By 1972, the state fire marshall was threatening to evict county government because the aging Marshall County Courthouse failed to meet fire codes. That year, county supervisors asked voters to approve a bond issue for a new courthouse facility for the third time since 1954, but the vote failed again with only 48.3% of voters in favor of the new construction.
Following the failed vote, the grassroots “Friends of the Courthouse” organization was established with the purpose to prove to voters and officials the aging courthouse could and should be renovated. They were quickly able to get the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hired Chicago-based architect Ben Weese to analyze renovation of the historic facility.
While the supervisors favored a new courthouse, the League of Women Voters agreed to organize a referendum held February 26, 1974, to move forward with the a formal study to assess the costs and process for courthouse renovation. The issue carried 22 of the county’s 23 precincts with the support of over 60% of voters. In October, a $3.2 million bond issue for renovation was approved with an even larger margin of victory: 70.8% of voters supported the project.
County offices were moved to the 1894 old high school building so renovation could begin. Government offices remained there for nearly three years before the courthouse construction work was completed in June 1978. The revitalized Marshall County Courthouse was rededicated November 19, 1978. The ceremony was preceded by a parade and band concert.
Published June 23, 2011 |
Courthouses |
Marshall County
| Map
The Ventura Public Library originated inside a local general store in 1968. Open six days a week, by the end of the first year, 5,885 books had been circulated to 385 registered borrowers. Library cards with numbers were assigned beginning in 1980, and in 1981, the Ventura Public Library aligned with the State Library of Iowa to participate in the Interlibrary Loan Program. The current library facility held its grand opening December 5, 1992.
Published June 22, 2011 |
Public Libraries |
Cerro Gordo County
| Map
Located 30 miles southeast of Sioux City on State Highway 141 is the town of Hornick, a community with 253 residents and a handful of businesses and organizations. Hornick was named for a local landowner and established by the Milwaukee Land Company in April 1887. The first Hornick Post Office opened a few months later on June 8, 1887.
Published June 21, 2011 |
City Halls |
Woodbury County
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The Dubuque County town of Dyersville’s founder, James “Judge” Dyer, Jr., constructed this victorian-style home in 1850, just three years after the town was planted. It’s now a museum, owned and operated by the Dyersville Area Historical Society and has been restored and furnished with antiques from the late nineteenth century. In addition to the historic furnishings, over 1,000 dolls are on display. The museum is open daily May 1 through November 1.
Published June 20, 2011 |
Museums |
Dubuque County
| Map
Today marks a milestone for the Iowa Backroads project: the final two stops in a 2+ year project to visit and photograph every community in Iowa. Residents of the Jones County town of Onslow, and friends of Iowa Backroads, are invited to join publisher Brian McMillin for a free lunch at the pictured Onslow Community Room today between 11 am and 1 pm. (Map)
By 1933, one prominent storefront on Onslow’s Main Street was showing considerable wear and facing possible condemnation. Mayor Sam Hutton shared the concerns about the building with his wife; the Onslow Centennial Book tells the story:
Mrs. Hutton, being much concerned about this situation, spent a very wakeful night, and the idea came to her mind to purchase it to be used for Community purposes. At the next meeting of the council it was agreed to accept Mrs. Hutton’s idea, so the town bought this run-down building from Mrs. Mary Noonan Jan. 5, 1934, for $75. They took $500 from the Onslow Charity Fund to start repairs.
Through the years, the council and community organizations have contributed toward upkeep and improvements, which included updated wiring, installation of a furnace, and construction of modern rest rooms. The Onslow Community Room has hosted numerous events and at times housed a town library, youth center, and local church services. The community room continues to be a gathering spot and is home to today’s Iowa Backroads celebration.
Published June 17, 2011 |
Community Centers |
Jones County
