Fort Dodge, Iowa

1910The 1,492 foot long bridge connected the two sections of Fort Dodge; at 3rd Street, then going west across the Des Moines River and connecting at G Street in “West” Fort Dodge.The Bennett Viaduct over the Des Moines River and the Illinois Central and Chicago and Northwestern Railroads rights of way was erected in 1910 and 1911. The 1,492 foot long bridge connected the two sections of Fort Dodge; at 3rd Street, then going west across the Des Moines River and connecting at G Street in “West” Fort Dodge.The civilian settlement of Fort Dodge can be dated from the establishment of the federal land office in 1855. On the west side of the river, across from the original town site, was the area that became known as West Fort Dodge. Originally preempted by Elliot Colburn, it was platted as Colburn’s Addition on 1858. Over the years it was also known as Riverside and Swedetown, the latter name because of the sizable Swedish community that settled there. By 1900, West Fort Dodge had a business district which included a general store, a grocery, a meat market, hardware store, tobacco and confectionary shop, coal yard, the Swedish Covenant Mission Church, Riverside School and a post office.Access to areas west of the river and the growth of Fort Dodge and West Fort Dodge was dependent upon an adequate river crossing. Crossing the river was only possible during very dry times when it was shallow enough to cross on foot or horseback, or across the ice in the winter. In the late 1850s and early 1860s, two rope ferries were established; McCaulley’s ferry at the location of the present Hawkeye Avenue Bridge, and the Colburn ferry at the site of what would become the Bennett Viaduct. These rope ferries were a large wooden raft that was guided across the river by rope that was connected to the land. Although these were somewhat useful, they were extremely dangerous- especially during high water or when there was a fast river current. In the early 1870s, the county constructed two wooden bridges to replace the rope ferries.After just six years, due to the deteriorating and dangerous condition of the wooden Colburn Bridge, the Fort Dodge City Council informed the county board of supervisors that any liability for injury in connection with the bridge would belong solely to the county. Shortly after this, the wooden Colburn Bridge was replaced by a new iron bridge, which was referred to as the Farley Street Bridge and/or the West Fort Dodge Wagon Bridge.This bridge remained adequate for the community’s needs until difficulties developed with vehicular traffic across the railroad tracts. The location of the tracts at the base of the bridge created a hazardous situation for the heavy Farley Street traffic. Another source of complaints were about the trains impeding traffic. In 1899, the city council adopted two new ordinances; for the necessity of a viaduct and requiring the railroads to construct and maintain the portion over their rights of way, and another that added the stipulation that provision should be made for the possibility of a street car line on the viaduct.The viaduct proposal lay dormant until 1906, when plans were prepared for the structure and the city and county officials agreed that each would pay one half of the project’s costs. The agreement also stipulated that the city would assume all responsibility for the structure when the city’s population increased to a certain point. In 1907, the city reached an agreement with the railroads which called for the railroads to construct and maintain a steel viaduct over their own rights of way. With various alterations to the structure plans and contract negotiations between the different entities involved in this project, actual construction did not begin until September of 1910 and the dismantling of the old iron Farley Street Bridge started in November of that same year.As the work began and started to progress, various problems in the delivery of the steel and other materials coupled with mistakes in certain parts of the construction plans led to the completion of the viaduct in May of 1911, four months behind schedule.The demolition of the old bridge and the slowness in the erection of the new viaduct cause considerable economic disruption in the county. The Messenger of December 1, 1910 told of one farmer who lost a considerable amount of money on 3,000 bushels of oats because he was unable to get his grain to market at the time the price of oats was at the season’s high. Mail delivery was suspended to the rural areas southwest of the city until the river could safely be crossed. Merchandise deliveries were also stopped and milk deliveries were limited for a short time to hotels and families with babies.The viaduct was named on April 18, 1911 for Captain Sydney Bennett, a former mayor of Fort Dodge. Bennett served in the military for four years, earned the rank of captain and fought in the Civil War. After the war, Bennett made his way to Boone then settled in Fort Dodge in 1867 to enter the tobacco business. In 1884, he went west to Washington and joined a brother as a construction engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad. In the early 1900s, Bennett returned to Fort Dodge where he became a community leader- serving terms on the county board of supervisors, the Fort Dodge city council, and four terms as mayor. As a county supervisor, he was most instrumental in the construction of the new courthouse in 1910 – 1913. Bennett was mayor of Fort Dodge at the time the new viaduct was being planned and constructed but ill health forced him to refuse to run for reelection in 1910. He died on May 5, 1911, seventeen days after his name was given to the viaduct and shortly before its completion.As a major thoroughfare for the city and a link between several residential areas, the new viaduct was not only of economic importance, but had recreational value as well. The depth of the river made it a popular swimming area and the bridge’s lower girders made ideal diving platforms for the average swimmer, while the more courageous jumped from the higher deck level. During the winter, the frozen river around the bridge was the community’s skating area. During the 1930s, the city placed spotlights on the bridge for night skating. The viaduct was often used as a platform for viewing the trains coming and going from the depot, the arrival and unloading of the circus trains and the whistle stop of the Wendell Wilkie campaign train of 1940.Over the years the importance of the viaduct declined. In the late 1920s, the completion of the Herring Viaduct (Kenyon Road Bridge) took a lot of the traffic away from the Bennett Viaduct. In the early 1960s, the construction of the Karl King Bridge just up the river provided still another alternative route.Urban renewal of the late 1970s transformed the residential area Pleasant Valley into the Sunkissed Meadows golf course further reduced viaduct traffic.On August 16, 1980, the viaduct was permanently closed. The Bob Madget Construction Company of St. Joseph, Missouri was awarded the contract for demolishing the entire structure, which was completed in 1981. The only remnant remaining of this iconic structure now serves as a base for Old Glory on the Des Moines River.

Blanden Art Museum 1932​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 Messengerwww.blanden.orgWebster County Historical Society

1851The “Square” has been a gathering place since Fort Dodge was first settled.  In the year 1851, the square extended down to what is now 3rd Street and the area was used as a parade ground for the garrison of soldiers who were stationed at the nearby fort that was located north of the Square. The “Square” has been a gathering place since Fort Dodge was first settled. In the year 1851, the square extended down to what is now 3rd Street and the area was used as a parade ground for the garrison of soldiers who were stationed at the nearby fort that was located north of the Square.In the 1870’s, gas lights were installed on the Square. In the early 1880’s, the public Square (as it was known then) was an unpaved market place where farmers got together with their loads of grain and racks of hay, etc. It was dusty and muddy, with no trees or sidewalks except the board walks in front of the stores that lined the square.Horses were unhitched and tied to the back of the wagons when farmers came to town. There was always a supply of hay and oats in the wagon box for the horses and each farmer brought a bucket to provide his team with water.When it was decided to improve the square around 1896, the “Hay Market” (as it was often called) was moved to the northwest corner of what is now Central Avenue and 3rd Street. Local citizens who wanted to improve the area stated that its original state was an “eyesore and an embarrassment” to the city, and that people visiting Fort Dodge would be disgusted by the appearance of the Square. There was some discussion of placing a fountain in the park, similar to the fountain in Lincoln Park in Chicago, but on a smaller scale.It took some convincing, but the City moved forward to begin improvements, although without the fountain. There were specific setback requirements and dimensions, so that its look would be appealing. A scale house was constructed at that site and a weighmaster employed. Businesses that surrounded the area were:* The original Duncombe house (where the Eilers Hotel later stood)*Granger and Mitchell’s farm implement company*Albee home (where the Hotel Fort Dodger later stood)*H.A. Platt’s Grocery*Arnold building*J.C. Parsons feed, hay and grocery store*Billiard Hall*Koch’s Harness Shop*Colby Livery Barn*LS Kennedy Grocery*Dan Farrel’s Grocery and Shoe Repair Shop*Newberry Livery Barn*Down & Scally Grocery*Porter home, Carrie Morrison Drake Home*Dunning Livery Barn*Robertson Hardware*Ford Farm Implement Store*Robinson Building*William Robinson Grocery*A restaurant (and later, Sackett & Haire Drug)*Furlong & Brennan’s store*William Robinson GroceryAround 1907, a band stand was constructed on the Square. Architect J.H. Albright created the main plans, with Frank Griffith also participating. The band stand stood 6.5 feet off the ground and was octagonal in shape, with pillars standing at each point to support the roof. Trees were planted and sidewalks installed. It was used for speakers, politicians’ visits and band concerts.In May of 1910, residents gathered in the City Square to view Halley’s Comet.Around 1917, more discussion was held regarding construction of a larger, covered structure. This was eventually built and remained at the location for decades. Most notably, this is where Karl L. King hosted some of his earliest concerts.Local resident S.S. “Pinky” Beers was one of the original members of the Karl L. King Band at the age of fourteen. He said that when the band performed concerts in the band stand, people would park their cars around the square and blow their horns to let the band members know they liked the music. The louder they blew, the better the band played. Pinky also stated that it was difficult to march in a parade in the area after it rained because the streets were made of wooden blocks, and “the wooden blocks would float away and you’d trip over them and couldn’t play very well.”A new band stand was constructed in 1929 for a cost of $4,635 (approximately $68,000 in 2019).Eventually, the City Square’s band shell took second place to the newly constructed Oleson Park Band Shell in the late 1930’s. The Oleson Park Band Shell was a magnificent, larger and award winning structure which hosted the Karl L. King Band for decades.The City Square was the location that presidential candidate John F. Kennedy visited and addressed the residents in 1960.A replacement band shell/gazebo was constructed in 1993 with the help of the Fort Dodge Questers. In 2001, a new library was built on the City Square, replacing the Carnegie Library on 1st Avenue North.Sources:*The Messenger, interviewing Mrs. Myrtle Parsons, 1958*The Messenger*Webster County Historical Society

1939Dodger Stadium stands as one of the most impressive high school outdoor sports facilities in the state.A vision of Board of Education President O.C. Pfaff, Dodger Stadium was the product of FDR's Works Progress Administration which put millions of unemployed to work in the wake of the Great Depression, constructing public buildings and roads.​​​​​​​​​Work began on the stadium in 1939 with workers using 385,000 salvaged bricks from the fire-destroyed Lincoln Junior High building on the corner of First Avenue North and Tenth Street. With an additional 60,000 bricks from a demolished soybean plant, two permanent spectator stands were constructed, as well as Pfaff's recommended 1O-foot high wall around the perimeter of the property. The total cost of the facility was $150,000.  Photo of stadium wall made from reclaimed bricks was taken by Bob Wood.  ​​The football stadium was dedicated October 4, 1940, when the Fort Dodge Dodgers played rival Boone and won the contest, 13-7.​With permanent seating for 5,000, Dodger Stadium has been the host site for both St. Edmond High School and Iowa Central Community College football teams, Dodgers’ boys and girl’s track and soccer teams and state marching band competitions.​​Dodger Field/ J.H. Nitzke track has been host for the Dodger Relays and other boys and girl’s track and field meets since 1940. Although running surfaces have changed and school records broken, it remains a prime location for invitational and other large events. During the summer 2010, a new track timing system was installed allowing district meets to continue at the stadium. In 2016, the all-weather track was re-surfaced offering an outstanding venue for regional track meets.​​The adjacent tennis courts, also part of the original plan, are continuously used for school and community tennis meets. New tennis courts were completed in 2010, then resurfaced in 2019.​​The Dodger Baseball Field, designed by renowned hitting coach, Lew Fonesca, resembles a miniature version of the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field with its brick ivy-covered outfield walls. The inaugural game played on Dodger Baseball Field was on April 9th, 1942, when the Chicago White Sox played an exhibition game against their rival, the Chicago Cubs. An estimated 8,500 fans — from five states and 75 Iowa counties came and watched that memorable game. That still stands as the largest crowd for an athletic event in Fort Dodge history. In 1993, in honor of the longtime and legendary coach who produced a number of great teams, the baseball field was renamed Ed McNeil Field.But there’s much more to Dodger Stadium than footballs, baseballs, soccer balls and track cleats used by thousands of athletes over the years.​​Each May since shortly after the stadium was built, Fort Dodge Senior High has held graduation ceremonies for its seniors and their families inside the stadium. An estimated 25,000 seniors have taken part over those years.​The Stadium is host to the FDSH Band Invitational there and the state band tournament in the fall, the North Central Area for Special Olympics Iowa Track and Field event; the National Guard, State Patrol and Fort Dodge Police Department use it for physical training testing and youth tackle football games are played in the legendary stadium on weekends in the fall.​​From 1946 to 1959, an event called The Harvest Festival was held in Dodger Stadium. The three-day festival featured performances by the Karl King Band and featured circus-like acts, motorcycles racing around in a cage, horses diving into a small pool of water and fireworks. In 1947, an estimated 35,000 people attended the festival over the course of three days.​​Improvements and upgrades to Dodger Stadium have helped keep it one of the iconic sporting venues in Iowa. The west press box was renovated to include separate booths for the press and scouts, scoreboard operators and coach-to-bench communications. A second floor video-taping station assists both the athletic and marching band programs. In 2008, the sod/natural grass on the football field was replaced with new, state-of-the-art synthetic turf (field turf) to improve the quality and durability of the playing field. A new football scoreboard was installed in 2010.​​Continued improvements to Ed McNeil Field include a digital scoreboard in 1994, new batting cages, lights were installed in 2015, which now allowed for night games and the latest addition has been an elevated, permanent grandstand with seating for up to 300 people, along with improvements for the concession stand and press box.​​​Dodger Stadium is not only an iconic and renowned sporting venue, but also a significant piece of Fort Dodge history and source of great pride for the community.​Today, Dodger Stadium continues to be recognized as one of the most iconic and beautiful high school stadiums in Iowa.*The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program created by President Roosevelt in 1935, during the bleakest years of the Great Depression. Over its eight years of existence, the WPA put roughly 8.5 million Americans to work. Perhaps best known for its public works projects, the WPA also sponsored projects in the arts – the agency employed tens of thousands of actors, musicians, writers and other artists.​​President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the WPA with an executive order on May 6, 1935. It was part of his New Deal plan to lift the country out of the Great Depression by reforming the financial system and restoring the economy to pre-Depression levels. The unemployment rate in 1935 was at a staggering 20 percent. The WPA was designed to provide relief for the unemployed by providing jobs and income for millions of Americans. At its height in late 1938, more than 3.3 million Americans worked for the WPA.​​Source:Fort Dodge Senior High School Alumni Directory 2013The Messenger. “If Dodger Stadium bricks could talk…” July 2, 2017www.history.com

1901One of the most massive bridges in Central Iowa crosses high above the Des Moines River and a neighborhood in Fort Dodge.  It is also called the Chicago Great Western Railroad Viaduct. One of the most massive bridges in Central Iowa crosses high above the Des Moines River and a neighborhood in Fort Dodge. Construction on the bridge began in 1901. The rationale for the bridge was to avoid the large grades that would otherwise be required in Fort Dodge.By 1902, the bridge would be complete and open for service. The west approach consists of 11 spans, resting on large steel towers. The east approach consists of 19 spans of the same design.The four main spans of the bridge are massive Baltimore Deck Trusses which are significant as a relatively uncommon truss design and are aesthetically pleasing due to the complex geometry. These four main spans carry the bridge over the river and other features on the east side of the river. These trusses consist of 7 panels each, with pinned connections. The system of main spans are flanked on each end by an extremely long series of deck plate girder spans supported by steel bents of a design that are sometimes called "towers" on large high level railroad bridges like this one.Another unique piece of the bridge is the towers on which the trusses sit. These towers rest on large stone piers below. The approach towers rest on simple stone bases. The bridge not only crosses the Des Moines River, but also several streets and a rail yard.In 1886, the Mason City and Fort Dodge Railroad began construction on a 72 mile line between Mason City, Iowa and Fort Dodge, Iowa. The route served as a diagonal railroad in an area otherwise dominated by a gridline rail network. Due to the success, the route was expanded in 1903. Another 133 miles was built towards Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1905, the route had attracted the Chicago Great Western Railway which purchased the line to access the Missouri River town of Council Bluffs. The line served as the quickest way between Mason City and Council Bluffs. The rationale for the Fort Dodge High Bridge was to avoid the large grades that would otherwise be required in Fort Dodge.The is massive Fort Dodge High Bridge is considered the second largest railroad bridge in the state of Iowa. The extremely long length of the bridge, combined with rare multi-span pin-connected Baltimore deck truss spans, and the age of this 1902 bridge make it an extremely significant engineering achievement that is both historically and technologically significant.The Des Moines River Valley has had several large high bridges, past and present. This is one of the larger structures. In this area, the Kate Shelley High Bridge in Boone County gets the most recognition because it has the distinction of being the tallest and longest known double-track railroad bridge. However, the Fort Dodge structure is actually longer than the Kate Shelley Bridge, and has four trusses compared to one.The Kate Shelley Bridge in Boone, Iowa, is similar in configuration to the Fort Dodge Railroad Bridge except that it has only a single truss span instead of four. It is unfortunate that the Fort Dodge High Bridge has not received more attention, since both bridges are extremely important historic bridges, and both deserve attention and research. While the Fort Dodge High Bridge may not have the record-breaking statistic, it is actually 54 feet long than the Kate Shelley Bridge. The Fort Dodge High Bridge is over a half mile long (2,719 feet long) and 182 feet high and only a couple years newer than the Kate Shelley Bridge.The Chicago Great Western Railway had a history of financial struggles almost since its beginnings. This rail line’s history included Fort Dodge. In 1886 the Mason City & Fort Dodge Line completed the rail line between Mason City and Fort Dodge, connecting the two communities by rail. Work to extend the rail line to Omaha began a year later and was finally competed in 1903. Thirty-eight years later, the Mason City & Fort Dodge Line was merged into the Chicago Great Western Railway in 1941. The rail line’s last passenger train ran from Omaha, through Fort Dodge, to St. Paul on September 29, 1965. Three years later, the Chicago Great Western Railway merged into the Chicago & North Western Railway on July 1st, 1968.The Chicago and North Western Railway was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad on June 23, 1995. Today, the Fort Dodge High Bridge continues to serve the Union Pacific Railroad. UP trains can be seen today crossing the Fort Dodge High Bridge at a speed of 10mph.Sources:*John Marvig Railroad Bridge Photography*Historicbridges.org*Chicago and North Western Historical Society*industrialsceneryblogspot.com

19671628 Nelson AvenueHarlan and Hazel Rogers Ball Park  is one of the best athletic and recreational facilities in the state. In 1967, Harlan and Hazel Rogers donated the land for the baseball and softball diamonds at Rogers Sports Complex which now host the Iowa High School Girls Softball Tournament. Harlan and Hazel Rogers Ball Park is one of the best athletic and recreational facilities in the state. The family that gave the land for the park is Harlan and Hazel Rogers. In 1967, Harlan and Hazel Rogers donated the land for the baseball and softball diamonds at Rogers Sports Complex which now host the Iowa High School Girls Softball Tournament.In 1967, Harlan and his wife Hazel donated 13 acres of their land for the purpose of building an outdoor recreation complex. Construction began on Rogers Park in the fall of 1967. The initial layout included a pair of softball fields and a baseball diamond. The first official game was played on July 11, 1968 between Sandy’s Distributing (a men’s softball team in Fort Dodge) and Webster City John Deere. The park was used throughout that summer and had its official ribbon cutting in 1969.Construction began on Rogers Park in the fall of 1967. The initial layout included a pair of softball fields and a baseball diamond. All three are still the facility’s main attractions to this day. With a number of men’s and women’s fast-pitch teams desperately needing local fields to use for practice and games, Dean Williams - a 2002 Iowa softball Hall of Fame inductee - approached the city about potentially finding a plot of land for a couple of softball diamonds. After being appointed to the city's recreation commission, Williams met with Harlan Rogers in the spring of 1967.The Rogers family made the donation to Fort Dodge, and the complex was built under the supervision of the local recreation department. City funds were used to finance the project at a cost of $144,000 - the equivalent of $1.148 million today - covered by a $200,000 bond issued for recreational purposes and sold by the Fort Dodge city council in September of 1967. lt was the first municipally-owned facility of its type.The first official game played at Rogers Park was on July 11, 1968 between Sandy's Distributing - a men's softball team of Fort Dodge - and Webster City John Deere. The complex was used through the fall, then formally recognized with a ribbon-cutting ceremony the next summer. The Messenger called it a "dream of baseball and softball enthusiasts come true" at the time.The 13-acre donation by the Rogers family was more than doubled by 1975 to accommodate a larger parking lot and three more recreational softball diamonds. In 2004, a group of local business and community leaders saw a need to renovate and expand the complex. With an innovative plan to add three more diamonds for youth baseball and softball, the group was successful in raising over $1 million in private donations and another $750,000 state grant to overhaul and expand the sports complex. The unique plan included building replicas of Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium, along with a dedicated Veterans Field, on the north side. ln 2005 and '06, the "Mini-Major" portion of the complex opened.Today, the Rogers Sports Complex covers over 100 acres of land. There are 11 baseball/softball fields and 13 soccer fields on the grounds. lt is home to the Fort Dodge softball team, the St. Edmond baseball and softball squads, the lowa Central softball program, local slow-pitch softball leagues, and numerous youth baseball, softball and soccer leagues and tournaments. Thousand our youth and adults use the park every year.The Rogers Sports Complex is also the home of the Girls State Softball Tournament and has been since 1970. The Girls State Athletic Union views it as the premier softball facility in the state. Looking for the right place to host for the Iowa State Girls Softball Tournament, E. Wayne Cooley, the executive director of the Girls Athletic Union at the time, chose Fort Dodge and the Rogers Sports Complex as its home because it was a first-class, all-encompassing facility, and he know the Fort Dodge community would welcome and embrace the event.Many other local and region tournaments and games are also held at the park. In addition, the northeast soccer fields are used as the location for the annual Shellabration music event that draws thousands of people every summer.ln an interview less than four years before his death in 1985, Harlan Rogers said. "it’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves at the park - either playing or watching. I didn't know much about softball until watching the games out there, but l've played baseball and have always enjoyed it. When the park was first planned, I was thinking mostly about the baseball diamond. But it's softball (that became) the really big draw."Liddy Hora, granddaughter of Harlan and Hazel Rogers states; “Whether it’s state softball, or youth tournaments, or soccer – it’s a place that brings generations together to make memories.”Source:*The Messenger’s Hometown Pride, 2019

1920s710 1st Ave NFor 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. Chris O'Brien, Brady O'Brien, and Joe Tuel purchased the Laramar Ballroom through their company, Laramar Acquisition Co. LLC, in June 2022 and restored this magnificent ballroom. It is used for wedding receptions, concerts, parties and much more!Sources: Messenger Spotlight…. January 30, 2019 by Paul Stevens Twilight Ballroom Memories… 1972-1985… Dick and Lee Derrig www.iowarockandroll.co/ballrooms www.rockandrollroadmap.com

1938 1400 Oleson Park AveThe Oleson Park Band Shell marked a major departure from the small gazebo type bandstands which were constructed in the U.S. after the Civil War.   The Oleson Park Band Shell was designed by Sioux City architect Henry Kamphoefner in 1936. It was built by the WPA* in 1938. O.M. Oleson donated the park in which the Band Shell stands. O.M. Oleson was born in Norway and migrated to the United States in 1870 with cash resources of less than one dollar. He came to Fort Dodge after working on area farms and in a retail drug business. He understood the value of education, so decided to enroll in the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy. He graduated with honors, and returned to Fort Dodge in 1876, where he established the Oleson Drug Company, which remained in business at the same location until 1965. Oleson was a successful businessman and was instrumental in the development of other local businesses: Fort Dodge Light and Power Company, O.M. Oleson Land Company, the Fort Dodge Hotel Company, The Iowa Trust and Livestock Company and the Fort Dodge Telephone Company. He also served in the Iowa Senate from 1892-1896. He and his wife Julie (nee Haskell) were generous philanthropists in Fort Dodge. With their financial support, Lutheran Hospital and the Congregational Church were built.The Oleson Park Band Shell’s architecture style is Modern Movement Architecture (sleek, smooth, and streamlined). Architect Henry Kamphaffner designed the building which is made wholly of reinforced concrete cast in smooth – lined forms. It has acoustical perfection – its concrete sculpture encloses performers in a shell and projects their music for blocks without electronic assistance. The original structure was fronted with lighted waterfalls and pools. The interior of the band shell was lighted with soft colored lights. The Oleson Park Band Shell marked a major departure from the small gazebo type bandstands which were constructed in the U.S. after the Civil War. WPA funding paid for 85% of the cost of construction (total coast was $45,000) and the City of Fort Dodge paid the remaining 15%. It had seating capacity of 3,500 when it was completed in 1938. Its construction reflected a sense of optimism and hope for the future during the Great Depression and as a WPA project, provided economic relief by providing jobs and stimulation of the local economy.The State of Iowa chose this band shell as its example of architectural excellence at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. The band shell is closely associated with composer Karl L. King as well as the Karl L. King Municipal Band, which performs summer concerts to date (2019).The dedication of the band shell was held June 7, 1938 in conjunction with the annual convention of the Iowa Bandmasters Association and was one of the largest celebrations in Fort Dodge history. More than 15,000 people attended the dedicatory concert. Eighteen bands, made up of 800 musicians, performed the concert for the dedication.Senator Edward Breen presided over the dedication and a representative of the W.P.A. spoke of the wonder of this project. He said “All men are brothers, that there is enough for everyone in this country, and that when we, as individuals, fail to provide work for those who have no work, that we as a community and as a state will do together what we have failed to do alone.” The Chamber of Commerce entertained Karl King and other visiting notables after the dedication ceremony and concert.By the early 2000’s, the band shell had deteriorated substantially. Local citizens Jim Reed and John Hale took it upon themselves to address the situation and began raising funds for the band shell’s renovation.Working closely with the City of Fort Dodge and the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, Jim Reed and John Hale embarked on a capital campaign called the Oleson Park Bandshell Project that was kicked off with The Fab Four concert (a Beatles tribute band) on Friday, July 3rd, 2002. Between direct contributions and net proceeds from concert events between 2002-2006, over $585,000 was raised in private funding that was used as the required match for a $249,822 “Save America’s Treasures” federal preservation grant and a $34,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant through the State of Iowa DNR. After meeting rigorous requirements through the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), the City completed the renovation of the Bandshell in August 2008 at a cost of just over $1 million.Restorations included renewing the Band Shell’s electrical, light and sound systems, restoring and preserving the structure as well as marketing the venue as a place for more events. Existing seating was removed in 2004 in anticipation of the restoration work. Ultimately, the work was completed after the City Council voted to seek bids for its restoration 2007. Concerts were again held in the Oleson Park Band Shell beginning in 2008.Jim Reed continued his tradition of hosting wonderful concerts for Fort Dodge with the annual event “Shellabration”. Some of these concerts have been held in the Oleson Park Band Shell.*The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program created by President Roosevelt in 1935, during the bleakest years of the Great Depression. Over its eight years of existence, the WPA put roughly 8.5 million Americans to work. Perhaps best known for its public works projects, the WPA also sponsored projects in the arts – the agency employed tens of thousands of actors, musicians, writers and other artists.President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the WPA with an executive order on May 6, 1935. It was part of his New Deal plan to lift the country out of the Great Depression by reforming the financial system and restoring the economy to pre-Depression levels. The unemployment rate in 1935 was at a staggering 20 percent. The WPA was designed to provide relief for the unemployed by providing jobs and income for millions of Americans. At its height in late 1938, more than 3.3 million Americans worked for the WPA.Source:*www.history.com

1928North 15th StreetThe most legendary of all the Fort Dodge restaurants was Treloar’s Inn.  In its day, Treloar’s Inn was known all over the mid-west and seated over 500 people. It all began with a 120 square foot building. The most legendary of all the Fort Dodge restaurants was Treloar’s Inn. In its day, Treloar’s Inn was known all over the mid-west and seated over 500 people. It all began with a 120 square foot building.Lester Dewey Treloar was born on September 14. 1898, in Ogden, Iowa. L.D. “Les” Treloar , worked boyhood jobs shining shoes, selling newspapers to coal miners and clerking in a grocery store. He ended his formal education at the eighth grade and eventually became a signal lamp man and then a brakeman for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He came to Fort Dodge in 1920, when he was 22, worked briefly for the U.S. Gypsum Co. and then became a switchman in the Illinois Central yards. He wasn’t making enough money to support his family, so he and his wife, Hazel, and a younger brother O.L (Orsie) started a small business, using a self-made sandwich wagon, they began selling popcorn and peanuts up and down Central Avenue and also at northern Iowa fairs and farm sales. Les Treloar had an instinct for pleasing the public and a business acumen and work ethic that many saw as unmatched.Les Treloar also had what he called “Treloar’s First Aid to the Hungry” in a small building at 1022 Central Ave. But, in 1928, he and Hazel started operating a restaurant from the Theiss farm site just on the north edge of the Fort Dodge city limits on North 15th Street. At this location his first restaurant was housed in a small garage they bought at a farm auction.This makeshift restaurant had a 10’ x 12’ lunchroom with four wooden benches to seat eight customers on a small corner of a cornfield. Lights were supplied by gasoline lanterns. Water was hauled from the City, and there were no sewer facilities. Hazel did the cooking that included hamburgers, fried chicken and ribs. This was the beginning of the iconic Treloar’s Inn restaurant.Word of the restaurant’s food spread quickly and so did its seating: By 1941, 64 diners could be accommodated; by 1946, there was seating for 210; by 1950, 425, and in 1957, Treloar’s Inn could seat 508 patrons. At times, Les had to use a public address system to handle its large crowds of customers.In 1947, Treloar’s Curb Service (later called Treloar’s Country Boy Drive-In) was opened on the same two-acre plot of land where the Inn stood. In 1950, Les and Hazel’s oldest son, Max, became manager of the fast growing business. In the summers, Treloar’s offered drive-in service with car hops on roller skates bringing food on trays and attaching them to car windows. The popular drive-in service was one the first in Iowa as they became very popular a few years later in the mid-1950s through the 1960’s.Over the years, the restaurant went through many changes and improvements. The photo at the top of this article is a rendering of the Treloar’s Restaurant in 1946.Les, known in Fort Dodge as Papa Treloar, also catered many community events at a time when most businesses and organizations had annual employee or member picnics. Many civic groups held their regular meetings at Treloar’s Restaurant. It offered meeting space, great food and a 16mm movie projector that was often used by the groups.In the summers, Treloar’s offered drive-in service with car hops. As the restaurant continued to expand, Les invested in the latest equipment: walk-in refrigerators, gas steak broilers, electric dishwashers, automatic potato peelers and an intercom system between the basement office, the cashier’s counter, the kitchen and the outdoor drive-in lot. Les Treloar invented and patented the Treloar Bar-B-Que Oven. It was a BBQ oven roasting apparatus with movably mounted food supports with movable heating implements about a vertical axis.In 1949, Treloar’s served more than 53,000 pounds of ribs, 33,000 chickens and replaced its well with City water – which, they said, made the coffee taste much better! Treloar’s kept a six week supply of frozen chickens (which he got from his son-in-law Delbert Porter’s chicken farm) in his basement freezers. Fresh shrimp was shipped to Treloar’s in half ton size shipments. They made their own ice cream and baked their own pies, bread and other baked goods. One outstanding specialty was Treloar’s barbequed beans. Some say the secret to the baked beans was that they sat beneath the vertically roasting ribs, which allowed the juices to drip into the barbequed beans.Papa Treloar’s two daughters worked at the restaurant for a period of time and his son, Max, worked as the assistant manager. His twin sons, Dewey and Dean, helped out by washing dishes and “rescuing” dishes and silver that were inadvertently thrown in the trash – they were paid two cents per rescued item.At its height, Treloar’s operated five restaurants in Fort Dodge – the main Inn and the Country Boy were joined by Max Treloar’s Pancake Feast in 1961 (sold three years later to Max’s sister Billie and her husband Delbert Porter, to become “Del Porter’s Pancake Feast”); a restaurant and lounge in the then-new Holiday Inn in 1964, and the Treloar’s Crossroads Restaurant at the Crossroads Shopping Center in 1969. Hundreds of employees worked for the restaurants over the years.In the 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s, people from a hundred miles away would travel to Fort Dodge to eat at Treloar’s Restaurant. It was the place to go to savor a fine meal and especially enjoy an iconic chicken or rib dinner. Treloar’s Inn was a restaurant that appealed to all generations, teens, young families and older adults. Many special events and moments were celebrated there; birthdays, homecoming and proms, family reunions, weddings and anniversaries. It was so popular that people would wait for hours to get seated on a Mother’s Day or an Easter Sunday.Papa Treloar understood that great food was the key to keeping customers coming back. Whether it was the baby back ribs, the fried chicken and shrimp, the steaks, the 15-cent burgers, the barbeque beans, the homemade salad dressings and that special barbeque sauce, Treloar’s built its statewide reputation on its delicious food.Papa also knew the importance of providing his customers with great service. He hired good people and he valued his employees of which many worked for him for years. “The customer always came first” was the Treloar’s mantra.Known as a bird aficionado, Les Treloar had a green macaw that sat on a perch (unleashed) inside the front door of the restaurant and the lobby aviary had 15 pairs of parakeets. No doubt, Treloar’s Restaurant offered it patrons a unique dining experience.Papa Treloar and his wife Hazel also loved monkeys and kept two, Maggie and Judy, in a cage out behind the restaurant. That was for the entertainment of the people waiting in line to get in for dinner. In the wintertime, Maggie and Judy were housed in a heated building next to their home.Les, “Papa” Treloar was an iconic restaurateur. He filled many important offices in state and U.S. Restaurant Associations. He was also an active member of the Fort Dodge Lions Club.The restaurant business back in its day, was no easy business to manage. Treloar’s Restaurant survived fires in 1956, 1957 and 1969. Treloar’s Inn Restaurant closed in November 1975, the result of a combination of business decisions and the health issues of Max Treloar. The building was demolished in 1977. The Village Inn Restaurant was built in 1981 at the same location, at the intersection of 15th Street and 20th Avenue North.Les Treloar died in 1983 and is interred at North lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge. The gravesites for the Treloar’s founder and his wife Hazel, their son Max and other family members are located just across the highway in North Lawn Cemetery. Papa and Hazel Treloar remain nearby to the location of their iconic Fort Dodge restaurant.Today, the location of Treloar’s Inn is now the site of the Village Inn Restaurant. Memorabilia of days past is displayed in the lobby of the restaurant.Even though Treloar’s Inn has been closed for over four decades, so many fond memories remain and the taste of those Treloar ribs and chicken still linger on our tongues today.

In 1844, the first YMCA was opened in London, England, by George Williams, a farmer-turned-department store worker who was troubled by how many young men in London were coping with the hazards of life on the streets. This first YMCA offered something unique for its time.In the United States, the first YMCA was founded in Boston, MA. by a retired Boston sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan. Sullivan noticed a similar need to create a safe “home away from home” for sailors and merchants. Inspired by the stories of the YMCA in England, Sullivan led the formation of the first U.S. YMCA at the Old South Church in Boston on December 29, 1851.With so many young men moving to cities from rural areas, YMCA housing was started in the 1860’s for the purpose of giving these young men safe and affordable lodging and opportunities for recreation so they could have a healthy release from their difficult lives. Facilities included gyms, auditoriums and hotel-like rooms. Chicago’s Farwell Hall, the first known YMCA dormitory, was completed in 1867. Between 1922 and 1940, YMCA accommodations grew from approximately 55,000 rooms to more than 100,000, more than any hotel chain at the time.In Fort Dodge, a group of Fort Dodge businessmen organized a YMCA and was incorporated it in 1891. The first location (unknown) had a fire in January of 1892. The YMCA then lease a few rooms over C.E. Black’s meat market. In February of 1892, John Parsons offered one of his lots for a new building. A campaign for a new YMCA began but only $2,000 was raised and the project never got off the ground. In July 1894, a special meeting was held to discuss renting rooms in George W. Mason’s building, above Craft’s grocery store, located at the corner of Central Avenue and 9th Street. The rooms would be used a reading and lecture rooms and a room for games. A shower and tub baths would also be added to the location. These new rooms were opened in August of 1894.In November of 1897 -with the need for more space, the board members of the YMCA agreed to lease the 2nd and 3rd floors of the new Sanderson Building that was nearing the completion for being built. Sanderson Building was located one door east of the Post Office on Central Avenue, (today this would be on the 900 block on Central Avenue). The new building was being built for the Sanderson Candy Factory, which later become the Fort Dodge Candy Factory. The YMCA officially opened its doors in the Sanderson Building in February of 1898. This new site provided five rooms on the second floor; Director’s room, two reading rooms, the secretary’s office and a game room. On the third floor, there was 51 x 39 ft. gymnasium with gallery seating for 70 people and five bath rooms. The rooms of the second floor were also used for socialization and meetings for prayer. F.A. Garrison was the board president. J.G. Early was the board secretary. Other charter board members included E.H. Rich, C.W. Ackerman, C.H. Smith, S.A. Smith, L.L. Leighton, C. Craft, W.U. Turpin, E.E. Prusia, E. Berschein, T.H Wright, J.F. Nelson, J.J. Rutke, T.E. Deereaux, and F. Gates.In September of 1909, O.M. Oleson, a renowned Fort Dodge businessman and philanthropist, announced that he would be donating property for the location of a new building for the YMCA . The location would be on north side of 1st Avenue North and North 6th Street, across the street from the former Fort Dodge Carnegie Library.In October, a group of Fort Dodge business leaders led a fundraising campaign to raise $70,000 to build a new YMCA building. Ten days later on November 5, 1909, it was announced that over $76,000 had been raised or pledged for the new building. The preliminary floor plans for the new YMCA included: * Sub-basement: locker rooms with bath/shower rooms, swimming pool, and bowling alley * First floor: offices, parlors, reading and recreation rooms, 45 x 78 foot gymnasium with a raised running track above gymnasium and a cafeteria * Second floor: dormitories, educational department and a large room/ banqueting hall which may be cut into smaller class rooms when needed. * Third floor: more dormitories, which will be one of the chief sources of income (44 dormitories total)Construction of new building began on March 10, 1910. Jensen Construction Company was retained as the general contractor. On February 18, 1911, the new YMCA building opened.At the time, M. W. Parsons, state secretary for the YMCA, declared that Fort Dodge had the finest YMCA building in the state and that it is the largest project carried to successful conclusion through popular subscription and pledges.No doubt, from the day it was built until 1964, the Fort Dodge YMCA was considered a wonderful recreational asset for the community. The building had a magnificent gymnasium with two main baskets and four baskets on the side walls. It also had an indoor pool that was used by kids and adults alike. This original Y had Family Nights when women and girls could come and swim and participate with their family. The Y even had a lunch counter where kids and adults could grab a snack, maybe even a bowl of chili before going home. The YMCA was truly a great place for fun, exercise and socialization.The original building that opened in 1911, operated until 1964. By this time, the original YMCA facility had aged and was no longer large enough to accommodate the needs of the members. Board members and community leaders began the planning for a new and larger facility. The cost was estimated to be close to one million dollars. Again, this money was raised through a community fundraising campaign led by Ed Breen, Fred Seifer, Herb Bennett, Board Chairman George Gildemeister and Glen Davies who was the YMCA executive director. In January of 1965, the new YMCA facility opened it doors at the corner of 15th Street and 1st Avenue South. It was Glen Davies who led the lobbying for construction of a new YMCA when the original building, at the time, was over 50 years old and in desperate need of updates. By engaging the community about need and importance of a new facility, Davies and the campaign committee were successful raising the necessary funds. Glen Davies was highly respected throughout the community as a person who loved community work, physical activity, people and most of all kids.During this period of transition from the original YMCA to the new facility, Glen Davies served as the Y’s executive director from 1957 to 1966 and Bruce Wilde was the physical director and was instrumental in establishing a volleyball program. Jerry Patterson was the youth sports directors for several years and established the YMCA Teener Baseball Program. Many of the “Teener” baseball games were played at Jerry’s own Patterson Field. In Fort Dodge, the YMCA remained affiliated with the YMCA of America until 2010. Due to a new partnership with Iowa Central Community College that offered additional fitness services to college students and the general public, the YMCA was converted to the Fort Dodge Community Recreation Center. An obscure policy of the National YMCA would not approve this successful partnership with Iowa Central Community College because the fitness facility on its campus did not allow those under age 18 to use it. This led to the ending of the Fort Dodge YMCA’s storied relationship with the national YMCA.Today, the Fort Dodge REC remains a strong and active organization providing a wide range of recreation and fitness programs through its four locations. Besides the main building at 15th Street and 1st Avenue South, there is an exercise facility at Iowa Central Community College, a multipurpose cross training facility at the old Fareway Store location at Second Avenue South and Seventh Street, and a 24-hour fitness center at Fifth Avenue South and 21st Street that was purchased from Snap Fitness in 2015.Youth programs designed for kindergarteners through sixth-graders, in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, are basketball, flag football, martial arts, aquatic programs, soccer and baseball. Adults are offered more than 50 different fitness classes that include Pilates, cycle, step, boot camp, yoga, core strengthening, Zumba and blast.The REC has found heightened interest among senior citizens in using the pool for low-impact exercise and has increased the number of water fitness classes. Adults continue to use the gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and a new and very popular activity, pickleball.Sources:*Messenger Spotlight…. by Paul Stevens*Messenger newspaper

1909826 1st Ave NThe Young Woman's Christian Association was organized July 8, 1909. Mrs. John P. Dolliver was the first president and served until October, 1910, when she resigned and Mrs. George Ringland was elected president.  The Young Woman's Christian Association was organized July 8, 1909. Mrs. John P. Dolliver was the first president and served until October, 1910, when she resigned and Mrs. George Ringland was elected president. The work was conducted for a time in the frame building just north of the Commercial National Bank building on Central Avenue. In the fall of 1909, the Reynolds property on the corner of First avenue north and Ninth street was purchased, and became the home of the YWCA, and is still there today. At the time of buying the location, $13,000.00 of the purchase price was raised by subscriptions, of which $10,000.00 was paid for the site. Later the lot adjoining on the west was purchased at a cost of $4,500.00. On January 17, 1913, the mortgage on the YWCA building was paid. An event celebrating the “burning of the mortgage” was held on January 21, 1913 with Dr. Sarah Kime in charge of the ceremony.The three-story building was designed to house permanent and transient women. With dorm style private housing throughout, residents shared kitchen, laundry, bath and lounge space. The building also included club rooms and a gymnasium with showers. Thirty-six rooms were available for rent by women coming into the community for education and employment.The directors at that time were: Mrs. George Ringland, president; Mrs. J. I. Rutledge, first vice president; Mrs. E. H. Williams, second vice president ; Mrs. W. H. Blakely, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Charles Findlay, recording secretary, and Dr. Sarah Kime, treasurer. The remaining board of directors included Mesdames Anna Beatty, W. H. Blakely, C. V. Findlay, J. F. Russell, E. H. Williams, D. M. Woodard, George H. Williams, F. B. Olney, G. L. Lindquist, and Phillip Dorr.During the year 1912-13, there were 126 girls were enrolled in YWCA programs. By 1930, the membership of the YWCA totaled 700 women. From 1915 to 1943, the YWCA Cafeteria served 3 meal daily. Meals were provided a nourishment for low income and transient women and for the women living at the Y. The cafeteria continued serving meals until 1961. During its peak of operation, the YWCA Cafeteria was recognized as a social center for motorists and the traveling public.Nationally, since its beginnings in the 1860’s, the YWCA has advocated for women’s economic advancement, empowerment, health, fitness and well-being, education and leadership development. In Fort Dodge, YWCA programs and offerings have evolved with the changing needs and interests of women and girls in the area.Early classes and clubs involved “working girls.” The YWCA began the Fort Dodge Business and Professional Women's Club, the Fort Dodge Business Girl's Club, and the Young Adult Club. The woman's movement saw great participation by the Girl Reserves in Fort Dodge, and most notably the Black Girl Reserves. From their inception, YWCA programs have been visionary -- encouraging every woman and girl to perform at her maximum level to achieve self-sufficiency, maintain healthy habits, empower herself and work toward resolving racial justice issues.The YWCA has served thousands of women and children in its 100+ years in Fort Dodge, and will continue to serve for many years to come. Today, the YWCA Center for Life Empowerment operates a Licensed Residential Treatment Center for women. The Center is a state licensed substance abuse treatment facility, which functions to provide clinically managed residential treatment for women and women with children. The organization also provides intensive and extended outpatient care both females and males. Treatment is directed toward applying recovery skills, preventing relapse, promoting personally responsibility, skills, and reintegrating the resident into the world of work, education, and family life.The YWCA supports and directs clients by offering guidance in all aspects of their recovery. It encourage a comprehensive approach to goal setting, development of life skills, physical and mental health, employment, vocational or education enrichment and family support. The YWCA remains dedicated to empowering women and women with children by supporting their recovery and reunifying their families.