Historic Homes, Fort Dodge, Iowa

Mrs. Wood painted and decorated the kitchen of her home in the style of Norwegian kitchens. It became so widely known that a picture of the kitchen and a story about her work appeared in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. The interior of the home has been remodeled by Mrs. Moreland and the downstairs now includes a living room, two bedrooms and a kitchen. The second floor has one bedroom and a bath. Walls have been painted, new floors laid and jalousie doors installed. Exterior of the house is painted red and growing on the outside walls are five different varieties of ivy plants.

THE WRIGHT HOME

This was the residence of a pioneer businessman and early-day railroad official—Thomas H. Wright. Built in the late 1880s, the home at 209 S. 7th St., has been owned and occupied by members of the Wright family since then. Many changes have been made in the home since it was constructed. In the late 1930s it was modernized, a new entryway was added and brown cedar shingles were applied to the exterior.

Isaac Garmoe, another pioneer businessman here, bought the property in 1873. Ten years later it was sold to Thomas H. Wright who later erected the house which is still owned by his two daughters—the Misses Marie Wright and Florence Wright. Marie is a retired Fort Dodge Senior and Junior High school social studies teacher; Florence is the former organist at First Presbyterian Church.

The two-story frame house has two living rooms, dining room and kitchen on the first floor; three bedrooms and bath on the second floor. A garage is at the rear of the lot where once was a two-story barn that housed the family’s horse, buggy and sleigh.

Mr. Wright was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1840 and came to the United States in 1871. He moved to Fort Dodge in the early 1880s where he was trainmaster for the Illinois Central Railroad’s Sioux City division. Later he was owner and partner in the hardware business here with S. J. Robertson. Their store was at Central Avenue and Sixth Street.

After retiring from the hardware business, Mr. Wright was in the real estate and insurance business. He also was an officer and director of the First Trust & Savings Bank, a division of the old First National Bank, now the State Bank. Always civic minded, Wright served on the public library board in the days of Capt. W. H. Johnston, one of the city’s early library presidents. He was also a member and officer of the First Presbyterian Church.

There were six children in the Wright family—two boys who died during a diphtheria epidemic; Misses Marie and Florence Wright; Thomas H. Wright Jr., who died in Cedar Rapids in 1970; and Robert L. Wright of Oklahoma City. The elder Mr. Wright died in 1932 at age 92.

THE VAN AULT HOME

This house at 1040 9th Ave. SW has been known as the home of Fort Dodge’s “Santa Claus” for the past 39 years. “Santa Claus” is, of course, Van J. Ault, 79, who was the official Santa for the Boston Store here for 25 years and during that time greeted thousands of youngsters in the store’s toyland.

Van retired from his interesting occupation some years ago but occasionally now will don the red and white costume and appear at a party. Van figures he played the part of “Santa Claus” here for a total of 49 years. While he spent much time as Santa he was a meat cutter by trade and worked for the A. & P. Store here many years ago. Later he and his son John purchased the Kubicek Grocery on Tenth Avenue Southwest and operated it for a time.

The Ault home is located on property that once was owned by Major William Williams who platted Fort Dodge in 1854 and was its first mayor and postmaster. The property has changed ownership many times since then and was acquired by Van’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Ault, in 1905. The first deed of record for the property was dated 1864—a conveyance to C. C. Smeltzer.

Original portion of the present house was built during the 1860s. Since then it has been modernized extensively. Van and his wife purchased the property in 1936 and have lived there since that time. The house had four rooms when built, no porches and the exterior was marked by 1 × 12 vertical siding. Van enlarged the house by adding two rooms, bath, two large porches and a full basement. Van’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Winneka owned the house prior to its purchase by the Van Aults.

Mr. and Mrs. Ault were parents of four children—Robert with the Celotex Corporation in Knoxville, Tenn.; John who owns Big John’s Place; Ray, owner of Ray’s Meat Market; and Mrs. Paul (Lola) Lynch of Pioneer.

THE LOHR HOME

This sturdy brick residence was built 80 years ago in northeast Fort Dodge when there was only one other house (the Lou Alger home) to the east of its location at 1831 10th Ave. N.

Known for years as the Lohr home, it has changed ownership a number of times and for the past 29 years has been owned and occupied by a number of well-known business and professional men here. Present owners are Mr. and Mrs. M. James Hutchison who have lived in the home since 1967.

The two-story house has a one-story brick addition on the east side—built in recent years. Walls of the original home are of solid brick construction so popular more than three quarters of a century ago. The first floor includes the family room in the addition, living room, dining room, kitchen and bath and three bedrooms and bath on the second floor.

The exterior brick is painted white and windows have black shutters. The roof overhang is also painted black to match the roofing. The house occupies two lots with a frontage of 75 feet on Tenth Avenue North and 190 feet in depth.

The house was built in 1895 by Michael Lohr who came to the United States from his native Germany and settled in Fort Dodge in 1894. He purchased a 3½-acre tract of land along Tenth Avenue North from David A. Haviland who had acquired it from the federal government in 1857; built the house and lived on this acreage for many years.

Lohr’s son, Peter J. Lohr, acquired the house and adjoining property in 1911 and retained possession until 1941 when it was deeded to his daughter Alice M. Thomas. Warren A. Downs, manager of the Sears store purchased the home in 1946 from Alice M. Thomas and husband, Bernard J. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had lived in the home from 1938 to 1946.

Later owners and occupants of the home were L. H. and Virginie Anderson of the Jones Piano House; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirkberg of Kirkberg Jewelers; Mr. and Mrs. Jon McClure of McClure Engineering; and Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison, the present occupants. Hutchison is president of First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Fort Dodge. The house has been extensively remodeled and modernized in recent years.

Peter J. Lohr, who owned the property for many years, farmed east of the city before moving into the home. He then was employed by the Thompson Buttertub Company here and later was a rural mail carrier. Three of his sons—Ray, Clarence and Walter—live in the city.

THE CRAWFORD HOME

Architecture of the late 19th century features this large house at 302 S. 8th St., which has now been converted into a four-apartment building. Built in 1875, the two-story frame house was owned and occupied for many years by Robert W. Crawford, an early-day druggist in Fort Dodge.

Two large Ionic columns mark the main entryway on the east side of the house which stands at the southwest corner of Third Avenue South and Eighth Street. Crawford purchased the lot on which the house stands from Thomas Snell, a pioneer real estate dealer here. The house has changed ownership only a few times since Crawford constructed it and presently it is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Salvatore who acquired it in 1965. There are two apartments on both the first and second floors. One of the downstairs apartments is occupied by the Salvatores.

All of the rooms are large and typical of the style of the era when it was built. One of the downstairs living rooms has the original fireplace and there is an attractive circular stairway leading to the upstairs.

Crawford was in the wholesale and retail drug business during the early years of Fort Dodge. He erected a large building at the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Sixth Street—known as the Crawford Block—in which his store was located. The structure was destroyed in the big fire that struck the area in December of 1956.

A product known as “Gopher Death” was developed by Crawford which was manufactured and distributed through the Fort Dodge Chemical Company which he organized. The product was widely sold throughout the nation. In 1945 the company was purchased by Jewell A. Johnson, a Fort Dodge druggist, who continued its operation until he sold the business in 1970.

There were three children in the Crawford family—a daughter and two sons. The daughter, Mary, was married to E. F. Armstrong, a long-time pharmacist here with the Oleson Drug Company. Mrs. Armstrong was prominent in Fort Dodge and Iowa circles; taught English in high school and was appointed to the State Conservation Commission. The sons were Charles, who operated the Crawford Hotel here and Robert, now a physician at Burlington.

Crawford-Armstrong addition in the north part of the city was opened by the two families for which it was named and Crawford-Armstrong Park was their gift to the city.

THE JOHN M. MULRONEY HOME

Another of Fort Dodge’s brick residences built by pioneer businessmen is the one pictured above which dates back to 1871. Erected by John M. Mulroney, it is located at 302 S. 7th St.

The two-story house was built of soft red brick manufactured by one of the city’s early-day brick plants and they are generally in good condition after more than 100 years. Basement walls are of native stone.

Additions have been made to the house since it was constructed—on the west and south sides. The original part of the house has seven large rooms, hallway and stairway and is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Janssen who acquired the property in 1944. The additions to the house have apartments.

John M. Mulroney was born in Ireland in 1832 and came to the United States at age 16 and took part in the 1849 gold rush in the west and prospered there. He then returned to the middlewest and settled in Emmetsburg where he engaged in the cattle business. He married Jane Evans there in 1858 and they moved to Fort Dodge. On arrival here he purchased and operated a general store on the south side of the City Square. Some time later he sold the store and with Webb Vincent, E. H. Rich and G. L. Rich organized the original First National Bank here.

Mulroney and his wife Jane, were parents of the following children: Mary, who became the wife of Ed O’Connell; John E. Mulroney, father of attorney John Mulroney who was a judge of the U. S. Tax Court in Washington, D. C. for many years; Joe, Will and Louis, all of whom were associated with the Mulroney Manufacturing Company which had its first plant at Central Avenue and Tenth Street, the present location of Wahkonsa Manor. After fire destroyed the plant the company built the three-story brick building at First Avenue North and Seventh Street now the home of the Marso & Rodenborn Company.

Two other sons were Charles, a physician in general practice here for some years; and Edward, a lawyer who lived in Missoula, Mont. After the death of his first wife, Jane, J. M. Mulroney married Hannah Byrne of Moorland. They were parents of two sons—Robert, a lawyer who also practiced in Missoula, Mont., and Frank, in the Flaherty & Mulroney clothing store here.

A large barn was built south and west of the Seventh Street home to house the several horses, carriages, sleighs and racing carts which Mulroney owned. He generally had one or more horses in county fair harness races in the area. A large box stall in the barn was used as a boxing ring.

Two grandsons and one great grandson of pioneer John M. Mulroney reside in Fort Dodge. They are William V. (Bill) and Richard J. (Dick) Mulroney who operate the Mulroney Insurance Agency founded by their father Will Mulroney; and Gary Mulroney of Mulroney Construction Company, the great grandson.

THE METHODIST PARSONAGE

The former First Methodist Church parsonage, where the author of “best seller” novel “One Foot in Heaven” was reared, is this residence at 1518 3rd Ave. N.

Hartzell Spence was the writer and his father—the Rev. W. H. Spence—was pastor of the church here from 1909 to 1917. The story relates the life and experiences of the Rev. Mr. Spence and family while here and in other parishes. Following publication of the novel, it was made into a hit motion picture in the early 1940s.

The Rev. Mr. Spence, 34, was assigned to the Fort Dodge church in 1909 and Hartzell Spence recalls in his book that President William Howard Taft came to the city shortly after that to visit U. S. Senator J. P. Dolliver. The President gave Hartzell a “pat on the head” during that visit, he notes.

The original Methodist church in Fort Dodge was built at the southeast corner of Second Avenue South and Seventh Street in 1858. The second church was erected at the northeast corner of First Avenue North and Tenth Street and dedicated in 1878. This church, around which the novel revolves, was a stately red brick edifice with a towering steeple. Just to the east of the church was the large two-story frame parsonage built in 1893 which was the home of the Spences.

This parsonage was in use until 1914 when it was sold and moved to the Third Avenue North location where it is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. McGrane. Removal of the house was made necessary to make way for the present First United Methodist Church which was dedicated in 1915. First Church now has its parsonage at 1211 N. 11th St.

Mr. and Mrs. McGrane acquired the property at 1518 3rd Ave. N. in 1939 and have since resided there. It has been extensively remodeled and modernized and now has four rooms, bath and music room on the first floor and four bedrooms and bath on the second floor.

The novel by Hartzell Spence tells of the wrecking of the old red brick church in 1914 and building of a tabernacle one block east of the church site where services were held until the new edifice was completed. Much of the book is devoted to the life of the Spence family in Fort Dodge, including many youthful events in Hartzell’s life told in a fictional vein.

The Rev. Mr. Spence left Fort Dodge in 1917 to take over a church in Omaha. Later he had Methodist charges in Sioux City (Morningside College) and Mason City.

THE COLBY HOME

One of Fort Dodge’s early-day residents, who for many years operated a widely-known livery business here, built the house pictured above in 1885.

He was W. H. H. Colby who came to Fort Dodge in 1870 and established a livery and lumber business. Fifteen years later he erected the home at 215 N. 15th St. which is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Hilken and family. The Hilkens purchased the property in 1963 and reside there with their children, David, Janet and Danny. Hilken is employed at the Geo. A. Hormel & Co. plant.

The one-story frame house faces the west and sets far back from Fifteenth Street. It has a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bath and a full basement. An open porch extends along two sides of the house. In past years the house has been remodeled and modernized.

Colby was born in Vermont in 1840 and came to Wisconsin in 1859 where he operated a livery business in Sun Prairie. After 11 years there he and his family moved to Fort Dodge where he established his livery and lumber business. After a short time he quit the lumber business in order to devote full time to the livery and transfer business.

Colby’s brother, Charles, was associated with him in the business under the name of W. H. H. Colby & Bros. The firm’s operations included livery, hacks, bus and baggage transfer line. Their horse-drawn vehicles met all the trains arriving at the various railroad depots in the city and carried passengers and baggage to hotels and homes.

The Colbys erected a large brick building on the north side of the City Square where they carried on their extensive business. Their address was listed in old city directories as 426-428 Central Avenue.

After building the north Fifteenth Street home, Colby purchased the half block area just to the north of the home. Old timers recall that he brought many horses from his livery barn out to this area to graze on the grassy ground.

There were two children in the W. H. H. Colby family—a son Fred G. Colby who was bookkeeper for the livery firm; and a daughter, Miss Nellie Colby.

Frank Ulish purchased the Colby home in 1936 and the Ulish family resided there until 1949 when it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Glen E. Yates. Owners of the property prior to its purchase by the Hilkens were Mr. and Mrs. Everett W. Mason.

THE McQUILKIN HOME

A prominent furniture dealer—A. D. (Archie) McQuilkin—who advertised “The Big Store With Little Prices,” erected this attractive home a short distance from the business district in 1911.

McQuilkin established his business here in 1902 and nine years later built this south 12th St. home. It is now occupied by Mrs. E. B. Dawson, who with her late husband, Dr. Dawson, purchased the property in 1937.

The two-story brick residence faces west at the corner of Third Avenue South and Twelfth Street. The house originally had living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway on the first floor; four bedrooms, sewing room and bathroom on the second floor. In later years some remodeling was done to the interior, including installation of 1½ more baths and paneling of the basement for a recreation area. A study area with bookcases and a workshop for the late Dr. Dawson were also completed.

McQuilkin was born in Pennsylvania in 1864. His father was a farmer and came to Iowa and located in Benton County in 1866. McQuilkin remained on the farm until 15 years of age before going to LaPorte City where he worked as a drug store clerk. Later he operated a meat market for four years and then took a job as a traveling salesman for a publishing concern.

He began his career in the furniture business in Burlington and remained there 11 years. In 1902 he moved to Fort Dodge and opened a furniture store at 817 Central Ave. As business increased he purchased the lot adjoining his first store and in 1913 erected the six-story building which the McQuilkin company occupied for many years with extensive stocks of furniture, carpets, queen’s ware and allied lines. The company continued in business until 1943 when it was sold to the Home Furniture Company which then took over occupancy of the big building. The Home later moved to 611 Central Ave.

The main floor of the McQuilkin Building is presently occupied by the Lazy M shoe store; upper floors are occupied by the Boston Store furniture department and Sperry & Hutchinson (green stamps).

McQuilkin was prominent in the affairs of Fort Dodge and was active in the First Presbyterian Church. He died in 1926 at age 62. Mrs. McQuilkin died in 1942. The McQuilkins were parents of four children—Mrs. Granger P. (Marjorie) Mitchell of Fort Dodge; Mrs. Eleanor Terrill, now deceased; and two daughters who died in infancy.

THE LEIGHTON HOME

The former E. I. Leighton home at 1120 3rd Ave. N. was built by the founder of the Leighton Supply Company of Fort Dodge. It is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Struve.

The Struves acquired the house in 1969 and have completely modernized the interior and made many exterior changes such as adding old-fashioned posts, trim and railing to the large front porch.

Leighton built the home in 1901 following plans drawn by architect J. H. Albright. The Leighton family retained ownership of the house until 1946 when it was sold to Mrs. Marie Friday, who in turn, sold it to the Struves.

Originally the house had a reception room, parlor, dining room, kitchen and pantry on the first floor; five bedrooms and bath on the second floor and three bedrooms and storage room on the third floor. The arrangement now includes reception room, living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry and utility room on the first floor; four bedrooms and bath on the second floor and an apartment on the third floor with living room, three bedrooms and bath.

The entire house now has a pleasing antique motif with suitable furnishings to complement this style. All woodwork now has a natural finish—a project of the Struves. Red carpeting covers the floors in the living room, hallway and the open stairway to the second floor. The reception room has a homemade wool-braided rug. Antique furniture is used in the downstairs rooms and in the second floor bedrooms. Exterior of the house has been painted red and all trim is white.

E. I. Leighton was born in Vermont in 1867 and came to Fort Dodge in 1885 where he learned the tin and hardware trade. From 1889 to 1893 he was a partner in the retail hardware firm of Arthur & Leighton and then for seven years was with Leighton Brothers retail plumbing shop. In 1900 Leighton went into the wholesale plumbing and heating business and in 1909 organized the Leighton Supply Company. He was secretary-treasurer and general manager of the firm for many years.

The present five story Leighton building at First Avenue South and Thirteenth Street was erected in 1911 and has been headquarters since then for the firm. The company operates in northwest and north central Iowa and is a wholesaler of plumbing, heating and industrial supplies.

Leighton was prominent in state plumbing association circles and active in civic groups here including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, YMCA, Boy Scouts and the First Methodist Church. He and Mrs. Leighton were parents of a daughter, Gertrude, and a son, Lucius.

THE CHARON HOME

For 33 years this residence was the home of Louis Charon, prominent Fort Dodge merchant and his family. Built in 1905 at 1332 2nd Ave. N. it was occupied by the Charons until 1938.

Charon headed the Boston Store here from the time it was established in 1898 until his death in 1940 at age 69. He acquired the lot at the northwest corner of Second Avenue North and Fourteenth Street early in 1905 and built the home that year.

The house has living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry and large hallway on the first floor; three bedrooms and bath on the second floor and bedroom and storage room in the attic area. A large open porch originally extended across the front of the house.

The Charons sold the house in 1938 to E. G. Sear. Presently it is owned by Dr. John Sear of Alden. In past years the house was remodeled. Tan colored shingles and green shutters were applied to the exterior walls and the front porch was cut in half.

Charon was born in Germany and learned the retail trade there. He came to the United States in 1892, lived in Savannah, Ga., for two years and then moved to Sioux City where he was employed by Davidson Bros. store. In 1894 he came to Fort Dodge and opened Davidson’s store. He continued with the company until 1898 when he bought out the store and established the Boston Store with Adolph Tuerke as his partner. The store then moved to Central Avenue between Seventh and Eighth Streets.

As business increased, the need for larger quarters led to erection in 1914 of the present six-story Boston Store Building at 809 Central Avenue. A disastrous fire in 1922 destroyed the interior of the store but it was immediately rebuilt and enlarged.

Charon was married in 1902 to Clara M. Tuerke and they were parents of three children, two sons and a daughter. Maurice Charon was associated with the store for many years and was president and general manager. Another son, Louis, was secretary of the corporation. Both were with the store until it was sold in 1974. The daughter, Clara Louise, a twin of Louis, is married to Herbert Horn and resides in Webster City.

In addition to his outstanding merchandising in the retail field, Charon was active in civic affairs—was chairman of the Associated Retailers, a director of the Credit Bureau and a member of the Iowa Association of Retailers. He was also a member of the Fort Dodge school board and the Chamber of Commerce.

THE JACOB BROWN HOME

Jacob Brown Sr. started a grocery business in Fort Dodge in 1870 that continued for a record breaking 95 years and in 1896 built this home near the business district—at 510 3rd Ave. S.

The Brown Grocery began operations in a store building at 15 S. 6th St. and continued in that location until 1965 when it ended nearly a century of service to customers in the city and surrounding area. During this time it was always operated by members of the Brown family.

The Third Avenue South home is now owned and occupied by Miss Rose Brown, one of only two members of the family still living.

Brown came to Fort Dodge in 1864 from Germany and shortly after arrival here enlisted in Company F of the 11th Iowa Infantry and was in service until the close of the Civil War. Returning to Fort Dodge after the war he bought the South Sixth Street property where he first had a blacksmith shop. Later he gave up this work and opened the grocery store in 1870. The two-story brick building which housed the store is now owned by Mrs. Doris Brown, widow of John Brown.

In 1864 Brown was married to Wilhelmina Schultze and they were parents of six children—Jacob Brown Jr., Louise Brown, Mrs. Kate Etzel, Mrs. Nettie Brown, Frank Brown and Mrs. Minnie B. Leiss. Two years following Mrs. Brown’s death in 1885 Brown married Henricha Becker and they were parents of five children—Rose, Anna, Amelia, John and Christine, now Mrs. Harris of Pittsburgh, Pa. She and Rose are the only survivors of the Jacob Brown family.

The two-story brick home at 510 3rd Ave. S. has a living room, dining room, bedroom and bath and large kitchen on the first floor; four bedrooms and bathroom on the second floor. In the basement is a large brick kettle built into the chimney which was used for heating water needed in washing clothes and making soap. There is also a cyclone cave in the basement.

Brown died in 1915 at the age of 71 years. Members of his family recall that on his arrival in Fort Dodge he first made his home with the Christopher Arnold family in a log cabin located near the Wahkonsa School (now the school administration office building). This cabin is now at the Fort-Museum here.

THE THOMAS HOME

This large and attractive northside residence was for 50 years the home of Seth Thomas, former Fort Dodge High School principal and later U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge. Located at 1200 10th Ave. N., it was the home of the Thomas family from the time it was built in 1912 until sold in 1962 to Dr. Roger E. Drown.

Presently the house is owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hancock who acquired it in the fall of 1974 from Mr. and Mrs. Don F. Carney. Carney, owner of Don Carney Used Auto Parts, and his wife purchased the Thomas home in 1965 and lived there until moving to their new home at 1227 11th Ave. N.

The two-story house is of frame and stucco construction with full basement and porches on both the east and west sides. On the first floor are living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bath, front hall and curving open stairway to the second floor. The second floor has four bedrooms, bath and enclosed porch. The downstairs bedroom and full bath were added some years after the house was built and this addition included a garage underneath.

The west porch has been converted into a family room and the east porch is a room for social activities. The 10 upstairs windows on the main portion of the house have stained glass insets and there are also stained glass insets in the living and dining room windows.

Judge Thomas, a native of Ohio, was educated in the east and was a school teacher and principal before coming to Iowa in 1900. In 1902 he was named principal of the Washington, Iowa, high school and served there for three years. He came to Fort Dodge in 1905 and was principal of the high school here until 1909. He studied law during the summer months at the University of Michigan and received his law degree at Iowa University in 1910.

Thomas began his practice of law here with Healy & Healy and from 1910 to 1928 was a law partner of M. F. Healy. He was appointed assistant U. S. district attorney for northern Iowa from 1914 until 1921.

Later he was a law partner of Alan Loth and in 1933 was appointed solicitor of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D. C. He served there until 1935 when he was appointed judge of the Circuit Court of Appeals, 8th circuit, with office in Fort Dodge. Thomas was a judge of this court for 19 years, retiring in 1954. He continued to make his home in Fort Dodge and died in 1962 at the age of 88.

Judge Thomas was the father of two children—Reynolds B. Thomas, a Fort Dodge attorney; and Mrs. Franz (Eleanor) Van Alstine of Pocahontas. He was prominent in legal circles and was president of the Iowa State Bar Association (1931-1932). He was a member of the Webster County, Iowa and American Bar Associations and served as president of the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce two years. In 1947 he received special recognition as one of the 50 prominent living alumni at the 100th anniversary of the University of Iowa.

THE SAUNDERS HOME

Dr. C. J. Saunders, a well-known Fort Dodge physician, who came to the city in 1893, built this spacious home at 1108 4th Ave. N. in 1907. During the following 23 years it was the home of the Saunders family until sold in 1930 to Dr. C. J. Jensen, a local chiropractor, and his wife, Agnes.

Dr. Jensen, who died in 1970, had his office in the house for many years. His widow now owns the property and lives in one of the apartments in the house.

When built in 1907 the Saunders house originally had living room, library, dining room and kitchen on the first floor; four bedrooms and bath on the second floor and two finished rooms on the third floor. The house has been enlarged and remodeled in past years and now has six apartments.

Dr. Saunders was born in Iowa City in 1862 and graduated from high school there as valedictorian of his class. He studied medicine at the University of Iowa, graduated from medical school in 1885 and began his practice in Iowa City. In 1886 Dr. Saunders opened an office in Audubon and practiced there for one year, moving then to Clare where he was a widely-known doctor for six years. At Clare he also operated a drug store and helped organize a bank.

In 1893 Dr. Saunders came to Fort Dodge and had his first office in the newly constructed Oleson Building. After the First National Bank Building (now the Beh Building) was constructed in 1908 he moved his office there. He was a radiologist and had one of the first X-ray machines in the city.

Later Dr. Saunders had offices in the Carver Building and was associated with a number of doctors. He continued practice here until his death in 1928 at the age of 66 years.

Active in medical circles he served at one time as president of the Iowa Medical Society. He was interested in a number of Fort Dodge enterprises including the Fort Dodge Telephone Company, First National Bank, Oleson Land Company and the Street Railway System.

Dr. Saunders was married in 1907 to Lucy Merrill of Bangor, Me., and they were parents of a son and two daughters. They are: Merrill Saunders, Fort Dodge realtor; Miss Katherine Saunders, a Chicago librarian; and Mrs. Robert (Helen) Thackaberry, a university instructor in Akron, Ohio. Mrs. Saunders died in Fort Dodge in 1949 at age 72.

THE THATCHER HOME

This attractive two-story residence is one of the many fine homes erected along Tenth Avenue North after the Crawford-Armstrong Addition to the city was platted.

Built in 1916 at 1201 10th Ave. N., by O. M. Thatcher, it was the Thatcher family home until sold in 1965 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hancock. The Hancocks resided there until the fall of 1974 when they sold the house to Dr. John E. Duro, Fort Dodge dentist. The Hancocks then moved across the street to the residence at 1200 10th Ave. N. which they purchased from the Don Carneys. The Carneys, in turn, moved to their newly-built home at 1227 11th Ave. N.

The frame and stucco house has a red tile roof such as used on several of the homes built in the area. The room arrangement of the house includes a living room, library, dining room, kitchen and half bath on the first floor; four bedrooms and bath on the second floor. It has a steam heating system now fired with gas. After their purchase of the home, the Hancocks remodeled and modernized the kitchen.

Thatcher was a native of the town of Grimes and both he and his wife were graduates of Valparaiso University in Indiana. After completing his education Thatcher went into the banking business at Luther and remained there until 1914 when he sold out his interest and came to Fort Dodge.

A few years after arriving in the city Thatcher was one of the organizers and officers of the Webster County National Bank and its affiliate, the Webster County Trust & Savings Bank. They were located in a large double room in the Wahkonsa Hotel Building at 919-921 Central Avenue.

Later Thatcher was in the insurance business here for many years, part of the time under the name of Thatcher & Weiss following his purchase of the firm owned by Henry Weiss.

Married in 1907, Thatcher and his wife resided in Luther until 1914. They were the parents of two sons and a daughter—Dr. W. C. Thatcher, a retired Fort Dodge physician and surgeon now living at Woman Lake near Hackensack, Minn.; Dr. Don Thatcher, who was lost on a military flight across the English channel during World War II; and Mrs. Wayne (Mildred) Warren of Humboldt. A grandson is William Jeffrey Thatcher, who was elected Webster County attorney last fall and began serving in this office Jan. 1.

The elder Thatcher died in 1968 at the age of 83 years. Mrs. Thatcher died in 1967 at age 81.

THE COREY HOME

Frank Corey, a native of Webster County, erected this large brick residence at 1238 6th Ave. N. in 1914 and it was the home of the Corey family until 1922.

The house has changed ownership a number of times since then and is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis F. Mallinger and family. Mallinger is president of the Mallinger Truck Lines.

Corey sold the home to Fred E. Gamble in 1922 and it was owned later by George Schnurr, Fort Dodge industrialist and banker; Mr. and Mrs. Gus Glaser of the meat processing firm; and their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Graham. The Mallingers acquired the home in 1971.

The buff colored brick home has a red tile roof and fronts to the south on Sixth Avenue North. The first floor includes living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, half bath and large hallway. The second floor has four bedrooms, a children’s room and two full baths; the third floor has a large recreation room.

Corey was born in the Holiday Creek area southeast of Fort Dodge. As a young man he moved to Lehigh where he resided until 1903 when the family came to Fort Dodge. Corey was interested in the brick and tile business and for many years was principal owner and president of the Corey Pressed Brick Company which had its plant and office in Lehigh. The company manufactured the noted Lehigh red, buff and ornamental pressed building brick as well as sidewalk brick.

The company introduced its products in 1894 and they were widely used in Fort Dodge and area homes and in sidewalks. In addition to his brick plant operations, Corey was interested in several banks and served as their president. Three brothers were associated with Frank Corey in the brick and tile plant—Silas, George and M. N. Corey who also owned the “Morning Star Mill” at Lehigh.

The Coreys resided in a large frame house on Sixth Avenue North before their brick home was constructed. The frame house was then moved to a lot directly to the west and is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Esther K. Thorsen, 1230 6th Ave. N.

Corey and his wife, the former Caroline Tyson, were the parents of three daughters and a son. They were Mrs. Louis (Eva) Neudeck, Mrs. Paul (Roxie) Tinkham; Miss Lucile Corey, for many years a widely-known violinist and music teacher; and Frank Tyson Corey who was killed by lightning in 1923 at the Neudeck farm northwest of the city.

THE JOHNSON HOME

Johnson Place—a one-block long street extending from Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets—was platted and laid out by E. H. Johnson, Fort Dodge attorney, who also built this large brick residence.

The home at No. 5 Johnson Place was occupied by members of the Johnson family from the time of its construction in 1920 until Mrs. Johnson’s death in 1961. Since then it has been the home of Mrs. Dora Holman Tellier, Mrs. Johnson’s companion for many years and a well-known former Fort Dodge High School mathematics instructor. The house is now owned by a son, Wallace Johnson of Berkeley, Calif.

Of brick construction with red tile roof, the home has two stories, full basement and attic. The first floor includes entrance hall, large living room, sun room, dining room, kitchen, children’s room and half bath; the second floor has five bedrooms and complete bathroom.

Johnson was born in Raritan, Ill., in 1877 and died in Fort Dodge in 1940 at age 63. He moved with his parents to a farm in the Coalville area in 1891 and lived there until the family moved to Fort Dodge in 1901. He was educated in schools here and then attended Drake University where he completed his law studies. Returning to Fort Dodge after being admitted to the bar he began a law practice here that continued until 1940.

After acquiring property between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets and Second and Fourth Avenues North Johnson platted the area in 1910, had a street cut through and named it Johnson place at the suggestion of a member of the City Council.

Johnson sold lots along the street and built his first home there at No. 8 Johnson Place. Later he erected the house at No. 5 Johnson Place in 1920 where the Johnsons’ family of a son and two daughters were reared. They included Wallace of Berkeley, Calif.; Eleanor, known by her stage name Eleanor Prentiss during her theatrical career and presently in public relations work in New York City; and Olive, now deceased, who was married to Carlton Coveny of Los Angeles, Calif.

Wallace is a prominent industrialist and engineer and president and principal owner of UP-RIGHT, Inc., of Berkeley, a pioneer company in the manufacture of portable aluminum scaffolds, radio towers and wine grape harvesting machines. He served as mayor of Berkeley for two terms and has authored two books—“Responsible Individualism,” and “The Uncommon Man in American Business.”

E. H. Johnson was prominent in church, Masonic Orders and Republican circles here. He served on the school board several years.

THE CHUMLEA HOME

This large frame and stucco house is now the home of Dr. and Mrs. Paul L. Stitt, but for many years it was known as the Chumlea home.

Located at 605 N. 13th St., it was built in 1914 by Miles P. Chumlea, who came from Sioux City to take over as vice president and general manager of the Lehigh Sewer Pipe & Tile Company.

The Fred Hagans acquired the residence in 1936 and resided there with their family until 1951 when the home was sold to Dr. and Mrs. Stitt. The Stitts have occupied it since that time.

The house has a large living room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook (formerly the pantry), sun porch and powder room on the first floor; four bedrooms, sleeping porch and two baths on the second floor; bedroom, bath and storage area on the third floor.

Dr. and Mrs. Stitt have four children—two sons and two daughters. They are: Dr. Michael W. Stitt, associated with his father in the practice of medicine here; Marc P. Stitt of Fort Dodge; Mrs. Dan (Beth) Culver, a junior high teacher in Moline, Ill.; her husband teaches in Augustana College; and Mrs. Mark (Jane) Anderson of Des Moines, a teacher in Van Meter special education school; her husband is attending the College of Osteopathic medicine in Des Moines.

When the Lehigh Sewer Pipe & Tile Company was sold by E. J. Breen, the company founder, to George Avery of Sioux City, Chumlea came to Fort Dodge in 1914 to take over management of the company.

For many years the company had its offices in the First National Bank Building, later moving to First Avenue South and Eleventh Street in the building now dismantled but formerly occupied by the Laufersweiler Funeral Home and the Union Trust & Savings Bank. The clay plant was sold in 1964 to the W. S. Dickey Clay Manufacturing Company and offices were moved to Lehigh.

Chumlea continued as an official of the firm until his death in 1917. Roy Dallam, who had been associated with the company for many years was then named general manager and continued in that capacity until his retirement in 1955.

THE HAWLEY HOME

The attractive Hawley home at 604 N. 13th St. is probably the only Fort Dodge residence with the date of its construction—1912—set in large figures in the brick work on one of its exterior walls. The home was built by A. W. Hawley, who engaged in diversified farming but specialized in Royal Belgian draft horses.