messenger. April 12, 1916

*The Fort Dodge Messenger. December 9, 1916

*The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 7, 1922

915 2nd Ave South

One of the stately residences built along Second Avenue South prior to the turn of the century is now the Women’s Clubhouse, but for many years it was the home of United States Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver and family.

Built in 1895 and located at 915 2nd Ave. S., the large three-story red brick residence has been owned by the Women’s Club since 1935. While generally known as the Dolliver house it was built by Sen. Dolliver’s father-in-law, George R. Pearsons and occupied by his family for several years. The same year the house was built, Dolliver married Pearson’s daughter, Louise, but it was not until Pearson’s death in 1904 that the Dollivers moved into the home.

The home site originally included four lots. Pearsons, a prominent early-day resident, came here as agent for the Illinois Central Railroad. He served as mayor for two terms and was a member of the school board.

The Dolliver home originally had a parlor, drawing room or music room, dining room, kitchen and pantry on the first floor; five bedrooms and one large bath on the second floor and other rooms on the third floor. In later years the upstairs was extensively remodeled. There is a huge open stairway leading from the first floor to the upper floors.

In the rounded window area of the drawing room there once was a large stone hollowed out for a small pool. A fountain was located in the center of the pool from which water flowed continuously. Goldfish in the pool added charm to the unique window arrangement.

In 1968 the Women’s Club remodeled the house, enlarged the first floor meeting room to the west, removed the old porch and added a small patio and new entrance.

Source: Historic Homes: Fort Dodge, Iowa

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63118/63118-h/63118-h.htm

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

819 3rd Ave. South

E. H. Rich, a prominent Fort Dodge banker, built this large brick home at 819 3rd Ave. S. in 1880 and it was occupied continuously by members of the Rich family until the recent death of Miss Eva Rich.

Rich came to the city in 1874 and was cashier of the early-day First National Bank for many years—a bank that later was reorganized as the State Bank.

The Rich house is located on a three-lot site at the southwest corner of Third Avenue South and Ninth Street. Foundation of the home is constructed of large hand-hewn limestone blocks 20 inches thick and upper walls are 14 inches thick. The soft burned red brick used on the exterior was produced at a local brickyard using wood logs at that time to fire the kilns.

The house contains seven bedrooms, living room, dining room, music room, kitchen and two bathrooms. The third floor attic area has three large rooms and there is a fourth floor with two unfinished rooms now reached only by a ladder. The interior stairway, doors and trim of the home are of solid walnut, cut out and formed from local walnut trees.

Originally the house had seven open fireplaces, four on the first floor and three in upstairs bedrooms. With the coming of gas heat these were sealed off and six of the eight chimneys on the house removed. The house is now heated by two hot air gas-fired furnaces.

The home was piped for gas lighting long before there was any city gas in Fort Dodge. A large tank filled with naphtha was buried in the backyard and the naphtha was piped to a gas machine in the basement. The naphtha dripped over a large enclosed rotating drum which generated illuminating gas by evaporation. A pump then forced the gas into distributing pipes. Power for this home gas system was supplied by clockwork gears run by gravity from 2,000 pound millstones. Each evening it was necessary to wind up the machine before lighting the gas fixtures.

There were no telephones in the town when the house was built so Rich installed a telegraph line from the home to the bank a few blocks distant. Mr. and Mrs. Rich learned the telegraph code and one day when Mrs. Rich was injured she telegraphed her husband “Come quick—badly hurt.” Mr. Rich ran the distance from the bank to his home and found his injured wife. It was believed the telegraph message saved her life.

In later years the Rich home was completely modernized. In 1973 the house was sold by Willis Rich, last of the family of seven, to Bill and Bruce Algood who are reconditioning and furnishing it in the tradition of the era when it was built. A large floor based mirror from the home was given by Rich to the governor’s mansion—“Terrace Hill”—in Des Moines.

Source: Historic Homes: Fort Dodge, Iowa

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63118/63118-h/63118-h.htm

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

Location: 629 Central Ave.

Construction Timeline: 1907 – 1908

Architect: Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen (Des Moines, IA)

Original Owner: First National Bank

Size: Six stories

Purpose of Building: Bank and office suite

Built in 1908, this was one of Fort Dodge’s most prestigious buildings.

Built in 1907-1908, the First National Bank Building is a prominent landmark in Fort Dodge. The history of the First National Bank runs almost parallel with the development of Fort Dodge since 1866. The officers and directors of the First National Bank were among the city's most prominent businessmen, active in city commerce and politics as well as the regionally important gypsum extraction and milling industry. The bank itself was the most prominent financial institution in Fort Dodge. Costing over $200,000 and rising six stories tall, this building was at its completion the city's most celebrated office structure. For almost 60 years, the building housed one of Fort Dodge's most prominent banks--either the First National Bank or the State Bank--on its first floor. And during this time its upper-level offices were occupied by many of the city's most prestigious commercial and professional tenants. Erected by the city's principal financial institution at the height of its affluence, the First National Bank Building played a pivotal role in early Fort Dodge commerce. Of the three major banks then operating in the city, by far the most prominent was the First National Bank. This institution had been founded on June 16, 1866, with an initial capitalization of $50,000. Its first officers--Charles B. Richards, President; Charles C. Smeltzer, Vice President; and E.G. Morgan, Cashier--and its directors were prominent businessmen and capitalists in the developing town. Most of the bank's early officers and directors were directly involved in the gypsum industry, through both management and investment. Stillman Meservey and Webb Vincent, co-founders of the formative Fort Dodge Plaster Mills, served as bank presidents between 1890 and 1916. Additionally, directors such as Charles Smeltzer, John Duncombe and E.H. Rich were also heavily involved in the gypsum industry. The bank initially did business from a small one-story brick building on the corner of Seventh Street and First Avenue South. When Richards resigned as president in 1874, his replacement, E.G. Morgan, moved the bank to 610 Central Avenue a year later. Morgan was succeeded by L. Blanden, bank president between 1875 and 1890, and Blanden was in turn succeeded by Stillman Meservey, who served between 1890 and 1902. It was Meservey who presided over the bank's next move in 1892 to larger quarters at the corner of Sixth and Central. After the turn of the century, Meservey turned over management of the bank to Webb Vincent. After the turn of the 20th Century, with the region's economy booming and Fort Dodge prospering, Vincent, Rich and the other First National directors began considering another move, this time into a multi-story building that the bank would build. The directors intended their building to serve as a landmark in downtown Fort Dodge, befitting the bank's prestigious standing in the community. Planning for a new structure began in 1906, when they purchased a two-story commercial building at the corner of Seventh and Central, a block down and across the street from their existing facility. In August 1906 the Fort Dodge Messenger announced under the headline, "Sky-Scraper Office Building to be Built," that the bank would raze the existing building on the site and construct a five- or six-story structure to house its offices and provide rental office space for many of Fort Dodge's professionals on the upper floors. To design their new building, the bank directors commissioned Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen, one of the state's most prestigious architectural firms. By the end of January 1907 the architects had drafted plans for the new bank building, which would cost more than $100,000. This move on the part of conservative financiers proves the confidence that is felt in Fort Dodge's future. In April 1907, C.E. Atkinson of Webster City, Iowa, was awarded the contract for the six-story building. Atkinson's crew began work soon thereafter, demolishing the existing structure on the site and excavating for the foundations that spring. Despite minor delays due to material shortages, the contractors completed the new bank building in April 1908. As the most extravagant office building in town, the First National Bank Building immediately became home to many of the city's lawyers, doctors, realtors, accountants and gypsum companies. The 1917 city directory, for instance, listed fourteen doctors and dentists, twelve lawyers, seven real estate brokers, six insurance companies and an architect among its tenants. During the 1910s and 1920s, the bank continued to do business from its street-level offices as Fort Dodge's strongest financial institution. In September 1915 the First National acquired the Fort Dodge Savings Bank, the third such institution that it had overtaken since the 1880s. A year later Webb Vincent was succeeded as bank president by E.H. Rich, long-time bank director and one of the principal owners of the Iowa Plaster Association. Sixteen years later the bank failed. In December 1930 the institution had been reorganized as the First State Bank and Trust Company. But First State was one of the many bank failures in the Great Depression. When President Roosevelt declared a bank holiday in March 1933, the bank closed and did not reopen under its own power. As the First National Bank, it had once boasted $8 million in deposits. After years of decline, a downgrading of its charter and a massive run by its depositors in the 1930s, however, the bank's deposited assets had plummeted to only $355,000 when it finally closed its doors. Placed under state receivership, First State reopened a short time later on a restricted basis, paying out 50 cents on the dollar to depositors while state auditors liquidated a trust fund formed from frozen assets and real estate holdings. In July 1934 First State closed altogether, and a new institution, the State Bank, opened in the original First National Bank Building. The State Bank took on many of the depositors who had been burned by the First State's closure. The building itself soon became known as the State Bank Building. By that time several other office structures had been built in downtown Fort Dodge, but this building still housed many of the city's professional elite. When the State Bank moved to new suburban quarters in 1966, the downtown building was acquired by Carleton Beh, a Des Moines capitalist and real estate investor. Beh grandly renamed the structure after himself, though by now its clientele had begun to lack the luster of the bank's heyday. Fewer, less prestigious tenants occupied the building in the 1970s, and by 1980 the Beh Building was largely vacant. The once prominent and prestigious building remained vacant and the interior spaces slowly deteriorated for a number of years until MDI Limited Partnership, out of St. Paul, Minnesota, purchased the building in 2002. MDI rehabilitated the interior and now the building is home to Central Place Apartments, which provides income-based apartments for senior citizens. Sources: *Fort Dodge Historical Society *National Register of Historic Places

1904

710 1st Ave N

The armory in Fort Dodge was built in 1904, spearheaded by the City’s Commercial Club (Chamber of Commerce) which raise $8,000 to construct the castle-like building that house the National Guard Regiment and provided a venue for the community band and various civic events.

The armory in Fort Dodge was built in 1904, spearheaded by the City’s Commercial Club (Chamber of Commerce) which raised $8,000 to construct the castle-like building that housed the National Guard Regiment and provided a venue for the 56th Regiment Band, the community band and various civic events. The Armory was equipped with a gymnasium, swimming pool and bowling alley. The Armory Committee was chaired by Captain W. T. Chantland, a Spanish-American War Veteran and worked to raise the money and oversee the project. The architectural firm of Libbe, Nourse and Rasmussen from Des Moines designed the building to resemble an impregnable fortress, with imitation spots for gun placements. Especially durable, hard paving brick was used in the front part. The grand opening and dedication on February 11, 1904 was “the most brilliant function Fort Dodge social life had ever witnessed,” according to the Messenger. During two world wars, soldiers were drafted at the Armory, and ration books were issued to residents. After Pearl Harbor, many people worried that armories might be attacked, so soldiers were stationed around the building. It was also used to “capture” those who were not obeying gas rationing. The basement of the Armory was first used as a rifle range; it has also been used as a shower all for horses, skaters, locker room, and restaurants. By 1927, the Traffic Bureau, C of 1929, Iowa Airways, A. M. Auto Association, Ft. Dodge Grocers Association, and the Geer Dancing Emporium were added to its use. Over the net years, other companies: R. L. Polk Company, Men’s Civic Glee Club, F. D. Drum Corp, Allied Food Stories, F. D. Community Chest, and the Iowa National Guard and many others were housed at the Armory. In 1903, Fort Dodge secured the regimental band of the Fifty-sixth Regiment, Iowa National Guards. This organization was composed of members from a number of local musical organizations. Under the leadership of Carl Quist, the band reached a high stage of efficiency, and soon became known among the musical organizations of the state. For five years they played at the Iowa State Fair. Three times they were the official band at the head camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, attending the encampments at Indianapolis, St. Louis and Milwaukee. They were the official band of the Iowa delegation to the national convention of the B. P. O. E. held at Detroit in 19 10. They were also the official band for American Day at the Dominion Fair in Calgary, Alberta, during 1908; and were also the official band for Iowa Day at the World's Fair at St. Louis. During the year 1910 the band was mustered out of the service of the militia, and since that time has maintained its organization under the name of the Iowa Military Band. The Fort Dodge Armory remained the home for the band. In 1938, the armory was purchased by Larry and Margaret Geer from the Chamber of Commerce and became the Laramar Ballroom. From the 1930’s to the 1960s it became one of Iowa’s premier ballrooms hosting most the famous big bands of the day and the rock and roll bands of the 50s and 60s. When the ‘Big Bands’ and singers were touring the country, as well as the territorial bands, you could find the best of them right here. Such names as Skippy Anderson, Guy Lombardo, Lawrence Welk, Guy Deleo, Leo Piper, Benny Goodman, Kay Kaiser, The Dorsey Brothers, Woody Herman, Al Minke, Jan Gaber, just to name a few, performed here. In the late 1970s, the Laramar was purchased by Dick and Lee Derrig and operated for twelve years as the Twilight Ballroom.

In 1985, the Derrigs sold the Twilight and the ballroom retained its original name as the Laramar. The ballroom continued to offer various events for the next three decades. In recent years, the Laramar has been used for a variety of purposes: as a site for weddings, mixed martial arts bouts and as a Spanish bar with music and dancing, but has struggled for an identity. The Laramar building remains on at its same location but has been used sporadically for various events and is now vacant and for sale.

The large two-story brick and cement faced residence at 400 N. 9th St. has been known as the Gillman home since it was built in 1915 by George W. Gillman, a prominent pharmacist and businessman of Fort Dodge.

Gillman lived there until his death in 1959. The house was later owned by William J. Thatcher. Two apartments in the home are currently rented out.

Henry Kehm & Sons—well-known brick masons and home builders here for many years—constructed the house for Gillman. Originally it had living room, solarium, music room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor; four bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping porch on the second floor. A large attic provided storage space.

Gillman started his drug store here in 1904 at the southwest corner of First Avenue South and Seventh Street in a new building erected by Colby Brothers, who operated a livery barn here in the earlier days. The store was in operation at this location until the spring of 1974 when it closed its doors after 70 years of continuous operation. Roy W. Gillman, son of the store’s founder, was associated with the firm for 56 years and the owner until the store closed.

The senior Gillman, who was 79 at time of his death, was born in Nowlin, S. D., and came with his family to Badger at an early age. As a boy he worked in the Campbell & Tower drug store here and later graduated in pharmacy from Highland Park University in Des Moines. After working with Campbell & Tower as a registered pharmacist he opened his own store.

Gillman was active in pharmacy circles and was a member of the State Board of Pharmacy for 18 years, serving as its chairman several times.

Gillman was also interested in the theater and was president of the Princess Theater Company which built and operated the Princess here for many years. During his years as manager, the theater offered some of the finest vaudeville available and also booked in outstanding shows with celebrated performers. The theater finally closed its doors and in 1939 the building was sold to the First National Bank. It is now the home of the bank at 18 N. 9th St.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa

PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

1234 6th Avenue South

One of the fine homes in the south part of Fort Dodge is the residence at 1234 6th Ave. S. whose history dates back to the 1870s. Familiarly known as the Griffith home, it was occupied by the Frank Griffith family for many years.

City assessor records show the original portion of the home at this location was built in 1871, but was remodeled, enlarged and modernized years later. Located on parts of two lots, the house has a 93-foot frontage on Sixth Avenue South and 106 feet on Thirteenth Street.

John F. Duncombe, pioneer attorney here, was the first owner of the property before a house was erected there. He sold the lots in 1861 to a William Kellner who, in turn, disposed of the property to William C. Young. The original house is believed to have been built by Young as he retained ownership of the property until 1883.

Frank W. Griffith, an architect who later was manager of the U. S. Gypsum plant here, purchased the home in 1914. Age of the house is shown by the fact that its construction includes solid walnut studdings, walnut floor joists and walnut sheathing. Foundation walls are of limestone.

The two-story house has a shingle exterior. The first floor has living room, L-shaped dining room, playroom, kitchen, screened-in porch and large entrance hall. On the second floor are three bedrooms, bath, screened-in porch and attic space.

Griffith came to Fort Dodge in 1901 to design the Blanden gypsum mill located about a mile east of the present Celotex plant. He also supervised construction of the plant of the American Independent Gypsum Company organized in 1906.

Griffith then went to Chicago with the United States Gypsum Company and in 1908 was transferred to Fort Dodge as manager of the local mill and office. Later he was transferred to Alabaster, Mich., and then returned to Fort Dodge in 1913 as manager of the U. S. G. plant. He remained as plant manager here until 1921 when he resigned to resume architectural work. His son, Stanford W. Griffith, later joined him in the business and became head of the Griffith Company architectural firm in Fort Dodge. The elder Griffith continued work as an architect until his death in 1953.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

502 North Ninth Street

One of Fort Dodge’s earliest businessmen—John Haire—purchased property along north Ninth Street and built the home at 502 N. 9th St. in the 1880’s. Haire acquired the property along the west side of Ninth Street from Fourth to Eighth Avenues North in 1878 and platted it as Haire’s Seminary Square Addition to Fort Dodge.

Shortly after purchasing the property, Haire built the north Ninth Street residence. He and his family resided there during his lifetime; then the property passed on to his heirs. In 1941 the home was purchased by the late Verne Schram and his wife Thora.

The Schrams remodeled the home extensively and added a small apartment and garage at the rear of the house. Earlier, in 1914, Haire’s son Jack, had remodeled the house for apartments. Presently there are four apartments, three on the first floor and one on the second floor.

John Haire came to Fort Dodge from his native Ireland in 1855 and entered into the mercantile business. His store was reported to be the third one opened in the newly-founded town and was located at First Avenue South and Sixth Street.17

In 1879 Haire was elected Webster County auditor and held that office until 1885. He also served as county clerk of courts and was a member of the Fort Dodge School board and its vice president for 10 years. He retired from active business life here in 1870, some years before being elected to county offices.

Haire and his wife were parents of 10 children, seven sons and three daughters. The sons were prominent in business affairs of the city for many years. They were M. J. Haire, Oleson Land Company; W. W. Haire, Sackett & Haire Drugs; Jack Haire, Fort Dodge Lumber Company; Dave Haire, who served as county clerk; Tom Haire, Haire Clothing Store; Edward and Fred who were associated with Sackett & Haire Drugs. The daughters were Anna, Josephine and Mrs. Margaret Haire Kinney.

Two grandsons of the pioneer businessman are former Fort Dodge residents—George M. Haire and John Haire, sons of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Haire.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

1885

1218 5th Ave N

A native of Lansing, Iowa, Healy came to Fort Dodge with his parents in 1892. He was a graduate of Notre Dame University, attended Harvard University one year and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1885.

He began law practice in Fort Dodge with pioneer statesman and attorney John F. Duncombe. Later he was in partnership with his brothers, Thomas D. Healy and Robert Healy and his son, Thomas M. Healy. Other well-known attorneys with whom he was associated were A. N. Botsford, D. M. Kelleher, B. B. Burnquist and Seth Thomas who later was a federal circuit court judge.

Healy gained statewide and national distinction as an attorney, orator and political leader. He was active in the Democratic party and attended nine national Democratic conventions. In 1924 he seconded the nomination of Al Smith for the presidency. He was in great demand as a speaker and gave addresses at many public functions and celebrations.

Failing eyesight afflicted Healy in the later years of his life and he was stricken with blindness in 1916. Despite the handicap he continued his law practice until his death 13 years later.

The Healy children included four daughters and two sons—Mrs. Ruth Healy Coughlin, Fort Dodge; Mrs. John (Margaret) Rourke, Providence, R. I.; Mrs. Carl (Eleanor) Mangelsdorf, Rock Island, Ill.; and Mrs. Joseph (Kathryn) Pleck, Evanston, Ill.; the Rev. Kerndt Healy, an instructor at Notre Dame University, and Thomas M. Healy, Fort Dodge, both of whom are deceased.

The Healy home is now owned by Larry D. Lee.

Source: Historic Homes: Fort Dodge, Iowa

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/63118/63118-h/63118-h.htm

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

1920s

710 1st Ave N

For the thousands who frequented the ballroom over the years, the brick building with loft seating that rings the wooden dance floor holds many special memories.

For most of its 115 years, this joint was jumpin' – On January 30, 1959, the Laramar Ballroom was hoppin’ when the Winter Dance Party and its headliners – Buddy Holly and the Crickets, the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Dion and the Belmonts - performed on its stage on a cold, snowy night in Fort Dodge. It was the Laramar Ballroom, and some 1,000 fans crowded into the downtown building at 710 First Avenue North to watch, dance and sing along as the musicians played their hit songs - never imagining that a few days later, in the early hours of Feb. 3, 1959, three of them – Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson Jr. and Valens — would die in a plane crash after performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. "The whole show was great. Little did we know that this was the last time we would see them,” said Wes Trickel, of Fort Dodge, who was at the Laramar with his wife, Bertha, that night and got to meet Richardson and Valens. “We were so sad when we heard the news that we all never wanted to believe what had happened.” That tragic moment on a wintry night in a cornfield north of Clear Lake was “the day the music died” as Don McLean would sing in his 1971 classic "American Pie.” But until the last few years, there was still plenty of music left to play at the Laramar - later known as the Plamor and then the Twilight Ballroom before becoming the Laramar again. The old brick building that started as the Fort Dodge Armory in 1904 is now vacant and for sale. For the thousands who frequented the ballroom over the years, the brick building with loft seating that rings the wooden dance floor holds many special memories. For some, it was where they met their future spouse.

Many of the top performers of the day – playing all genre of music - mesmerized their audiences. And newbies to the dance floor were introduced to the “trap.” A trap would be set up by three or more girls or three or more boys, who would wander through the dance floor and surround a dancing couple. If it was a guy trap, the girl dancing would choose one of those in the trap or stay with her partner. If it was a girl trap, the guy dancing would choose one of those in trap or stay with his partner. Some remember a Laramar bouncer of the late 1960s - John Matuszak, an All American football player at Fort Dodge Junior College for one season who later became the No. 1 pick in the 1973 NFL draft. Big John played several years for the Oakland Raiders of the NFL and then went on to appear on television and in movies (He died in 1989 at age 38). The history of the Laramar Ballroom began in 1903 when the Armory in Fort Dodge was built, spearheaded by the City’s Commercial Club (Chamber of Commerce). $8,000 was raised to construct the castle-like building that housed the National Guard Regiment and provided a venue for the 56th Regiment Band, the community band and various civic events. The Armory was equipped with a gymnasium and a bowling alley. The basement was first used as a rifle range; it has also been used as a shower all for horses, skaters, locker room, and restaurants. The building was designed to resemble an impregnable fortress, with imitation spots for gun placements. Especially durable, hard paving brick was used in the front part. The grand opening and dedication on February 11, 1904 was “the most brilliant function Fort Dodge social life had ever witnessed,” according to the Messenger. In the 1920s, the Armory also offered commercial space for various businesses and organizations. By 1927, the Traffic Bureau, C of 1929, Iowa Airways, A. M. Auto Association, Ft. Dodge Grocers Association, and the Geer Dancing Emporium were added to its use. Over the years, other companies: R. L. Polk Company, Men’s Civic Glee Club, F. D. Drum Corp, Allied Food Stories, F. D. Community Chest, and the Iowa National Guard and many others would be located there. During the two World Wars, soldiers were drafted at the Armory and ration books were issued there to Fort Dodge residents. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many were worried that armories would be attacked so soldiers were stationed around the building. Over the years, the Armory was the scene of many charity balls, police and firemen's balls, craft shows, reunions, banquets, dance parties and much more. Music has always been part of the building's DNA from the outset, when it was built so the Company G, 56th Infantry would have a place for a regimental band under the direction of Carl Quist to rehearse and perform.

The end of World War I marked an upswing across the country in ballrooms where people would gather to dance to the new music of the times. The Jazz Era was where they got their start and the 1930s and 40s were the highpoint of the ballroom era. Ballrooms, some elegant and some plain, could be found in the biggest cities or smallest rural areas. All shared a common denominator of music and dancing.

Gradually, it became an entertainment center. As a dance hall, its fame was legendary in Iowa. The first dance was held in 1925. When the ‘Big Bands’ and singers were touring the country, as well as the territorial bands and other musical performers, one could find the best of them at the Armory or later at the Laramar. Such names as Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, Glen Miller Orchestra, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Skippy Anderson, Guy Deleo, Leo Piper, Benny Goodman, Kay Kaiser, The Dorsey Brothers, Woody Herman, Al Minke, Jan Gaber, Johnny Cash and others all performed at the Laramar. The Armory was purchased by Larry and Margaret Geer from the Chamber of Commerce around the time they were married in 1938. Larry Geer had operated the ballroom at the armory since the 1920s, possibly before. Their first names – Larry and Margaret — were merged to create the name Laramar. Geer said that at one of Welk's appearances, his father had to loan Welk enough money for gas so he and his five-piece band to get to their next stop. The biggest crowd was brought in by Guy Lombardo when a record 2,400 were crowded in elbow to elbow. The Geers sold the business around 1964, when it became the Plamor for the next eight years. In the '50s-'60s teen era, performers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper performed at the Laramar just three days before the fatal plane crash in 1959 during the ‘Winter Dance Party’ tour. Some other stars that appeared at the Laramar included: Johnny Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Del Shannon, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Bobby Vee, the Coasters, Tommy James and the Shondells, Freddie Cannon, Jimmy Clanton, the Crew Cuts, the Everly Brothers, the Diamonds, the Fabulous Flippers, and the famous Midwest band, the Rumbles, among others.

Over the years, there have been charity balls, Police and Fireman’s Balls, craft showers, wedding receptions, class reunions, banquets, and so much more. This building is truly a part of Fort Dodge history. Geer was 15 at the time of the Winter Dance Party performance in 1959 and as the son of the owners, it was not his first chance to be around big stars. One of his lasting memories was helping Johnny Cash climb through a back window and back stairway to his dressing room one night, to get through the crowds." About 1,000 people were on hand that night 60 years ago, with the balcony reserved for adult spectators and the dance floor for teens only, Geer said. The 11 performers arrived late on an old bus that didn't have a heater that worked. One of the members of Holly's Crickets band was future country star Waylon Jennings. The book, “The Day the Music Died: The Last Tour of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens - and the Fatal Air Crash That Took Their Lives" detailed the musicians' appearance at the Laramar. The ballroom's next owners were Dick and Lee Derrig. Dick had worked at the ballroom under two different owners prior to buying the building. Dick and his wife Lee loved the ballroom and when they had the opportunity, they took the leap into proprietorship. Dick and Lee began running the ballroom as The Twilight on New Year’s Eve 1972. In 1979, Dick and Lee actually purchased the ballroom. For twelve years, they had a great reputation for bringing quality entertainment to Fort Dodge. People would come not just from Fort Dodge but also miles from the surrounding towns to enjoy the fun. The Twilight Ballroom was always known as ‘the Fun Spot and rock n' roll wasn't all the Laramar offered as there were old-time dances on Thursday nights with waltzes, swing, polkas and even square dances. Thursdays at the Twilight was the place to be for great big bands and ballroom dancing. Some favorite big bands Dick and Lee brought to you are: Jeff & Eddie Skeets, Kenny Hofer, Erv Reutzel, Jack Schultz, Al Godfredsen, Jan Garber, Don Glasser, Greg Spevak, Billy Redman, Riney Rinehart, Vern Claussen, Al Pierson (currently director of Guy Lombardo orchestra), Wayne King, Don Hoy, Ted Weems, Sammy Jensen, Russ Morgan (under direction of Jack Morgan), and many others. On Saturdays, you would find 50s and 60s rock n roll. Many ‘oldies’ bands that Dick and Lee brought back for repeat performances here were: The Cleavettes, The Do’s & The Dont’s, Rockin’ Hollywoods, American Grease, Faze Four, Hot Moose & Da Sharks, Spirits of the Past, Sundown, Travelin’ Band, Studebaker, Reflections, Last Shades of Dawn, Nifty Fifties, White Sidewalls, The Backbeats, Buckeye, Phoenix, Fantasia, Vixen, and so many more; too numerous to name them all who also donated their time for benefits. Aside from the local and regional bands, Dick and Lee also brought their share of major recording artists from the 50s and 60s to town: Tommy James & the Shondells, Bobby Vee, The Coasters, and Gary Lewis & the Playboys. Lee was also well known in town for her cake decorating. The Twilight was pretty much ‘one-stop shopping’ for wedding receptions. You could pick out your cake, decorations, food, and entertainment. Dick and Lee took care of most of the decorating for you as well as the clean-up. Reunions, retirement and anniversary parties, charity events, craft shows, and other benefits were also held here. They donated the ballroom for use and many bands donated their time for benefits held here. The Twilight was simply the place to have a big event. Crowds would gather for some of the dances, filling the main floor and the balcony both. The Fireman’s Balls and the Policeman’s Balls used to always be held at the Twilight and they were always packed! People liked Dick and Lee and how they managed and promoted the Twilight Ballroom. The Twilight enjoyed a good reputation. There were very few problems or disturbances. People, young and old, were there to have fun. In 1985, the Derrigs sold the Twilight and the ballroom retained its original name as the Laramar. The ballroom continued to offer various events for the next three decades. In recent years, the Laramar has been used for a variety of purposes: as a site for weddings, mixed martial arts bouts and as a Spanish bar with music and dancing, but has struggled for an identity. Sometime between 2001 – 2013, Jorge Blanco, whose family owned Blanco roofing business in Fort Dodge, purchased the Laramar. Since that time, the Laramar has been used sporadically for various events and is now vacant and for sale. The hope of many is that someone will purchase the building, restore it and bring it back as a recreational asset for our community, like it once was.

In late 2023, the Laramar Ballroom re-opened after a year-long renovation. Laramar Acquisition Co., LLC (formed by Chris O’Brien, Brady O’Brien and Joe Tuel) bought the Laramar in June, 2022. The two-story, 8,000 square foot event center with ballroom, wraparound balcony, main floor cocktail lounge, upstairs/balcony bar and a 20x30’ stage has seating for over 350 people. It has a full lighting and sound system that accommodates many types of events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, concerts and live performances. Many services can now be provided, such as a wedding coordinator, full lines of various décor and bridal suites on site.

A marble “Laramar” sign greets attendees as they enter the historic Laramar Ballroom. This beautiful 1904 building, originally constructed as an Armory in 1904, has gone through many metamorphoses. How wonderful that its renovation has allowed it to continue to serve the Fort Dodge region beautifully.

Sources:

The Fort Dodge Messenger

*Messenger Spotlight…. January 30, 2019 by Paul Stevens *Twilight Ballroom Memories… 1972-1985… Dick and Lee Derrig *www.iowarockandroll.co/ballrooms *www.rockandrollroadmap.com

923 1st Avenue South

President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt was a guest in the Stillman T. Meservey home at 923 1st Ave. S. when he visited Fort Dodge in 1902—the residence that now is the Bruce Funeral Home.

The Meservey home was large and spacious with many elegantly furnished rooms on its three floors. There were seven fireplaces in the home which provided heat to the many rooms during the winter months. The first floor included living room, dining room, library finished in black walnut, kitchen and pantry, butler and maid’s quarters. There was also a large reception hall from which the solid oak open stairway led upstairs.

The second floor had a balcony area at the head of the stairs, five bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the third floor is a complete apartment.

Meservey, one of the city’s most prominent early-day residents, was born in Clinton, Ill., in 1848 and came to Fort Dodge with his parents in 1856. After completing his education in the public schools and high school here he graduated from Clinton Liberal Institute with a degree in pharmacy. He returned to Fort Dodge and for some time was associated with the Cheney and Meservey drug firm. That was the start of his meteoric rise as a merchant, industrialist, banker, financier and politician.

In 1886 Meservey bought the property at the southwest corner of First Avenue South and Tenth Street and in 1890 erected the large brick residence. It was the showplace of the town and the meeting place for many social and civic events. During this era the Meserveys entertained President Roosevelt.

Meservey was one of the founders of the gypsum industry here in 1872 and for many years was associated with the U. S. Gypsum Company as secretary. He was also associated with civic and commercial enterprises, including the city’s street railway system. Interested in politics he was elected to the City Council for several terms and served as mayor of Fort Dodge for three terms. He also was elected to the Iowa Legislature.

In 1905 Meservey moved to Chicago where he was active with the U. S. Gypsum Company. In 1908 he sold the home here to Thomas D. Healy and the Healy family resided there for many years. In 1936 it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Byron Wilder who moved their funeral parlor there and it since has been used as a funeral home. Mack B. Bruce acquired an interest in the business in 1938 and it operated as Wilder & Bruce until the Bruces purchased the Wilder interest in 1945. Since then, it has been Bruce’s Funeral Home.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa

PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

Location: 819 1st Ave. S Construction Timeline: 1914 – 1915 Architect: E. O. Damon (Fort Dodge) Original Owner: City of Fort Dodge Size: 2 stories with basement Purpose of Building: Municipal building for all of the city’s departments, police, jail and fire department In February of 1914, the commissioners of the city of Fort Dodge unveiled their plan to build a new city hall that would house the various city departments, the police, jail and fire department. Up until that point, the city’s offices and departments were scattered around the town. The city commissioners had their offices in the court house. The police, city jail and central fire station were located in a building one block south of the court house. A half block east of the fire station, the city leased ground for the storing of its hook and ladder truck for the fire department. Across the street from that was the Duncombe Auto Company, where the fire department was able to keep their chemical wagon. In the Keenan building, half a block west of the central fire department was fire station Number 2 for the hose wagon and horses. On the lot next to the Keenan building, a section of open land was rented to store more fire equipment. The city engineer’s office was on the second floor of the Butler and Ryan building on North 7th street, over the Independent Printing Company. With the increasing population and prominence of Fort Dodge, having one location for the city’s departments was necessary for the efficiency of the city departments operation and the progressive and professional appearance of growing Fort Dodge. On Tuesday, June 30, 1914, the city commissioners held a public vote on the issuance of $100,000 bonds with which to purchase the site and pay for the construction of a new city hall on First Avenue South and Ninth Street. Women were allowed to participate in this vote, however, separate ballots were printed for men and women. The June 29, 1914 edition of The Fort Dodge Messenger reported the city council planed “a building that will be large enough for future needs. It will contain a modern jail in place of the present quarters that have been condemned repeatedly by grand juries. It will contain adequate quarters for the police department. The fire department apparatus, instead of being housed in various places about the city to the detriment of quick work, will be where it will be instantly available. The city engineer’s office and that of superintendent of sewers and water works will be under one roof with the rest of the departments.” The proposition for the issuance of bonds for a new city hall passed by a majority of only 56. Men cast a total of 899 votes and women of 124. The men returned a majority of 82, but the women voted down the proposition by 26. After the passing of the proposition, the city quickly began to advertise and seek out buyers for the $100,000 bonds. However, the outbreak of World War 1, which occurred just days earlier, greatly upset the world financial markets. It was reported there was an urgency to sell American securities by Europeans who had to have the gold that there was no demand for five percent bonds, which was what the city of Fort Dodge was trying to market. On November 16th, the city agreed to sell $80,000 in five percent bonds to C. W. McNear & Company of Chicago. Eight days later, the city contracted with the J. B. Evans Construction Company of Mexico, Missouri, for their bid of $68,920 for the general construction work of the new city hall building. Excavation of the land then construction began shortly thereafter. Although this project was viewed as a major and necessary improvement for Fort Dodge, a certain aspect of the funding was met with opposition. On August 5, 1915, Charles Trost filed an action asking that Mayor John Ford and Councilmen C. H. Smith and F. W. Collins be restrained from spending more than the approved $100,000 for the new city hall project. Trost claimed to have been “credibly informed” that the project will cost about $120,000 and that the city council intends to pay the $40,000 difference out of the general funds. Trost also alleged that he had information regarding the city paying J. J. Ryan and Richard Snell $27,000 for the site of the new city hall and that Councilman Collins had already negotiated the sale of $3,200 worth of general fund warrants to fulfill obligations in connection with the construction of the building. He also claimed he had information about the city administration’s plan to borrow $40,000 on the city’s credit and issue bonds to be paid from the general fund. Trost believed this was illegal and asked for a restraining order against it. A few days later, Frank Maher, attorney for the Evans Construction Company, made a public statement saying they were owed a payment from the city for $3,750 for work that had been completed and if they did not receive that payment, work on the city hall would be suspended until payment is made. The next day, Councilmen Collins and Smith addressed the issue and acknowledged that payment had not yet been made. Smith went on to say the usual time for submitting payment requests and estimates was between the tenth and fifteenth of the month and the payment request in question was submitted prior to the permitted timeframe. There was no dispute over the payment request and Smith said it would be processed and taken up in the usual course of business. The payment was made to Evans Construction on the same payment schedule as the six previous payments were made. On August 17th, the trial of the suit for injunction brought by Charles Trost against the city was held. Before Judge R. M. Wright, testimony was heard from Trost, Councilman F. W. Collins- head of the department of accounts and finance for the city, W. L. Tang- city clerk, and Otto Weiss- city assessor. The Fort Dodge Messenger reported that late in the hearing, Trost asked for a dismissal of the case. Judge Wright denied this request and said this case was of great concern to the people of Fort Dodge and these issues should be examined. The next day, Judge Wright made his ruling which denied the injunction restraining the city council from using money from the city’s general fund to cover any costs that were more than the voter-approved $100,000 for the city hall project. According to The Fort Dodge Messenger, Judge Wright found the following:

1. That the defendants have been guilty of serious and very reprehend sensible irregularities. 2. That they have made the moneys of one fund perform the function of moneys of another and different fund in the manner not only not contemplated by the statute, but against both its letter and spirit. 3. I do not find, however, that any intentional wrong has been committed by the defendants, nor do I find that, because of such irregularities, any such injury (as complained of) is contemplated by them in the future as would warrant or call for the issuance of a temporary injunction at this time. The application for the writ is, therefore, denied and the plaintiff excepts. Work on the new city hall continued and became open for business in early December of 1915. The following is from an article in The Fort Dodge Messenger describing the layout of the building. Fireproof from top to bottom, it will furnish a city hall of adequate size when Fort Dodge reaches a population of 50,000. In back of the first corridor are rooms for meter reader and repairer, coal bunkers and boiler rooms, a “bull pen” for the police where drunks may be kept and storage quarters under the fire department. On the first floor opposite the head of the stairs leading to that floor, are the quarters for the city clerk. A long counter faces the lobby. Two private rooms also are provided for the use of the clerk. At the east end of the building are the offices for councilmen and at the other end, are the offices for the mayor and the water department. Opening from the hall near the mayor’s office is the council room.

On the second floor, some rooms will be vacant at the east end of the building to be used when necessary in the future. At the other end of the building are the office of the chief of police and locker room for the patrolmen. Over the city clerk’s office is the court room where police court is held. The west wing of the building will be for the police. A jail, as complete as any in the middle west, with separate wards for women, juveniles and men, is to be found. The jail is connected with the first floor by a stairway. Underneath the jail is room for the patrol wagon and other police equipment. In the east wing of the structure is the fire department. The big room on the ground floor with its high ceiling will house the apparatus. The big doors swing our on Ninth Street. On the second floor are the dormitories and gymnasium for the firemen. In the basement in the rear are driveways and garage rooms. The driveway will also be used by coal wagons and delivery of coal to the bunkers will be easy. Fort Dodge’s new city hall was considered one of the best in the state and the concept of one building that housed the city administration, police department, jail, city court and fire department was one of the first such municipal buildings in the state. The layout and construction of the building were both seemingly very well done because over the years, virtually no changes or repairs to the building were needed. In 1966, the Fire Department moved to 1515 Central Avenue and is still located here. In the early 1980s, the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Webster County Sheriff’s Department moved into the new constructed County Law Enforcement Center at 701 First Avenue South. A 1984 renovation plan which was not carried out, called for moving the City Council meeting room to the ground floor on the Ninth Street side of the building. In 2002, Haila Engineering Group Ltd., of Boone, prepared a plan for renovating the building. The estimated price of that project was $5,485,000. Two years later, that same firm returned with a plan for an entirely new Municipal Building at the corner of Eighth Street and Second Avenue South that would cost between $5 million to $5.8 million. Both plans were rejected.

In 2008, a new roof was installed. In 2011 and 2012, the boilers were replaced, the concrete floor in the boiler room was repaired, a ventilation system was installed and a new electrical service connection was put in place.

In July of 2016 a major interior renovation project was completed. An old garage port that was originally used by the fire department then subsequently housed various city vehicles and abandoned bicycles collected by police officers was transformed into a very modern and accommodating City Council meeting room that can seat an audience of more than 100 people. An elevator was installed in the southeast corner of the building that could provide access to all levels of the building and the original steps on the front of the building were replaced. Another remodeling project was completed in January of 2018. The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department offices were moved from the back of the building to an area in the front where the city clerk’s office used to be. The move provided for easier access to the office for walk-in customers. The utility billing office was remodeled and restrooms the second floor were updated. Today, the Fort Dodge City Hall / Municipal Building continues to house the offices for the city’s administrative departments. This building is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Fort Dodge. The fact that this structure has, and continues to serve the city as the municipal building without any major repairs or a dire need for more space, serves as a major testament to the city leaders and architects who designed this building for that exact purpose – to be able to adequately serve and meet the needs of Fort Dodge as a municipal building for numerous generations. Sources: *The Fort Dodge Messenger. February 24, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. June 29, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. July 1, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. July 2, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 15, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. November 2, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. November 24, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. November 16, 1914 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 5, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 9, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 10, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 17, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. August 18, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. November 20, 1915 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. January 25, 1916 *The Messenger. February 26, 2008 *The Messenger. July 17, 2016 *The Messenger. April 11, 2017

1906

1020 3rd Ave. South

O. M. Oleson, pioneer pharmacist and philanthropist, erected this large three-story brick residence with green tile roof in 1906.

O. M. Oleson, pioneer pharmacist and philanthropist, erected this large three-story brick residence with green tile roof in 1906.

Located at 1020 3rd Ave. S. it probably is the only home in the city to have had a pipe organ for many years. The home was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Oleson until 1938 when it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Whittemore. Mrs. Whittemore continues to reside in the house following the death of her husband who was prominently identified with the Vincent Clay Products Company here.

The home has a full basement, first floor with living room, dining room, and kitchen; second floor with five bedrooms and two baths; and third floor with recreation room and attic storage space.

The pipe organ which Oleson enjoyed playing was removed from the home prior to its sale to the Whittemores and given to Lutheran Hospital’s nurses’ home. The nurses’ home was torn down some years ago during rebuilding work at the hospital (now Trinity Regional West).

Oleson was noted for his countless philanthropic acts. He donated land to the city for Oleson Park in the southeast part of the city and Leif Erickson Park in west Fort Dodge. He was the principal benefactor of Lutheran Hospital when it was organized and began operations here. His widow, Julie Haskell Oleson, willed more than $2 million to the hospital at the time of her death.

Oleson was a native of Norway and came to Fort Dodge as a young man and started in the drug business. In 1894 he erected the three-story brick building at Central Avenue and Eighth Street which was long the home of his drug firm—the Oleson Drug Company. The first floor and basement were occupied by the drug firm which for many years had both retail and wholesale operations. The second and third floors had apartments and some offices. The building was razed in recent years along with other structures to make way for the City Green Parking lot.

Oleson enjoyed good music and in the early 1890s organized the Grieg Male Chorus and was its director for many years. The chorus had a large hall on the third floor of the Oleson building where members rehearsed and held social activities. His love of music led to some composing. One of the numbers he set to music was the celebrated World War I poem by Col. John McCrae—“In Flanders Fields the Poppies Grow.”

The Ringland/ Smeltzer House was built in 1903 by George Ringland. Ringland was a founder of U.S.

Gypsum and held the patent for improving plaster. This patent contributed to the growth of the gypsum industry and changed the nature of building construction.

The house , located on the corner of South 12th Street and 2nd Avenue South in the historic Oak Hill District, was designed by Chicago architect Solon Spencer Beman. Beman was the foremost American church architect of his time and one of the founders of the American Institute of Architecture. Beman designed a home for the Ringlands that exhibited Jacobethan Revival architecture, which featured unique brickwork, tall chimneys, multiple gables and rectangular window frames with leaded glass panes. Beman moved to Chicago when he was offered a commission to design the town of Pullman, Illinois, the company town for the Pullman Railroad Car Company. Included among his most noteworthy buildings were two major buildings in the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, the Fine Arts/ Studebaker Building in downtown Chicago and the Mother Church of Christian Science in Boston.

The original style of the home comes from the English manors of the early 16th century reign of James I. This style achieved some popularity between 1895 and 1920 but is relatively uncommon in Iowa. It exists more frequently in educational buildings than in residential structures. The only other local example is the Phillips Middle School, formerly the Fort Dodge Public High School, constructed in 1922.

In Fort Dodge, the Beman firm also designed the Christian Science Church, now the Hawkeye Community Theatre (521 N. 12th Street), and the Roberts/Deardorf house (1414 3rd Ave. South) in the Oak Hill Historic District. The Ringland/Smeltzer House is also significant as part of the Oak Hill District, a four block district placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1977. The district consists of 15 homes which together reflect the changing architectural styles of the post-Civil War period, 1870-1910, and the prosperity and optimism which dominated in Fort Dodge during its golden era.

The styles of homes in the district include French Second Empire, East Lake, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Jacobethean Revival, and Prairie, a virtual showcase of the architectural evolution of that period. Each family sought to outdo the neighbors in size, quality and elegance of their home, reflecting on the local level the “conspicuous consumption” ethic of America’s “Gilded Age.” The Ringland/Smeltzer house reflects the zenith of the local development.

The Oak Hill District, which was originally the southeastern edge of the city, included the homes of the community’s business leaders and leading citizens. Among its residents were a U.S. senator, an inspector for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Iowa’s state printer, the director of the U.S. Mint, the president of U.S. Gypsum Company, the publisher of the local newspaper, and most of the city’s early bankers and entrepreneurs.

Beman’s plans for the house are dated May 13, 1902 but the contract for its construction was not let until September 3, 1903. The contractor was the W. J. Zitterell Company of Webster City, one of the largest and best known construction companies in northern Iowa during this period. The contract price was $25,000; $6,000 of which went just for plumbing and heating. There are no other buildings remaining in Fort Dodge that are associated with the family. Records and newspaper accounts make no mention of any out-buildings on the grounds. The lack of a carriage house may be explained by the fact that Ringland’s downtown office was located on Central Avenue in close proximity to the city’s largest livery stable. Likewise, with the advent of the automobile, it might have been expected that the family would have added a garage, but Ann, even in later years, never had the inclination to do so and kept her automobile outside all year long.

There appears to have been no formal attempts at landscaping at the time of its construction although over the years shrubs and trees were obviously added. Ann, the last member of the family, was less interested in formal gardens than she was in a more natural state.

Over the years there have been few changes in the house, either internally or externally, or the grounds, with the exception of the removal of the main entrance porch on the north side of the house. In 2008 this porch was restored to its original appearance.

Ballroom on the third floor

The house is important locally because the Ringland/Smeltzer family played a significant role both economically and culturally in the history and development of both Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa. From the very first years of settlement in the 1850s until the end of the twentieth century and the death of Ann Smeltzer, the last member of the family, the Ringland-Smeltzer family was a foundational family of Fort Dodge. The house epitomizes the industry and success of its owners and the Fort Dodge community. It is important nationally because George Ringland was an entrepreneur whose patent for the improvement of plaster contributed to the growth of the gypsum industry and changed the nature of building construction. Ringland was also one of the founders of one of the nation’s leading corporations in the building industry, the U.S. Gypsum Company.

Jeannie Ringland Smeltzer was a cultural leader in the community. Under her, the Smeltzer house became a cultural center of the community. Concerts were held in the third floor ballroom and featured nationally recognized musicians. In addition to her music school, Mrs. Smeltzer operated a private school for local children in the home’s third floor ball room as an alternative to the public schools. In developing the curriculum she consulted and worked with Dr. A. A. Berle, America’s first and foremost advocate of and innovator in home schooling at a time that the movement was first attracting popular attention.

Dining Room

Over the years, the daughter of Charles and Jeannie Smeltzer, Ann, acquired many renowned pieces of art which later became part of the Blanden Art Museum’s permanent collection. The Ringland/Smeltzer Home continues to display many pieces of valuable art throughout the house.

Today, the Ringland/Smeltzer House is used for many events. Musical performances in the living room, dinners in the dining room, meetings, showers and wedding receptions are some of the events held in the home. The furniture is original to the home and there are over 5,000 books in the home, many are signed first editions.

Ann Smeltzer, who never married, was a very strong supporter of the community, both personally and civically. She would often allow the neighborhood children to play in her third floor ballroom. This was quite generous of her, because between the three houses to the south of hers, there were eighteen children! The neighborhood children would roller-skate in the ballroom and would perform plays on its stage for the neighborhood.

With the death of Ann Smeltzer in 1999, the property came under the control of the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust which maintains the home as a house museum. It stands today as a reminder of a period in which Fort Dodge flourished and the contributions that the Ringland/Smeltzer family made and continues to make to the community through its charitable trust.

The Ringland/Smeltzer House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a property that is associated with the lives of a person or persons significant in the past whose activities are demonstrably important within a local, state and national context. George Ringland, who built the house, and his family, clearly met the requirements on both the local and national level.

The Ringland/Smeltzer house was a family home; when Ringland’s daughter, Jeannie, married Charles Smeltzer, a banker and land manager, the couple and their daughter Ann lived with Jeannie and Charles all their married life in the home.

https://www.smeltzertrust.org/

Des Moines Register

Photos: Ryan Paschke

610 Central Ave.

This eight-story building built in 1916 was the tallest structure in Fort Dodge.

Location: 610 Central Ave.

Construction Timeline: 1916 – 1917

Architect: E.O. Damon (Fort Dodge)

Original Owner: E.E. Prusia (Fort Dodge)

Size: 8 stories

Purpose of Building: Prusia Hardware Company

E.E. Prusia, who came to Fort Dodge in 1855, in many ways was the great American success story. His occupation was that of a tin smith, a minor but essential skill on the frontier. He was, however, quick to recognize opportunities as they developed. Every frontier settlement needed blacksmiths and blacksmiths in tum had a need for iron. The closest supplier of iron was in Dubuque, some two hundred miles away with no railroads to deliver it. By the time of the Civil War, Prusia had established himself as the primary wholesaler of the metal in northwestern Iowa. The next logical step was to move into the general hardware business. In 1866 he built his own two story brick store on the site of the current building, only to lose it in a fire in the 1880s. It was rebuilt as a three story structure only to have it too destroyed by fire again in 1914.

Prusia decided to rebuild at the same site, only this time he called for a building which would be the most modern and technologically advanced for the time. It was to be large enough to accommodate the growth that the community's leaders predicted and was to be as fireproof as could be built. A local architect of statewide reputation, E.O. Damon, was employed to design the building. The C.E. Atkinson Construction of Webster City was given the job of contractor. The company previously had built the local Congregational Church, the Loomis Building, the National Bank, the Wahkonsa Hotel, the McQuilkin building, Mercy Hospital and an addition to the Fort Dodge Grocery Company.

Damon responded with a building in the Chicago Commercial style which had been developed in Chicago in the late 1890s. The rapid growth of the cities of the period required additional office and retail enterprises. Land space was at a premium so the best way to build was to build up and create skyscrapers defined in 1900 as any building of five or more stories. This required new building methods and technology. Prior to the 1890s most buildings were constructed with thick load bearing walls. This type of construction limited the height to five or so stories. Architects offered a new model, a building with a skeleton framework of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete which carried the load and with the walls filling in with non-load bearing masonry. The new system allowed for structures of virtually unlimited height.

Damon's first plan was for a seven story building but when the plans were finalized an eighth story was added making it the tallest structure in Fort Dodge. The total square footage was 82,000. The eighth floor was reserved for the company's office and the first floor was to be retail. The second through seventh would be the warehouse area. This explains why there are no windows on the east and west sides of the building except for the eighth floor. Warehouse areas had no need for windows which would just reduce storage space. Windows in the office areas, however, would provide light and ventilation. The windows that were used were double sash windows which could be open to allow for air flow.

In constructing the building, reinforced concrete pillars were used to provide the supporting framework. The walls between the pillars were brick. Since these walls were non-load supporting, windows could easily be installed. The Chicago Commercial Style buildings are characterized by a much greater use of windows than earlier commercial buildings. The Prusia building followed this pattern with seventy windows on the Central Avenue face. With the increase in the number of windows and the reduction in the amount of wall space there was reduced room for architectural decoration. Damon did, however, include some decorative elements; the fancy brick work on the front facade and the ceramic heads of the kings and lions on the top story just below the cornice.

The windows used in the front are called the Chicago style are in sets of three, a large single pane window in the middle, flanked by double pane sash windows, again allowing for ventilation and illumination.

After losing two previous buildings to fire, Prusia was adamant about making the building fireproof. Wood was to be as limited as possible in the basic construction, extra thick concrete and block walls were used to enclose stair wells and elevator shafts and fire proof doors were used at all points of access. Regular window glass was to be rejected where illumination was not a primary consideration in favor of wire glass which in case of a fire would be less likely to blow out and allow for fire or wind drafts.

The construction of buildings exceeding three or four stories required the inclusion of elevators.

This building was designed with two elevators, a passenger elevator and a freight elevator. The freight elevator was made extra-large to allow the entry of a delivery truck. The elevator would carry the truck to the appropriate floor where it would be unloaded, eliminating as much unloading and moving of goods as possible.

Another feature employed was the use of chutes to move goods. A spiral chute allowed boxes to slide from an upper floor to a destination on a lower level. Another chute carried mail and documents.

Prusia wanted the latest technology where possible. The passenger elevator was self-operated with the passenger just pushing the button for the correct floor. Every other building with an elevator depended upon an operator. To facilitate communication among the departments, forty telephones were installed and three trunk lines to the outside were created. A centralized money handling system was installed using a pneumatic tube carrier system. A departmental clerk would send the money by tube to a cashier in the office who would then return the receipt. The system consisted of 2,200 feet of tubing.

The Prusia Company remained in operation in Fort Dodge until 1930 when it declared bankruptcy, a victim of the Depression. For the next six years the building remained empty. In 1935 the building was leased to Sears and Roebuck. Sears had been established as a catalog store in 1886 and it was not until 1925 that it opened its first retail department store. In 1936 it leased and opened the store in the old Prusia Building. Sears made few changes in the building itself which was a tribute to the planning and foresight of Prusia and Damon some twenty years earlier. The telephone system, the elevator system, the pneumatic tube arrangement and the structure as a whole were barely changed. The only apparent change was the installation of a black glass and chrome trim street level facade to suit the art deco taste of the time.

Sears’ grand opening came on November 1936, a welcome economic boost to a city which was suffering through the Great Depression. The new store provided jobs for some 85 local residents.

The Sears store remained downtown until 1965 when the Crossroads Mall opened in East Fort Dodge. The old building remained vacant. Over the years there have been several changes in ownership but none have been able to put together a plan of restoration or usage. In 1969, a referendum for downtown renewal failed to pass. Fires in the meantime destroyed several downtown blocks and buildings. Ed Breen, in the 1970s, led a move to rehabilitate the area by establishing a downtown mall. Part of these proposals called for the demolition of the buildings between the City Square and 9th Street on the north side of Central Avenue and on the south side from the City Square to the Court House. Many of the buildings were demolished and replaced by parking lots, empty lots and two new banks on 9th Street. The Prusia Building was the only historic building in the 600 block north side to survive and it remained vacant.

The Historic Preservation Commission attempted to place the building on the National Register of Historic Places but the City Council rejected the move. However, the downtown district has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places which gives the building Register status.

Today, the Prusia/Sears Building is home to Heartland Senior Housing, which provides 1 & 2 bedroom, income-based rental apartments for senior citizens.

1915

805 Central Ave. Built in 1915, the Snell Building was seven stories tall and Fort Dodge’s first “skyscraper.”

Richard Snell, from Clinton Illinois, was the original owner of both the Snell Building and the Boston Centre, both located at 805 and 805 and 809 Central Avenue in downtown Fort Dodge. He received the land on which both buildings are located from his father, Thomas Snell, who owned it when it was originally platted in 1856. Although the two buildings differed in size, appearance and function, they were both part of the same investment project for Snell. Both buildings were constructed at the same time, however the building for the Boston Store was completed first and had its formal opening in September of 1914, while the Snell Building was completed in January of 1915.

The Snell Building, at 805 Central Avenue, was seven stories tall and Fort Dodge’s first “skyscraper.” The ground level was occupied by First National Bank and the Charles A. Brown clothing store; the remaining floors had over 150 rooms for various offices.

Today, the Snell Building at 805 Central Avenue is the location of Authentic Therapy of Iowa, LLC; Chingren Financial Advisors, Inc.; Diamond Detailing; Kersten, Brownlee, Hendricks, LLC; Miller Counseling Services, LLC; Monty Fisher, Attorney; O’Brien Law Office.

1024 3rd Avenue South

The large brick residence at 1024 3rd Ave. S.—known in earlier years as the Leon Vincent home—was built by a pioneer Iowan who was a civil engineer, railroad builder and gypsum industrialist. The house dates back to 1896 when it was erected and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Vincent.

The house, of exterior brick construction, now has three rooms and bath on the first floor, four rooms and two baths on the second floor, two bedrooms on the completely finished third floor and a large finished basement area.

Ownership of the house has changed several times since it was built by Vincent. At one time it was owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Vincent and later by Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Thornton. In 1965 the Thorntons sold the property to Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Eide; Gary and Mary Moore also resided in the home. Jenny Kersten Becker and Luke Becker and family currently reside in the home.

Leon Vincent, a first cousin of Webb and Beth Vincent, came to Iowa in 1867 and as a civil engineer worked in laying out the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad, now part of the North Western system. He continued in this work until 1873 when he came to Fort Dodge.

In 1881 Vincent was employed as assistant cashier of the Merchants National Bank until its merger with the early-day First National Bank here. He was secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Plaster Association in 1891 and was identified with gypsum operations here for many years. In 161899 he rebuilt and re-equipped the Central Gypsum mill, first of the early-day gypsum plants here. When the U. S. Gypsum Company took over the Iowa Plaster Association in 1902, Vincent remained as manager of the Blanden mill.

Vincent was active in many affairs, one of which was designing and building of the present St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, which replaced an earlier edifice destroyed by fire. He also helped in laying out and beautifying of Oleson Park and in designing of 17th Street as a boulevard.

In 1911, Leon Vincent and the brothers Harry S. and Donald Vincent, sons of Webb Vincent, founded the Vincent Clay Products, Inc., which operated its big plant at Shady Oaks until recent years. Many of the plant’s machines and processes were inventions of Leon Vincent.

In failing health for many years, Leon Vincent died in 1916 at age 69. Mrs. Vincent died in 1928 at age 81. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent were grandparents of Al Loomis, photographer for most of the houses shown in the book.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa

PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

One of the few remaining landmarks in Fort Dodge is the historic Vincent home at 824 3rd Ave. S. The house is now more than a century and a half old, having been built in 1871 by James Swain, a pioneer Fort Dodge resident who was in the wholesale and retail drug business.

The house was purchased in 1879 by Webb Vincent, an early-day Fort Dodge industrialist and one of the founders of the gypsum industry here in 1872. Associated with him at that time in the establishment of the Fort Dodge Plaster Mills were George S. Ringland and Stillman T. Meservey.

The Webb Vincent family moved into the spacious home Oct. 17, 1879. It had been occupied continuously by members of the family until the death in 1969 of Mrs. Anne Vincent, widow of Donald Vincent.

The home has an exterior of red brick—a “soft brick” made from red clay that was found extensively in this area. Foundation walls are of limestone set in mortar. These stones of different sizes and roughly hewn form a foundation wall about seven feet high. Exterior house walls are 30 inches thick and interior walls are 24 inches thick.

Rooms of the house are large. Ceilings on the first floor are 14 feet high, on the second floor 12 feet high and on the third floor nine feet high. The third floor included a ballroom, 20 × 50 feet in size, where many early-day parties were held.

Source:

HISTORIC HOMES of Fort Dodge, Iowa

PUBLISHED BY THE BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS FORT DODGE, IOWA APRIL, 1975PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLEN R. LOOMIS • TEXT BY KARL F. HAUGEN

Address: 927 Central Ave.

Construction : 1909-1910 Architectural firm of Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen (Des Moines)

Original Owner: Fort Dodge Commercial Club

Size: 65,000 square feet

Purpose of building: First Class Hotel

The Wahkonsa Hotel (currently Wahkonsa Manor) is a five-story, plus basement building, featuring symmetrical brick facades with Italian Renaissance Revival-style influenced brick detailing including quoining and relief brickwork.

Situated on Fort Dodge’s historic main street, Central Avenue and South 10th St., the building was developed and constructed by the Fort Dodge Commercial Club in 1909-1910. It had the distinction of being the largest fireproof hotel in Iowa at the time of completion and was considered one of the premier hotels in the state.

The hotel movement had its inception in the Commercial Club when C.V. Findlay, a director, made a motion that President McQuilkin appoint a committee of three to look into the possibility of a hotel being built in Fort Dodge. As a result, the Fort Dodge Hotel Company was formed and the excavation and construction for the new hotel began in August of 1909. Liebbe, Nourse & Rassmussen, architects from Des Moines secured the order for the plans and C.E. Atkinson, the contract for the building’s construction. Cold weather hindered the work on the structure, the winter of 1909-1910 being one of the most severe in many years, however, work progressed steadily until the completion and opening of the hotel in September 1910.

The three person committee who conducted the campaign and oversaw the building process of the hotel were O.M. Oleson, G.W. Mason and A.D. McQuilkin. The other directors of the Fort Dodge Hotel Company were A.R. Loomis, John Hower, T.H. Wright and W.F. Carver.

The following is an excerpt from an article from The Fort Dodge Messenger on September 20, 1910, after the formal opening of the Wahkonsa Hotel.

The Interior View

Both the Central Avenue and the Tenth street entrances admitted people to the main lobby, the office and foyer of the hotel. Here a brilliant spectacle was observed for the roomy place with what hotels rarely have; two street sides admitting plenty of light and affording an excellent view, was brilliant with artificial light and a very gay assemblage in evening dress. The beautiful frescoed walls of light color, the massive leather furniture presented interesting contrast in color, the thick velvet rugs on a tiled floor of most attractive pattern and the marble of the walls and staircase, contributed to make a superlatively good impression.

The orchestra was discovered in an alcove especially provided for such use, on the second floor at the head of the staircase. From here and from the balcony which surrounds the staircase opening, the myriads of flowers and palms scattered about the landings, staircase and foyer, offered a most festive appearance.

The dining room opens directly off of the south end of the foyer and is about equal in length, half of the depth of the building. It is slightly wider than the foyer and to the west of it, through large doors, is discovered the smaller dining room which is finished in a beautiful combination of dark oak and a frieze in grape design on the walls. Panels of woods extend part way up the walls with the frieze above the plate rail. A massive buffet conceals the entrance from the kitchen.

The floors of these two rooms, like the remainder of the ground floor, are tiled. The kitchen section of the hotel lies in the southwest corner.

In the main dining room, the entire east wall is plate glass windows, hung with attractive lace embroidery with heavy monograms. Small English windows are at either side of each large window and can be opened. The south and north sides are supplied with large plate glass mirrors except on the south in the center where a buffet with leaded glass window above, finishes the dining room beautifully.

The Upper Floors

Heavy hall carpets of velvet Brussels cover the upper halls, clear to the top story. The floors are entirely of cement stained to harmonize with the rugs and carpets. Wails are rough plaster and stained in colors that harmonize with the hangings, rugs and mahogany furniture. In some of the bedrooms heavy brass beds vary the general appearance. No wood but mahogany is used in many of the rooms.

Just opposite the elevator on every floor is an alcove furnished attractively for a small parlor, where guests can make themselves at home. On the second floor there is one parlor for women visitors at the hotel, which commands a good view from the east of the building.

The Wahkonsa operated as a first-class hotel for over 60 years (by various owners) until 1972 when it was converted into apartment housing for low-income residents. The Wahkonsa continues to provide affordable housing, with several commercial outfits still in operation on the first floor and basement levels.

Wahkonsa Annex

The Wahkonsa Hotel was first leased to R. W. Johnston and Company, who opened it on September 17th, 1910. They operated until October 11, 1911, when the lease was transferred to George W. Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds operated tho hotel for two years, and then sold it to A J. Morton on November 10th, 1913. Mr. Morton continued the operation of the hotel until September 9th, 1915, when he sold the property to Theodore G. Warden of Chicago.

Within a few months after Mr. Warden took over the Wahkonsa, he decided to enlarge his property, so on April 12th, 1916, he bought the two lots south of the hotel, at the corner of Tenth street and First avenue South. On this property was erected the Wahkonsa Annex, four stories in height. There were seven stores on the first floor, one hundred guest rooms on the second and third floors, and the club rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, a ball-room, and a luncheon room took up most of the fourth. The Annex was formally opened for business on January 21st, 1916. Two additional floors were later built on to The Annex when the Warden Plaza was constructed.

The Wahkonsa Hotel was already regarded as one of the best hotels in the state, but with the addition of The Annex, its reputation grew to that of the finest hotel of any city its size in the United States.

Today, the Wahkonsa Annex is empty and has been empty for a number of years. It will be torn down as part of a new downtown revitalization project.

Source: Fort Dodge Historical Society

Fort Dodge Messenger, 1910

Fort Dodge Messenger, 1916

The sheer half-block size of downtown Fort Dodge’s Warden Plaza is enough to pique one’s curiosity, but a brief glimpse at the building’s rich history confirms its significant place in the city’s past history.

Location: 908 1st Ave. S Construction Timeline: 1922 – 1923 Architect: E. O. Damon (Fort Dodge) Original Owner: Theodora Warden (daughter or Theodore Warden) Size: 8 stories Purpose of Building: Retail shops, apartments, office suites The sheer half-block size of downtown Fort Dodge’s Warden Plaza is enough to pique one’s curiosity, but a brief glimpse at the building’s rich history confirms its significant place in the city’s past history. The 316,000-square-foot building, located at 908 First Avenue South, represents more than just the architectural skill of E.O. Damon Jr. in combining bricks, mortar and marble; it represents the soul of this Midwest city. From the mid-1920s through 1970, the Warden Plaza Building was the social, economic and political center of Fort Dodge. The Warden Shops and Apartments are the outgrowth of the original Wahkonsa hotel built by the public spirited men of Fort Dodge, under the name of the Fort Dodge Hotel Company. O. M. Oleson was the principal stock holder of this company. The original building covered two lots at the corner of Central Avenue and Tenth Street, 120 feet on Central Avenue and 140 feet on Tenth Street. It has 165 rooms and four store rooms.

The hotel was first leased to R. W. Johnston and Company, who opened it on September 17th, 1910. On September 9th, 1915, the hotel was sold to Theodore G. Warden of Chicago. Within a few months after Mr. Warden took over tho Wahkonsa, he decided to enlarge his property, so on April 12th, 1916, he bought the two lots south of the hotel, at the corner of Tenth street and First avenue South. On this property was erected the Annex, four stories in height, which was opened on January 21, 1916. Early in 1919, Mr. Warden decided that there was an urgent need for kitchenette apartments in Fort Dodge and in May of that year began the construction of three additional floors on the Annex. These floors were completed a year later and contained eighty-five apartment rooms that greatly relieved the housing shortage of the city at that time. The need for the kitchenette apartments having been demonstrated, and knowing the ever increasing popularity of the specialty shops throughout the country, Mr. Warden decided to erect a building that would offer patrons combined shops, store-rooms and apartments, a combination at that time was rare or unknown in the United States. Mr. Warden first purchased the three lots just west of his Annex properly on which he proposed to erect the Warden Shops and Apartment building. One of these lots was purchased from Chris Hohn and the other two from the George W. Mason estate. The excavation for the building began on August 22, 1922. On November 8, 1922, the contract was let to W. J. Zitterell and company for the basement and first floor. They also secured the contract for the super structure, when the other was completed in May, 1923. It took just one year to complete this eight story building.

The new Warden building contained thirty-six shops and five medium sized stores. The three upper floors had 84 apartments, which were mostly of the dinette-kitchenette type, while a few others were labeled "bachelor" type apartments because they did not have the dinette-kitchenette feature. The apartments were seen as ideal living quarters. At that time, every convenience was provided for “eliminating most of the hard work in house-keeping.” The kitchenettes had electric ranges and cabinets; the refrigerators were placed so that the ice, which was furnished for free, could be put in the boxes from a hall; the garbage and waste paper are removed from the hall by the porter. The first and mezzanine floors were truly a sight to be seen. In addition to the large and beautiful lobby, there were fourteen shops on the first floor that opened on to an eighteen foot L-shaped corridor that faced Ninth street and First avenue South. On the mezzanine floor was a large and exquisitely furnished lounge that overlooked the lobby. Also on this floor were twenty-two shops of different sizes that opened onto a walk that gave a view of the activities below. In the basement of the building was a grocery and delicatessen store. The store had a street entrance on Ninth, and an entrance from the apartments. The elevators ran to the basement with a marble hall leading to the grocery. This store was a great convenience for those who lived in the building. They were able to secure their daily needs without leaving the building. An Amazing Place “The Warden Plaza was the place to live in Fort Dodge. It was absolutely marvelous,” recalled Drexel Peterson, who was a longtime radio personality for KVFD, which was founded by Ed Breen in the Warden on Christmas Eve 1939 and located there for many years. Peterson and his wife, Ruth, and children Anne and Drexel, Jr., lived in the Warden Apartments from 1945 to 1953, a time when few children lived in the facility. “It was the only full-service apartment building in Fort Dodge, ant it had elevator and switchboard operators 24 hours a day. There was a head housekeeper, but you took care of your own apartment, and if you had pipe problems in the middle of the night, there was a maintenance man on duty to take care of it,” Peterson said. “There were marvelous people that lived there. Many were doctors, lawyers and people who worked downtown. All in all, it was an amazing place.” His daughter Anne Miller, who lives in Concord, Mass., has fond memories of living on the fourth floor of the Warden Apartments and exploring the huge building as a child. “As a child I loved it! It used to be the classy place to live. If you didn’t have a house or wanted to live downtown, it was great,” Miller said. She recalled the beauty salons, barber shops, bakery, drapery shop and “a wonderful place” called the Smoke Shop among other businesses that were located in the north arcade of the Warden Apartments. “The Smoke Shop was like a modern day 7-Eleven. It had pop, chips, cigarettes, cigars, milk, bread, etc., as well as a pinball machine. I wasn’t to hang out there but was sent down to buy bread, milk and pop,” she said. he mezzanine, which is the floor located between the ground and second floors, “was a fun area as a child,” she said. “It had a huge ornate railing that looked down over the lobby, but half of the open space was filled with offices in the early 1970s.” On Fort Dodge resident who at one time worked at the Warden as did his father, said the Warden also used to feature a fountain, a marble-adorned front desk, skylights and its own water tower. A well in the basement piped water up to the roof into two 5,000-gallon tanks, which would supply the apartments with water. He added that a Warden resident once told him that there were glass sidewalks in front of the Warden that were illuminated at night and a bowling alley in the basement. In the fall of 1970, Glen Machovec and William Sergeant bought The Warden from Theodora Westenberger, who was the daughter of Theodore Warden, the original proprietor and visionary of The Warden. The building underwent extensive interior renovations; remodeling the existing apartments and finishing the construction of apartments and office spaces on the third and fourth floors. The office and commercial space on the ground floor and mezzanine remained essentially intact. In the early 1980’s, many retail businesses were relocating to the Crossroads Mall area on the east side of Fort Dodge, and new office space was being developed in the community. These modifications led to a changing culture in downtown Fort Dodge and the detriment of the Warden Plaza. In 1983, the Warden Plaza was purchased by Real Property Services, a property management company from Carlsbad, California. Unfortunately, this marked the beginning of the slow, but steady demise of the Warden Plaza. In April of 1994, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) foreclosed on the property, due to the owners failing to make payments on the outstanding mortgage of more than $3.5 million. A few months later, the building was purchased by Barry Smith, a private investor from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Smith had visions of bringing The Warden back to its former glory, however, the cost of the mandatory repairs to the occupied apartments that were needed in order to bring the building up to code along with other issues proved to be too costly for Smith. He sold the property to HLI Properties of Fort Dodge after just two years.

In December of 1996 HLI Properties acquired the ownership and management of The Warden. Deteriorating conditions within the building caused the few remaining tenants to move out of The Warden in 2005 and the building was permanently closed at that time. From 2005 to 2016, Harvest Baptist Church then the company Corale LLC owned the once iconic building. During this period, The Warden remained vacant and uninhabitable. The interior and exterior became increasingly dilapidated and vandalized. Fortunately, in June and July of 2016, the City of Fort Dodge was able to take possession of the building as part of a collaborative effort to renovate and restore The Warden back to the grand centerpiece of Fort Dodge that it once was. For eight decades, the Warden Plaza served as the home for many businesses and organizations, as well as individuals who lived in the Warden apartments. The following is a list of some of the Fort Dodge businesses and organizations that were located in the iconic Warden Plaza building between 1922 – 2000.

· World Travel AAA · AAA Motor Club of Iowa · Otis Elevator · Farmers National Co. · Xerox · Eddie Quinn Clothier · Mid States Commodities Inc. · Jet Print · KSMX – Radio Station · Maiwurm Assoc. – Architects · Iowa Farms Associates · Mid States Grain · Equifax Inc. · Land and Water Publication · Bolt Security · Heights Finance Corp. · Schlotfeldt Engineering Inc. · Webster County Red Cross · Webster Construction · Louis Rabiner Trust · W. W. Wilson – Insurance · One Hour Martinizing · Household Finance Corp. · Woodruff – Evans Construction · Secretarial Answering Service · Svana’s Imports · Lakota Girl Scouts · Bob Singer Insurance Agency · KVFD – Radio Station · March of Dimes · Birthright · Bergman Photos · Old Northwest Co. – Insurance · Mr. Bob’s Shoe Shine · Aunt Nancy’s Day Care Center · Comedia Musica Players · Rasch Construction · County Furs · McClure Engineering · Herbert-Hansen Fur Company · The Terrace Lounge · The 34th Club · Home Federal Savings · Katy’s Alterations · Eddie’s Grocery · Waller-Wendling Assoc. – Insurance · Stark, Crumley & Jacobs – Attorneys · Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce · City of FD Community Development Office · Sergeant & Sergeant – Attorneys · Sample Alley – Women’s Clothing · Dr. Walter Gower & Dr. Matt Sander’s Office The Fort Dodge Laboratories occupied the third floor and Quaker Oats occupied the second floor, which were later turned into residential floors. Warden ownership timeline: 1924 – 1970: Theodora Westenberger (Warden) 1970 – 1983: Warden Plaza Partnership (Glen Machovec & William Sergeant) 1983 – 1994: Real Property Services – Carlsbad, CA 1994 – 1996: Barry B. Smith – Cedar Rapids, IA 1996 – 2005: HLI Properties, Inc. – Fort Dodge, IA 2005 – 2008: Harvest Baptist Church – Fort Dodge, IA 2009 – 2016: Corale LLC 2016 – 2017: City of Fort Dodge 2017 – Present: KDG LLC Sources: *The Messenger & Chronicle. November 8, 1924 *Fort Dodge Messenger. October 8, 1970 *Fort Dodge Today. Beth Buehler. February 199

1900

701 Central Ave.

The courthouse when finally turned over to the county, was a plain, two story' stone building, fifty by one hundred feet in size. The basement was used for the county jail, the first floor for offices, and the second floor for the courtroom and court offices.

Location: 701 Central Ave. Construction Timeline: 1900 – 1902 Architect: Henry C. Koch Original Owner: Webster County Size: 4 stories Purpose of Building: Courthouse and city/county government In 1856, Fort Dodge became the county seat for Webster County. John Duncombe led the movement of petitioning the court for an election to be held to vote on the issue of moving the county seat from Homer to Fort Dodge, with Fort Dodge coming out victorious. The population of Webster county in 1859, according to an old manuscript, had reached about 4,500. The census returns for that year, however, showed but 2,596. Whichever may be correct, a courthouse was needed, and had been talked of ever since the locating of the county seat at Fort Dodge. The question of the building was submitted to the voters the first Monday in April, 1859, and carried by a majority of 200. Webster county's title to her first courthouse site in Fort Dodge, and which is still the present site, bears date of August 20, 1858. The grantor is Jesse Williams, trustee, by his attorney in fact, William Williams. The name of John F. Duncombe appears in the transaction, as the notary whose seal was affixed to the document. The contract for the new courthouse was let by the county judge, L. L. Pease, to Jenkins and Merritt, and afterwards they sublet to Sweeney and Tierney. The original contract price was $39,450.00. To this had been added several items making the figure just a little within the $50,000 limit set in the proposition to build. The designs for the building were drawn but various changes were made, however, before the building was completed. The corner stone of the building was laid May 8, 1859. No sooner was the building begun, however, than trouble commenced. The designs were constantly undergoing change. Many mistakes were made. It was difficult to get labor or material and project became underfunded, which proved a most serious problem. The time of completion had been extended two years and yet the first story was still not finished. The lack of funds to carry on the work proved a most serious problem and the animosities of the county seat fight were still active. It was at this point that Thomas Snell of the firm of Snell & Taylor, high respected contractors, was urged by the leading citizens of Fort Dodge to undertake the work. This he finally consented to do, and the contract was assigned to his firm, and by them, completed. Yet with the new contractors the building did not go on so smoothly. Numerous conflicts arose including the delays with the project, the many changes that were made, and accusations of fraud. The underlying problem that seemed to be the foundation of so much distrust and dissatisfaction was the continued hard feelings within the county over the legality of the vote that moved the county seat to Fort Dodge. Bitter personal feelings festered around the county seat fight. At last, worn out with fighting, the county leaders came to their senses, for the time being, intense personal feelings were eventually overcome by better reasoning, and the difficulties were adjusted and the county seat fight was ended. The courthouse when finally turned over to the county, was a plain, two story' stone building, fifty by one hundred feet in size. The basement was used for the county jail, the first floor for offices, and the second floor for the courtroom and court offices. This building during its entire existence was being remodeled and repaired. After a number of years a clock tower was added, and the stairway leading to the courtroom was changed. Still later rooms were fitted up for the federal court offices. But all these changes could not keep pace with the growth of the county. The county superintendent's office was forced out and across the street to the Doud block. In 1885 Judge Henderson of the district court declared the jail quarters unsanitary and ordered the prisoners confined in the Hamilton county jail. In view of this latter condition. Captain S. J. Benett, a member of the Board of Supervisors, introduced a resolution before that body calling for a vote upon a three mill tax levy to build a jail. On the first submission to the voters of the county it was lost; but the next year upon resubmission it was carried. The jail when constructed was of brick, two stories in height, and standing at the southeast corner of the courthouse. It contained four cells and corridors, which could also be used for the honest prisoners. The building was not the most confining and several deliveries were made out of it. The changes in the courthouse were but temporary makeshifts. The conditions were still crowded. During the last session of the Board of Supervisors for the year 1898, and the January session of the following year, the board were besieged with petitions from every county officer telling of the crowded and unsafe condition of the county vaults. A new courthouse seemed absolutely necessary. A committee consisting of S. J. Bennett, Andrew Hannon, Swan Johnson, and T. J. Ryan were appointed by the board to investigate the conditions and to make a report at the April session. At this session the committee reported in favor of building a new courthouse. The board, however, took no action upon the matter during that session. Again in September the committee reported in favor of a new building and most strongly urged that it be started at once. This time the board unanimously adopted the resolution and ordered it submitted to the voters at the general election to be held November 7, 1899. The vote stood 2,394 for and 1,146 against, being a majority of 1,248 in favor of building. Many people favored the construction of the new building upon a larger site, and for this reason wanted the old site sold and a new one purchased with the proceeds. Investigation, however, showed that the deed by which the county acquired the site, made it revert back to the original owner, when it ceased to be used for courthouse purposes. Rather than lose this valuable property it was deemed best to build upon the old site.

Plans for the new four-story building were submitted to the board February 1, 1900. The new stone building represented a significant expansion over its predecessor. After a careful consideration those submitted by H. C. Koch & Co., of Milwaukee. were accepted. Later the contract for the building was let to the Northern Building Company of Minneapolis at their bid of $99,720.00 and Mr. C. B. Hepler of Fort Dodge was appointed as superintendent of construction. The contract called for the completion of the building by November 1, 1901. This time was later extended to March 1, 1902. The formal dedication of the building was held Friday, September 12, 1902, and on the following Monday the county officials moved into their new home. The building was accepted by the board October 11, 1902. The razing of the old building and the constructing of the new courthouse building was due to the work of Captain S. J. Bennett, chairman of the building committee. He devoted practically his entire time to the task; and in the efficient public work, which he did. He won the approval of every loyal citizen and taxpayer of the county. On September 11, 1902, the county officers were all at home in their new quarters, and during the evening a concert was given by the Fort Dodge Military Band. The formal dedication was held the next morning. Special trains brought people from all parts of the county. Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver acted as presiding officer and made the first address. He was followed by Senator T. D. Healy, and Hon. R. M. Wright. Proud as were many of the younger citizens of the county of the structure, which they had helped to build, their pride could not equal that of those pioneers, who had outlived the decay of two courthouses, and who out of the wildness had wrought the means with which to frame the magnificent county home. They were the true builders. Today, the courthouse is the site of much local and regional government business and offices for the state courts of the Second Judicial District. History of Courthouse Restoration Year Phase Amount 1980: Specifications for Courthouse Repair and Jail Removal from the Courthouse $98,780.60 1985-1986 Exterior Restoration $313,888.70 *Cleaning & repair of Limestone *Restoration of copper clock tower *Replacement of flat and sloped roof areas *Replacement of exterior atrium skylight 1987 Phase I Renovation $113,966.00 *Data processing department – 4th floor *Replacement of electrical panels/services to all floors 1988-1989 Phase II Renovation $465,345.00 *County Engineers Office – 4th floor *Three Judges Chambers – 4th floor *Main entry – 1st floor *Rework Atrium handrails – 2nd and 3rd floors *Main District Courtroom – 3rd floor 1991-1992 Phase III Renovation $202,477.80 *District Court Administrator Office – 4th floor 1993-1994 Phase IV Renovation $593,870.80 *County Treasurer Office – 1st floor *Motor Vehicle Department – 1st floor *Small Claims Court Office – 1st floor *Sprinkler Main Entrance *Central Cooling Equipment installed 1997-present Final Renovation Phase V $2,500,000.00 *Renovate 2nd floor – County Offices *Renovate 3rd floor – Judicial Spaces *Handicapped accessible restrooms – 2nd & 3rd floors *Handicapped accessible elevator *Completion of sprinkler system *Completion of central cooling system Grand Total$4,288,328.90 Sources: *The Fort Dodge Messenger. September 12, 1902 *The Fort Dodge Messenger. December 13, 1902 *The History of Fort Dodge and Webster County… by H.M. Pratt

Blanden had been the mayor of Fort Dodge from 1887 – 1889. Mr. Blanden’s wire Elizabeth was a teacher in Fort Dodge when they lived here. Later in their lives they moved to California and in 1929, Mrs. Blanden passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.

Mr. Blanden wanted to so something to honor his wife’s life and decided to build an art museum, but he wasn’t sure if he should build it in Fort Dodge or in San Diego, California.

A group of ladies that lived in Fort Dodge in the late 1920’s really wanted Mr. Blanden to build the museum here. But at that time, there was a state law that only allowed cities with a population of 50,000 or more people to have a municipal museum. Fort dodg had around 30,000 people living in it at that time, not enough for a municipal museum. A State Senator from Fort Dodge helped the group and through the Iowa government system, sponsored a law that lowered the population requirement to 20,000 – this way, Fort Dodge could build a museum.

Fort Dodge Messenger

www.blanden.org

Webster County Historical Society