Catholic services were first held in 1875 in the Union County town of Afton, with the first church constructed four years later. Fire destroyed the building in 1921, and the present facility was completed in 1923. Another fire struck in 1951, though it was limited to the building’s interior, which was quickly repaired and redecorated. The church is served by the priest at Holy Spirit Parish in nearby Creston.
Published May 17, 2012 |
Churches |
Union County
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The first public library was organized in the Pocahontas County community of Fonda in 1901 by the Fonda Woman’s Club. The club sponsored the library for 40 years until it was taken over by the city and formal by-laws were adopted on July 28, 1941. The library shares a building with the City Hall and is open five days weekly.
Published May 16, 2012 |
City Halls, Public Libraries |
Pocahontas County
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Constructed in 1915, the Mills County Jail continues to hold prisoners while serving as the main offices for the Mills County Sheriff’s Department. The first county jail was built in 1853 of logs and heavy planks, secured by heavy spikes driven in at regular distances. In 1869, a second jail was constructed, which served the county until the third and present jail was built. A committee is currently looking at construction of a new Mills County Law Enforcement Center, though previous attempts to issue a bond for new jail construction have failed.
Published May 15, 2012 |
Jails |
Mills County
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The Delaware County town of Dundee saw its first fire station constructed in 1930. The small brick building featured a single-stall garage, a small amount of space for equipment, and a jail cell. In the late 1980s, Dundee firemen began a campaign to solicit funds for a new fire station and community center building. Construction began in June 1987, with firemen doing most of the construction work to minimize costs. The building continues to serve the town today.
Published May 14, 2012 |
Fire Departments |
Delaware County
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The first post office in the Iowa County town in Millersburg opened in 1852 with Hugh B. Lynch appointed as the first postmaster. In the 1880s, the post office began sharing space with an ice cream parlor and drug store. Those businesses ultimately were phased out, but postal operations continued in the building for over a century. A new post office was constructed in June 1993, with a dedication held two months later. The modern facility was handicapped-accessible and featured new key-based boxes.
Published May 11, 2012 |
Post Offices |
Iowa County
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